The Lucky Few

Latest Episodes:

57. Shelley Gottsagen On Her Son Zack Gottsagen's Fame, The Oscars, + More! Feb 18, 2020

Show notes

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.

Not only was Zack the FIRST person with Down Syndrome to present an Academy Award on stage at the Oscars, he was the FIRST person with DS to be fully included in his elementary school, then the first to attend a prestigious performing arts school for middle school. And when he auditioned for a performing arts high school and didn’t get it in, his mom fought back. Knowing her son was talented enough, she investigated and found out that the school had never let a person with a disability in before. She took this information straight to civil court, and Zack started at that high school the next year.

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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Watch Zack present an award at the Oscars with co-star Shia Labeouf here.

Watch The Peanut Butter Falcon, starring Zack Gottsagen, Shia Labeouf, and Dakota Johnson!

Follow Zack Gottsagen on Instagram!

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!

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

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

56. The One About Marriage w/Micha & Chris! Feb 11, 2020

Show notes

Ever feel like you’re keeping score in your marriage? You’re not alone! In this very special couples episode (Happy Valentine's Day!), 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! They also know how to value their time together, count their blessings, and appreciate the gift of their family. Tune in to hear more about parenting their three sons and beating the odds of divorce for couples raising children with different abilities.

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Follow Micha on Instagram for more on her marriage and family life! (@michaboyett, @acefaceismyfriend)

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!

55. All Things Puberty & DS w/Dr. Rebecca Partridge! Feb 04, 2020

Show notes

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.

Dr. Rebecca Partridge is a pediatrician who is doing big things for the Down Syndrome community! She is a mother to Joshua, her 18 year old son with Down Syndrome, and Megan, her 12 year old daughter! Dr. Partridge started the Down Syndrome Program at Virginia Mason Medical Center in 2012 and has been working hard to care for and educate families with Down Syndrome ever since! She recently spoke at the NDSS Adult Summit on “Social Skills for Self Advocates” and has created a 4 week “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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SHOW NOTES

Listen to Episode 36: Worth The Conversation for more on DS and bodily autonomy!

Check out books by Terri Couwenhoven about bodies, boundaries, and sexuality for individuals 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!

54. When, Why, & HOW to Own Your Story! Jan 28, 2020

Show notes

Your story has the power to shift narratives. We repeat, YOUR story has the power to shift narratives. That’s right, friends! You are a world changer and today we’re encouraging you to own that. It’s time 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.

Don’t forget, friends - the world is a better place because of your story, and it’s time for you to OWN IT.

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Join the Own Your Story online workshop presented by Heather Avis here! You won’t regret it.

For more story telling content, listen to Moth Radio.

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 https://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!

53. Our Goals for 2020! Jan 21, 2020

Show notes

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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SHOW NOTES

Congratulate Mercedes on her new baby + check out how cute he is here!

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 https://jonaspauleyewear.com/ and use code THELUCKYFEW for 15% off your order!

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

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

52. Our 2019 Holiday Gift Guide! Dec 02, 2019

Show notes

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! That’s right friends, purchasing from these companies creates opportunities for entrepreneurs with Down Syndrome, for anyone with sensory needs, for parents of kids with different abilities, and for hard workers everywhere! And if that doesn’t convince you, we have discount codes for these amazing gifts!

So friends, grab your wallet and a cup of hot coco - it’s time to shop our 2019 Holiday Gift Guide! Be sure to check the links below for all the discount codes. Happy Holidays!

SHOP THESE BRANDS

Purchase Eli, Included by Michelle Sullivan on Amazon.

Visit funandfunction.com for weighted vests, sensory sacks, and more. Use code ‘LUCKYFEW’ for 10% off.

Shop at candidlykind.com and use code ‘LUCKYFEWPOD’ for 20% off!

Give the gift of comfort with a weighted blanket from Sheltered Co.!

Get yourself (or a friend) a planner from The Glory Days Co. Use code ‘theluckyfew’ for 15% off.

Purchase jewelry with a purchase from Wells Cooperative.

Visit 6 Arrows Designs for jewelry that shifts the narrative and use code ‘shopwithus’ for free shipping!

Check out the rings we love from Everything But Typical!

Shop on margritco.com for beautiful jewelry and to support entrepreneurs who have Down Syndrome!

Buy pillows, tote bags, canvas bins, and more from Dance Happy Designs! Use code ‘LUCKYFEW’ for for 15% off your purchases before 12/16.

Purchase Scoot Over and Make Some Room by Heather Avis for the teacher, narrative shifter, and/or worth shouter in your life!

