The Starry-Eyed Podcast

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 that the sudden, exciting changes in her life also bring about anxiety and stress, and she has relies on her techniques and help 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.

During Williams Syndrome Awareness Month, it's important to recognize that, while our community has much to celebrate, there are also some very real challenges and tragedies. Jen and Brendan are joined by Jessica Holsapple and Tabitha Toney, two mothers who each lost their young boys from complications with Williams syndrome. Jess continues to share her journey with Griffin at Life in Griffinland on Instagram and TikTok, and on Facebook. In addition to training the next generation of nurses, Tabitha serves as the camp nurse for the WSA's yearly summer camps for kids and teens in Georgia. We thank them for their honesty and vulnerability in sharing their stories with us. Please join us on May 31st and June 1st for the Weekend for Williams fundraiser where we are turning Awareness into Action. For more information and to donate to fund WSA programs and research, go to weekendforwilliams.org.

We're well into Williams Syndrome Awareness Month, and Jen and Brendan are joined by Clare Neal, whose niece spearheaded a fundraising effort with her dance troupe. After that, they're joined by Micah Wilgus, who is celebrating his 10th year of work at @McDonalds and is a tremendous advocate for Williams syndrome. Producer Joel also gives an update on his son Bennett's Chili Pepper Fundraiser which happened live on Facebook this past weekend!

It's May, which means it's Awareness Month! Kicking the bleep out of the start of Awareness Month is Sofia Napoli. She joins Brendan and Producer Joel (filling in for Jen) to talk about the importance of advocating for yourself and to pump everyone up for this month's activities. Then Jen and Brendan are joined by Denise Callen, Director of Walks for the WSA, to talk about what is different this year with the Fundraising Walks and the importance of Walk Chairs. The money we raise from Walk for WS's is vital to the operation of the WSA! So grab a bowl of croutons and prepare for Williams Syndrome Awareness Month!

In this episode, Jen and Brendan are joined by Jen and Mike...wait, that sounds confusing. Our hosts are joined by Jen Sellars (teacher and mom to a daughter with WS) and her friend Mike Hladish. They share their amazing story of growing up and reconnecting in a different part of the country that should warm your heart! We would like to acknowledge the wonderful organization Just People (https://www.justpeople.org/) where Mike lives. The 60 Minutes story referenced in the interview can be seen on the WSA Media and Entertainment page. Producer Joel would like to thank Toto's Steve Lukather, Joseph Williams, and the rest of the band and crew for an amazing show and generous kindness toward Bennett (their number 1 fan!)

In this episode, Jen and Brendan hear the fantastic and fascinating story of Stella Beard and Clayton Carroll. The mother and son duo discuss the tricky navigation of post-high school life and their journey from total guardianship to supported decision-making. Learn more about Clayton Carroll by searching "Clayton Carroll Speaks" on Facebook and search for Clayton Carroll on YouTube. Reach out to us at podcast@williams-syndrome.org

Producer Joel joins Brendan as they interview Joshua Dean, an adventurous camper, hard worker, and fantastic leader fresh off his latest week in Georgia at Camp Blue Skies. Then, Jen and Brendan talk to Emma Thomas, Camp Director of Whispering Trails Therapy Camp and Teen Camp. Registration for the 2024 camp in July opens soon, and Emma tells us why the camp experience can be incredibly beneficial to our kiddos! Check out Camp Whispering Trails information at www.williams-syndrome.org/camps, or email summercamp@williams-syndrome.org Email the pod at podcast@williams-syndrome.org

It's our 1-year extravaganza! Thanks so much to all of you for tuning in and supporting our show. To celebrate, we are joined by OG co-host Stephanie Caron to update us on how she's doing and reflect on what starting the podcast has meant to her. Then Cyndra Cole, former WSA Board President and Episode 2 guest, turns the tables and asks us questions received from the audience! Cheers to many more years to come! Would you or your business like to sponsor The Starry-Eyed Podcast, please contact us at podcast@williams-syndrome.org

It's the last show of Year 1 of The Starry-Eyed Pod! Jen and Brendan are joined by Gerald and Pascale Momplaisir from Baltimore, MD. This Dad and Daughter Duo shares the excitement and opportunities of preparing for life after high school and getting ready for college. Pascale also gives us some insight into the particular challenges of being a young woman of color with a disability while Gerald (and his wife, Tara) navigate being parents trying to protect and do what's best for her and their other kids. Got a question for the 1-Year Anniversary Show? Email us at podcast@williams-syndrome.org!

Hey, look! We're so fresh and so clean! There is a new logo and new visuals, but it's the same awesome show! First up is Jessica Stranz, an adult with WS from Michigan, sharing with Jen and Brendan her love of bowling, antiquing, and planes! Her journey with Williams syndrome is really wonderful! Then, for Heart Health Awareness month, we're joined by Benjamin Jacob, who turned growing up with a brother with WS into a career caring for all kinds of hearts - including running the Williams syndrome clinic at Texas Children's Hospital. You can find more information about TCH at https://www.texaschildrens.org/departments/williams-syndrome-clinic. Hope you enjoy the show. Like, subscribe, leave a comment - all the things!