The Lucky Few

Latest Episodes:

140. Heart Transplant Discrimination Against People with Down Syndrome (Trigger Warning: Infant Loss) Nov 09, 2021

Show notes

(Trigger warning: infant loss, heart defect). Thanks for joining us this week as we discuss a heavy topic: organ transplant discrimination in the Down syndrome community. This topic was born out of a recent tragedy with the passing of Zion Sarmiento, who was born with DS. Zion passed away on October 8th, just a week shy of 4 months old, after being denied a heart transplant by multiple hospitals. And the reasons they were denied are heart breaking. The truth is that many medical professionals, and society as a whole, do not see the worth and value of people with Down syndrome. But thankfully, the National DS Society is working hard to change that. And today, we’re telling you all the ways to take action, how to support Zion’s family, and what we can do everyday to shift the narrative.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sarmiento family.

Read the article about Zion Sarmiento from livenation.org

Check out the Facebook page: Zion’s Army

Learn more about the topics discussed today: Nondiscrimination in Organ Transplantation Laws & Toolkit from the National DS Society

Click HERE to take action!

Read the article: Lawmakers introduce federal legislation to prevent organ transplant discrimination

LET’S CHAT

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

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139. Motherhood, Advocacy & More! ft. Alex Rivera, founder of For Kids By Kids Nov 02, 2021

Show notes

When Alex’s daughter Penny was born with Down syndrome almost 3 years ago, she had no idea how it would impact her family, especially her oldest daughter. But today, Alex and her daughter work together on a special project called: For Kids By Kids where they sell products with a purpose. That’s because each purchase helps support the National Down Syndrome Society. And this month, they’re launching a very special collection of dolls who share features of children with DS, because representation matters! And you can never start too early. So tune in to learn more about how Alex started FKBK, why representation is so important, and how having a child with DS has sparked a creativity in all of us.

Check out For Kids By Kids Design on Instagram and fkbk.net

Learn more about the National Down Syndrome Society.

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!

138. What do you wish you knew when you got your child's diagnosis? Oct 26, 2021

Show notes

“If you could go back and talk to yourself when you got your diagnosis, what would you do tell yourself..” 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. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories with us last month! 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!

137. How To Be A #BossLady ft. Trista Kutcher (self-advocate with Down syndrome!) Oct 19, 2021

Show notes

According to Trista Kutcher, the key to being a #bosslady is feeling special and confident, and we totally agree. Trista is a self-advocate with Down syndrome, a business owner, a hip hop extraordinaire, and an IRL friend of the Avis fam! Trista and her business (Trista’s Sunshine Company) are based in Charleston, South Carolina. Not only does she sell products online, she recently got her products into stores in her area! When she’s not being a #bosslady, she’s advocating for DS, hanging out with her family, busting a move, and listening to the Jonas Brothers (honestly, same).

Friends! You do NOT want to miss this amazing episode with Trista Kutcher (and a very special surprise guest host..Macy Avis!). Trista has an important message for parents of kids with DS and for individuals with DS who want to start their own business. (Hint: positivity is key).

Follow Trista Kutcher!

Learn more about Peace Love Hip Hop!

Check out Cindy Eckert’s IG - she helped Trista gain her following!

2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE!

Every year we put together an episode with the most amazing (& world-changing) gifts of the season. Apply HEREto have your products/business featured in this year’s gift guide!

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!

136. Health & Fitness.. but make it simple. (Ft. Megan Libassi, Oxygen Fitness Coaching) Oct 12, 2021

Show notes

Raise your hand if you feel like you have no time or energy to work out! And maybe you spend so much time caring for your kiddos that you put your own health on the back-burner. And let’s face it, after a full day of therapies or an intense IEP meeting, the last thing you want to do is head to the gym. We’re so grateful we found Megan Libassi, a fitness coach and a mom to a little one with Down syndrome, who created Oxygen Fitness Coaching! She specializes in work out programs for mamas of children with DS that are sustainable and stress-free, because she gets it! And on today’s episode, Megan is sharing tips for health and wellness + why it’s so important to care for your health (our kids are watching us!)

Remember friends, you are not alone in your parenting journey, or your fitness journey! We are cheering for you!

SHOW NOTES

Instagram: @oxygenfitcoach
Facebook: facebook.com/oxygenfitcoach

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!

