Language is powerful and the words we choose to describe ourselves or others often contribute to the construction of our own internal narratives. While the terms used to describe clefts and other facial differences have evolved over time, there

Dating and Relationships with a Facial Difference

Sep 20th, 2022 36m 42s

As members of the cleft community know firsthand, having a facial difference can introduce a completely new dimension to dating. Join Ashley and Iva as they discuss how their clefts have affected their romantic relationships and their approach

Meet Iva and Ashley, Cleft Advocates

Sep 20th, 2022 43m 34s

Welcome to the Love Meets Joy podcast! In this first episode, hosts Iva Ballou and Ashley Barbour share their personal stories, their connections to cleft lip and palate, how they started their cleft advocacy journeys, and the goal of this new

Our Cleft Journeys

Sep 20th, 2022 38m 58s

While all members of the cleft lip and palate community have some shared experiences, each individual’s journey is unique. In this episode, Ashley and Iva dive into their personal cleft experiences. Among other topics, they discuss their surger

Cleft, Confidence, and Beauty Standards

Sep 20th, 2022 40m 13s

Having a facial difference can complicate how individuals relate to conventional beauty standards. For cleft-affected women in particular, it can be an especially fraught topic. In this episode, Ashley and Iva discuss their own, ever-evolving j

A Parent’s Cleft Journey: Meet Carolyn Ballou

Sep 20th, 2022 39m 16s

In this special, two-part episode, Ashley and Iva introduce listeners to a completely different perspective of their cleft journeys – their mothers’. When did they find out their daughter would have a cleft? What was the most challenging part o

A Parent’s Cleft Journey: Meet Janet Barbour

Sep 20th, 2022 38m 22s

Cleft Representation in Media

Sep 15th, 2022 42m

From the Joker to the Phantom of the Opera, from Scar to Alphonso from The Umbrella Academy, there are numerous examples of facial scarring or differences being used to identify the villain in media and to emphasize their evil. How do we change

Trailer

Love Meets Joy launches Thursday, July 28th!

Jul 7th, 2022 1m 12s

Introducing Love Meets Joy a Smile Train sponsored podcast hosted by cleft advocates Iva Ballou and Ashley Barbour. In this special series, Ashley and Iva discuss their personal journeys and all things cleft lip and palate. From dating and rela

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