The Lucky Few

Latest Episodes:

#THROWBACK: What do you wish you knew when you got your child's diagnosis? Jan 18, 2022

Show notes

We’re back with one of our favorite episodes with one of our favorite questions.. “If you could go back and talk to yourself when you got your diagnosis, what would you say..” Micha grabbed a microphone and walked all around the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network’s Rockin’ Moms Retreat and asked this question. We got the most amazing (and tear-jerking) responses from you rockin’ mamas. And we’re sharing them with you all today. This episode is full of wisdom from mamas of adults, teens, toddlers, and even twins. These perspectives are a whole lot better than a google search. So grab your tissues and get ready to nod your head along with all of these interviews. We think you’ll relate.

SHOW NOTES

Learn more about DSDN and the Rockin’ Mom’s Retreat!

Check out thisisdownsyndrome.com and on instagram: @thisisdownsyndrome.

LET’S CHAT

Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com with your questions and Good News for future episodes.

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com for more information!

EPISODE PARTNER: Oxygen Fitness Coaching

Check out fellow lucky mama Megan Libassi’s health and wellness business, Oxygen Fitness Coaching. Mention “the lucky few” and you get A FREE MONTH of coaching!

Instagram: @oxygenfitcoach

Facebook: @oxygenfitcoach

#Throwback: Disability Representation In The Media w/Gail Williamson (Talent Agent & Mother) Jan 11, 2022

Show notes

We’re back with another one of our favorite videos, featuring one of our favorite advocates. Here we go.. “There’s not a right way to have worth.. you just have worth.” - Heather Avis. We’re honored to chat once again with Gail Williamson who has been showing the media the worth of actors with Down syndrome for many years! It all started when her son Blair auditioned for a running commercial.. he’s built quite the acting career since and so has Gail - but in a much different way! She developed the children’s division in the Media Access Office and then went on to work for KMR Talent in the Diversity Department. Gail has blazed such a trail in this business that in 2019, the actors she represents made $3 million collectively. You don’t want to miss this chat with Gail as we discuss disability in the media, current barriers facing actors with DS, her proudest moments, and more!

SHOW NOTES

Listen to episode 51 w/Gail Williamson and the incredible actors she represents!

Check out kmrtalent.com for more information on Gail and her agency!

Learn more about Blair Williamson on IMDB

Watch Hunny Bunny, starring Blair & Susie

LET’S CHAT

Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com with your questions and Good News for future episodes.

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com for more information!

EPISODE PARTNER: Oxygen Fitness Coaching

Check out fellow lucky mama Megan Libassi’s health and wellness business, Oxygen Fitness Coaching. Mention “the lucky few” and you get A FREE MONTH of coaching!

Instagram: @oxygenfitcoach

Facebook: @oxygenfitcoach

#THROWBACK: Tell Me You're Raising A Child w/DS Without Telling Me You're Raising A Child w/DS Jan 04, 2022

Show notes

Time for another one of our favorite episodes! You might have seen the popular social media trend where people describe a relatable situation and others know exactly what they’re talking about - or at least that’s what we think it means.. So we’re here with a fun game of “tell me you’re raising a child with Down syndrome without telling me you’re raising a child with Down syndrome.” If you are parenting a kiddo w/DS, you might relate to the endless amounts of abbreviations you have to learn (OT, PT, ABA, the list goes on), the feeling you get when watching your child run for the first time, and maybe even buying extra locks for the bedroom doors! We love this community and all the little instances that bind us together.. especially what it feels like to hug your baby with DS! Enjoy the episode, friends!

SHOW NOTES

Podcast Rec! —> BITE YOUR TONGUE - Building Relationships With Your Adult Children

Click here to listen now!

LET’S CHAT

Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com with your questions and Good News for future episodes.

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com for more information!

EPISODE PARTNER: Oxygen Fitness Coaching

Check out fellow lucky mama Megan Libassi’s health and wellness business, Oxygen Fitness Coaching. Mention “the lucky few” and you get A FREE MONTH of coaching!

Instagram: @oxygenfitcoach

Facebook: @oxygenfitcoach

#THROWBACK: "A Life Meant to be Lived," w/Karen Gaffney (Self-Advocate & Open-Water Swimmer) Dec 28, 2021

Show notes

What better way to kick off the new year than with this extraordinary self-advocate? She’s the first person with Down syndrome to swim across the English Channel, she’s spoken to crowds across the nation, she’s started a non-profit foundation, she’s earned an honorary doctorate degree, she’s been a hard working employee for several years and she hasn’t let this pandemic stop her. She’s Karen Gaffney. And today she’s telling us all about her motto: “Down syndrome is a life meant to be lived.”

