Podcast Launch: Embracing Inclusion and Overcoming Challenges with Charlotte and Her Family

Anna and Charlotte Merrill
  • 5.0 (4)
  • RELATIONSHIPS

Discover the power of inclusion, love, and the beauty of differences in the first episode of So Let's Be Friends. Join Charlotte, who lives with cerebral palsy and a rare disease, as she shares her journey and invites her family to introduce themselves and discuss their unique bond. This podcast is a celebration of resilience and the strength found in unity. Charlotte's family opens up about the challenges and triumphs they have faced together, offering insights into their lives and the lessons they've learned along the way. Experience the warmth of a family that works hard and plays hard, and discover how they support each other through every obstacle. From early days filled with uncertainty to moments of joy and growth, their story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to adapt and thrive. Through heartfelt conversations, Charlotte and her family aim to raise awareness, foster understanding, and show that everyone belongs. Embrace the journey of learning, loving, and living life to the fullest, regardless of the pace.  Looking forward to interviewing and learning more about others on this podcast. #SoLetsBeFriends

  1. 19H AGO

    Sweet Salvation Bakery: Inclusion in Action, Interview with Blossom of the White Mountains

    In this special episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte and her sister Caroline — also known as “Sweet Caroline” also lives with Cerebral Palsy — share a conversation originally recorded with Blossom of the White Mountains, hosted by Kayla True, Kasey Rives, and Jacob Hakenewerth. Together they talk about Sweet Salvation Bakery, an inclusion bakery in Snowflake, Arizona that creates employment opportunities for people of all abilities while serving the community with delicious healthy baked goods and a mission rooted in belonging.  “Everyone Happier and Healthier; A Belonging Initiative” Nonprofit This conversation celebrates local business, community support, and the idea that meaningful work should be available to everyone. Charlotte and Caroline are grateful to the Blossom team for highlighting their story and helping spread the message that inclusion can grow anywhere — even in a small mountain town bakery. ⸻ 💛 Charlotte’s Quote “Inclusion grows when communities believe everyone has something valuable to contribute.” 💛 ⸻ ✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode 🧁 The story behind Sweet Salvation Bakery 🫶 Why inclusive employment matters 🏔️ Community support in the White Mountains of Arizona 👩‍🍳 Opportunities for people of all abilities to work and grow ❤️ How local businesses can create belonging ⸻ 🌐 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube Learn more about our mission at www.merrillbudz.org www.sweetsalvationbakery.org   ~To Call or Text Find them on Facebook @BlossomOFTheWhiteMountains 🎵 Music written and performed by Kalicia Merrill

    23 min

  2. FEB 23

    Early Intervention: Finding Support, Answers, and Hope for Families concerned about the beginnings of delays and special needs

    In this supportive episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte sits down with Britany to talk about Early Intervention and how it helps families of children with disabilities find the support and connections they need. Early intervention helps parents navigate doctors, therapies, and services — especially when they don’t yet know where to turn. Together, Charlotte and Britany discuss how Early Intervention supports children with special needs and how families can find help whether they live in Arizona or anywhere in the world. This episode is for parents and caregivers who feel overwhelmed, unsure, or alone — and for anyone looking for answers, encouragement, and a reminder that support exists. ⸻ 💛 Charlotte’s Quote “ Know that asking for help is a strength — not a failure.” 💛 ⸻ ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode 👶 What Early Intervention is and who it supports 🧩 How families get connected to doctors, therapies, and services 🌍 Where parents can look for Early Intervention support worldwide 💰 How Early Intervention is funded and ways families can access support 🫶 Why inclusion matters for children of all abilities ❤️ Encouragement for parents and caregivers navigating the early years Additional Resources: About Early Intervention in Arizona Arizona's team-based early intervention services implement the key principles of intervention, which are recommended by the national technical assistance centers funded by the United States Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Key Principles of Early Intervention   Infants and toddlers learn best through everyday experiences and interactions with familiar people in familiar contexts.  All families, with the necessary supports and resources, can enhance their children's learning and development.  The primary role of a service provider in early intervention is to work with and support family members and caregivers in children's lives.  The early intervention process, from initial contacts through transition, must be dynamic and individualized to reflect the child's and family members' preferences, learning styles and cultural beliefs.  IFSP outcomes must be functional and based on children's and families' needs and family-identified priorities.  The family's priorities, needs and interests are addressed most appropriately by a primary provider who represents and receives team and community support.  Interventions with young children and family members must be based on explicit principles, validated practices, best available research, and relevant laws and regulations.Additional Key Principles Resources   Seven Key Principles: Looks Like / Doesn't Look Like  (https://ectacenter.org/~pdfs/topics/families/Principles_LooksLike_DoesntLookLike3_11_0  time=1771608457079)  Key Principles of Early Intervention and Effective Practices: A Crosswalk with Statements from Discipline Specific Literaturetime=1771608457079) 2014) (https://ectacenter.org/-pdfs/topics/eiservices/KeyPrinciplesMatrix_01_30_15.pdf? ⸻ 🌐 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube For more about inclusion and our mission, visit www.MerrillBudz.org 🎵 (Music written and performed by Kalicia Merrill)

