A Little Something Extra

GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans very own, Craig Blackburn joins us on this episode of A Little Something Extra! Craig is an amazing man, who not only inspires those in his community but those around the world. Craig is a self-advocate, who has traveled all over the world to show that a Down syndrome diagnosis shouldn’t stop anyone from achieving their dreams! On top of being an advocate, Craig is also a team manager for the NBA team, New Orleans Pelicans! Craig Is also a loving husband to his wife Heather. Hear Craig talk about all these incredible pieces of his life, and more in this episode of A Little Something Extra!! 

Watch the video version of this podcast at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyukjLY9gn8

This episode of A Little Something Extra tells a story of inspiration, determination, and love through the eyes of an incredible couple. Nancy and GiGi sit down with artist, Dan Keplinger and his wife Dena. Dan is a famed artist who channels his inspirations from life experiences. What makes his story so powerful is he’s achieved so much while carrying the weight of Cerebral Palsy. For those who don’t know, Cerebral Palsy is a congenital disorder that affects one’s muscle movements. While the limitation on his muscle control has been a barrier, Dan has spent his life courageously showing his strength and ability through his art. Another amazing part of Dan’s story is the story of him and his wife. A love story in its purest form, Dan and Dena shows us that nothing can get in the way of true love.

See the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/PfnXOxpCtso

This week’s episode of A Little Something Extra is all about differences and taking the time to recognize and acknowledge them because in doing so it will completely change perspectives. The guest who joined us was determined to show the world that differences aren’t so different after all. Meeka Caldwell is a mother, author and advocate who noticed a lack in representation of children with special needs, specifically black children, in kid’s books. Being the trailblazer she is, she decided to create her own, with her son, Anian, as the main character. Nancy, GiGi, Franco, and Meeka discuss many different topics regarding societies' viewpoints on differences and the changes that need to be made to create a more accepting world. GiGi also gives some of her famous TIPPPSS on accepting people for who they are!

Watch the video version of this podcast at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGkntZyrhis

Just in time for the 2021 Olympics, The Little Something Extra podcast is joined by an amazing guest, Olympic bobsledder, Elana Meyers Taylor!! This week’s episode is centered around hard work and determination. Elana perfectly encapsulated both of those attributes, to be one of the best in the world at being a bobsledder and a mother! Last year, Elana gave birth to her beautiful son Nico. After learning about his Down syndrome diagnosis, she immediately became an advocate and has begun using her son as motivation to work harder every day! Hear what fuels Elana’s determination and inspiration, her perspective about keeping a positive outlook on life, and much more on this episode of A Little Something Extra!! 

Check out the video version of this podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/c/gigisplayhouseinc

A Little Something Extra is almost back! Next Thursday, June 17th, A Little Something Extra podcast returns, featuring an incredible guest!! Nancy Gianni and GiGi Gianni are joined by actor, comedian, and producer Nic Novicki. Along with his theatrical accolades, Nic is also a trailblazer! He is the founder of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, a challenge that gives filmmakers—with and without disabilities—the opportunity to collaborate to tell unique stories that showcase disability in its many forms. Check out this teaser then tune in next week to hear more about Nic and his amazing story! 

Watch the video version here: https://gigisplayhouse.org/alittlesomethingextra

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/BaN_iuPBusc

“In my eyes, you’re not supposed to mistreat nobody.” This is the mantra that special guest, Dennis Dixon, tries to live by every day. From facing a near-impossible childhood to overcoming the odds, Dennis is an inspiration who shows us that no matter the obstacles in our way, if we keep pushing, we can accomplish anything!  

He shares his amazing life journey and gives us a fresh perspective on how important it is to be accepting of people just as they are. We're proud to have Dennis be a member of the GiGi's Playhouse family and grateful for his role and support at our Little Rock Playhouse. This is a story you don't want to miss! 

About the podcast: We all have a little something extra inside of us, and sometimes we don’t even know it’s there! Through A Little Something Extra, we hear about the forces in people’s lives that drive their passion in hopes that others will find theirs! We’ll get to hear what makes our guests so inspiring – their superpower – even if they do not feel it within themselves! Every episode will feature guests who have accomplished the impossible and have changed the world! Be prepared to find yourself motivated with every installment with insights from a wide range of guests from A-list celebrities to everyday people! Learn more at www.alittlesomethingextrapodcast.org. 

With over 50 brick-and-mortar locations across the United States and Mexico and 200 inquiries to start new locations all over the world, GiGi’s Playhouse is the ONLY network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers. GiGi’s Playhouse is also currently serving families in more than 50 countries worldwide with GiGi’s At Home. Learn more at gigisplayhouse.org. 

About the podcast: We all have a little something extra inside of us, and sometimes we don’t even know it’s there! Through A Little Something Extra, we hear about the forces in people’s lives that drive their passion in hopes that others will find theirs! We’ll get to hear what makes our guests so inspiring – their superpower – even if they do not feel it within themselves! Every episode will feature guests who have accomplished the impossible and have changed the world! Be prepared to find yourself motivated with every installment with insights from a wide range of guests from A-list celebrities to everyday people! Learn more at www.alittlesomethingextrapodcast.org.

With over 50 brick-and-mortar locations across the United States and Mexico and 200 inquiries to start new locations all over the world, GiGi’s Playhouse is the ONLY network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers. Learn more at gigisplayhouse.org.

In the third episode of our video podcast, A Little Something Extra, Nancy and GiGi Gianni of GiGi's Playhouse, interview actor, advocate, and dad John McGinley! John's son, Max, was born with Down syndrome. Initially riddled with fear of the uncertainty, John has been inspired by his son and has dedicated his life to advocating on behalf of Max, standing up for others and giving them a voice. He dives into tough topics like eliminating the R-word and dealing with a 24/7 diagnosis from birth to adulthood. John has starred in more than 60 films and 25 television shows. Becoming a father to Max, John re-evaluated the trajectory of his career so he could spend quality time with his son - and ended up the lead on the hit television show Scrubs. Watch out for a couple of special guests during the interview!

About the podcast: We all have a little something extra inside of us, and sometimes we don’t even know it’s there! Through A Little Something Extra, we hear about the forces in people’s lives that drive their passion in hopes that others will find theirs! We’ll get to hear what makes our guests so inspiring – their superpower – even if they do not feel it within themselves! Every episode will feature guests who have accomplished the impossible and have changed the world! Be prepared to find yourself motivated with every installment with insights from a wide range of guests from A-list celebrities to everyday people! Learn more at www.alittlesomethingextrapodcast.org.

With over 50 brick-and-mortar locations across the United States and Mexico and 200 inquiries to start new locations all over the world, GiGi’s Playhouse is the ONLY network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers. GiGi's Playhouse is also currently serving families in more than 45 countries worldwide with GiGi's At Home. Learn more at gigisplayhouse.org.