The Starry-Eyed Podcast

Ep 11: Tyler Levy and Dr. Barbara Pober

Whew! Jen and Brendan are back after a week off recovering from Awareness Month! This week, Tyler Levy from Louisville, KY, joined them to discuss the importance of workplace inclusion, community support, and self-advocacy. He's followed by Dr. Barbara Pober, who has been at the forefront of genetic research and care for Williams syndrome for over 40 years. Her tireless work to understand WS continues today, seeing patients and conducting studies on all aspects of the WS lifespan.

Ep 10: Singing Pretty with Mariella Elm, Tommy Barbarella, and Kristen Van Handel

You know the song that you hear at the beginning of every episode? Our first guests, Mariella Elm and Tommy Barbarella, wrote that song. Mariella is 17 and has Williams syndrome, and her dad has been a professional musician for years, playing with such artists as the Jonas Brothers and Prince! They join us to discuss their musical, "The Girl Who Cried Different." Next, Kristen Van Handel talks to us about working for make-up giants Sephora and knowing that beauty can come in all kinds of packages! Did I mention Stella's back for a bit? Oh yeah, she's back!

Ep 9: Back in Time with Dr. Marty Levinson & Coco and Aaron Lombard

This episode is going back in time with Dr. Marty Levinson! He sits down with Jen (with Stella!) and Brendan to talk about Williams syndrome's early days and the WSA's beginnings. Then they are joined by Coco and Aaron Lombard, a sister and brother team from Phoenix (by way of New Orleans). They discuss finding Williams syndrome resources later in life and what it was like finally finding community!
Write us at podcast@williams-syndrome.org and don't forget to like and subscribe! The video version is available on the WSA YouTube channel and on The Starry-Eyed Effect group on Facebook.

Ep 8: Gorgeous Donuts with Melanie Côté & Joanne and Morgan Jane Starkman

This week, episode 1 guest Brendan Lemieux is now episode 8 guest host! He and Jen talk to the President of the Canadian Association for Williams Syndrome (CAWS), Melanie Côté, about her journey to create real job opportunities for people with developmental disabilities by creating her own donut shop, Do Good Donuts. Then they're joined by Joanne and Morgan Jane Starkman. Joanne and her husband created Innersense Organic Beauty, a line of all-natural haircare products. Morgan is the Director of Joy for Innersense and once you meet her, you'll see why!
Reach out to us at podcast@williams-syndrome.org and follow us on our Facebook page! Rate and subscribe to our channels on YouTube and Apple Podcasts - or wherever you get your podcast delights!

Ep 7: Gettin’ Smart with Robin Pegg and Amy Nussbaum

Steph is back!! She makes a brief appearance to give an update on her health and what's going on in her life! Then Jen and Producer Joel talk with WSA Educational Consultant Robin Pegg about the work she's doing to change how we think about education and our young people with Williams syndrome. Then they talk to Amy Nussbaum, mother of 4 (including Libi, who's 5 and has Williams syndrome), advocate, and member of the WSA Board of Trustees, about spreading awareness of WS in the month of May and her work to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community.

Ep 6: Smiling with Producer Joel and Kristen Cagadas

With Steph under the weather, Producer Joel steps in to co-host with Jen! They talk about his work with the WSA and being a dad of a kiddo with WS. Then they talk to author and awesome WS mom, Kristen Cagadas, about moving cross-country with a young family, finding your community, and her book: Elsie with the Great Smile: A First Look at Williams Syndrome. Learn more about Kristen and order the book at https://www.purejoymama.com/
Got a question for Jen and Steph, email us at podcast@williams-syndrome.org

Ep 5: Family Time with Sarah Dubois and Stella Keeton

It's a family affair as Stephanie welcomes her sister Sarah and Jennifer welcomes her daughter, Stella!
The group talks about growing up as a sibling of someone with WS and how that eventually informed Sarah's career as a Special Education Teacher. Sarah lets us all in on a secret about being related to a person with a disability that sometimes makes the challenges a bit more bearable. 😁

Ep 4: Lookin’ Good with Kate Bierfeldt and Jessica Connor

Jen and Steph have barely recovered from last week's episode, but they are excited to welcome Kate Bierfeldt from Massachusetts, to talk Broadway Musicals and friendship! Then they're joined by Outshine Labels founder and CEO Jessica Connor to talk about raising awareness through shirts and apparel! Email us at podcast@williams-syndrome.org. For more on Outshine Labels, go to www.outshinelabels.com

Ep 3: Chaos and Kindness with Jimmy Luv, Big Jim, and Justin Spencer

This week is an extra special, extra large, extra energy show! Jen and Steph welcome Jimmy Luv and his dad, Big Jim, to the show to talk about life with Williams syndrome and spreading joy and happiness through his work with Chaos and Kindness! Bonus Treat: Justin Spencer from Recycled Percussion drops in to talk about the special friendship between his family and Jimmy! Email us at podcast@williams-syndrome.org

Ep 2: Jake Morel and WSA President Cyndra Cole

This week Steph and Jen talk to Jake Morel from San Diego. He talks about working and the importance of music in his life. Then the show welcomes Cyndra Cole, the President of the WSA's Board of Trustees. She discusses the role of the Board and how her family is preparing for her daughter's transition to adulthood. Email us at podcast@williams-syndrome.org