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Hey, Friends! Before next week’s new episode we want to (re) share another one of our favorite self-advocate episodes! Matthew Schwab is a 25 year old man with Down syndrome who is absolutely slaying it at life. There’s no better way to describe him! Since we last chatted with him in 2020, Matthew has moved into an apartment with his brother and started his own podcast! He’s officially entered the world of “adulting” where there’s no one around to remind you to do your chores! Today we’re chatting about the highs and lows of living away from home, the future of Matthew’s relationship (and why the law makes it SO difficult for couples with DS to get married), and what we think of the phrase “nothing about us without us.” Friends, you’re going to love this episode! And if you want more behind the scenes of Matthew’s life, you can check out Matthew Schwab Speaks The Podcast: Thriving with Down Syndrome on anchor and spotify! --- Matthew Schwab Speaks The Podcast: Thriving With Down Syndrome Matthew’s other podcast, Tales of Arcadia: Unlocking the Universe’s Secrets Our previous episode with Matthew Schwab.. #66. Public Speaking & Self-Advocacy Keep up with Matthew! Instagram 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 This episode was proudly sponsored by Enable Special Needs Planning. Thinking about your child’s future can be pretty stressful. What will happen to them if something happens to you? Will their siblings feel overwhelmed with responsibility if you’re gone? ENABLE Special Needs Planning is here to help you create a strategic, specialized plan for the future that works for the unique goals of your family. Go to ENABLEsnp.com to connect with one of their expert special needs consultants and ensure you have a plan that will truly give you peace of mind. ---- The Lucky Few Shop Discount Extended Through March 31st: Buy One Sweatshirt and Get Any One Tee or Hat at 50% off ! with code: WDSD23 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

Today we have a very special guest here to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, the one and only Sofia Sanchez!! We just happen to be the first podcast interview (many more to come!) for this actress, model, author, and self-advocate. She has some fun projects going on: a new book, cartoon series, a feature film, and advocating on capital hill, just to name a few! Sofia gives us a tease of her experiences filming ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ coming to theaters this November! We’d say the odds are in this middle schoolers (almost high schoolers!) favor! We’re cheering you on Sofia! An episode you won’t want to miss, friends! -- SHOW NOTES: Follow Sofia on Instagram and Tik Tok   Check out Sofia’s website Order: “Be You Tiful Love, Sofia” by Margaret O’Hair and Sofia Sanchez  Order: “You Are Enough: A Book About Inclusion” by Margaret O’Hair and Sofia Sanchez  Order: ‘You Are Loved: A Book About Families’ by Margaret O’Hair and Sofia Sanchez ‘You Are Loved: A Book About Families’ by Margaret O’Hair and Sofia Sanchez  Celebrate the SIXTH anniversary of the release of Avis ‘The Lucky Few’ by Heather   Join the Avis crew in Washington DC for NDSS Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference: Registration Closes March 24th  The Lucky Few Shop Discount Extended Through March 31st: Buy One Sweatshirt and Get Any One Tee or Hat at 50% off ! with code: WDSD23  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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

For the last 5 years, we’ve worked hard to bring you expert resources, meaningful connections, and loving encouragement each and every week. And we’re so grateful for those of you who have stuck with us for the last 200 episodes! This is a milestone we are celebrating with ALL of you! You’ve listened to us navigate parenthood, education, new diagnoses, and so much more with our kiddos. And today we’re taking you behind the scenes of the last 5 years! Join us for a chat about our origin story, quotes from our guests, and feedback from all of you. It’s been a rollercoaster but the heartbeat of the show remains the same: your child with Down syndrome is enough just as they are. Thank you SO much to everyone who has supported the show! We love you all so much. -- SHOW NOTES Links to popular episodes: 12. Education - So Happy to Learn with Mrs. Terry Brown 67. Unpacking Privilege & Understanding Intersectionality w/Jalondra Davis 85. Is Inclusion Always The Best Option? 88. (Un)learning the Advocacy Language 102. "More Than A Moment," w/Kelli Caughman 117. Discussing "Dignity Beyond Accomplishment," An Article by Justin Hawkins (ft. author, Justin Hawkins) 162. What happens after high school? (Ft. Val - Recent OT Grad + TLFP Producer!) 169. The Harm in Using People with Disabilities As "Inspiration" in Clickbait Viral Videos 185. What if my child with Down syndrome can’t? 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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

