A Little Something Extra

In this inspiring and joy-filled episode, our hosts Nancy Gianni, GiGi Gianni, and Franco Gianni come together to kick off Down Syndrome Awareness Month—or as we like to call it, Down Syndrome Acceptance Month. It’s a powerful conversation about language, leadership, love, and how each of us can help create a more inclusive world.  From GiGi’s unforgettable speech at the United Nations to the incr...

In this uplifting and joy-filled episode, we sit down with Nate Simon, the CEO and co-founder of 21 Pineapples, and his incredible mom, Holly Simon, the powerhouse advocate behind the brand’s heart and soul. Nate, who was born with Down syndrome, is not only the face of 21 Pineapples, but he is also the reason it exists: to spread love, laughter, and a powerful message of inclusion. With over 100...

Back to school = back to socks! In this heartwarming and entrepreneurial episode, we sit down with the dynamic father-son duo behind John’s Crazy Socks, Mark and John Cronin!  Mark shares his personal journey as a father to John, who has Down syndrome, and how their search for meaningful opportunities sparked something bigger than either of them could’ve imagined. What started with hand-delivering...

This week we are wrapping up with our Pop-Up Podcast! Live from the 2025 NDSC Conference in Dallas, we were thrilled to talk with Dr. Patricia Tice! Dr. Patricia Tice is a transportation expert, innovator, and advocate for independence in the disability community.  She is the founder of Brick City Lab, where she’s reimagining transportation education for individuals with disabilities using creativ...

We’re back with another Pop-Up Podcast, live from the 2025 NDSC Conference in Dallas! This episode features two incredible guests you may recognize! With an unshakable sibling bond and a whole lot of heart, we are joined by Annika and Aaron Soderfelt.  Aaron is 24, loves country music, has got the jams, and has a playlist for every occasion (especially for “grump walks”). Annika is an occupational...

We’re back with another Pop-Up Podcast, live from the 2025 NDSC Conference in Dallas! This episode features two incredible guests who prove that anything is possible. Meet Sophia Kay Whitten and Grace Davis: two inspiring young women with amazing stories.  Sophia is a college student, a pre-fiancé, and an independent powerhouse. She’s also the inspiration behind the Global Down Syndrome Foundation...

In this special two-part episode of the Pop-Up Podcast, we’re live from the NDSC Conference in Dallas 2025 with two unforgettable guests who are showing the world what’s possible.  First up: Matthew Schwab: speaker, actor, advocate, and best friend of the podcast! He is back with huge updates. From moving into a new home with his fiancée Lucia to premiering his first feature film Horse Girls at th...

In honor of this year’s NDSC Convention this weekend, we’re throwing it back to one of our favorite pop-up podcast moments recorded live at last year’s event!  In this special episode, we sit down with Cassandra Drake, a powerhouse mom, university professor at CSU Stanislaus, and passionate advocate who lives in Querétaro, Mexico. From a wild birth story to a bold family move inspired by GiGi’s Pl...

It's MLB All Star Week... So we are bringing back one of our very first episodes! In this special episode, we sit down with Tom Ricketts, Executive Chairman of the Chicago Cubs, for an unforgettable conversation that brings heart, history, and a whole lot of team spirit to the mic!  As the 4th-ever episode of A Little Something Extra, this one hits it out of the park. We share how the Cubs' suppor...

This isn’t just another episode- this is a wake-up call.  In our most passionate Host Talk yet, we confront a disturbing trend that’s gone viral: AI deepfakes of women impersonating individuals with Down syndrome—using that image to post suggestive, scandalous content.  Let that sink in.  This isn’t advocacy. This isn’t funny. And this absolutely isn’t okay.  In this raw, real conversation, we div...

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we sit down with NFL player Jacob Monk for an unforgettable conversation that spans faith, family, and football!  We dive deep into the Monk family story, from the miraculous birth of Jacob’s younger brother, Myles ( who was born in the front seat of a car) to the powerful role he’s played in shaping the entire family’s life. Jacob opens about how Myles bec...

What if the role of a lifetime found you when you least expected it?  In this joyful and behind-the-scenes look at Suits LA, we’re joined by actor Carson A. Egan, who has Down syndrome, and his dad Kurc! Playing Eddie Black, the younger brother of Stephen Amell’s character Ted Black, Carson is stepping into the spotlight while bringing his signature humor and heart with him.  But Carson’s path to...

