Episodes

Thinking of travelling with your child with Down syndrome but feeling a little overwhelmed? You're not alone! In this episode of the T21Mom podcast, Mary is sharing everything she has learned from travelling internationally as a family. As Mary prepares for her third European adventure-this time to beautiful Italy, she looks back on what worked, what didn't and the lessons she has learned from her trips to Paris and Prague. From navigating airports and surviving long-haul flights to packing es...

What happens when a viral story about Down syndrome reaches millions of people-but leaves out the voices of those who actually live it every day? In this episode of the T21Mom podcast, Mary is joined by fellow rockin' mom and advocate Misty Snyder for an important conversation about a recent viral YouTube video that has sparked strong emotions throughout the Down syndrome community. Together, they discuss why this story resonated so deeply with parents, self-advocates and families; the impact ...

After a little post-Christmas hiatus (and recovering from hosting 26 people...send help :), Mary is back with a life update, and wow, there's a lot to share! In this episode, Mary catches you up on what's been happening in her world, from holiday memories and reunions with dear friends, to big transitions at school and the emotional rollercoaster of navigating challenging behaviours, and of course, World Down Syndrome Day! Last year was, quite honestly, one of the hardest that Mary has ever ha...

The holidays can be magical-and complicated-especially when you're parenting a child with Down syndrome. In this heartfelt and lightly funny episode of the T21Mom podcast, Mary is joined once again by fan-favourite guest Ron (and his Dollar Store bells!) for the annual Christmas show. This episode explores what Christmas with a child with Down syndrome and the dual diagnosis of autism, really looks like-from changing traditions and Advent cookie calendars to headless gingerbread men and quiet C...

It's the annual Rockin' Mom Retreat episode that was held at the beautiful resort called the Callaway Resort and Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Mary shares the challenges of going away for a few days-from lunches, to Pro D days and early dismissal and how much it means to her to get away. From guided hikes, to a murder mystery (so much fun) to golf carts, beach parties, a cottage pub crawl, pajama parties to emotional guest speakers (hint, Ruby's Rainbow), it was a fun filled and emotional r...

In this episode, Mary shares memories from a magical summer adventure in Prague, Czech Republic with Ainsley and Dennis. From wandering cobblestone streets to surviving the metro with a stroller, the magical scenery, the wild water slides and meeting up with an old university friend, this trip was one for the books! Join us as we chat about: Old Town magic-astronomical clocks, the Powder Tower, the John Lennon Wall and why Prague looks like a fairytale you accidentally stepped into The Beer a...

Summer may be over, but the new school year is just beginning-and for Mary and Ainsley, that means BIG transitions. In this episode, Mary shares the highs and the lows of saying goodbye to daycare after eight years (yes there were tears), their fun-filled trip to the PNE, and what it was really like starting Ainsley's first week of high school. From emotional goodbyes, daredevil rides, and locker practice, to the ongoing saga of the 45 minute two block school bus ride, this episode is a mix of ...

In this milestone 150th episode, Mary takes us on a rollercoaster of emotion, celebration, and cookie-fueled chaos as she shares all the beautiful-and bittersweet-moments from Ainsley's final days of school. From surprise awards and handmade cookie trays to an incredibly thoughtful gift from Ainsley's EA (spoiler: tears were shed), this episode is a love letter to growth, community and motherhood. Plus, Mary dishes on the epic summer BBQ for her parent support group (water balloons + gourmet bu...

In this fun, heartwarming, and very real catch-up episode, Mary shares what life has looked like lately-spoiler alert: it includes a lot of cookies, a masquerade-themed "non graduation" and yet another pair of Ainsley's glasses lost, this time to the deep, blue sea. Mary chats about: - Ainsley's upcoming transition to high school(!) -Midnight cleanups and post-celebration tummy troubles -Fundraising in a monsoon for the Run Up For Down Syndrome -Hosting her first ever T21Mom Mingler -The e...

In this episode, Mary is joined by child author Jeana Atkison to talk about her new children's book How to Eat a Cupcake. They discuss the inspiration behind the story, how it subtly and beautifully includes characters with disabilities, and why representation in children's literature is so important. Jeana shares her thoughts on integrating inclusion naturally through storytelling and the message she hopes kids and families take away from the book. Order your copy of How to Eat a Cupcake a...

Please like and subscribe and even leave a review! In this deeply personal and heartfelt episode of the T21Mom podcast, Mary opens up about a heavy season filled with hospital visits, health scares, and the current challenges of parenting. But through it all, one thing has kept her going-her tribe of Haunted Rocking Moms. These incredible women, all moms of children with Down syndrome have wrapped Mary in love, laughter, and support when she's needed it most. From surprise gifts to heartfelt m...

Please subscribe and leave a review! In this heartfelt episode, Mary chats with Cathy Middlestetter, mom to 27 year-old Cassie, who has Down syndrome. Cathy received a prenatal diagnosis just 11 days before Cassie was born-without the support of social media or online communities. Mary loved hearing Cathy's journey-how her strength, determination, and how she found connection in those early days. From breastfeeding to inclusion, Cathy was a true trailblazer for the Down syndrome community. Tu...

