A podcast dedicated to telling honest and real stories about being a little person in an average-sized world.
Dear Diary, We have some housekeeping to do, and then let's start a conversation about how the world see's (or doesn't see) dwarf bodies.This episode is the newest in my Jillian's Diary series on Patreon available to my "Second Step-Stool" tier.Join The Patreon: Click HereFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:The Partnership For Inclusive Disaster Strategies: https://disasterstrategies.orgRichard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erfThis episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Liz Gutman. Liz is the Head Audio Description Writer at International Digital Centre in New York City. She has written award-winning AD for 850+ hours of movies and TV, and proudly works as an instructor with Audio Description Training Retreats. We discuss making and creating content that is digitally accessible, how she explains and defines access f*ckery and much, much more.Editor's Note: This episode was recorded back in August of 2024 as a collaboration with her podcast, also titled Access F*ckery, so tuned for that conversation which is coming soon, link in show notes.Join The Patreon: Click HereListen To Access F*ckery:SpotifyApple PodcastsFollow Liz: Instagram: @lizgutman Website: https://www.lizgutman.com/aboutFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:The Partnership For Inclusive Disaster Strategies: https://disasterstrategies.orgRichard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erfThis episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In celebration of May being Mental Health Awareness Month I am honored to have sat down with Kirsten Ferguson. A successful career woman turned Peloton fitness instructor, Kirsten wholeheartedly embraces the changes that life brings. After seven years of working with the NFL, she shifted her focus to family. Her journey to motherhood was not easy, and fitness helped Kirsten strengthen her body and soul during difficult times. She is now the proud mother of two beautiful daughters and uses her life experiences to fuel her deeply inspiring workouts. We discuss how she came to Peloton (and how Peloton came to her), how she makes the time and space for her mental health, becoming a runner and then empowering others to follow in her footsteps, her journey from hip surgery to running the New York City Marathon, and much, much more.Join The Patreon: Click HereFollow Kirsten: Instagram: @iamkirstenferguson TikTok: @iamkirstenfergusonFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:The Partnership For Inclusive Disaster Strategies: https://disasterstrategies.orgRichard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erfThis episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Peet Montzingo. Peet Montzingo is one of the top social media content creators who has over 21.5M subscribers on his YouTube channel, 14.2M followers on his TikTok, and 3.1M followers on his Instagram. Known for his comedic videos that feature his family and daily life, his content also dabbles in the supernatural, where he formerly lived across the street from the infamous Cecil Hotel and documented its strange occurrences. Aside from being a star on social media, Peet is an accomplished singer/song writer, model, and the author of Little Imperfections: A Tall Tale of Growing Up Different. We discuss his experience growing up in a space that was not designed for him, who society will actually listen to when talking about disability issues, average-height allyship in a little person world, and much, much more.Join The Patreon: Click HereFollow Peet: TikTok: @peetmontzingo YouTube: Peet Montzingo Instagram: @peetmontzingo Spotify: Peet MontzingoFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:The Partnership For Inclusive Disaster Strategies: https://disasterstrategies.orgRichard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erfThis episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Keah Brown. Keah is an award winning journalist, author, and screenwriter. Her work on disability, identity, and pop culture has appeared in Town & Country Magazine, Teen Vogue, Elle, The LA Times, Marie Claire UK, And The New York Times, among other publications. We discuss the connection between disability and celebrity, not having time for imposter syndrome, the pressure of writing an acknowledgements page and much, much more.Join The Patreon: Click HereFollow Keah: Instagram: @keah_maria TikTok: @keah_maria Website: https://keahbrown.comFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:The Partnership For Inclusive Disaster Strategies: https://disasterstrategies.orgRichard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erfThis episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this episode I sat down with Anna Pakman, Margo Gignac and James Ian, the writer/director and stars of Emergency Plan, a new short film for the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. Emergency Plan stars Margo and James as a disabled couple forced to send their young son out alone after a catastrophic East Coast earthquake — when it becomes clear no one is coming to help them evacuate. Ali Stroker voices the radio anchor whose warnings grow increasingly urgent as the crisis unfolds. We discuss the making of the film, the real-world inspiration and reason for telling this story, how systems fail disabled people during disasters and much more.Join The Patreon: Click HereWatch Emergency Plan: https://www.emergencyplanfilm.comFollow Anna: Instagram: @annatatedFollow Margo: Instagram: @margo_gignacFollow James: Instagram: @jamesianmusicThe Partnership For Inclusive Disaster Strategies: https://disasterstrategies.orgLearn More About The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge: Website: https://disabilityfilmchallenge.com YouTube: @TheDisabilityFilmChallengeInstagram: @disabilityfilmchallengeFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erfThis episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this episode I sat down with Rachel Handler. Rachel is a filmmaker and actor known for her stint as Peg Leg Doris on AMC's “Interview With the Vampire” and her award-winning Slamdance films “Committed” and “HOW MUCH AM I WORTH?” We discuss the magic of theater and storytelling, her creative processes as both an actor and a writer, the importance of something like the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge for disabled artists and creatives and much, much more.Join The Patreon: Click HereFollow Rachel: Instagram: @bionic.brunette YouTube: @RachelHandler Website: http://www.rachelahandler.comWatch DON'T TAKE THIS THE WRONG WAY: Click HereLearn More About The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge: Website: https://disabilityfilmchallenge.com YouTube: @TheDisabilityFilmChallenge Instagram: @disabilityfilmchallengeFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erfThis episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Mariadeliz Santiago. Maria is a NYC-based disabled content creator, speaker, and advocate who uses her platform to champion authentic representation and accessibility in media. As a Latina with an upper limb difference and chronic conditions like Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and new daily persistent headache (NDPH), she creates impactful content that bridges beauty, lifestyle, and disability awareness. With a growing and engaged audience, Maria partners with inclusive brands to tell meaningful stories, and regularly speaks on the importance of disability visibility, intersectionality, and inclusive marketing. We discuss the rise and importance of adaptive beauty, how she uses make-up as a palette to show her creativity and express herself, beauty brands that are truly doing it right and much, much more. Join The Patreon: Click HereFollow Maria: Instagram: @limbitlessmaria_ TikTok: @limbitlessmariaFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erfThis episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Makenzie Morgan Gomez. Makenzie is a Mexican-American, queer, dynamically disabled performer based in Brooklyn, NY. She is a member of Actors' Equity Association and recently made her Off-Broadway debut starring as Libby in Neil Simon's I Ought To Be In Pictures at Theatre Row, where she used both a cane and a manual wheelchair on stage. We discuss going against society's expectations of disability, how disability representation should not be limited, question what it means to maintain the integrity of a piece of art and much more.Join The Patreon: Click HereFollow Makenzie: Instagram: @makenziemorgangomez TikTok: @makenziemorgangomez YouTube: Makenzie Gomez Website: https://www.makenziemorgangomez.comCreative Adaptations: https://www.creativeadaptations.coFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erfThis episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Mark Povinelli. Mark is an activist as well as an actor on stage and screen. He is currently portraying Benjamin Lay, shepherd, sailor, revolutionary, the British Empire's first revolutionary abolitionist, and someone whose story for too long has not been told, in the Off-Broadway production of The Return of Benjamin Lay. We discuss who Benjamin Lay was, how this show came to be, the importance of telling this story at this time, much more. Join The Patreon: Click Here Get your tickets to see The Return Of Benjamin Lay (Use the discount code"LPA"): Here Follow The Return Of Benjamin Lay Play: Instagram: @benlayplay Follow Mark: Instagram: @markpovinelli IMDb: Mark Povinelli Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph Relief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires: Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/ United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/ Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Rachel Wherley, Erin Elswood, and Shelby Holloway, the co-directors of the Mascots Matter campaign. Mascots Matter is an independent grassroots advocacy initiative calling for the retirement of offensive disability mascots. We discuss the origins of the “m” slur and its continued, harmful use through to present day, the founding of Mascots Matter and its advocacy efforts thus far, why discriminatory disability mascots are not just a local issue and much more. For reference, this conversation was recorded on March 18, 2025. Also, the “m”-slur will be used in context when explaining it as a slur as well as referring to these mascots. It is important to note that neither myself nor my guests condone the use of this word nor is it a part of our vocabularies. Follow And Support Mascots Matter: Website: https://mascotsmatter.net Donate Here Instagram: @mascotsmatter Facebook: Mascots Matter Follow Rachel: Instagram: @thatlittlemom TikTok: @thatlittlemom Follow Erin: Instagram: @erinkaseyhughes Follow Shelby: Instagram: @shelbyhollowayy TikTok: @shelby_holloway Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Felicia Gans Sobey. Felicia is a deputy editor of content strategy at The Philadelphia Inquirer. She is also a retired theater kid, an avid watcher of 90s/early 2000s TV, a Kindle obsessive, a dark chocolate lover, and a longtime friend of yours truly. As we are two Pisces girls turning 30, celebrating a friendship that has lasted half our lives thus far, I invited Felicia to ask and answer more audience questions about turning a decade older and much, much more. TW: Mentions Of Pregnancy Loss Relief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires: Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/ United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/ Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf Follow Felicia: Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Melanie