October 13, 2024 • 18 mins
What happens when love transcends boundaries and societal expectations? Meet Kristen and James Zoll, a married couple with Down syndrome, whose remarkable relationship is nothing short of inspirational. In this heartwarming episode of the Born Fabulous Podcast, we explore their unique living arrangement, which balances independence with interdependence through a supportive network that includes rotating overnight aides and monthly team meetings. We’ll take you through James' touching proposal to Kristen and their dream wedding, sharing touching anecdotes and practical insights that offer a glimpse into their beautiful journey together.
But the story doesn't end there. Kristen and James open up about the intricacies of married life, highlighting the importance of teamwork and effective communication. Listen as they recount their experiences with therapy, managing household roles, and overcoming everyday challenges, such as grocery shopping and dealing with hard-to-reach tasks. Additionally, they discuss how they adapted to the changes brought on by COVID-19, finding comfort in each other’s company despite the disruptions. This episode also features the inspiring song "Love is a Potion" by Melissa Riggio and Rachel Fuller, celebrating the joy of love and friendship. Don’t miss this inspiring episode that showcases how Kristen and James live full, extraordinary lives, supported by a community that believes in their potential.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Greta Harrison (00:00):
Hello, my name is Greta Harrison.
Welcome to Born FabulousPodcast, season 3, episode 26.
The theme of this season isyoung adults with intellectual
disabilities living full livesof independence and
interdependence.
This episode features KristenRupple, James Zoul and Lynn
Metzger.
It is the second of threeepisodes with Kristen, James and
(00:23):
Lynn, which is part of anin-depth series about marriage
featuring parents,self-advocates with support
staff and an employer.
Lynn is an important member oftheir support team.
Kristen and James both havejobs.
They love and lead very fulllives.
They've been married over fiveyears.
James and Kristen have Downsyndrome.
(00:43):
Now please enjoy this clip.
Of Love is a Potion.
The lyrics are by MelissaRiggio, who was the focus of
episodes one through four inseason one.
She had Down syndrome.
The music and voice are byRachel Fuller.
Rachel Fuller (01:12):
Love is everything.
Love is all around.
Love is a potion, love ispassion.
(01:33):
Love is devotion, love isfusion.
Greta Harrison (01:40):
So is there anything else, with the support,
that you want to jump in on?
As far as like, tell me, canyou describe your apartment?
How many bedrooms do you allhave?
Three, three.
Kristen Rupple (01:53):
We have three.
Greta Harrison (01:54):
Okay, so with the support, is somebody staying
there overnight, since you havethree bedrooms?
Kristen Rupple (02:02):
Yes, we do.
Greta Harrison (02:03):
Okay.
Is somebody staying thereovernight every night, or do you
have three bedrooms?
Yes, we do.
Okay, is somebody staying thereovernight every night, or do
you have a free night?
We do have free night onSundays.
You like that, I bet, don't you?
I bet you do, okay, so thesupport staff rotates, staying
overnight or it just depends onshifts.
And how does that work when?
Lynne Metzger (02:24):
so the structure is such that we have a main
point of contact for overnightand her name is Usha and she
works Monday through Thursday onthe overnight shift, which is
generally 10 pm to 6 am.
There is a rotating schedule.
On Fridays for overnight One ofthe people slotted is Cecil.
(02:48):
Cecil is James' buddy partner,friend slash aide.
Cecil brings a unique positionto the group in that he and
James like to spend timewatching wrestling or doing
their buddy guy thing, which isimportant.
And then the other days whenCecil is not here on Friday,
(03:10):
it's covered by either Kayla orUsha.
Greta Harrison (03:16):
Okay, yeah, I'm sorry, go ahead.
I interrupted you, go ahead.
Lynne Metzger (03:20):
No, that's okay.
And then just to complete thecycle, um, I'm on the day shift
and the weekend shift, weekendsand day shift.
