The Lucky Few

329. What We Wish We'd Known About Functional Medicine

In this episode of our “What I Wish I Knew” series, we’re talking about functional medicine—what it is, what’s helped us, and what we wish we understood earlier. We share real experiences navigating diet changes, supplements, specialists, and the cost of it all, while exploring a whole-body approach that looks beyond symptoms. We also talk about how to integrate functional and traditional medicine without feeling like you have to choose one or the other. If you’re curious about functional medicine but unsure where to start, this is a practical, honest starting point. What We Cover * What functional medicine is and how it looks at the whole body * How diet, gut health, and environment can impact behavior and overall health * Practical ways to start without getting overwhelmed or spending a lot Key Takeaway: You don’t have to choose between functional and traditional medicine—start small, stay curious, and pay attention to what actually helps your child. Links: Listen to Previous Episodes * Episode 38: Nonlinear Learning & Communication (with Dr. Vaish Sarathy) ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000624491053⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000624491053] * Episode 79: Understanding Functional Nutrition for Our Kids w/Down Syndrome (with Dr. Vaish Sarathy) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000487763974 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000487763974] * Episode 80: Assuming Intelligence in Our Kids w/Down Syndrome (with Dr. Vaish Sarathy) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000487049081 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000487049081] * Vaish Sarathy: ⁠https://www.meaningfulspeech.com⁠ [https://www.meaningfulspeech.com] * Follow Vaish Sarathy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/meaningfulspeech/ [https://www.instagram.com/meaningfulspeech/] * Speaking of Health & Wellness: https://speakingofhealthandwellness.com Let’s Keep the Conversation Going Are you using functional medicine with your child—or just starting to look into it? Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin? We’d love to hear from you. Find us on Instagram: @theluckyfewpod

328. What We Wish We'd Known About AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication).

In this episode of The Lucky Few Podcast, we continue our “What I Wish I Knew” series with a real and honest conversation about AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) - Supporting Communication Without Limiting It Micha shares her journey with her son Ace and how her understanding of AAC has evolved over time—from treating it like a therapy tool to recognizing it as a language and a way of life. Along the way, we talk through common misconceptions, frustrations, and the mindset shifts that can make all the difference. If you’ve ever wondered whether AAC is “right” for your child—or felt unsure where to start—this episode is a grounded place to begin. What We Cover * What AAC actually is—and why it’s for more kids than people think * The shift from testing communication → modeling communication * How to get started (IEP, evaluations, and real-world barriers) Key Mindset Shift + Takeaways AAC isn’t a tool you bring out for practice—it’s a language you live in. That means modeling instead of requiring, assuming competence even when it’s hard to see, and remembering that communication is about connection—not just requests. For many kids, the challenge isn’t understanding—it’s motor planning. And like any language, AAC only works when it’s used consistently in everyday life, not just during therapy or structured time. Links: AbleNet https://www.ablenetinc.com/ Torganization mentioned in the episode for helping families get AAC devices (including working with insurance). Mercedes’ “third class Titanic” photo reference (watch here): https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVMSIy0EsI5/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVMSIy0EsI5/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==] Let’s Keep the Conversation Going Are you using AAC with your child? Thinking about it? Struggling with it? We’d love to hear what’s working—and what’s not. Find us on Instagram: @theluckyfewpod

