278 episodes

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. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

The Lucky Few The Lucky Few Podcast

    • Kids & Family
    • 4.9 • 324 Ratings

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. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

    248. Everything No One Tells You About Parenting A Disabled Child (w/Kelley Coleman)

    248. Everything No One Tells You About Parenting A Disabled Child (w/Kelley Coleman)

    We’re so excited to welcome feature film executive turned author and disability advocate, Kelley Coleman to the show! Her book Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Support releases TODAY!! Friends, this book is like gold, it provides the kind of support and confidence we all need to navigate and understand the complex systems, services, and supports no matter what diagnosis our kids have. It’s a resource we’ll be looking to for years to come, providing us with helpful questions, checklists, and ways to access services based on your child's individual needs. We celebrate finding friendship and community throughout the disability community, and Kelley shares how the Down syndrome community has embraced her and her son. She even shares how disability rights activist Judy Heumann shared her enthusiasm for a resource like Kelley’s book and emphasized the importance of sharing stories as self-advocates and nondisabled advocates in the disability space. This is a book and conversation we’re so grateful for, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!



    ---

    SHOW NOTES




    Order Kelley’s new book Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Support


    To learn more, visit https://www.kelleycoleman.com/ 


    Follow Kelley on Instagram and Facebook


    Learn more about Judy Heumann’s legacy



    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.


    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message
    Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

    • 58 min
    247. The Transition To Adulthood: Fostering Independence, Dignity Of Risk, & Supporting Decision-Making (w/ Amy Julia Becker)

    247. The Transition To Adulthood: Fostering Independence, Dignity Of Risk, & Supporting Decision-Making (w/ Amy Julia Becker)

    Friends, we’re so excited to have award-winning writer, speaker, podcaster, disability advocate, and Mom of three, Amy Julia Becker, joining us for a third time today! She’s here to chat about what the journey with her daughter Penny has looked like after turning 18 and entering adulthood. She’s been in the process of making decisions about education, employment, guardianship, independent living, and so much more! We chat about navigating new services, and agencies, and Teresa from Social Security. What’s been the decision that has felt like the weightiest part of the transition into adulthood so far. How she’s included Penny in the decision-making process, her thoughts on guardianship, and so much more. Turning 18 brings on a whirlwind of decisions, Amy reflects on how it’s paralleled the early years and shares advice to consider in your child's middle and high school years. This is an episode you not only don’t want to miss, but you’ll want to bookmark and take notes on!!



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    SHOW NOTES


    Check out Amy Julia’s post about Penny’s nails


    Instagram: @amyjuliabecker


    Facebook: @amyjuliabeckerwriter


    YouTube Channel


    Threads: @amyjuliabeckerX: @amyjuliabecker


    amyjuliabecker.com 



    Our Previous Episodes w/ Amy Julia: 


    26. Owning Your Influence By Using Your Words with Amy Julia Becker


    158. Faith, Healing, & Disability, ft. Amy Julia Becker (Mother/Author)



    Episode mentioned:


    214. Guardianship, Conservatorship, & Supportive Decision-Making



    DISCOUNT CODE

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



    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



    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.


    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message
    Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

    • 1 hr 8 min
    246. Heart Health & Navigating Heart Defects (w/Dr. Lorraine Schratz)

    246. Heart Health & Navigating Heart Defects (w/Dr. Lorraine Schratz)

    Friends, we know that seeing specialists and hearing your child could potentially have cardiac issues after receiving a prenatal diagnosis can all be overwhelming. We also know that while months of celebrating and advocating for awareness can be helpful, but also adds to those valid overwhelming feelings when you’re new to a diagnosis. While those statistics are true, 50% of babies born with Down syndrome are born with heart defects. There are also incredible advancements in cardiology and amazing physicians like our guest this week Dr. Lorraine Schratz there for your family every step of the way! Dr. Schratz is a pediatric and fetal cardiologist at Massachusetts General for Children and an instructor at Harvard Medical School. She acknowledges the fear that comes with a diagnosis but emphasizes the advancements in medicine that have led to fewer follow-up surgeries for people with Down syndrome. Dr. Schratz stresses the importance of providing families with both medical facts and emotional support, tailoring information to their needs, and encouraging patients to ask as many questions as they need to. She shares her advice to create healthy habits for our kiddos with and without heart defects, what to expect when receiving a diagnosis, and recommends resources for support. We’re so grateful for conversations like these, and in the words that Dr. Schratz’s patients wanted to send us, “It’ll be ok!” 