    48 min

  3. FEB 9

    “Neuroplasticity, Part 2: Real Life, Real Growth” A Conversation with Dr. Sveta Silverman

    In this continuation episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte shares Part 2 of a powerful conversation originally featured on Health with Sveta. Dr. Sveta Silverman reconnects with Charlotte’s mom, Anna Merrill and her Dad, Loren Merrill, to go deeper into what daily life really looks like while raising children with both physical and mental challenges. Building on their earlier discussion about neuroplasticity, this episode focuses on real-life routines, adaptations, setbacks, and small victories — the parts of the journey that don’t always get talked about. Together, they explore how hope, consistency, faith, and support shape growth over time — and how neuroplasticity shows up not just in science, but in everyday family life. This episode is for parents, caregivers, educators, the medical field and anyone walking alongside someone with disabilities — reminding us that progress is personal, and growth often happens quietly. ⸻ 💛 Charlotte’s Quote “Remember, progress looks different for everyone — and every step forward matters.” 💛 ⸻ ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode 🧠 How neuroplasticity shows up in everyday life 🏠 What daily routines and adaptations really look like 🫶 The emotional side of caregiving that often goes unseen 💡 Why consistency and hope matter more than perfection ❤️ How families find strength in the long journey ⸻ 🌐 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube For more about inclusion and our mission, visit www.MerrillBudz.org 🎵 (Music written and performed by Kalicia Merrill)

    38 min

  4. JAN 27

    “Hope, Neuroplasticity, and Family: A Conversation with Dr. Sveta Silverman”

    In this episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte shares a special conversation originally recorded on the podcast Health with Sveta, hosted by Dr. Sveta Silverman. Dr. Sveta sits down with Anna Merrill, a mom raising three children with both physical and cognitive challenges, to talk about family life, resilience, and the role neuroplasticity can play in growth, learning, and hope. This episode offers a real-life look at adapting as a family, believing in possibility, and supporting brain health and development — even when the road is hard. It’s a reminder that progress doesn’t always look the same, but hope can still grow. ⸻ 💛 Charlotte’s Quote “Hope grows when we believe in what people can become.” 💛 ⸻ ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode 🧠 What neuroplasticity means in everyday family life 🫶 How families adapt through physical and cognitive challenges 💡 Why hope and belief matter in long-term growth 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Real stories of resilience and love ❤️ The power of listening and understanding ⸻ 🌐 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, YouTube, and Amazon Music For more about inclusion and our mission, visit www.MerrillBudz.org 🎵 Music written and performed by Kalicia Merrill

    34 min

  5. JAN 8

    Inclusion in Action: Michael, and Grandma Maryann, and the Sweet Salvation Bakery Sourdough Team

    In this episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte sits down with Michael and his grandmother, Maryann — members of our Sweet Salvation Bakery sourdough team. This is Michael’s first job, supported through inclusive employment at the bakery and through our Unified Special Olympics community. Together, Michael and Mary Ann are not only learning the art of sourdough — they’re building confidence, skills, and even creating their own sourdough brand, supported by Sweet Salvation Bakery. This conversation is about dignity, teamwork, patience, and what happens when people are given the opportunity to belong and contribute in meaningful ways. It’s inclusion in action — one loaf, one lesson, and one relationship at a time. ⸻ 💛 Charlotte’s Quote “Everyone deserves the chance to work, learn, and feel proud of what they create.” 💛 “I love seeing people discover what they’re capable of — one step and one dream at a time.” 💛 ⸻ ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode 🍞 What supported employment looks like in real life 🫶 How family, community, and patience build confidence 💡 Why meaningful work matters for people of all abilities 👵 The power of learning and creating together across generations ❤️ How inclusion grows when people are believed in ⸻ 🌐 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, YouTube, and Amazon Music Learn more about our mission at www.MerrillBudz.org 🎵 Music written and performed by Kalicia Merrill