327. What We Wish We’d Known About Travel & Accessibility

In this episode, we’re talking about travel and accessibility—what’s actually available, what we’ve learned the hard way (and the helpful way), and the questions that come with it. Fresh off an international trip, Heather shares real-life stories of navigating airports, museums, and public spaces with accessibility services—and realizing oh… this changes everything. Also, turns out you might not need to stand in that two-hour line. Just saying. We also wrestle with the bigger question: Should we use these services if our kids can do it without them? We talk about: * Using accessibility services in airports (like TSA Cares and pre-boarding) * Skipping long lines at museums and major attractions * Free and discounted access for people with disabilities and their companions * The tension between presuming competence and accepting support * Letting go of pressure and adjusting expectations while traveling * Why flexibility matters more than having the “perfect” trip We share stories from New York, London, and Paris—and how these supports made travel not just possible, but enjoyable. At the end of the day, this is about knowing your child, trusting your instincts, and using what’s available to make space for your family. Your family belongs in these places. Related Episodes * Can a Person with Down Syndrome Travel the World? (Ep. 278) – Exploring what’s possible with global travel. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/278-can-a-person-with-down-syndrome-travel-the-world/id1349646917?i=1000672187141 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/278-can-a-person-with-down-syndrome-travel-the-world/id1349646917?i=1000672187141] * Planes, Trains & Presuming Competence (Ep. 296) – Travel, transitions, and supporting our kids well. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/296-planes-trains-presuming-competence/id1349646917?i=1000704406975 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/296-planes-trains-presuming-competence/id1349646917?i=1000704406975] * Traveling with the Lara Family (Ep. 35) – A real family’s experience traveling with Down syndrome. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/35-traveling-with-the-lara-family/id1349646917?i=1000446155118 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/35-traveling-with-the-lara-family/id1349646917?i=1000446155118] * How to Keep Your Kids with Down Syndrome Healthy While Traveling (Ep. 129) – Simple ways to stay healthy on the road. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/129-how-to-keep-your-kids-with-ds-healthy-while/id1349646917?i=1000532940758 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/129-how-to-keep-your-kids-with-ds-healthy-while/id1349646917?i=1000532940758] CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST * ⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠⁠ [http://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/] * ⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠ [http://www.instagram.com/theluckyfewpod] * ⁠⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠ [http://www.facebook.com/theluckyfewpod] CONNECT WITH HEATHER AVIS * WEBSITE: ⁠⁠THE LUCKY FEW OFFICIAL⁠⁠ [http://www.theluckyfew.com/] * IG: ⁠⁠THELUCKYFEWOFFICAL⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/theluckyfewofficial/] * ⁠⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/TheLuckyFewOfficial/] * ⁠⁠I LIKE YOU SO MUCH⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Like-You-So-Much-Celebrating/dp/0310166594/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ivd2qOBKWypYQ67tORHfowuEb4RUOCYXSgkpyQiKsWw.Qds_U1p9ZOHy6uoXaALiwy6-o79DuH_1X5Zvwk1RHmI&dib_tag=se&keywords=heather%20avis%20i%20like%20you%20so%20much&qid=1742157870&sr=8-1] * ⁠⁠THIS IS DOWN SYNDROME⁠⁠ [https://www.thisisdownsyndrome.com/] CONNECT WITH MERCEDES LARA * IG: ⁠⁠HOORAY4THELARAS⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/hooray4thelaras/] * IG: ⁠⁠HUMANLY.TV⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/humanly.tv/] * ⁠⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠ [http://www.facebook.com/dearmomconference] CONNECT WITH MICHA BOYETT * ⁠⁠MICHABOYETT.COM⁠⁠ [https://www.michaboyett.com/] * IG: ⁠⁠ACEFACEISMYFRIEND⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/acefaceismyfriend/] * IG: ⁠⁠MICHABOYETT⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/michaboyett/] * LISTEN TO ⁠⁠THE SLOW WAY⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-slow-way/id1598756983] DISCOUNT CODE Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on ⁠⁠The Lucky Few Merch Shop⁠⁠ [https://www.theluckyfew.co/] and use code PODCAST for 10% off! HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email ⁠⁠hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com⁠⁠ [hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com] for more information! LET’S CHAT Email ⁠⁠hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com⁠⁠ [hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com] with your questions and Good News or Shout Outs for future episodes.

Throwback: From School Plays to Disney Star: Noah Matthews Matofsky

Friends, we’re bringing back one of our favorite conversations — our interview with Noah Matthews Matofsky, who starred as Slightly in Disney’s Peter Pan & Wendy [https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-7b95db94-b7dd-4986-beed-4fd9e884b2fb]. When this film premiered, Noah became the first actor with Down syndrome to have a speaking role in a live-action Disney feature film. And we had the joy of sitting down with him not long after the movie was released. In this episode, Noah joins us from the UK to share: * How he went from school plays to being cast in a Disney film * What it was like auditioning during lockdown * Learning lines and filming stunts (yes, he had a stunt double!) * Six months on set in Canada * Red carpets, press tours, and being recognized in public * Why representation matters * His dreams for what’s next (Harry Potter? Toy Story? We’re planting seeds.) We also hear from Noah’s dad about what it was like supporting him through filming, balancing family life, and watching his dream unfold. This conversation is joyful, funny, and hopeful. It’s a reminder that our kids belong on every stage — including the biggest ones. Noah is also an ambassador for Down Syndrome UK and continues to use his platform to encourage others: “Don’t take it as a disadvantage. Add that to your life and do more in your life.” We’re so proud of him. And we’re so grateful for the way representation continues to grow. Follow Noah⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/noahmatthewsmatofsky/] on Instagram for more behind the scenes and see what’s next! Noah has been invited to be a keynote speaker at the International Down Syndrome Congress in Florida this summer and is ⁠raising funds⁠ [https://www.gofundme.com/f/noahs-trip-to-world-down-syndrome-congress?utm_campaign=p_cp%20share-sheet&utm_content=undefined&utm_medium=chat&utm_source=whatsApp&utm_term=undefined] for his travel expenses. CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST * ⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠⁠ [http://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/] * ⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠ [http://www.instagram.com/theluckyfewpod] * ⁠⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠ [http://www.facebook.com/theluckyfewpod] CONNECT WITH HEATHER AVIS * WEBSITE: ⁠⁠THE LUCKY FEW OFFICIAL⁠⁠ [http://www.theluckyfew.com/] * IG: ⁠⁠THELUCKYFEWOFFICAL⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/theluckyfewofficial/] * ⁠⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/TheLuckyFewOfficial/] * ⁠⁠I LIKE YOU SO MUCH⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Like-You-So-Much-Celebrating/dp/0310166594/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ivd2qOBKWypYQ67tORHfowuEb4RUOCYXSgkpyQiKsWw.Qds_U1p9ZOHy6uoXaALiwy6-o79DuH_1X5Zvwk1RHmI&dib_tag=se&keywords=heather%20avis%20i%20like%20you%20so%20much&qid=1742157870&sr=8-1] * ⁠⁠THIS IS DOWN SYNDROME⁠⁠ [https://www.thisisdownsyndrome.com/] CONNECT WITH MERCEDES LARA * IG: ⁠⁠HOORAY4THELARAS⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/hooray4thelaras/] * IG: ⁠⁠HUMANLY.TV⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/humanly.tv/] * ⁠⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠ [http://www.facebook.com/dearmomconference] CONNECT WITH MICHA BOYETT * ⁠⁠MICHABOYETT.COM⁠⁠ [https://www.michaboyett.com/] * IG: ⁠⁠ACEFACEISMYFRIEND⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/acefaceismyfriend/] * IG: ⁠⁠MICHABOYETT⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/michaboyett/] * LISTEN TO ⁠⁠THE SLOW WAY⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-slow-way/id1598756983] DISCOUNT CODE Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on ⁠⁠The Lucky Few Merch Shop⁠⁠ [https://www.theluckyfew.co/] and use code PODCAST for 10% off! HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email ⁠⁠hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com⁠⁠ [hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com] for more information! LET’S CHAT Email ⁠⁠hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com⁠⁠ [hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com] with your questions and Good News or Shout Outs for future episodes.

