What Families Actually Need to Do—and When

What if planning for your child's future didn't mean having everything figured out right now? And what if the goal wasn't just protecting their future, but creating a life filled with purpose, opportunity, and belonging?

This week, Heather welcomes back Phillip Clark, co-founder of ENABLE Special Needs Planning, for an honest conversation about why future planning feels so overwhelming—and how families can move forward with confidence.

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the endless lists, family expectations, traditions, and pressure to make everything magical. But what if we gave ourselves permission to slow down?

This week, Heather sits down with co-host Micha Boyett to celebrate the release of her new book, Advent Unhurried: Daily Devotions for a Season of Wonder and Stillness.

What happens when you take a simple message like “You Are Beautiful” and turn it into a business that's changing lives?

As we wrap up Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Heather sits down with Raquel Caramello, a jewelry designer, entrepreneur, college student, and disability advocate who is doing things her own way.

After experiencing bullying and navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis, Raquel turned her desire to help others feel seen and valued into Raquel Beautiful, a growing jewelry and gift business built around the message that everyone is beautiful and worthy, exactly as they are.

Here we are, halfway through October and Down Syndrome Awareness Month, revisiting a conversation that's just as relevant today as when we first released it in July 2022.

We've all seen those viral “feel-good” videos featuring people with disabilities. But are these stories actually celebrating people with Down syndrome, or are they reinforcing harmful stereotypes?

It's Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and we're heading back into the archives for a conversation that's just as relevant today as when we first recorded it.

What do you wish you knew when you first received your child's Down syndrome diagnosis?

In this throwback episode, Heather, Micha, and Mercedes reflect on the things they wish they could tell their younger selves and why the stories we tell about Down syndrome matter so much.

People with Down syndrome deserve belonging, opportunity, and dignity—without having to prove their worth through achievement.

To kick off Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Heather and Micha ask what happens when advocacy becomes centered on accomplishments. They share honestly about comparison, parenting expectations, and telling a fuller story that makes room for the entire Down syndrome community.

“Presume competence” is a phrase we hear often in the disability community. But what does it mean when someone also needs significant support?

This week, Heather and Micha talk through the tension between believing there may be more happening than we can see and honoring a person exactly as they are. They share stories about school routines, communication, reading, and friendship—and ask what changes when we lead with curiosity instead of assumptions.

“Inclusion says you’re allowed to be here. Belonging says this is your place.”

In this episode, we’re exploring the difference between being included and being genuinely known, wanted, and valued. We share real-life examples from school, church, dance, friendships, and community spaces—and discuss why simply offering access or accommodations isn’t enough.

Disability policy can feel complicated and overwhelming—but these decisions directly affect the healthcare, education, services, and civil rights of people with disabilities.

Today, Heather is joined by attorney, IEP expert, and longtime friend of the podcast Ashley Barlow. Together, they break down current changes and challenges surrounding Section 504, community living, Medicaid, and special education—and explain why families need to pay attention.