Born Fabulous

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Each episode is an In depth conversation with parents of accomplished individuals who have disabilities, or successful self-advocates. These individuals and families dream big and have high expectations. These episodes will help families, educators, administrators, and non profits continue progress…

Greta Harrison


    • Jul 31, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 21m AVG DURATION
    • 37 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Born Fabulous

    Season 2, Episode 23, Part 8: Micah Fialka-Feldman & Tori Cedar, "The Same Door, IQ Scores, Civil Rights, and More.."

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2020 19:28


    This is the last of an 8 part interview with Micah Fialka-Feldman and his best friend, Tori Cedar. Micah and Tori talk about Micah's early recognition of his own civil rights, starting with going in the same door as his peers in elementary school. They touch on IQ scores, cvil rights for people with disabilities, and more issues. Micah is best known as one of the stars of Dan Habib's acclaimed film, "Intelligent Lives". Micah has an intellectual disability. Tori does not have a disability. This is the last episode of season 2 of Born Fabulous Podcast.

    Season 2, Episode 22, Part 7: Micah Fialka-Feldman & Tori Cedar, "A Template for Friendship and Honest Talk about Dating"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2020 19:14


    Micah Fialka-Feldman and his best friend, Tori Cedar, talk about a powerful letter their friend Amanda sent describing her friendship with Micah. This letter could be seen as a template for friendship. Micah and Tori also talk about dating issues for people with disabilities. Micah is best known as one of the stars of Dan Habib's acclaimed film, "Intelligent Lives". He has an intellectual disability. Tori does not have a disability.

    Season 2, Episode 21, Part 6: Micah Fialka-Feldman & Tori Cedar, "Friendship Moments"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2020 15:11


    Micah Fialka-Feldman and his best friend, Tori Cedar. share some friendship moments and sweet stories. Micah is best known as one of the stars of Dan Habib's acclaimed film, "Intelligent Lives". He has an intellectual disability. Tori does not have a disability.

    Season 2, Episode 20, Part 5: Micah Fialka-Feldman & Tori Cedar, "Views of Friendship, 'Intelligent Lives'"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2020 15:55


    Micah Fialka-Feldman and his best friend, Tori Cedar, share different views of friendship and talk about an "Intelligent Lives" screening. Micah is best known as one of the stars of "Intelligent Lives". He has an intellectual disability. Tori does not have a disability.

    Season 2, Episode 19, Part 4: Micah Fialka-Feldman & Tori Cedar, "A Room Full of Love"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2020 15:40


    Micah Fialka-Feldman and his best friend Tori Cedar talk about his strong and extensive Circle of Support. Supported decision making and independence is important to Micah. He has had a Circle of Support since elementary school. He is now an adult in his 30s. Micah is best known as one of the stars of Dan Habib's acclaimed film, "Intelligent lives". Micah has an intellectual disability.

    Season 2, Episode 18, Part 3: Micah Fialka-Feldman & Tori Cedar, "Humor, InclusiveU, and Guardianship"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2020 18:18


    Season 2, Episode 17, Part 2: Micah Fialka-Feldman & Tori Cedar, "We Are Each Other's Ally"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2020 17:53


    Micah Fialka-Feldman, and his best friend Tori Cedar, discuss some key moments in their friendship and why they are allies. Micah is well-known as one of the stars of Dan Habib's acclaimed film "Intelligent Lives". He is a teaching assistant at Syracuse University, a keynote speaker, and an author. Micah has an intellectual disability. Tori Cedar is a graduate student working on her doctorate. Micah and Tori have been best friends for six years. This is the second of an eight part series that covers a variety of topics from the viewpoint of best friends.

