Pieces For My Puzzle

Welcome to the Pieces For My Puzzle Podcast, where I, Nikki Shipp, invite you to join me on a journey through the intricacies of life as a wife to a dedicated police officer and a mother to an incredible autistic son. As a parent navigating the unique challenges and joys of raising a child on the spectrum, I understand firsthand the complexities and uncertainties that come with it. Through this podcast, I share my personal experiences, insights, and lessons learned along the way. Pieces For My Puzzle is more than just a podcast; it's a beacon of hope and inspiration for parents and loved ones of special needs children. Whether seeking practical tips, a fresh perspective, or simply a reminder that you're not alone in this journey, this podcast is for you. Join me as we unravel the pieces of our puzzle together, finding strength, resilience, and, most importantly, a sense of community. Tune in for heartfelt discussions, uplifting stories, and the reassurance that the

Pieces For My Puzzle is a arts podcast hosted by Nikki, with 127 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Nikki hosts Pieces For My Puzzle, a arts show with 127 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #75

  Regulation Before Strategy: Healing Yourself First with Tam Taouss

  Jul 9, 202637 minS2

  This episode shines a light on the power of self-regulation, mindfulness, and daily practice as transformational tools for well-being. Join us as Tam Taouss shares her wisdom, practical strategies, and real-life experiences in Vedic Meditation and Breathwork—especially for parents and caregivers navigating the unique challenges of raising neurodivergent children. Whether you’re new to mindfulness or looking for fresh inspiration, you’ll walk away with encouraging insights and actionable steps to bring more balance, resilience, and self-compassion to your daily life. Hear how Tam's dynamic entrepreneurial background and personal journey led her to become a leading voice in meditation, breathwork, and corporate wellness. The Unfiltered Reality: The realities of raising an autistic daughter and why nervous system regulation matters so deeply for parents of neurodivergent children. Regulation Before Strategy: Discover the science behind nervous system regulation and learn why healing yourself first is the ultimate key to successful co-regulation with your kids. The Power of Vedic Meditation and Breathwork: Tam explains how these consistent daily practices build essential emotional resilience and help you navigate both internal and external chaos. Simple Practices for Busy Parents: Practical, realistic strategies to manage stress, overwhelm, and burnout when you feel like you have nothing left to give. Finding the Balance: Navigating the tension between supporting your child's delicate nervous system and advocating for the world to accommodate their needs. Resources & How to Connect Website: tamtaouss.com – Explore Vedic Meditation courses, breathwork sessions, and coaching/mentor programs. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamtaouss/ – Follow Tam for daily inspiration, tips, and direct contact via DM. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579142199817 – Stay updated with Tam’s latest events and wellness insights. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tam-taouss-711a4110b/ – Connect for collaborations or professional inquiries. Email: tam@tamtaouss.com For more on emotional regulation, Vedic Meditation, and ways to reclaim your daily calm, visit Tam’s website or reach out on social media. Enjoying the show? If this conversation inspired you, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us bring these important discussions to more listeners and empowers neurodivergent families. Thank you! Connect With Us: § Follow us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle § Email us: Info@piecesformypuzzle.com § Learn more: www.piecesformypuzzle.com § Check it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/ If you found this episode inspiring, be sure to like, share, and subscribe to Pieces For My Puzzle! Leave us a comment below to share your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with you.

