The Rare Life
Madeline CheneyThis is the real, raw, and all the feels of loving a child with disabilities. Episodes feature parent-guests, professionals, and solo episodes with host Madeline Cheney. Their authentic conversations don’t shy away from the strong and mixed emotions that often accompany medically-complex parenting. Parents listen in to feel seen, validated, and receive much-needed solidarity. Professionals working... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 301 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Kids & FamilyParenting | |||
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Latest Episodes
It’s summer! But when you have a disabled or medically complex kids, this season can bring with it many, many mixed feelings.
Today, we’re digging into all of that: how we feel about summer, what makes summer uniquely hard for our families, and the... more
Season 13 is coming to a close, and this season covered a lot of heavy, but necessary ground.
In this finale episode, Madeline and Alyssa are joined by Caitlyn, a listener and mom to Miles, to look back on the episodes that were the hardest, most im... more
Most of us can’t be with our children 24/7. At some point, we often must hand off care of our children school staff, nurses, therapists, hospitals, family members, etc to help care for our disabled and medically complex kids. And honestly? That can f... more
For many parents of disabled and medically complex children, “raising awareness”, especially on social media, can start to feel like another responsibility sitting on top of an already overwhelming life.
Post more. Educate people. Share your child’... more
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Reviews
- A lifeline
Such a good listen! The topics and interviews are real and relatable. It’s hard to find people who “get” my experience, and this podcast feels like talking with friends. They work hard to include a variety of voices and experiences, and their online (IG) content is thoughtful, inclusive and relatable too.
Apple Podcasts5A rare mom
United States9 months ago - A Very Meaningful Podcast
I found The Rare Life early on in my disability parenting journey, and I’ve committed to listening ever since. Madeline and her team work hard to share stories and address topics that truly make rare families feel less alone. Each episode is created with so much intention and love. I would absolutely recommend! I look forward to listening in for many years to come.
Apple Podcasts5ReneeWrayUnited States9 months ago - Awesome
As a parent of a child with a disability and medical complexities this podcast meets me right where I am. I enjoy listening and have listened for several years.
Apple Podcasts5DuckFaninOregonUnited Statesa year ago - Just what I needed
As a parent of a child with a disability, this podcast has truly saved my sanity! Simply hearing that I am not alone and that what my husband and I go through is an experience shared by so many is extremely comforting. I wish I could meet all of these amazing parents that are shared on this podcast.
Apple Podcasts5JerichokauaiUnited Statesa year ago - A belonging I longed for
Thank You Madeline, so much for The Rare Life. Your content touches more people than you may think. I am a mother of a medically complex child, though he does not have a rare diagnosis of any kind. I had a complicated pregnancy and traumatic birth with my son Vincent, who arrived unduly early at 25 weeks gestation. Due to his very early arrival, he has a laundry list of diagnoses. He’s now 17 months and I only recently saw “medically complex child” written in his medical record. Interestingly en... more
Apple Podcasts5littlebit322United States3 years ago
Listeners Say
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #60 |  Chile/Kids & Family/Parenting |
Apple Podcasts | #107 |  Ireland/Kids & Family/Parenting |
Apple Podcasts | #116 |  Brazil/Kids & Family/Parenting |
Apple Podcasts | #149 |  New Zealand/Kids & Family/Parenting |
Apple Podcasts | #166 |  Denmark/Kids & Family/Parenting |
Apple Podcasts | #248 |  Norway/Kids & Family/Parenting |
Talking Points
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Audience Metrics
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Rare Life
What is The Rare Life about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A candid, emotionally resonant show focused on parenting medically complex and disabled children. Across episodes, listeners hear about navigating healthcare systems, education rights, caregiving burnout, and advocacy, all through intimate conversations with parents, caregivers, and professionals. Notable throughlines include NICU experiences, homecare logistics, inclusion and accessibility, and practical strategies for safety, planning, and community building. The format favors vulnerable storytelling balanced with real-world tips, making it a solid resource for families and professionals seeking perspective, validation, and concrete steps they can apply. A standout element is the strong emphasis on community and peer support, with recurri... more
Where can I find podcast stats for The Rare Life?
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How many listeners does The Rare Life get?
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What are the audience demographics for The Rare Life?
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How many subscribers and views does The Rare Life have?
To see how many followers or subscribers The Rare Life has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.
Which podcasts are similar to The Rare Life?
These podcasts share a similar audience with The Rare Life:
1. Thanks For Asking
2. We Can Do Hard Things
3. All There Is with Anderson Cooper
4. Once Upon A Gene
5. Family Secrets
How many episodes of The Rare Life are there?
The Rare Life launched 6 years ago and published 301 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact The Rare Life?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Rare Life?
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What guests have appeared on The Rare Life?
Recent guests on The Rare Life include:
1. Joanne Bay-Rachel
2. Robin Kozerginski
3. James Catchpole
4. Kyrie Herman
5. Cindy Reinhard
6. Ashley Caywood
7. Abbey Benjamin
8. Roya Malika
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.