The LittleWins Podcast

In this episode, LittleWins founder, Lexis Serot, sits down with Mac McGinnis, to discuss accidental injuries, a 1% chance to survive, opiate addiction, and Mac's experience + personal strategies removing opiates from his life to live the life he wanted to enjoy.

In this episode, LittleWins founder, @littlewinslexis, sits down with Jordana to talk about addiction, the stigma around drugs, and reaching out for help! Jordana breaks down the importance of serving the underserved community through their mobile addiction clinic and offers advice to those struggling with addiction.

In this episode, LittleWins founder, @littlewinslexis, sits down with the Elena to talk about learning disabilities, language disorders, math anxiety, and more! Lexis breaks down her personal experience with dyslexia while Elena relates with her own personal experiences while listing tips, tricks, and resources that provide the audience value.

In this episode, LittleWins founder, @littlewinslexis, sits down with the audience after the a guest reschedules their date for the show. She pivots the conversation to speak about depression, bullies, and mental health based on personal experience and statistics. She wraps up the episode by answering user questions while relating to her personal experience dealing with these topics.

In this episode, LittleWins founder, @littlewinslexis, sits down with the audience on Instagram live to announce a new season of the podcast. She introduces season 4 with a twist on the traditional podcast style. Season 4 podcast episodes will be hosted live with guests and allow viewers to ask questions during Q&A sections. The goal of season 4 is to connect with the viewers in real time, allowing them to ask questions live and interact with the community.

To wrap up season 3, we flipped the script.

In this last episode, our founder, Lexis Serot, participates in a discussion with our friend Dr. David Newman as welcomed on Ali A. Gonzalaz YouTube show. Ali researched the topic; Dr. David is the doctor. Lex fills the gaps. Together, they do—information first, relatable stories, and solutions. There's something in here for everyone. Sustainable Culinary Solutions can be found right here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJVkLz_X6KE.

Dr. Newman: https://www.pop-doc.com/

What a privilege it is to run in the same circle as these; it's never lost on us.

See you next season... buckle up, buttercups :)

I had the opportunity to sit down with Sequoia, a loving son, who created a brilliant way to generate awareness on the topic of Parkinson's Disease. Something he's very well versed in since his mother's diagnosis.

 How this family flipped the script and decided to share their story in the pursuit of community, camaraderie, and the gift of information sharing is absolutely beautiful... by way of a rap song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWGnqz3dFo0

If you're looking for resources on Parkinson's disease, check out these helpful links: 

https://www.michaeljfox.org/research-tools

https://braincenter.org/resources/parkinsons-resources/

https://parkinsonsdisease.net/forums

https://www.worldpdcoalition.org

Elena Anadolis returns to talk about the very important subject of sex. In this podcast we address the assumptions, misconceptions, and education about sex and disabilities. A new episode of the LittleWins podcast is out now! 

• After a devastating skiing accident in 2017, doctors gave Mac McGinnis a 1% chance to live. This is a miraculous story of hope, perseverance, and the power of love. If you are looking for inspiration today, this is a story you need to hear. 

Join the community at www.littlewins.com

Meet Thu Nguyen a phantastic pharmacist. In this week's episode of the LittleWins podcast- what you need to know about your pharmacist and why we shouldn't fear them. 

 "I think its time for pharmacists to come out from behind the counter..." -Thu Nguyen, PharmD

In 2002 Bob was stricken with the neurological disease Guillain-Barre Syndrome and rendered quadriplegic. He's the Founding Director of Devices 4 the Disabled and a board member of Rainbow Hospice. This is a powerful story of a man who broke through undeniably difficult odds with an uplifting spirit and determination.

This week we welcome back David Neuman the Orthopedic Surgeon, Clinical Director/Owner at NYSportscare.com, Founder of Pop-doc.com, and Executive Director at JointEducation.org. We talk about type 1 and 2 diabetes, and the differences between the two (disease vs. condition), insulin, symptoms, and how we can treat and prevent diabetes.

On this episode we talk about the symptoms and signs of diabetes (extreme thirst, fatigue and weakness, increased appetite, weight loss, ect.). We also talk about how your lifestyle can cause type 2 diabetes and how type 2 is completely preventable by lifestyle changes, David tells us some of the ways we can make those changes. Compared to type 1 that is a disease that you are genetically predisposed to, this will often show itself between the ages of 7-15.

The importance of insulin in type 1 is also touched on, and how big pharma are price gouging insulin even though it is the same insulin that has been made for the past 100 years. 

Meet David Neuman the Orthopedic Surgeon, Clinical Director/Owner at NYSportscare.com, Founder of Pop-doc.com, and Executive Director at JointEducation.org. We talk about the importance of joint health and how corrective exercise therapy programs can improve the function and lower pain in your joints.

