If We Knew Then - Down Syndrome Podcast

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.
BBC 'Life and Birth: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000j6v0/life-and-birth-series-1-episode-4 
12 Step Fellowship: https://www.na.org 
Wouldn’t Change A Thing - https://www.wouldntchangeathing.org 
Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/10/28/76-catching-up-with-melissa-kynoch-a-year-and-a-half-later/2/
Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

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.
Paul’s Website: https://griefyoga.com
Episode 22 - Paul’s 30 Minute Yoga Nidra Meditation: https://ifweknewthen.podbean.com/e/22-a-meditation-gift-from-paul-denniston/
Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/10/14/75-a-loving-kindness-meditation-gift-from-paul-denniston/2/ 
Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

74. Creating An Inclusive Superhero Universe: A Conversation 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.
Jack and Caitie’s Website: https://linktr.ee/infiniteultras
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/10/07/74-creating-an-inclusive-super-hero-universe-with-jack-and-caitie-clonan/2/
Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

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.
Frank Stevens’ speech to Congress (YouTube): https://youtu.be/vtS91Jd5mac
Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/09/30/73-down-syndrome-awareness-month-acknowledging-those-who-came-before-us/2/
Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

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 Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/09/22/72-gifts-of-the-journey-a-sibling-conversation-with-amy-hyde/2/
Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

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.
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Fasten-Your-Seatbelt-Syndrome-Brothers/dp/1890627860 
Workshop for siblings:  https://siblingslearnaboutdownsyndrome.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/downsyndromesibbook
Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/09/16/fasten-your-seatbelts-a-crash-course-on-down-syndrome-for-brothers-and-sisters/2/
Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

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 Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/09/09/insights-of-a-teenage-sibling-with-sophia-saux/2/
Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

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 Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/09/02/69-uncertainties-about-the-return-to-school-youre-not-alone/2/
Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

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.
Perez Law Group: www.perezlawgrp.com 
Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/08/26/68-the-importance-of-conservatorships-and-a-special-needs-trust-with-enrique-perez/2/
Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

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. 
Maezen’s website: https://karenmaezenmiller.com
Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/08/17/66-the-beginners-mind-an-interview-with-karen-maezen-miller/2/
Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

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.
Down Syndrome Brain Train: https://www.downsyndromebraintrain.com
Down Syndrome Clinic: https://www.dsc2u.org
Tar Heel Reader Book Collection: https://tarheelreader.org
Find A Nutritionist Near You: https://www.eatright.org
Dr. Brian’s Book “Fasten Your Seatbelt: A Crash Course on Down Syndrome for Brothers and Sisters”: https://www.woodbinehouse.com/product/fasten-seatbelt-crash-course-syndrome-brothers-sisters/
Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/08/11/66-a-conversation-about-alzheimers-with-dr-brian-skotko/2/
Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

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. 
Foundation Website: www.DSRF.org
Baskets of Love: https://www.basketsofloveds.com/
Learn at Home: https://www.dsrf.org/programs-&-resources/learn-at-home-5196/
DS Education International education guidelines: https://workdrive.zohoexternal.com/external/8CkAlci1QBB-Jxfap
The LowDOWN Podcast: https://www.dsrf.org/programs-&-resources/the-lowdown-podcast/
Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/08/05/65-the-down-syndrome-resource-foundation-part-2-with-liv-meriano-and-danielle-mckinney/2/
Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.