Podcast Launch: Embracing Inclusion and Overcoming Challenges with Charlotte and Her Family
Discover the power of inclusion, love, and the beauty of differences in the first episode of So Let's Be Friends. Join Charlotte, who lives with cerebral palsy and a rare disease, as she shares her journey and invites her family to introduce themselves and discuss their unique bond. This podcast is a celebration of resilience and the strength found in unity. Charlotte's family opens up about the challenges and triumphs they have faced together, offering insights into their lives and the lessons they've learned along the way. Experience the warmth of a family that works hard and plays hard, and discover how they support each other through every obstacle. From early days filled with uncertainty to moments of joy and growth, their story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to adapt and thrive. Through heartfelt conversations, Charlotte and her family aim to raise awareness, foster understanding, and show that everyone belongs. Embrace the journey of learning, loving, and living life to the fullest, regardless of the pace.
Looking forward to interviewing and learning more about others on this podcast. #SoLetsBeFriends
Episodes
29 episodes
Voices of Change: Civil Rights, Inclusion, and Finding the Courage to Speak
In this inspiring episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte continues the conversation on civil rights, inclusion, and equality — sharing something very personal: her own journey of learning to use her voice.After high school, Charlotte...
Freedom for All, 250 Years (Part 2): Inclusion, Rights, and the Future We’re Still Building
In Part 2 of this powerful conversation on So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte continues her discussion with her dad, Loren, as they reflect on 250 years of America and how the meaning of freedom and equality continues to g...
“A Mother’s Voice (Part 2): Caregiver Insight, Rare Disease Research, and Hope for the Future”
In Part 2 of this meaningful conversation on So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte continues her discussion with Kasey Walsh, diving deeper into the long-term realities of caregiving and the importance of caregiver voices in ...
“Freedom for All (Part 1): From the Beginning to Becoming — Growing in Equality” Happy Birthday USA, 🇺🇸 250 years!
In this meaningful episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte sits down with her dad, Loren Merrill, to begin a thoughtful conversation about the 250-year journey of our country and the meaning of freedom.In Part 1, they talk about the b...
From Silence to Song: How Music Helped Us Find Strength and Coordination
In this powerful episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte sits down with their longtime piano teacher and friend, Charles Pandian.Charlotte, Caroline, and Harrison began taking virtual piano l...
“Growing Into Independence: A Young Adult’s Journey with Chronic Illness and Special Needs”
In this heartfelt episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte sits down with Celeste Franco, a young woman stepping into adulthood while navigating life with chronic illness and special needs.Cel...
“A Mother’s Voice (Part 1): A Rare Disease Journey and the Power of Advocacy”
In this heartfelt episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte sits down with Kasey Walsh to begin a powerful conversation about her journey as a mother raising her daughter, Robbie Edwards, who lives with a rare disease....
Sweet Salvation Bakery: Inclusion in Action, Interview with Blossom of the White Mountains
In this special episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte and her sister Caroline — also known as “Sweet Caroline” also lives with Cerebral Palsy — share a conversation originally recorded with Blossom of the White Mou...
Early Intervention: Finding Support, Answers, and Hope for Families concerned about the beginnings of delays and special needs
In this supportive episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte sits down with Britany to talk about Early Intervention and how it helps families of children with disabilities find the support and connections they need.
“Neuroplasticity, Part 2: Real Life, Real Growth” A Conversation with Dr. Sveta Silverman
In this continuation episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte shares Part 2 of a powerful conversation originally featured on Health with Sveta.Dr. Sveta Silverman recon...
“Hope, Neuroplasticity, and Family: A Conversation with Dr. Sveta Silverman”
In this episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte shares a special conversation originally recorded on the podcast Health with Sveta, hosted by Dr. Sveta Silverman.Dr. Sveta sits do...
Inclusion in Action: Michael, and Grandma Maryann, and the Sweet Salvation Bakery Sourdough Team
In this episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte sits down with Michael and his grandmother, Maryann — members of our Sweet Salvation Bakery sourdough team.This is Michael’s first job, supported through inclusive employment at the bake...
Special Christmas Episode “Inclusion in Action: ’Twas the Night Before Christmas”
In this special Christmas episode of So Let’s Be Friends, we share a beautiful example of inclusion in action.People of different abilities, from different places around the world, come togethe...
Cousins, Community, Inclusion and Thanksgiving Gratitude
In this warm Thanksgiving episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte gathers with her cousins to talk about what it’s like growing up together — cousins with special needs and cousins who are typical — and how family naturally teaches love, pati...
“The Sound of Belonging” with Bruce Solsten of ABLE Radio Lab
In this inspiring episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte welcomes Bruce Solsten, director of KDSTR Radio Corp and creator of ABLE Radio Lab — a media platform that empowers people with disabilities and underserved communities to share the...
Acting Human: Lessons from "Being Heumann" -Disability Rights Movement
In this inspiring episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte reflects on the life and legacy of Judith Heumann — the fearless disability rights advocate and author of Being Heumann.Charlotte shares stories from Judith’s journey that remin...
“The Moms’ Panel: Strength, Faith, and Inclusion Through a Mother’s Eyes”
In this heartfelt episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte sits down with three incredible moms — Nancy Ruffell, Lynette Nicoll, and Leah Clarke — to talk about the real, everyday journey of raising children and adults with special needs.<...
“Friends, Faith, and Abilities: Charlotte & Enya’s Story”
In this heartfelt episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte sits down with her best friend Enya to share their personal stories, friendship, and wisdom as young adults with unique abilities.Building on their recent talks about turning t...
"Turning Trials into Blessings: Messages of Hope, Faith, and Strength"
In this heartfelt and personal episode of "So Let’s Be Friends," Charlotte shares her powerful talk about trials, tribulations, and how they can become blessings in disguise. Freshly called to serve an 18-month service mission, she reflects...
“Building Independence and Confidence: Transition School to Work with Cher Lewis”
In this inspiring episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte sits down with Mrs. Cher Lewis, who leads the Transition School to Work (TSW) program at the high school.The TSW program helps studen...
“Life After School: Inclusion, Jobs, and Dreams with a Family of Strength” Adulthood
In this inspiring episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte welcomes Nancy—a mother and teacher—along with her two amazing adult daughters, Elizabeth and Emma. Together, they share what life looks like beyond school: navigating jobs, independen...
Part Two: “Building Strength, Finding Voice – Therapy that Empowers”
In Part Two of this two-part series, Charlotte continues her heartfelt conversation with her speech therapist and physical therapist friend. Together, they share stories, practical advice, and real wisdom about how therapy is more than a sessio...
PART ONE “Advocacy Begins with Support: Partnering with Speech and Physical Therapists, Schools & Doctors”
📢 A brand-new episode of So Let’s Be Friends is live — and it’s so good, we had to split it into two parts!This week, Charlotte chats with her amazing speech therapist and her friend, a physical therapist, about what it really takes to ...
Showing Up: A Family’s Love, Inclusion & Strength
In this inspiring episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte interviews a remarkable family, the Sandoval Family, who lives out love and inclusion every day. Their daughter, who lives with seizures, is a proud Little Caesars employee and a...
“Finding My Voice: Charlotte’s Story & the Power of Inclusion”
In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Charlotte steps into the spotlight—not as host, but as guest.Interviewed by her mom, Charlotte shares her story of growing up with disability, the friendships that shaped her, and how she b...