91. Putting the "Social" In Social Distancing w/Jessica Hunter & Larkin O'Leary

Jessica Hunter and Larkin O’Leary may have started their advocacy journey as @justtwomomssr on Instagram, but they’ve now created their own nonprofit: Common Ground Society. And they're using their platform to put the “social” back in “social distancing” by creating a virtual buddy program for children with and without disabilities. We love the work these ladies are doing and we know you will too! So friends, join us for another chat with Jessica and Larkin about friendship in the days of distance learning, creating connections during Covid-19, and resources to advocate in your own school district!

GeneralValerie SchliederOctober 27, 2020Down Syndrome, Advocacy, MotherhoodComment

71. Down Syndrome, Autism, & Motherhood w/Teresa Unnerstall

Teresa Unnerstall is an author, speaker, consultant, and mother to Nick - her 26 year old son with Down Syndrome and Autism. She has nearly 3 decades of experience on dual diagnosis.. which means this episode is full of wisdom, and so is Teresa! She shares three tips to keep in mind for your kiddo with DS/ASD, including behavior specialists, speech therapists, and sensory diets (and we’re not just talking about food here). We’re also chatting all about her book, “A New Course, A Mother’s Journey Navigating Down Syndrome And Autism” and what to ask for in an IEP meeting.

GeneralValerie SchliederMay 26, 2020Down Syndrome, Inclusion, Motherhood, AutismComment

70. The Power of "Just Two Moms" w/Jessica Hunter & Larkin O'Leary

Jessica Hunter and Larkin O’Leary are on Instagram as @JustTwoMomssr but we all know there’s no such thing as “just a mom!” And these ladies prove it. What started as a presentation on Down Syndrome in a preschool classroom has lead to advocacy at over 30 different schools in their county, and even a trip to California’s capitol! We are so happy to have chatted with Jessica and Larkin all about their friendship, changed perceptions, school presentations, and the many beautiful stories that have emerged. So grab a tissue and text your favorite lucky mama and tell them to join you for a listen to this episode!

GeneralValerie SchliederMay 19, 2020Down Syndrome, Inclusion, MotherhoodComment

68. Approaching Mother's Day While Grieving w/Katie Jameson

When all you see on Instagram is happy moms smiling with their children on Mother’s Day, it can be hard to remember that not every woman approaches the holiday the same way. That’s why we are so grateful to have Katie Jameson on to discuss all things grief and Mother’s Day. Katie is a mother to 4 year old twins (one w/Down Syndrome), a 2 year old, and her son Lochlan who would turn 6 this year. After losing Lochlan, Katie made it her mission to support women grieving the loss of a child on Mother’s Day. Her beautiful ‘Grief Pins & Cards’ provide tangible support for anyone dealing with loss and grief. Join us for this important conversation on how to support a woman grieving on Mother’s Day and how to approach the holiday after losing a child.

GeneralValerie SchliederMay 5, 2020Down Syndrome, Inclusion, Motherhood, GriefComment

30. Surviving (& Thriving) This Summer!

Hi friends, we’ve missed you! Summer is here and so are we! What better way to kick off your vacay season than with an episode full of tips, tricks, and travel strategies to keep you and your family going all summer long? Because let’s face it, these supposedly kick back and carefree months can be a little (or maybe a lot) hard. Asking our kiddos (especially those with Down Syndrome) to break out of their routine and embrace the unexpected might feel impossible. But friends, we promise you that is always worth it!

Our best advice is to prepare your child for their summer activities. Wait it out while they adapt to their new environment/expectation. Then shake it off if your plan doesn’t quite work out. Most importantly, never stop celebrating your kiddos with Down Syndrome and all the joys of these sunny months. So Happy Summer, friends! We are so glad to be BACK, and did we mention? This time- we’re here to stay. You heard it here first, no more long breaks between each season of the podcast. In fact, no more seasons at all. Get ready for an episode each and every week, dear listeners! We hope you’re as excited about this as we are!

