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Down syndrome Podcast

Podcast Clips

Interested in an episode? Check out a sample of the conversation first. Enjoy!

137. Citizens of the Wold Charter Schools: Christina Aries and Maureen Lamorena-Tatsui

In this episode we celebrate Citizens of the World Charter Schools whose approach to inclusion was a life changing discovery for our family.  We sit down with  Dr. Maureen and Mrs. Aries, Co-principals of CWC, and discuss the importance of inclusion, its impact and why we as parents, if it is what is best for our student, should insist on our child’s right to an inclusive classroom.

episode 137.

136. World Down syndrome Day With Dr. Eric Rubenstein and his Co-Researcher Team

Happy World Down Syndrome Day 2023! In celebration of our community, we are sharing a discussion we had this month with Dr. Eric Rubenstein and his co-researcher team. Dr. Eric is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Boston University and his research team is comprised of six adults with Down syndrome who engage the research process to create their own project. The team is curious about the mental health of people with Down syndrome and designed a research project to explore people’s experiences with mental health issues and how they find support.

episode 136.

135. Revisiting with Pediatrician Dr. Mona Patel Gera

Dr. Mona is an attending physician in the Department of General Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. She sat down with us to challenge the many medical myths and stereotypes surrounding children with Down syndrome.

episode 135.

134. Your Dentistry Questions Answered - Dr. Jill Lasky

Dr. Jill Lasky discusses the importance of Pediatric Dentistry, how to introduce dental care and specifics pertaining to the Down Syndrome community. We also discuss methods and tools for parents who want to support their children in making good dental health habits.

episode 134.

133. Liam Turns 13: Let The Teenage Years Begin

This week Liam turns 13. We recorded this episode on Valentine's Day with is fitting because love is the driving force of this family. Becoming a teenager is a milestone we have been looking forward to and we are thankful for all the ups and downs that have gotten us here.

episode 133.

132. Black History Month: Revisiting Integration with Willie Dawkins

For Black History Month we revisit a phenomenal episode we had with Willie Dawkins. We honor his story and his parents who gave him the foundation of love and support he needed to find his way through an unjust world and the advocates who came before us who fought for equality and laid the groundwork for our fight for inclusion.

episode 132.

131. The Things We Learn: The Evolution Of An Advocate

We talk today about how we learn to do things differently, the way we learn from our past, and how the seemingly smallest memories can hold so much in them, like the little lessons along the way. We also explore the need to accept when it’s easy, and how that can be a challenge in itself.

episode 131.

130. Michael Sanford: An Advocate for Diverse Casting in Hollywood - Part 2

This is the second half of a two part interview with casting director Michael Sanford about the work being done to make media more inclusive and diverse. We first met Michael when he cast our son, Liam, in the Lena Dunham movie SHARP STICK. Michael had seen Liam in a film made for the Disability Film Challenge where people with disabilities have a space to tell their own stories in the hopes that more spaces like that will be made in Hollywood.

episode 130.

129. Michael Sanford: An Advocate for Diverse Casting in Hollywood - Part 1

In this week’s episode we discuss, with Hollywood casting director Michael Sanford, the importance of inclusion in everyone's life and the responsibility the film and television industry has to uphold a fabric of diversity that is reflective of our global society.

episode 129.

128. The Next Generation of Advocacy

In this episode we discuss the hope we have for the future and the positive changes we see in the next generation of Down syndrome advocates.

episode 128.

127. Revisiting A Meditation Paul Denniston - If We Knew Then - Down Syndrome Podcast

We’ve talked about self-care on this podcast and the importance of parents and caregivers to find the time to take care of themselves. We are so grateful that Paul Denniston has once again gifted us, and our listeners, with a guided meditation. This time Paul will guide us through a wonderful Loving Kindness Meditation to help us with the many struggles we can face when we so often put others before ourselves.

episode 127.

126. Happy New Year: Revisiting The Practice of The Beginner’s Mind with Maezen Miller

Happy New Year! We hope you are all having a wonderfully relaxing and safe holiday. Today in the spirit of the new year, we revisit an interview we had with Karen Maezen Miller about the practice of The Beginner’s Mind.

episode 126.

