The Starry-Eyed Podcast

Mar 11 2025 56 ep. 49 mins 8
The Starry-Eyed Podcast artwork

Presented by the Williams Syndrome Association, the Starry Eyed Podcast will explore the joys and challenges of living with Williams syndrome, a rare genetic disability. Each episode will feature interviews with adults with WS and professionals and caregivers who are dedicated to raising awareness and resources.

  Society & Culture
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Ep 53 - 2 Years, 1 Kent

Mar 11 2025 48 mins  
Two years! 53 episodes! 3 podlet mini-sodes! Two years is longer than Blackbeards reign of terror on the high seas! Two years is longer than the existence of the Pony Express! Technically our show has lasted longer than the Disco era (2 years...look it up)! On this episode, Jen and Brendan welcome Jon Kent, who has been a part of the Williams syndrome community for decades, but onl

Ep 52 - Sarah and Cara, Leading the Charge with Style and Flair-a!

Feb 25 2025 67 mins  
In this episode, Jennifer, Brendan, and Producer Joel kick things off with a celebration—Brendan’s appointment as WSA Secretary! He is the first person with WS to hold a position on the Executive Committee of the WSA Board of Trustees!Next, we welcomed newcomer Sarah Schaefer, the new Executive Director of the WSA (Just kidding, it’s the same Sarah we already know and love)!

Ep 51 - Talking Without Words & Best Buddies for Life with Gabby Cornelio and Charles Calhoun

Feb 11 2025 49 mins  
This week, the pod is packed with big hearts & big laughs. First up, Gabby Cornelio joins Brendan and Joel to talk about life with her son's feeding challenges and his own unique way of communicating—because let’s be real, words are so overrated anyway. She also wrote a bilingual book, My Brother Doesn’t Speak, but His Heart Does, proving that sometimes, siblings just get

Ep 50 - Tech Talk and Banjo AC/DC with Milton Neuenschwander and Christopher McClung

Jan 28 2025 58 mins  
It's tech time on the pod! Producer Joel got his son his own mobile phone and now he needs some help to make sure everyone stays safe and the technology can be used for good - not evil. Jen and Brendan are joined by Milton Neuenschwander from Tennessee's Department of Disabilities and Aging to talk about internet and phone safety, but also how assistive technology and AI can make n

Ep 49 - HeARTs in the New Year with Marna Kalman

Jan 14 2025 36 mins  
Let's make 2025 the year of Croutons and Hearts!! We kick it off with another longtime friend of Brendan's, Marna Kalman. She, Jen, and Brendan talk about living independently, working in a gallery, her jewelry business, and fine art! Check out her stuff at @mbymarna on Instagram. If you'd like to collaborate with her on jewelry or send her beads to create new work, email us at pod

Ep 48 - Auld Shabang Syne with Sarah Giddings and Bret Fleming

Dec 31 2024 56 mins  
The final pod of the year means we take a moment to look back on the year that was 2024 with the woman who kept the WSA chugging along for most of it: Sarah Giddings. From Convention to Camp to upcoming cruises, it was a year of amazing accomplishments and there's so much to look forward to in 2025. Our final guest for 2024 is one of Brendan's best friends, Bret Fleming. They discu

Ep 47 - Manaakiao with Paola Martínez Vélez and Li'l Henry

Dec 17 2024 58 mins  
The holidays are upon us and we are celebrating with a time traveler (no, not the Ghost of Christmas Future). Henry Stilwell (a.k.a. Li'l Henry) joins the pod from New Zealand to talk about the summer, his TV show, and his future aspirations. Then we welcome Paola Martínez Vélez from sunny Miami to discuss her journey with WS, advocating within the Latino and Hispanic communities

Ep 46 - The Giving Season with Bethany Walton and the Gang

Dec 03 2024 38 mins  
Today the pod welcomes WSA Director of Operations Bethany Walton to talk about gift giving WSA-style! She discusses the new WSA Vendor Network, as well as highlighting store items in the WSA Store and at Outshine Labels. First, Producer Joel joins Jen and Brendan to talk about the NFL's My Cause My Cleats campaign, signature beers, and all sorts of other December wonderfulness! If

Ep 45 - Loréal Lips and Dual Diagnosis with Anja Kaneski and Drs Elizabeth Barnhardt and Rebecca Lyren

Nov 19 2024 76 mins  
On this episode, Jen and Brendan welcome Anja Kaneski who lives on her own in a group home and holds down a job in Brainerd, MN! She shares how the sudden, exciting changes in her life also bring about anxiety and stress, and the techniques she relies on to even out. Then we explore the complex world of those who have a diagnosis of Williams syndrome and Autism. Dr. Elizabeth Barnh

Ep 44 - Dancing Through Life with Rebekah and Ellie Stewart

Nov 05 2024 47 mins  
Today on the pod, we welcome from the great state of Iowa's Rebekah Stewart who had a up close view of her daughter Ellie's (13 WS) journey with the University of Iowa Dance Team through the Women's NCAA Basketball finals. Thanks to Team Impact (teamimpact.org) for helping Ellie get this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Jen, Brendan, Rebekah, Ellie, and eventually the whole