The Lucky Few

The Lucky Few Podcast

Hey friends! Welcome to the Lucky Few Podcast where we are shifting the narrative by shouting the worth of people with Down syndrome. With your hosts, Heather Avis, Micha Boyett, and Mercedes Lara.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    330. What We Wish We'd Known About Advocacy

    In this final episode of our “What I Wish I Knew” series, we’re taking a step back to reflect on advocacy—what it’s looked like for us over the years, what’s changed, and what we wish we understood earlier. We talk honestly about the emotional weight of advocating for our kids with Down syndrome, the tension of speaking up in systems that don’t always listen, and the growth that comes from learning to trust your instincts. From early parenting moments to IEP meetings and navigating social media, this conversation explores the complexity of advocacy—how it evolves, where it gets messy, and why it’s never just one moment, but a lifelong process. We also dig into how advocacy has shifted in the age of social media—the connection it brings, but also the pressure, comparison, and confusion around what it’s supposed to look like. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unsure, or alone in advocating for your child, this episode offers perspective, honesty, and encouragement. Why advocacy is unavoidable as a parent of a child with Down syndromeLearning to trust your gut—even when “experts” disagreeThe emotional reality of speaking up and pushing backHow advocacy evolves over time and gets more complexSocial media: connection, pressure, and comparisonRedefining what advocacy actually looks likeAdvocacy isn’t about doing more or being louder—it’s about staying grounded in your “why,” trusting your instincts, and showing up for your child over time. What We CoverKey Takeaway 🎧 More on Advocacy Episode 101: Jalondra Davis on Race, Disability, & Advocacyhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000508421336Episode 262: 45 Years of Advocacy — A Conversation with Kandi Pickardhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000660264316Episode 17: Self Advocacy — Down Syndrome in DC (with Kayla McKeon)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000425139176Episode 172: Defining Ableism, Allyship & Advocacy + Redefining “Inclusion” (with Priya Lalvani)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000574499987Episode 256: Celebrating Motherhood, Advocacy, & Community (with Black Down Syndrome Association)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000654745623Throwback: Unlearning the Advocacy Languagehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000504975552 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going Are you using functional medicine with your child—or just starting to look into it? Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin? We’d love to hear from you. Find us on Instagram: ⁠@theluckyfewpod⁠

    45 min

  2. 20 APR

    329. What We Wish We'd Known About Functional Medicine

    In this episode of our “What I Wish I Knew” series, we’re talking about functional medicine—what it is, what’s helped us, and what we wish we understood earlier. We share real experiences navigating diet changes, supplements, specialists, and the cost of it all, while exploring a whole-body approach that looks beyond symptoms. We also talk about how to integrate functional and traditional medicine without feeling like you have to choose one or the other. If you’re curious about functional medicine but unsure where to start, this is a practical, honest starting point. What We Cover What functional medicine is and how it looks at the whole bodyHow diet, gut health, and environment can impact behavior and overall healthPractical ways to start without getting overwhelmed or spending a lotKey Takeaway: You don’t have to choose between functional and traditional medicine—start small, stay curious, and pay attention to what actually helps your child. Links: Listen to Previous Episodes Episode 38: Nonlinear Learning & Communication (with Dr. Vaish Sarathy) ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000624491053⁠⁠Episode 79: Understanding Functional Nutrition for Our Kids w/Down Syndrome (with Dr. Vaish Sarathy)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000487763974Episode 80: Assuming Intelligence in Our Kids w/Down Syndrome (with Dr. Vaish Sarathy)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000487049081Vaish Sarathy: ⁠https://www.meaningfulspeech.com⁠Follow Vaish Sarathy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/meaningfulspeech/Speaking of Health & Wellness: https://speakingofhealthandwellness.com Let’s Keep the Conversation Going Are you using functional medicine with your child—or just starting to look into it? Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin? We’d love to hear from you. Find us on Instagram: @theluckyfewpod