125. A Season of Hope

In this episode we talk about hope. Losing hope when challenges become overwhelming and finding it again on the other side.

episode 125.

124. Revisiting with Caroline Bencze-Fernandez Part 2: At Home Tools and Supports

Because we get so many questions from new parents, we wanted to revisit a couple of our very early episodes. In this Part 2 we re-air Caroline’s second appearance on the podcast where she dives a little deeper into the aspects of Early Intervention, what tools parents can use at home and how therapies for children with Down Syndrome have changed over the years.

episode 124.

123. Revisiting with Caroline Bencze-Fernandez - Part 1 - Early Intervention

Because we get so many questions from new parents, we wanted to revisit a couple of our very early episodes. In this Part 1 we re-air an extremely informative interview with Child Development Specialist, Caroline Bencze-Fernandez where she explains the importance of Early Intervention, how therapies have changed throughout her 30 year career and what parents should know.

episode 123.

122. Happy Anniversary: Things We’ve Learned Over 18 Years

It’s our wedding anniversary and we take a minute to reflect on the past 18 years. Happy Anniversary!

episode 122.

121. Down Syndrome Awareness Month 2022

In this episode we discuss our journey with awareness. We explore how we are learning to cultivate what awareness means in our lives, the way in which awareness has changed over the years and its impact on our advocacy.

episode 121.

120. The Secret Episode - Living For The Moments

Stephen recorded a solo episode this week, unbeknownst to the family, to express some things that have been on his mind and as a nice surprise to Lori and the kids whenever they come across it. It’s kind of a time capsule episode focused on this present moment and how there is nothing as important as right now. 

episode 120.

119. Walking The Walk, Breaking Down Stereotypes - with Dr. Eric Rubenstein and Kaethe Sigelko

This week we talked to Dr. Eric Rubenstein and one of his co-researchers, Kaethe Sigelko to discuss self advocacy and the importance of including people with Down syndrome in shaping our community.


For everything they ever told you your child would not or could not do - sometimes it takes an example of what is possible to remember who we are and that every child’s life is one of possibility.

episode 119.

118. The Best We’ve Got: The Carl Erskine Story with Ted Green

Documentarian, Ted Green visits with us to discuss his most recent film “The Best We’ve Got: The Carl Erskine Story”. As a teammate and close friend of Jackie Robinson and then as the father of a person with Down syndrome, Carl played a pioneering role in two human-rights movements.

episode 118.

117. Having The Patience To Be Where You Are - A Conversation With Karen Maezen Miller

In this week's episode we are joined by Zen Buddhist Priest, Maezen Miller. We discuss having patience and letting go in order for it to all unfold. Believing and having patience can enable our children to be who they are, go where they go and do what they do, to become exactly who they are.

episode 117.

116. Mother Asana: “The Art and Voice of Autism” with Gina Uricchio

Mother Asana merges the focus of Ally’s art and expression with Gina’s yoga practice and meditation insights. Gina is a devotee to her Spiritual Practice for over 20 years influenced by many practitioners & styles. Creating Connection is the cornerstone to her parenting & personal style. In her journey as a ‘warrior mom,’ Meditation & Asana has been instrumental in understanding & healing while raising a family with a special needs.

episode 116.

115. Functional Nutrition with Dr. Vaish Sarathy

Vaish is a Functional Nutrition Practitioner and Science Educator. She is the founder of  Functional Nutrition for Kids, and Plum Pudding Chemistry, both practices designed to optimize the learning potential of kids with Down Syndrome and/or Autism using both Functional Medicine and Non-Linear Education Principles.

episode 115.

114. Liam Goes To Middle School: Leaving The Past Behind Us

We have learned a lot, some harsh realities and beautiful truths. We now move forward with eyes wide open, ready to learn from where we have been, into the unknown of middle school.

episode 114.