I spend the night on saturdaynight um, I get the fun night
that's usually when we go do funthings um and uh, stay with
them sunday, monday and tuesdaynot overnight day shifts and
(03:42):
then kayla comes in.
Kayla's also James's job coachand she comes in the Wednesday,
thursday, friday day shift.
So that's pretty much how theorganization is laid out.
Greta Harrison (03:53):
And, with their supported decision-making, their
quote-unquote team.
When they meet.
I know it's obviously Kristenand James, but who else Like?
When there's a team meeting, isit Kristen, james and then at
least one or two point peoplefrom the support team.
Lynne Metzger (04:14):
So every month we have a team meeting and it
consists of James and Kristen,all of the aides, regardless of
position or schedule, that areattached to the James and
Kristen team.
The parents both come on bothsides, and then Beth, who is our
(04:35):
team leader and also managesLifeWorks, the organization that
we work through for support.
Greta Harrison (04:44):
Okay.
Lynne Metzger (04:45):
So you have a lot .
Greta Harrison (04:46):
There's a lot of representation there.
There is Okay, yeah, okay, well, that really helps, okay, thank
you.
Now let's get to somethingtotally different, but very fun.
How about when James proposedwho wants to talk about the
(05:06):
proposal?
Kristen Rupple (05:08):
well, I got a surprise and I was so happy.
Greta Harrison (05:13):
You really were surprised.
Yes, so he didn't.
He wasn't talking about doingit or anything, he totally
shocked you.
Ah, that's sweet.
Okay, and James, I hear thatyou put a lot of effort into it,
right?
You had it all typed out andready, didn't you?
Yes, and you met with Kristen'sdad before you proposed and
(05:37):
asked his permission, right?
James Zoul (05:39):
Yeah.
Greta Harrison (05:40):
That was very good.
That's very good.
Since this is audio, I wantpeople to know that James is
wearing a shirt that says I lovemy crazy wife Very sweet, and I
know he loves Kristen very much, and vice versa, right, kristen
?
Kristen Rupple (05:58):
That's right.
Greta Harrison (06:00):
How about the wedding?
Let's hear about the wedding.
The wedding is so beautiful.
Kristen Rupple (06:05):
My Uncle, dan, married us and so beautiful,
beautiful party.
Greta Harrison (06:12):
Your Uncle Dan married you.
That's very nice and it waslike a party.
Huh yeah, and you got to wearyour dream dress.
Kristen Rupple (06:21):
Yes, In my dream dress.
It's a white dress with sparklyon top.
Greta Harrison (06:27):
Oh well, we're going to have pictures of that.
Was there a special song?
Do you all have a special song?
We do.
It's "erfect.
And who sings that?
James Zoul (06:40):
Ed Sheeran.
Greta Harrison (06:41):
Oh, that is a beautiful song.
Yes, that perfect Okay.
Yeah, that is a wonderful songto have, and did you have that
played at your wedding?
Kristen Rupple (06:52):
Yeah.
Greta Harrison (06:53):
Oh, so what was the best thing about getting
married?
Kristen Rupple (06:59):
It was my dream getting married, so I sound
happy in love.
Greta Harrison (07:06):
Oh and James, what was the best thing for you
about getting married?
It's sweet, sweet.
James Zoul (07:14):
Yeah.
Greta Harrison (07:15):
Aww, I love how you hold hands a lot.
I just wanted to say that forpeople who can't see, it's very
sweet how they hold hands tosupport each other.
What was the hardest thingabout getting married?
Well without argue, you argue.
Oh, you're human.
Well, without argue, withoutabout.
(07:39):
Okay, I'm sorry, I'm confused.
Okay, so you don't argue well,you'll do it so maybe I just so.
Lynne Metzger (07:50):
When I was, when I was talking to james and
kristin a little bit and talkingabout some of the things that
we might talk about today, and Iasked them um, what's a good
thing about being married?
Oh, and then, and so that yougo ahead with that if you want.
Kristen Rupple (08:10):
The good thing in getting married is it's my
dream.
