If We Knew Then - Down Syndrome Podcast

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.
Caden’s JakeMax Collection: https://www.jakemax.com/collections/cadens-collection
'NEVER, is not in My Vocabulary' College Paper: https://www.dropbox.com/s/vm0d2tjtqs1r5ss/NEVER%2C%20is%20Not%20in%20My%20Vocabulary.pdf?dl=0
Caden’s College Power Point Presentation: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7jo7jh80mjs9ir7gmko77/Informative-Speech-Bill-of-Rights.pptx?dl=0&rlkey=trfd9vsx23xcenee826r3jv13
Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2022/08/05/111-kicking-down-barriers-our-conversation-with-college-kicker-caden-cox/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.

110. The Future of Research and the Hope on the Horizon with 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. 
Eric’s Website: https://sites.bu.edu/rubenstein/
Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2022/07/29/110-the-future-of-research-and-the-hope-on-the-horizon-with-eric-rubenstein/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.

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.
Paul's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Uncomplicated-Life-Fathers-Exceptional-Daughter/dp/0062359959
Our First Episode with the Daugherty’s (Episode 90):  https://ifweknewthen.podbean.com/e/90-an-uncomplicated-life-a-father-s-memoir-of-his-exceptional-daughter-with-paul-and-kerry-daugherty/
Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2022/07/22/109-parenting-is-parenting-a-conversation-with-paul-and-kerry-daugherty/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.

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.
Empathable: https://empathable.com
Playground of Empathy: https://empathable.com/playground/
Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2022/07/14/108-playground-of-empathy-micah-kessel/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.

107. Graduating Elementary School: A Culmination of 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 Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2022/07/07/107-graduating-elementary-school-a-culmination-of-what-we-learned/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.

106. Zeno Mountain Farm: Telling Stories of Diversity and Inclusion - 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.
Zeno’s Website: https://zenomountainfarm.org
Zeno’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/zenomountainfarm/
Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2022/06/23/106-zeno-mountain-farm-telling-stories-of-diversity-and-inclusion-ila-halby/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.

105. The Improvaneer Method: Using Improvisation To Build Skills and Change Perceptions - An interview with Rob Snow

In this episode 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. 
Improvaneer Method:  https://www.theimprovaneermethod.com/
Rob’s Book ‘What I Should Have Said’: https://www.weneedasign.net/the-book
Minimize The Mountain (YouTube): https://youtu.be/MtZZ_7xZhT0
Stand Up for Downs: https://www.standupfordowns.org
Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2022/06/17/105-the-improvaneer-method-using-improvisation-to-build-skills-and-change-perceptions-an-interview-with-rob-snow/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.

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 Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2022/06/08/104-lena-dunham-a-champion-for-diversity-and-inclusion/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.

103. Finding Our Way Through A Tough Conversation - Lynette Louise

*Trigger Warning: The r-word is used in this conversation.
This week we interview Lynette Louise who is board certified in Neurofeedback. We were very interested in the science of Neurofeedback but early on in the conversation we moved to a serious discussion about the use of the r-word and the reasons why Lynette uses it. This episode may feel a bit intense for many of you and we understand why, but we highly recommend listening all the way through to the end.
Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2022/06/03/103-finding-our-way-through-a-tough-conversation-lynette-louise/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.

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.
DSC2U: https://www.dsc2u.org
5-min video about DSC2U: https://youtu.be/u-DlSQanj54
Trisomy 21 Research Society International Conference (June 2022): http://www.t21rs.org
More about Dr. Skotko: https://www.massgeneral.org/doctors/19069/brian-skotko
Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2022/05/26/102-dsc2u-preventative-and-proactive-means-to-staying-healthy/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.

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.
The Tesori Foundation: https://tesorifamilyfoundation.org
Robb Scott’s Viral Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8sPT6-iGBE
Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2022/05/19/101-learning-to-take-things-step-by-step-with-michelle-paul-tesori/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.

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 Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2022/05/13/100-celebrating-100-episodes/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.