113. Student Led IEPs to Determine Ones Own Path of Self-Advocacy with Ellen Coulston

In this episode with Ellen Coulston we discuss Self Determination as a tool to promote independence, confidence and participation by student led IEP planning, making that student a part of the dialogue instead of a 3rd person participant in a conversation about their life goals.

episode 113.

112. Seeing The Whole Child: Our Conversation with Licensed Child Psychologist Dr. Beverly Celotta

In this conversation we sit down with Dr. Beverly Celotta. Bev is a retired School Child Psychologist who shares her knowledge about how to set all children up for success.

episode 112.

111. Kicking Down Barriers: Our Conversation with College Kicker Caden Cox

In this episode we sit down with Caden Cox and his parents, Mari and Kevin, to talk about their history making and game changing journey to inclusion. Caden is the first person with Down syndrome to play as well as score in a NCAA/NJCCA College football game.

episode 111.

110. The Future of Research and the Hope on the Horizon with Dr. Eric Rubenstein

This week we have a wonderful conversation with Dr. Eric Rubenstein, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Boston University. We discuss equality and inclusion in research as it pertains to Down syndrome. 

episode 110.

109. Parenting Is Parenting: A Conversation with Paul and Kerry Daugherty

Today we have an open and candid conversation with the author of ‘An Uncomplicated Life’ Paul Daugherty and his wife Kerry about their approach to early education, college, dating, sex, marriage and lots of other things we are told our kids won’t do. ‘An Uncomplicated Life’ is a book we wish we would have found earlier with the beautiful message of “expecting instead of accepting”. Whether you have a person with Down syndrome in your life or not, this book should be one you read and then share with others.

episode 109.

108. Playground of Empathy and Empathable with Micah Kessel

In this episode we find a way to inclusion through empathy. Our conversation with Micah Kessel was an empowering and insightful discussion offering ways to focus our advocacy and to come from a more nurturing and loving place. Micah is the creator of Empathable and Playground of Empathy. These organizations work nationally with world-renowned academics to bridge science, technology, and art to amplify the intersectional experiences of the underserved at your place of business or learning.

episode 108.

107. Graduating Elementary School: What We Learned

Liam graduated from elementary school, on curriculum, in an inclusive classroom with his peers. We reflect on the moments that led to his accomplishment and what we could have done better if we knew then.

episode 107.

106. Zeno Mountain Farm: Telling Stories of Diversity and Inclusion with Ila Halby

It was so nice spending some time with founder Ila Halby to talk about the Zeno Mountain Farm Camps, their feature film “Best Summer Ever” and the power of representation in film. Whether used as a noun or a verb, Zeno stands for inclusion.

episode 106.

105. The Improvaneer Method: Using Improvisation To Build Skills and Change Perceptions

We are joined by Rob Snow, the founder of The Improvaneer Method. The Improvaneer Method uses improvisation to build skills that will greatly improve social, workplace and lifetime opportunities in those with developmental disabilities. With both in-person and online classes, it is widely assessable and has been a real game changer for many people in our community. We also talk briefly about Rob’s book, ‘What I Should Have Said’ and his ‘Minimize The Mountain’ talk. 

Episode 105.

104. Lena Dunham: A Champion For Diversity and Inclusion

This week we are honored to interview actress, writer, producer and director Lena Dunham. Lena cast our son, Liam, in her film SHARP STICK and it was one of the most supportive, inclusive and beautiful experiences we’ve had on this journey. Her set was a model environment for our society and we talk to her about how she developed her advocacy for so many marginalized groups and individuals, what she learned from working with Liam and her future family plans.

episode 104.

102. DSC2U: Preventative and Proactive Means To Staying Healthy with Dr. Brian Skotko

This week we get to talk to Dr. Brian Skotko again! Dr. Brian has some updates to DSC2U.org to discuss and we also chat about the T21RS International Conference that will be taking place in Long Beach, CA. June 9-12. Dr. Brian Skotko is the director of the Down Syndrome Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, a Board-certified medical geneticist and has dedicated his professional energies toward children with cognitive and developmental disabilities.

