A Little Something Extra

This week, we had the privilege of speaking with Lauren Costabile, the Founder and Executive Director of Hearts of Joy International. This nonprofit organization provides life-saving heart surgeries for children with Down syndrome around the world, while also offering educational resources, counseling, and advocacy for their families. Prior to launching Hearts of Joy International, Lauren was a vo...

We couldn’t let the conversation end just yet, so we’re back with the Valentine Brothers! In this extended version of episode 2, it’s the Zach show! We play all his favorite games, do his challenges, and learn all about the brothers! Tune in for a fun-filled ride.  Watch the video version of this episode at https://www.youtube.com/@alittlesomethingextra

We're thrilled to welcome The Valentine Brothers to A Little Something Extra! This episode is extra special, featuring both the brothers and a special guest appearance from their mom! We dive deep into the world of social media, explore what sparked the creation of The Valentine Brothers, and hear all about their #GenerationG Hero Award win at GiGi’s Playhouse National ‘i have a voice’ Gala. Don’t...

This week we are kicking off season 4 with some familiar faces! We welcome back Valeriia and Anya, but this time as #GenerationG Hero Award recipients! We will hear more about Valeriia and Anya’s incredible story coming to the US from Ukraine, the pivotal moment Anya showed her passion for working out, their passion to use their platform to make a difference, and all about their #GenerationG Hero...

This week we are joined by the incredible Penny Tovar—a nurse, influencer, and new mom to a beautiful baby girl with Down syndrome. In this episode, Penny shares her emotional journey through the diagnosis, offering an authentic and raw glimpse into her worries, fears, and the deep love she has for her daughter, Amari. She opens up about the moment she received the diagnosis, the thoughtful approa...

Today, we’re talking with Chad Sorentino—a retired Army vet, GiGi’s Playhouse Ambassador, and fitness coach! After 21 years of service, Chad found his mission in empowering adaptive athletes, especially those with cognitive disabilities. He’s seen firsthand how fitness can overcome hurdles and break barriers. Growing up with a best friend who had disabilities, inclusion has always been Chad’s core...

We are thrilled to welcome MLB player Jake Burger and his wife and entrepreneur Ashlyn Burger! This October, Ashlyn and Jake joyfully welcomed their baby girl, Penelope, who was born with Down syndrome. With this beautiful addition to their family, Jake became the only active MLB player with a child with Down syndrome. In this heartfelt episode, we hear about Penelope’s diagnosis journey, the stor...

We are so excited to welcome some familiar faces to the podcast this week! You may know them from The GiGi’s social media and their viral 6-month anniversary video...welcome GiGi and Lukas! In the holiday spirit, this episode looks back on the relationship between these lovebirds as well as their hopes for the future. This episode will leave you laughing, smiling, and wanting more! Happy Holidays!...

This week we are so excited to introduce the Executive Director of CASA Kane County Jim Di Ciaula!! Recently honored with the 2024 William D Barth Community Service Award, Jim is an extremely active member in his community. In his role at CASA Kane County, he leads this volunteer driven nonprofit that is dedicated to giving children a voice in court and hope for a brighter future. Not only does Ji...

Join us as we hit it out of the park with Bill Leroy! Bill has been the catcher for the Savannah Bananas for the last 7 years. The Savannah Bananas are more than just a baseball team. In these games, the players break into dance and other antics in a baseball game to entertain the fans!! In this episode we learn all about Bananas Foster which is a non-profit organization committed to helping bring...

Meet Brad Ludden! We are so excited Brad to introduce pro whitewater kayaker, philanthropist, and founder of First Descents onto our show!!! From kayaking in Madagascar and Africa to being the inspiration behind the naming of Nose Breaker Waterfall in Norway, Brad’s life is all about embracing the extremes. In overcoming fears, Brad shares the importance of enjoying what you do and having fun. Bra...

We are excited to be joined by Curtis Hargrove, a Canadian endurance athlete and philanthropist renowned for his long-distance fundraising efforts. From running the Chicago Marathon in 3-inch red high heels to completing 34 marathons in 34 days, Curtis exemplifies unwavering commitment to making a difference. On A Little Something Extra, he shares his story and his determination to make an impact,...