Lynne Metzger (08:14):
And remember how we were talking about.
You guys are here together.
You were right there for eachother, sometimes alone by
yourself here, and you guys haveeach other as a team as a team.
Greta Harrison (08:26):
Yeah, yeah, yeah , that is great.
It is great.
Now, what would be the hardest?
Was there anything hard aboutgetting married?
Kristen Rupple (08:35):
without arguing so arguing?
Greta Harrison (08:39):
is that out without arguing?
That's where I'm confused.
Lynne Metzger (08:44):
I think it correct me, Kristen, if I'm
wrong, but I think what Kristenis trying to say is trying to
not argue as a couple gettingused to each other, living in
the same place, and so it, fromwhat I'm hearing, it was like
all newlyweds we enter into arelationship, they're no
different, her into arelationship, they're no
(09:10):
different.
And so when she says withoutargue, I think what she's saying
is try not argue, just like allof us do in our relationships.
Right?
Did I say that?
Right, kristen?
Okay, okay.
Greta Harrison (09:18):
That's great, that's true.
That's true because you don'twant to nitpick and argue.
Every single time something isdifferent.
So that's a great comment,kristen, thank you, thank you.
Wouldn't life be better withoutyou know, without arguing, and
with less arguing for all of us?
I like that, all right.
(09:41):
So how we talked about thechores and we talked about the
meal prep, was there anythingthat we missed there that you
wanted to say?
Not really, but I have friends,you have friends.
Well, we're going to talk aboutthose friends.
I promise we're going to get tothat.
One thing with the meal prep.
I wanted to ask, james, I knowyou guys share chores.
(10:03):
Does that mean, james,sometimes you help cook too?
Do you help cook sometimes?
Okay, good, good, all right.
Well, how about those argumentsthat you just mentioned without
arguing?
Everybody, sometime or another,has to argue.
How do you handle the arguments?
Kristen Rupple (10:24):
well, I do my best and um we're both stubborn
okay, but do uh.
Greta Harrison (10:32):
If I remember right, didn't a therapist one
time have a good rule for you?
Yes, we're going to have atherapy and it helps a lot.
Okay, and didn't he have a?
Didn't they have a rule aboutarguing?
Lynne Metzger (10:46):
I know that one of the things that that they've
told me about with the therapistis the therapist encourages
communication and times to stepaway from a heated argument and
to talk, talk, talk to eachother.
Greta Harrison (11:04):
And you all have been married five years, right,
is that correct, right?
Five years.
Okay, so you've had enough timeto get more used to how you
each communicate, how you eachget mad and all these things.
Is it getting easier for you,since it's five years in?
(11:24):
Do you think it's easier?
Just do our best you do yourbest, okay, can't ask for any
more than that.
So are you.
I know you've seen a therapistin the past.
You mentioned that.
Are you seeing a therapist now,or has that just been in the
past?
Kristen Rupple (11:39):
um we got our new therapist, so we've been go
over there Like once a monthmaybe, okay, you go and I'm
sorry, I had a hard time.
Greta Harrison (11:50):
So you have a new therapist now.
Yeah, and you said itdefinitely works.
Okay, all right, you've beenseeing a therapist since before
you got married, right, to helpyou with the whole how to have a
relationship, sex and all ofthose things.
Right, that therapist helpedyou through all of that, right,
(12:13):
yeah, okay, all right.
So what do you and I'll startwith Kristen what do you think
is your strongest skill at home?
Kristen Rupple (12:24):
Oh I'm organized and I'm smart.
Greta Harrison (12:32):
And what do you need the most?
Help with the help with likethings you can't reach.
Things you can't reach.
I need help with that too.
That is hard.
All right, james, what is yourstrongest skill at home?
Kristen Rupple (12:50):
Smart.
Greta Harrison (12:51):
You're smart, okay, and what do you need the
most?
Help with Store.
Kristen Rupple (12:55):
The store, yeah, okay, and what do you?