Take it from us, parenting is hard and those first years can feel like the hardest, especially with an unexpected diagnosis. But we promise that when you look back, you’re going to remember the sweet moments the most. Today’s episode is for all the new parents in the Down syndrome community. We’re sharing all the items we wish we used, the wisdom we wish we had (especially when it comes to all the therapies..) and what we wish we would have told ourselves to get through those early years. We’re also chatting about the DS groups that provided education, support, and community to us. Looking for a good book? You know the three of us love to read (and write!) so we’ve got you covered with plenty of recommendations: practical advice, encouragement, memoirs, and more! Bottom line: we know that the Down syndrome diagnosis can feel overwhelming. We wish we didn’t worry so much about all the “what ifs.” Friends, love those sweet babies for the gift that they are. We promise the things you’ll worry about now won’t matter when you see their first smile or hear their sweet giggle. So go snuggle those babies in a moby wrap for us and jot down one of our mantras! You got this. -- Learn more about: Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN) Wish we had: Moby Wrap ; Hip Helpers ; Bob Stroller Books we love: The Lucky Few by Heather Avis Expecting Adam by Martha Beck A Good and Perfect Gift: Faith, Expectations and A Little Girl Named Penny by Amy Julia Becker Unbound: The Life and Art of Judith Scott by Joyce Scott Entwined: Sisters and Secrets in the Silent World of Artist Judith Scott by Joyce Scott The Parent's Guide to Down Syndrome: Advice, Information, Inspiration, and Support for Raising Your Child from Diagnosis through Adulthood by Jennifer Jacobs Babies with Down syndrome: A New Parents Guide --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

Raise your hand if the phone number of your kid's school popping up makes your stomach drop? Hands raised over here too, friends. Today, we (Heather + Josh Avis) are chatting about recent challenges with our children’s IEPs.. what’s working, what’s not working, and why we’ve hired a lawyer. We’re asking tough questions.. Why does it feel like this system is built on something broken? Are separate spaces made to actually accommodate children with disabilities or to make others feel more comfortable? Bottom line: giving someone a seat at the table or a high five in the hallway isn’t inclusion. Creating spaces where every human feels seen, known, and safe makes all the difference. And we know that the school system CAN work for some children in some places, but most days we feel pretty defeated. And strangely, it’s both devastating and comforting to know we’re not alone in this struggle with the education system. Friends, tomorrow’s a new day, so for today we’ll do the best we can. -- SHOW NOTES Check out this post from Common Ground Society about the recent study on inclusive education in CA. Learn more about the Inclusive Education Project 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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

Friends! Did you know that not only are we in the middle of Black History Month but also Inclusion Month?! Today we’re honoring the adversities faced by advocates before us and celebrating the changes we’re making now that will impact future generations. After all, the end goal is the same: creating spaces of belonging for everyone, and we mean everyone. And we know we’re in a vulnerable moment in society, and in order to make lasting changes for future generations, we need to put in the hard (sometimes uncomfortable) work. And that’s what this episode is all about. We’re discussing microaggressions towards the Black and disabled communities, how we challenge systems to change, why separate programs can sometimes be a valuable asset, and what inclusion looks like in our own lives. We hope you join us for this important conversation about all these topics + more… ableism, the intrinsic worth of every human, you know, super lighthearted discussion right?! -- SHOW NOTES Listen to the episodes we mentioned! 146. It's Black History Month! Let's Talk About It. 147. Resources for Black History Month - Movies, Podcasts, Books, & More! 148. Diversity in the Down Syndrome Community 149. The Only Black Mama In The Room - ft. Ashley Dirks (mother/advocate) 101. Jalondra Davis on Race, Disability, & Advocacy 102. "More Than A Moment," w/Kelli Caughman Check out these shows! The Hair Tales on Hulu The 1619 Project on Hulu Follow @sonnysideup_syndrome who we mentioned in our good news! 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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

Happy Valentine’s Day, friends! In honor of the holiday, we have three very special guests joining us.. Josh, Andy, & Chris! That’s right! We each sat down with our husbands to answer all of your questions about relationship dynamics and Down syndrome. How do you make time for each other (and away from each other)? How do you team up to advocate for your child? How do you process your feelings after the diagnosis? We’re not experts or anything friends, but if there’s one thing we’ve learned it’s that lots of grace, vulnerability, and some therapy can go a long way. Join us for this fun and practical conversation all about parenting styles, nontraditional partner roles, ableism in the household, + more! And no matter what you’re up to this Valentine’s day, we love you! -- SHOW NOTES Listen to previous episodes that include our husbands! 120. Happy Father’s Day! (ft. Our Husbands) 56. The One About Marriage, w/Micha & Chris! 35. Mercedes & Andy answer, “What’s it like traveling with your kids?” 33. Heather & Josh answer, “How has Down syndrome created your family norm?” 14. Marriage & Relationships: Parents Raising Children with Down Syndrome 7. The Dad’s Episode 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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

