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59. Finding Community at GiGi's Playhouse w/Nancy Gianni

59. Finding Community at GiGi's Playhouse w/Nancy Gianni

When Nancy Gianni received her daughter GiGi’s Down Syndrome diagnosis, it was “all condolences and no congratulations.” But it didn’t take long for Nancy to decide that she wanted to live in a world that celebrates Down Syndrome, and she quickly took action. Just one year after GiGi’s birth, the first GiGi’s Playhouse opened! Today, there are 48 GiGi’s locations across the country and even one in Mexico! GiGi’s Playhouse is the ONLY international network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers that offers FREE life-changing therapeutic and educational programs for all ages.

GeneralValerie SchliederMarch 3, 2020Down Syndrome, Advocacy, CommunityComment

58. A Conversation About Race & Down Syndrome w/Mercedes Lara & Kelli Caughman

58. A Conversation About Race & Down Syndrome w/Mercedes Lara & Kelli Caughman

We all know what it feels like to receive a Down Syndrome diagnosis and realize that you hardly ever see people with DS represented anywhere. But what does it feel like if your child with Down Syndrome might not even be represented amongst the DS community? In honor of Black History Month, Mercedes and fellow lucky mama, Kelli Caughman, are talking all things advocacy and diversity, connecting with other moms, and what it’s like being a person of color raising a child with Down Syndrome.

GeneralValerie SchliederFebruary 25, 2020Down Syndrome, Advocacy, RaceComment

57: Shelley Gottsagen On Her Son Zack Gottsagen's Fame, The Oscars, + More!

57: Shelley Gottsagen On Her Son Zack Gottsagen's Fame, The Oscars, + More!

You’ve seen Zack Gottsagen on the big screen during his hit movie, The Peanut Butter Falcon, and you’ve seen him onstage at the Oscars, but have you ever wondered about the woman who’s supported him since the beginning? In this VERY special interview, we’re talking to Zack’s mom, Shelley Gottsagen, who’s been shouting his worth boldly for 34 years. Tune in to hear more about a lifetime of self-advocacy, fighting systems, Zack’s relationship with Shia Lebeouf, The Oscars, Peanut Butter Falcon, what’s next for Zack, and so much more.

GeneralValerie SchliederFebruary 18, 2020Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Story, Marriage Comments

56. The One About Marriage, w/Micha & Chris!

56. The One About Marriage, w/Micha & Chris!

Ever feel like you’re keeping score in your marriage? You’re not alone! Micha and her husband Chris are chatting about all things marriage, raising a child with Down Syndrome, and how to invert the infamous ‘scoreboard!’ They have been married for 15 years, 10 of those being before having Ace, their youngest son who has Down Syndrome. Trust us, they know a thing or two about overcoming obstacles in marriage! Tune in to hear more about parenting their three sons and beating the odds of divorce for couples who have a child with a disability.

GeneralValerie SchliederFebruary 11, 2020Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Story, Marriage Comment

55. All Things Puberty & DS w/Dr. Rebecca Partridge!

55. All Things Puberty & DS w/Dr. Rebecca Partridge!

Nervous about raising your kids with Down Syndrome through puberty? Don’t worry friends, we’re right there with you! That’s why we’re chatting with Dr. Rebecca Partridge about all things puberty today. She is a pediatrician doing big things for the Down Syndrome community while raising two kids, including her 18 year old son with Down Syndrome! Dr. Partridge has created a “Welcome to Puberty” curriculum and today, she’s answering all of our questions about puberty, periods, privacy, and more! Take notes, friends. This is a good one!

GeneralValerie SchliederFebruary 4, 2020Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Goals, StoryComment

54. When, Why, & HOW To Own Your Story

54. When, Why, & HOW To Own Your Story

Join us as we recap Heather’s most recent event - The Own Your Story Workshop. You’re invited to hear all about how storytelling has impacted our lives and how it can impact yours. Plus we’re giving you a sneak peek into the workshop tools (like the seven story telling ground rules) that can help you find your voice and craft your story today! In case you want to learn more about the workshop (and we think you will!), head on over to heatheravis.com/own-your-story to purchase the online version.

GeneralValerie SchliederJanuary 28, 2020Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Goals, StoryComment

53. Our Goals for 2020!

53. Our Goals for 2020!

Happy New Year, dear listeners! It may have taken us a few weeks to celebrate 2020 with you all, but that’s because we were dreaming up big ideas for future episodes! Today, we’re sharing a few of our new year's resolutions with you all.. but these aren’t your typical goals! We know that this time of year brings on a lot of expectations, so whether your goal is to go to the gym just once this year, spend more time with your kids, or finish that book you’re writing, we are cheering for YOU! So friends, it’s time to sit down and catch up on all the things from hometown visits to holiday mishaps and even brand new babies! (Congrats, Mercedes!) Thanks for tuning in!

GeneralValerie SchliederJanuary 21, 2020Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Inclusion, Goals, New YearsComment

52. Our 2019 Holiday Gift Guide!

52. Our 2019 Holiday Gift Guide!

Happy Holidays, friends! We’re celebrating BIG this year with our 2019 Holiday Gift Guide! Once again, we’ve put together a list of a few of our favorite small shops and online businesses so you know just where to shop this year! We have gift ideas for your kids, teachers, friends, family, + more! (You can thank us later!) You’ll love buying from these small businesses who are shifting the narrative in big ways! Be sure to check out all the links for the discount codes. Happy Holidays, friends!