    Season 2, Episode 16, Part 1: Interview with Micah Fialka-Feldman & Tori Cedar, "Getting to Know Micah & Tori"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2020 17:44


    Get to know Micah Fialka-Feldman, and his best friend Tori Cedar, in this episode. Micah is well-known as one of the stars of Dan Habib's acclaimed film "Intelligent Lives". He is a teaching assistant at Syracuse University, a keynote speaker, and an author. Micah has an intellectual disability. Tori Cedar is a graduate student working on her doctorate. Micah and Tori have been best friends for six years. This is the first of an eight part series that covers a variety of topics from the viewpoint of best friends.

    Season 2, Episode 15, Part 4: Interview with Kayla McKeon & Rachel Burns, "Kayla's Employment Journey"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2020 16:40 Transcription Available


    This is the last of a four part interview with Kayla McKeon and Rachel Burns. Kayla McKeon is famous for being the first registered lobbyist with Down syndrome. She is also a podcast host, keynote speaker, and college student. She and Rachel Burns have been best friends for approximately 18 years. Rachel does not have a disability. In this episode they will talk about Kayla's extraordinary and unique employment journey.

    Season 2, Episode 14, Part 3: Interview with Kayla McKeon & Rachel Burns, "Advice, Mottos, & Goals"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2020 17:38


    This is the third of a four part interview with Kayla McKeon and Rachel Burns. Kayla McKeon is famous for being the first registered lobbyist with Down syndrome. She is also a podcast host, keynote speaker, and college student. She and Rachel Burns have been best friends for approximately 18 years. Rachel does not have a disability. In this episode they will share their advice, mottos, and goals with candor and love.

    Season 2, Episode 13, Part 2: Interview with Kayla McKeon & Rachel Burns, "Big Moments and More"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2020 12:49 Transcription Available


    This is the second of a four part interview with Kayla McKeon and Rachel Burns. Kayla McKeon is famous for being the first registered lobbyist with Down syndrome. She is also a podcast host, keynote speaker, and college student. She and Rachel Burns have been best friends for approximately 18 years. Rachel does not have a disability. In this episode they will talk about some big moments in their lives. Their friendship will warm your heart.

    Season 2, Episode 12, Part 1: Interview with Kayla McKeon & Rachel Burns. "A Friendship Without Walls"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2020 20:37 Transcription Available


    This is the first of a four part interview with Kayla McKeon and Rachel Burns. Kayla McKeon is famous for being the first registered lobbyist with Down syndrome. She is also a podcast host, keynote speaker, and college student. She and Rachel Burns have been best friends for approximately 18 years. Rachel does not have a disability. Get to know them both in this episode. Their friendship will warm your heart.

    Season 2, Episode 11, Part 4: Interview with Sean McElwee & Sean Couevas, "Goals, Emmys, Advice, and Brotherly Love"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2020 20:45 Transcription Available


    Sean McElwee and Sean Couevas, both stars of A & E's groundbreaking show "Born This Way", share their close and unique friendship. In this episode they share stories, advice, brotherly love, and talk about the Emmys. They are both sweet and funny. Sean McElwee owns Seanese, a t-shirt company, stars in his own YouTube show, "The Sean Show", and is a keynote speaker. Sean McElwee has Down syndrome. Sean Couevas is his best friend. He does not have a disability.

    Season 2, Episode 10, Part 3: Interview with Sean McElwee & Sean Couevas, "Inclusion"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2020 17:35 Transcription Available


    Sean McElwee and Sean Couevas, both stars of A & E's groundbreaking show "Born This Way", share their close and unique friendship. In this episode they share stories, advice, and the importance of inclusion. They share stories that are both sweet and funny. Sean McElwee owns Seanese, a t-shirt company, stars in his own YouTube show, "The Sean Show", and is a keynote speaker. Sean McElwee has Down syndrome. Sean Couevas is his best friend. He does not have a disability.

    Season 2, Episode 9, Part 2: Interview with Sean McElwee & Sean Couevas, "We Are Family"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2020 18:27 Transcription Available


    Sean McElwee and Sean Couevas, both stars of A & E's groundbreaking show "Born This Way", share their close and unique friendship. In this episode you will hear why they consider themselves family. They share stories that are both sweet and funny. Sean McElwee owns Seanese, a t-shirt company, stars in his own YouTube show, "The Sean Show", and is a keynote speaker. Sean McElwee has Down syndrome. Sean Couevas is his best friend. He does not have a disability.

