Podcast Summary: "MORGAN: From Down Syndrome to CEO: Nate Is Inspiring Us To Be a Good Human"

The Bobby Bones Show — August 24, 2025
Host: Morgan Huelsman (Premiere Networks)
Guests: Holly (Nate's mom) and Nate ("Nate the Great")
Company: 21 Pineapples

Overview — Main Theme

This episode highlights the uplifting and humorous journey of Nate, a young man with Down syndrome, and his mother, Holly, as they share how Nate went from receiving sympathy at birth to becoming the CEO of 21 Pineapples—a clothing brand changing the narrative on disability. Through candid conversation, laughter, and unfiltered honesty, the pair discuss reshaping societal perceptions, building an inclusive company, loving fearlessly, and living authentically. The episode is filled with heartwarming moments, genuine advice, and a celebration of embracing what makes us all unique.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Origin Story of 21 Pineapples

• Name Meaning: The "21" refers to the 21st chromosome (the cause of Down syndrome); pineapples are symbols of welcome and acceptance.

  • Nate: "So the 21st means the 21st chromosome. And pineapple shares are welcoming." [02:51]

• Birth Experience: Holly discusses the negative and apologetic response she received from medical staff after Nate's birth, fueling her drive to advocate and celebrate children with Down syndrome.

  • Holly: "I realized there was absolutely nothing to be sorry about. ... I promised him ... that I will never let anybody say sorry again." [03:13]

• Initial Advocacy: Holly’s early work involved hospital and school outreach, encouraging people to congratulate parents rather than offer sympathy.

2. Going Viral & Using Social Media

• TikTok Origins: Nate and Holly’s first video, featuring Nate’s answer to "What will it take to change the world?"—“Love”—struck a chord and went viral.

  • Nate: "Love." [04:49]
  • Host: "That's a great answer." [04:53]

• Intentional Representation: Holly was cautious not to exploit Nate but wanted to showcase his spirit, humor, and abilities.

  • Holly: "We were very careful. We didn't want to exploit him in any way." [05:12]

3. Modeling Career & Influencer Experiences

• Modeling for Big Names: Nate has modeled for designer Jacob Meir, whose clients include Lady Gaga and Madonna.

  • Nate: "His name is Jacob Meir. He designs Lady Gaga and Madonna." [06:34]

• Viral Encounters: Social media led to "magical" encounters, like meeting major TikTok influencers and other celebrities.

4. Building the Business

• Launch Story: Inspired by a spontaneous moment after a moving social encounter, Holly and Nate started 21 Pineapples, with the first shirt reading "Be a good human."

  • Holly: "Our first shirt was Be a good human, because that's something that came out of his mouth." [09:29]

• Sales Success: The company sold $2 million in its first year.

  • Holly: "Sold in our first year, 2 million. Wow." [09:55]

• Mission: Representation and normalization—most models for their Hawaiian shirts have Down syndrome or other disabilities.

  • Nate: "We're changing the way the others who perceive those with one funky shirt at a time." [11:27]

• Awareness Gaps: Holly notes society's progress is slow and discusses the need for deeper celebration and inclusion.

  • Holly: "Kids with down syndrome are more alike than they're different." [12:48]

5. Life, Humor, and Family

• Sense of Humor & Personality: Nate’s comedic timing comes from watching Saturday Night Live, with free-spirited, witty exchanges throughout.

  • Nate: "I'm the most famous one." [14:08]

• Sports and Confidence: Nate is active in Special Olympics, attributing his confidence to unconditional family support.

  • Nate: "Special Olympics ... since I was 8 years old. ... My mom ... she's my favorite person." [15:31, 15:49]

• Honest Emotions: Both discuss misconceptions—Nate is not happy all the time, but deeply empathetic and a "quick crier" when hurt.

  • Holly: "You're a quick crier. ... His emotions run so deep." [18:36]

• Sibling Dynamics: Playful ribbing about being the "favorite child" and family quirks.

6. Celebrity Life & Media

• Projects:

  • Starred in the movie I Win about abilities and bullying, written with him in mind. [24:34, 25:08]
  • Performed in music videos and connected with artists like Mark Wills and Creed.
  • Karaoke favorites: Bruno Mars, "Shallow," and more. [22:27]

• Celebrity Interactions: Lady Gaga, Theo Von, Dennis Quaid, Garth Brooks, and mentions of aspiring to meet Travis Kelce and Adele.

7. Dating, Friendship & Life Advice

• Dating Talk: Discussion on relationships, with comedic and sincere rules from Nate.

