Ep. 39: Author Nancy Goodfellow

Ep. 39: Author Nancy Goodfellow

In this heartwarming episode of The Audrey & Jeremy Show, we sit down with author Nancy Goodfellow and her daughter Lily Goodfellow for an inspiring conversation about friendship, inclusion, and celebrating what makes each of us unique. Nancy shares the story behind her award-winning middle-grade novel Special, a book inspired by Lily and written to help readers better understand the experiences of individuals with Down syndrome through authentic storytelling. Together, they discuss why representation matters, how meaningful friendships are built, and why acceptance should never feel like a job—it should come naturally through kindness, empathy, and connection. Lily also shares her journey as the creator of Lily Sports Beat, her love for sports journalism, interviewing athletes, and using her voice to advocate for inclusion. Throughout the episode, Audrey and Jeremy lead a thoughtful and fun conversation about growing up, making friends, embracing differences, and creating communities where everyone belongs. Whether you're a parent, educator, advocate, or simply someone who believes in the power of storytelling, this episode is a beautiful reminder that our differences are what make the world richer—and that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and included. In this episode we discuss: • The inspiration behind Nancy Goodfellow's novel Special • Authentic representation of people with Down syndrome in literature • Why friendship, acceptance, and inclusion matter • Lily's journey as a sports reporter and creator of Lily Sports Beat • How schools can create more inclusive communities • The importance of empathy, kindness, and celebrating differences If you enjoyed this conversation, please Like, Subscribe, and Share this episode to help spread awareness and build a more inclusive world. #DownSyndrome #Inclusion #DisabilityAdvocacy #TheAudreyAndJeremyShow #NancyGoodfellow #LilySportsBeat #Friendship #Representation #SpecialBook #WorldDownSyndromeDay

Ep. 38: Tiffany Yu

What does true disability inclusion look like—and what still needs to change? In this episode of The Audrey & Jeremy Show, Audrey and Jeremy sit down with disability advocate, entrepreneur, author, and founder of DiverseAbility, Tiffany Yu, for a conversation about resilience, advocacy, identity, and creating a more inclusive world. After surviving a car accident at nine years old that claimed her father's life and left her with permanent disabilities, Tiffany transformed her personal journey into a global movement for disability inclusion. Today, she's helping reshape how the world thinks about disability through her organization, her speaking, and her bestselling book, The Anti-Ableist Manifesto. Together, Audrey, Jeremy, and Tiffany explore: * Tiffany's journey from trauma to advocacy * Why disability representation matters * The hidden impact of ableism and everyday assumptions * The importance of community, belonging, and disability pride * Audrey and Jeremy's fight to end the SSI marriage penalty * How changing hearts and minds is just as important as changing laws * The power of trying something new, rewriting limiting beliefs, and pursuing big dreams The conversation is deeply personal as Audrey and Jeremy share their own experiences advocating in Washington, D.C. for the right to marry without risking essential benefits. Tiffany offers thoughtful insight into why stories have the power to change policy—and why every person deserves the opportunity to live, love, and pursue their dreams without unnecessary barriers. Whether you're part of the disability community, an advocate, a family member, or simply looking to better understand disability inclusion, this episode is filled with meaningful conversations that challenge assumptions and inspire action. Connect with Tiffany Yu 🌐 https://tiffanyyu.com [https://tiffanyyu.com] 📘 The Anti-Ableist Manifesto Available wherever books are sold. If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share this episode to help amplify disability voices and create a more inclusive future.

