This Ability Podcast

A Different Kind of Strength: Emily Wolf on Autism, Faith, & Embracing Uniqueness

In this episode of This Ability Podcast, Mary sits down with Acadiana mother, author, and advocate Emily Wolf to talk about her journey raising her son Seth, who lives with autism and congenital muscular myopathy (RYR1). Emily shares what daily life looks like for their family, the challenges and emotional “dark moments” that many special needs parents face, and the powerful joy that can come from embracing a child’s individuality. Through honesty and reflection, Emily discusses the lessons Seth has taught her about confidence, authenticity, and seeing differences as strengths rather than limitations.  Emily also shares the story behind the children’s book she co-created with Seth, A Different Kind of Sea Star, a whimsical underwater tale designed to help children understand that being different is something to celebrate. She reflects on the role faith plays in her parenting, her work with the JoyHeart Collection, and her mission to encourage and uplift other families in the special needs community. This conversation is filled with encouragement, reminding listeners that every child—and every family—has a unique story worth embracing. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2363737/support] Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, be sure to like us on Facebook at This Ability Podcast page and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

From Diagnosis to Best-of-All Moments: Inside GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans with Annie Watkins

In this episode of This Ability Podcast, our host Mary Baudoin sits down with Annie Watkins, Site Manager of GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans, to talk about building a community where individuals with Down syndrome and their families are celebrated, supported, and empowered. From its founding mission to “change the way the world views Down syndrome” to its 62 locations across the U.S. and Mexico, GiGi’s Playhouse delivers free, purposeful programs for participants of all ages — from prenatal support and early childhood classes to teen leadership, adult independence programs, one-on-one tutoring, and speech therapy. Annie shares powerful stories of “best-of-all moments,” explains how GiGi’s removes financial barriers so no family is excluded, and discusses the importance of positive messaging at the time of diagnosis. The conversation also highlights Down Syndrome Awareness Month, World Down Syndrome Day (3/21), volunteer opportunities, the 321 Champion monthly giving program, and hopes for future Louisiana locations. Whether you are a parent, advocate, volunteer, or community supporter, this episode is a reminder that awareness begins with conversation — and acceptance grows through community. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2363737/support] Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, be sure to like us on Facebook at This Ability Podcast page and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Balancing It All: Nursing, Motherhood & Living with Sickle Cell: An Interview with Sierra Stevens

In this heartfelt and powerful episode of This Ability Podcast, Sierra Stevens shares her journey as a nurse, a mother of two children with diagnoses, and a woman living with sickle cell disease. Sierra opens up about raising her autistic, non-speaking son Micah and her daughter with ADD, navigating early diagnoses, embracing observation as a parenting tool, and learning to celebrate her children for exactly who they are. She speaks candidly about advocacy in schools, the importance of organizations like Families Helping Families, and how connecting with other parents transformed her sense of isolation into empowerment. Sierra also discusses her own health journey with sickle cell disease, including a recent battle with sickle cell retinopathy and retinal detachment surgeries. With honesty and strength, she reflects on balancing motherhood, marriage, nursing, and board leadership while prioritizing her health and her family’s safety. From elopement prevention and practical safety tools to the healing power of exercise, music, faith, and community, this episode is a reminder that resilience is built one intentional step at a time—and that no parent should walk this path alone. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2363737/support] Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, be sure to like us on Facebook at This Ability Podcast page and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Cajun Roots, Chronic Illness, and Campus Advocacy with Josephine Faulk

In this episode of This Ability Podcast, Mary sits down with Jo Faulk, a disabled student leader, advocate, and future educator whose lived experience has shaped her understanding of disability, resilience, and voice. Jo reflects on growing up with disability, the influence of her mother’s disability on her own journey, and why advocacy often becomes an “inherent skill” for disabled people. From navigating early self-advocacy to managing the emotional labor that comes with speaking up, Jo offers an honest look at what it means to advocate for yourself while also standing alongside a broader disability community.  The conversation also dives into education, leadership, and systemic change. As a history student pursuing teaching certification and the president of her college’s disabled student organization, Jo shares her perspective on where the education system continues to fail disabled students—and how it can be reimagined with disabled voices at the center. She discusses campus advocacy, intersectionality across disability, gender, religion, and society, and what she hopes the disability rights movement prioritizes in the coming decade. This episode is a powerful reminder that disabled students are not just navigating systems—they are actively shaping the future of them. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2363737/support] Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, be sure to like us on Facebook at This Ability Podcast page and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

One in a Million: Blakelee’s Journey with Rare Disease and Resilience

In this episode of This Ability Podcast, host Mary Baudoin sits down with Latasha Holt, a mother, educator, and advocate in Acadiana, to share her family’s journey navigating an ultra-rare medical diagnosis. Latasha opens up about her daughter, Blakelee, who is living with isolated (central) adrenal insufficiency—an exceptionally rare condition affecting approximately one in one million individuals—alongside epilepsy. Together, they break down what this diagnosis means medically, how it differs from more commonly known adrenal disorders, and the challenges of receiving answers when no clear triggering event is present. Latasha also offers an honest look into daily life managing complex medical needs, from medication routines and emergency preparedness to the emotional and psychological realities faced by both parent and child. She reflects on Blakelee’s perspective, the importance of building strong support systems, and the role of advocacy in raising awareness for rare diseases. This conversation highlights resilience, preparedness, and hope—while providing encouragement and practical insight for families navigating similar journeys and for listeners seeking to better understand the lived experience behind rare medical conditions. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2363737/support] Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, be sure to like us on Facebook at This Ability Podcast page and subscribe to our YouTube channel.