Welcome to our brand-new segment: Host Talk.   This is where we get real. No guests, just us, diving into the issues that matter most, celebrating big wins, and sharing behind-the-scenes moments that don’t always make the highlight reel. It’s about honest conversations, hard truths, and huge hope.  From the ballpark to the library, in this episode, we unpack:  The incredible momentum of the Jake B...

What does it look like when advocacy goes the extra mile...literally? In this powerful and action-driven episode, we’re joined by a remarkable father-son duo who are reshaping the conversation around disability rights and inclusion.  Meet Bret and Jack Bowerman—passionate advocates, endurance athletes, and relentless champions for equal employment opportunities for people of all abilities. Bret, a...

Have you ever wondered how one friendship, or one act of service, can change your life? Whether you're passionate about inclusion, connected to someone with Down syndrome, or just looking to make a meaningful impact, this episode is for you.    In this inspiring episode, we’re joined by Holly Siino and Claire Ramaley, co-leaders of the Fantastic Friends program at GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento. With...

This week, we're absolutely thrilled to welcome Jennifer Gray, founder of Gray Speak Therapy—now transitioning to Connected Speech—and Sarah Bookout, an experienced and passionate speech-language pathologist!  In this inspiring and information-packed episode, we dive deep into the importance of speech and communication, especially for individuals with Down syndrome. Jennifer and Sarah share what t...

This week were absolutely thrilled to welcome Canada’s first and only competitive bodybuilder with Down syndrome, Kyle Landi and his parents Kimberly and Joe! Known as @greenrangerkyle on social media, Kyle is on a mission to prove that anything is possible when you lead with passion and perseverance. In this powerful and uplifting conversation, Kyle shares how his vision and dream of becoming a b...

This week we’re thrilled to welcome Founder of A.C.E. Therapies, certified special education teacher, and board-certified assistant behavior analyst Cindy Mrotek! In this insightful and inspiring episode, Cindy shares the heartwarming story of how she met her husband as well as her expert perspective on behavior development in children. We explore the essential skills that support behavioral growt...

In honor of Mother’s Day, we’re sharing one of our most inspiring and heartfelt episodes featuring an incredible mom, Jennifer Hogan Jones, known to many as “@my.beautiful.ds.journey”. This Mother’s Day, we honor all mothers—especially those who turn challenges into courage and shine light into the world through their unconditional love. In this episode, Jennifer opens up about her experience rece...

This week, we’re excited to welcome Misty Coy Snyder — a passionate advocate for individuals with Down syndrome and a devoted volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse New York City. Misty wears many hats: she’s an actor, singer, writer, entrepreneur, and creator behind Happiness is Down Syndrome, a platform dedicated to sharing uplifting stories and supporting families on similar paths. In this episode, Mist...

Another throwback! We’re taking it back to one of our most memorable and heartwarming episodes of A Little Something Extra. In this special throwback, we’re joined by the incredible Tanner Smith—one of the standout stars of Season 2—and his equally amazing mom, Nicci. If you’ve seen the show, you’ll understand why Tanner captured so many hearts. His vibrant personality, unshakable optimism, and in...

This week we’re throwing it back—because there’s more love to celebrate! With Season 3 of Love on the Spectrum newly released and bringing some fresh and unexpected turns, we thought it was the perfect time to revisit one of our favorite guests from past seasons: Connor Tomlinson. In this episode, we’re joined by Connor’s mom, Lise, and his brother, Ben. We dive into Connor’s journey on the show,...

We are so thrilled to welcome Erin Merryn to the show! Erin is widely recognized for her activism and for pushing for legislative changes aimed at protecting children from abuse. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, she created Erin’s Law which requires that all public schools in each state implement a prevention-oriented child sexual abuse program. Not only is she making amazing changes in th...

In this week’s episode, we have the privilege of speaking with the incredible Kennith Allen Thomas!! Known as Kenny Clutch on social media, Kenny is a motivational speaker, leadership coach, and dedicated family man. Kenny shares his inspiring journey, including the emotional story of his son Christian’s birth and the discovery of his cancer diagnosis. He talks about what it truly means to "show u...

This week on A Little Something Extra, we’re thrilled to welcome the amazing Nora Michaelis! In this episode, we dive into Nora’s journey as the founder of bEquals, explore her many hobbies, and hear about the impactful lessons she’s learned—all at just 17 years old! Get ready to learn about bEquals and the powerful impact it’s having, not only on those in the program but also on Nora herself. Tun...