Ep. 37: Club 21 Executive Director, Patti Adams

🎙️ The Audrey & Jeremy Show | Featuring Patti Adams, Executive Director of Club 21In this inspiring episode of The Audrey & Jeremy Show, we sit down with Patti Adams, the newly appointed Executive Director of Club 21, to discuss the journey from childhood to adulthood for individuals with Down syndrome and the families who support them. With nearly 30 years of experience in special education, advocacy, and transition services, and as the mother of a daughter with Down syndrome, Patti brings a unique perspective on what it takes to create meaningful opportunities, foster independence, and build inclusive communities. Throughout the conversation, Patti shares: 💙What Club 21 does to support individuals with Down syndrome and their families. 💛The challenges families face when navigating life after high school. 💙Why transition planning should begin long before graduation. 💛The importance of high expectations, employment opportunities, and community inclusion. 💙Her experience as a parent supporting a daughter through college and independent living. 💛How advocacy efforts are helping change perceptions about disability 💙Practical ways everyone can make their schools, workplaces, and communities more inclusive.. Audrey and Jeremy also reflect on their own experiences with employment, college, self-advocacy, and pursuing their dreams, creating a heartfelt and empowering discussion about what’s possible when people are given opportunities and support. Whether you're a parent, educator, self-advocate, or community member, this episode is filled with valuable insights, encouragement, and real-life stories that highlight the power of inclusion. ✨ Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that celebrate ability, advocacy, and community. #DownSyndrome #Club21 #DisabilityInclusion #SelfAdvocacy #TheAudreyAndJeremyShow #TransitionToAdulthood #SpecialEducation #InclusiveEducation #DisabilityAwareness #CommunitySupport #DownSyndromeAdvocacy #InclusionMatters #EmploymentForAll #CollegeForAll #PodcastInterview

Ep. 36: Dr. Santoro and Johnny Byrne discuss Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD)

In this meaningful episode of The Audrey & Jeremy Show, Audrey and Jeremy sit down with Dr. Jonathan Santoro and Johnny Byrne to discuss Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD), the challenges families face, and the hope being created through research, advocacy, and community support.Dr. Santoro, a neurologist and researcher at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, explains what DSRD is, the early warning signs families should watch for, why early diagnosis is so important, and how ongoing research is helping improve treatment options for individuals with Down syndrome.Johnny Byrne shares his family's personal journey after his younger brother, Thomas, developed DSRD. He talks about the emotional challenges of watching a loved one struggle, how finding the right medical support changed their path forward, and how that experience inspired him to create the Agape Fund to help other families facing similar challenges.Together, they discuss:• What Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD) is• Common symptoms and early signs families should recognize• Why timely diagnosis and treatment matter• The latest research into the causes of DSRD• How the Agape Fund is helping accelerate research and support families• The importance of advocacy, community, and hope• How families can get involved and help advance the causeThis episode is a powerful reminder that no family has to face DSRD alone. Through science, collaboration, and compassion, researchers, advocates, and families are working together to create better outcomes for people with Down syndrome around the world.If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share to help spread awareness and support this important mission.#DownSyndrome #DSRD #JonathanSantoro #JohnnyByrne #AgapeFund #DownSyndromeAwareness #MedicalResearch #Inclusion #Advocacy #ChildrensHospitalLA #TheAudreyAndJeremyShow #Podcast #DisabilityAwareness #Hope #ResearchMatters

Ep. 35: Special Olympics Coach, Brad Nelson

Welcome back to The Audrey & Jeremy Show! In this episode, Audrey and Jeremy sit down with actor, athlete, coach, and Special Olympics advocate Brad Nelson for a heartfelt and hilarious conversation about sports, acting, inclusion, and chasing big dreams. From playing college basketball and traveling the world, to working as a SAG actor and helping guide Audrey through her Jersey Mike’s commercial experience, Brad shares stories from his incredible journey both on and off the screen. The conversation dives into life on commercial sets, voice acting, Special Olympics, overcoming injuries, and the importance of kindness, teamwork, and believing in yourself. Plus, the hosts share their own acting experiences, favorite roles, and what it’s like seeing themselves on TV.This episode is full of laughs, inspiration, behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories, and genuine moments you won’t want to miss. 🌊🎬🏀 #TheAudreyAndJeremyShow #SpecialOlympics #JerseyMikes #Podcast #DownSyndromeAwareness #Acting #VoiceActing #Inclusion #SAGAFTRA #CommercialActing