On this episode we talk about how David wants to guide people to a better existence with less pain, by informing people on the ways they can improve their joint health with very easy and quick exercises and stretches.

"I'm trying to live with new purpose to make a difference to peoples lives outside the operating room" - David Neuman

We also talk about fascia and the importance of water intake, knowing our own bodies, and how much rest we need for our bodies to recover.

Meet Julie Tye President and CEO of Hadley and join us as we discuss Julie's story, vision loss, the unseen epidemic, and Hadley's resources that are available  

We talk about Julie’s journey to where she is now and how she pivoted when she saw that something wasn’t working for her clients and patients.  "The human condition does not change no matter the sector" - Julie Tye  

We also touch on how to identify vision loss, and how to help yourself or your loved ones. Vision loss affects 5.5 million adults over 40 and this number is only going to double over the next 10 years.  Julie takes us through the start of the Hadley Foundation and how it has changed to help its clients in the best way possible, offering classes and discussion groups remotely for anyone who needs it. She also tells us about braille and the misconceptions and the importance of it still today.

 Lara Pullen is, among many things, a scientist with a Ph.D. in microbiology/immunology, the president and co-founder of the Chion Foundation, and a medical writer on topics such as organ transplant and rheumatology. Along with all of these impressive titles she is also a mother of three, her youngest son, Kian, diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome. So, in simple terms, she's a unicorn and a national treasure; you should have seen me study just to keep up in the conversation.

In this episode, Lara takes me through her journey, starting with her son's diagnosis of Prader-Wili Syndrome (PWS) at 18 months old. Then to her relentless pursuit to find the best care and high-performance team of medical professionals. The way she applied her science background to find the best drug for her son, followed by her process with the FDA and the clinical trial that will ultimately benefit so many the world over.

"I took my science degree and I saved my child's life. I did that as a mom. As a mom and a scientist. I don't know if I would have accomplished anything as impressive if I stayed in the laboratory"- Dr. Lara Pullen

The goal of the LittleWins Podcast for me has always been to highlight stories of individuals and their journey to their incredible solutions, contributions, and dedication to improving the lives of us all. As a bonus, we get to feel more connected to each other, learn a lot, and even inspire one another. If nothing else, I promise this will make you smile. I do it all the time.

In this episode LittleWins founder, Lexis Serot, sits down with Elena Anadolis, disability rights advocate, to discuss one of the most widely requested topics to date.

-Sex, disabilities, and so much more!

They share personal stories, speak on individuals with disabilities and how they are viewed as asexual, body positivity, and more.

 Commonalities were found in an honest, heartfelt chat that is so necessary to have. We should all be more educated on these topics.

You spoke, we listened, and you were right. It's high time we talk about it. Happy listening! 

In this episode, LittleWins founder, Lexis Serot, sits down with Brandon Croucher to talk about all things CBD.

Last year, Lexis and Brandon were awarded top 100 by The International Forum for Advancement for their contributions to healthcare. They discuss CBD's potential assistance in easing anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, depression, and beyond. After dealing with his struggles with modern medications, Brandon has seen the extreme benefits of CBD, and he wants to share his knowledge and understanding with those looking for alternatives. 

Let's talk about it!

In this episode, Johnny Caffaro, Director of Sales for the West of United Orthopedic Corporation, and LittleWins founder Lexis Serot sit down to talk about Orthopedics.

They cover Johnny's innovative work with hip and knee implants, his journey with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, and the importance of self-advocating for your care!

This episode is full of determination, hope, and perseverance that we all can relate to. Learn more about Johnny and the other items discussed on the podcast here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-caffaro/
https://www.healthgrades.com/
https://health.usnews.com/doctors/daniel-allison-579215

In this episode of the LittleWins Podcast: Let's Talk About Hospice and Palliative Care,  Lexis Serot talks with Jordana Latozas, RN, president and founder of Recovery Mobile Clinic. All while riding around in the mobile clinic, even pausing to assist a patient - Lexis and Jordana sit down to talk about why everyone should talk about Hospice care, the difference between hospice and palliative care, and the options available for you and your loved ones. 

In this episode, LittleWins founder, Lexis Serot, sits down with Derek Flores of Zappos Adaptive to talk about all things adaptive clothing. From the phone call that sparked Zappos Adaptive to the environment, Zappos provides for their employees to cultivate the exploration of new concepts. The onus and belief it takes to bring a product to fruition, the exciting updates in the adaptive fashion world, why Lexis wears adaptive shoes, and more...