From open water swims nearly 9 miles long (sometimes with no wetsuit!), to academic and employment success, and all the public speaking engagements in between, Karen is shifting the narrative in big ways. We are SO thankful she’s here with us to chat about a lifetime of self-advocacy, her non-profit foundation, and all the daily routines (including 2 mile swims before work) that keep her going! Plus, Karen’s mom jumps on the interview to share her perspective as Karen’s mother. You don’t want to miss this one, friends!

SHOW NOTES

Check out the Karen Gaffney Foundation website and Facebook page!

Watch Karen’s TedX Talk: I have one more chromosome than you. So what?

LET’S CHAT

Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com with your questions and Good News for future episodes.

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com for more information!

EPISODE PARTNER: Oxygen Fitness Coaching

Check out fellow lucky mama Megan Libassi’s health and wellness business, Oxygen Fitness Coaching. Mention “the lucky few” and you get A FREE MONTH of coaching!

Instagram: @oxygenfitcoach

Facebook: @oxygenfitcoach

#THROWBACK: Discussing "Dignity Beyond Accomplishment," An Article by Justin Hawkins (ft. author, Justin Hawkins) Dec 21, 2021

Show notes

Time to revisit an important conversation about the connection between dignity, accomplishment, and disability. We love our friends with Down syndrome (many of whom have been on this show) who are doing BIG things in the world! Representation is important and we are cheering them on! But what about the people with DS who aren’t running marathons or starring in movies? Does society see them as important too? Or does our world only see people with DS as valuable when they accomplish something big? There is a lot to explore here. That’s why we sat down and chatted with Justin Hawkins, a PHD candidate at Yale University, a sibling to Jenna, his sister with Down syndrome, and the author of “Dignity Beyond Accomplishment.” We’re talking about growing up with Jenna, ableism and acceptance, and why he wants to “severe the connection between dignity and accomplishment all together.” If you’ve ever wanted a deep dive into the inherent worth of people with disabilities, this one’s for you.

SHOW NOTES

Read Dignity Beyond Accomplishment by Justin Hawkins

Read more from Justin at justinryanhawkins.com

Listen to Episode 99: Our Response to "The Last Children of Down Syndrome" by Sarah Zhang

LET’S CHAT

Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com with your questions and Good News for future episodes.

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com for more information!

EPISODE PARTNER: Oxygen Fitness Coaching

Check out fellow lucky mama Megan Libassi’s health and wellness business, Oxygen Fitness Coaching. Mention “the lucky few” and you get A FREE MONTH of coaching!

Instagram: @oxygenfitcoach

Facebook: @oxygenfitcoach

#THROWBACK: "More Than A Moment," w/Kelli Caughman Dec 14, 2021

Show notes

We’re so excited to re-release an amazing episode from earlier this year.. all about the intersection between race and disability, featuring our friend Kelli Caughman! She is a mother, wife, and a leading Black advocate in the Down syndrome community. Not only is Kelli the Black Families Director for the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network, she created the Black Family Village in Indiana and serves on the board of Gigi’s Playhouse in Indiana. We’re so thankful for everything Kelli brings to our DS community and we’re especially grateful she’s joining us for another important conversation during Black History Month. Today, we’re exploring the reasons behind the lack of diversity on social media, the mental strain on Black advocates over the past year, and tangible steps to take towards becoming anti-racist. It’s time to listen, learn, and engage in relationships with people who are different from you online and IRL.

Keep up with Kelli Caughman

Listen to our previous episode with Kelli Caughman here.

Check out her IG post we discussed during the episode here. You don’t want to miss this one!

LET’S CHAT

Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com with your questions and Good News for future episodes.

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com for more information!

EPISODE PARTNER: Oxygen Fitness Coaching

Check out fellow lucky mama Megan Libassi’s health and wellness business, Oxygen Fitness Coaching. Mention “the lucky few” and you get A FREE MONTH of coaching!

Instagram: @oxygenfitcoach

Facebook: @oxygenfitcoach

144. How To Keep The Holidays Happy Dec 07, 2021

Show notes

The holiday season is officially upon us! And with that comes only magical moments of joy and peace and love.. just kidding! Between the family photo sessions gone wrong and the yearly debate between cooking or takeout, the holidays are complicated. And they get even more complex when your children face new foods, sensory overload, changes in routine, and even unsupportive family members. Today we’re chatting all about how to keep the holidays happy.. including mom guilt, letting go of traditions, how to not spoil our children, dealing with behaviors, and sometimes even sending everyone to bed so we can just decorate the house ourselves! Oh and don’t worry, we’re singing lots of holiday songs along the way. Sending extra love to you all this time of year. Happy holidays, friends!

SHOW NOTES

Check out our episode on social stories for helpful tips for holiday behaviors!

It’s not too late to shop! Click HERE for our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide.

