A Little Something Extra

This episode of a little something extra features the rockstar father-son duo of Rick and Noah Smith! When Noah was born 10 years ago, Rick started a YouTube channel called Noah’s Dad and the sole purpose of the channel was to just highlight what it was like to raise Noah. Fast forward to now and Rick has amassed quite the following of over 300K followers across his social channels! Rick realized...

In this episode, we interview a guest who is a valuable member of the GiGi’s Playhouse family! Amy Smith is an adult ambassador at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland, a role that allows her to inspire people every day. The theme of this episode with Amy is Love & Respect. We discuss her life growing up in a time where individuals who were different, never received the love and respect that they so deserve...

In this episode, we meet with Actress, dancer, model, and motivational speaker, Sarah Gordy! Sarah is best known for her in the British hit drama, The A Word, in a role written for her! As well as BBC shows, she has acted in short films, radio dramas, commercials, and many theatre productions.  In 2018 she became the first woman with Down syndrome to be made an MBE (The Most Excellent Order of the...

On this episode of A Little Something Extra, Nancy, GiGi and Franco interview Dr. Brian Chicoine of Adult Down Syndrome Center in Park Ridge IL. Dr. Chicoine is an expert on the Down syndrome diagnosis after working with Adults with DS early in his career, to then starting his own medical center in 1990. In this episode, Dr. Chicoine gives an extremely informative conversation on all things Down s...

This week’s episode is centered around siblings and the positive impact that a brother or sister with Down syndrome can have on your life! Nancy, GiGi and Franco sit down with siblings Mike Mussallem and his wife Linda. Mike is the CEO of Edwards Lifesciences, and organization that manufactures heart devices that quite literally have saved the lives of hundreds of thousands, while Linda is a leade...

GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans very own, Craig Blackburn joins us on this episode of A Little Something Extra! Craig is an amazing man, who not only inspires those in his community but those around the world. Craig is a self-advocate, who has traveled all over the world to show that a Down syndrome diagnosis shouldn’t stop anyone from achieving their dreams! On top of being an advocate, Craig is als...

We are kicking off Down Syndrome Awareness Month a week early with a very special guest! In today’s new episode of A Little Something Extra we are joined by the fabulous Jaime Brewer. Jaime is an inspiration to all, showing the world that one little diagnosis isn’t going to hold her back from making her dreams come true! In our interview, Jaime talks about everything with us, from her life as an a...

This episode of A Little Something Extra tells a story of inspiration, determination, and love through the eyes of an incredible couple. Nancy and GiGi sit down with artist, Dan Keplinger and his wife Dena. Dan is a famed artist who channels his inspirations from life experiences. What makes his story so powerful is he’s achieved so much while carrying the weight of Cerebral Palsy. For those who d...

This week’s episode of A Little Something Extra is all about differences and taking the time to recognize and acknowledge them because in doing so it will completely change perspectives. The guest who joined us was determined to show the world that differences aren’t so different after all. Meeka Caldwell is a mother, author and advocate who noticed a lack in representation of children with specia...

Just in time for the 2021 Olympics, The Little Something Extra podcast is joined by an amazing guest, Olympic bobsledder, Elana Meyers Taylor!! This week’s episode is centered around hard work and determination. Elana perfectly encapsulated both of those attributes, to be one of the best in the world at being a bobsledder and a mother! Last year, Elana gave birth to her beautiful son Nico. After l...

A Little Something Extra is almost back! Next Thursday, June 17th, A Little Something Extra podcast returns, featuring an incredible guest!! Nancy Gianni and GiGi Gianni are joined by actor, comedian, and producer Nic Novicki. Along with his theatrical accolades, Nic is also a trailblazer! He is the founder of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, a challenge that gives filmmakers—with and wi...

After learning that 80% of people who receive a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome do not give birth, Ashley knew that it was her purpose to become a mother to Ever. On our newest episode of A Little Something Extra, we sit down with "Super Mom", Ashley Williams from EverandMom. Ashley is a Down syndrome advocate, influencer, and “Super Mom” to her daughter Ever. In this episode, Ashley and Nancy...

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/BaN_iuPBusc “In my eyes, you’re not supposed to mistreat nobody.” This is the mantra that special guest, Dennis Dixon, tries to live by every day. From facing a near-impossible childhood to overcoming the odds, Dennis is an inspiration who shows us that no matter the obstacles in our way, if we keep pushing, we can accomplish anything!   He shares his...

Hey Chicago what do you say, A Little Something Extra video podcast has a special guest today! CEO and Chairman of the Chicago Cubs, Tom Ricketts, joins Nancy, GiGi, and Franco for the 4th episode of A Little Something Extra! Tom and the Chicago Cubs have been a part of the GiGi’s Playhouse family for several years - in fact, GiGi’s Playhouse has been a recipient of Cubs Cares and GiGi impressed t...

In the third episode of our video podcast, A Little Something Extra, Nancy and GiGi Gianni of GiGi's Playhouse, interview actor, advocate, and dad John McGinley! John's son, Max, was born with Down syndrome. Initially riddled with fear of the uncertainty, John has been inspired by his son and has dedicated his life to advocating on behalf of Max, standing up for others and giving them a voice. He...

We’re back with our second episode of our video podcast, A Little Something Extra, the first podcast co-hosted by an individual with Down syndrome! In this episode, Nancy and GiGi Gianni of GiGi’s Playhouse are joined by Amanda Booth -- model, mom, and advocate. Amanda’s son, Micah, was born with Down syndrome and has followed in his mom’s footsteps in a big way – he’s been featured in numerous ca...

We’re excited to share the premiere episode of a new podcast called A Little Something Extra – the first video podcast hosted by an individual with Down syndrome! In the inaugural episode, co-hosts Nancy Gianni and The GiGi Gianni of GiGi’s Playhouse are joined by NBA player Justin Jackson and his wife Brooke. Justin and Brooke have been involved with GiGi’s Playhouse for several years, and were e...