The Starry-Eyed Podcast

Gird your ears for Producer Joel has lost his voice. Before it went completely away, he was able to spend the week at Camp Blue Skies in Georgia, with around 75 adults with Williams syndrome. Camp creator Dick Sesler and his son, Brent the Mayor of camp, sat down to talk about the need for community for our adults and what the future holds. Then, Producer Joel set up the camera and mics and interviewed whoever was willing to sit down - making for a fantastically eclectic segment! For more information about WSA Camps including Camp Blue Skies, go to Williams-syndrome.org/camps. Croutons & Hearts!

Two years! 53 episodes! 3 podlet mini-sodes! Two years is longer than Blackbeards reign of terror on the high seas! Two years is longer than the existence of the Pony Express! Technically our show has lasted longer than the Disco era (2 years...look it up)! On this episode, Jen and Brendan welcome Jon Kent, who has been a part of the Williams syndrome community for decades, but only recently joined the staff as the new Vice President of Philanthropy and Communication. He helps us understand that "fundraising" isn't nearly as scary a word as some of us might think. Then we take a trip down memory lane revisiting some of our favorite moments, guests, and episodes from the last 2 years. Thank you all so much for coming along on this journey. We can't wait to see what the future brings.

In this episode, Jennifer, Brendan, and Producer Joel kick things off with a celebration—Brendan’s appointment as WSA Secretary! He is the first person with WS to hold a position on the Executive Committee of the WSA Board of Trustees! Next, we welcomed newcomer Sarah Schaefer, the new Executive Director of the WSA (Just kidding, it’s the same Sarah we already know and love)! She shared her vision, passion, and what’s ahead for the organization. It’s an exciting time for the WSA, and Sarah’s leadership is sure to bring incredible momentum. Finally, Cara Romanowski joined the pod. She’s a member of the Dream Team— our fantastic group of older individuals with Williams syndrome who inspire us with their experiences and advocacy. Make sure to “Like” and Subscribe to the YouTube version or the audio version wherever you get your podcast delights and don’t forget to leave a review!

This week, the pod is packed with big hearts & big laughs. First up, Gabby Cornelio joins Brendan and Joel to talk about life with her son's feeding challenges and his own unique way of communicating—because let’s be real, words are so overrated anyway. She also wrote a bilingual book, My Brother Doesn’t Speak, but His Heart Does, proving that sometimes, siblings just get each other—no words necessary. Then, we shift gears for a trip down memory lane with Charles Calhoun, Brendan’s partner-in-crime for 20 years through the Best Buddies program. Jen and Brendan grill Charles on their decades of friendship, the secrets to staying best buds, and whether Brendan was always this awesome (spoiler: probably). Join us for an episode full of love, laughter, and proof that true connection goes way beyond words. Get Gabby's book here or wherever you get your books. Join the conversation on Facebook or by writing the show at podcast@williams-syndrome.org

It's tech time on the pod! Producer Joel got his son his own mobile phone and now he needs some help to make sure everyone stays safe and the technology can be used for good - not evil. Jen and Brendan are joined by Milton Neuenschwander from Tennessee's Department of Disabilities and Aging to talk about internet and phone safety, but also how assistive technology and AI can make navigating the world a bit easier. Then, Christopher McClung joins Brendan and Joel for a bro-down talking about mashing up country music with AC/DC. Jen joins in later to talk first and wish-list concerts! For some resources on assistive technology and internet safety, go to williams-syndrome.org/resources/internetsafety. To reach out directly to Milton Neuenschwander, write him at Milton.Neuenschwander@tn.gov. Croutons & Hearts y'all!

Let's make 2025 the year of Croutons and Hearts!! We kick it off with another longtime friend of Brendan's, Marna Kalman. She, Jen, and Brendan talk about living independently, working in a gallery, her jewelry business, and fine art! Check out her stuff at @mbymarna on Instagram. If you'd like to collaborate with her on jewelry or send her beads to create new work, email us at podcast@williams-syndrome.org, and we'll put you in touch! So break out into song 'cause it's the start of a whole new year with The Starry-Eyed Podcast!

The final pod of the year means we take a moment to look back on the year that was 2024 with the woman who kept the WSA chugging along for most of it: Sarah Giddings. From Convention to Camp to upcoming cruises, it was a year of amazing accomplishments and there's so much to look forward to in 2025. Our final guest for 2024 is one of Brendan's best friends, Bret Fleming. They discuss all the music and mayhem from the last 25 years! Then Jen and Producer Joel surprise them with a game to determine who knows whom the best! Thank you to all the audio listeners as we have passed over 10,000 downloads! Keep listening and we will keep the episodes coming! If you'd like to be on the podcast or have questions for the hosts, go to Williams-syndrome.org/podcast!

The holidays are upon us and we are celebrating with a time traveler (no, not the Ghost of Christmas Future). Henry Stilwell (a.k.a. Li'l Henry) joins the pod from New Zealand to talk about the summer, his TV show, and his future aspirations. Then we welcome Paola Martínez Vélez from sunny Miami to discuss her journey with WS, advocating within the Latino and Hispanic communities, and her wonderful online store Pabea.

