The Lucky Few

Latest Episodes:

268. First Responders and Teacher of Patience: A Lesson in Understanding Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

We’re thrilled to have Carmen Vincent and Tom and Tina Felter join us to discuss their powerful Emmy award-winning documentary, Teacher of Patience. This film showcases the incredible journey of the Felter family and their daughter, Emily (who makes a surprise appearance!), who has Down syndrome. Tom shares the story behind developing The Emily Talk, a crucial presentation aimed at educating first responders about disabilities to prevent unnecessary tragedies, and how it led to meeting Carmen. We’re chatting about the process of making a documentary, their hopes for the film, and how it can impact the broader conversation of disability and inclusion. Stay tuned as we explore how this inspiring story is making an impact. This is another episode you don’t want to miss, friends!

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SHOW NOTES

Learn more about ‘Teacher of Patience’

Watch the trailer for ‘Teacher of Patience’

Stream the film at home (including bonus videos)

Screen the film for a group

Learn more about The Emily Talk

Learn more about the Ethan Saylor Alliance

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Join us in celebrating and supporting The Lucky Few Podcast! For just $0.99, $4.99, or $9.99 a month, you can help us continue shouting worth and shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome. Your support makes a difference in our ability to create meaningful content, enable us to cover production costs, and explore additional opportunities to expand our resources. Become an essential part of The Lucky Few movement today!

DISCOUNT CODE

Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code PODCAST for 10% off!

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

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

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:

Thank you, Jack’s Basket for sponsoring this episode!

EP 44 Shifting the Diagnosis Narrative w/Carissa Carroll from Jack's Basket

EP 180 "You Make Me Better" (An Interview with Carissa Carroll, Founder of Jack's Basket)

LET’S CHAT

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

267. What Is It Like To Have A Sibling With Down Syndrome? (Featuring Our Kids!) Jul 23, 2024

Show notes

Friends, the last two weeks we got to hear from some amazing siblings. Today we hope you’ll join us for a very special episode, we're sitting down with our kids to talk about what it's like to have a sibling with Down syndrome. Micha chats with Ace’s older brother Brooks (13), Mercedes sits down with Sunny’s younger brothers Rhodes (9) and Shepard (7), and Heather with Macy & August’s sister Truly (13)! They’re sharing the things they love to do with their siblings, the advice they’d give other kids who have a brother or sister with Down syndrome, and so much more! From the everyday moments to the life lessons learned, we're sharing it all in these candid conversations with our kids. Listening to the way they describe their relationship with their siblings and the beautiful connections they each have makes us all appreciate the unique bonds that define our families even more. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!

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SHOW NOTES

Our July episodes with siblings Matthew & Thomas Von Der Ahe and Taylor Gardner Chaney:

265. Brotherly Love: From Childhood Adventures to Adult Dreams (w/Matthew & Thomas Von Der Ahe)

266. From Sibling Love to Community Change (w/Taylor Gardner Chaney)

More episodes with the sibling perspective:

2. Siblings and Special Guests

93. The (Older) Sibling Perspective, ft. Pat Ramirez

157. Sibling Dynamics & Down Syndrome

181. How has your sibling changed your life? (ft. Dana & Anthony Sciullo from the NDSS team)

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

DISCOUNT CODE

Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code PODCAST for 10% off!

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

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

LET’S CHAT

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

266. From Sibling Love to Community Change (w/Taylor Gardner Chaney) Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

Today we’re chatting with another amazing sibling! Taylor Gardner Chaney is a passionate entrepreneur whose younger sister with Down syndrome has influenced her understanding of disabilities and guided her career choices. Taylor discusses viewing life as a series of seasons and how focusing on the "why" behind her work helps her push through challenging times. We explore the realization that siblings with disabilities often don't have the same choices and opportunities as those without, and how this awareness has shaped Taylor's perspective. She’s sharing her journey advocating and her “why” behind starting The Garden Foundation LV, which provides resources and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Friends, this is an episode packed with advice on sibling relationships, entrepreneurship, inclusion, and the power of community. This is another episode you don’t want to miss!

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SHOW NOTES

Follow Taylor on Instagram

Follow Dig it! Coffee Co on Instagram and check out their website

Follow The Garden Foundation LV on Instagram and check out their website

More episodes like this!

Listen to last week’s episode with brothers Matthew & Thomas Von Der Ahe for another sibling perspective!

2. Siblings and Special Guests

93. The (Older) Sibling Perspective, ft. Pat Ramirez

157. Sibling Dynamics & Down Syndrome

181. How has your sibling changed your life? (ft. Dana & Anthony Sciullo from the NDSS team)

More information and register for DSDN’s Rockin Mom’s Retreat in Las Vegas September 27-28!

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

DISCOUNT CODE

Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code PODCAST for 10% off!