    35 min

  3. 14 APR

    328. What We Wish We'd Known About AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication).

    In this episode of The Lucky Few Podcast, we continue our “What I Wish I Knew” series with a real and honest conversation about AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) - Supporting Communication Without Limiting It Micha shares her journey with her son Ace and how her understanding of AAC has evolved over time—from treating it like a therapy tool to recognizing it as a language and a way of life. Along the way, we talk through common misconceptions, frustrations, and the mindset shifts that can make all the difference. If you’ve ever wondered whether AAC is “right” for your child—or felt unsure where to start—this episode is a grounded place to begin. What We Cover What AAC actually is—and why it’s for more kids than people thinkThe shift from testing communication → modeling communicationHow to get started (IEP, evaluations, and real-world barriers)Key Mindset Shift + Takeaways AAC isn’t a tool you bring out for practice—it’s a language you live in. That means modeling instead of requiring, assuming competence even when it’s hard to see, and remembering that communication is about connection—not just requests. For many kids, the challenge isn’t understanding—it’s motor planning. And like any language, AAC only works when it’s used consistently in everyday life, not just during therapy or structured time. Links: AbleNet https://www.ablenetinc.com/ Torganization mentioned in the episode for helping families get AAC devices (including working with insurance). Mercedes’ “third class Titanic” photo reference (watch here): https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVMSIy0EsI5/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Let’s Keep the Conversation Going Are you using AAC with your child? Thinking about it? Struggling with it? We’d love to hear what’s working—and what’s not. Find us on Instagram: @theluckyfewpod

    39 min

  4. 7 APR

    327. What We Wish We’d Known About Travel & Accessibility

    In this episode, we’re talking about travel and accessibility—what’s actually available, what we’ve learned the hard way (and the helpful way), and the questions that come with it. Fresh off an international trip, Heather shares real-life stories of navigating airports, museums, and public spaces with accessibility services—and realizing oh… this changes everything. Also, turns out you might not need to stand in that two-hour line. Just saying. We also wrestle with the bigger question: Should we use these services if our kids can do it without them? We talk about: Using accessibility services in airports (like TSA Cares and pre-boarding)Skipping long lines at museums and major attractionsFree and discounted access for people with disabilities and their companionsThe tension between presuming competence and accepting supportLetting go of pressure and adjusting expectations while travelingWhy flexibility matters more than having the “perfect” tripWe share stories from New York, London, and Paris—and how these supports made travel not just possible, but enjoyable. At the end of the day, this is about knowing your child, trusting your instincts, and using what’s available to make space for your family. Your family belongs in these places. Related Episodes Can a Person with Down Syndrome Travel the World? (Ep. 278) – Exploring what’s possible with global travel.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/278-can-a-person-with-down-syndrome-travel-the-world/id1349646917?i=1000672187141Planes, Trains & Presuming Competence (Ep. 296) – Travel, transitions, and supporting our kids well.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/296-planes-trains-presuming-competence/id1349646917?i=1000704406975Traveling with the Lara Family (Ep. 35) – A real family’s experience traveling with Down syndrome.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/35-traveling-with-the-lara-family/id1349646917?i=1000446155118How to Keep Your Kids with Down Syndrome Healthy While Traveling (Ep. 129) – Simple ways to stay healthy on the road.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/129-how-to-keep-your-kids-with-ds-healthy-while/id1349646917?i=1000532940758 CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST ⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠⁠ ⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠ ⁠⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH HEATHER AVIS WEBSITE: ⁠⁠THE LUCKY FEW OFFICIAL⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠THELUCKYFEWOFFICAL⁠⁠ ⁠⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠ ⁠⁠I LIKE YOU SO MUCH⁠⁠ ⁠⁠THIS IS DOWN SYNDROME⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH MERCEDES LARA IG: ⁠⁠HOORAY4THELARAS⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠HUMANLY.TV⁠⁠ ⁠⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH MICHA BOYETT ⁠⁠MICHABOYETT.COM⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠ACEFACEISMYFRIEND⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠MICHABOYETT⁠⁠ LISTEN TO ⁠⁠THE SLOW WAY⁠⁠ 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 or Shout Outs for future episodes.

