Pete's Growth

Pete Budde is a devoted husband to his high school sweetheart, Chelsea, and a proud father to two incredible adults, Justus and Noey. A lifelong learner, he finds joy in reading, music, and competition. With nearly 30 years of professional experience, Pete has been fortunate to work alongside exceptional teammates and colleagues, forming lasting friendships along the way. His passion for growth and connection defines both his personal and professional life, making him a valued friend, mentor, and competitor.

Pete came to parenting with the preconceptions that the world was tough, and he would have to raise his kids to be ready to take it on. But when his firstborn (Justus) was diagnosed with autism back in 2003, it was his interaction with the neuropsychologist that upended his perspective and set the Budde family on a different track.

Chelsea poses questions to her husband that get right to the heart of the transformative power of parental love. That transformation lead to the marital alignment necessary to ride the stressors that come with parenting neurospicy children. 

While studies suggest that the divorce rate is higher among couples parenting autistic children than neurotypical children (see article), the Buddes doubled-down on collaboration and acceptance -- a strategy that paid off across their family's quarter-century journey in neurodiverse territory.

Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde.

Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.