Episode 102.

101. Learning To Take Things Step By Step: with Michelle & Paul Tesori

We were so fortunate to get to spend some time with Michelle and Paul Tesori. We met this Dynamic Duo through our good friend, actor Andy Buckley, and it is fitting that this episode is being released on PGA Championship weekend since Paul has been a PGA Tour caddie for nearly 20 years. Inspired by their son Isiah, Michelle and Paul created the Tesori Family Foundation to help support the Down syndrome community. We talk about education frustrations, what the Tesori's are doing to make a change and how we can harness our anger into a motivator to make a change.

episode 101.

100. Celebrating 100 Episodes

Well here we are! We’ve learned so much in these two years and one hundred episodes and take this time to reflect on this experience and focus on where we go next.

Episode 100.

97. Trusting Your Journey and Embracing The Pivot with Maezen Miller

In this episode we sit down with Maezen and discuss the different paths this journey has taken us, the pivot in directions we have chosen, how to trust those choices and allow some ease and embrace the gifts.

episode 97.

96. The Power Of Words

In this episode we talk about some of the language/words we have learned that have had a profound impact on our journey and more specifically our quest for equality in Liam’s education.

episode 96.

95. Aorta Borealis: Telling His Story Through Music with Jesse Norell

In this episode we talk with Jesse Norell whose daughter’s diagnosis of Down syndrome and a heart condition inspired him to write an album. Using music as a cathartic means to heal and find his way through the unknown, Jesse shares his story in hopes of helping others find their song.

Episode 95.

94. Assuming Intelligence: Changing the Narrative of Down Syndrome with Dr. Vaish Sarathy

Today we are joined by Dr, Vaish Sarathy to discuss her Non-Linear Education method and to explore the positive affects that assuming intelligence has on all students regardless of presumed abilities.

Episode 94.

93. Desegregation and the Foundational Ingredients in the Fight for Inclusion

In 1969 Willie Dawkins was finishing first grade when his mother received a letter saying he would be transferring into a desegregated school the following year. In this episode we honor his story, his parents who gave him a foundation of love and support he needed to find his way through an unjust world and the advocates who came before us who fought for equality and laid the groundwork for our fight for inclusion.

Episode 93.

91. Valentine’s Week: Changing Hearts & Minds About Education

This week we talk about our personal experience discussing education and inclusion with someone we love who is of the belief that educating our children is asking 'extra' of the school system. We also talk about our new IEP and a story that demonstrates: it is a change of heart that will change the mind that can change the world.

episode 91.

90. An Uncomplicated Life: A Father’s Memoir of His Exceptional Daughter with Paul and Kerry Daugherty

This week we are joined by Paul and Kerry Daugherty to discuss Paul’s book about his daughter, Jillian. It is a book we wish we would have found earlier with the beautiful message of “expecting instead of accepting”. Whether you have a person with Down syndrome in your life or not, this book should be one you read and then share with others.

episode 90.

89. Inclusion at The Sundance Film Festival

In this week's episode we discuss perceptions and our experience with Lena Dunham's new film, SHARP STICK, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival last week and starred Liam Saux. We discuss our concerns with Down syndrome representation, the affects of misperceptions and ultimately the overwhelmingly positive and insightful experience the project was to our entire family.

episode 89.

88. Healing Through Yoga: Transform Loss Into Empowerment with Paul Denniston

We have the privilege of speaking again with our friend Paul Denniston. In this episode we discuss Paul’s new book where he breaks down his practice of healing.

episode 88.

87. Downs & Towns: Our Conversation with Houston Vandergriff

This week we have a wonderful conversation with photographer Houston Vandergriff and his mother Katie. We discuss education, advocacy, focusing on the positives and the importance of finding your passion. Houston has traveled the world and his pictures communicate its beauty in the most breath taking ways.

episode 87.

86. Making Changes And A New Beginning

This week we welcome a New Year and a new school. We discuss how the educational system can make us feel and the importance of making a change when we know it’s right. We address the perceptions of failure and how to more forward after feeling broken.

episode 86.