Greta Harrison (12:56):
need the most help with Store the store yeah.
Okay, all right, let's talkabout COVID.
It still hasn't gone away, butit's a lot better than it was
back in 2020 when it started.
So how did you all handle itwhen it just started and it was
(13:16):
so much scarier back then?
We went back to our parents'house.
You went back to your parents'house.
Was that hard for you after youwere being on your own?
Was it hard to go back?
It's okay.
It's okay, all right.
And you rotated betweenparents' houses, right?
Kristen Rupple (13:36):
That's right.
Greta Harrison (13:37):
You went to one and then you would go to the
other and then after a while youcame back to your place.
But as far as the rules aboutsocial distancing and wearing
your mask and being careful andgetting vaccinated, you guys
didn't have any trouble with anyof those things, right?
(13:59):
No, everything was good withthat, right, you got used to the
new.
That was like the new normal.
You got used to that, right.
Right, but it affected yourjobs, right?
Kristen Rupple (14:11):
Right.
Greta Harrison (14:13):
Your jobs had to close for a while, right, right
.
So was that hard for you orbecause you had each other?
Did that make it easier?
It's okay, I've been working athome.
You did some work at home, okay, all right.
And what about you, james?
I know that the brewery had toshut down for a bit, right.
James Zoul (14:34):
Yeah.
Greta Harrison (14:35):
So you were.
Did you miss it when they hadto shut down for a bit?
Right, yeah, yeah, so you were.
Did you miss it when they hadto shut down?
Yeah okay, but then you werehappy to go back, right yes okay
, all right.
So, speaking of the brewery,james, why don't you tell us
what my yard life means to you?
James Zoul (14:53):
to keep up and to keep pace.
Greta Harrison (14:57):
Can you repeat that?
James Zoul (14:59):
to keep up and fast work.
Greta Harrison (15:04):
You have to keep up and it's fast work yeah,
okay all right it.
It is fast work, isn't it?
Uh, it's tell me if I'm youknow, correct me if I'm wrong
here, but it's my understandingthat you know you started with
the basics, like you know busingtables and things like that and
(15:25):
then they kept showing you moreand more duties.
Right, they taught you more andmore things, correct?
Kristen Rupple (15:31):
yes, yes.
Greta Harrison (15:32):
Okay, and it got .
It's to the point now whereyou're, you and the four dudes.
You're one of the four dudes.
You guys get to brew your ownbeer every few months, right?
James Zoul (15:46):
Yes.
Greta Harrison (15:47):
How does that feel?
James Zoul (15:49):
It's good.
Greta Harrison (15:50):
It's good.
Does my does?
Does your boss and the peopleat my Yard Live?
Do they feel like family to you?
James Zoul (15:57):
Yes.
Greta Harrison (15:58):
Okay, that's great, and is there anything
else you want to add about yourjob, because I am going to be
talking to your boss.
James Zoul (16:06):
Yeah.
Greta Harrison (16:07):
I'm going to be talking to Jamie, so is there
anything else you want to add,maybe about Jamie or anything
else?
James Zoul (16:13):
I got my different co-workers is Brendan, mark and
Ryan.
Greta Harrison (16:23):
So you're talking about some of your
co-workers, and you love yourboss, don't you?
James Zoul (16:29):
Yes.
Greta Harrison (16:31):
Thank you for listening to episode 26 of Born
Fabulous Podcast's third season.
This was the second of threeepisodes featuring Kristen and
James.
I hope you enjoyed it and wantto hear more.
Short video clips from mostepisodes are available on our
YouTube channel and onBornFabulousPodcastcom.
You can also hear all releasedepisodes of Born Fabulous
(16:52):
Podcast on YouTube now.
Episodes of Born Fabulouspodcast on YouTube now.
In episode 27, you will hearKristen and James Soule talk
about some of the fun thingsthey do with their friends,
their beautiful love and more.
Kristen and James have Downsyndrome.