Waldman. Melanie is a multi-award-winning filmmaker with the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, a member of SAG-AFTRA, an on-air talent member at QVC, host of the Disability Reality Podcast (which, yours truly, will be making an appearance on very soon talking all things on Bravo), and she STILL somehow finds time to teach adaptive yoga to the disability community & beyond! We discuss disability as a collective and the healing power of connection within, turning adversity into joy, the opportunities that arise from authenticity and much, much more. Relief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires: Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/ United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/ Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf Follow Melanie: Instagram: @whereswaldman TikTok: @whereswaldman Listen to Disability Reality Podcast: Spotify Apple Podcasts Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
For context, this episode was recorded on February 19, 2025. In this week's episode I sat down with Eliza Orlins. Eliza Orlins is a career public defender who has represented close to 4000 people charged with crimes in Manhattan over the last 13+ years. She's an outspoken advocate and can be found raging against injustice on her social media platforms. We discuss the misunderstandings and misrepresentations of the criminal legal system, the ways in which the system and how it is designed impacts those in marginalized communities including persons with disabilities, how she is pushing for change within the system as an advocate and as an activist, and much, much more. Relief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires: Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/ United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/ Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf Follow Eliza: Instagram: @eorlins TikTok: @eorlins Substack: Objection: Everything Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode it is just me and the microphone as I sit down to answer your questions about my ongoing surgery recovery journey, healing in a world that was not necessarily designed for me, ending the chapter that was my twenties and preparing to enter the chapter that will be my thirties. Relief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires: Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/ United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/ Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Allison Lang. Allison is a content creator, speaker, model, and a medal-winning Paralympian, having just competed in the 2024 Paralympics on Team Canada's seated volleyball team. Her advocacy focuses on self love and body acceptance with the hope of helping others who may be on a similar journey. We discuss connecting with authentic stories, what can happen when you feel seen and heard by a brand, being inspired by our accomplishments, not our existence, and much, much more. Learn more about and support the Mascots Matter Campaign using the link here: https://bit.ly/4h6XN16 Relief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires: Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/ United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/ Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf Follow Allison: Instagram: @allisonelang TikTok: @allisonelang YouTube: Allison E. Lang Website: https://www.allisonelang.com Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Chuck Aoki. Chuck is an American wheelchair rugby, aka “murder ball” player, a 4-time Paralympic medalist and one of the most recognized and decorated athletes in the sport both on the court and off. He is also one of the co-founders of Culxtured, a media collective that is changing the ways in which the world views para sport. We discuss the evolution of wheelchair rugby and how he found the sport, the timelines it takes to become a Paralympian compared to an Olympian, how the Paralympics have evolved in regards to media coverage, brand development and partnerships and much, much more. Learn more about and support the Mascots Matter Campaign using the link here: https://bit.ly/4h6XN16 Relief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires: Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/ United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/ Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf Follow Chuck: Instagram: @chuckaoki TikTok: @chuckaoki Follow Culxtured: Instagram: @culxtured TikTok: @culxtured_ Website: https://culxtured.com Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this episode I sat down with Violet aka hi its vi. Violet is a disability advocate, filmmaker, and content creator with almost 100 thousand followers on TikTok. Violet's advocacy focuses on the representation of people with dwarfism in the media. For context, we recorded this episode on February 3rd following remarks made by the President and the media about people with dwarfism. This is a conversation unpacking how society perceives, acts toward, and talks about people with dwarfism as well as the relationship between disability organizations and politics. Trigger warning for harmful rhetoric. Relief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires: Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/ United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/ Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf Follow Violet: TikTok: @hi.itsvi Instagram: @hello.itsvi Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Adam Ayers. Adam is the current president of the Dwarf Athletic Association of America, also known as DAAA. DAAA is a non-profit organization that provides athletic opportunities for people of short stature. The organization consists of a core Board of Directors who are supported by volunteers and philanthropic contributors. We discuss how DAAA