The Lucky Few

Latest Episodes:

66. Public Speaking & Self Advocacy w/Matthew Schwab Apr 21, 2020

Show notes

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!

___

SHOW NOTES

Follow Matthew Schwab on Instagram and Facebook.

Visit matthewschwabspeaks.com to book Matthew for your next speaking opportunity!

Watch Matthew’s TedX Talk: How I Know Including People With Down Syndrome Is A Good Thing

LET’S CHAT

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

SPONSOR: JONAS PAUL EYEWEAR

Jonas Paul Eyewear makes stylish glasses for kids and teens! We’re sure you’ll love them just as much as our families do! The frames even perfectly fit our kiddos with Down Syndrome thanks to their unique adjustable tips. Head on over to jonaspauleyewear.com and use code THELUCKYFEW for 15% off your order!

SPONSOR: ENABLE SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING

Enable SNP tailors your child’s future plans to their unique needs and amazing abilities. They have all the tools you need to start planning for your child’s future, today! Mention THELUCKYFEW to get 10% off your planning services. Learn more at enablesnp.com!

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

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

CHECK OUT HEATHER’S NEW BOOK

Scoot Over and Make Some Room: Creating a Space Where Everyone Belongs by Heather Avis is NOW available on Amazon.

Head to Youtube and subscribe to The Lucky Few’s NEW Channel: In Search of The Lucky Few. Click here to start watching now!

65. The Quarantine Chronicles Apr 14, 2020

Show notes

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 today, 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.

___

SHOW NOTES

Learn more about Terry Brown’s “So Happy to Learn” curriculum for students with Down Syndrome.

LET’S CHAT

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

SPONSOR: JONAS PAUL EYEWEAR

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

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

CHECK OUT HEATHER’S NEW BOOK

Scoot Over and Make Some Room: Creating a Space Where Everyone Belongs by Heather Avis is NOW available on Amazon.

Head to Youtube and subscribe to The Lucky Few’s NEW Channel: In Search of The Lucky Few. Click here to start watching now!

64. Building Bridges Towards Inclusion w/Barbara Butler Apr 07, 2020

Show notes

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.

Can playgrounds really shift narratives? We sure think so.

___

SHOW NOTES

Learn more about Barbara Butler!

Check out The Magical Bridge Foundation!

LET’S CHAT

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

SPONSOR: JONAS PAUL EYEWEAR

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

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

63. Health & Down Syndrome w/Dr. Noemi Spinazzi Mar 31, 2020

Show notes

“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! Dr. Spinazzi also shares what it’s like to be a doctor in our Covid-19 world and how we can all support medical professionals, hint: stay home! (if possible). Speaking of whom, thank you so much to all of you out there who are working hard to keep everyone safe, including our extra at-risk kiddos with Down Syndrome. We see you and appreciate you so much!

Alright friends, grab your pens and paper (you'll want to take notes on this one) and enjoy!

___

SHOW NOTES

Learn more about Charlie’s Clinic, where Dr. Spinazzi works and follow them on Instagram @oaklanddownsyndromeclinic

Read Q & A on Covid-19 and Down Syndrome by Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group, Global Down Syndrome Foundation, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Down Syndrome Society, National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities, and Down Syndrome Foundation

Check out the other Covid-19 resources that we mentioned:

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!

CHECK OUT HEATHER’S NEW BOOK

Scoot Over and Make Some Room: Creating a Space Where Everyone Belongs by Heather Avis is NOW available on Amazon.

Head to Youtube and subscribe to The Lucky Few’s NEW Channel: In Search of The Lucky Few. Click here to start watching now!

62. Micha & Ace's Dual Diagnosis Journey Mar 24, 2020

Show notes

“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. What has it been like to join the dual diagnosis community? How was receiving Ace’s Autism diagnosis different than his Down Syndrome diagnosis? Who have you connected with? And is there a gap between the Down Syndrome community and the dual diagnosis community (DS/Autism)?

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.

___

SHOW NOTES

Don’t forget to follow Micha and Ace on Instagram at @acefaceismyfriend.

Dual Diagnosis Resources

Check out our episode with Tesney Davis!
Read A New Course: A Mother’s Journey Navigating Down Syndrome and Autism by Teresa Unnerstall
Read When Down Syndrome and Autism Intersect
Learn more about the Down Syndrome clinic near Micha: Charlie’s Clinic

Read When Your Child With a Disability Isn't A 'Superstar' by Ellen Stumbo

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!

