Best Angie Matheney Podcasts (2025)

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A Spectrum of Thoughts from Todd's Journey as Alec's Brother 45:40

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4h ago45:40

45:40

In this episode, we kick off our Sibling Series with a special guest — Todd Jensen. Todd is Alec's senior by three years. He grew up in Japan, Denmark and Texas. Todd holds a B.S. of Accounting from Brigham Young University - Utah. Following college, Todd has pursued a career in speciality finance in Texas while maintaining a few entrepreneurial re…

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Guiding Sensory and Stimulatory Behaviors Toward Growth: The ‘Don’t Let Them’ Theory 27:31

6d ago27:31

27:31

Mel Robbins may have her “Let Them” theory — but when it comes to sensory and stimulatory behaviors that interfere with learning and growth, we’ve developed our own version: “Don’t Let Them.” In this episode, we unpack the overlap between sensory and stimulatory (stimming) behaviors — how they can look similar on the surface, but often serve differ…

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Learning ABA the Alec Way: A Conversation with Trout, One of Our First Team Members 42:30

15d ago42:30

42:30

In this episode, we sit down with one of Alec’s very first team members, Trout — someone who came to us with no formal ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) training but an open heart and a willingness to learn. We share stories from those early days, the training process, and the meaningful impact that comes from hands-on learning and genuine connection…

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ABA, OT, Speech and MORE! - What we are all about 23:36

21d ago23:36

23:36

Alec is now 28 years old and living in what we lovingly call his golden years. It’s been a long road filled with lessons, challenges, and so much growth, and we’re here to share the journey — every piece of it. We take a chance to share who we are, why we started Piece by Piece, and what continues to inspire us. Through years of learning, trial and…

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When Did Life Get So Serious? Finding Joy While Parenting a Child with Autism 28:23

1M ago28:23

28:23

Life with autism often comes with serious moments—hard days, big emotions, and challenges that can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we open up about some of the most difficult times we’ve faced with Alec and the weight that comes with parenting a child on the autism spectrum. But it’s not all heavy—we also share how finding a supportive communit…

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"Big Deal Jill" - ABA, Advocacy, and Autism Awareness 39:06

1M ago39:06

39:06

In this special episode, we sit down with Alec’s very first therapist, Jill Scarbro—affectionately known as “Big Deal Jill!” Jill has provided Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to individuals with autism since 1997. She earned a bachelor’s degree in special education with concentrations in mental impairments and physical handicaps from Marsh…

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Imposter Syndrome in Autism Parenting: A Marathon, Not a Sprint 25:26

2M ago25:26

25:26

Doing the Most (and Still Feeling Like It’s Not Enough) In this episode, Christi opens up about what it was like to pour her heart and soul into Alec’s therapies and programming—doing everything she could to give him the best start possible—yet still feeling like it wasn’t enough. We share the honest truth that this journey can feel overwhelming, b…

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From Potential to Paycheck - Part 2 - Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Autism 25:20

2M ago25:20

25:20

In this follow-up conversation, Angie Matheney and Christi Jensen talk about what it takes to not just land a job, but to keep it and succeed in the workplace. We share strategies that have helped Alec, from setting up routines and systems of support, to teaching the importance of punctuality, appropriate dress, and workplace communication. We also…

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From Potential to Paycheck - Part 1 - Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Autism 33:32

2M ago33:32

33:32

In this episode, we dive into the important topic of employment opportunities for individuals with autism. Finding meaningful work is about more than just a paycheck—it’s about building confidence, independence, and a sense of purpose. Part One is all about landing a job. We talk about preparing for employment by practicing independence at home thr…

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Pull Up a Chair: Let’s Talk ABA Table Work 25:58

2M ago25:58

25:58

In this episode, we’re talking all about something we’ve come to call “table work”—a key part of Alec’s day where structured learning happens in a supportive, engaging way. We share what kinds of programs we run at the table—like matching, receptive discrimination, and communication practice—and how we set clear expectations while still making the …

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Hobbies on the Spectrum 29:34

3M ago29:34

29:34

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of hobbies—why they matter, how to introduce them, and how to support autistic children and adults in developing interests that bring joy and purpose. We share how we’ve helped Alec explore different hobbies over the years, what worked (and what didn’t), and how hobbies have contributed to his self-confi…

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Magical Presence Activities - Mindfulness on the Spectrum 29:59

3M ago29:59

29:59

In this episode, we’re talking about something we use every single day with Alec: presence activities. These are closed-ended, hands-on tasks that help Alec focus his body and mind while giving him a sense of independence and accomplishment. We share why these kinds of activities are such an important part of his routine—not just as a proactive way…

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All About ABA - Applied Behavior Analysis 22:50