has evolved since its founding in 1985, what happens behind the scenes to make the games accessible and successful, the magic of DAAA and much, much more. Learn more about and support the Mascots Matter Campaign using the link here: https://bit.ly/4h6XN16 Relief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires: Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/ United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/ Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf Follow DAAA: Instagram: @daaanationalgames Website: http://www.daaa.org Email: info@daaa.org Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Keely Cat-Wells. Keely, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and Presidential Leadership Scholar, has been a dedicated advocate for disability rights since becoming Disabled in her teens. She is the CEO of Making Space, a talent acquisition and learning platform and co-founded Making Space Media, producing content that centers Disabled voices. We discuss investing in disability, the success of creating pipelines to companies such as NBC, Indeed, and Hello Sunshine, making outer space accessible and much, much more. This episode was recorded before the LA fires. Learn more about and support the Mascots Matter Campaign using the link here: https://bit.ly/4h6XN16 Relief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires: Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/ United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/ Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf Follow Keely: Instagram: @keely_cat_wells LinkedIn: Keely Cat-Wells Website: https://keelycatwells.com/ Follow Making Space and Making Space Media: Instagram: @_making_space__ , @_making_space_media Website: https://www.making-space.com/ Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Julia Métraux. Julia is Mother Jones' disability reporter, where she covers disability, chronic illness and mental health as it relates to politics. Her experience is influenced by her lived experience with vasculitis, a TBI, ME/CFS and hearing loss. We discuss what it means to be a disability reporter, how reporting on disability has evolved over time, issues and stories she is looking out for in the upcoming administration and much, much more. Follow Julia: Instagram: @julia.metraux BlueSky: @metrauxjulia Newsletter: Julia Métraux Website: https://juliasmetraux.journoportfolio.com Mother Jones: Julia Métraux Mentioned Articles: The New Yorker Business Insider Relief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires: Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/ United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/ Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode it is just me and the microphone. After my most recent doctor's appointment last week (week of 1/6/2025) I wanted to sit down and update you all on how I'm doing, how I'm feeling, my frustrations, my hopes, my growth, my pain...all of it. Relief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires: Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/ United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/ Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Marissa Bode. Marissa is an artist and actor who made history in her feature-film debut as Nessarose in the film Wicked, being the first actor that is also a wheelchair user to play the part. We discuss her audition process, what Nessa means to her, the importance of seeing disabled characters authentically portrayed on screen and stage and much, much more. And yes, there will be spoilers. Follow Marissa: Instagram: @marissa_edob TikTok: @marissa_edob YouTube: Marissa Bohdee Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
I'm back! After a brief hiatus I am back on the microphone to catch you all up on what has happened in the too many minutes that we've been apart. I share how my recovery has been going, talking about the ups, the downs, the moments of joy, of frustration, and everything in between, before sharing what my plans are for the future of Always Looking Up as we head into the new year. Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this special episode Jillian sat down with Ariella Elm. Ariella is a content creator on TikTok who covers politics, local and global news. With Election Day just around the corner we discuss voting and accessibility and making sure that disabled voices are heard and disabled votes are counted. Election Resources: https://vote.gov https://www.ada.gov Find Out How to Vote in Your State - AAPD Follow Ariella: TikTok: @ariellaelm Instagram: ariella.elm Threads: @ariella.elm Twitter/X: @AriellaElm YouTube: Ariella Elm Substack: https://ariellaelm.substack.com Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this special episode it is just me and the microphone as I share a little life update as I will be having surgery in the matter of days which means the podcast will be on a bit of hiatus. I then discuss what it has been like to live and exist in my body during this time, the impact it has had on my physical, mental, emotional, and social health before looking ahead to the future, talking about what I'm looking forward to and working towards. Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Madison Lawson. Madison is a journalist, model and disability rights activist. Recognizing the importance of authentic representation in media from a young age, Madison strives to bring light to the disabled experience and to create a world that is more equitable for the next generation of disabled people. We discuss the relationship between history and accessibility, how perceptions perpetuate behaviors, the realities of simply existing as a disabled person and much, much more. Follow Madi: Instagram: @wheelchairbarbie Watch Madison Share Her Story HERE Access the Vote: Muscular Dystrophy Association Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.