Please follow and like us onFacebook, instagram, twitter and
threads.
If you enjoyed this episode,I'd be honored if you would
(17:14):
leave a review wherever youheard this podcast Now.
Please enjoy this clip.
Of Love is a Potion.
The lyrics are by MelissaRiggio, who was the focus of
Season 1, episodes 1 through 4,she had Down Syndrome.
(17:34):
The music and voice are byRachel Fuller.
Rachel Fuller (17:36):
Love holds deeply inside.
Love does not tear apart.
Love is a potion.
Greta Harrison (17:51):
Love is passion.
Love never fails.
Love's emotion is sure.
Hello, my name is Greta Harrison.
Welcome to Born FabulousPodcast, season 3, episode 26.
The theme of this season isyoung adults with intellectual
disabilities living full livesof independence and
interdependence.
This episode features KristenRupple, James Zoul and Lynn
Metzger.
It is the second of threeepisodes with Kristen, James and
(00:23):
Lynn, which is part of anin-depth series about marriage
featuring parents,self-advocates with support
staff and an employer.
Lynn is an important member oftheir support team.
Kristen and James both havejobs.
They love and lead very fulllives.
They've been married over fiveyears.
James and Kristen have Downsyndrome.
(00:43):
Now please enjoy this clip.
Of Love is a Potion.
The lyrics are by MelissaRiggio, who was the focus of
episodes one through four inseason one.
She had Down syndrome.
The music and voice are byRachel Fuller.
Rachel Fuller (01:12):
Love is everything.
Love is all around.
Love is a potion, love ispassion.
(01:33):
Love is devotion, love isfusion.
Greta Harrison (01:40):
So is there anything else, with the support,
that you want to jump in on?
As far as like, tell me, canyou describe your apartment?
How many bedrooms do you allhave?
Three, three.
Kristen Rupple (01:53):
We have three.
Greta Harrison (01:54):
Okay, so with the support, is somebody staying
there overnight, since you havethree bedrooms?
Kristen Rupple (02:02):
Yes, we do.
Greta Harrison (02:03):
Okay.
Is somebody staying thereovernight every night, or do you
have three bedrooms?
Yes, we do.
Okay, is somebody staying thereovernight every night, or do
you have a free night?
We do have free night onSundays.
You like that, I bet, don't you?
I bet you do, okay, so thesupport staff rotates, staying
overnight or it just depends onshifts.
And how does that work when?
Lynne Metzger (02:24):
so the structure is such that we have a main
point of contact for overnightand her name is Usha and she
works Monday through Thursday onthe overnight shift, which is
generally 10 pm to 6 am.
There is a rotating schedule.
On Fridays for overnight One ofthe people slotted is Cecil.
(02:48):
Cecil is James' buddy partner,friend slash aide.
Cecil brings a unique positionto the group in that he and
James like to spend timewatching wrestling or doing
their buddy guy thing, which isimportant.
And then the other days whenCecil is not here on Friday,
(03:10):
it's covered by either Kayla orUsha.
Greta Harrison (03:16):
Okay, yeah, I'm sorry, go ahead.
I interrupted you, go ahead.
Lynne Metzger (03:20):
No, that's okay.
And then just to complete thecycle, um, I'm on the day shift
and the weekend shift, weekendsand day shift.
I spend the night on saturdaynight um, I get the fun night
that's usually when we go do funthings um and uh, stay with
them sunday, monday and tuesdaynot overnight day shifts and
(03:42):
then kayla comes in.
Kayla's also James's job coachand she comes in the Wednesday,
thursday, friday day shift.
So that's pretty much how theorganization is laid out.
Greta Harrison (03:53):
And, with their supported decision-making, their
quote-unquote team.
When they meet.
I know it's obviously Kristenand James, but who else Like?
When there's a team meeting, isit Kristen, james and then at
least one or two point peoplefrom the support team.
Lynne Metzger (04:14):
So every month we have a team meeting and it
consists of James and Kristen,all of the aides, regardless of
position or schedule, that areattached to the James and
Kristen team.
