A Little Something Extra

Episode 17 – A Little Something Extra with Rick Smith

This episode of a little something extra features the rockstar father-son duo of Rick and Noah Smith! When Noah was born 10 years ago, Rick started a YouTube channel called Noah’s Dad and the sole purpose of the channel was to just highlight what it was like to raise Noah. Fast forward to now and Rick has amassed quite the following of over 300K followers across his social channels! Rick realized the need to share experiences and to provide hope for others in the same situation. This led to the creation of his non-profit, Hope Story. In this episode, hear all about how a dad with a vision to simply just share his experience with the world, turned into an organization that helps in providing hope and joy to families during the time that they need it most! This is what finding your something extra is all about!! Enjoy episode 17 of A Little Something Extra.

Watch the video version of this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd_B3J5sAW4

Episode 16: A Little Something Extra with Amy Smith

In this episode, we interview a guest who is a valuable member of the GiGi’s Playhouse family! Amy Smith is an adult ambassador at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland, a role that allows her to inspire people every day. The theme of this episode with Amy is Love & Respect. We discuss her life growing up in a time where individuals who were different, never received the love and respect that they so deserved. We also discuss the impact that GiGi’s Playhouse has had on her life, by having an entire community embrace her with love and respect! Amy’s sweet soul will surely touch your heart and leave you questioning how anyone can disrespect such a beautiful spirit. Enjoy episode 15 of a Little Something Extra with Amy Smith!

Watch the video version of this episode at: https://youtu.be/5rIjxFW-vrs 

Episode 15: A Little Something Extra with Sarah Gordy

In this episode, we meet with Actress, dancer, model, and motivational speaker, Sarah Gordy! Sarah is best known for her in the British hit drama, The A Word, in a role written for her! As well as BBC shows, she has acted in short films, radio dramas, commercials, and many theatre productions. 

In 2018 she became the first woman with Down syndrome to be made an MBE (The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organizations, and public service outside the civil service.) and the first person with Down syndrome to receive an honorary degree from a UK university.

Sarah is one of the principal dancers for Culture Device Dance Project, an experimental dance company for professional dancers with Down syndrome. She has also given talks in schools and gave a talk called “Escape from labels. Be free, be different” at TedX in Hackney, London. Sarah embodies everything it means to be a trailblazer, as she shows the world that there is nothing she can't accomplish!

Watch the video version of this at: https://youtu.be/LJJgTtByUwU

Episode 14: A Little Something Extra with Dr. Chicoine

On this episode of A Little Something Extra, Nancy, GiGi and Franco interview Dr. Brian Chicoine of Adult Down Syndrome Center in Park Ridge IL. Dr. Chicoine is an expert on the Down syndrome diagnosis after working with Adults with DS early in his career, to then starting his own medical center in 1990. In this episode, Dr. Chicoine gives an extremely informative conversation on all things Down syndrome. We talk the growth of the diagnosis and how much has changed over the last 30 years. He provides expert advice to families and supporters of the diagnosis on maximizing potential. He talks about all the resources that his center has to offer for teens and adults with Down syndrome. Plus, we are also joined, at the end, by Linda and Mike Mussallem, who have been loyal supporters and friends of Brian’s since their brothers too visited his center. Lots to take in, on this amazing episode of A Little Something Extra!

Catch the video version of this podcast at: https://youtu.be/bvwC18x5wKM

Episode 13: A Little Something Extra with Mike & Linda Mussallem

This week’s episode is centered around siblings and the positive impact that a brother or sister with Down syndrome can have on your life! Nancy, GiGi and Franco sit down with siblings Mike Mussallem and his wife Linda. Mike is the CEO of Edwards Lifesciences, and organization that manufactures heart devices that quite literally have saved the lives of hundreds of thousands, while Linda is a leader in the California non-profit community! In this episode Mike and Linda talk about the impact that having older brothers made on their lives. From their brothers brining them together, to dedicating their lives to philanthropy, being siblings of Down syndrome made them both into the world changers they are today. Enjoy this touching episode of A Little Something Extra!

To watch the video version of this episode go to https://youtu.be/wuKLtXxRqEI

Episode 12: A Little Something Extra with Craig Blackburn

GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans very own, Craig Blackburn joins us on this episode of A Little Something Extra! Craig is an amazing man, who not only inspires those in his community but those around the world. Craig is a self-advocate, who has traveled all over the world to show that a Down syndrome diagnosis shouldn’t stop anyone from achieving their dreams! On top of being an advocate, Craig is also a team manager for the NBA team, New Orleans Pelicans! Craig Is also a loving husband to his wife Heather. Hear Craig talk about all these incredible pieces of his life, and more in this episode of A Little Something Extra!! 

Watch the video version of this podcast at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyukjLY9gn8

Episode 11: A Little Something Extra with Jamie Brewer

We are kicking off Down Syndrome Awareness Month a week early with a very special guest! In today’s new episode of A Little Something Extra we are joined by the fabulous Jaime Brewer. Jaime is an inspiration to all, showing the world that one little diagnosis isn’t going to hold her back from making her dreams come true! In our interview, Jaime talks about everything with us, from her life as an actress on her hit show American Horror story to her goals in life to be a fashion designer!

 

Catch the video version of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/P_c66v00s20

Episode 10: A Little Something Extra with Dan Keplinger and his wife Dena

This episode of A Little Something Extra tells a story of inspiration, determination, and love through the eyes of an incredible couple. Nancy and GiGi sit down with artist, Dan Keplinger and his wife Dena. Dan is a famed artist who channels his inspirations from life experiences. What makes his story so powerful is he’s achieved so much while carrying the weight of Cerebral Palsy. For those who don’t know, Cerebral Palsy is a congenital disorder that affects one’s muscle movements. While the limitation on his muscle control has been a barrier, Dan has spent his life courageously showing his strength and ability through his art. Another amazing part of Dan’s story is the story of him and his wife. A love story in its purest form, Dan and Dena shows us that nothing can get in the way of true love.

See the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/PfnXOxpCtso

Episode 9 - A Little Something Extra with Meeka Caldwell

This week’s episode of A Little Something Extra is all about differences and taking the time to recognize and acknowledge them because in doing so it will completely change perspectives. The guest who joined us was determined to show the world that differences aren’t so different after all. Meeka Caldwell is a mother, author and advocate who noticed a lack in representation of children with special needs, specifically black children, in kid’s books. Being the trailblazer she is, she decided to create her own, with her son, Anian, as the main character. Nancy, GiGi, Franco, and Meeka discuss many different topics regarding societies' viewpoints on differences and the changes that need to be made to create a more accepting world. GiGi also gives some of her famous TIPPPSS on accepting people for who they are!

Watch the video version of this podcast at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGkntZyrhis

Episode 8: A Little Something Extra with Elana Meyers Taylor!

Just in time for the 2021 Olympics, The Little Something Extra podcast is joined by an amazing guest, Olympic bobsledder, Elana Meyers Taylor!! This week’s episode is centered around hard work and determination. Elana perfectly encapsulated both of those attributes, to be one of the best in the world at being a bobsledder and a mother! Last year, Elana gave birth to her beautiful son Nico. After learning about his Down syndrome diagnosis, she immediately became an advocate and has begun using her son as motivation to work harder every day! Hear what fuels Elana’s determination and inspiration, her perspective about keeping a positive outlook on life, and much more on this episode of A Little Something Extra!! 

Check out the video version of this podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/c/gigisplayhouseinc