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    SHOW NOTES


    NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society) The Heart And Down Syndrome


    American Heart Association (Dr. Schratz recommends using the health conditions tab for helpful resources and information)
    Global Down Syndrome Foundation (more information and resources on congenital heart defects)
    The Brett Boyer Foundation
    American Academy of Pediatrics: Down syndrome guidelines



    DISCOUNT CODE

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



    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



    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.




    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message
    Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

    • 56 min
    245. Can An Advocate Get It Wrong Sometimes?

    245. Can An Advocate Get It Wrong Sometimes?

    Friends, you know we don’t shy away from asking the hard questions; today we’re diving into a complex one: Can an advocate get it wrong sometimes? We discuss the balance of advocating and learning, the foundation of a good advocate, and how humility shapes our advocacy journey. We explore the responsibility and journey of advocating for those with Down syndrome, and why being a listener and learner is key to effective advocacy. How long do you have to be part of something to be an advocate? What is the foundation of a good advocate? What happens if you do get it wrong? Tune in to hear our personal stories, how we’ve grown along this journey so far, and the importance of humility in advocacy. Join us for a thoughtful conversation you won't want to miss!



    ---

    SHOW NOTES: 

    Other episodes to check out:


    28. Owning Your Influence In ALL Your Spaces!
    101. Jalondra Davis on Race, Disability, & Advocacy
    172. Defining Ableism, Allyship & Advocacy + Redefining "Inclusion" - ft. Dr. Priya Lalvani
    197. Exposing The Roots (Racism, Ableism, Microagressions, + More)
    203. Beyond Checking A Box
    208. Growing Through Uncomfortable Conversations (w/Ashley - TLFP Producer & Self-Advocate)



    JOIN US LIVE!

    After six incredible seasons, and nearly 250 episodes, we’re excited to celebrate this one-in-a-million community! Over the last six years we’ve laughed, learned, and shared meaningful conversations, we’re so grateful to every one of you!

    Whether you’re a weekly listener or new to The Lucky Few fam, we hope to see you in San Diego or have you tuning in virtually!

    When: Friday, March 8th, 6:30 pm- 9:30pm

    Where: Haven by Communal, 3381 30th Street San Diego, CA 92104

    What: Doors open at 6:30 pm for cocktail hour. Enjoy drinks, merchandise/books from self-advocates, connecting with local DS community partners, and more! The LIVE podcast recording begins at 7:30 pm!

    Note: This is an adult-focused event.

    We cannot wait to see you there!!

    Head to the luckyfewpodcast.com and click on the banner to get your tickets they’re selling fast!



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


    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message
    Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

    • 1 hr 1 min
    244. Love, Advocacy, & A Viral Proposal (w/Matthew Schwab & Lucia Romano)

    244. Love, Advocacy, & A Viral Proposal (w/Matthew Schwab & Lucia Romano)

    Friends, we’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a couple that are sharing their enchanting love story! Their engagement was marked by a viral video and widespread media, Matthew Schwab and fiancé Lucia Romano share everything from their first date to their dreams for the future. This power couple is dedicated to shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome and the entire Intellectual and Developmental Disability community. From being fluent in multiple languages, working, driving, owning a public speaking business, living independently, ballroom dancing, community volunteering, participating as a multi-sport athlete in The Special Olympics, and giving a TEDx Talk, these two are the definition of a power couple! They have a shared passion for advocacy and hope their story will help challenge stereotypes about people with Down syndrome. We discuss their advice for those nervous about dating, and their moms share advice for families navigating their loved one's dating. This is an episode (and love story!) you don’t want to miss!



    ---

    SHOW NOTES


    Watch Matthew & Lucia’s proposal reel that has gone viral!


    Learn more about Matthew Schwab Speaks


    Follow Matthew Schwab on Instagram


    Follow Lucia Romano on Instagram



    Listen to past episodes with Matthew:


    66. Public Speaking & Self Advocacy w/Matthew Schwab


    183. Following the Lead of Self-Advocates (ft. Matthew Schwab)

    Listen to our episode with Down For Love Producer Robyn Paterson


    234. Producing A Diverse, Authentic, & Honoring Netflix Series (w/Down For Love Producer Robyn Paterson)


    Learn more about the show Down For Love


    Learn more about the show Life Goes On


    Learn more about the show Born This Way



    DISCOUNT CODE

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



    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



    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.