Throwback: Episode 3 — College, Expectations, and Ruby’s Rainbow with Liz Plachta

This week we’re revisiting Episode 3 of The Lucky Few Podcast—originally recorded in April 2018. In one of our very first conversations, Heather, Mercedes, and Micah sit down with Liz Plachta, founder of Ruby’s Rainbow [https://rubysrainbow.org/], to talk about what’s possible for individuals with Down syndrome after high school. At the time, this conversation felt hopeful. Now, it also feels proven. What started as one mom’s idea—to help one person with Down syndrome go to college—has grown into something much bigger: * 1,015 scholarships awarded * $3,776,000 in scholarship funds * 26+ awareness campaigns changing the narrative And that momentum hasn’t slowed. Ruby’s Rainbow is currently in the middle of its 2026 “3/21 Pledge” campaign, with a goal to raise $600,000 by World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) to fund at least 120 scholarships. As of early March 2026, they’ve already surpassed that $600,000 goal—another signal of how much belief and support continues to grow around this work. This episode captures the early heart behind that movement—and why raising expectations still matters Give the gift of a dream. Change a life. Help someone with Down syndrome go for their college dreams! Take the 3/21 Pledge TODAY [https://321pledge.org/] 321pledge.org/ [https://321pledge.org/] CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST * ⁠WEBSITE⁠ [http://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/] * ⁠INSTAGRAM⁠ [http://www.instagram.com/theluckyfewpod] * ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ [http://www.facebook.com/theluckyfewpod] CONNECT WITH HEATHER AVIS * WEBSITE: ⁠THE LUCKY FEW OFFICIAL⁠ [http://www.theluckyfew.com/] * IG: ⁠THELUCKYFEWOFFICAL⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/theluckyfewofficial/] * ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/TheLuckyFewOfficial/] * ⁠I LIKE YOU SO MUCH⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Like-You-So-Much-Celebrating/dp/0310166594/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ivd2qOBKWypYQ67tORHfowuEb4RUOCYXSgkpyQiKsWw.Qds_U1p9ZOHy6uoXaALiwy6-o79DuH_1X5Zvwk1RHmI&dib_tag=se&keywords=heather%20avis%20i%20like%20you%20so%20much&qid=1742157870&sr=8-1] * ⁠THIS IS DOWN SYNDROME⁠ [https://www.thisisdownsyndrome.com/] CONNECT WITH MERCEDES LARA * IG: ⁠HOORAY4THELARAS⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/hooray4thelaras/] * IG: ⁠HUMANLY.TV⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/humanly.tv/] * ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ [http://www.facebook.com/dearmomconference] CONNECT WITH MICHA BOYETT * ⁠MICHABOYETT.COM⁠ [https://www.michaboyett.com/] * IG: ⁠ACEFACEISMYFRIEND⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/acefaceismyfriend/] * IG: ⁠MICHABOYETT⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/michaboyett/] * LISTEN TO ⁠THE SLOW WAY⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-slow-way/id1598756983] DISCOUNT CODE Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on ⁠The Lucky Few Merch Shop⁠ [https://www.theluckyfew.co/] and use code PODCAST for 10% off! HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email ⁠hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com⁠ [hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com] for more information! LET’S CHAT Email ⁠hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com⁠ [hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com] with your questions and Good News or Shout Outs for future episodes.