Happy February, friends! We’re celebrating Black History Month with two of our favorite mamas (and returning guests!), Kelli Caughman and Crystal Lotterberry. Both of these ladies are raising kids with Down syndrome while running their new non-profit organization: The Black Down Syndrome Association. And friends, the work they’re doing is SO good. Today we’re talking about the many inequalities Black individuals with DS face, tokenism vs. intentionality, and how we can advocate and support every member of the DS community. Note: we had some technical issues during recording.. but this episode was too good not to air. Thanks for understanding, friends! -- Learn more about the Black Down Syndrome Association on their website Keep up with our guests and the Black Down Syndrome Association Follow BDSA on Instagram Like BDSA on Facebook Follow Kelli Caughman on Instagram Follow Crystal Lotterberry on Instagram Learn more about the theme of this Black History Month, “Black Resistance” HERE Join the Black Families Down Syndrome Network group on Facebook or find the DSDN group that’s right for you! Listen to our previous episodes with Kelli Caughman! 58. A Conversation About Race & Down Syndrome w/Mercedes Lara & Kelli Caughman 102.  "More Than A Moment," w/Kelli Caughman --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

April Aguilera is a mother of three beautiful girls, including her daughter Paloma, who has Down syndrome. She is also the writer of the short film, “For Paloma,” that stars brilliant actors with DS and details a mother’s unexpected journey through receiving a birth diagnosis. We’re so grateful April has joined us today to chat about undoing ableism as a mother of a disabled child, creating “For Paloma,” and disability representation in the media. We’re also getting vulnerable about mental health and recognizing how individuals with DS invite us to recognize our own worth.. you might need a tissue for this one! Be sure to keep listening to hear about April’s newest project, a feature film based on the life of Judith Scott, a renowned artist with DS. If you’re not familiar with her work, head to google ASAP! So much goodness and relatability in this episode, friends. Don’t miss it. SHOW NOTES Follow @forpalomathemovie and @april_m_aguilera on Instagram! Learn more about April Aguilera here. Learn more about For Paloma here. Read “Entwined” by Judith Wallace Scott 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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

It’s a new year and we have a new recording platform! Which means we now have access to sound effects.. so you’re welcome for that! We’re back with new episodes all year long, starting with a conversation about what we’ve been up to these last couple of months and what we’re doing (or better yet, NOT doing) in 2023! We’re rejecting hustle culture and prioritizing connections over accomplishments this year! Who’s with us!? Join us for a chat about all the things on our minds as we head into this new year.. therapy schedules, goal setting, medical vs holistic interventions, attending to our children's individual needs, and so much MORE. Thanks for joining us! SHOW NOTES Read the article: “What The Longest Study on Human Happiness Found Is The Key To A Good Life” Check out the podcast Micha mentioned 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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

You know how much we love celebrating people with Down syndrome all year long! We’re so excited for all the amazing self-advocates doing big things. But if you’re a parent of a child with DS who felt a little lost, sad, and maybe even lied to when you see certain posts on the internet.. then this episode is for you. We’re chatting about what happens when your child with Down syndrome doesn’t achieve all the things our society celebrates. Are they still worthy? Where does our value come from if not accomplishments? Our kids have been the greatest invitation to see the worth in others (and ourselves) apart from achievements.. and today we’re talking about why. We’re also chatting about how to share content about our children in honorable ways and how to receive content about other people’s children without comparing. Plus we’re exploring the “dark side to positive representation” that causes us to only celebrate people with DS who act the most like people without DS. WOW! So much to unpack here, friends. It’s a good one. -- SHOW NOTES Read Heather’s blog: What If My Child With Down Syndrome Can’t? Read “DOWNism: When You’re not Even Good Enough for Your Own Community, or…The Dark Side of Positive Representation” Read “My Mistake, My Bad” 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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

Dr. Priya Lalvani began working with previously institutionalized adults with disabilities in her early twenties.. she later gave birth to her now 20 year old daughter with Down syndrome. She’s been thinking pretty deeply about disability rights for many years and today she’s invited us to do the same. We’re questioning some common practices that might actually be rooted in ableism.. Why do we use the term “fully included?” Why don’t we teach about disability in the classroom? What does it mean to be an advocate vs an ally? There is SO much to dive into here, friends. We hope you join us for this important conversation about ableism, disability rights,  body normativity, dehumanization, a brief note on ABA.. and so much more. SHOW NOTES Read Constructing the (M)other by Dr. Priya Lalvani Follow Dr. Lalvani on Twitter at priya_lalvani Listen to #88. (Un)learning the Advocacy Language 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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