143. Our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide! Nov 30, 2021

Show notes

*Cue the holiday music…It’s the most wonderful (& also sort of stressful) time of the year… holiday shopping time! But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our 2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE! It’s here, friends. We are so excited to share about all these wonderful, narrative-shifting small businesses! Shop for soaps and sweatshirts, books and beach towels, art and educational resources, + more! There’s truly something for everyone. And don’t pay full price, use our discount codes!

Oh and did we mention that many of these companies were founded by entrepreneurs with Down syndrome and employ individuals with disabilities?! So be sure to share this episode and follow us on Instagram for a GIVEAWAY this week where you can products from most of these businesses! Tis’ the season for shopping small and shifting the narrative!

SHOP THE GIFT GUIDE

Businesses by Self-Advocates:

Charlie French Art: Shop high quality abstract art and holiday prints by Charlie, an artist with Down syndrome.

Instagram: @justcharliefrench

Trista’s Sunshine Co:Purchase hand-sewn products from Trista, a business owner (& #bosslady) with Down syndrome!

Code: LUCKYSUNSHINE for 10% off burp cloths and taggies. Expires 12/10.

Soap by Zach: Check out Zach’s organic, small batch, goat milk and honey soap.

Code: HAPPINESS anywhere on the site for a free mini peppermint goatmilk and honey soap w/your order!

Dance Happy Designs: Shop handcrafted totes, bins, planters, and pouches from a team of three BFFS- one with Down syndrome!

Code: LUCKYFEW15 for 15% off through 12/15.
Or shop through Nordstroms here.

Businesses that Shift the Narrative:

So Happy to Learn w/Mrs. Brown: We can’t recommend this online educational program for learners with Down syndrome enough! The perfect gift for anyone with DS, anywhere!

Beachables: A beach towel, chair cover, and towel all in one! Created by a fellow lucky mama!

Code: LUCKY for 20% off!

Lynn Richards Art: Journals with hand lettering and custom artwork on the cover! Created by a fellow lucky mama!

Code: JOURNALS for 10% off until 12/15.

Celebrate Different Apparel: Super soft (& stylish) shirts/sweatshirts with advocacy messages! Created by a fellow lucky mama!

The Lucky Few: Level up your advocacy (and accessory) game with our keychains, enamel pins, sweatshirts, shirts, + more! These items make the perfect gift for the worth-shouters in your life!

142. Our Kids are #WorthTheConversation (Sexual Abuse, Safety, & Body Autonomy in the DS Community) Nov 23, 2021

Show notes

Trigger warning: topics of sexual abuse.

Did you know that children with disabilities are 3x more likely to experience sexual abuse? Even though the risk is high, Lindsey Strickland believes that with more conversations, we can prevent sexual abuse in the Down syndrome community. Lindsey is a mama to 4, including her son with DS, and she has a background in sexual assault prevention and healing. With her knowledge and passion, Lindsey has created Worth the Conversation, an online community dedicated to keeping children with disabilities safe from sexual assault. Our kiddos face many risk factors each day.. frequent exposure to adults, limited communication, and often times reliance on others for personal needs. So what does Lindsey recommend? Give them as much body autonomy as possible, establish expectations with adults in their lives, teach them the correct names for their body parts, and so much more. Join us for this important episode full of wisdom from Lindsey Strickland, because our kids are definitely #worththeconversation.

Learn more from Lindsey Strickland!

Instagram: @worththeconversation
Website: worththeconversation.com

Listen to our first interview with Lindsey Strickland here: 36. A Tough Conversation About Sexual Abuse in the Down Syndrome Community

Listen to episode 55 about puberty and DS here: 55. All Things Puberty & DS w/Dr. Partridge

Read An Exceptional Child’s Guide to Touch

LET’S CHAT

Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com with your questions and Good News for future episodes.

SPONSORED BY BETTER HELP

Head to betterhelp.com/lucky and receive 10% off your first month of online therapy!

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com for more information!

141. Finding “Joy” Through International Adoption (ft. Rebekah Lyons) Nov 16, 2021

Show notes

Anyone else ever felt a little lost (and by that we mean very anxious) when it comes to balancing motherhood, Down syndrome advocacy, and in some cases, international adoption too? There’s a lot to unpack here, so we have an expert on today! Rebekah Lyons is an author, speaker, podcaster, mother to 4 (2 kiddos with DS), and emotional health advocate. Today she’s encouraging us to surrender by letting go and living free.. (if that sounds scary to you, you’re not alone!). She’s also sharing her incredible adoption story about bringing home her youngest daughter with DS all the way from China, her battle with panic attacks, and her tips for raising emotionally healthy kiddos. Plus we’re sharing all about how each of us answered “yes” to adopting kiddos with DS.. cue the tears! This is a good one, friends.

Connect with Rebekah Lyons!