    51 min

  5. 31 MAR

    Throwback: From School Plays to Disney Star: Noah Matthews Matofsky

    Friends, we’re bringing back one of our favorite conversations — our interview with Noah Matthews Matofsky, who starred as Slightly in Disney’s Peter Pan & Wendy. When this film premiered, Noah became the first actor with Down syndrome to have a speaking role in a live-action Disney feature film. And we had the joy of sitting down with him not long after the movie was released. In this episode, Noah joins us from the UK to share: How he went from school plays to being cast in a Disney film What it was like auditioning during lockdown Learning lines and filming stunts (yes, he had a stunt double!) Six months on set in Canada Red carpets, press tours, and being recognized in public Why representation matters His dreams for what’s next (Harry Potter? Toy Story? We’re planting seeds.) We also hear from Noah’s dad about what it was like supporting him through filming, balancing family life, and watching his dream unfold. This conversation is joyful, funny, and hopeful. It’s a reminder that our kids belong on every stage — including the biggest ones. Noah is also an ambassador for Down Syndrome UK and continues to use his platform to encourage others: “Don’t take it as a disadvantage. Add that to your life and do more in your life.” We’re so proud of him. And we’re so grateful for the way representation continues to grow. Follow Noah⁠ on Instagram for more behind the scenes and see what’s next! Noah has been invited to be a keynote speaker at the International Down Syndrome Congress in Florida this summer and is ⁠raising funds⁠ for his travel expenses. CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST ⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠⁠ ⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠ ⁠⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH HEATHER AVIS WEBSITE: ⁠⁠THE LUCKY FEW OFFICIAL⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠THELUCKYFEWOFFICAL⁠⁠ ⁠⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠ ⁠⁠I LIKE YOU SO MUCH⁠⁠ ⁠⁠THIS IS DOWN SYNDROME⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH MERCEDES LARA IG: ⁠⁠HOORAY4THELARAS⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠HUMANLY.TV⁠⁠ ⁠⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH MICHA BOYETT ⁠⁠MICHABOYETT.COM⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠ACEFACEISMYFRIEND⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠MICHABOYETT⁠⁠ LISTEN TO ⁠⁠THE SLOW WAY⁠⁠ 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 or Shout Outs for future episodes.

    36 min

  6. 24 MAR

    Throwback: Episode 3 — College, Expectations, and Ruby’s Rainbow with Liz Plachta

    This week we’re revisiting Episode 3 of The Lucky Few Podcast—originally recorded in April 2018. In one of our very first conversations, Heather, Mercedes, and Micah sit down with Liz Plachta, founder of Ruby’s Rainbow, to talk about what’s possible for individuals with Down syndrome after high school. At the time, this conversation felt hopeful. Now, it also feels proven. What started as one mom’s idea—to help one person with Down syndrome go to college—has grown into something much bigger: 1,015 scholarships awarded $3,776,000 in scholarship funds 26+ awareness campaigns changing the narrative And that momentum hasn’t slowed. Ruby’s Rainbow is currently in the middle of its 2026 “3/21 Pledge” campaign, with a goal to raise $600,000 by World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) to fund at least 120 scholarships. As of early March 2026, they’ve already surpassed that $600,000 goal—another signal of how much belief and support continues to grow around this work. This episode captures the early heart behind that movement—and why raising expectations still matters Give the gift of a dream. Change a life. Help someone with Down syndrome go for their college dreams! Take the 3/21 Pledge TODAY 321pledge.org/ CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST ⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠INSTAGRAM⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ CONNECT WITH HEATHER AVIS WEBSITE: ⁠THE LUCKY FEW OFFICIAL⁠ IG: ⁠THELUCKYFEWOFFICAL⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ ⁠I LIKE YOU SO MUCH⁠ ⁠THIS IS DOWN SYNDROME⁠ CONNECT WITH MERCEDES LARA IG: ⁠HOORAY4THELARAS⁠ IG: ⁠HUMANLY.TV⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ CONNECT WITH MICHA BOYETT ⁠MICHABOYETT.COM⁠ IG: ⁠ACEFACEISMYFRIEND⁠ IG: ⁠MICHABOYETT⁠ LISTEN TO ⁠THE SLOW WAY⁠ 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 or Shout Outs for future episodes.

