EPISODES

66. Public Speaking & Self Advocacy w/Matthew Schwab

66. Public Speaking & Self Advocacy w/Matthew Schwab

At 22 years old, Matthew Schwab is a public speaker, employee, volunteer, ambassador, intern, campaign manager, and so much more. You may have even seen him advocating for employing people with disabilities on his TedX Talk! When he’s not writing speeches or selling merchandise, he’s sending emails or hanging out with his girlfriend. We’re so happy he took the time to sit down with us and chat all about his busy life, his future goals, and his journey from being sad about his Down Syndrome diagnosis to embracing it!

GeneralValerie SchliederApril 21, 2020Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Inclusion, SpeakingComment

65. The Quarantine Chronicles

65. The Quarantine Chronicles

Raise your hand if your quarantine situation is nothing like you and your Pinterest board thought it would be! (We’ve got both arms up at this point). And it’s okay if you do too, friends. Because educating your children and working from home and surviving a global pandemic is hard. We’re right there with you. So join us for a chat about our quarantine situations, how to explain this madness to your kiddos, setting realistic expectations, giving yourself grace, and why homeschool should actually be called “crisis school.” We are cheering for each and everyone of you! Stay safe (at home), friends.

GeneralValerie SchliederApril 14, 2020Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Inclusion, QuarantineComment

64. Building Bridges Towards Inclusion w/Barbara Butler

64. Building Bridges Towards Inclusion w/Barbara Butler

Magical Bridge playgrounds are beautiful places where ALL kiddos can play together. Think accessible ramps, wide paths, kindness corners, and the cutest little huts for when you just need some space. We are so lucky to have Barbara Butler on to tell us more about these playgrounds. She is a luxury play structure and treehouse designer who uses her architect background to create incredible inclusive playgrounds alongside the Magical Bridge Foundation. Join us for the incredible story about how her work started and what we can do to make all of our playgrounds inclusive.

GeneralValerie SchliederApril 7, 2020Down Syndrome, Advocacy, InclusionComment

63. Health & Down Syndrome w/Dr. Noemi Spinazzi

63. Health & Down Syndrome w/Dr. Noemi Spinazzi

“Stay home, wash your hands, don’t touch your face….” you’ve heard it all before. But now you can hear from pediatrician Dr. Noemi Spinazzi, who specializes in Down Syndrome. She works at a children’s hospital in Oakland, CA and is the medical director of Charlie’s Clinic - a Down Syndrome specific health care center! Today we’re asking her about all things health and Down Syndrome from special Covid-19 precautions, medical myths, speech, pneumonia, hearing, and more!

GeneralValerie SchliederMarch 31, 2020Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Family, Health Comment

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.

GeneralValerie SchliederMarch 24, 2020Down 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.

GeneralValerie SchliederMarch 21, 2020Down 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!

GeneralValerie SchliederMarch 18, 2020Down 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!

GeneralValerie SchliederMarch 10, 2020Down 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.

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