In the final episode of the season, we meet Mackenzie’s very own mom, Terencia Beauvais-Nikl. Together, Mackenzie and Terencia reminisce about how race, age, autism, and plain old mother/daughter power dynamics have contributed to the trials and triumphs of their 25-year relationship. Through it all, there’s nothing they wouldn’t do for each other – even if that means jumping out of an airplane. Eek!

Recorded March 4, 2020

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Colorado State Representative Leslie Herod (District 8) chairs two committees and two caucuses. Her hot-button issues include criminal justice reform, mental health & substance abuse interventions, and increasing civil rights protections, among others. So it caught us a bit off guard when one of her surprise questions for Mackenzie was about breaking the law! Lawmaking (and breaking) is nothing but fun in this rowdy and rollicking interview with one of our local heroes.

Recorded December 18, 2019

https://www.leslieherodforcolorado.com/

https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators/leslie-herod

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David Ojile enjoys bike riding, swimming, going to the movies, traveling, and learning to become more independent. His diagnosis is "mild autism," and David says he likes who he is and how autism affects his life. When we asked David about his special gifts, he said "loving and caring" might have something to do with it. Andrea and Mackenzie couldn't agree more!

Recorded February 26, 2020

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Chris O'Sullivan didn't taste meat until he was twelve years old, so perhaps that made him an unlikely candidate to launch a barbecue business. Nevertheless, this co-founder of Brothers BBQ isn't afraid to pursue his passions and examine his assumptions. No matter the challenge, he knows he doesn't have to face it alone.

Recorded November 13, 2019

Brothers BBQ: https://brothers-bbq.com/

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Michael Waters is a film fanatic: his diverse interests range from The Lion King, to Peanut Butter Falcon, to Call Me By Your Name. He's also a phenomenal friend, but that doesn't mean he hasn't made mistakes navigating relationships. As an adult living with Down syndrome, Michael believes he does need help with certain things. However, his ultimate message is simple: "We're all people. It doesn't matter who you are."

Recorded October 16, 2019

Global Down Syndrome Foundation: https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/

Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association: https://www.rmdsa.org/

Peanut Butter Falcon film: https://www.lionsgate.com/movies/the-peanut-butter-falcon

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Jared Sacramento is a smooth dancer, a killer chef, and an easygoing dreamer who idolizes the hunter/gatherer lifestyle. His favorite cereal would be Cap'n Crunch... if not for the violence involved in eating it. Jared's lived on four continents and moonlights as our very own DJ Dosage. How many more surprises does this guy have in store?

Recorded September 25, 2019

Jared's Nashville Mixtape: https://www.thewayfaringband.com/jared-sacramento

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Ryan Farwell considers himself to be goofy and shy... but he's bold to enough to ask for your number. He ruminates on the frustrations of inaccessible spaces, the realities of living with muscular dystrophy, the difficulties of dating post high school, and the special feeling of freedom he gets when he's riding on the back of a horse.

Recorded October 2, 2019

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Erika Righter is a mom, former social worker, and owner and operator of Hope Tank, a boutique that specializes in gifts that give back. When it comes to doing good, Erika considers herself a lifelong learner and listener. But you won't find her waiting in the wings -- she's ready to act, and she expects us to join her.

Recorded October 30, 2019

http://hopetank.org

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Jareth J. Charles has sharpened his self-awareness to a razor's edge. Andrea keeps pace with his relentless introspection, and together they tread into semi-taboo territory, exploring self-loathing, sexuality, multiple diagnoses, and -- finally -- a message for white liberals.

Recorded September 11, 2019

https://www.accessgallery.org/

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Mackenzie convinces Mindy Watrous, her longtime mentor, friend, and former CEO of Special Olympics Colorado, to sit down for an interview. Together they reflect on foster care, adoption, and how hard it is to say no... especially when so many people depend on your tendency to say yes.

Recorded August 21, 2019

Special Olympics CO: https://specialolympicsco.org/

Inclusive Higher Education Certificate Program*: https://www.ihecp.org/

*Please excuse Andrea's misspeak in the episode: the "I" in IHECP stands for Inclusive, not Intensive. :)

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