There is comfort in having friends that have been on the same path you're on. We are those friends! Our names are Jackie and Ben, and we have a daughter (Jordyn) and a son (Hudson.) You might know us from the SUMMER SHIRT PROJECT on Instagram, Facebook, and Tik Tok, and maybe you own one of our shirts. (If so ... THANK YOU!) At age two, Jordyn was diagnosed with autism. We started looking for as much input as we could gather so we could be the best possible parents and advocates for her. Over the past two decades we've learned a lot and we are using this podcast to share those lessons, experiences, and resources. Whether you are new to a diagnosis, been on the journey for many years, or simply want to help make the world a better place for individuals with disabilities, this podcast is for you. When you encounter autism (or any disability), the feelings and questions you have are perfectly normal. It's important to talk about these, and we will address them in this podcast. We'll also share what we've done right, what we've done wrong, and what we wish we did differently. We're going to be here for everyone because we need everyone to make the world a kinder place for individuals with disabilities. Welcome to the BE KIND TO EVERYONE podcast. - Jackie, Ben, Jordyn, and Hudson
SEASON THREE FINALE
Today on the podcast we are wrapping up season three. We'll talk about some of our favorite moments from the season and reveal some big things coming this summer to the shirt shop. Plus, we'll talk to Hudson about one his favorite teams - the Savannah Bananas!
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5/2/2023 • 25 minutes, 30 seconds
AUTISM AND SIBLINGS
As we continue our series on Autism Awareness Month, today we want to talk about siblings. One of the biggest questions we get on social media is about Jordyn's 9-year-old brother hudson. What is their relationship like? What is their age difference? What do they like to do together? We'll answer all those questions as well as talking about what we do to make sure that both of our kids feel loved and included. Plus, the things you don't see on our social media about our daily lives that you may not know.
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4/25/2023 • 28 minutes, 10 seconds
FINDING COOPER'S VOICE WITH KATE SWENSON PART 2
Today we're continuing our conversation with Kate Swenson of Finding Cooper's Voice. In this episode she discusses Cooper's initial diagnosis, some of their more difficult years and where they are now. Kate also gives some great advice for parents that are just starting their autism journey and where to find advice and support from other autism parents on social media. Don't forget, Kate's Book "Forever Boy" is available now on Amazon or wherever books are sold.
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4/18/2023 • 29 minutes, 32 seconds
FINDING COOPER'S VOICE WITH KATE SWENSON PART 1
We are so excited to have a very special guest on the podcast today. Kate Swenson started a blog after her son Cooper was diagnosed with autism at age three. What originally started as a secret project for Kate, gained a massive following after a painfully honest video she posted during one of the darker days hit hard for many parents of kids with autism. Today, we'll talk about the start of Finding Cooper's Voice, the lessons she's learned since Cooper's diagnosis and her book "Forever Boy"
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4/11/2023 • 31 minutes, 13 seconds
AUTISM AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE PART 2
We are officially into April and Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month! Today we are continuing our conversation on why that awareness and acceptance is so needed for individuals with autism and their parents. We'll talk about the importance of being surrounded by supportive friends and family that don't judge when you serve your child a bowl of pepperonis for dinner. Plus, we'll tackle some of the controversial subjects like how to refer to someone with autism, ABA therapy and usage of the puzzle piece.
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4/4/2023 • 36 minutes, 40 seconds
AUTISM AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE PART 1
April 1st is the start of Autism Awareness and Acceptance month. This week on the podcast we wanted to prepare for the month by sharing stories of some experiences we have had over the years that could help inform families that might not know someone with autism. What do you do when a family with a child with autism is having a hard time at a restaurant? We'll give you some insight on how to best support those families and become a friend to the autism community.
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3/28/2023 • 25 minutes, 4 seconds
ADVICE FOR PARENTS OF NEWLY DIAGNOSED KIDS PART 2
Today we are joined again by our producer Jessica to talk about the early days of an autism diagnosis. She is currently going through the early years of a diagnosis with her son Walt and has a ton of questions! This week we talk about teaching Jordyn self-care habits like brushing teeth and the always stressful potty training. Plus, we'll dive a little into what we do for our own self-care.
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3/21/2023 • 30 minutes, 41 seconds
ADVICE FOR PARENTS OF NEWLY DIAGNOSED KIDS PART 1
When you get that diagnosis that your child has autism, your world suddenly turns upside down. Everything quickly becomes overwhelming. There are a million questions that you'll have and might not know exactly where to turn. Today, we are joined by our own producer Jessica who just happens to have a four-year-old son that was diagnosed in late 2020. She has questions and our experience with Jordyn including our initial reactions, telling our friends and family and the therapies that really helped in those early years.
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3/14/2023 • 29 minutes, 35 seconds
INTERVIEW WITH CROSBY NAYLOR, DAUGHTER OF ANDY REID - PART 2
This week on the podcast we continue our conversation with Crosby Naylor, daughter of Andy Reid and single mother to three children with autism. We'll tell the story of how Crosby found us at the Summer Shirt Project and how our relationship started. Plus, she'll tell us what it was like down on the field after the Kansas City Chiefs win over her dad's old team the Philadelphia Eagles at the Super Bowl this year.
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3/7/2023 • 30 minutes, 22 seconds
INTERVIEW WITH CROSBY NAYLOR, DAUGHTER OF ANDY REID - PART 1
You may have seen Kansas City Chief head coach Andy Reid celebrating with his family after their big Super Bowl win. Crosby Naylor, Andy's daughter, was there as they all rejoiced in their father's success. Beyond growing up with a football legend, Crosby is also a single mother to three kids of her own that all have been diagnosed with autism. Today we talk to Crosby about her child's autism journey, how they were diagnosed and how much progress they've made. And since we are such massive Kansas City Chief fans, we had to get in some questions about growing up with Andy Reid!
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2/28/2023 • 28 minutes, 44 seconds
JORDYN'S FOOD JOURNEY
If you follow us on social media you know how much Jordyn loves food! On most of our videos she'll talk about what she's eating for lunch and what she is drinking. But it took us many years to get her to be the good eater she is today. This week on the podcast we'll talk about how we discovered all of Jordyn's food allergies and what we've had to do to get her to where she is now.
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2/21/2023 • 28 minutes, 9 seconds
WELCOME TO SEASON THREE
Welcome back! We're so excited to start the newest season with you all. It's been a little bit since we last chatted so today we are catching you up on everything that has been going on in the shirt shop lately. It's been a big couple months for Jordyn as we celebrated her 22nd birthday and took her to her first black tie event.
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2/14/2023 • 26 minutes, 13 seconds
OUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
It's our final episode of season two and with the holidays here we're going to talk all things Christmas! From our opinions on Christmas lights and songs to our favorite holiday traditions, the whole family is here along with the shirt shop crew to break it down.
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12/13/2022 • 24 minutes, 42 seconds
TIPS FOR A JOYFUL HOLIDAY SEASON
It's the holiday season! While things like presents and holiday meals can be the most exciting part of this time of year, for a child with a disability it can be a real challenge. When Jordyn was younger we had to actually teach her to like opening presents on Christmas morning. Today, we'll talk about exactly how we did that plus give you tips to finding the perfect holiday present for your child this year.
"As soon as we started figuring out our own traditions, I started getting less sad about seeing the traditions that I before felt like I was missing out on."
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12/6/2022 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
FAMILY LIFE
When you have a child with a disability it affects the entire family. This week, we are talking about how we as a family navigate life working with Jordyn's autism and how it has only strengthened our family bond. Plus, the one trip we took that we will NEVER forget!
"There definitely have been some struggles along the way."
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11/29/2022 • 31 minutes, 32 seconds
WHAT WE'RE THANKFUL FOR THIS YEAR
With Thanksgiving this week, we wanted to talk about gratitude. There are so many things we are grateful for and at the top of the list is the shirt shop. It has brought so much to our lives and helped Jordyn shine in a way we never expected.
"You talk often with an individual with disabilities about creating a village and the shirt shop - our employees, our social media - it's become her village."
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11/22/2022 • 28 minutes, 9 seconds
INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM IN THE WORKFORCE w/ DOCTOR TEMPLE GRANDIN PART 2
This week we are continuing our conversation with Dr. Temple Grandin on getting individuals with autism into the workforce. She discusses with us tips for parents and employers as well as the importance of early intervention and the impact it makes later in life. If you want to read more of Dr. Grandin's work, she has many books now available on Amazon including her new one "Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions."
"A person with autism is a bottom-up thinker. You gotta fill the database. See the way I understand something in the future is I compare it to someone in the database. That's the same way computers think. You gotta get them out there doing things to get data in the database."
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11/15/2022 • 27 minutes, 57 seconds
INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM IN THE WORKFORCE w/ DOCTOR TEMPLE GRANDIN PART 1
This week we are honored to be joined by Dr. Temple Grandin. She is a prominent name in the animal science world, a New York Times bestselling author and autistic. Dr. Grandin has been a major advocate for the autism community writing numerous books on the subject including her new book "Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions." We talked to her this week about getting individuals with autism into the workforce, how parents can prepare their kids for a job and the kind of careers that might be right for them.
"We've got kids that are growing up that have never used a tool. They're not getting exposed to enough things."
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11/8/2022 • 20 minutes, 44 seconds
MEET THE SHIRT SHOP CREW w/ SARAH, MADDIE AND KEI
As we continue to explore building a community, today we're going to introduce you to even more of our shirt shop family - Sarah, Maddie and Kei. We'll talk about how they came to us, what changes they've seen in Jordyn since they started and what makes working at the shirt shop so special. Plus, you'll discover what shirt shop employee was still in a booster chair through 7th grade!
"As parents, we've got to give people the opportunity to get to know our kid, to accept them."
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11/1/2022 • 37 minutes, 22 seconds
MEET THE SHIRT SHOP CREW w/ MEGAN AND RYAN
One of the best things to come from the shirt shop is the community that it has built for Jordyn. Our shirt shop employees have become family and their love for what we do is incredible. Today, we're going to introduce you to a couple of them, Ryan and Megan. We'll talk about their favorite things about the shirt shop and the impact it has made in their lives.
"To be here and making an impact on the world... it just feels good."
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10/25/2022 • 29 minutes, 23 seconds
WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE EMPLOYEES WITH DISABILITIES w/ SLICEABILITY
We're continuing our discussion of employing individuals with disabilities this week for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Today, we'll be talking to Jeni Smith who is one of the owners of Rosati's Pizza in Cumming, Ga. She is a former special needs educator that now works with disabled students thanks to a work study program at their restaurant. She's also getting ready to open a new business venture called Sliceability that will not only hire individuals with disabilities but also provide them with job coaches and give them the resources to grow their careers. Jeni talked to us about her experience having individuals with disabilities work at her restaurant and how she has managed to find what they enjoy and adapt it to what they could do in the workplace.
"You should be looking at everyone that walks in the door, what their gifts and talents are and what they bring to the team."
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10/18/2022 • 28 minutes, 12 seconds
HIRING EMPLOYEES WITH DISABILITIES w/ SPECTRUM DESIGNS
Did you know that October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month? The unemployment rate for adults with disabilities is almost triple that of those without a disability in the United States. One of our missions is to encourage companies to start hiring adults with disabilities. Today, we're speaking with Patrick Bardsley, Co-Founder & CEO of Spectrum Designs. They were founded in 2011 to provide jobs for adults with autism and now some of their clients include Google, ABC, Uber and more. We talked to Patrick about why they started the company, the benefits of hiring adults with a disability and how companies can find the right employees to join their team.
"We have some of the most loyal, dedicated, hardworking, consistent on the planet."
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10/11/2022 • 28 minutes, 15 seconds
PREPARING FOR HALLOWEEN
It's officially October and spooky season is in full swing! While many kids are counting down the days to trick-or-treating, for kids with autism and their parents this can be a very stressful time. Things like wearing a fun costume and going door-to-door asking for candy don't come naturally to many kids. Today, we're going to talk about how you can prepare your child for Halloween with some practice and help from your neighbors.
"In order to make it fun, they have to see the value in it and the value might not be the same for them as it is for another child.
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10/4/2022 • 23 minutes, 13 seconds
BUILDING A COMMUNITY PART TWO WITH JANICE KERN
Today we're joined again by Janice Kern for part two of our conversation on building a community. We talk more about how we work with our children to encourage them to make a connection with family members, friends and schoolmates. Janice also talks about how she has used social media as a tool to create a community for her son. The key to all of these tips is that it doesn't happen quickly or easily but it makes the result so much sweeter!
"We made it happen first. We included him in really small ways first and then it grew into something bigger."
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9/27/2022 • 30 minutes, 32 seconds
BUILDING A COMMUNITY PART ONE WITH JANICE KERN
Building a safe and supportive community for your child with autism can seem like a daunting task, but it's not as hard as you might think. Today we start part one of our two part conversation with our friend Janice Kern, a fellow autism mom. We discuss how finding the support of neighbors and friends starts at home with your child and preparing them for those interactions. Plus, we check in with Jordyn and Hudson to talk about Hudson's birthday plans!
"I didn't necessarily find the community, I learned how to seek out good people."
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9/20/2022 • 28 minutes, 54 seconds
WELCOME TO SEASON TWO - CREATING A COMMUNITY
Welcome to season two of the Be Kind to Everyone podcast! Once of the biggest questions we get from you is how we built such a great community for Jordyn. Creating a community is such an important topic that we want to explore that all this season. In this season premiere, we'll tell you a little on how we created our community and how we'll explore that over the next couple months.
"You want your community, your team, your squad, you want it to be people who accept your child for who they are."
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9/13/2022 • 21 minutes, 50 seconds
Season Two Preview
As we get ready for Season 2 of Be Kind to Everyone to premiere September 13th, we want to give you a little preview of what we are working on.
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8/30/2022 • 4 minutes, 33 seconds
BE KIND TO EVERYONE - THE PODCAST
Who we are and what you'll hear on Season One of the Be Kind to Everyone Podcast!
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