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  Episode #74

  Bright Kids, Struggling Readers: Understanding Dyslexia with Meagan Sardana

  Jul 2, 202642 minS2

  Are you a parent, teacher, or advocate wondering how to support a bright child who struggles to read? In this episode, we sit down with Meagan Sardana, a speech-language pathologist on a mission to change the narrative around dyslexia. Meagan defines dyslexia as a specific learning disability rooted in challenges with phonological and phonemic awareness—not a measure of intelligence—and clears up the misconceptions that leave so many capable kids overlooked. She shares why telling a struggling reader to "sound it out" misses the mark, how audiobooks can build rich vocabulary and language skills, and why the structured, multisensory Orton-Gillingham approach works so well. We also explore the deep embarrassment, anxiety, and shame that reading struggles can create, and how reframing the question to "What's right with me?" can unlock the unique strengths many dyslexic thinkers bring to the world. Key Discussion Points: Defining Dyslexia: Understanding dyslexia as a specific learning disability rooted in phonological and phonemic awareness—and the key difference between awareness of a language's sound system and the ability to manipulate individual speech sounds. Why "Sound It Out" Falls Short: Why this common advice misses the mark, since decoding sounds is precisely what dyslexic brains struggle to do. The Emotional Impact: How reading struggles can lead to deep embarrassment, anxiety, and shame that often persist into adulthood—and how reframing to "What's right with me?" builds confidence. The Strengths of Dyslexic Thinking: The unique cognitive gifts often tied to dyslexia, from visual-spatial thinking (Steven Spielberg) to holistic, big-picture vision (Jamie Oliver) and deep empathy (Keira Knightley). Structured Literacy & Orton-Gillingham: What a systematic, sequential, and multisensory approach looks like—and why engaging visual, auditory, and kinesthetic pathways works so well. Practical Support for Families: Evidence-based strategies parents and educators can use, including audiobooks to build vocabulary and syntax, plus advocacy for the right reading interventions. Resources: Visit Meagan’s website for tutoring and educational resources: https://www.bythebooktutor.com/ Connect with Meagan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meagan-sardana-m-s-ccc-slp-7328444b/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bythebooktutoringservices Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mwsardana/ Email: meagan@bythebooktutor.com Enjoying the show? If this conversation inspired you, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us bring these important discussions to more listeners and empowers neurodivergent families. Thank you! Connect With Us: § Follow us on Instagram or Facebook: @piecesformypuzzle § Email us: Info@piecesformypuzzle.com § Learn more: www.piecesformypuzzle.com § Check it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/ If you found this episode inspiring, be sure to like, share, and subscribe to Pieces For My Puzzle! Leave us a comment below to share your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with you.

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  Episode #73

  Grandparenting on the Spectrum & Autism Safety with Jennifer Kaufman

  Jun 30, 202633 minS2

  Discover how a school principal and grandmother navigate autism, support families, and train first responders to keep neurodiverse kids safe. Tune in now! In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Kaufman to explore her powerful journey from both sides of the desk. We discuss practical strategies for grandparents, how to support adult children raising neurodiverse kids, and the critical importance of autism safety training for law enforcement. Whether you are a parent, educator, or first responder, this episode offers hope, humor, and real help. Key Topics Discussed: The dual perspective of being both a school principal and a grandmother of an autistic grandchild. The biggest misconceptions grandparents have about autism, including the idea that "he doesn't seem autistic." How grandparents can support their adult children without overstepping—following the parents' lead and listening without judgment. Creating sensory-friendly, predictable home environments that help autistic grandchildren feel safe and comfortable. How First Response Autism trains police, first responders, and educators to support neurodiverse community members. Shifting perspective from "they're giving you a hard time" to "they're having a hard time" to prevent crisis situations. The power of unconditional presence—showing up consistently without trying to "fix" everything. The critical importance of water safety and swimming lessons for individuals with autism. Guest Info and Contact Details: About Jennifer Kaufman: Jennifer Kaufman is a school principal, grandmother, author, and the founder of First Response Autism. She offers authentic, lived experience to help families navigate autism with practical strategies and deep understanding. Resources & Links: Read the Book: Grandparenting on the Spectrum: A Journey from Both Sides of the Desk (Available on Barnes & Noble and Amazon) First Response Autism: Learn more about autism support training for law enforcement and get community safety resources for your family. Email Jennifer (Grandparenting): jen@grandparentingonthespectrum.com Email Jennifer (First Response): jennifer@firstresponseautism.com Follow Jennifer on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! (Search: Jennifer Kaufman) Visit her website to book her for grandparent workshops, first responder trainings, or school consultations. Connect With Us: § Follow us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle § Email us: Info@piecesformypuzzle.com § Learn more: www.piecesformypuzzle.com § Check it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/ If this conversation inspired you, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us bring these important discussions to more listeners and empowers neurodivergent families. Thank you! #JenniferKaufman #GrandparentingOnTheSpectrum #AutismSupport #AutismParenting #GrandparentsOfAutism #SpecialEducation #AutismAdvocacy #FirstResponderTraining #AutismAwareness #NeurodiverseInclusion #Neurodiversity #AutismFamily #DeEscalationTraining #SpecialNeedsParenting #PiecesForMyPuzzle #AutismPodcast #ParentingPodcast