    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message
    Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

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

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

    Friends, last February we (Heather & Josh!) had an unscripted conversation about challenges with IEP’s and what the best setting for Macy’s education would look like. They say a lot can happen in a year, and when it comes to school, that’s an understatement. We’re talking about Macy’s journey in the last year, from a Charter school program and ultimately her decision to return to a life skills program. The importance of seeking advice, but most importantly, following our kid's lead, and asking what they want. If you’re feeling the exhaustion of fighting for a space where your kid feels belonging, we see you, you’re not alone. Join us for another unscripted conversation about inclusion in our schools, how it's worked (and not worked) for our kids the last year, and so much more! Be sure to let us know your thoughts, feelings, and experiences after listening to this episode.



    ---

    SHOW NOTES:


    198. The Best We Can: An Unscripted Conversation on Inclusion In Our Schools 


    229. Poet, Author, "Levitator of Language" Sid Gosh (w/Mom Dr. Vaish Sarathy)

    Other episodes to check out:


    28. Owning Your Influence In ALL Your Spaces!
    40. Back to School & All Things Education, Inclusion, & Down Syndrome
    64. Building Bridges Towards Inclusion w/Barbara Butler
    85. Is Inclusion Always The Best Option?
    128. What To Expect From Inclusive Settings
    172. Defining Ableism, Allyship & Advocacy + Redefining "Inclusion" - ft. Dr. Priya Lalvani
    216. Continuing Affects Of The Pandemic on Inclusion in our Schools (w/Common Ground Society)
    218. Creating Inclusion For All Learners (w/Tim Villegas) 
    223. Included, Seen, & Heard: The Impact of Successful Inclusion



    JOIN US LIVE!

    After six incredible seasons, and nearly 250 episodes, we’re excited to celebrate this one-in-a-million community! Over the last six years we’ve laughed, learned, and shared meaningful conversations, we’re so grateful to every one of you!



    Whether you’re a weekly listener or new to The Lucky Few fam, we hope to see you in San Diego or have you tuning in virtually!



    When: Friday, March 8th, 6:30 pm- 9:30pm

    Where: Haven by Communal, 3381 30th Street San Diego, CA 92104

    What: Doors open at 6:30 pm for cocktail hour. Enjoy drinks, merchandise/books from self-advocates, connecting with local DS community partners, and more! The LIVE podcast recording begins at 7:30 pm!



    Note: This is an adult-focused event.



    We cannot wait to see you there!!



    Head to the luckyfewpodcast.com and click on the banner to get your tickets they’re selling fast!



    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.


    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/message
    Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluckyfewpod/support

    • 49 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
324 Ratings

324 Ratings

Elizabeth & Bryan ,

SO glad Bryan found you!

I cannot say enough about this incredible podcast and these three amazing individuals advocating for their loved ones with Down Syndrome. My husband found this podcast the day after we received our in utero diagnosis at 12 weeks. He started listening immediately while it took me several weeks to be ready to embark on this journey.

I started at Episode 1 and have listened to the entire 248 episodes to date! In fact, my husband and I use each episode as our therapy sessions, listening separately and then coming back together to discuss what we learned.

This podcast crew is second to none. Heather is the most zealous, loving advocate for her children. I would follow her into battle every day of the week; her heart is full of compassion and empathy, and she is so well spoken. Mercedes is the human embodiment of the fruits of the spirit. She constantly challenges me to see the good in people and situations and to offer the benefit of the doubt. And, Micha is who I aspire to be—her honesty, her resilience, her faith, they are unmatched. She is an encourager, a motivator, and I think we would be best friends if we both lived in NJ.

We welcomed our little miracle, Civel Eliza (pronounced like “civil disobedience”), in May of 2023. Our warrior had open heart surgery at UNC hospital in October of ’23 and is THE strongest, bravest, most inspiring little person I know. While it’s been a rollercoaster, I can say unequivocally that it is the best, scariest, most life changing ride I’ve ever been on—and I never want it to stop.

With the Lucky Few podcast, I have found healing, I have found hope, and I have found a home.

Thank you!

Jencam86 ,

Dear friends

You guys, I love this podcast. I am a mama of a child with Down syndrome and just connect so much with these ladies and the guests on the show. I look forward to listening every week and the day it comes out just happens to be my day off work (win!) It’s my weekly sunshine, and I feel like it’s having a conversation with my girlfriends. Keep up the good work ladies!!

beautifullyjeannie ,

Human Variation and Love

Before listening to this podcast, I’d have said I don’t have a connection with Down syndrome. Now I know that I do, because I am human. I am a normal variation of human being and so are my trisomy 21 siblings. I’m glad we are all here together, whether we meet other people’s expectations or not, and whatever difficulties we happen to experience.

So, listen up! This podcast is beautiful.

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