When Independence Gets Real (and a Little Scary)... In this story time episode, Lisa shares a milestone moment in her daughter Avery’s journey toward independence: a trip to the mall with friends—no parents, no hovering, no safety net. What started as a proud (and slightly nerve-wracking) step into teenage freedom turned into a rollercoaster of emotions involving a shopping mishap, a heart-to-heart, and a terrifying twist that hit too close to home. Tune in for laughs, life lessons, and a reminder that letting go, even just a little, is one of the bravest things we can do as parents.

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This podcast was recorded in Garage Band and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery).

Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there.

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

Avery and I got to chat with Diane Dupuy, founder of Famous People Players—the magical black light theatre where dreams take centre stage and everyone shines. We got to know Diane on a personal level and learned how she found the courage to be fully herself in a world that doesn’t always make space for people who see things differently.

She also shared the origin story of Famous People Players, how it all started and what challenges the theatre is facing today. If you haven’t been to a Dine & Dream show yet, you need to go.

And in true “seasoned pro” fashion, I might have forgotten to hit record the last few minutes of our Zoom interview (oops). But don’t worry! Avery and I stepped in with a dramatic reenactment so convincing, we’re expecting a job offer from Diane any day now. :)

To learn about Famous People Players ("Where special happens!"), order tickets, and to donate visit: famouspeopleplayers.com

***

This podcast was recorded in Garage Band and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery).

Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there.

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

Ever feel like there’s a quiet divide in the disability community, where some parents compare challenges or judge what they don’t fully understand? Yeah, me too. In this episode, I’m talking honestly about how that kind of thinking only hurts all of us. Whether your child has physical, intellectual, medical, or invisible disabilities, we’re all navigating hard stuff. Let’s stop measuring who has it “worse” and start lifting each other up. Some argue that we're not in same boat (due to our different challenges) but I say we ARE! Same boat, but just different cabins. So let's cruise baby!

And be sure to listen for Avery's "Sunny Spot" moment this week. It's a good one!

* Facebook Page mentioned in this episode: It's A Mary Little Life

***

This podcast was recorded in Garage Band and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery).

Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there.

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

In this feisty solo episode, Lisa’s airing out a few lingering thoughts, tying up loose ends from past episodes, and sharing a couple of fresh experiences that sparked some big feelings. Tune in to hear why she's a little extra spicy—and what she's doing about it. Stick around to the end for the debut of a brand-new feature from Avery that will warm your heart. (Bonus: she sings the intro in the sweetest voice.)

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Links Mentioned In This Episode:

• loveisrespect.org 
• amaze.org
• teachingsexualhealth.ca

***

This podcast was recorded in Garage Band and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery).

Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

And, come chat with us on social.

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

Avery says I’m over-protective and, honestly? She’s not wrong. Letting go, even just a little, can feel terrifying when you're raising a child with disabilities. But here's the truth: our kids need space to grow, and we need to grow too. In today’s episode, we’re talking about the big, scary, beautiful journey toward independence (for them and for us) and the little changes we’re making to get there.

Mentioned in this episode: 87. This Is Why My Mom Is The Way She Is

***

This podcast was recorded in Garage Band and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery).

Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there.

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

Avery just wrapped up an 8-week program all about relationships, dating, and gulp, sex! She’s sharing what she learned, and let’s just say… mom has realized there are a few missing pieces that might need filling in eventually (but when is the right time and how much do I explain?!). Tune in for an honest chat about navigating relationships as a disabled teen, because love is complicated, no matter who you are.

***

This podcast was recorded in Garage Band and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery).

Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there.

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

If you think students with developmental or intellectual disabilities can't go to college, think again. :) Join us as Avery interviews her friend "Nicole" (not her real name, but a great drinking game for those who imbibe—you'll see what I mean when you hear the episode). The interview starts at the 20 minute mark if you'd like to skip past me rambling about my hopes and fears about Avery going off to college.

More Info About "Inclusive Education College Programs"

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This podcast was recorded in Garage Band and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery).

Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there.

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

How do you explain religion, spirituality, and big life questions to your person with intellectual disabilities—especially when your own beliefs don’t fit into a neat little box? That’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode, inspired by a simple but loaded text from Avery: “Are we Christian?” We chat about what religion means, why people believe, and how our family embraces spirituality over organized faith. And the best part? Avery shares her own understanding of religion in a way that’s both sweet and insightful. Tune in for an open, thoughtful, and maybe even a little funny conversation about belief, belonging, and being good humans.

Thank you Feedspot for including us in your list of top 35 disability parenting podcasts!!

***

This podcast was recorded in Garage Band and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery).

Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there.

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

If your child is 18+ they can and should vote! This episode is about how we can support people with intellectual disabilities through the voting process. Plus, a good ol' rant about our current bizarro political landscape.

Links mentioned in this episode

-Elections Canada Voter Registration

-Elections Ontario Voter Registration

-The Ontario Register of Future Voters is designed for eligible 16- and 17-year-olds so that they will automatically be added to the Register when they turn 18. Register Here

-How to get an Ontario Photo Card

***

This podcast was recorded in Garage Band and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery).

Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there.

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

This is something new... something we've wanted to try for a while and we finally did it! Avery recorded most of this episode entirely on her own! Take THAT speech delay. Avery answered five questions about life, in her own words. She kept her answers brief (unlike her blabby co-host) and the results were short and sweet. We'll definitely do this again soon. This young lady has a lot to say.

***

This podcast was recorded in Garage Band and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery).

Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there.

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)