135. Let's Talk Potty Training and Down Syndrome! (ft. Dr. Lina Patel, PsyD) Oct 05, 2021

Show notes

Alright friends, you asked for it.. and now it’s time to talk about potty training! And who better to learn from than Dr. Lina Patel? (Psychologist, DS expert, and author of Potty Time for Kids with Down Syndrome: Lose the Diapers, Not Your Patience). She’s breaking it all down for us today.. because there’s more to potty training than we even realize (hint: medical challenges, cognition, language, and motivation)! We’re talking about when to NOT start potty training, why traditional techniques might not work for our kiddos, and of course- all the strategies to use when it’s time! Our #1 tip? Dr. Patel’s book!

Oh and if you’ve ever felt yourself stuck in some weird unspoken competition on who’s kid is potty trained first, so have we. So we’re chatting about that too!

SHOW NOTES

Learn more about Dr. Lina Patel here.

Buy Potty Time for Kids with Down Syndrome: Lose the Diapers, Not Your Patience on Amazon.com or woodbinehouse.com

Check out this wooden stool and training toilet Micha is using for potty training her son, Ace.

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!

134. Social Stories for Kiddos with Down Syndrome (ft. Dr. Lina Patel, PsyD) Sep 28, 2021

Show notes

Alright friends, it’s time to talk SOCIAL STORIES, those magical little books that help our kiddos with Down syndrome understand what’s expected of them in a new environment. Social stories are game changers when it comes to managing behaviors and transitions.. but don’t just take it from us. We have a social story expert on the show today! Dr. Lina Patel is a speaker, consultant, researcher, professor, and psychologist with almost 10 years of experience in the DS world. She’s breaking down the basics including the key elements (visuals, first person language, problem solving, and simplicity!) + she’s sharing some of her favorite resources for creating social stories. And maybe most importantly, we’re chatting about WHY certain behaviors occur and what we can do to support our kiddos in moments of stress. If you’ve ever thought about creating a social story, this is a good place to start!

SHOW NOTES

Learn more about Dr. Lina Patel here.

For more information on social stories, head to carolgraysocialstories.com

Check out some sample social stories on teacherspayteachers.com

For social stories on the go, check out the special stories app

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!

133. BTS Pt 4 - So how's school (really) going for us and our kiddos? (updates, advice, + more) Sep 21, 2021

Show notes

Whether you’re a few weeks or a few days into #BACKTOSCHOOL season, you might be feeling it. And by ‘it’ we mean allll the feelings and stress that you’re child is experiencing as they get used to their new classroom. We know we are. That’s why today we’re giving you a (very real) update on how our kids (and us) are doing.

We’re talking non-negotiables for our child’s education, how other kids see our kids, and what to do when you might need to switch schools (that’s right friends, it’s reached that point). Consider this episode our diary of feelings on the first few weeks of school complete with all of our struggles and successes. PLUS actual tips for getting through it (from the perspective of 3 mamas who are right here with ya!) We are cheering you and your kiddos on!

SHOW NOTES

Follow @authoraaronwright, a father raising an autistic child and navigating the school system.

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!

132. BTS Pt 3 - What's the impact of inclusion? (ft. Kristin Enriquez) Sep 14, 2021

Show notes

We talk a LOT about inclusion. But why? Why is it important to us to fight for it? Does it actually make a difference in our kids lives? In the lives of their peers? (Yes!)

Today we have an inclusion expert.. former teacher + mother to 4 (and all around education rockstar) Kristin Enriquez, back on the show! She’s giving us practical tips to “create a level playing field” at your next IEP meeting, because don’t forget - inclusion is a RIGHT, not a special privilege. We’re also chatting about how full inclusion has impacted Kristin’s son with Down syndrome and why they continue to pursue it. And don’t miss our tips for supporting students with disabilities in their general education classroom, encouraging our children to be proud of who they are, and reminding their schools who is really responsible for creating the inclusive environment!

SHOW NOTES

Keep up with Kristin Enriquez!

Listen to our previous episodes with Kristin!

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!

131. BTS Pt 2 - Preparing for the School Year.. IEPS + Special Education w/Ashley Barlow Sep 07, 2021

Show notes

Looking for practical tips to prepare for this school year?! Look no further. Ashley Barlow is a lawyer, former teacher, member of federal and state DS advocacy boards, and basically an expert in all things IEPS and special education. She’s here today with 3 practical ways to prepare for the school year.. that you can do while watching TV (yay!). Plus she’s sharing her wisdom on least restrictive environments, specific inclusion models, tracking your child’s progress, and how to START the school year in a general education setting. We’re even answering the question: “What are schools hiding from parents?”

And because we know you’ll want to learn more, be sure to check out ashleybarlowco.com for online courses, webinars, and basically everything you need to start this school year off strong. You CAN do this.

SHOW NOTES

Keep up with Ashley Barlow!

Read “The 5 Dysfunctions of A Team” by Patrick Lencioni

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!