Happy World Down Syndrome Day! Today we are celebrating the incredible individuals who rock that extra chromosome-and yes, we're also rocking our mismatched socks! In this episode we dive into the fun and the real talk of World Down Syndrome Day. World Down Syndrome Day is a day for joy, advocacy, and raising awareness, but let's be real-it can also be a tough day for some parents. Whether you're dancing in celebration or feeling all the emotions, this episode is for you! So grab you mismatche...

Be sure to give a rating and leave a review! Hey friends, it's your friend Mary, and yes-I'm back! Life threw a few curveballs (because of course it did) and I needed a minute. But I missed you all, so let's catch up! In this episode, I'm sharing all the chaos, laughs, and real talk about what's been going on. From my aunt's health scare, to Dennis bravely tackling Costco (on a Saturday no less), to Ainsley's latest adventures -including her ongoing mission to break every iPad screen ever made...

Please like and review the T21Mom podcast on Apple or Spotify! It's the most wonderful time of the year, and we're back with the annual T21Mom Podcast Christmas Special! I'm Mary, mom to Ainsley, my amazing 12 year-old with the dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism, and I'm thrilled to share all the holiday fun, chaos and traditions with you in this episode. This year's Christmas season has been a mix of festive joy and well, exhaustion! Between tackling 72 Advent Cookie Boxes (yes 72!), ...

Please leave a rating or a review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Join Mary for another heartfelt chapter in the Down Syndrome Diaries: Diagnosis Stories. In this episode, Mary sits down with Rockin' Mom Colleen Johnson who courageously shares the raw and emotional story of her son Luke's diagnosis. Colleen opens up about the grief that consumed her in the early days-grief so profound she wondered if she'd ever be able to "not see ." But through time, love and the unwavering support of her fami...

Please rate and leave a review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Hold onto your wine, because this week Mary takes us to the Rockin' Moms Retreat in fabulous Las Vegas! It's an episode filled with friendship, laughter, and just a little bit of ghostly mischief. Mary spills the tea (and maybe some cocktails) about how taking time away with her Haunted Rockin' Moms crew is the ultimate reset. Think poolside relaxation, late-night heart-to-hearts, and plenty of shenanigans that only a Vegas trip cou...

Please leave a review and a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Hold onto your wine, because this week Mary takes us to the Rockin Moms Retreat in fabulous Vegas! It's an episode filled with friendship, laughter, and just a little bit of ghostly mischief. Mary spills the tea (and maybe some cocktails) about how taking time away with her Haunted Rockin Mom crew is the ultimate reset. Think poolside relaxation, late-night-heart-to-hearts, and plenty of shenanigans that only a Vegas trip could i...

Join Mary, Ainsley and Dennis on an epic journey to the Paris Olympics! This week's episode dives into the highs (and hurdles) of making it to Paris, from battling extreme motion sickness to a last-minute dead iPad. But once they arrived, the Games were an unforgettable adventure! From the pool to the trampoline, and track to race walking, Mary covers it all! Get an insider's view on a jam-packed schedule that brought her up close with the world's greatest athletes. Hear Mary's thrilling accoun...

In this episode of T21Mom, Mary opens up about the significance of "Rocktober"-a special month for Down Syndrome Awareness. She discusses her personal approach to celebrating this important month and candidly shares the struggles she faces, including feeling guilty for not being fully engaged in the festivities. Despite her deep passion for advocacy, Mary talks about the exhaustion that sometimes comes with it, and how advocating can feel like a never-ending journey. Mary also highlights some o...

Join Mary in today's episode as she shares her personal journey through challenging times and the importance of self-care. In this episode, Mary opens up about the struggles that she faced when Ainsley started kindergarten, managing difficult behaviours and how she found her way back to focusing on her own well-being. Discover the tools that helped Mary through her hardest moments, from therapy to her "happy pill," and hear her heartfelt message to other special needs moms-you are not alone. Mar...

In today's episode, we hear Melissa Miller's emotional story of how she received her son Hunter's Down syndrome diagnosis, which had a heartbreaking beginning. A doctor stood at the door of her hospital room , told her the news in the most impersonal way, and even suggested that no one would judge her if she left her baby at the hospital. This shocking experience was just 10 years ago, and sadly, similar stories are still happening today. But Melissa turned this negativity into strength and love...

Summer is over and school is back in session! Mary shares about the return to school and Ainsley going into grade 7-her final year of elementary school. Mary talks about their wins, but also her trepidations and anxiousness over the coming school year and beyond.

In an intimate conversation, Mary sits down with Sandra Di Curzio, who opens up about the emotional journey she embarked on after her daughter Chiara's birth diagnosis. Sandra's story is one of raw honesty about post partum depression, guilt, and learning that life can still be beautiful while exploring the complexities of motherhood when life takes an unexpected turn.