83. The Self Determination Learning Circle at Club 21 with Kelly Kulzer-Reyes

Today we explore the Self Determination Program in California with Kelly Kulzer-Reyes of Club 21. Eighteen states in the US have similar personalized programs that distribute state funds in a way to insure that people with disabilities have access to appropriate services throughout their lifetime. An extremely informative episode for those who want to have more control of the state services provided for their loved ones.

episode 83.

82. John’s Crazy Socks – Spreading Happiness with John & Mark Cronin

In this episode we discuss advocacy in action with entrepreneur and advocate John Cronin and his father Mark. Together they have built the company Johns Crazy Socks, with a business model that Fortune 500 companies aspire to achieve. Through highlighting the strengths of others, cultivating dignity and spreading happiness they are making differences in our community and the world.

episode 82.

81. USA Skateboarding’s “Skateboarding For All” Initiative with Miki Vuckovich

If all the world were a skate park, celebrating our abilities and individual expression would be a given. In this episode we talk to Miki Vuckovich from USA Skateboarding about their “Skateboarding For All” initiative. The beauty found in the inclusive skating community is one we strive to cultivate in the classroom and the world. You can join them on December 11th for a Virtual Wrap Party which includes members of the U.S. Olympic team and several skateboarding legends.

episode 81.

80. Bertie’s Heart Surgery: Talking About The Scary Stuff with Melissa Kynoch

This week we are grateful to have Melissa Kynoch back with us to tell the story of her son, Bertie’s, heart surgery. It is a very scary experience that about half of all family’s in the Down syndrome community experience. We thank Melissa for opening up to us about the emotions she felt and for sharing all the things she wished she knew then.

episode 80.

79. Reaching Our Advocation Milestones As Parents – with Julie Picot

In this episode we revisit Julie Picot and talk about what the past year has held for her family and their journey. We discuss the milestones reached on her advocacy path and what she wish she would have known earlier. 

episode 79.

78. A Son’s Advocacy: Another Conversation with Sader Issa

In this conversation we sit down with Sader Issa to get an update from the past year after graduating from Dentistry school and what his future holds. Being a man raised by a father with Down syndrome, we also discuss the rewards of advocacy and the awareness and change it creates vs. the negativity that can exist when his story is exposed to the many opinions of social media.

episode 78.

77. Practicing Gratitude Without Expectations: An Interview with Karen Maezen Miller

November is known as the month of gratitude and there is no one better to talk to about gratitude then our good friend Karen Maezen Miller. Maezen is a Zen Buddhist Priest who consistently gifts us wonderful words of wisdom. Today we discuss the practice of gratitude and how releasing expectations brings us closer to true thankfulness.

episode 77.

76. Catching Up with Melissa Kynoch: A Year and a Half Later

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and to end the month we revisited with Melissa Kynoch. Melissa is a past guest who may be best known for her appearance on the BBC Documentary Series ‘Life and Birth’. We discussed her experiences of the past 18 months and what changes she would like to see in society regarding the perceptions of people with Down syndrome.

episode 76.

75. A Loving Kindness Meditation Gift from Paul Denniston

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. We’ve talked about self-care on this podcast and the importance for parents and caregivers to find the time to take care of themselves. We are so grateful that Paul Denniston has once again gifted us, and our listeners, with a guided meditation. This time Paul will guide us through a wonderful Loving Kindness Meditation to help us with the many struggles we can face when we so often put others before ourselves.

episode 75.

74. Creating An Inclusive Superhero Universe: with Jack and Caitie Clonan

Cousins, Jack and Caitie, join us to reveal their concept of a Superhero Cinematic Universe where everyone has the courage to unapologetically be themselves. We discuss how their characters will celebrate the hero within and also the importance of inclusion for mental health. Caitie’s brother, Luke, stars as ‘Ultra Luke’ and we talk about their relationship and how she hopes to change the future by changing the perception of people with Down syndrome.

episode 74.