In this week's episode I sat down with April Lockhart. April, coined the Internet's "Disabled Fashion Girlie", has become a pioneer in the disabled community through her online fashion content. Her approach to vulnerable storytelling about her limb difference online has amassed millions of views and empowered many within the disabled community to express themselves through style. With September being Fashion Month here in New York City we discuss all things fashion from shopping for clothes as disabled women to, as she puts it, normalising disability in the fashion industry, much, much more. Follow April: Instagram: @aprillockhart TikTok: @april_lockhart YouTube: April Lockhart Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.
In this week's episode I sat down with Steven Verdile. Steven is the founder of Squeaky Wheel Media, a nonprofit organization that empowers disabled writers to use humor to combat ableism, and the first-ever satire publication focused on disability. We discuss the ways in which traditional comedy spaces are inaccessible, why it was so important to build a team of writers with voices that are authentic and genuine, how The Squeaky Wheel consistently finds the right balance of laughter and reality, and much, much more. Follow Steven: Instagram: @sillyverdile Twitter: @StevenVerdile Website: https://www.stevenverdile.com Follow The Squeaky Wheel: Instagram: @thesqkywheel Website: https://thesqueakywheel.org Facebook: The Squeaky Wheel Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.
In this week's episode I sat down with Sophia Herzog Gibb. Sophia is a two-time medal-winning Paralympian, having competed as a swimmer in the 2016 and 2020 Paralympic Games in Rio and Tokyo. She is now joining NBC as a contributor covering the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. We discuss the excitement and media coverage surrounding this year's Paralympics, important language you need to know, how she prepared to take on this role, what it means to her to be the first little person commentator at NBC, and much, much more. Follow Sophia: Instagram: @sophiaherzog Twitter: @SophiaHerzog Follow Team USA: Instagram: @teamusa TikTok: @teamusa Twitter/X: @TeamUSA YouTube: Team USA Website: https://www.teamusa.com Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.
In this week's episode I sat down with Tiffany Yu. Tiffany is the CEO & Founder of Diversability, an award-winning social enterprise to elevate disability pride, the Founder of the Awesome Foundation Disability Chapter, and the author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World. We discuss the creation and evolution of Diversability, the work that happens in community and solidarity, being an amplifier of other disabled voices and much, much more. Follow Tiffany: Instagram: @imtiffanyyu Twitter: @ImTiffanyYu LinkedIn: Tiffany A. Yu, MSc TikTok: @imtiffanyyu Website: https://www.tiffanyyu.com Buy The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Yu & Me Books Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-A-Million Bookshop Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.
In this week's episode I sat down with Tilly Griffiths. Tilly is a two-time Stanford graduate from the United Kingdom, recently completing her Master's degree in Communication with an emphasis on data journalism during which she focused on telling impactful, data-driven stories about the disabled experience. As a full-time power wheelchair user living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, she also dedicated much of her time outside of the classroom to building community on campus for her fellow disabled students. We discuss the cultural shift about disability on college campuses, the balance between being in and being defined by our community, making the decision to never settle or stay put and much, much more. Follow Tilly: Instagram: @itsmetillyg Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.
In this week's episode I sat down with Shaunta-Maé Alexander. Shaunta-Maé is an incredibly gifted Public Speaker, Adaptive Athlete, Brand Ambassador, Influencer, Actress, Author, Philanthropist, Distance Runner, and 2024 “People's Choice” Webby Award Winner. Her personal story of hard work, determination, tenacity, and faith through her disabilities has been used to help motivate and encourage the masses publicly. After sharing her incredible story and fitness journey we discuss training with the healed version of ourselves, the beauty of uncertainty, our shared love for Peloton and Cynthia Erivo and much, much more. Follow Shaunta-Maé: Instagram: @shauntamae_ Peloton Leaderboard: MaeBackBaby Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast Peloton Leaderboard: jillian_ilana TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.