3M ago22:50

22:50

In this episode, we’re talking all about ABA—Applied Behavior Analysis—what it is, why it works, and how it’s shaped Alec’s progress over the years. We dive into what makes ABA such a powerful approach: it’s data-driven, evidence-based, and tailored to the individual. But more than that, we talk about how ABA isn't just something that happens durin…

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We are PRO - Proactive Measures 35:16

3M ago35:16

35:16

In this episode, we’re talking about one of our favorite strategies for supporting individuals with autism: being proactive. We dive into how setting up thoughtful systems, routines, and supports ahead of time can make a huge difference in helping someone thrive—not just survive. We share the proactive measures we’ve seen work time and time again w…

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Let's Build an ABA Team - Part 2 35:59

4M ago35:59

35:59

Send us a textBy Christi Jensen & Angie Matheney

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Let's Build an ABA Team - Part 1 41:02

4M ago41:02

41:02

At some point in your child’s—or adult child’s—journey, you’ll likely find yourself assembling what we call a “team.” These are the people who support, care for, and help your loved one thrive—and you're the one managing it all. In this episode, we (Angie Matheney and Christi Jensen) share what we’ve learned from 25 years of building teams for Alec…

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How Alec Landed in Utah - Beginnings of a Group Home 26:30

4M ago26:30

26:30

In this episode, we open up about one of the biggest—and hardest—decisions we’ve made for Alec: moving him to Utah. We share what led up to that choice, what we learned during his time in Colorado, and how those experiences helped shape the path forward. This wasn’t a decision made lightly. It came with a lot of reflection, careful planning, and mo…

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The "D" Word...Data & ABA 35:59

4M ago35:59

35:59

In this episode, we’re diving into the sometimes overwhelming—but incredibly important—world of data collection. We talk about why we take data, how it helps us support Alec, and how we use it not just for his progress, but also to guide and support our team. We share how we decide what to track, when too much is too much, and how we’ve learned to …

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It’s a Hard Knock Life for Al! Chores & Autism 23:18

4M ago23:18

23:18

In this episode, we’re talking chores—how we got Alec started, how we create chore chains with just the right level of support, and why these daily tasks are so much more than household responsibilities. Chores have been a huge part of Alec’s journey toward independence. We share how we taught him to complete tasks step by step, how we adjusted sup…

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How's your body? How's your mind? How Check-ins Help Individuals with Autism 23:08

5M ago23:08

23:08

In this episode, we dive into one of the most important routines in Alec’s daily life: sitting down at the start of each shift with his team member to plan out their time together. This isn’t just a schedule—it’s a thoughtful, intentional way to make sure Alec is engaging both his body and his mind in meaningful ways. We talk about the parameters w…

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Backpack, Backpack! 27:32

5M ago27:32

27:32

In this episode, we talk about one of our most practical tools for daily life with Alec—the backpack. Whether you’re running errands, heading to a therapy appointment, or spending the day out and about, being prepared can make all the difference when caring for a child with autism. We share what we always keep packed and ready to go—from sensory su…

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Parental Priorities to Consider w/ Autistic Children 37:04

5M ago37:04

37:04

Send us a textBy Christi Jensen & Angie Matheney

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Alec's Current Set Up 37:49

5M ago37:49

37:49

In this episode, we share what Alec’s life looks like today—from the home he lives in to the systems we’ve put in place to support his independence and well-being. Over the years, we’ve worked hard to tailor his living environment to meet his unique needs, and we’re excited to give you a glimpse into the thoughtful setup that helps him thrive. We w…

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Alec's Early Years - Autism Diagnosis, Therapies, Struggles, Triumphs 17:29

5M ago17:29

17:29

In this episode, we—Angie and Christi—look back on Alec’s early years and the start of our autism journey. We share what it was like when Alec was diagnosed at just 2 years old, some of the behaviors he struggled with, and how we navigated those early, uncertain days as parents and caregivers. We talk about the professionals who came into our lives…

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Time Travel Advice - What I Wish I Knew 18:53

5M ago18:53

18:53

Join us—Angie Matheney and Christi Jensen—for a candid Q&A-style conversation where Christi opens up about what she wishes she could have told her younger self when Alec was first diagnosed. We talk about the shifting priorities that come with raising a child on the spectrum, the pressure to "do everything right," and the importance of giving yours…

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Welcome to Piece by Piece Autism Podcast! 11:48

5M ago11:48

11:48

In our very first episode of Piece by Piece: An Autism Podcast, we—Angie Matheney and Christi Jensen—introduce ourselves and share the heart behind this podcast. We're two women with a shared passion for helping others navigate the world of autism, and we’re here to build a supportive, honest, and empowering community. We’ll talk about our experien…