73. Down Syndrome Awareness Month: Acknowledging Those Who Came Before Us

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and in this episode we discuss the true meaning of awareness and advocacy. Many self advocates have blazed a trail for the new generation in our community and we name a few of them so that we know who to look up to when we need encouragement.

episode 73.

72. Gifts of the Journey: A Sibling Conversation with Amy Hyde

In this final episode of our three-part sibling series, we sit down with Sophia and Jake Pratt’s sister, Amy Hyde, to discuss some of the gifts of having a sibling with Down syndrome. We also explore topics including advocacy, emotions and the R-word. 

episode 72.

71. Fasten Your Seatbelts: A Crash Course on Down Syndrome for Brothers and Sisters

In this second installment of our three-part siblings series, we visit with Dr. Brian Skotko and Sue Levine to talk about the book they wrote entitled, ‘Fasten Your Seatbelt: A Crash Course on Down Syndrome for Brothers and Sisters’. This is the first book written exclusively for teens with a brother or sister with Down syndrome and tackles a broad range of their most common issues and concerns.

episode 71.

70. Insights of a Teenage Sibling: with Sophia Saux

In this first installment of a three-part sibling series, we sit down with our 14 year old daughter, Sophia, to talk about her experiences as a sibling of a brother with Down syndrome. 

episode 70.

69. Uncertainties About the Return to School? You’re Not Alone.

As we return to school to find a new unknown, we may find ourselves facing familiar challenges and feelings.  In this episode we discuss the importance of a support system that reminds us we are never alone.

episode 69.

68. The Importance of Special Needs Trusts and a Conservatorship: with Enrique Perez

What is the purpose of a Special Needs Trust? What is a Living Will? How do I set up a Conservatorship when my loved one is an adult? How much does all this cost? Attorney and advocate, Enrique Perez, sits down with us to answer all these questions and more on this extremely informative episode for the entire disability community.

Episode 68.

67. The Beginner’s Mind: An Interview with Karen Maezen Miller

We have the honor again of visiting with Zen Buddhist Priest, Karen Maezen Miller, to discuss the Zen term of a “beginner’s mind” which means an open, innocent and non-judging mind, the mind we bring to everything we do when we are beginners. 

Episode 67.

66. A Conversation About Alzheimer’s with Dr. Brian Skotko

In this episode we visit with Dr. Brian Skotko again and talk about the impact of Alzheimer’s in the Down syndrome community and we discuss some pro-active steps that may help to improve the long-term wellness for people with Down syndrome.

Episode 66.

65. The Down Syndrome Resource Foundation, Part 2 with Liv Meriano and Danielle McKinney

This week is part two of our conversation with Liv Meriano and Danielle McKinney, from the Down Syndrome Resource foundation based in British Columbia, Canada. In this episode we continue the discussion on education, supports, inclusion and changing the mindset and approach to supporting students to access the curriculum and reach their potential. 

Episode 65.

64. Changing Our Mind and Approach to Education: Down Syndrome Resource Foundation

In this week’s episode we are joined by Danielle McKinney and Liv Meriano from the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation to talk about educational tools and strategies parents can use at home and implement in their child’s school IEP.

Episode 64.

63. Just One Of The Guys: Our Interview with Jake Pratt

In this week’s episode Lori and Stephen visit with Jake Pratt, who with support, advocacy and inclusion is living his dreams and changing the narrative. 

Episode 63.

61. Hearts Of Joy International: Our Conversation with Lauren Costabile

In this week’s episode we speak to Lauren Costabile, the founder of Hearts of Joy International, an organization that provides life-saving heart surgery for individuals with Down syndrome all around the world. 

Episode 61.

60. Downright Discrimination – Changing The Laws To Confirm That Every Life Is Equal

Today we interview Máire, Heidi and Liz about their ‘Downright Discrimination’ legal campaign which fights to change the law of the land and create equality for people with disabilities. Presently, in the U.K., it is illegal to abort a fetus after 24 weeks unless it has Down’s syndrome. A baby with Down syndrome can be aborted up to birth. We examine the effect this inequality has on our community by creating separation and discrimination that follows us through life.

