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. 3 GG FA

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 2 MAR

    324. What We Wish We’d Known About Inclusion

    In this episode of The Lucky Few Podcast, we continue our What I Wish I’d Known series by talking about inclusion — and being honest about how it actually feels. When we hear the word inclusion, we don’t immediately feel hopeful. We feel heaviness. Process. Fight. Sometimes discouragement. We talk about why inclusion so often becomes a disability service instead of a true community responsibility. We wrestle with school settings, adult programs, housing, and the limited options available once our kids grow up. We name the exhaustion of always being the one advocating — and the toll it takes on our kids to keep showing up in spaces not built for them. At the center of this conversation is this truth: The existence of a person with Down syndrome in the world is their resistance. Our kids take up space. They walk into rooms. They show up in communities that weren’t designed for them. That matters. Inclusion isn’t a program to be applauded. It’s a cultural shift. And while we may feel weary some days, we still believe our kids belong — not as a service, but as neighbors, coworkers, and friends. We see you doing the work. Take a breath if you need to. And keep going. Show Notes For more thoughtful work on disability, community living, and person-centered inclusion, visit Open Future Learning: https://www.openfuturelearning.org/** Interested in diving deeper? We’ve talked about inclusion before — especially in the context of school, IEPs, and advocacy. If you want to explore more episodes with an emphasis on inclusion in education and collaboration, start here: Episode 78: Building Trust (Not Barriers) w/Your Child’s IEP Teamhttps://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/iep-advocacy Episode 94: IEPs During COVID-19 (ft. Vickie Brett & Amanda Selogie)https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/inclusive-education-project Episode 270: IEP Success: How to Plan, Communicate, and Collaborate (w/April Rehrig)https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/270-iep-success-how-to-plan-communicate-and-collaborate-april-rehrig Episode 272: What Do We Wish We Knew Before Our First IEP Meeting?https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/272-what-do-we-wish-we-knew-before-our-first-iep-meeting-heather-avis-mercedes-lara Episode 273: Breaking Down Barriers: The Parent’s Role in IEP Success (w/Ashley Barlow)https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/273-breaking-down-barriers-the-parents-role-in-iep-success-with-ashley-barlow

    37 min

  7. 22 FEB

    323. What I Wish I’d Known About IEPs

    EPs can feel overwhelming, emotional, and complicated—and that’s because they are. In this episode of The Lucky Few Podcast, we kick off our new season, What I Wish I’d Known About…, by talking about IEPs—what we wish we understood from the very beginning, and what we’ve learned the hard way. Fresh off a multi-hour meeting, we share honestly about the exhaustion, the tension, and the “us vs. them” dynamic that can creep in. We unpack how evaluations drive goals, how goals drive placement, and why learning the language of the IEP changes everything. We talk about inclusion, evolving expectations, and what it looks like to follow our child’s lead as they grow. Most importantly, we remind ourselves—and you—of this: Our kids are not problems to fix.The IEP exists to serve them. Whether this is your first meeting or your fifteenth, we hope this conversation helps you feel more steady, more informed, and less alone. SHOW NOTES: For more practical guidance, we’ve learned a lot from Ashley Barlow and her work at Ashley Barlow Co.. She offers clear, actionable resources to help you navigate IEPs, strengthen your advocacy skills, and understand your rights—all in one place. Check out more IEP Episodes: 78. Building Trust (Not Barriers) w/Your Child’s IEP Team – IEP advocacy tips. 94. IEPs during COVID-19, ft. IEP Lawyers Vickie Brett & Amanda Selogie – IEPs & distance learning. 272. What Do We Wish We Knew Before Our First IEP Meeting? – Reflections on early IEPs. 270. IEP Success: How to Plan, Communicate, and Collaborate (w/April Rehrig) – Practical IEP strategies. 273. Breaking Down Barriers: The Parent’s Role In IEP Success (w/Ashley Barlow) – Parent advocacy in IEPs. 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.

    50 min

  8. 17 FEB

    322. Throwback: Elana Meyers Taylor — Gold Medalist & Lucky Mama

    We’re bringing back one of our favorite conversations in honor of an extraordinary athlete, mom, and advocate who continues to redefine what’s possible. Elana Meyers Taylor is a five-time Olympian and one of the most decorated athletes in winter sports history. She has earned one gold, three silver, and two bronze Olympic medals for Team USA, and is a four-time World Champion, with two gold medals in both the two-woman and mixed team events. She is also the most decorated Black winter Olympian of all time. But medals are only part of her story. Elana is mom to two boys. Her son Nico has Down syndrome, and both of her sons are deaf. In this episode, she shares what it was like to welcome Nico at the start of the pandemic while continuing to train at the highest level. It’s an honest look at motherhood, elite sport, and advocacy. Elana brings her family with her and uses her platform to speak openly about Down syndrome, ASL, and greater inclusion in winter sports. As we replay this episode, we’re cheering her on — not just for what she’s accomplished, but for how she leads.

    55 min
Elenco completo (365)

Presentatori e ospiti

Descrizione

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.

Informazioni

  • Creatore
    The Lucky Few Podcast
  • Anni di attività
    2018 - 2026
  • Puntate
    365
  • Classificazione
    Contenuti adatti a tutti
  • Copyright
    © The Lucky Few Podcast
  • Sito web del podcast
    The Lucky Few

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