Underestimated

About Underestimated

A podcast full of LIFE, business, relationships, (especially mother-daughter), challenges, triumphs, supports, and LAUGHS. Many people wonder what my life is really like and this podcast will take you into that! We will also have guest friends/family (one’s that are fun!)

Publisher

Collette Divitto

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

11 Mar 2025

Latest episode

17 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

7 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Sept 2026

   Wedding Weekend Recap & Raising Awareness for Type 1 Diabetes

   Rosemary and Collette introduce themselves from Boston and discuss Collette’s experience facing repeated job rejections before starting her cookie business, colettis.com, which employs a blended community including people with disabilities. They share updates about new holiday cookie ideas like ginger molasses, plus popular flavors and gifting. A surprise call with Rosemary’s sister Karen (from New York) leads to talk about an IPL skin treatment, Collette’s enjoyment of a recent wedding, and upcoming plans including a Country Music Festival trip to Nashville. Karen, a trainer and endurance racer, describes marathons, Disney race weekends, and fundraising for Type 1 diabetes, explaining her daughters’ diagnoses, advances like continuous glucose monitors, and needs for better pump accuracy. She also highlights Blue Circle Health (bluecirclehealth.org), a nonprofit providing free Type 1 support and supplies to underserved adults. Blue Circle Health: bluecirclehealth.org Topics 01:19 Rejections to Cookie Biz 02:53 Sister Calls In IPL 04:43 Wedding Weekend Recap 09:12 Holiday Cookie Brainstorm 11:56 Cookie Love and Sales 14:15 Concert Plans and Cousin Dropby 17:55 Nashville Festival Surprise 21:07 Karen the Marathon Beast 24:20 Disney Race Costumes 27:35 Post Wedding Emotions 28:53 Disney Run Costumes 30:28 Race Day Laughs 31:37 Why We Fundraise 32:14 Living With Type 1 33:26 Tech That Saves Lives 34:38 What Needs Improving 38:57 Misconceptions And Hope 41:30 Blue Circle Health 43:35 Global Diabetes Reality 45:49 Cookies And Family Humor 47:45 Theme Parties And Tequila 53:22 Peloton Studio Plans 59:18 Nashville Boots And Dancing 01:03:08 Signing Off

2. 

   23 Jul 2026

   ABLE Accounts Help People With Disabilities Save, Work & Build Businesses

   Rosemary and Collette focus on how ABLE accounts help people with disabilities save money without losing SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, or other benefits. They explain the outdated $2,000 asset limit in personal bank accounts, that ABLE accounts can hold up to $100,000 (with discussion of a possible increase), and that contributions—including from employers—can be used for qualified expenses such as housing and other essentials. They share how Collette, a 35-year-old entrepreneur with Down syndrome, used an ABLE account to start and grow Collettey’s Cookies, live independently, and later obtain an SBA loan, while also helping an employee set up an ABLE account. Collette discusses her businesses, books, hiring and employment barriers, and promotes cookie flavors, ordering, and live social media shows. Visit https://colletteys.com/ Topics 02:03 Collette’s Work and Books 04:11 Why ABLE Accounts Matter 06:13 Rules Limits and Savings 09:20 Using ABLE to Build Business 13:24 ABLE Americans and Employees 16:31 Fixing Outdated Benefit Rules 20:15 Jobs Disability Hiring Gap 24:27 Rosemary’s Early Advocacy 25:53 Homeschooling Tutors and School 30:11 Fire Bad Teachers 30:30 High Vs Low Expectations 30:58 Work Hard Play Hard 32:05 Cookie Company Plug 32:55 Signature Flavors Rundown 35:54 New Cookies And Feedback 40:24 Where To Buy And Contact 42:12 Wedding Plans And Duties 44:20 Pivoting With Live Shows 46:58 Meeting Big Influencers 48:43 Producer Orders Cookies 49:21 Wrap Up And Social Links

3. 

   26 Nov 2025

   The Adventures of Collette Continue

   Collette and Rosemary discuss Collette's personal milestones, busy holiday cookie business, health regimen, and media appearances, while also exploring future aspirations like expanding her business and developing a documentary in this interview episode.

4. 

   2 Apr 2025

   From Boston to Vancouver and Beyond

   Rosemary and Collette welcome Collette’s sister Blake. The trio discusses Blake's recent trip from Vancouver to renew her driver’s license in Boston, her engagement to a Canadian, and the challenges of long-distance travel. They reminisce about their travels to Vancouver and Las Vegas, share humorous family anecdotes, and navigate topics such as wedding planning, work-life balance, and unexpected life experiences. The episode also features Collette's cookie business, her upcoming award from Easter Seals, and a heartfelt discussion about family support and love. Topics 00:30 License Renewal Drama 00:49 Boston vs. Vancouver 01:48 Airline Frustrations 03:24 First Class and Celebrity Status 09:15 Vegas Adventures 19:17 Wedding Plans and Maid of Honor 28:11 A Call from Blake 28:16 Going Viral and Busy Times 28:32 Networking and Opportunities 28:49 Parenting Reflections 29:17 Standing Up to Mom 30:36 Achievements and Awards 33:36 Film Festivals and Documentaries 49:09 Dinner Plans and Recipes 51:06 Wrapping Up and Goodbyes

5. 