Episode 60.

59. Education, Adolescence and Advocacy. A Community Conversation with Mary Cole

Today we have a ‘Community Conversation’ with advocate Mary Cole discussing her inspiring experience with inclusion.  Mary lives in Cambridge, England and has a 14 year old son with Down syndrome named Ben.

Episode 59.

58. Picking Up Where We Left Off on the Road to Inclusion – Dr. Brian Skotko

In this week’s episode Dr. Brian Skotko shares the most up to date information surrounding the effects of COVID-19 on individuals with Down syndrome. We discuss the importance, safety and science of the vaccine along with tools to help with the process. As we enter back into the world, post-pandemic, the importance of inclusion in society continues along with so much more.

Episode 58.

57. Revisiting The Story of Chris Nikic: Becoming an IRONMAN

In this week’s episode we revisit one of our earlier conversations. We had the honor of talking to Chris Nikic and his parents, Nik and Patty last summer. In November Chris became the first person with Down syndrome to complete an IRONMAN. We discuss their 1% philosophy and how people with Down Syndrome can do more than ever expected if given the right tools and time.

Episode 57.

56. My Twin Brother Has Down Syndrome: Our Conversation with Julia Toronczak

This week we talk to Julia Toronczak about her experiences and the lessons she’s learned by growing up with her twin brother Michael, who has Down syndrome. We focus on inclusion and equity in our community and beyond.

Episode 56.

55. Coming Down The Mountain, Part 2: Why This Movie is so Important – An Interview with Director Julia Anne Robinson

Executive Director of ‘Bridgerton’, Julia Anne Robinson, joins us to discuss a film she directed in 2007 called ‘Coming Down The Mountain’ and starring Tommy Jessop and Nicholas Hoult. We breakdown this film that changed our lives and told some truths about the journey that rarely get talked about.

Episode 55.

54. Mother (noun): An Ultimate Example of Its Kind – Our Mother’s Day Messageterview with Director Julia Anne Robinson

Happy Mother’s Day! Sunday, May 9, 2021 is Mother’s Day for our Canadian, Australian & American listeners.  Mothering Sunday in the UK was back in March and in Mexico, Mothers are celebrated every year on May 10th. Wherever you are, whomever you are and however you celebrate… this episode is for all the Mothers of the world.

Episode 54.

53. Discussing Infertility and a Down Syndrome Diagnosis with Natalie Spiteri

In this episode, Physical Therapist, Natalie Spiteri shares her personal journey through infertility, the impact of a diagnosis of Down syndrome and the yearning for the life she imagined beyond what she was told.

Episode 53.

52. A Conversation with Megyn Price: Celebrating Uncle Bill

This week we are joined by actress Megyn Price to discuss inclusion, the importance of encouraging others to express their uniqueness and how her Uncle, who had Down syndrome, affected her family in a positive way. 

Episode 52.

51. Eleven Years With Liam: Celebrating Another Trip Around The Sun

This year Liam turned 11 and in this episode we reflect where we started, what we've learned and where we are. Let's celebrate... always celebrate.

Episode 51.

50. Acknowledging and Dismantling Fear’s Presence In Our Lives: An Interview with Karen Maezen Miller

Another beautiful conversation with Zen Buddhist Priest Karen Maezen Miller. We all have fears. What if we could see what is at the root of these fears, acknowledge and deconstruct them and then continue forward free from those fears.

Episode 50.

49. Discussing Health and Inclusion with Pediatrician Dr. Mona Patel Gera

An enlightening conversation with Dr. Mona Patel Gera to answer the questions parents of children with Down syndrome often have.

Episode 49.

47. What Do We Do When Faced with Challenges and Negativity? An Interview with Karen Maezen Miller

As parents, we all find ourselves dealing with confusing emotions and challenges from time to time. In this conversation, Zen Buddhist Priest Karen Maezen Miller, gives us some guidance to help us deal with the negative.

Episode 47.

