What happens when you mix a fierce sibling bond, a deep love for storytelling, writing, advocacy and a chicken named Rosemary? You get today’s episode of The Lucky Few Podcast! We’re joined by the incredible Melissa Hart, author, educator, journalist and big sister to Mark, her brother who has Down syndrome.
This episode is full of heart, humor, and hope—plus a reminder that inclusion starts at home and ripples out into the stories we tell.
Melissa shares her powerful journey growing up alongside her brother, the outdated and harmful messages her family faced, and how her mom’s bold choice to raise her brother with full inclusion shaped all their lives. From early childhood therapies to joyful adulthood, Melissa’s story is one of advocacy, love, and laughter.
In This Episode, We Cover:
The outdated advice families were once given—and Melissa’s mom’s courageous response
How Melissa’s relationship with her brother shaped her writing
Representation of people with Down syndrome in literature
Her latest book, Down Syndrome Out Loud
And yes… an appearance from Rosemary the chicken 🐔
About Our Guest: Melissa Hart is a journalist and essayist from Oregon, and the award-winning author of Avenging the Owl, Daisy Woodworm Changes the World, Better With Books, and her latest release, Down Syndrome Out Loud. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Smithsonian, Real Simple, and more. Melissa is also a master naturalist, an avid kayaker, and a proud chicken mom. She teaches in the MFA in Creative Writing program at Southern New Hampshire University and holds a BA in Literature from UC Santa Barbara and an MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College.
SHOW NOTES
• Connect with Melissa at https://www.melissahart.com/
• Learn more about Melissa's newest book at Down Syndrome Out Loud
• Follow Melissa on Instagram
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