  • Nate's Five Dating Rules:
    1. Give flowers. [38:06]
    2. See a movie [38:12]
    3. Go to a hotel and lay in the lobby [38:24]
    4. Go bowling [38:32]
    5. Get a beer and "get lit" [38:49]
  • "Never kiss on the first date!" [38:01]

• Romantic Relationships: Candid chat about readiness, boundaries, and being full of love regardless of relationship status.

8. Everyday Life, Identities & Challenges

• Living "Normal": Nate outlines feeling normal by living a regular life—sleep, hygiene, texting friends, enjoying beer. [35:09–35:31]

• Company Role: Nate is hands-on as CEO, involved in design, final decisions, and marketing. [33:25–34:42]

• Fears & Quirks: Nate fears wigs, dolls, and clowns due to childhood sensory issues (pica) and the texture of "fuzz."

  • Nate admits an early penchant for eating fuzz and even bird poop, to the exasperation and amusement of his mom. [47:18]

• Jokes & Pranks: Nate's humor shines with classic jokes ("What time do you go to the dentist? Tooth-hurty!") [49:00–49:03], and his love for gentle pranks and pointing out family "flaws" with honesty wrapped in affection.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Perspective at Birth

  • "I realized there was absolutely nothing to be sorry about. ... I promised him ... that I will never let anybody say sorry again." — Holly [03:13]

• On Changing the World

  • "What do you think it'll take to change this world? ... Love." — Nate [04:49]
  • "Because I love people and they mean a lot to me." — Nate [04:57]

• On Confidence and Family Support

  • "If you could love your child or your person unconditionally ... you will have nothing but confidence." — Holly [16:13]
  • "All he hears all day is, 'I'm proud of you. I love you.'" — Holly [16:34]

• On Humor and Identity

  • "You must be telling him what to say. Clearly, I'm not." — Holly [14:35]
  • "He's funny. Why can't he be funny? He's beautiful. Why can't he be handsome?" — Holly [14:47]

• Advice and Inspiration

  • "Just love. To love." — Nate [57:09]
  • "Be a good human." — Nate [57:15]
  • "It's that easy. It's just brightening up their days." — Nate [57:20]
  • "Down syndrome is the best gift I've ever had in my entire life, and I would wish it upon anyone." — Holly [57:31]

• On Their Mission

  • "We're changing the way people see those with disabilities. One funky shirt at a time." — Holly [11:36]

• On Fame

  • "You haven't made it yet ... Because you're still living." — Holly [24:16]
  • "Every day you just keep getting better and better." — Holly [24:18]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:51] – The name "21 Pineapples" explained
• [03:13] – Holly shares her hospital experience at Nate’s birth
• [04:49] – Nate’s viral answer: “Love changes the world”
• [05:46] – Candid discussion on exploitation and social media use
• [06:34] – Nate’s modeling career and celebrity encounters
• [09:29] – Starting the company, “Be a good human” shirt
• [09:55] – First-year sales: $2 million
• [11:27] – Mission: "changing perception one funky shirt at a time"
• [15:31–15:49] – Sporting achievements and family support
• [16:13–16:34] – Confidence and unconditional love
• [18:36] – Misconceptions about people with Down syndrome
• [24:34–25:08] – Movie I Win and being cast as a lead
• [38:01] – Nate's dating rules ("Never kiss on the first date")
• [47:18] – Quirky fears and pica explained
• [49:00–49:03] – Nate's joke: "Tooth-hurty"
• [57:09–57:20] – Inspirational sign-off: "Just love ... Be a good human."

Tone & Atmosphere

The conversation maintains a mix of uplifting energy, candid honesty, and playful humor. Holly and Nate bounce between laugh-out-loud stories, heartfelt admissions, and impactful advocacy, all with the tone of a loving, close-knit family who invite listeners to see beyond disability and embrace humanity.

Final Takeaways

• Nate and Holly exemplify how positivity, self-acceptance, humor, and love can shift perceptions and open new paths.
• Their company, 21 Pineapples, is as much about fashion as it is about advocacy, representation, and building community.
• Abundant love, laughter, and a "be a good human" approach can break down barriers far wider than any diagnosis.

Connect & Support

Website: 21pineapples.com
Instagram/TikTok: @21pineapplesshirtcompany
Watch: Nate in the movie I Win (Amazon Prime)

“Be a good human. It’s that easy. Brighten up their days.”
— Nate [57:15–57:20]