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

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

LET’S CHAT

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

265. Brotherly Love: From Childhood Adventures to Adult Dreams (w/Matthew & Thomas Von Der Ahe) Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

Today, we're thrilled to chat with Matthew Von Der Ahe, known for his roles in 'Champions' and other films. Joined by his brother Tommy, they reminisce about childhood, explore their evolving adult relationship, and discuss maintaining their strong bond despite living apart. Matthew, an actor recognized for his work in 'The Secret Lives of Dorks' and 'Code Black,' is also active in the arts community and charity initiatives. Meanwhile, Tommy, a robotics enthusiast and former Loyola High School rower, now lives in Dallas, staying close with Matthew through FaceTime and visits. Their supportive dynamic shines as they share stories of family (18 cousins), pulling pranks, funny viral posts, sibling love, and mutual encouragement - they are each other's HYPE MAN. This episode celebrates their unique sibling bond and shared understanding of what it means to shift the narrative through enduring family ties. It's a good one, friends.

SHOW NOTES

Listen to Episode 210 with Matt and Madison Tevlin celebrating the release of their film ‘Champions’

Follow Matthew on Instagram

Check out Matthew’s IMDB

Go watch ‘Champions’ today!

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Join us in celebrating and supporting The Lucky Few Podcast! For just $0.99, $4.99, or $9.99 a month, you can help us continue shouting worth and shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome. Your support makes a difference in our ability to create meaningful content, enable us to cover production costs, and explore additional opportunities to expand our resources.⁠ Become an essential part of The Lucky Few movement today! ⁠

DISCOUNT CODE

Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on⁠ The Lucky Few Merch Shop⁠ and use code PODCAST for 10% off!

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

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

LET’S CHAT

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

264. Healing and Hope: Navigating Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (w/ Dr. Santoro & Dr. Quinn) Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

Today, we're chatting about the mysterious and challenging world of Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD). This condition has left many parents searching for answers as they witness profound changes in their children. Joining us are two leading experts, Dr. Jonathan Santoro and Dr. Eileen Quinn, who will share their insights and experiences from the frontlines of diagnosing and treating DSRD. Dr. Santoro serves as the Director of Neuroimmunology and Demyelinating Disorders Program and Director of Research for the Neurologic Institute at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. He also has clinical research expertise in DSRD. Dr. Quinn serves as the Medical Director of the Down Syndrome Clinic at ProMedica Ebeid Children’s Hospital in Toledo. Dr. Quinn is also the mother of four perfect daughters, the youngest of whom, Sara, has Down syndrome. They’re helping us understand the symptoms, treatment options, and the ongoing fight to understand this perplexing disorder. Friends, we’re glad to bring this important conversation to everyone’s attention.

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SHOW NOTES

Read The Washington Post article featuring Dr. Santoro and Dr. Quinn

Regression in Down Syndrome Facebook group

Information on Down Syndrome Regression Disorder Facebook Group

Additional resources from the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)

Learn more about DSRD

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

DISCOUNT CODE

Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code PODCAST for 10% off!

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

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

LET’S CHAT

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

263. Designs that Dance: A Tale of Friendship and Creativity (w/Dance Happy Designs) Jun 25, 2024

Show notes

Today, we’re chatting with the creative minds behind Dance Happy Designs! Emily Scott is here to chat with us about the power of inclusive entrepreneurship, friendship, and creativity and share some of co-founder Julia’s thoughts on their friendship and partnership, plus what her favorite design is! Emily shares their experiences creating high-quality, amazing designs and fostering an inclusive movement that centers and honors people with disabilities. Hear about their achievements, including being named a Tory Burch Foundation fellow, securing deals with Nordstrom and Aerie, and their commitment to collaborating with the Down Syndrome community. Plus, we hear about some new products AND they share an exclusive discount with our listeners!

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SHOW NOTES

Exclusive 21% off Dance Happy Designs for our listeners if you use THELUCKYFEW

Shop Dance Happy Designs

Shop the Dance Happy Designs and NDSS collab

Shop Julia’s Favorite Design Incana

Follow Dance Happy Designs on Instagram and Facebook

Learn more about The Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

DISCOUNT CODE

Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code PODCAST for 10% off!

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

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

LET’S CHAT

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

262. 45 Years of Advocacy: A Conversation w/ NDSS President Kandi Pickard Jun 18, 2024

Show notes

We’ve been so grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) over the last few years. Today, we’re chatting with Kandi Pickard, the President & CEO of NDSS, and celebrating their 45th Anniversary coming up on June 20th! Kandi is sharing the organization's journey from a support group that has grown into a major policy and advocacy organization, she shares her experience from becoming a volunteer to taking over as President & CEO, and what the future holds for NDSS! We chat about the honor of learning from and advocating alongside self-advocates, and the commitment NDSS has to representing the beauty and diversity of the Down syndrome community. We’re so grateful for the vital work they do to support and create opportunities for the community, tune in and be inspired by Kandi’s dedication and vision for the future of NDSS!