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  Episode #72

  Calm Isn't Quiet: Shifting from Reactivity to Self-Mastery

  Jun 30, 202636 minS2

  Feeling overwhelmed? Learn how to step out of survival mode and build calmness as a skill! Pennie Wilson shares the 5 Pillars of Calm Self-Mastery to transform your leadership, parenting, and teaching. Discover how emotional regulation brings clarity and joy back into your life. Tune in now and take your first step toward true inner peace! Key Topics Discussed: The hidden cost of holding it all together. Why survival mode is a learned state, not a flaw. The TED* framework for escaping reactive drama. Building the 5 Pillars of Calm Self-Mastery. Navigating the messy middle of parenting neurodivergent kids. Guest Info and Contact Details: About Pennie Wilson: Pennie Wilson is a Mental Fitness coach, certified Hypnotherapist, and the founder of Kokoro Creators. Drawing from her lived experiences, she helps parents, teachers, and leaders move out of fight-or-flight mode and into grounded self-mastery. Resources & Links: Take the Next Step: Ready to step out of stress? Join Pennie's 2-hour Calm Self-Mastery Reset. This guided experience offers practical tools to build consistent inner practices for calmer responses and clearer decision-making. Visit: https://kokorocreators.com/ · Take the Kokoro Mental Fitness Quiz! https://kokorocreators.com/quiz · Check out their blog at: https://kokorocreators.com/post/why-overthinking-feels-automatic Website: https://kokorocreators.com/ Email: pennie@kokorocreators.com Connect with Pennie on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kokorocreators Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kokoro.creators/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennie-wilson-mental-fitness-coach/ Enjoying the show? If this conversation inspired you, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us bring these important discussions to more listeners and empowers neurodivergent families. Thank you! Connect With Us: § Follow us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle § Email us: Info@piecesformypuzzle.com § Learn more: www.piecesformypuzzle.com § Check it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/ If you found this episode inspiring, be sure to like, share, and subscribe to Pieces For My Puzzle! Leave us a comment below to share your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with you. #PennieWilson #KokoroCreators #CalmSelfMastery #EmotionalRegulation #MentalFitness #SurvivalMode #ReactingVsResponding #TheEmpowermentDynamic #TEDFramework #CalmLeadership #LeadershipUnderStress #ParentingSupport #NeurodivergentParenting #AutismParenting #SpecialNeedsParenting #NervousSystemRegulation #StressManagement #OverwhelmedParents #MindfulParenting #SelfMastery #EmotionalResilience #ConsciousParenting #MentalHealthTools #ParentingPodcast #AutismPodcast #PiecesForMyPuzzle

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  Episode #71

  A New Path for Autism: Understanding the Linear Autism Method with Jeanne Beard

  Jun 30, 202637 minS2

  What if there were a more effective way to understand and support individuals on the autism spectrum? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jeanne Beard, founder of the National Autism Academy, author, and mother of three adult sons with autism. Drawing from a lifetime of personal and professional experience, Jeanne introduces the Linear Autism Method (LAM)—a groundbreaking approach developed with Dr. Tim Wahlberg. She explains why traditional methods can fall short and offers a new framework for parents and therapists to foster function and success. Tune in to explore why autism seems more prevalent today, what truly drives behavior, and why parent training is a critical component of success. This conversation provides a fresh perspective and actionable hope for anyone living or working with autism. Guest Info and Contact Details About Jeanne Beard: Jeanne Beard is the founder of the National Autism Academy and the author of "Autism & The Rest of Us." With three adult sons on the spectrum and over 16 years of professional experience, she has dedicated her life to translating the Linear Autism Method (LAM) into accessible training and support for families and professionals. Jeanne offers a unique, first-hand perspective on the pathway to success for individuals with ASD. Connect with Jeanne and learn more: Website: For autism solutions, training, and information on the Linear Autism Method, visit the National Autism Academy at: https://www.nationalautismacademy.com/ TikTok:National Autism Academy on TikTok Learn More about LAM: Discover the Linear Autism Method developed with Dr. Tim Wahlberg at: https://www.drtimwahlberg.com/ Linkedin Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanne-beard-44b367 Facebook Profile Link: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=national%20autism%20academy Email: jeanne@nationalautismacademy.com Enjoying the show? If this conversation inspired you, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us bring these important discussions to more listeners and empowers neurodivergent families. Thank you! Connect With Us: § Follow us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle § Email us: Info@piecesformypuzzle.com § Learn more: www.piecesformypuzzle.com § Check it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/ If you found this episode inspiring, be sure to like, share, and subscribe to Pieces For My Puzzle! Leave us a comment below to share your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with you. #JeanneBeard #NationalAutismAcademy #LinearAutismMethod #AutismSupport #AutismParenting #AutismParentTraining #AutismEducation #AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #NeurodivergentFamilies #Neurodiversity #AutismStrategies #AutismBehaviorSupport #ParentTraining #AutismTherapist #TherapistSupport #SpecialNeedsParenting #AutismMoms #AutismDads #AutismFamily #NeurodivergentSupport #AutismPodcast #ParentingPodcast #SpecialNeedsPodcast #PiecesForMyPuzzle

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