    Season 2, Episode 8, Part 1: Interview with Sean McElwee & Sean Couevas, "Getting to Know Both Seans"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2020 22:07 Transcription Available


    Sean McElwee and Sean Couevas, both stars of A & E's groundbreaking show "Born This Way", share their close and unique friendship. In this episode you will hear how they met, and funny stories that will help you get to know them. Sean McElwee owns Seanese, a t-shirt company, stars in his own YouTube show, "The Sean Show", and is a keynote speaker. Sean McElwee has Down syndrome. Sean Couevas is his best friend. He does not have a disability.

    Season 2, Episode 7, Part 7: Interview with Tim Harris & Ashten Mizell "Raw, Honest, Impactful: Ashten Mizell"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2020 11:13 Transcription Available


    This is the last of a seven part interview about self-advocate Tim Harris and Ashten Mizell's friendship. In this episode Ashten wanted to share just how important Tim's friendship was to her as a vulnerable freshman in high school. Their extraordinary friendship is now twenty years old. Tim Harris is famous for being the first person with Down syndrome to own a restaurant. Ashten Mizell does not have a disability.

    Season 2, Episode 6, Part 6: Interview with Tim Harris & Ashten Mizell "Ashten's Husband, Matt Mizell, Shares Stories and His Love for Tim"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2020 21:32 Transcription Available


    Season 2, Episode 5, Part 5: Interview with Tim Harris & Ashten Mizell "Theme Song, Advice, and Long-Term Goals"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2020 21:53 Transcription Available


    Self-advocate Tim Harris and his best friend Ashten Mizell talk about their extraordinary twenty year friendship. Their journey is full of funny stories and love. In this episode they sing their friendship theme song, "Lean on Me", give some advice, and talk about their long-term goals. Tim Harris is famous for being the first person with Down syndrome to own a restaurant. Ashten Mizell does not have a disability.

    Season 2, Episode 4, Part 4: Interview with Tim Harris & Ashten Mizell - "Funny Stories and Tim's Impact on Others"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2020 16:28 Transcription Available


    Self-advocate Tim Harris and his best friend Ashten Mizell share funny stories and Tim's profound impact on others. Their twenty year friendship is close and profound. Tim Harris is famous for being the first person with Down syndrome to own a restaurant. It was called Tim's Place and served breakfast, lunch, and hugs. Ashten Mizell does not have a disability.

    Season 2, Episode 3, Part 3 - Interview with Tim Harris & Ashten Mizelle: "Siblings by Choice"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2020 15:39 Transcription Available


    Self-advocate Tim Harris and his best friend Ashten Mizell talk about many special moments, milestones, in their friendship. Tim Harris is famous for being the first person with Down syndrome to own his own restaurant, Tim's Place. He is now a successful keynote speaker. Ashten does not have a disability. Tim and Ashten have been best friends for twenty years.

    Season 2, Episode 2, Part 2: Interview with Tim Harris & Ashten Mizell-"The Highs and Lows of Friendship....and a Wedding!"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2020 23:39 Transcription Available


    Season 2, Episode 1, Part 1: Interview with Tim Harris & Ashten Mizell - "Friendship & Tutus"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2020 23:33 Transcription Available


    In this episode Tim Harris and his best friend Ashten Mizell talk about their very close, life-long friendship and how they met. They also share some funny stories, like their "tutu" story. Tim is famous for owning Tim's Place, a restaurant that served hugs on its menu. He is now a successful keynote speaker. Tim Has Down syndrome. His friend Ashten does not have a disability.