    36 min

  6. 12/24/2025

    Special Christmas Episode “Inclusion in Action: ’Twas the Night Before Christmas”

    In this special Christmas episode of So Let’s Be Friends, we share a beautiful example of inclusion in action. People of different abilities, from different places around the world, come together to read “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” in a collaborative project created by ABLE Radio. Each voice is unique, and each voice belongs. Charlotte and her mom were honored to take part in this meaningful project, which reminds us that inclusion isn’t just something we talk about — it’s something we live. This short episode is meant to be listened to and felt, as a reminder of connection, belonging, and the true spirit of the season. ⸻ 💛 Charlotte’s Quote “Inclusion means everyone gets to share the story — together.” 💛 Merry Christmas! I love you! ⸻ ✨ What You’ll Experience in This Episode 🎄 Voices of different abilities from around the world 🎙️ A collaborative storytelling project by ABLE Radio 🫶 A living example of inclusion through shared storytelling 🌍 A reminder that everyone belongs — especially at Christmas ⸻ 🌐 Now streaming on YouTube, Audible, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music Learn more about inclusion and our mission at www.MerrillBudz.org Special thanks to Able Radio  More Informations:  http://NomadSanta.substack.com 🎵 (Music written and performed by Kalicia Merrill)

    6 min

  7. 12/05/2025

    Cousins, Community, Inclusion and Thanksgiving Gratitude

    In this warm Thanksgiving episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte gathers with her cousins to talk about what it’s like growing up together — cousins with special needs and cousins who are typical — and how family naturally teaches love, patience, and inclusion. Together they share memories, laughter, lessons they’ve learned from each other, and the gratitude that comes from belonging to a family that loves every ability. If your family is coming together this week or has come together, this episode is a reminder that inclusion begins at home — one cousin, one moment, one small act of love at a time. ⸻ 💛 Charlotte’s Quote “Family teaches us how to include.” 💛 ⸻ ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode 🧡 How cousins create natural inclusion in everyday life 🦃 Gratitude and meaningful moments from growing up together 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why family is the first community we learn from ❤️ Real stories about love, patience, and helping each other 💡 How typical and special needs cousins strengthen one another ⸻ 🌐 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible and YouTube! For more about inclusion and our mission, visit www.MerrillBudz.org 🎵 (Music written and performed by Kalicia Merrill)

    29 min

  8. 11/20/2025

    “The Sound of Belonging” with Bruce Solsten of ABLE Radio Lab

    In this inspiring episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte welcomes Bruce Solsten, director of KDSTR Radio Corp and creator of ABLE Radio Lab — a media platform that empowers people with disabilities and underserved communities to share their stories. Bruce shares the history of Perry Damone’s original mission, the creation of the ABLE Radio Portal, and the heart behind his Nomad Santa storytelling project. Together, he and Charlotte explore what it means to build a world where every story matters and every voice can be heard. Whether you’re a creator, a student, or someone who believes in the power of inclusion, this episode will remind you why belonging begins with listening. ⸻ 💛 Charlotte’s Quote “Belonging happens when your voice is heard — just the way it is and noticing others. ”  "There is no box, get out of the box and kick it away "💛 ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode 🎧 The 30-year legacy of KDSTR and Perry Damone 🫶 How ABLE Radio Lab creates a space for every voice 🌐 What the ABLE Radio Portal offers new storytellers 📚 The origin of the Nomad Santa project 🤝 Why community partnerships strengthen inclusion 💡 Advice for young people who want to share their stories ⸻ 🌐 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible and YouTube! Visit MerrillBudz.org to learn more about our mission of inclusion and how to be Happier and Healthier, we can support you. 🎵 (Music written and performed by Kalicia Merrill)

    37 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
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4 Ratings

About

Discover the power of inclusion, love, and the beauty of differences in the first episode of So Let's Be Friends. Join Charlotte, who lives with cerebral palsy and a rare disease, as she shares her journey and invites her family to introduce themselves and discuss their unique bond. This podcast is a celebration of resilience and the strength found in unity. Charlotte's family opens up about the challenges and triumphs they have faced together, offering insights into their lives and the lessons they've learned along the way. Experience the warmth of a family that works hard and plays hard, and discover how they support each other through every obstacle. From early days filled with uncertainty to moments of joy and growth, their story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to adapt and thrive. Through heartfelt conversations, Charlotte and her family aim to raise awareness, foster understanding, and show that everyone belongs. Embrace the journey of learning, loving, and living life to the fullest, regardless of the pace.  Looking forward to interviewing and learning more about others on this podcast. #SoLetsBeFriends

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