What it’s Like to Walk the Entire Natchez Trace for Autism :: Nashville’s TN’s Brad Meshell - Ep 184 MMTBP

Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast

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I met Brad Meshell when I was recording podcasts at Jim Morris’ Impact Effect event in October 2023. He was one of the guests who was to have an episode recorded by me. When he told me that he walks the 444 mile Natchez Trace Parkway every year to raise awareness for the parents of children with autism, I was intrigued. He gave me one of what I thought to be iconic blue 444 hats, which fit perfectly on my head….which is a rarity for me, as I have a larger than average cranium.

Brad started the non-profit after he and his wife learned that their son Jacob was autistic. The reason why he wants to help other parents in similar situations?

The isolation. The loneliness. The feeling of being “on your own” with coping with a new and tremendous challenge.

I wanted to have Brad on to share his incredible story and hopefully encourage you to contribute. He begins his walk on April 1 and spans the entire month.

From the Jacob’s Audible website:

“As parents, we knew Jacob was autistic by his 2nd birthday. We did not get a diagnosis until close to his 3rd birthday, which delayed getting help that much longer. I knew from raising my oldest that babies can do and say things a lot earlier than we think. Forget the milestone checklist. I knew from simply changing his diaper that Jacob was not connecting with me.

The rhythm of his babble was different. The eye contact was there, but the emotional expression was not. These signs showed up early when Jacob was a baby. The checklist screenings at his well checkups did not catch this. I was told not to worry. As a parent it really wasn't about the "worry." It was about making sure my child had what he needed to thrive.

This is where isolation can begin for many parents. Many start internet searching, which only funnels into longer waitlists for a diagnosis and getting your child the tools needed to develop and grow. The process and understanding of an autism diagnosis can be better.

This is why Brad and I are doing this. If telling our story helps another family, I will tell it over and over again. Welcome to Jacob's Audible. We are so happy you're here.

Together we can change the play.”

Highlights:

Walking 15 miles a day on a scenic highway. (4:25)

Ultra-running sponsorship and fundraising opportunities. (17:12)

Growing up in New Orleans with unique cultural experiences. (29:58)

Walking a 444-mile trace and marketing strategies. (49:56)

Autism acceptance and support for parents. (58:20)

Follow Brad:

https://www.jacobsaudible.org/

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Shoutout to Matt Wilson for lending his voice to the new intro of MMTBP.

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****You hear Jim mention it on almost every episode, ME vs. WE and how 2023 will be 1943 all over again….order “PENDULUM:How Past Generations Shape Our Present and Predict Our Future”:

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The co-author of Pendulum wrote a myriad of other books