    Episode 13, Part 5 - Interview with Jeannie Harris - Stories from Tim's Place, Friendships, Advice, and Golden Nuggets

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2019 34:06 Transcription Available


    In this episode Jeannie Harris gives great parental insight into the life of her son Tim Harris. She shares stories from his restaurant, talks about friendships, gives advice, and much more. Jeannie's son Tin owned his own restaurant, Tim's Place, for five years. He is now a sought after public speaker. Tim happens to have Down syndrome.

    Episode 12, Part 4 - Interview with Jeannie Harris - Tim Blooms and Grows Up!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2019 31:51 Transcription Available


    Jeannie Harris discusses her son Tim's transition years in high school, his college experience, and his successful life now. Tim is famous for owning Tim's Place, a restaurant that listed hugs on the menu. Tim has travelled extensively with his speaking career, meeting many wonderful people like President and Mrs. Obama. Tim happens to have Down syndrome.

    Episode 11 - Part 3 - Interview with Jeannie Harris - Parents and Teachers Get Battle Weary

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2019 33:59 Transcription Available


    Jeannie Harris discusses her son Tim's school years. She gives stories of inclusion and exclusion all leading up to the point where she was ready to 'let Tim go'. Tim owned Tim's Place, a restaurant that served hugs on the menu. He became famous for collecting over 70,000 hugs and meeting great people like President and Mrs. Obama. Tim has a successful speaking career now. Tim happens to have Down syndrome.

    Episode 10 - Part 2, Interview with Jeannie Harris - Stories from Birth to Dating Years

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2019 31:33


    This episode has a mix of stories from Jeannie Harris about her son Tim Harris. The stories cover his birth all the way to dating and his hopes and dreams. Tim is famous for owning Tim's Place, a restaurant that listed hugs on the menu. Tim has traveled extensively and met very interesting people like President and Mrs. Obama. He currently has a successful public speaking career. This episode truly has something for everyone. Enjoy!

    Episode 9 - Part 1, Interview with Jeannie Harris - Tim Harris's Adult Success

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2019 34:15


    Jeannie Harris is the mother of Tim Harris. Tim is famous for owning Tim's Place, a restaurant that had hugs on the menu. Tim has traveled extensively, and met many wonderful people like President and Mrs. Obama. Tim has a successful public speaking career now. He happens to have Down syndrome. In this episode Jeannie talks about Tim's current success and status, as well as the later teen years that led to this point. She shares great stories that show profound points and make you smile at the same time.

    Episode 8, Part 4 - Interview with Sandra McElwee - Sean's Goals and Dreams

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2019 28:43 Transcription Available


    Sandra McElwee is the mother of Sean McElwee. Sean is a cast member of A & E's Emmy winning show Born This Way. Sean also owns Seanese which is a t-shirt company, travels extensively for public speaking, and has a part - time job. Sean happens to have Down syndrome. In this episode Sandra talks about her faith beginning this parenting journey, Sean's goals and dreams, and the need for more full diversity in all forms of media. Sandra is honest, always laughing, and full of stories. This episode has strong appeal for families, self -advocates with disabilities, general and special educators, non profit leaders and staff, and anyone in the entertainment industry.

    Episode 7, Part 3 - Interview with Sandra McElwee - Stories of Inclusion and Exclusion : "It Could Happen"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2019 29:04


    This is the third part of a four part conversation with Sandra McElwee, the mother of Sean McElwee, Sean is an actor on A& E's Emmy winning series Born this Way, owns a t-shirt company called Seanese, and does extensive public speaking. Sean has Down syndrome. Sandra is the author of three five star rated books about Sean's journey, and is a well respected mentor to many families. In this episode Sandra tells stories of Sean's inclusion and exclusion in school, with honestly and humor. She talks about friendship and the beginning of Sean's motto, "It could happen!" This is a powerful episode for families, teachers, administrators, and non profits working in the employment fields to hear.