Did you know that individuals with Down syndrome are frequently denied organ transplants? Just because they have a disability. We can’t believe this is a thing that’s still happening, but we are SO glad that there are people pushing back on this discrimination. Today in this episode, we are sharing two very important interviews with some extraordinary activists: Charlotte Woodward (NDSS employee + self-advocate w/DS), Bart Devon (senior director of public policy at NDSS), & Christy Sellers (lucky mama of 4 with DS + advocate). We’re talking about the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act, Glory’s Law, the fear and ignorance that has caused this discrimination, and the recent tragedies in the DS community that have added momentum to this movement. It’s time to call your senators and sign up for the NDSS action alerts! Listen to this episode to learn more and get involved. -- SHOW NOTES Visit ndss.org to learn more about all the wonderful things the National Down Syndrome Society is doing and follow them on Instagram. Take action on the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act HERE! Keep up with Christy and her family on Facebook - Sellers Magnificent Seven Listen to our previous episodes about organ transplant discrimination prevention + politics in the DS community. 140. Heart Transplant Discrimination Against People with Down Syndrome (Trigger Warning: Infant Loss) 92. Politics & Down Syndrome w/Kayla McKeon & Ashley Helsing 17. Self Advocacy - Down Syndrome in DC with Kayla McKeon! 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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

Hey friends! We want to (re)share a VERY important episode with all of you.. A few months ago we had the chance to attend the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network Rockin’ Mom’s Retreat and meet SO many wonderful women! And our girl Mercedes grabbed a microphone and sat down with a few lucky mamas from the DSDN Black Families group to chat all about diversity within the Down syndrome community! These mamas shared about what it’s like to google “Down syndrome” and not see a picture of a child that looks like yours, how the recent events in the country have continued to shape them, and why they sought out a group for fellow Black families. The DSDN Black Families group has grown to 1,000 members and we encourage you to join them if you are part of this community. We’re so grateful for these mamas sharing more about their experiences in the DS community! __ Learn more about the DSDN Black Families group + other DSDN groups you can join! LET’S CHAT Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com with your questions and Good News for future episodes. 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 HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com for more information!  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

Tis the season to be jolly.. and maybe also a little stressed?! Because let’s face it, the holidays are filled with fun and joy and magic but they can also get a little complicated. What are some of the challenges you’re anticipating? Maybe your family members have unrealistic expectations of your children with disabilities? Maybe your kiddos get a little overstimulated at times? Maybe you feel like there’s an extra pressure on your child with Down syndrome? No matter where you find yourself this holiday season, we’re here to walk you through it (or at least try to). So grab your hot coco, pause the hallmark movie, and join us for a chat about how to prepare your family members (and yourself) for fun (and inclusive) celebrations! Happy Holiday, listeners! We love you and we’ll be back with new episodes in 2023! SHOW NOTES Listen to last year’s holiday episode.. 144. How to Keep the Holidays Happy Limited time offer for Podcast listeners only! The Lucky Few Co has new shirt designs just in time for the holidays! New Narrative Shifter designs for the whole family. Use code “podcast” to get 20% your entire purchase. Tap HERE to shop! 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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

When it comes to thinking about the future for your child with Down syndrome, we know that even hearing the words “special needs trust” can be stressful! How do you even begin to save enough money? What will happen to your son or daughter if something happens to you? What is expected of their siblings? So much to unpack here. That’s why we’re thankful to have Phillip Clark on the show once again to walk us through his planning strategies that actually work! For your WHOLE family! As a brother to his sister with Down syndrome, Phillip remembers the stress of these tough conversations from a young age, and now he’s determined to give families access to an abundant life for their loved one with Down syndrome. And today he’s giving us the first steps and all his best tips! Plus we’re chatting about the difference between an ABLE account and Special Needs Trust, the best time to start planning, and how Phillip has helped our own families plan for the future of our kiddos. Don’t miss this one! And be sure to check out Enable Special Needs Planning to get started. You won’t regret it! SHOW NOTES Listen to our first interview with Phillip Clark: 47. Planning for the Future w/Phillip Clark from Enable SNP Connect with Phillip and Enable SNP: Instagram Free Facebook Group enableSNP.com Learn more about ABLE Accounts Limited time offer for Podcast listeners only! The Lucky Few Co has new shirt designs just in time for the holidays! New Narrative Shifter designs for the whole family. Use code “podcast” to get 20% your entire purchase. Tap HERE to shop! 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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