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SHOW NOTES

Learn more about the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)

Find NDSS on Facebook, Instagram, X, Tik Tok, YouTube, and LinkedIn

Learn more about the history of NDSS

Learn more about this year’s 30th NYC Buddy Walk

Learn more about the NDSS Policy Program

Learn more about ABLE Accounts

Learn more about this year’s Adult Summit

Learn more about the first Barbie with Down syndrome

Download the New And Expectant Parent’s Guide

Check out our past episodes with Kayla McKeon & Charlotte Woodward:

17. Self Advocacy - Down Syndrome in DC with Kayla McKeon!

92. Politics & Down Syndrome w/Kayla McKeon & Ashley Helsing

160. Organ Transplant Discrimination Against People with Disabilities (ft. incredible advocates!)

204. Self-Advocates On Capitol Hill w/Kayla McKeon, Matthew Schwab, & Charlotte Woodward

Check out our episode from last year’s Buddy Walk: 225. NYC Buddy Walk Highlights

Learn more about the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC)

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

DISCOUNT CODE

Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code PODCAST for 10% off!

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

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

LET’S CHAT

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

261. Fearless Together: Lessons In Bravery, Hope, & Resilience (w/David and Andrew Olshine) Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

Join us for a special Father’s Day episode featuring the dynamic father-son duo, David and Andrew Olshine! They share their inspiring journey of writing and publishing the book Fearless As A Honey Badger, Brave Like A Wolverine. Learn about the lessons they've learned, the message of hope and resilience they aim to share with the world, and how Andrew’s remarkable recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome inspired him to write the book. They also discuss the inspiration behind the powerful quotes included in the book, drawn from movies, Eleanor Roosevelt, Nelson Mandela, and Bible verses. Enjoy an excerpt read by Andrew himself and hear about his plans for his next book. This is a fun and heartfelt episode you don’t want to miss!

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SHOW NOTES

Get your copy of Fearless As A Honey Badger, Brave Like A Wolverine

Follow David & Andrew on Instagram

Get your copy of David’s book Mystery Of Silence

Check out Mercedes’ recommendation: All Creation Waits

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Join us in celebrating and supporting The Lucky Few Podcast! For just $0.99, $4.99, or $9.99 a month, you can help us continue shouting worth and shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome. Your support makes a difference in our ability to create meaningful content, enable us to cover production costs, and explore additional opportunities to expand our resources. Become an essential part of The Lucky Few movement today!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:

Thank you, Enable SNP for sponsoring this episode!

47. Planning for the Future w/Phillip Clark from Enable SNP

191. Future Planning for the WHOLE Family - ft. Phillip Clark, Enable SNP

DISCOUNT CODE

Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code PODCAST for 10% off!

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

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

LET’S CHAT

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

260. What Did We Learn From This School Year? Jun 04, 2024

Show notes

Cheers to making it through another school year! Join us as we share our experiences, celebrate the successes, and learn from the challenges of the 2023-2024 school year. Discussing everything from what types of supports and settings worked for our kids, to the injustices in our education system and the reality of our kids still leading the way in 2024. We hope you’ll join us as we reflect on the good and the hard another school year has brought. Remember friends, we’re cheering you on every step of the way!

SHOW NOTES

Listen to our 2022 reflections:

209. End of School Year Reflections

Listen to our episodes with Dr. Vaish Sarathy:

80. Assuming Intelligence in Our Kids w/Down Syndrome, ft. Dr. Sarathy

220. Back To School Jumpstart w/Dr. Vaish Sarathy

Hear more about Macy’s journey this year:

243. Still, The Best We Can (w/Heather & Josh Avis)

Listen to Micha’s Podcast The Slow Way

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:

Thank you, Enable SNP for sponsoring this episode!

47. Planning for the Future w/Phillip Clark from Enable SNP

191. Future Planning for the WHOLE Family - ft. Phillip Clark, Enable SNP

DISCOUNT CODE

Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code LuckyDad for 21% off (through 6/16)!

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

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

LET’S CHAT

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

259. Home Is Our Classroom: Homeschooling A Child With Down Syndrome May 28, 2024

Show notes

Friends, we know there are so many ways to learn, join us today as Mercedes chats with fellow homeschool mama Rachel Prescott about what it's like to homeschool kiddos with (and without!) Down syndrome. Mercedes has homeschooled her daughter Sunflower who has Down syndrome and her three boys for over five years now, Rachel who has twin six-year-old daughters Nettie and Lottie who have Down syndrome, and two boys ages 8 and 10. They share what an average homeschool day looks like for them, the benefits they’ve seen for their families, resources they’ve found helpful, and so much more! Learn how co-ops, standardized testing, and therapies have played a role in their journeys so far, and what kinds of activities their kids have participated in. Whether you’re considering homeschooling or are just curious about what a day in the life of a homeschool mama looks like, this episode is one you don’t want to miss!

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SHOW NOTES