GeneralValerie SchliederJuly 1, 2019Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Motherhood, SummerComment

29. Heather Avis On Her NEW Book: Scoot Over and Make Some Room!

Hey friends! Welcome to the last episode of season three, and it’s a treat. We’re finishing up with a special BONUS interview with one of our favorite people (though we may be a little biased), Heather Avis. Not only does she co-host this podcast, she is mother to her three adopted children, two with Down Syndrome, and creator of the hit Instagram account: @theluckyfewofficial. In case you haven’t heard (and we sure hope you have), Heather’s newest book, Scoot Over and Make Some Room: Creating A Space Where Everyone Belongs, comes out on June 25th! In this special episode, we’re chatting about the writing process, the inspiration, and the reason behind the timing of this extraordinary book. Scoot Over and Make Some Room captures Heather’s funny yet fierce spirit as she tells stories of her children and champions anyone on the margins. Tune in as Heather reads a portion of her “Wildflowers” chapter and discusses who this book is supposed to challenge- which is anyone who has some room to make for others! So friends, who is missing from your life? Can you make some room for them on your couch?

GeneralValerie SchliederMay 20, 2019Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Motherhood, Author, Scoot OverComment

28. Owning Your Influence In ALL Your Spaces!

“Moral of the story: Potty training is the worst.” - Heather. That’s right friends. We’re tackling this fun topic today, but most importantly, chatting all about the many memorable moments from this season! We even have Tesney Davis back on to tell us what just might be every parent’s favorite piece of good news- her 13 year old son Kirill is now officially potty trained!

This season has been a blast sitting down with extraordinary women who advocate in unique ways. We’ve discussed privilege and perspective with Amy Julia Becker, dual diagnosis with Tesney Davis, and how to own your influence every single day with the lovely ladies at the Dear Mom, Conference. Friends, thank you for joining us this season. As we admire our guests, don’t forget to celebrate the work you’re doing too! You are owning your influence by raising your child. Keep showing up. Keep shouting the worth. We are so grateful to shift the Down Syndrome narrative together.

GeneralValerie SchliederMay 15, 2019Down Syndrome, Advocacy, MotherhoodComment

27. Owning Your Influence By Using Your Gifts with Michelle Sullivan

Michelle Sullivan has found her voice, and she’s using it to host a podcast, run a clothing company, and most importantly— advocate like a mother. She credits all of this to her 5 year old son, Eli, who has Down Syndrome. Eli helped his mama own her creative influence and launch an apparel company, Littlest Warrior, and the Advocate Like A Mother Podcast. Michelle uses her gifts to recognize (and outfit) mothers and advocates everywhere who shout the worth of their kids with different abilities. So friends, what’s your fave Littlest Warrior Tee? Join us for Season Three Episode Eight to hear which shirts we have in our closets (hint: pretty much all of them!) and then shop online to support worthy causes and valuable messages. Happy Advocating, friends!

GeneralValerie SchliederMay 6, 2019Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Motherhood, BusinessComment

21. Owning Your Influence in Front of the Camera With Amanda Booth

Hi friends! Welcome back to Season Three, Episode Two of The Lucky Few Podcast. Today, we’re chatting with Amanda Booth, an actress, model, and mama to Micah, her son with Down Syndrome. Together, they work hard to represent the Down Syndrome community on the playground, Instagram, and even magazine covers like Vogue and Anthropologie! But you don’t have to be a model or an actress to own your influence. Amanda believes that whether it’s a trip to the park or an audition, the most important part is showing up.Join us as Amanda shares her journey into the modeling industry, her son’s unique diagnosis story, and the way Down Syndrome transformed her career and helped her achieve her dreams.

GeneralValerie SchliederMarch 25, 2019Down Syndrome, Motherhood, ModelComment

16. Live From the Dear Mom Conference!

Coming at you LIVE from Orem, Utah - the ladies of The Lucky Few podcast take the stage at Dear Mom Conference! Heather, Micah, and Mercedes are reading their “Dear Mom” letters to their former selves and revealing all the things they wish they knew when they received their child’s Down Syndrome diagnosis. From the vulnerable lens of these powerful mamas, we’re working through answers to all the tough questions. What are you most scared of for your child’s future? How can I help my child relate to their peers? How can I shift the Down Syndrome narrative in my daily life?

GeneralValerie SchliederNovember 12, 2018Advocacy, MotherhoodComment

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