   26 Mar 2025

   Entrepreneurship, Disability & the Muffin Mystery

   Collette and Rosemary discuss various topics including their recent activities, entrepreneurship, and advocacy for people with disabilities. They share updates about Collette's bustling week filled with company tours for individuals with disabilities and the visit of a German film crew documenting her work. The conversation also explores the challenges and misconceptions surrounding disability and entrepreneurship, particularly in different countries. Collette and Rosemary delve into personal anecdotes, such as Collette's experiences with her aide in school, and the significant impact of guardianship laws on their lives. Moreover, they highlight the importance of meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities and Collette’s mission to change perceptions. The episode is peppered with discussions about their new children's book inspired by their late bulldog, Lulu, and its heartwarming theme. Ending on a lighter note, they discuss their love for live music, their favorite TV shows, and plan for future podcasts to continue their advocacy and storytelling. Documentary on Collette (trailer): https://youtu.be/KJrgtnjw5Ug?si=-fXYGk3rZmn3_OCJ THEY SAID: World Down Syndrome Day 2025: https://youtu.be/XNE4F1YaRj0?si=UiNNqrlPnvGAvnfk Topics 00:48 Busy Week Recap 01:26 Property Tour and Cookie Baking 03:23 German TV Documentary 08:04 Muffin Story and School Memories 17:04 Guardianship Challenges 24:11 Understanding Proxies and Their Uses 25:09 The Cookie Business: Why Cookies? 25:55 The Art of Baking: Perfecting Cookies 29:50 Remembering Lulu: A Beloved Bulldog 33:24 Creating a Children's Book About Lulu 34:44 Collette's Employee and His Artistic Talent 37:19 Discussing the Book: The Best Life Possible 45:39 Changing Perceptions of Disabilities 46:06 Documentary on Collette: 17% 47:53 Concluding Thoughts and Future Topics

6. 

   19 Mar 2025

   Filmmaker Katie Stoneburner

   Collette and Rosemary are joined by filmmaker Katie Stoneburner to discuss entrepreneurial endeavors, the creation of job opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and the upcoming projects aimed at raising awareness about Down syndrome. The trio reflects on memorable experiences from filming for Down Syndrome Day campaigns to attending events in New York, highlighting the transformative power of resilience, friendship, and positive thinking. Documentary on Collette (trailer): https://youtu.be/KJrgtnjw5Ug?si=-fXYGk3rZmn3_OCJ THEY SAID: World Down Syndrome Day 2025: https://youtu.be/XNE4F1YaRj0?si=UiNNqrlPnvGAvnfk Topics 01:50 Katie's Journey to Filmmaking 03:12 Meeting Collette and Filming Adventures 03:44 New York Gala and Tequila 05:10 Family Stories and Auction Mishaps 11:36 Reflections on Overcoming Stereotypes 22:54 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth 23:40 Embracing Positivity and Journaling 24:10 Achievements and Overcoming Challenges 26:54 Weight Management Struggles 30:12 Future Projects and Opportunities 33:10 Cookie Business and Family Stories 38:42 Books and Education 43:50 Podcasting and Final Thoughts

7. 

   11 Mar 2025

   Underestimated: Collette's Journey of Perseverance and Success

   In their inaugural podcast 'Underestimated,' Rosemary Alfredo and her daughter Collette Divitto discuss the many obstacles and adversities Collette has faced and overcome in her life. Born with Down syndrome, Collette defied expectations to become the CEO and founder of two companies. The episode highlights her early struggles in school, being bullied and misunderstood by peers and teachers, and the challenges of navigating the education system. Collette found comfort and purpose in baking, which eventually led her to start her own business Collettey's Cookies despite numerous rejections and setbacks in the job market. Collette and Rosemary also talk about Collette’s journey through high school and college, the support of her mother, and her determination to live independently. They emphasize the importance of believing in oneself and the mission of creating opportunities for people with disabilities. Find us on social media! X colletteycookie IG colletteyscookies LinkedIn Collette Divitto FB Colletteys Cookies Topics 00:45 Meet Collette: Overcoming Expectations 01:13 The Decision to Start a Podcast 02:42 Collette's High School Struggles 03:16 Finding Solace in Baking 06:56 The Turning Point: Baking Class 10:53 College Journey and Challenges 15:33 Life in Boston 16:36 Living Independently 21:58 Understanding Your True Self 22:20 Starting a New Business Journey 22:36 Facing Job Rejections and Volunteering 24:09 Struggles with Employment and Advocacy 29:26 Launching a Successful Cookie Business 31:29 Empowering Others with Disabilities 35:16 Balancing Business and Personal Life 37:48 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 14 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

15

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Underestimated

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.