We had the good fortune of connecting with Sara Bradford and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sara, why did you pursue a creative career?
That’s such a great question!
For me, pursuing an artistic and creative career was never just a decision—it was a calling. Creativity has always been how I’ve made sense of the world. As a mother to neurodivergent kids, and someone who deeply values communication and connection, I found that art, writing, podcasting, and advocacy were powerful ways to give a voice to those who are often misunderstood or overlooked.
Creating children’s books, launching The SJ Childs Show Podcast, and building The SJ Childs Global Network Non-Profit have allowed me to use storytelling, empathy, and education to advocate for autistic individuals and families. It’s all about connection—art creates space for people to feel seen, heard, and valued.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art lives in the power of storytelling. Whether it’s through the children’s books I’ve authored, the heartfelt conversations on The SJ Childs Show Podcast, or the events I organize like SJ Childs’ Autism Summits, my work is all about giving voice to the voiceless and building bridges of understanding—especially for autistic and neurodivergent individuals and their families.
What sets me apart is that my art isn’t just creative—it’s deeply personal. I’m a mom of two neurodivergent children, and everything I create is rooted in love, lived experience, and a relentless drive to make the world a safer, more accepting place. I don’t just advocate from the outside—I live it every single day.
I’m most proud of the impact I’ve seen—when a parent tells me that a podcast episode helped them connect with their child in a new way, or when a young person sees themselves represented in one of my books. Those moments are the reason I do what I do.
The road here wasn’t easy. There were many times I doubted my voice or wondered if anyone was listening. But I kept going—because I knew that sharing our stories could spark change. I overcame challenges with the support of my family, especially my husband, and the incredible autism community that has embraced me as one of their own.
Some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way are:
Authenticity always matters.
You don’t need to be perfect to be impactful.
And collaboration is more powerful than competition.
What I want the world to know about me and my brand is this: The SJ Childs Global Network is more than a name—it’s a movement. It’s about compassion, inclusion, and creating opportunities for every voice to be heard. I’m here to champion neurodiversity, elevate untold stories, and empower others to embrace their own unique path.
This is just the beginning—and I’m so excited for what’s next.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ooh, I love this question! Here’s my dream week-long itinerary for showing my best friend around and giving them the full SJ Childs experience in Utah—with a little mix of fun, heart, and hidden gems:
Day 1: Welcome to Utah!
Start the trip off with a cozy brunch at The Park Café in Salt Lake City—great views of Liberty Park and the fluffiest pancakes ever. Then we’d take a relaxed stroll around the park and visit the Tracy Aviary (super peaceful and perfect for catching up).
Dinner at The Copper Onion—local, delicious, and totally worth the hype.
Day 2: Arts, Culture & Inspiration
We’d hit up the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art or the Springville Museum of Art (Utah’s oldest visual arts museum) for a creative spark. Then stop by some local shops like The King’s English Bookshop—a charming indie bookstore with soul.
Dinner at Eva, a small-plates spot with an artsy vibe, followed by dessert at Normal Ice Cream in a gourmet cone truck. Yes, please!
Day 3: Autism Advocacy & Heart Work
We’d visit my nonprofit headquarters and maybe join a meet-up or community event with The SJ Childs Global Network. I’d introduce them to some of the amazing families and advocates I work with.
Lunch at Zest Kitchen & Bar for clean, vibrant energy. Evening wind-down at Sugar House Park with a picnic and local music or storytelling.
Day 4: Mountains & Magic
Take a scenic drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon and hike around Silver Lake. Fresh mountain air, nature therapy, and photo ops galore.
On the way back, stop at Silver Fork Lodge for comfort food and mountain vibes.
Back in town? Stargazing or a local poetry night—Utah has a low-key but thriving arts scene!
Day 5: Autism-Friendly Fun
We’d do a sensory-friendly day: check out the Natural History Museum of Utah (it’s super interactive and very accessible), followed by some fun at Provo Beach Resort or the Museum of Natural Curiosity for playful, family-friendly vibes.
Evening at Spitz for loaded street fries and casual eats.
Day 6: Park City Getaway
Quick trip up to Park City—brunch at Five5eeds, a stroll down historic Main Street, and maybe a spa session or the Alpine Coaster if we’re feeling wild.
Dinner at Riverhorse on Main if we’re going all-out, or Wasatch Brew Pub for local beer and laid-back eats.
Day 7: Wrap-Up & Reflection
Sunday brunch at Lazy Day Café (yes, try the lemon pancakes), followed by a visit to Red Butte Garden or a meditation walk at the Gilgal Sculpture Garden.
Final dinner at The Roof for city views and a buffet to remember.
Bonus: Throughout the week, we’d sneak in moments to record podcast clips, share stories, and maybe even do a pop-up interview or live stream with local changemakers!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely—I believe no journey is ever walked alone, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people and connections who’ve lifted me up along the way.
First and foremost, my husband deserves the biggest shoutout. He has always seen my value, believed in my mission, and stood by me as my strongest supporter through every high and low. His unwavering love and encouragement are the foundation of everything I do.
I’m also beyond grateful for the incredible connections I’ve made—many of whom have become lifelong friends and collaborators in advocacy. It’s these relationships that give my work purpose and keep the momentum going.
I’d like to give a special shoutout to advocates I deeply admire, like Temple Grandin, whose groundbreaking work has inspired millions, Shannon Penrod of Autism Live, whose voice and platform have given so much to the autism community, and Dani Bowman, who was one of my very first and most well-known guests on The SJ Childs Show. Each of them has played a role in shaping my advocacy and expanding my vision for what’s possible.
Their example, friendship, and inspiration continue to fuel my mission to support and uplift the neurodivergent community through The SJ Childs Global Network and SJ Childs’ Autism Summits.
Website: https://www.sjchilds.org
Instagram: @sjchildsllc
Linkedin: Sara (SJ Childs) Gullihur-Bradford
Facebook: Sara Gulihur-Bradford or SJ Childs pages
Youtube: @sjchildsllc