    Episode 6, Part 2 - Interview with Sandra McElwee - Goals Must Be Meaningful

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2019 26:51


    This is part two of a four part conversation with Sandra McElwee, the mother of Sean McElwee. Sean is an actor on the A & E Emmy winning series Born This Way. He also owns Seanese, a t-shirt company, does extensive public speaking, and has a part time job. Sean happens to have Down syndrome. Sandra is a mentor to many parents behind her, and has written three five star rated books. In this episode Sandra tells stories related to various goals Sean has had over the years. With wit and honesty, she addresses his transition from high school, jobs, and how Seanese started.

    Episode 5, Part 1 - Interview with Sandra McElwee - Sean's Early Life, Perseverance

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2019 29:34 Transcription Available


    This is the first of a four part in-depth conversation with Sandra McElwee, the mother of Sean McElwee. Sean is a cast member of A & E's Emmy Award winning series Born This Way, which has already had four seasons. Sean also owns Seanese, a t-shirt company, and is a frequent keynote speaker. In this episode Sandra talks about Sean's birth, his early years, and beyond. She shares stories that show his perseverance, and hers, in overcoming obstacles like speech clarity, and discrimination.

    Part 4, Interview with Steve and Laura Riggio - Melissa's Place in History Books

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2019 16:13 Transcription Available


    The last part of a conversation with Steve Riggio, former CEO of Barnes & Noble, and his wife Laura, a retired educator, about the fascinating life of their daughter Melissa. Melissa was a published author, self-advocate, and role model. She happened to have Down syndrome. Melissa passed away in 2008 at age 20. The Riggios discuss Melissa's place in history books, more about her writing, and advice for young parents. Melissa's spirit and legacy live on in many ways, thanks to her drive, and her family's dedication to keep improving the lives of so many.

    Part 3, Interview with Steve and Laura Riggio - Discussing Melissa's Accomplishments, Best Advice Received, and More...

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2019 29:13 Transcription Available


    This is the third part of a conversation with Steve Riggio, former CEO of Barnes & Noble, and his wife Laura, a retired educator, about the inspiring life of their daughter Melissa. Melissa was a published author, self-advocate, and role model. She happened to have Down syndrome. Melissa passed away in 2008 at age 20. The Riggios discuss some of Melissa's better known accomplishments in writing, including her lyrics to two songs. Social highlights, their wonderful family, and the best advice they ever received are also mentioned. High expectations, increasing awareness, and breaking stereotypes are evident throughout Melissa's life and are still part of her legacy.

    Part 2, Interview with Steve and Laura Riggio - Thriving in High School and Beyond

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2019 28:17 Transcription Available


    Continuing a conversation with Steve Riggio, former CEO of Barnes & Noble, and his wife Laura, about the wonderful life of their daughter Melissa. Melissa was a published author, self-advocate, and role model. She happened to have Down syndrome. Melissa passed away in 2008 at age 20. In part 2, the Riggios discuss Melissa's life in high school and the often forgotten transition piece that starts before a student with disabilities graduates. College, employment, and independent living are discussed, along with inspiring examples.

    Part 1, Interview with Steve and Laura Riggio - The Complexities of Inclusion in Our Educational System

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2019 28:35 Transcription Available


    An in depth conversation with Steve Riggio, former CEO of Barnes and Noble, and his wife Laura, about the amazing life of their daughter Melissa. Melissa was a published writer and self-advocate who happened to have Down syndrome. Melissa passed away in 2008 at age 20. In part 1, the Riggios discuss Melissa's life from birth through elementary school. They give an honest parent perspective of issues that are very relevant today, from the professional delivery of a disability diagnosis at birth, to the complicated reality of including a child with an intellectual disability in school.

    Episode 1, Trailer 1 - Steve and Laura Riggio

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2019 3:07


    Laura and Steve Riggio are the parents of Melissa Riggio, who was a published author, and a strong self-advocate. Laura is a retired educator, and Steve Riggio is the former CEO of Barnes & Noble. In this short clip, Laura Riggio gives an honest parental perspective on including students with disabilities in school. Born Fabulous will be launched March 29, 2019.

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