SPONSOR: OWN YOUR STORY

Own Your Story is a one day workshop created to empower you to tell your story. Through hands-on guidance from our professional storytelling coaches you will be inspired, encouraged and equipped to tell your story to any given audience. Visit, theluckyfew.com to find the Own Your Story Workshop on the top of the page. And as a special bonus for our podcast listeners only, use code OYS50 for $50 off your ticket.

51. LIVE w/Inclusive Talent Agent + Amazing Actors! Nov 25, 2019

Show notes

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! You’ll love this LIVE interview, friends! And you’ll love these actors even more. Thanks for tuning in!

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Catch Jamie Brewer on American Horror Story (on Netflix and Hulu) and follow her on Instagram and Facebook!

Keep up with Cole Sibus on ABC’s Stumptown every Wednesday at 10pm. Follow him on Instagram.

Watch Jared Kozak play CJ Casagrande on Nickelodeon’s The Loud House and The Casagrandes! Don’t forget to follow him on Instagram.

Keep up with Hollywood’s most inclusive talent agent, Gail Williamson on Instagram.

LET’S CHAT

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

SPONSOR: LITTLE PASSPORTS

Little Passports delivers fun-filled packages right to their door every month, with engaging, hands-on activities, interactive projects, and unique souvenirs just waiting to be discovered. Find special holiday offers and order today for holiday delivery at LittlePassports.com/Lucky.

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!

50. Memories, Mishaps, and More! Nov 18, 2019

Show notes

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 it so much that today we’re chatting all about our awesome guest roster, our favorite moments, some behind the scenes details, 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!

Listen again to all of our episodes here. And don’t forget that this is your last chance to grab tickets for our live show this Thursday, 11/21 in SoCal. Get your tickets now!

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LIVE EVENT

Join us on the evening of Thursday, November 21st for a LIVE podcast recording event! We’re chatting with actors/actresses who have Down Syndrome, as well as their talent representative, Gail Williamson all about DS representation in the media! Get your tickets here.

LET’S CHAT

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

SPONSOR: ENABLE SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING

ENABLE Special Needs Planning offers a unique approach to planning for your child’s future! Let their team show you how creating a plan for your entire family’s success can provide you with the peace of mind you’ve been seeking. For our listeners, ENABLE is offering a 10% discount off their planning services. Just mention “The Lucky Few” podcast when you reach out to them at EnableSNP.com.

SPONSOR: LITTLE PASSPORTS

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!

49. Trading Stress for Rest w/Rebekah Lyons Nov 11, 2019

Show notes

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. Join us for a chat with Rebekah Lyons about all things peace, panic, and purpose. And don’t forget to grab your tickets for our LIVE event on November 21st. You don’t want to miss this. Get your tickets here.

SHOW LINKS

Connect with Rebekah Lyons!

Read“Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress And Anxiety For A Life of Peace and Purpose”by Rebekah Lyons
Read“You are free. Be who you already are,” by Rebekah Lyons
Visit rebekahlyons.com to learn more about Rebekah.
Follow Rebekah on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

LIVE EVENT

LET’S CHAT

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

SPONSOR: LITTLE PASSPORTS

48. Mikayla Holmgren on Pageants, College, and Self-Advocacy Nov 04, 2019

Show notes

Mikayla Holmgren is a dancer, pageant star, winner of Miss Minnesota’s Spirit Award and Director’s Award, college graduate, Best Buddies ambassador, and most recently -- a Sephora representative! She also has what she calls “a little side of Down Syndrome!” Not only is this self-advocate the winner of the Miss Amazing pageant that celebrates women with different abilities, Mikayla is also the first woman with Down Syndrome to EVER compete in a state Miss USA pageant, and she won two major awards. No big deal.

We could not be more thrilled to sit down with Mikayla Holmgren and her lucky mama, Sandy! Join us for a narrative shifting conversation all about expectations, stereotypes, confidence, independence, and of course, pageant swimsuit competitions.

But friends, Mikayla isn’t the only self-advocate shifting the Down Syndrome narrative in the media these days. Join us LIVE for a conversation with more celebrities who are rocking that extra chromosome as well as their talent agent, Gail Williamson. Hear from Jamie Brewer, Jared Kozak + many MORE special guests on Thursday, November 21st in Southern CA! Get your tickets here.

Connect with Mikayla Holmgren!

Instagram
Facebook
Mikayla for Sephora

LIVE EVENT

LET’S CHAT

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

SPONSOR: LITTLE PASSPORTS

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!

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