A Little Something Extra

S2 E8: A Little Something Extra with Heather Avis

With World Down Syndrome Day just around the corner, this week’s episode of A Little Something Extra feels a bit more special! To celebrate, we spoke with the founder of The Lucky Few, Heather Avis! Heather is a New York Times best-selling author, podcaster, and a Down syndrome advocate, working to create a more inclusive world where everyone belongs. The Lucky Few has grown from this concept of celebrating those lucky enough to be influenced by a Down syndrome diagnosis to a lifestyle brand and organization that is synonymous with the Down syndrome Diagnosis. The Lucky Few concept has now become a global storytelling movement, shifting narratives to create a more inclusive world where everyone belongs.  

In this episode, Heather talks with us about her incredible journey as a mother of 3 kids, 2 having Down syndrome, and the perspective it has given her when it comes to celebrating who we are. We then dive into the mission of The Lucky Few and the global impact it has made on the Down syndrome diagnosis and the members of its community. GiGi also shares some tips on living your best life, and of course, we learn the Little Something Extra of a world-class changemaker. A perfect episode for celebrating a perfect day of recognition! We hope you enjoy it!

You can also watch the video here:https://gigisplayhouse.org/alittlesomethingextra/

S2 E7: A Little Something Extra with Madison Tevlin

On this week's episode of A Little Something Extra, we are joined by the absolutely incredible Madison Tevlin! Staring in the upcoming movie, Champions, premiering Friday, March 10th. Madison is a 21-year-old with Down syndrome, but she likes to say her diagnosis is the least interesting thing about her. I think after listening, anyone would agree! You may remember Madison from her viral video back in 2012 of her singing “All of Me” by John Legend. Well, she didn’t stop there! Fast forward to today, and she is an actress, model, influencer, and advocate. She continues to show the world that no diagnosis should hold you back from following your dreams. We hope you love this one as much as we did!

See the video version here: https://gigisplayhouse.org/alittlesomethingextra/

S2 E6 - A Little Something Extra with Andrew Moses

In this episode of A Little Something Extra, we are joined by someone who not only goes above and beyond to make an impact but who also celebrates going above and beyond to change the world. Andrew Moses is the Vice President of Business Development & Marketing at MorganFranklin Consulting. Though if you ask him, he identifies himself as a super-connector and thought leader, sharing the stories and success tips from people in sports, business, and everyday life leading by example. In this episode we discuss his backstory, which led to the philosophy that inspired his podcast, Everybody Pulls the Tarp. Nancy, GiGi, Franco, and Andrew discuss the importance of being a team player and how it translates to all facets of life. We also discuss ways of handling life and being able to battle through the curveballs that get thrown at you. We hope this episode will inspire you to dig deep into the moments that challenge you and to know that no one is too important or too high on the totem pole where they shouldn’t help pull the tarp!

Watch the video version of this episode at https://gigisplayhouse.org/alittlesomethingextra/

S2 E5: A Little Something Extra with Rob Snow

On this episode of A Little Something Extra, we are joined by two really special guests to GiGi’s and the Down syndrome community! Our first guest is a former standup comedian, turned non-profit entrepreneur, who has used his expertise in the comedy industry to create an improved troupe called the Imporvaneers! This improv troupe is the first to ever solely consist of individuals with Down syndrome. Our second guest is one of many incredible self-advocates that GiGi’s is lucky enough to have as part of our network. Along with being a self-advocate, he is also a hilarious comedian and original member of the Improvaneer Method!

In our conversation, Rob talks about his inspiring life’s journey from starting as an aspiring comedian in Chicago, to running a non-profit that is changing the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. He also talks with us about the benefits that improv has on people with unique abilities.

Nick, the BIG DAWG himself, then joins the show to talk about his journey and how The Imporvaneer method has changed his life! We hope you enjoy this super fun and interesting episode of A Little Something Extra. Don’t forget to listen in for GiGi’s tips on “not taking yourself too seriously”!

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/R1kxdUEimyc

S2 E4: A Little Something Extra with Fionn and Jonathan

On today’s new episode of A Little Something Extra, we are joined by two incredible gentlemen all that way from Ireland! This father/son duo is paving the way for change on an international scale, traveling all around the world to show people the beauty of Down syndrome and all their unique abilities!

Fionn and Jonathan join the podcast to discuss their 26-year journey, navigating the complex work of living life with a unique ability. We hear about Fionn and Jonathan creating their production company, Fionnathan Production, and how they leverage Fionn’s diagnosis to make it all possible! Fionn also shows off some of his talents on the fiddle (and gives a little glimpse of how it works on the ladies). We also hear about their journey that has taken them all around the world in the pursuit of change from the start till now!

Fionn and Jonathan are a true testament to leveraging the hand life deals you into a life of learning, adventure, and love! Make sure to listen to the end to hear GiGi’s tips and some warm words about the beauty of life, specifically about sharing life with someone who makes you value each and every day. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Check out the video version of the episode on our website: alittlesomethingextrapodcast.org

S2 E3 - A Little Something Extra with Brian Skotko

This week’s episode takes us back to earlier this year when Nancy GiGi and Franco were joined by Dr. Brian Skotko at the National Down Syndrome Conference! Dr. Skotko is a Board-certified medical geneticist, serving as the Emma Campbell Endowed Chair on Down Syndrome at Massachusetts General Hospital. As the Director of the hospital’s Down Syndrome Program, he has dedicated his professional energies to children with cognitive and developmental disabilities. It was because of his sister, (Kristin) who has Down syndrome, that he originally found his calling first as an advocate, then later as a doctor.