Today the pod welcomes WSA Director of Operations Bethany Walton to talk about gift giving WSA-style! She discusses the new WSA Vendor Network, as well as highlighting store items in the WSA Store and at Outshine Labels. First, Producer Joel joins Jen and Brendan to talk about the NFL's My Cause My Cleats campaign, signature beers, and all sorts of other December wonderfulness! If you'd like to see businesses that support the WSA and the WS community, go to www.williams-syndrome.org/vendor-gift. If you'd or your business would like to join the Vendor Network, fill out this questionnaire: https://form.jotform.com/242916661313152

On this episode, Jen and Brendan welcome Anja Kaneski who lives on her own in a group home and holds down a job in Brainerd, MN! She shares how the sudden, exciting changes in her life also bring about anxiety and stress, and the techniques she relies on to even out. Then we explore the complex world of those who have a diagnosis of Williams syndrome and Autism. Dr. Elizabeth Barnhardt and Dr. Becca Lyren, who recently spoke on this subject at the 2024 WSA Convention, join to explain the diagnosis, answer questions, and give some guidance if you suspect your love one may have a dual diagnosis. Don't forget, if you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, go to https://wkf.ms/3C2Ghvd and fill out the form.

Today on the pod, we welcome from the great state of Iowa's Rebekah Stewart who had a up close view of her daughter Ellie's (13 WS) journey with the University of Iowa Dance Team through the Women's NCAA Basketball finals. Thanks to Team Impact (teamimpact.org) for helping Ellie get this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Jen, Brendan, Rebekah, Ellie, and eventually the whole Stewart fam take a wonderful scenic route telling stories and sharing experiences in what we hope will be a comforting listen on an otherwise chaotic day. If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, please go to Williams-syndrome.org/podcast and click on the interview request form! Croutons & Hearts!

Today's show exercises our civic duty as Jen and Brendan are joined by Delaney O'Connell, who is featured in the documentary Patrice, about a couple trying to fight the system that won't let them marry. On this show, we get to hear Delaney's story and how important self-advocacy is to her. Then we are joined by Chad Wilson from the Minnesota Disability Law Center to talk about how to make sure your voice is heard at the ballot box. Whether it's transportation issues or understanding what is on the ballot, Chad shares some resources and tips on how to make your voting experience successful. For more voting resources, go to https://www.williams-syndrome.org/resources/voting-resources

Croutons and Hearts, my friends! This episode, Brendan introduces us to one of his longest and best friends: Seth Link. Seth tells us all about balancing the stress of his job with the rest of his life and how important the connection between friends is to him. Then we are joined by Lisa Elm who manages PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center. We also get into the huge part she's played in the creation of The Girl Who Cried Different by previous guests Tommy Barbarella and Mariella Elm (spoiler: she's Mariella's mom). I say we, because Producer Joel pops in when Jen has some heat related internet issues. But hey! That's the way the cookie crumbles. Like and subscribe and leave us a review here or on the video version on YouTube!

After plotting a mob-like takeover of jobs at Disney, Jen and Brendan are joined by Leo Ryan! He took brief break from doing seemingly everything to chat about working, volunteering, and giving back to the younger members of the WS community. You can look for him probably zooming from activity to activity on the WSA Adventure Seekers cruise next summer! Reach out to us at podcast@williams-syndrome.org for information about anything you heard on the show or to let us know you want to be interviewed!

It feels like an eon since we did a "regular" podcast, but here we are! Brendan is sandwiched between Producer Joel and Joelle Packard - who tells us all about her experience in college. Back-to-School continues with Robin Pegg joining Jen and Brendan to really get into the nuts and bolts of how students with Williams syndrome learn. The materials Robin references are found here: https://www.williams-syndrome.org/featured-education-resources

Jen and Producer Joel are live at the WSA's Whispering Trails Camp for the Teen Camp's "15 Minutes of Fame" Talent Show! Join them as they channel their inner Gail and John from Pitch Perfect and provide commentary and cheers for the performers. Honestly I don't know if this show will be any good on audio, but we had a lot of fun recording it and I wanted to give people a taste of what WSA Camp is all about! Video version available over on the WSA page on YouTube.

Recorded live in Phoenix at the 2024 WSA National Convention, Jen, Brendan, and Producer Joel welcome Emmy Coggshall and Chris Baxter to discuss their upcoming movie "I've Got Next" and the aspiration of inclusivity in front of and behind the camera. Then Gianna Morello joins the gang to talk about being on the Board of Trustees and a leader in the WS community.

Brendan got sick. Jen got sick. Joel got sick. A good time was had by all! The 2024 WSA Convention in Phoenix was a rousing success. Unfortunately the live podcast footage hasn't been delivered yet, so that will be released at a later date. Meanwhile, an exhausted Brendan and Joel do a quick recap of the Convention and look ahead to future episodes! Thank you to everyone who said HI to us at the convention.

The time has come! Preparations for the 2024 WSA National Convention in Phoenix are in the final stretch. The gang has just a few minutes to get together, do some last minute chatting, and get ready for the Live Podcast show on Wednesday, July 10th at 4PM! If you come up to any of us and say "Croutons & Hearts," we'll give you an official Starry-Eyed Podcast sticker!

Recorded Live on June 1st, Jen and Brendan and joined by Producer Joel and WSA Vice President of Programming Sarah Giddings during their marathon Weekend for Williams fundraiser. The podcast was also part of a POWER HOUR where all donations were doubled thanks to Barb Nelson, the owner of Brinkley's Boutique. Barb joined the gang to talk about all the different ways Brinkley's Boutique raises awareness and money for the WSA throughout Williams Syndrome Awareness Month. Finally, the gang is joined by Tayden Larsen fresh from the job site working with his brother's roofing company. It's not too late to donate. Go to WeekendforWilliams.org to donate or text WEEKEND to 71777.