The Starry-Eyed Podcast

Ep 23: Caregiving the Caregivers with Sarah Giddings

In this episode, Jen, Brendan, and Producer Joel delve into the crisis in this country surrounding parents and caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities - specifically Williams syndrome.
After watching the documentary "UNSEEN: How We're Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters" (which you can watch at www.caregiverdoc.com), they share their reactions for the first time in the recording. 
Then, WSA Vice-President of Programs and Services, Sarah Giddings, joins to talk about how the WSA makes an intentional effort to provide education and resources to our community in an effort to alleviate the stress felt by parents and caregivers. She also shares her experiences as a parent to Matthew, her son with WS.
We hope that this episode helps spark conversations about how this country can do better for families and caregivers.
Also, please check out the 2023 WSA Holiday Gift Guide this giving season.

Ep 22: ’Zona Talk with Nick and Lindsey

Brendan joins from Austin, TX, where he just wrapped a weekend of working with the WSA Board of Trustees. What is that like? Well, he tells us. Then Jen and Brendan talk to Lindsey and Nick about planning the 2024 WSA Convention in Phoenix, AZ! Look out for Haboobs!!

Ep 21: The Spooky Oooky Effect with Megan, Julie, Marty McFly, a Cloud, and Professor Dilo Ph’Saurus from the Planet Spielberg

Make sure the little ones are off to dreamland because this week, Jen and Brendan have terrifying tales of horrors, hayrides, and haunted houses! Joining the show is Megan McNeil and Julie Polansky to share everything they love about this ghoulish holiday. Then the gang gets together to bust some myths about Halloween and about Williams syndrome!
Are you brave enough to listen?!
Mwaaaahahahahahahahahahahahah!!!! 

Ep 20: Gratitude and Gettin’ Fancy with Callie Truelove, Camille and Anthony Filippazzo

Dust off your finest prêt-à-porter cause we're going to the society pages!
Jen and Brendan catch up with Callie Truelove to share gratitude for red carpet premieres, celebrating stories, and everything surrounding the release of Truelove: The Film. Then, Joel joins Brendan to talk to Camille and Anthony Filippazzo about building community and the importance of medical research into WS with the AF Research Grant. Think of how good Joel would look in a little "off-the-shoulder number" at the "A Night of Love, A Celebration of Life" event on November 3rd in Brooklyn, NY.
As Walter Winchell used to say at Sardi's, "Cowabunga!"

Ep 19: Live from Orlando with the Adventure Seekers

Producer Joel is live in Orlando with the Adventure Seekers (the group of adults (18+) with WS. This trip was a couple of years in the making, with around 150 individuals with WS and their parents/caregivers descending on the Drury Plaza Hotel in Orlando, FL. Jen and Brendan chat with about a half-dozen attendees about what this trip means to them.
Enjoy!

Ep 18: Volunteering with the Gang

Producer Joel joins Jen and Brendan for an old-fashioned hang where they talk about all the events going on with the WSA and with all the amazing volunteers around the country. From hosting events to becoming part of the WSA Board of Trustees, there are many ways to get involved.
Interested in helping out the WSA? Reach out to us at podcast@williams-syndrome.org.

Ep 17: Back to School with Michelle Self

It's a very special "Back to School" episode!
WSA Educational Consultant Michelle Self joins us to discuss all things IEP and class inclusion! She shares examples from her own life with her son, Alex, and her work with Jen's family. From calling IEP meetings to figuring out what "class inclusion" looks like for your child, Michelle is available to answer your questions at mself@williams-syndrome.org
Due to the importance and complexity of Individualized Education Programs, the entire episode is dedicated to this discussion.
Contact the podcast at podcast@williams-syndrome.org and join the discussion on the Starry-Eyed Effect page on Facebook.

Ep 16: Camp and Speech with Kayla Patak and Bianca Corozzo

We're back from camp, recovered from Covid, and gettin' ready for school!
Today, Kayla Patak joins Brendan and Jen to talk about Whispering Trails Camp and how she uses that experience to prepare for the new school year. Then, Speech Pathologist Bianca Corozzo discusses her new consultancy with the WSA and how she hopes to help families and individuals with WS find tools to become stronger communicators. You can reach her at bcorozzo@williams-syndrome.org or go to https://www.williams-syndrome.org/consultants-and-partners to learn more and follow the link to schedule a session with her.

Ep 15: LIVE FROM CAMP with the gang!

Live from Camp!!
This episode was recorded on July 31st live from Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia, at the WSA's Whispering Trails Therapy and Teen Camp. Producer Joel and Jen went live on Facebook with Brendan (at his headquarters in CT) to introduce everyone to the fantastic facility we enjoyed (despite the heat).
While we promised a new episode, Joel got covid, preventing him from finishing it. Meanwhile, enjoy this rebroadcast of Live from Camp!

Ep 14: Team USA and Team Teachers with Maddie Woo, Cassandra Davide, and Kim Scheier

Have you read the article on the young woman from Oregon with Williams syndrome who competed in Dressage in France at the Virtus Global Games? Oh you have? That's great because this week Jen and Brendan interview Maddie Woo and her dad, Aaron, about her experience and everything she overcame to make that dream happen. Then Producer Joel steps in for Jen (who is very busy) to interview Cassandra Davide and Kim Scheier, team teachers from New York who share their experience running an inclusive classroom that included a student with Williams syndrome.