    36 min

  7. 18 MAR

    326. What We Wish We’d Known About Loneliness in honor of World Down Syndrome Day (3/21)

    In this episode, we continue our What I Wish I’d Known series in honor of World Down Syndrome Day (3/21) and this year’s theme: Together Against Loneliness. When we first became parents of children with Down syndrome, no one talked to us about loneliness. Not the loneliness that can come in high school.Not when siblings leave.Not when friends start driving.Not when graduation comes — and the path forward feels unclear.Not when your child is included, but still isolated. We talk about the loneliness our kids experience — and the loneliness we feel as parents. We unpack the difference between inclusion and belonging, and why belonging is what truly combats loneliness. World Down Syndrome Day isn’t just about celebration.It’s about awareness.It’s about connection. Wear the socks.Have the conversations.Extend the invitation. Let’s be together against loneliness. Show Notes 🌍 World Down Syndrome Day Official site (theme, resources, global events):https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/ College scholarships for students with Down syndrome:https://www.rubysrainbow.org/ Creators of the annual World Down Syndrome Day campaign videos:https://www.coordown.it/ This year’s campaign video (featuring Noah, focused on ending use of the R-word):https://www.youtube.com/@CoorDown Their classic video “Dear Future Mom”:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju-q4OnBtNU Free programming and community for individuals with Down syndrome:https://gigisplayhouse.org/ 🎓 Ruby’s Rainbow🇮🇹 CoorDown (Italy)💙 GiGi’s Playhouse 🎉 Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day With Us We’ve been celebrating World Down Syndrome Day since the very beginning of this podcast. Revisit past conversations here: Episode 1 – World Down Syndrome Day 2018https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/1 Episode 53 – World Down Syndrome Day 2019https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/53 Episode 104 – World Down Syndrome Day 2020https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/104 Episode 156 – World Down Syndrome Day 2021https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/156 Episode 207 – World Down Syndrome Day 2022https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/207 Episode 259 – World Down Syndrome Day 2023https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/259 Episode 310 – World Down Syndrome Day 2024https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/310 CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST ⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠INSTAGRAM⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ CONNECT WITH HEATHER AVIS WEBSITE: ⁠THE LUCKY FEW OFFICIAL⁠ IG: ⁠THELUCKYFEWOFFICAL⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ ⁠I LIKE YOU SO MUCH⁠ ⁠THIS IS DOWN SYNDROME⁠ CONNECT WITH MERCEDES LARA IG: ⁠HOORAY4THELARAS⁠ IG: ⁠HUMANLY.TV⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ CONNECT WITH MICHA BOYETT ⁠MICHABOYETT.COM⁠ IG: ⁠ACEFACEISMYFRIEND⁠ IG: ⁠MICHABOYETT⁠ LISTEN TO ⁠THE SLOW WAY⁠ 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 or Shout Outs for future episodes.

    47 min

  8. 10 MAR

    325. What We Wish We’d Known About Infantilizing

    Show Notes In this episode of were talking about infantilizing — what it is, how it shows up, and why it matters. To infantilize someone is to treat them as younger or less capable than they are. For people with disabilities, this often shows up in subtle but harmful ways: baby talk, lowered expectations, behavior plans for age-appropriate teen behavior, speaking about someone as if they aren’t in the room, or limiting choices because we assume immaturity. We share real stories: When typical high school behavior is labeled as a disability issue How communication differences get mistaken for lack of intelligence The risk of tying maturity to verbal skills The hidden cost of withholding autonomy and choice How even we, as parents, have had to unlearn assumptions We talk about the radical assumption of competence — and how dignity starts with how we speak. Our kids’ age is their age.Their interests don’t define their intelligence.And adults deserve to be treated like adults. This conversation is nuanced. It’s uncomfortable at times. But it’s necessary. Let’s raise expectations.Let’s offer real choices.And let’s stop talking to adults like they’re toddlers. CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST ⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠INSTAGRAM⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ CONNECT WITH HEATHER AVIS WEBSITE: ⁠THE LUCKY FEW OFFICIAL⁠ IG: ⁠THELUCKYFEWOFFICAL⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ ⁠I LIKE YOU SO MUCH⁠ ⁠THIS IS DOWN SYNDROME⁠ CONNECT WITH MERCEDES LARA IG: ⁠HOORAY4THELARAS⁠ IG: ⁠HUMANLY.TV⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ CONNECT WITH MICHA BOYETT ⁠MICHABOYETT.COM⁠ IG: ⁠ACEFACEISMYFRIEND⁠ IG: ⁠MICHABOYETT⁠ LISTEN TO ⁠THE SLOW WAY⁠ 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 or Shout Outs for future episodes.

    40 min
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Hosts & Guests

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Hey friends! Welcome to the Lucky Few Podcast where we are shifting the narrative by shouting the worth of people with Down syndrome. With your hosts, Heather Avis, Micha Boyett, and Mercedes Lara.

Information

  • Creator
    The Lucky Few Podcast
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    368
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Lucky Few Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Lucky Few

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