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 | 292 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | ParentingKids & Family | |||
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Latest Episodes
Before his daughter was born, Robin thought he had a sense of what it meant to be a dad. But after a prenatal diagnosis of Trisomy 13, that understanding started to unravel.
In this episode, Robin reflects on what it was like to face a future filled... more
As parents of medically complex kids, we’ve all been there. We’re at the park or the grocery store with our kid, and someone we don’t know walks up to us and starts asking questions about our child. You might be so put off that you don’t know what to... more
For most of us who have spent years inside the medical system with a complex child, the experience of being mom in an exam room can feel very different from the experience of being dad.
Sometimes that means being dismissed while your husband gets t... more
For many disability parents, medically complex life begins in the NICU. In those early days, everything feels heightened: the machines, the uncertainty, the helplessness of watching doctors care for your tiny baby while you stand nearby unable to hel... 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 States7 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 States7 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 States2 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 | #92 |  Brazil/Kids & Family/Parenting |
Apple Podcasts | #104 |  Chile/Kids & Family/Parenting |
Apple Podcasts | #174 |  Colombia/Kids & Family/Parenting |
Apple Podcasts | #174 |  Norway/Kids & Family/Parenting |
Apple Podcasts | #223 |  Sweden/Kids & Family/Parenting |
Apple Podcasts | #241 |  Ireland/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?
This program centers on lived experiences of parenting children with disabilities and medical complexities. Across episodes, listeners hear intimate stories from families navigating surgeries, hospital stays, and long-term care, as well as practical strategies for inclusion, accessibility, and advocacy. The conversations balance honest emotional moments—grief, burnout, fear, and joy—with actionable insights on navigating healthcare systems, finding community, and securing needed support services. A recurring strength is the host duo's warmth and ability to surface both personal journeys and professional perspectives, creating a sense of solidarity for families and a nuanced view for professionals who work with disabled children.
Noteworthy ... 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?
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Which podcasts are similar to The Rare Life?
These podcasts share a similar audience with The Rare Life:
1. Once Upon A Gene
2. Raising Disabled
3. Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children
4. Confessions of a Rare Disease Mama
5. Money For Couples with Ramit Sethi
How many episodes of The Rare Life are there?
The Rare Life launched 6 years ago and published 292 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. Robin Kozerginski
2. James Catchpole
3. Kyrie Herman
4. Madeline Cheney
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.