GeneralValerie SchliederDecember 2, 2019Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Inclusion, Gifts Comment

51. LIVE w/Inclusive Talent Agent + Amazing Actors!

51. LIVE w/Inclusive Talent Agent + Amazing Actors!

LIVE from Southern California, we have actors Jamie Brewer, Cole Sibus, Jared Kozak, and their amazing talent agent, Gail Williamson here to chat all about Down Syndrome and the media! Jamie, Cole, and Jared are not only incredible actors on wonderful shows (like American Horror Story, Stumptown, and The Loudhouse), they’re also rocking that extra chromosome and shifting the Down Syndrome narrative in the entertainment industry! What a joy it was to sit down with the people who bring so much joy to our screens every day!

GeneralValerie SchliederNovember 25, 2019Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Media, Inclusion Comment

50. Our Favorite Memories, Mishaps, and More!

50. Our Favorite Memories, Mishaps, and More!

50 episodes, friends! Can you believe it? (It’s okay, we can’t either)! We hope you’ve enjoyed listening to these past 50 episodes as much as we have recording them! We’ve enjoyed them so much that today we’re chatting all about our awesome guest roster, our favorite moments, and why we are so thankful for this podcast + all of YOU! That’s right dear listeners, thank you for learning, laughing, and (hopefully) growing alongside of us! This is only the beginning!

GeneralValerie SchliederNovember 18, 2019Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Media, InclusionComment

49. Trading Stress for Rest w/Rebekah Lyons

49. Trading Stress for Rest w/Rebekah Lyons

Raise your hand if you need to rest! (Don’t worry, we’re right there with you!) That’s why we’ve invited Rebekah Lyons to sit down and chat all about her new book: Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose. Not only is she a best selling author and national speaker, Rebekah is a mother to four children, two of whom have Down Syndrome. She offers a unique perspective on how to deal with the pressures of parenting and what to do when it all just feels like too much. (And we know we’ve all been there!) So friends, if you’re like us and you need some new rhythms in your life then you’re in the right place.

GeneralValerie SchliederNovember 11, 2019Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Author, AnxietyComment

48. Mikayla Holmgren on Pageants, College, and Self-Advocacy

48. Mikayla Holmgren on Pageants, College, and Self-Advocacy

Mikayla Holmgren is a dancer, pageant star, winner of Miss Minnesota’s Spirit Award and Director’s Award, college graduate, Best Buddies ambassador, and most recently -- a Sephora representative! She also has what she calls “a little side of Down Syndrome!” Not only is this self-advocate the winner of the Miss Amazing pageant, Mikayla is also the first woman with Down Syndrome to EVER compete in a state Miss USA pageant, and she won two major awards. No big deal. Join us for a narrative shifting conversation all about expectations, stereotypes, confidence, independence, and of course, pageant swimsuit competitions.

GeneralValerie SchliederNovember 4, 2019Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Miss USAComment

47. Planning for the Future w/Phillip Clark from Enable SNP

47. Planning for the Future w/Phillip Clark from Enable SNP

What does the future look like for your child with Down Syndrome? It’s a tough question that can overwhelm even the greatest planners. That’s why Phillip Clark created Enable Special Needs Planning (SNP), a company that helps families create comprehensive plans for their children, tailored to their unique abilities, which allow them to thrive each and every day of their lives. At the core of Enable SNP (and probably all of you) is the belief that everyone has the ability to be impactful! That’s why Phillip and the Enable SNP team empower families to begin planning for the future, today.

GeneralValerie SchliederOctober 28, 2019Down Syndrome, Adoption, Future Comment

46. Behind the Scenes with Incredible Narrative Shifters

46. Behind the Scenes with Incredible Narrative Shifters

Wondering how to turn your passions into narrative-shifting movements? (So are we!) That’s why we sat down and chatted with some incredible advocates at the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network’s Rockin’ Moms Retreat last month! What a joy it was to interview Kristie Magnuson (mother to @gabe.the.babe.and.co), Tamara Pursley of the National Down Syndrome Congress, and Sinead Quinn of Grateful Wellness Co.! We’re talking about everything from t-shirt design to educator conferences and even mental health for moms of children with special needs.

GeneralValerie SchliederOctober 21, 2019Down Syndrome, Adoption, DiagnosisComment

45. Adoption & Down Syndrome w/Stephanie Thompson from the NDSAN

45. Adoption & Down Syndrome w/Stephanie Thompson from the NDSAN

“My doctor told me that my baby would have Down Syndrome and then they brought up termination, so I came home and googled Down Syndrome and adoption and you were the first thing that came up..” the beginning of countless conversations Stephanie Thompson shares with expectant parents. A mother of a 27-year-old son with Down Syndrome herself, Stephanie knows the uncertainty that accompanies most diagnoses, and the desire of many to parent a child with Down Syndrome, so that’s why she created the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network. The NDSAN provides support, education, counseling, and perhaps most importantly, options, to parents expecting a baby with Down Syndrome.

GeneralValerie SchliederOctober 14, 2019Down Syndrome, Adoption, DiagnosisComment