Through Brian’s passion and dedication towards serving individuals with Down syndrome, he has created many amazing resources both for them and their families! During his first year at Harvard Medical School, he co-authored a book titled Common Threads: Celebrating Life With Down Syndrome. A book that profiles the accomplishments of 59 different people with Down syndrome! Fast forward 8 years, where he then wrote another book dedicated to helping siblings better understand the Down syndrome diagnosis, titled: Fasten Your Seatbelt: A Crash Course on Down Syndrome for Brothers and sisters.

Now Brian joins the podcast to tell us about his journey to better the lives of all people affected by Down syndrome and his most recent endeavor, Down Syndrome Clinics 2 You (DSC2U)! A platform created to provide personalized care plans for families that do not have access to any specialized Down syndrome clinics. This episode is full of incredible insight into resources and information given by a leading industry expert! We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

S2 E1 - A Little Something Extra with Jeanhee Hoffman

This episode of A Little Something Extra goes out to the siblings! The theme is Standing Up for Your Siblings, and do we have a guest that has gone above and beyond to do just that. We are joined by Jeanhee Hoffman, a sibling of a brother with Down syndrome, who founded GiGi’s Playhouse Raleigh.

Jeanhee has an incredible story, that is filled with love and inspiration. Jeanhee and her brother, Sam, are second generation Korean Americans, and she shares with us her families’ experiences from a different cultural perspective. She talks on her and Sam’s experiences growing up in a less inclusive society and the challenges it posed as a sibling. It was not until 2015 when Jeanhee stumbled upon a place where her brother can grow and feel at home!

After seeing the impact that GiGi’s had on her brothers life, she vowed to make sure there was a place in her community for families like hers could have a place to call home. Listen now to hear how a sibling finding a place for her brother, sparked a flame within her to create a playhouse of her own community!

S2 E1 - A Little Something Extra with Aaron Shust

We are finally back with a new episode of the A Little Something Extra podcast!! It has been a minute since we released a new episode, but we are kicking things off again with a great one! Nancy, GiGi, and Franco are joined by award-winning gospel/Christian rock artist Aaron Shust. Aaron is an award-winning talent in the music industry, a gifted writer, a profound minister, and most of all, a devoted husband and father to 3 boys, one of whom has Down syndrome.

The theme of this episode is, Never Loose Faith. This is a common theme in Nancy and GiGi’s journey, as well as so many others who have faced adversity in life. We walk with Aaron through his journey and some of the moments where God has challenged his faith, and WOW, are these moments profound and awe-inspiring. His stories of never losing faith in the wake of 2 sons facing life-threatening diagnoses will surely give you goosebumps.  We also talk about his creative process and his love for music. Then as we always do, GiGi shares her tips on staying faithful, as she has learned to do throughout her life. Make sure to pay attention to the stories and quotes from Aaron because each carries a special message that may help you see the world from a different perspective. Our favorite is his view on what Down syndrome means to him. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

 

Episode 17: A Little Something Extra with Wendell Davis

With the Super Bowl just around the corner, and our I Have a Voice Gala happening in nearly 2 weeks A little Something Extra is releasing a surprise episode today, as a little sneak peek of season 2! Nancy and GiGi were joined by former NFL wide receiver, Wendell Davis and Tom Serpento, Executive Director of the Retired Professional Football Players of Chicago

. Wendell and Tom, and the rest of the RPFPC have been HUGE supporters of GiGi’s Playhouse since 2015 and will continue to support at our 2022 I Have a Voice Gala!

Nancy, GiGi, Wendell and Tom discuss the importance of serving others, how to love, the impacts made by those most important and so many other important life lessons!

Visit the link in our bio to watch today’s episode on your favorite podcast platform, there you will also find more information on how to participate in this year's I Have a Voice Gala!

Learn more about the gala: https://gigisplayhouse.org/ihaveavoicegala/

Watch the video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/i5e5yHlwmHQ

#GenerationG #NFL #downsyndrome

Episode 18: A Little Something Extra: Leadership Conference Pop Up Podcast

This episode was the first podcast popup, recorded at the 2021 GiGi’s National Leadership Conference! This episode is so special and close to the GiGi’s heart because it focuses on the people of our organization. It features 18 interviews and 27 guests from the GiGi’s network. Nancy, GiGi and Franco talk with model and actor Amanda Booth. Author and influencer Kelle Hampton, Adult participants; Farzin, Michell, Samir, Brian Daniel and Harry, GiGi’s Playhouse Canton’s Nick Doyle, INC Board members Scott and Steve, Dan a GiGi’s Chicago Board member, Jason the board vice president of GiGi’s Syracuse, Andre an employee at GiGi’s Annapolis, Laura the founder of the third every GiGi in McHenry, Kim Hanna the CIO of GiGi’s Playhouse, Zayne a grandfather from GiGi’s Madison, 4 members of the Sacramento GiGi’s Team, founders of the GiGi’s National Youth Board, and Erin 2 time volunteer of the year winner from GiGi’s Cleveland!

Watch the video version of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/D-vOs316j8E