Join us in a conversation with the creator of a nationwide beer collaboration benefiting people with Down Syndrome!! Pat Craddock, a dad from a Detroit suburb, wanted to take his two passions: His son, Ian, and beer and create an opportunity to give back to the Down syndrome community. Luckly, Pat is the CFO of Griffin Claw Brewing Company, and he was able to launch the TRI-21 Project. TRI-21 Proj...

Kim and Jen, Co-Founders of the new dating platform for adults with Autism, join the show! The Mix is a new platform for helping adults with autism find love or friendships in a safe and fun community! Kim and Jen have been working in the Autism community for a long time. Kim is a school psychologist and Jen is a social worker and BCBA. In their experience, they both noticed the lack of resources...

We are joined on this episode by Courtney and Thomas Hawthorne III, or T3! You may have seen him on social media when a video of him hitting a home run went MEGA viral! We saw the clip and knew we had to get them on to share their story! Thomas is your everyday 9-year-old kid, but also has a condition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, which is a genetic bone disease that cau...

 This episode features an amazing mother! Katrina Placzek and her daughter, Dallas, can be seen all over social media spreading awareness about the importance of understanding and inclusion! Dallas was diagnosed at 2 years old with Cerebral Palsey, but her diagnosis sure hasn’t stopped her from living her best life! Katrina, Dallas’ mom has been an amazing advocate for her daughter, sharing her jo...

Advocate and non-profit entrepreneur, Reilly Cate Ferguson, joins the Show!! At just 13 years old Reilly walked into GiGi’s Nashville to volunteer her time, having no connection to disabilities. The experience was so impactful on her that at just 15, she started her own non-profit serving people with Down syndrome! As founder and president of Brushfield International, she is on a mission to enhanc...

On this episode we are joined by Valeriia and Anya, known on social media as VallitFit and Anyundik . They are sisters, fitness influencers, and advocates showcasing their amazing relationship and fitness journey all across social media. What is even more incredible is Anya has done all of this while having an extra 21st chromosome! She isn’t letting that little something extra stop her from showi...

Listen to a tasty new episode of the podcast as Shawn Askinosie of Askinosie Chocolate joins the show! An author and chocolatier, Shawn shares his inspirational journey of how he left the courtroom (practicing law for twenty years!) to follow his true passion in life. Shawn swaps stories with us about what it means to run an ethical chocolate company, how he found his passion, and how he helps oth...

Dive into our latest episode of the podcast with Mary Borman, aka “Mermaid Mary”! Back by popular demand, Mary brings a wave of fresh stories that’ll leave you hooked!  Catch up with Mary as she talks about her life both in and out of the water. A competitive swimmer, model, public speaker, and self-advocate, Mary wears many hats (or fins)! Mary sits down with Nancy, GiGi, and Franco to discuss he...

NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!! In this special episode of the podcast, Franco takes the solo hosting reins, but he’s far from alone. Multiple members of the GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough Youth Board join the show! Comprised entirely of teenagers, the Hillsborough #GenerationG Youth Board is leading the way on inclusion and acceptance for the next generation. They sit down with Franco to discuss how their i...

A close friend of the podcast, Matthew Schwab, joins the show!! OMG, we are so excited about this episode. Matthew Schwab is a public speaker, self-advocate, founder of Matthew Schwab Speaks AND a fiancé! If you have never had the pleasure of meeting Matt, you have likely seen his viral engagement video on social media. He is seriously one of the most incredible individuals anyone can ever meet. T...

Father and son authors Andrew and David Olshine join the show! Andrew and his father, David, join us to talk all about their journey which ultimately led to the creation of their brand-new book, Fearless as a Honey Badger, Brave Like a Wolverine. In this episode, David, an established Author of 16 books, tells us about his experience as a father of a son with Down syndrome and how he embraced the...

Connor Tomlinson, breakout star from Love on the Spectrum season 2, joins the show!! Joining Connor are his mom, Lise, and brother, Ben. Love on the Spectrum did such an amazing job capturing the dynamic of this amazing family, and we wanted to bring that same energy to the podcast! If you have not seen Love on the Spectrum, it will surely be your next binge. For those who have, you saw Connor ste...

The great John O’Hurley and his golden voice join the podcast in the studio!! John O’Hurley is an incredibly talented actor, comedian, author, television personality, and even a singer! You may know him as the eccentric J. Peterman in the hit sitcom Seinfeld. He also hosts the National Dog show, voices King Neptune in SpongeBob along with hundreds of other voice acting roles! He joined us just hos...