The parents both come on bothsides, and then Beth, who is our
(04:35):
team leader and also managesLifeWorks, the organization that
we work through for support.
Greta Harrison (04:44):
Okay.
Lynne Metzger (04:45):
So you have a lot .
Greta Harrison (04:46):
There's a lot of representation there.
There is Okay, yeah, okay, well, that really helps, okay, thank
you.
Now let's get to somethingtotally different, but very fun.
How about when James proposedwho wants to talk about the
(05:06):
proposal?
Kristen Rupple (05:08):
well, I got a surprise and I was so happy.
Greta Harrison (05:13):
You really were surprised.
Yes, so he didn't.
He wasn't talking about doingit or anything, he totally
shocked you.
Ah, that's sweet.
Okay, and James, I hear thatyou put a lot of effort into it,
right?
You had it all typed out andready, didn't you?
Yes, and you met with Kristen'sdad before you proposed and
(05:37):
asked his permission, right?
James Zoul (05:39):
Yeah.
Greta Harrison (05:40):
That was very good.
That's very good.
Since this is audio, I wantpeople to know that James is
wearing a shirt that says I lovemy crazy wife Very sweet, and I
know he loves Kristen very much, and vice versa, right, kristen
?
Kristen Rupple (05:58):
That's right.
Greta Harrison (06:00):
How about the wedding?
Let's hear about the wedding.
The wedding is so beautiful.
Kristen Rupple (06:05):
My Uncle, dan, married us and so beautiful,
beautiful party.
Greta Harrison (06:12):
Your Uncle Dan married you.
That's very nice and it waslike a party.
Huh yeah, and you got to wearyour dream dress.
Kristen Rupple (06:21):
Yes, In my dream dress.
It's a white dress with sparklyon top.
Greta Harrison (06:27):
Oh well, we're going to have pictures of that.
Was there a special song?
Do you all have a special song?
We do.
It's "erfect.
And who sings that?
James Zoul (06:40):
Ed Sheeran.
Greta Harrison (06:41):
Oh, that is a beautiful song.
Yes, that perfect Okay.
Yeah, that is a wonderful songto have, and did you have that
played at your wedding?
Kristen Rupple (06:52):
Yeah.
Greta Harrison (06:53):
Oh, so what was the best thing about getting
married?
Kristen Rupple (06:59):
It was my dream getting married, so I sound
happy in love.
Greta Harrison (07:06):
Oh and James, what was the best thing for you
about getting married?
It's sweet, sweet.
James Zoul (07:14):
Yeah.
Greta Harrison (07:15):
Aww, I love how you hold hands a lot.
I just wanted to say that forpeople who can't see, it's very
sweet how they hold hands tosupport each other.
What was the hardest thingabout getting married?
Well without argue, you argue.
Oh, you're human.
Well, without argue, withoutabout.
(07:39):
Okay, I'm sorry, I'm confused.
Okay, so you don't argue well,you'll do it so maybe I just so.
Lynne Metzger (07:50):
When I was, when I was talking to james and
kristin a little bit and talkingabout some of the things that
we might talk about today, and Iasked them um, what's a good
thing about being married?
Oh, and then, and so that yougo ahead with that if you want.
Kristen Rupple (08:10):
The good thing in getting married is it's my
dream.
Lynne Metzger (08:14):
And remember how we were talking about.
You guys are here together.
You were right there for eachother, sometimes alone by
yourself here, and you guys haveeach other as a team as a team.
Greta Harrison (08:26):
Yeah, yeah, yeah , that is great.
It is great.
Now, what would be the hardest?
Was there anything hard aboutgetting married?
Kristen Rupple (08:35):
without arguing so arguing?
Greta Harrison (08:39):
is that out without arguing?
That's where I'm confused.
