In this special episode, we introduce you to Isaac Ballou and Michael Barbour, Iva and Ashley’s brothers. They share their personal stories, offering a look into what it’s like to grow up alongside a cleft-affected sibling. From early childhood memories to their roles in their sisters' lives today, these men’s insightful stories of the strength and love that can define this journey are a must-listen for all members of the cleft community, including allies.

Hosts Ashley Barbour and Iva Ballou sit down with Dr. Leanne Magee, a pediatric psychologist from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia who specializes in working with children with appearance differences, for a thoughtful discussion on the critical intersection of mental health and cleft care. We explore Dr. Magee’s unique role on the cleft care team, strategies for addressing bullying, and the importance of building confidence in children and adults alike. Our conversation also touches on the challenges of accessing mental health care within the cleft community, insurance barriers, and the often-misunderstood aspects of psychosocial care.

Mentioned:

Dr. Leanne Magee at Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania

Cleft Con 2020 Session

Cleft Con 2021 Session

Cleft Con 2022 Session

Cleft Con NYC Session

American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association Patients & Families Resources

Smile Train Community Programs

If you like the show, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, follow us on social, and tell all your friends to listen. Questions or episode ideas? Email us at lovemeetsjoy@smiletrain.org. We can't wait to hear from you.

Transcripts are available at smiletrain.org/lovemeetsjoy

Follow Ashley on IG at CleftLoveIG and Facebook at CleftLove

Follow Iva on IG at RealSophisticatedJoy and Facebook at RealSophisticatedJoy

Love Meets Joy is produced by Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, with a sustainable and local model of supporting surgery and other forms of essential care. Over the last 25+ years, Smile Train has supported safe and quality cleft care for 2+ million children and will continue to do so until every child in need with a cleft has access to the care they deserve. Learn more here.

In this episode, we bring you the inspiring stories of painter Monica Bachue and TikTok star and RN Jackson Wright, two cleft-affected individuals who are channeling their personal experiences into art that makes a difference.

Mentioned:

Leporinos Foundation

Follow Monica and Leporinos on IG at @monicabachue and @leporinos

Follow Jackson at @printfairy and @dakotawright

If you like the show, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, follow us on social, and tell all your friends to listen. Questions or episode ideas? Email us at lovemeetsjoy@smiletrain.org. We can't wait to hear from you.

Transcripts are available at smiletrain.org/lovemeetsjoy

Follow Ashley on IG at CleftLoveIG and Facebook at CleftLove

Follow Iva on IG at RealSophisticatedJoy and Facebook at RealSophisticatedJoy

Love Meets Joy is produced by Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, with a sustainable and local model of supporting surgery and other forms of essential care. Over the last 25+ years, Smile Train has supported safe and quality cleft care for 2+ million children and will continue to do so until every child in need with a cleft has access to the care they deserve. Learn more here.

Iva and Ashley sit down with Canadian actor, writer, and producer Allisha Pelletier for a heartfelt conversation celebrating resilience, creativity, and the joy of embracing your own unique journey. Allisha shares what it was like to grow up with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, discover her passion for acting, and navigate the challenges of being in a beauty-focused industry. We also dive into her new project, "The H-Word," a show that blends comedy with real-life experiences and explores the healing power of storytelling and the importance of community.

Mentioned:

Follow Allisha and H Word on IG at @allisha.pelletier and @thehwordseries

If you like the show, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, follow us on social, and tell all your friends to listen. Questions or episode ideas? Email us at lovemeetsjoy@smiletrain.org. We can't wait to hear from you.

Transcripts are available at smiletrain.org/lovemeetsjoy

Follow Ashley on IG at CleftLoveIG and Facebook at CleftLove

Follow Iva on IG at RealSophisticatedJoy and Facebook at RealSophisticatedJoy

Love Meets Joy is produced by Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, with a sustainable and local model of supporting surgery and other forms of essential care. Over the last 25+ years, Smile Train has supported safe and quality cleft care for 2+ million children and will continue to do so until every child in need with a cleft has access to the care they deserve. Learn more here.

Iva and Ashley welcome Luci Capo-Rome, a retired nurse practitioner, author, and advocate for older adults with craniofacial differences for an insightful, powerful discussion on overcoming challenges, finding strength in community, and advocating for lasting change. Luci shares her journey to accepting her bilateral cleft lip and palate, her career as both a patient and a healthcare provider, and the inspiration behind her book, Lucia’s Story: My Imperfect Beauty. Our conversation explores why community is so important for cleft-affected individuals, the impact of self-esteem on relationships, and Luci’s advocacy work, including her efforts spearheading Smile Train’s support for the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA).

Mentioned:

Building a Community for Adults with Craniofacial Difference Building A Community for Adults with Craniofacial Difference

Lucia's Story: My Imperfect Beauty: A Memoir written in Devotion to and Respect for Facial Difference

Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act

bellalucia.net

Follow Luci on IG at @luciaimperfect

If you like the show, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, follow us on social, and tell all your friends to listen. Questions or episode ideas? Email us at lovemeetsjoy@smiletrain.org. We can't wait to hear from you.

Transcripts are available at smiletrain.org/lovemeetsjoy

Follow Ashley on IG at @cleftloveig and Facebook at Cleft Love

Follow Iva on IG at @realsophisticatedjoy and Facebook at RealSophisticatedJoy

Love Meets Joy is produced by Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, with a sustainable and local model of supporting surgery and other forms of essential care. Over the last 25+ years, Smile Train has supported safe and quality cleft care for 2+ million children and will continue to do so until every child in need with a cleft has access to the care they deserve. Learn more here.

Join hosts Iva Ballou and Ashley Barbour for Season 2 of Love Meets Joy! This season, Iva and Ashley share the mic with fellow cleft community members. Hear from a diverse group, including a TikTok influencer, a child psychologist, a tap-dancing lobbyist, a fashion designer, and even their brothers. With such a wide range of perspectives, this is a season you won’t want to miss!

In this highlight, Ashley and Iva introduce listeners to a completely different perspective of their cleft journeys – their mothers’.

In this highlight, Ashley and Iva introduce listeners to a completely different perspective of their cleft journeys – their mothers’.