The Lucky Few

• 301. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Are NOT Bad Words w/Brandy Coleman

  Welcome to a new season of The Lucky Few Podcast! We’re starting off strong with an episode all about… diversity, equity, and inclusion. Because these are more than just buzz words, friends. Let’s talk about it:What is DEI? What is it NOT?Recent changes to DEI standards.. have we seen these changes in our own lives?The intersection of race and disabilityWe’re also introducing our guest host for the season.. Brandy Coleman! She’s an advocate, educator, wife, and mother of seven - including her daughter with Down syndrome! Brandy works with the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network to make sure all families feel seen, heard, and supported. She’s a fierce advocate for BIPOC families and we’re SO grateful for her perspective this season. --SHOW NOTESFollow Brandy (@divab78) on Instagram and Tik TokFollow Brandy’s Facebook page: “Tiny Treasure's Trisomy 21 And CHD Journey”Learn more about the Down Syndrome Diagnosis NetworkDownload the DSDN appSPONSORS National Down Syndrome SocietyiCanShine ProgramsDown for GreensRods Heroes

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• BONUS: Sibling Bonds, Storytelling, and Chickens (Yes, Chickens!) with Melissa Hart

  What happens when you mix a fierce sibling bond, a deep love for storytelling, writing, advocacy and a chicken named Rosemary? You get today’s episode of The Lucky Few Podcast! We’re joined by the incredible Melissa Hart, author, educator, journalist and big sister to Mark, her brother who has Down syndrome.This episode is full of heart, humor, and hope—plus a reminder that inclusion starts at home and ripples out into the stories we tell.Melissa shares her powerful journey growing up alongside her brother, the outdated and harmful messages her family faced, and how her mom’s bold choice to raise her brother with full inclusion shaped all their lives. From early childhood therapies to joyful adulthood, Melissa’s story is one of advocacy, love, and laughter.In This Episode, We Cover:The outdated advice families were once given—and Melissa’s mom’s courageous responseHow Melissa’s relationship with her brother shaped her writingRepresentation of people with Down syndrome in literatureHer latest book, Down Syndrome Out LoudAnd yes… an appearance from Rosemary the chicken 🐔About Our Guest: Melissa Hart is a journalist and essayist from Oregon, and the award-winning author of Avenging the Owl, Daisy Woodworm Changes the World, Better With Books, and her latest release, Down Syndrome Out Loud. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Smithsonian, Real Simple, and more. Melissa is also a master naturalist, an avid kayaker, and a proud chicken mom. She teaches in the MFA in Creative Writing program at Southern New Hampshire University and holds a BA in Literature from UC Santa Barbara and an MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College.SHOW NOTES• Connect with Melissa at https://www.melissahart.com/• Learn more about Melissa's newest book at ⁠Down Syndrome Out Loud⁠•  ⁠Follow Melissa on Instagram⁠JOIN THE LUCKY CREWJoin us in celebrating and supporting The Lucky Few Podcast! For just $4.99 a month, you can help us continue shouting worth and shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome. Enjoy bonus episodes where we dive deeper into the most controversial issues, shop discounts, and more! Become an essential part of The Lucky Few movement today!

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• BONUS: The Power of Saying "I Like You So Much" (Heather's New Book!)

  It’s 2025 and there are a few things we know are true… The world is chaotic. And we NEED more compliments. That’s why our very own Heather Avis wrote her new children’s book, “I Like You So Much: Celebrating What Makes You, You!” We’re chatting all about the inspiration for this book and more today!What’s the difference between saying “I like you” and “I love you?”When’s the last time you gave a compliment that wasn’t based on an accomplishment?How did Heather make sure that ALL children could see themselves in her new book?The reviews are in (literally!) and this book is a MUST-read. We hope you’ll share it with a kiddo in your life who needs to hear just how very likeable they are.--SHOW NOTESOrder I LIKE YOU SO MUCH by Heather Avis on Amazon or anywhere books are sold.Get compliment cards, activity kits, and merchandise HERE.SPONSORSLearn more about Jack’s Basket.Learn more about Enable Special Needs Planning.

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• 300. A Deep Dive Into the Last 300 Episodes!

  Well friends, we’re 300 episodes into the podcast and we finally figured out a way to keep track of just how long we’ve been doing this.. and no its not our neck wrinkles! Lets go behind the scenes today as we reflect on the last 7 years. We’re chatting about:What has changed in our lives (and the world) since starting the podcast?What have we learned (and unlearned) along the way?What are our favorite memories? And what are YOUR favorite memories? (Lots of listener feedback in this one!)You’ve all been on quite the journey with us. We’ve experienced everything from childbirth, cross-country moving, moments of grief, new diagnoses, global pandemics, and so much more. A lot has changed for each of us but one thing will always be true.. Micha really is a great singer. And whether you’ve been here since the beginning, or you’re just joining us now, we are SO grateful for you. We hope our vulnerability has encouraged you and reminded you that you are not alone on this journey. __SHOW NOTESListen to our episode with Sid Ghosh: 229. Poet, Author, “Levitator of Language”Listen to Non Linear Learning, an amazing podcast by Dr. Vaish SarathySHOUT OUTLearn more about the National Down Syndrome Adoption NetworkSPONSORSLearn more about Jack’s Basket.Learn more about Enable Special Needs Planning.

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• 299. Reasonable Risks for Our Kids with Down Syndrome

  If you’re a parent, you’ve likely wondered.. Should I let my child use this public restroom on their own? Is my child able to handle these kitchen tools? Can I let my child attend this sleepover? And if you’re a parent to a child with a disability, you might have even more fears around these risky activities. It’s time for a conversation about reasonable risks for our kids with Down syndrome. Here’s what we’re chatting about today:What does “dignity of risk” mean? Is the risky activity an opportunity for growth or an opportunity for trauma?What makes our kids with disabilities more vulnerable even in “safe risk” situations?How we do know when to let them take the risk? And when to step in?We know its dignifying to have the right to make a risky decision, but its also super scary when it comes to our children. Lets unpack this and problem-solve (or try to) together today. __SHOW NOTESRead ‘The Dignity of Risk’ by Amy Julia BeckerSHOUT OUTLearn more about Project ECHO, a community of health care providers for individuals with DS.SPONSORSLearn more about Jack’s Basket.Learn more about Enable Special Needs Planning.

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