46. Coming Down The Mountain: Our Interview with Julie Anne Robinson

Our conversation with Executive Producer and Director of ‘Bridgerton’, Julie Anne Robinson about the film ‘Coming Down The Mountain’ and the importance of inclusion in media.

Episode 46.

45. Speech Therapy with Kerri Wake of McRory Pediatrics

Speech Pathologist, Kerri Wake, joins us to talk about communication, supportive tools parents can provide their children and the pathways to receiving speech therapy in the school setting.

Episode 45.

44. Looking Back At A Decade: Liam Turns 10

Stephen and Lori discuss the process of acceptance, the importance of communication and how to take time for yourself. Originally set for release a year ago, this episode celebrates Liam's 10th birthday and all the accomplishments and lessons learned over a wonderful decade.

Episode 44.

43. Occupational Therapy: Erin Stanford of McRory Pediatrics – Part 2

Occupational Therapists at McRory Pediatrics, Erin Stanford, visits us to discuss at home and at school OT and helps us more clearly define the overlap of this therapy with Physical Therapy, Speech and Behavior Therapies.

Episode 43.

42. Occupational Therapy: Erin Stanford of McRory Pediatrics – Part 1

Occupational Therapist at McRory Pediatrics, Erin Stanford, visits us to discuss at home and at school OT and helps us more clearly define the overlap of this therapy with Physical Therapy, Speech and Behavior Therapies.

episode 42.

41. Behavior: A Conversation with Kyle Davis of McRory Pediatrics

Clinical Supervisor of Behavioral Services at McRoryPediatrics, Kyle Davis, visits us to discuss behavioral issues at home and at school. He also answers questions about when, how and why behaviors need to be addressed.

episode 41.

40. Discussing Supports with Nikki McRory of McRory Pediatrics

Nikki McRory is the founder of McRory Pediatrics and in this episode Nikki gives us an insightful look at the different therapies that can help support your child in reaching their potential.

episode 40.

39. Our Interview with Steven Gustafson of 10,000 Maniacs

Steven Gustafson is a founding member and bassist of the band 10,000 Maniacs. His sister, Cathy, had Down syndrome and we got a chance to discuss with him the impact she had on his life and the lives around her.

episode 39.

37. Our Community’s Response To Emmerdale’s Negative Storyline About Down Syndrome - Cristina Bowman

In this episode we talk with Cristina Bowman of Diff-Ability about the British soap opera Emmerdale and it’s recent storyline which depicts a couple having an abortion because their baby has Down syndrome. 

episode 37.

36. Giving Everyone Access to a Down Syndrome Specialty Clinic with DSC2U - Dr. Brian Skotko

We are thankful to have Dr. Brian Skotko on today’s episode. Dr. Brian is the director of the Down Syndrome Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, a Board-certified medical geneticist and has dedicated his professional energies toward children with cognitive and developmental disabilities.  Today we talk about his new online clinic, DSC2U, the importance of inclusion and how we as a community can help the medical profession improve their delivery of a Down syndrome diagnosis.

episode 36.

35. A Realistic Approach to a Healthy Dental Routine - Dr. Jill Lasky

In our second interview with Dr. Jill we discuss the methods and tools for parents who want to support their children in making good dental health habits.  Lasky Pediatric Dental Group: https://www.laskypediatricdental.com 

episode 35.

34. How To Use The Summertime To Your Advantage

The summer is a time to play and relax but if you use it as a time to front load for the coming school year, as well, it can be that academic advantage you have been looking for.

episode 34.

33. Our Congratulations Message to New Parents

We originally created this podcast to support parents of children with Down syndrome and this episode is directed specifically to new parents who have just recently received their child’s diagnosis. Our message is of hope and possibility in a world which often offers very little.

episode 33.

32. Changing Our World - Chris Nikic's 1% Philosophy

Chris joins us again with his parents, Nik and Patty to discuss how they have changed their approach to learning and how that has prepared Chris to do things no person with Down syndrome has ever done before.  Chris’s Website: https://chrisnikic.com 

episode 32.

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