You asked for it, friends! We’re back with another important conversation about disability in the church! We really appreciate all the feedback you gave us and we’re diving into it today. We’re asking.. Are disability ministries actually creating more separation in the church? Do pastors receive training on inclusion in seminary? And who’s responsibility is it to get inclusive practices started? Plus, we’re sharing some examples from you all about what to do (or not to do) when welcoming in a child with a disability. And stay tuned until the end for some resources you can share with your church leadership. Thanks for thinking about these tough topics alongside us! -- Listen to episode 179. Disability & The Church Resources: Joni and Friends 99 Balloons Key Ministry Limited time offer for Podcast listeners only! The Lucky Few Co has new shirt designs just in time for the holidays! New Narrative Shifter designs for the whole family. Use code “podcast” to get 20% your entire purchase. Tap HERE to shop! 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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

Holly Simon is a mama on an advocacy mission.. all because of her son Nate, who was born with Down syndrome almost 20 years ago! Now, he’s the CEO of 21 Pineapples, a t-shirt company that’s changing the world, one Hawaiian shirt at a time. And though Nate is the face of 21 Pineapples, Holly’s goal is to use this opportunity to support the WHOLE disabilities community.. with creative employment opportunities and fierce advocacy for everyone. We love Holly’s energy and we’re so excited to chat with her all about what it takes to sell 2 million t-shirts, how to prepare your loved one with DS for life after high school, and why you shouldn’t believe everything you see on social media. We’re also taking a moment to appreciate the magic our loved ones with Down syndrome bring to our everyday lives. We truly are #theluckyfew. Enjoy the episode, friends! -- SHOW NOTES Tap HERE to shop 21 Pineapples! Follow @21pineapplesshirtco on Instagram and Tik Tok Follow @natethegreatandlindsey on Instagram Watch Holly and Nate on the Chicago News Support 21 Pineapples Foundation Read “I Am Who I Am” by Holly Simon Limited time offer for Podcast listeners only! The Lucky Few Co has new shirt designs just in time for the holidays! New Narrative Shifter designs for the whole family. Use code “podcast” to get 20% your entire purchase. https://www.theluckyfew.co/ 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!  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

Tis’ the season to support small business that are shifting the narrative in BIG ways! Check out our 2022 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE for our personal recommendations on gifts for everyone (and we mean EVERYONE) in your life. We’re shouting out diverse companies that support our community and sell wonderful products! Shop for books and bikes, art pieces and experiences, silk toys and sensory bins, + so much more using our links! It’s time to open your laptop and get ready to make some loved ones very happy.. Bonus points if you shop while watching a holiday movie! -- 2022 GIFT GUIDE LINKS Gifts for Kiddos: Purposeful Play Sensory Bags by Maile Black Strader Sarah’s Silks Stretchy Dino Wrap from  Fun and Function Sloomoo Institute (NYC, ATL, CHI) Everyone Belongs by Heather Avis Everyone Belongs character set from Sheep Farm Felt Different - A Great Thing to Be! by Heather Avis Faith-Based Gifts: Mary On The Mantel! from Be A Heart Designs Holy Family Mini Suitcase from Be A Heart Designs Gifts for Everyone: Dance Happy Designs Grace Place Art Madsen Bikes Super Smalls New Merchandise from The Lucky Few! Christmas Tree Arrow Shirt Embroidered Patches Everyone Belongs Collection (shirts, hats, pins,   + more) Listen to previous gift guide episodes! 2020 gift guide 2021 gift guide --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

If you’ve been with us since the beginning then you might remember why this podcast started.. Micha was looking for more information on the best toothbrush for her son with Down syndrome. She and Heather quickly realized there was no information out there about dentistry and DS.. and especially no podcasts about it. So they called Mercedes and started this one.. vowing to have a dentist on as a guest! And today (nearly 200 episodes later..) we are SO excited to share an interview with Samantha Healy, a pediatric dentist and mother to a child with Down syndrome. She’s taking us through every moment of her son’s surprising birth story + giving us all the info we need to keep up with our children’s oral hygiene! We’re getting specific about tooth brushes, tooth paste, floss, and more. Samantha also shares her top tips for easing dental anxiety and why you should think twice before sharing a spoon with your baby! Get ready to take some notes! -- SHOW NOTES Find a pediatric dentist here! Check out aapd.org for all the dental info you need! 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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support