In this episode , we are shaking things up to celebrate World CP Day! LittleWins Founder, Lexis Serot and Devonee Thaxton from Team LittleWins sit down to talk about Lexis' journey from giving birth to two very different twins, all the way to the founding of LittleWins. They cover topics like standing in your power as a mother and living life according to purpose with a sense that everything is possible but only if you show up.  Happy #worldcpday to everyone around the world! This day is near and dear to our community and we are so grateful to be here with you. 

 Love, Team LittleWins

In this episode LittleWins founder, Lexis Serot, sits down with Rob Novak, certified orthotist, to talk about all things orthotics and prosthetics. They discuss the difference between orthotics and prosthetics, and the many varieties available. As well, as the incredible advancements and innovations in engineering, and molding. They discuss ways to; navigate insurance, the solutions Rob has found to combat the supply chain disruptions in plastics, the overall importance of orthotics, and more...

In this episode LittleWins founder @littlewinslexis sits down with Elena Anadolis, @elena_anadolis, disability rights advocate, to delve into the topics of self-love, identity, and advocacy. Covered in this episode is everything from experiencing discrimination as a child with cerebral palsy (what fueled Elena's ability to break out of her shell), to how she learned the difficult lesson of using her weakness as a strength, in order to learn self-love. They also discuss the major steps necessary to turn advocacy into action. There is something here for everyone…

In this episode, LittleWins founder, @littlwinslexis, sits down with Ryan Martin, founder of the Ryan Martin Foundation to talk about adaptive sports.  They cover topics from, Ryan’s upbringing as a child with Spina Bifida and bilateral amputee (the impetus that led him to wheelchair basketball), to the importance of what we learn from losing and outlets to empower all people with disabilities.While Ryan comes from a family of athletes, he did not anticipate the kind of opportunities basketball would afford him.  Not only did he gain a sports scholarship, but he went on to spend ten years playing in the professional wheelchair basketball league in Europe.  When he was not in France or Spain during the season, he spent his time back home speaking to youth about adaptive sports.  This is how the Ryan Martin Foundation came into being.(Besides running his foundation, Ryan keeps busy as a consultant for the NCAA, and will be spending this upcoming season playing for the New York Rolling Knicks of the NWBA.)

In this episode, LittleWins founder, Lexis Serot, sits down with Friendly Shoes cofounder and president, Ryan Garcia, to talk about adaptive footwear. They cover everything from how Friendly Shoes got started to the many groups of people who benefit from adaptive footwear. Ryan discusses the reason behind their mission, all the thought that goes into the design, manufacturing, and more. He also gives a sneak peek at their new Excursion line of shoes for adults and children!  The colorful shoes, with fun patterns are eye-catching and fashion-forward! Not only do Friendly Shoes facilitate motion, mobility, and exercise; they help you look good and feel confident while doing it!

Shawn Satterfield, the founder of Shine Music, a Colorado non-profit, and I talk about the Shine Music Festival, first of its kind - combining technology and planning to create an enjoyable live experience for people of all abilities.

We talk about her personal history and why two female founders will take every “at bat” for inclusion, as well as their love for music.

Check out Shine Music Festival here: https://shinemusicfestival.com/

Or visit their youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ShineMusicFestivalDenver #shinemusicfestival @shinemusicfestivaldenver

Diane Fritts Ryan, OTR/L, C/NDT, graduated from the University of Illinois and has over 35 years of pediatric experience with babies, children, and young adults with neurological impairments. Ms. Ryan currently works at Easter Seals DuPage & Fox Valley. She is a State of Illinois Early Intervention evaluator and therapist and has assisted in the development/ongoing evaluation of at-risk babies in the Neonatal Dupage Developmental Follow-Up Clinic.  Ms. Ryan has been an OT NDT instructor for the 8-week pediatric course and the advanced certification for infant treatment since 1990. She has assisted in several advanced baby and UE/ hand, regulation and vision treatment courses in the U.S. and internationally. She has also published articles relating to UE/hand function, as well as co-authored chapters on assessment and treatment of infants with neurological impairments.

Lynn Ferguson has been providing access and mobility solutions to people for more than 30 years and it was all because his son who is wheelchair bound encouraged him to help others. He truly feels that caring for his clients is his calling. Lynn leads an accessibility team at National Seating & Mobility and they provide 360 degree complete mobility solutions for people in and around the community. Lynn believes that everyone deserves to fully enjoy the life and home they love with less worry.