Lynne Metzger (08:44):
I think it correct me, Kristen, if I'm
wrong, but I think what Kristenis trying to say is trying to
not argue as a couple gettingused to each other, living in
the same place, and so it, fromwhat I'm hearing, it was like
all newlyweds we enter into arelationship, they're no
different, her into arelationship, they're no
(09:10):
different.
And so when she says withoutargue, I think what she's saying
is try not argue, just like allof us do in our relationships.
Right?
Did I say that?
Right, kristen?
Okay, okay.
Greta Harrison (09:18):
That's great, that's true.
That's true because you don'twant to nitpick and argue.
Every single time something isdifferent.
So that's a great comment,kristen, thank you, thank you.
Wouldn't life be better withoutyou know, without arguing, and
with less arguing for all of us?
I like that, all right.
(09:41):
So how we talked about thechores and we talked about the
meal prep, was there anythingthat we missed there that you
wanted to say?
Not really, but I have friends,you have friends.
Well, we're going to talk aboutthose friends.
I promise we're going to get tothat.
One thing with the meal prep.
I wanted to ask, james, I knowyou guys share chores.
(10:03):
Does that mean, james,sometimes you help cook too?
Do you help cook sometimes?
Okay, good, good, all right.
Well, how about those argumentsthat you just mentioned without
arguing?
Everybody, sometime or another,has to argue.
How do you handle the arguments?
Kristen Rupple (10:24):
well, I do my best and um we're both stubborn
okay, but do uh.
Greta Harrison (10:32):
If I remember right, didn't a therapist one
time have a good rule for you?
Yes, we're going to have atherapy and it helps a lot.
Okay, and didn't he have a?
Didn't they have a rule aboutarguing?
Lynne Metzger (10:46):
I know that one of the things that that they've
told me about with the therapistis the therapist encourages
communication and times to stepaway from a heated argument and
to talk, talk, talk to eachother.
Greta Harrison (11:04):
And you all have been married five years, right,
is that correct, right?
Five years.
Okay, so you've had enough timeto get more used to how you
each communicate, how you eachget mad and all these things.
Is it getting easier for you,since it's five years in?
(11:24):
Do you think it's easier?
Just do our best you do yourbest, okay, can't ask for any
more than that.
So are you.
I know you've seen a therapistin the past.
You mentioned that.
Are you seeing a therapist now,or has that just been in the
past?
Kristen Rupple (11:39):
um we got our new therapist, so we've been go
over there Like once a monthmaybe, okay, you go and I'm
sorry, I had a hard time.
Greta Harrison (11:50):
So you have a new therapist now.
Yeah, and you said itdefinitely works.
Okay, all right, you've beenseeing a therapist since before
you got married, right, to helpyou with the whole how to have a
relationship, sex and all ofthose things.
Right, that therapist helpedyou through all of that, right,
(12:13):
yeah, okay, all right.
So what do you and I'll startwith Kristen what do you think
is your strongest skill at home?
Kristen Rupple (12:24):
Oh I'm organized and I'm smart.
Greta Harrison (12:32):
And what do you need the most?
Help with the help with likethings you can't reach.
Things you can't reach.
I need help with that too.
That is hard.
All right, james, what is yourstrongest skill at home?
Kristen Rupple (12:50):
Smart.
Greta Harrison (12:51):
You're smart, okay, and what do you need the
most?
Help with Store.
Kristen Rupple (12:55):
The store, yeah, okay, and what do you?
Greta Harrison (12:56):
need the most help with Store the store yeah.
Okay, all right, let's talkabout COVID.
It still hasn't gone away, butit's a lot better than it was
back in 2020 when it started.
So how did you all handle itwhen it just started and it was
(13:16):
so much scarier back then?
We went back to our parents'house.
You went back to your parents'house.
Was that hard for you after youwere being on your own?
Was it hard to go back?
It's okay.
It's okay, all right.
And you rotated betweenparents' houses, right?
Kristen Rupple (13:36):
That's right.
Greta Harrison (13:37):
You went to one and then you would go to the
other and then after a while youcame back to your place.
