The Breaking Barriers Podcast

The Breaking Barriers Podcast

Join us as we explore the triumphs and challenges of raising children with Edwards Syndrome/Trisomy 18 and special needs. From practical tips for everyday life, to magnificent stories and discussions with medical professionals, our podcast offers support and empowerment for parents that are walking the uniquely joyful path.

Episodes

July 9, 2025 48 mins
In this episode of Breaking Barriers, we welcome back Dr. Iverson, pediatric ENT specialist at the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital, for an in-depth conversation on tracheostomy and airway malacia. Dr. Iverson explains what these conditions mean, how they’re diagnosed, and what families can expect when navigating trach care. Whether your child has a tracheostomy or is being evaluated for airway issues like tracheom...
Mark as Played
In this empowering episode, we sit down with pediatric nutritionist Betsy Hjelmgren to talk all things feeding, nutrition, and growth in children with Edwards Syndrome and complex medical needs. From NG and G-tube support to weaning strategies and blending real food for tube feeds, Betsy brings compassionate, evidence-based guidance for families navigating these unique journeys. Whether you’re new to tube feeding or explorin...
Mark as Played
June 18, 2025 75 mins

Breaking Barriers: Dad Edition-

Hosted by Robert Polacek

In this special Father’s Day episode, host Robert Polacek—proud dad of Mia—leads an honest and powerful conversation with two fellow fathers of children with Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18). Together, these three dads share their unique journeys, the highs and lows of navigating rare parenthood, and the strength it takes to advocate for their incredible kids.   From dia...
Mark as Played
In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we sit down with Brandi, a courageous mother sharing her journey through one of the most challenging battles a parent can face—her daughter Faith’s diagnosis with Wilms Tumor. Born with Edwards Syndrome, Faith’s early life came with immense challenges, but nothing prepared their family for the fight against childhood cancer. Brandi opens up about the moments of fear, faith, and fierce ...
Mark as Played
May 21, 2025 60 mins

In this thoughtful and informative episode, we sit down with Dr. Raskin, a Pediatric Neurosurgeon, to talk about some of the conditions that affect children and families the most. Dr. Raskin helps us understand epilepsy and when surgery can be a life-changing option, movement disorders-especially in the context of rare conditions like Edwards Syndrome-and hydrocephalus, a condition that can sound scary but is often treatable. Wheth...

Mark as Played

In this special Mother's Day episode, we honor the incredible strength, love and resilience of mothers raising- or who have raised-children with Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18). Join us as we sit down with a group of brave and compassionate moms who share their deeply personal journeys: the challenges, the beauty in the small moments, the advocacy, and the unbreakable bonds formed through love and loss. This heartfelt conversation sh...

Mark as Played

In this episode of The Breaking Barriers Podcast, we're joined by ENT specialist Dr. Iverson to dive into a condition that affects millions but is often misunderstood- sleep apena. From the warning signs to the latest treatment options, Dr. Iverson breaks down the science in a way that's both informative and empowering. 

 

Tune in as we break down the barriers to better sleep, one breath at a time.  

Mark as Played

Trisomy 18 and Cochlear Implants with Crystal Simpson sharing Gunnars Journey

Mark as Played
March 26, 2025 87 mins
Epilepsy impacts roughly 1/3rd of people with Edwards Syndrome. Some have controlled seizures and others do not.   We are excited to share with you the epilepsy journey of one of The ESA founding kiddos Mia through our Breaking Barriers Podcast
Mark as Played
March 19, 2025 35 mins

Our Second episode of our Hearing Loss series. In this episode us three moms within the ESA Board will be discussing our very own hearing loss journey with our children. 

Mark as Played
March 5, 2025 39 mins
Our first episode of our Hearing Loss Series with a T18 Advocate Doctor, Dr Kenneth Iverson, ENT at University of Kentucky Children's.  
Mark as Played
February 19, 2025 32 mins

Learn all about The Edwards Syndrome Association and the vision for The Breaking Barriers Podcast!

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

    24/7 News: The Latest

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

    Latino USA

    Latino USA is the longest-running news and culture radio program in the U.S. centering Latino stories, hosted by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Maria Hinojosa Every week, the Peabody winning team brings you revealing, in-depth stories about what’s in the hearts and minds of Latinos and their impact on the world. Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peaks and behind-the-scenes chisme on Latino USA and all our podcasts. www.futuromediagroup.org/joinplus

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.