Posts in General
62. Micha & Ace's Dual Diagnosis Journey
62. Micha & Ace's Dual Diagnosis Journey

“Our kids do not have to fit any measurement for their value or worth.” Micha said it here first but we’re pretty sure we all agree, right? That’s why today we’re discussing all things dual diagnosis with Micha Boyett, who’s son Ace recently received an Autism diagnosis. We’re also diving deep into societal expectations of people with other types of disabilities and how those impact our goals for children, all the supplements and sensory tools Micha is using with Ace, and perhaps most importantly— sleep! This is a good one, friends. Thank you for joining us.

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Advocacy, Family, AutismComment
BONUS: Happy World Down Syndrome Day!
BONUS: Happy World Down Syndrome Day!

Happy World Down Syndrome Day! Down Syndrome has taught us how to come together as a community to support one another. So today, we’re chatting all about a few of our favorite podcasts/non-profits/accounts that are shifting the narrative all year long. Check out our show notes for all the links you’ll need to keep you busy during these uncertain times! Then, tag us in your World Down Syndrome Day posts (@theluckyfewpod) and use hashtag #THELUCKYFEW. 

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Advocacy, FamilyComment
61. Behind the Scenes of El Candidato, the extraordinary documentary about Bryan Russell
61. Behind the Scenes of El Candidato, the extraordinary documentary about Bryan Russell

Bryan Russell is the first person with Down Syndrome to ever run for political office anywhere in the world, and we are here for it! This past January, Bryan showed Peru (and the world) what he’s made of, earning over 13,000 votes in his efforts to earn a congressional position. And thankfully, Katie and Ryan Marley followed his journey every step of the way. Their upcoming documentary, “El Candidato” explores some pretty big questions about this election. Join us for a chat with Bryan Russell, his parents, and Katie + Ryan for all things changing perceptions, navigating politics, and living in Peru!

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Advocacy, FamilyComment
60. What's Ours To Share?
60. What's Ours To Share?

Anyone else ever questioned how much you share about your child or loved one with Down Syndrome on social media? We sure have! There is so much pressure to share (or not share) about your loved one with Down Syndrome and we feel it too! So friends, let’s all agree to be intentional on Instagram, to honor our kiddos, and most importantly, to keep shouting the worth and shifting the narrative together!

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Advocacy, Community, FamilyComment
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.

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown 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.

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown 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.

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown 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.

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown 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!

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown 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. 

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown 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!

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown 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!

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown 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!

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown 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! 

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown 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. 

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Advocacy, Author, AnxietyComment