BONUS: Happy World Down Syndrome Day! Mar 21, 2020

Show notes

Thanks to Covid-19, it seems like #EverythingIsCancelled… except World Down Syndrome Day! We might not be presenting about DS in our kid’s classrooms but we can still shout their worth! Because if there is one thing people with DS have taught us, it’s how to be flexible! So let’s do it, friends. Down Syndrome has also 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 while social distancing! Then, tag us in your World Down Syndrome Day posts (@theluckyfewpod) and use hashtag #THELUCKYFEW.

Thank you for joining us every week for the last TWO YEARS! As always, we are cheering for you and sending virtual hugs your way! Happy World Down Syndrome Day, friends.

____

SUPPORT THE DOWN SYNDROME COMMUNITY

Help provide college scholarships for individuals with Down Syndrome by giving to Ruby’s Rainbow! Check out their website and Instagram.
Check out Sandal Gap Studio to support artists with Down Syndrome!
Don’t forget to join us on PATREON! Be amongst the first 35 sign ups to receive FREE MERCH!

WORKSHOPS BY THE LUCKY FEW

OUR PODCAST RECOMMENDATIONS

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!

61. Behind the Scenes of El Candidato, the extraordinary documentary about Bryan Russell Mar 18, 2020

Show notes

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 the biggest questions surrounding this election: Can someone with DS run for office and make a difference? Is the country ready for someone with DS to be a politician? Does Bryan Russell actually want to be a politician or is he just part of a larger agenda?

Join us for a chat with Bryan Russell, his parents, and Katie + Ryan for all things changing perceptions, navigating politics, and living in Peru!

___

SHOW NOTES

Follow El Candidato & Bryan Russell on Instagram!

Check out El Candidato on Facebook.

Don’t forget to join us on PATREON! Be amongst the first 35 sign ups to receive FREE MERCH!

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!

CHECK OUT HEATHER’S NEW BOOK

Scoot Over and Make Some Room: Creating a Space Where Everyone Belongs by Heather Avis is NOW available on Amazon.

Head to Youtube and subscribe to The Lucky Few’s NEW Channel: In Search of The Lucky Few. Click here to start watching now!

60. What's Ours to Share? Mar 10, 2020

Show notes

Anyone else ever questioned how much you share about your child or loved one with Down Syndrome on social media? We sure have! (Would I say this out loud to her friends? What would she think if she heard me saying this about her? Can I share this in a way that honors her and continues to bring our community together?)

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!

___

SHOW NOTES

Join us on PATREON! Be amongst the first 35 sign ups to receive FREE MERCH!

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!

59. Finding Community at GiGi's Playhouse w/Nancy Gianni Mar 03, 2020

Show notes

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 so 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. (Do you think this is as cool as we do?!)

Join us for a chat with Nancy Gianni, author, public speaker, Chief Belief Officer and founder of GiGi’s Playhouse! She’s bringing energy, excitement, and empowerment to the Down Syndrome Community across the globe and we could not be more thankful. Get involved with GiGi’s Playhouse by visiting gigisplayhouse.org.

JOIN US ON OUR NEW PATREON!

Become a Patron of the show and receive amazing benefits in return. During our launch the first 35 in each tier get a very special gift. Check it out now at: The Lucky Few Podcast Patreon

___

Follow GiGi’s Playhouse on Instagram!

Visit gigisplayhouse.org for more information on how to get involved!

Want to create your own GiGi’s Playhouse location? Learn more here!

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!

58. A Conversation About Race & Down Syndrome w/Mercedes Lara & Kelli Caughman Feb 25, 2020

Show notes

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.

Kelli is a mother of 3 kids, and her 5 year old son Cree is rockin’ that extra chromosome! She is also the only black member on the board of the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN) as well as one of the creators of the DSDN group for people of color. Join her and Mercedes for a conversation about the barriers to representation and resources for people of color in the Down Syndrome community, how to connect with other moms, and the misguided assumptions made about people of color raising a child with DS.

___

Keep up with Kelli on Instagram: @momof3kellic

Check out Kelli’s podcast: @unmasteringmotherhood

Join the Black Families Down Syndrome Network group on Facebook or find the DSDN group that’s right for you!

LET’S CHAT

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

SPONSOR: JONAS PAUL EYEWEAR

SPONSOR: ENABLE SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING