We're well into Williams Syndrome Awareness Month and in this episode, Jen, Brendan, and Producer Joel welcome singer, bon vivant, and raconteur Avi Lesser! He (along with his mother Carol Patinkin and special guest Jon Kent) recount the many hours spent in Graceland, his trips abroad and his love for all kinds of national anthems! This is one gets…

Happy Williams Syndrome Awareness Month! To kick things off we have a extra-large episode for you! Jen and Brendan are joined by Megan McNeil to share the love of being part of the WS community and how much brighter the world is when people choose kindness over bullying. Then we welcome back former Executive Director Terry Monkaba for her first int…

On this episode, Jen and Brendan are joined by Erin & Sophie Rupolo who, thanks to Team Impact, are jet setting all over the country with the Maryland Terrapins Women's Basketball Team. The Lady Terps have truly made Sophie one of their own..even when she is in full teenager mode. Then, Alex Bentley joins the pod to talk about working at Disney Wor…

Today we have not one, not two, but three guests at once - A THREE-FER! Jen and Brendan are joined by Brett Beger, Carl Hanson, and Ben Monkaba to discuss what it's like living together as 3 dudes under the same roof. It's a fantastic story of friends, independence, and the courage to try something scary. Speaking of scary, we, of course, talk abou…

Gird your ears for Producer Joel has lost his voice. Before it went completely away, he was able to spend the week at Camp Blue Skies in Georgia, with around 75 adults with Williams syndrome. Camp creator Dick Sesler and his son, Brent the Mayor of camp, sat down to talk about the need for community for our adults and what the future holds. Then, P…

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 syndr…

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 Sara…

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 some…

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 assi…

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 t…

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…

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…

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…

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 syndro…

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, Rebeka…

In this episode of The Pharm So Hard Podcast, host Jimmy Pruitt, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP, BCEMP, and guest Rosa Malloy-Post, MD, delve into the debate over the most suitable paralyzing agent for rapid sequence intubation (RSI). They weigh the advantages and disadvantages of Succinylcholine (“Succ”) and Rocuronium (“Roc”) by comparing their pharmacologi…

Today's show exercises our civic duty as Jen and Brendan are joined by Delaney O'Connell, who is featured in the documentary Patrice, about a couple trying to fight the system that won't let them marry. On this show, we get to hear Delaney's story and how important self-advocacy is to her. Then we are joined by Chad Wilson from the Minnesota Disabi…

Croutons and Hearts, my friends! This episode, Brendan introduces us to one of his longest and best friends: Seth Link. Seth tells us all about balancing the stress of his job with the rest of his life and how important the connection between friends is to him. Then we are joined by Lisa Elm who manages PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center. …

After plotting a mob-like takeover of jobs at Disney, Jen and Brendan are joined by Leo Ryan! He took brief break from doing seemingly everything to chat about working, volunteering, and giving back to the younger members of the WS community. You can look for him probably zooming from activity to activity on the WSA Adventure Seekers cruise next su…

It feels like an eon since we did a "regular" podcast, but here we are! Brendan is sandwiched between Producer Joel and Joelle Packard - who tells us all about her experience in college. Back-to-School continues with Robin Pegg joining Jen and Brendan to really get into the nuts and bolts of how students with Williams syndrome learn. The materials …

Jen and Producer Joel are live at the WSA's Whispering Trails Camp for the Teen Camp's "15 Minutes of Fame" Talent Show! Join them as they channel their inner Gail and John from Pitch Perfect and provide commentary and cheers for the performers. Honestly I don't know if this show will be any good on audio, but we had a lot of fun recording it and I…

In this episode, host Micaela Hayes, PharmD, welcomes Jaron Stout, PharmD, FASCP to discuss the dynamic field of collaborative pharmacy consulting and the expanding roles within ambulatory care. Dr. Stout shares his insights on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in enhancing patient care, the evolving responsibilities of pharmacists …

Recorded live in Phoenix at the 2024 WSA National Convention, Jen, Brendan, and Producer Joel welcome Emmy Coggshall and Chris Baxter to discuss their upcoming movie "I've Got Next" and the aspiration of inclusivity in front of and behind the camera. Then Gianna Morello joins the gang to talk about being on the Board of Trustees and a leader in the…

Brendan got sick. Jen got sick. Joel got sick. A good time was had by all! The 2024 WSA Convention in Phoenix was a rousing success. Unfortunately the live podcast footage hasn't been delivered yet, so that will be released at a later date. Meanwhile, an exhausted Brendan and Joel do a quick recap of the Convention and look ahead to future episodes…

In this episode, host Micaela Hayes, PharmD, delves into the world of collaborative practice agreements and the crucial role of pharmacists in this dynamic field. Joined by two experts from the Avant Institute, Dr. Jessica Sinclair, Director of Education and Research Outcomes at Avant Pharmacy and Wellness Center and Director of the Fellowship at A…

Shownotes Episode Title: Collaborative Insights on Creating Great Healthcare Teams with C3 Group Authors Host: Jimmy Pruitt Guests: W. Anthony Hawkins, PharmD, FCCM, BCCCP Clinical Associate Professor, Practice Site: Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital (Albany, GA) Clinical Specialist – Medical ICU and PGY-1 Residency Coordinator Email: [email protected]…

The time has come! Preparations for the 2024 WSA National Convention in Phoenix are in the final stretch. The gang has just a few minutes to get together, do some last minute chatting, and get ready for the Live Podcast show on Wednesday, July 10th at 4PM! If you come up to any of us and say "Croutons & Hearts," we'll give you an official Starry-Ey…

The post Episode 6. The Great Debate: Unpacking the Controversy of GLP-1 Agonists appeared first on The Pharm So Hard Podcast.By Micaela Hayes, PharmD and Morgan Grier, PharmD

Recorded Live on June 1st, Jen and Brendan and joined by Producer Joel and WSA Vice President of Programming Sarah Giddings during their marathon Weekend for Williams fundraiser. The podcast was also part of a POWER HOUR where all donations were doubled thanks to Barb Nelson, the owner of Brinkley's Boutique. Barb joined the gang to talk about all …

During Williams Syndrome Awareness Month, it's important to recognize that, while our community has much to celebrate, there are also some very real challenges and tragedies. Jen and Brendan are joined by Jessica Holsapple and Tabitha Toney, two mothers who each lost their young boys from complications with Williams syndrome. Jess continues to shar…

We're well into Williams Syndrome Awareness Month, and Jen and Brendan are joined by Clare Neal, whose niece spearheaded a fundraising effort with her dance troupe. After that, they're joined by Micah Wilgus, who is celebrating his 10th year of work at @McDonalds and is a tremendous advocate for Williams syndrome. Producer Joel also gives an update…

It's May, which means it's Awareness Month! Kicking the bleep out of the start of Awareness Month is Sofia Napoli. She joins Brendan and Producer Joel (filling in for Jen) to talk about the importance of advocating for yourself and to pump everyone up for this month's activities. Then Jen and Brendan are joined by Denise Callen, Director of Walks f…

In this episode, Jen and Brendan are joined by Jen and Mike...wait, that sounds confusing. Our hosts are joined by Jen Sellars (teacher and mom to a daughter with WS) and her friend Mike Hladish. They share their amazing story of growing up and reconnecting in a different part of the country that should warm your heart! We would like to acknowledge…

In this episode, Jen and Brendan hear the fantastic and fascinating story of Stella Beard and Clayton Carroll. The mother and son duo discuss the tricky navigation of post-high school life and their journey from total guardianship to supported decision-making. Learn more about Clayton Carroll by searching "Clayton Carroll Speaks" on Facebook and se…

Producer Joel joins Brendan as they interview Joshua Dean, an adventurous camper, hard worker, and fantastic leader fresh off his latest week in Georgia at Camp Blue Skies. Then, Jen and Brendan talk to Emma Thomas, Camp Director of Whispering Trails Therapy Camp and Teen Camp. Registration for the 2024 camp in July opens soon, and Emma tells us wh…

It's our 1-year extravaganza! Thanks so much to all of you for tuning in and supporting our show. To celebrate, we are joined by OG co-host Stephanie Caron to update us on how she's doing and reflect on what starting the podcast has meant to her. Then Cyndra Cole, former WSA Board President and Episode 2 guest, turns the tables and asks us question…

It's the last show of Year 1 of The Starry-Eyed Pod! Jen and Brendan are joined by Gerald and Pascale Momplaisir from Baltimore, MD. This Dad and Daughter Duo shares the excitement and opportunities of preparing for life after high school and getting ready for college. Pascale also gives us some insight into the particular challenges of being a you…

PACUPrep BCEMP 6 Week Fasttrack Program PACUPrep – 6 Week Fastrack – Pharmacy & Acute Care University (pharmacy-acutecareuniversity.com) This Pharm So Hard episode titled “Pulse Check! Kyle Stupca’s Study on Esmolol & Dose-Capped Epi” is a deep dive into the innovative research conducted by Kyle Stupca on emergency cardiac care. The episode hosted …

Hey, look! We're so fresh and so clean! There is a new logo and new visuals, but it's the same awesome show! First up is Jessica Stranz, an adult with WS from Michigan, sharing with Jen and Brendan her love of bowling, antiquing, and planes! Her journey with Williams syndrome is really wonderful! Then, for Heart Health Awareness month, we're joined…

Hark! Come gather ye round to hear the tale of Alex and Alexandra, who live lives touched by Williams syndrome! The show is joined today by Alexandra Reneer, an adult with WS living in Utah. She shares with us how being a dancer has allowed her to stay physically healthy and gives her the confidence to teach dance to others with developmental disab…

The WSA team is in Phoenix, AZ, doing more prep work for the upcoming WSA Convention, July 9-13, 2024, at the Downtown Hyatt Regency Hotel. Since the room block will be available for reservations starting Wednesday, January 10, we thought it would be a good time for more convention talk! Nick and Lindsey are back to talk about how preparations are …

Happy Holidays from all of us at The Starry-Eyed Effect! It's a very special episode as we're joined by Anne Lemieux-Pocock, who, in addition to being Brendan's mom, is an accomplished writer. She's sharing her journey of being a mom to an individual with WS in beautiful chapters called "Being & Becoming: A Williams Syndrome ‘Mom-oir'” available at…

Look...did I have a whole other episode planned and then couldn't get it scheduled and was bailed out by awesome Board member Scott Ottenheimer? Maybe, but we were always going to have Scott as a guest! As his time on the WSA Board of Trustees comes to a close, Scott talks to Brendan and Jen about his time serving the WSA and how it has set the org…

In this episode, Jen, Brendan, and Producer Joel delve into the crisis in this country surrounding parents and caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities - specifically Williams syndrome. After watching the documentary "UNSEEN: How We're Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters" (which you can watch at www.caregiverdoc.com), they s…

Join us for an amazing experience in acute care pharmacotherapy at the EMpoweRx Conference on April 26-27th. Click below for more info. More Info on EMpoweRx Guest For the podcast Rosa Malloy-Post Hometown: Brooklyn, NY College: Fort Lewis College Durango, CO Medical school: University of Colorado What you love about living in/moving to Charlotte: …

Brendan joins from Austin, TX, where he just wrapped a weekend of working with the WSA Board of Trustees. What is that like? Well, he tells us. Then Jen and Brendan talk to Lindsey and Nick about planning the 2024 WSA Convention in Phoenix, AZ! Look out for Haboobs!!By Williams Syndrome Association

Make sure the little ones are off to dreamland because this week, Jen and Brendan have terrifying tales of horrors, hayrides, and haunted houses! Joining the show is Megan McNeil and Julie Polansky to share everything they love about this ghoulish holiday. Then the gang gets together to bust some myths about Halloween and about Williams syndrome! A…

Title: STREAM-2: Half-Dose Tenecteplase or Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Older Patients With ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Randomized, Open-Label Trial Background/Purpose: STEMI guidelines recommend pharmaco-invasive treatment if timely primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is unavailable. In the STREAM-1 …

Dust off your finest prêt-à-porter cause we're going to the society pages! Jen and Brendan catch up with Callie Truelove to share gratitude for red carpet premieres, celebrating stories, and everything surrounding the release of Truelove: The Film. Then, Joel joins Brendan to talk to Camille and Anthony Filippazzo about building community and the i…

Producer Joel is live in Orlando with the Adventure Seekers (the group of adults (18+) with WS. This trip was a couple of years in the making, with around 150 individuals with WS and their parents/caregivers descending on the Drury Plaza Hotel in Orlando, FL. Jen and Brendan chat with about a half-dozen attendees about what this trip means to them.…