Lynn would also like to add a correction to some information that he shares in this episode - “The weight capacity for the Harmer Lift is 600 pounds”

Sara Shapiro went to undergrad at Washington University in St. Louis and double majored in Linguistics and Psychology. She received her masters degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences in 2008 from Ohio State University. From 2008-2015 she worked in the school system completing evaluations and therapy for kids aged 3-16. She also received her Early Intervention credential and has been providing in home therapy for the birth to 3 population since 2009. In 2019 she received her Early Intervention Assessment credential in order to complete evaluations with the birth to 3 population. From 2015 to the present, she has worked in outpatient clinics with birth to 18 population. She provides services in the outpatient and home settings. Sara specializes in providing language therapy to the birth to 3 population. In this episode, Sara and Lexis talk about what speech pathology is, the many forms of communication, what age we should expect to see children speaking, AAC – alternative forms of communication and what a difference she’s made for Lexis's family.

John’s Crazy Socks is a father-son venture inspired by co-founder John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome. John’s affinity for crazy socks paired with his love of making people smile made their mission clear: To Spread Happiness. Mark and John speak at conferences, graduations, business meetings and other events to highlight what they do and what people with differing abilities can do. John and Mark join us to talk about how John's Crazy Socks started, father-son bonding, and cultivating independence for our kids seeking job opportunities with disabilities, and more!

Danny Jordan is the creator of The Capables a group of super-capable kid superheroes all of whom have a super capability or “cape.” Each Capable’s superpower is activated through empowerment.  When Danny’s daughter was diagnosed with an upper limb difference, he found himself immediately compelled to do whatever he could to contribute something positive, something of true importance to this world. Something that would make the world his daughter grows up in more loving, more accepting, and more inclusive. He created The Capables so his daughter and others like her got to see themselves represented on the page as the hero in the story. Outside of this thrilling new literary adventure, Danny has produced and directed over 150 hours of primetime major network and cable television programming. He has also worked extensively as a branded media executive and sponsor producer, securing partnerships with and successfully integrating leading brands into traditional and digital media. Select producing credits include: Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Biggest Loser, MasterChef, Deal or No Deal, Storage Wars, and Playbill Presents: The Broadway Cast (Top 100 Apple Podcast). In this episode, Danny joins us to talk about individuals with disabilities being the lead character, how to talk to your kids about differences, and advocating for yourself and your kids in doctors appointments.

Kerry Mellin is the founder and co-owner of EazyHold. After a 35-year career designing for the motion picture industry, Kerry discovered through her own necessity a lack of simple grip aids to help people continue to be active through physical adversity. Kerry and her two sisters found that activities they always loved to do were sometimes a challenge. Nature's inevitable wear and tear on joints can take a toll on grip strength. Determined to maintain their active lifestyle, they innovated a way to get a better grip and continue to do the things they loved. Supplied globally to over 8,000 schools, hospitals, and therapy centers, EazyHold is now recognized worldwide in university curricula, and academic textbooks on ‘Instructional Basic Assistive Technology Application and Procedure.’

“There has to be a way.” Smart Adaptive Clothing founder Nancy Connor has repeated those words at critical breakthrough moments in life. Nancy said, “What if there were clothing that looked great and was easy to put on and take off?” Nancy realized that how we DRESS directly impacts how we FEEL. “Our confidence is directly linked to the way we perceive ourselves. When we look good, we feel and perform better”. Smart Adaptives Clothings mission states that, “Everyone deserves independence and dignity. There are two essential pillars of life that some people never get to achieve or maintain. There is an overwhelming need for a solution that affords people the opportunity to do just that”.

A physical therapist for 30 years, Tim realized how greatly adaptive equipment could benefit kids’ ability to interact with their communities, from home to school and everywhere in between. Tim’s volunteer team of PT, OT, manufacturer reps, assistive technology professionals and others holds monthly clinics to custom fit kids with equipment that will help them better interact with their world. Families find them in different ways- through school systems, hospitals, events, and word of mouth. Since 2005, TKEN has collected gently used equipment as well as donations for new equipment, and provided the pieces to children with special needs at no cost. They will match adaptive equipment to your child’s needs in order to make life more accessible.

Kelly earned her Bachelor’s Degree in kinesiology from the University of Illinois. She earned both a Masters Degree and a Doctoral Degree in physical therapy from Northwestern University. Kelly has specialized in pediatrics since graduating from physical therapy school in 2002. She has worked in out-patients clinics and provided in-home therapy services to children through Early Intervention. Kelly started Therapy for Kids, Inc. in 2006 and opened the current clinic location in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago in 2019. Kelly discovered myofascial release on her journey to reclaim her own health. Once Kelly saw how beneficial myofascial release was, she began taking classes and incorporating it into her patient’s treatment sessions. Kelly feels that all children can benefit from myofascial release and has found that her patients achieve their goals quicker when receiving myofascial release.