But as far as the rules aboutsocial distancing and wearing
your mask and being careful andgetting vaccinated, you guys
didn't have any trouble with anyof those things, right?
(13:59):
No, everything was good withthat, right, you got used to the
new.
That was like the new normal.
You got used to that, right.
Right, but it affected yourjobs, right?
Kristen Rupple (14:11):
Right.
Greta Harrison (14:13):
Your jobs had to close for a while, right, right
.
So was that hard for you orbecause you had each other?
Did that make it easier?
It's okay, I've been working athome.
You did some work at home, okay, all right.
And what about you, james?
I know that the brewery had toshut down for a bit, right.
James Zoul (14:34):
Yeah.
Greta Harrison (14:35):
So you were.
Did you miss it when they hadto shut down for a bit?
Right, yeah, yeah, so you were.
Did you miss it when they hadto shut down?
Yeah okay, but then you werehappy to go back, right yes okay
, all right.
So, speaking of the brewery,james, why don't you tell us
what my yard life means to you?
James Zoul (14:53):
to keep up and to keep pace.
Greta Harrison (14:57):
Can you repeat that?
James Zoul (14:59):
to keep up and fast work.
Greta Harrison (15:04):
You have to keep up and it's fast work yeah,
okay all right it.
It is fast work, isn't it?
Uh, it's tell me if I'm youknow, correct me if I'm wrong
here, but it's my understandingthat you know you started with
the basics, like you know busingtables and things like that and
(15:25):
then they kept showing you moreand more duties.
Right, they taught you more andmore things, correct?
Kristen Rupple (15:31):
yes, yes.
Greta Harrison (15:32):
Okay, and it got .
It's to the point now whereyou're, you and the four dudes.
You're one of the four dudes.
You guys get to brew your ownbeer every few months, right?
James Zoul (15:46):
Yes.
Greta Harrison (15:47):
How does that feel?
James Zoul (15:49):
It's good.
Greta Harrison (15:50):
It's good.
Does my does?
Does your boss and the peopleat my Yard Live?
Do they feel like family to you?
James Zoul (15:57):
Yes.
Greta Harrison (15:58):
Okay, that's great, and is there anything
else you want to add about yourjob, because I am going to be
talking to your boss.
James Zoul (16:06):
Yeah.
Greta Harrison (16:07):
I'm going to be talking to Jamie, so is there
anything else you want to add,maybe about Jamie or anything
else?
James Zoul (16:13):
I got my different co-workers is Brendan, mark and
Ryan.
Greta Harrison (16:23):
So you're talking about some of your
co-workers, and you love yourboss, don't you?
James Zoul (16:29):
Yes.
Greta Harrison (16:31):
Thank you for listening to episode 26 of Born
Fabulous Podcast's third season.
This was the second of threeepisodes featuring Kristen and
James.
I hope you enjoyed it and wantto hear more.
Short video clips from mostepisodes are available on our
YouTube channel and onBornFabulousPodcastcom.
You can also hear all releasedepisodes of Born Fabulous
(16:52):
Podcast on YouTube now.
Episodes of Born Fabulouspodcast on YouTube now.
In episode 27, you will hearKristen and James Soule talk
about some of the fun thingsthey do with their friends,
their beautiful love and more.
Kristen and James have Downsyndrome.
Please follow and like us onFacebook, instagram, twitter and
threads.
If you enjoyed this episode,I'd be honored if you would
(17:14):
leave a review wherever youheard this podcast Now.
Please enjoy this clip.
Of Love is a Potion.
The lyrics are by MelissaRiggio, who was the focus of
Season 1, episodes 1 through 4,she had Down Syndrome.
(17:34):
The music and voice are byRachel Fuller.
Rachel Fuller (17:36):
Love holds deeply inside.
Love does not tear apart.
Love is a potion.
Greta Harrison (17:51):
Love is passion.
Love never fails.
Love's emotion is sure.
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