T21 Podcast

Join Chloé and Ben for a tour of Upside Down Mercantile! Learn about our products, meet our brand ambassadors, and discover the heart behind one of Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks’ resources for families and the community. 

This month on the T21 Podcast, we’re hanging out with Gracie Fesler!Gracie, who has Down syndrome, has recently stepped into a brand-new season of life. Living independently, working two jobs, and building a life of her own. In this episode, Gracie gives us a look into what independence means to her, what she’s learning along the way, and what she has to say about this exciting new chapter.

If there is a topic you would like us to cover please email [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

Mike and Mary Jeppsen join us to share about their experience at the NDSC Conference in Orlando, where they presented a session on marriage. They talk about the importance of learning about the resources and opportunities available to individuals with Down syndrome, including the impact of participating in medical studies. Tune in for their perspective, experiences, and encouragement for families in the Down syndrome community. 

If there is a topic you would like us to cover please email [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

In this episode, speech-language pathologist Allyson Beary shares how Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) empowers individuals with Down syndrome and other differing abilities to communicate with confidence. We discuss common myths, when to introduce AAC, and simple ways families and communities can support every voice.

 Listen now and discover how AAC opens the door to connection, inclusion, and opportunity.

Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Amanda Bowden, mom to Isaiah, as we discuss prenatal testing, media representation, and the value and dignity of every life. Amanda shares her perspective as a mother raising a son with Down syndrome and offers hope and encouragement for families navigating a diagnosis.

Check out Episode 13 of the T21 Podcast Welcoming a Newborn with Down Syndrome - Jon and Natahle Middelkamp to hear their story.

Request a DSGO Newborn basket

https://dsgo.life/baby-baskets-form (https://us.list-manage.com/zy9326ou6Vz?e=5b79d5e996&c2id=95e23475bd14e7221af403c8893d889b)

Find your local Down Syndrome Group

https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/about-down-syndrome/resources/local-organizations/ (https://us.list-manage.com/SFk7fGTyaG7?e=5b79d5e996&c2id=95e23475bd14e7221af403c8893d889b)

If there is a topic you would like us to cover please email [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

In Episode 27 of the T21 Podcast, we sit down with occupational therapist Natalie Clark to talk about the beauty of inclusion, the impact of relationships, and the joy of being part of the Down syndrome community. With nearly 30 years of experience working with children and families, Natalie shares heartfelt stories, practical insight into school-based OT, and why loving and including others can change your life for the better. This conversation is full of encouragement, honesty, and reminders that the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference.

If there is a topic you would like us to cover please email [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

In this episode of the T21 Podcast, we dive into one of the most important and often uncomfortable parenting conversations: how to talk to your kids about disabilities. Using real-life moments and simple, honest language, we explore how to nurture curiosity without shame, teach inclusion in everyday situations, and model the respect we want our kids to show others.Books that we love!

• I Am a Masterpiece!: An Empowering Story About Inclusivity and Growing Up with Down Syndrome by Mia Armstrong
• Different--A Great Thing to Be! by Heather Avis
• Hannah's Down Syndrome Superpowers by Lori Leigh Yarborough
• Down Syndrome Out Loud: 20+ True Stories of Disability and Determination by Melissa Hart

Welcome back to the T21 Podcast! 🎙️ Today we’re joined by a family behind Brew21 and Extra Chromosome Coffee Co. who didn’t just open a coffee shop to serve great drinks they opened it to create opportunity and build community. ☕💛In this episode, they talk about the transition from a mobile coffee bar to a brick-and-mortar shop, and tell the story behind why they started. It’s a conversation about their mission, bringing awareness, reaching new customers, and the heart behind what they’re trying to do.If there is a topic you would like us to cover please email [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

Welcome to the T21 Podcast! In this episode, We’re joined by Dr. April Phillips, Director of Bear POWER at Missouri State University a program designed to support students with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they transition beyond graduation. Bear POWER focuses on building real-world skills, confidence, independence, and meaningful community involvement.This conversation is all about possibility, purpose, and creating clear pathways toward a bright, empowered future. Whether you’re a parent, educator, self-advocate, or community member, this episode will leave you inspired by what’s possible.To learn more about Bear POWER: https://www.missouristate.edu/BearPOW...Information for scholarships through Rubys Rainbow: https://rubysrainbow.orgIf there is a topic you would like us to cover please email [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

In Episode 23 of the T21 Podcast, we’re starting the new year with some exciting changes and a great conversation. We welcome new co-host Ben Ward and sit down with Serah Jeppsen, a young adult with Down syndrome who brings tons of heart, creativity, and personality to everything she does. Serah talks about moving to Springfield, growing up in a big family, her love of photography and art, and what it’s like being part of the Upside Down Mercantile community. It’s a relaxed, real conversation full of laughs, insight, and inspiration.To shop Serah's Rainbow visit: https://shopupsidedown.com/collection... To learn more about the Passage program at University of Southern Alabama visit:https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges...If there is a topic you would like us to cover please email [email protected] we would love to hear from you!