In this week's episode I sat down with Kayla Hamilton. Kayla is a Texas-born, Bronx based performance maker, dancer, educator, and consultant. She is a Bessie Award-winning dancer and her performance, choreographic and disability arts work has been presented by institutions across New York City and the U.S. In July of 2024 she announced the creation of Circle O, a new cultural organization established by and for Black Disabled and other multiply marginalized creatives. We discuss her journey to becoming a dancer, creating space in places where disability is often not welcome, the stories that can be told and the voices that can be heard through the art of movement and much, much more. Buy Tickets: Open Call: Kayla Hamilton at The Shed HERE Follow Kayla: Website: https://www.khamiltonprojects.com/k-a-y-l-a-h-a-m-i-l-t-o-n Follow Circle O: Instagram: @circleo_org Website: https://www.circleo.org Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.
In this week's episode I welcomed back Aubrey Smalls. Aubrey is an actor, filmmaker, and content creator with dwarfism who uses his platforms to educate people about what it means to be a little person and dwarfism history. We discuss how the historical beliefs, behaviors, perceptions and prejudices towards people with dwarfism have persisted and evolved through to present day in a world where conversations are now being driven by algorithms and the mainstream media and how it impacts the dwarfism community. Follow Aubrey: Instagram: @theaubreysmalls , @dwarfismhistory TikTok: @aubreysmalls Website: https://www.dearaverageheightpeople.com Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.
In this week's episode I sat down with Daisy Friedman. Daisy is a writer and director based out of New York City. Her history as a multi-organ transplant recipient has drawn her to create work that centers on the intersections of tradition, intimacy, embodiment, and disability. We discuss the spaces in between disabled and not, the power in telling disabled stories that are raw, visceral, and personal, the making and importance of her acclaimed short film As You Are, spoilers ahead, and much, much more. Watch As You Are: https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2024/05/07/as-you-are/ Follow Daisy: Instagram: @daisyfriedman_ Website: https://www.daisyfriedman.com Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com/ Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode it is just me and the microphone as I sit in my thoughts and feels and reflect on the Little People of America national conference that just took place in Baltimore. I explain what the national conference is, reflect on what the week meant to me and yes, there was certainly some laughter and perhaps tears. Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com/ Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Rebecca Williford. Rebecca is a seasoned, nationally recognized disability community leader and an ardent disability rights litigator, currently serving as the President & CEO of Disability Rights Advocates (or DRA), the leading national nonprofit disability rights legal center whose mission is to advance the rights, inclusion, and equity of people with disabilities through high-impact litigation, education, and advocacy. We discuss the role legal action plays in the disability rights movement, how DRA is changing the fabric of society and what it means to be a disabled person, and much, much more. Follow Rebecca: Instagram: @rebecca.williford.dra LinkedIn: Rebecca Williford Follow Disability Rights Advocates: Instagram: @dralegal LinkedIn: Disability Rights Advocates Website: https://dralegal.org Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com/ Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Pamela Rae Schuller. Pamela is an internationally known disability and mental health advocate, and professional stand-up comedian. We discuss how she combines comedy and storytelling with a message about inclusion and mental health, how certain humor has to be earned, being powerfully snarky, underestimating our younger selves and much, much more. Follow Pamela: Instagram: @pamelacomedy YouTube: Pamela Comedy Website: https://pamelacomedy.com/ Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com/ Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Muroj Negha. Muroj is a fashion designer who is striving to redefine the boundaries of fashion and empower individuals of short stature to express themselves authentically. We discuss trying to fit into spaces and clothing that are not designed for our bodies, the inaccessibility of adaptive fashion for people of short stature, how she is building a brand for herself, the community, and ultimately for everyone, and much, much more. Follow Muroj: Instagram: @muroj_negha Website: https://muroj.art/ , https://www.graduatefashionweek.com/search-portfolios/muroj-negha Follow Muroj Negha Fashion: Instagram: @murojnegha.fashion Body Measurements Google Doc HERE Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com/ Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Syanne Centeno-Bloom. Syanne is a prominent civil/disability rights activist, content creator and signed model. She has worked with brands like Dove, Thistle and Spire and Victoria's Secret and also currently serves as a council member for Courage for America, confronting extremist ideologies by far-right lawmakers head-on. We discuss diversity and trends in disability representation, the beauty of vulnerability, showing that being disabled is being human and much, much more. Follow Syanne: Instagram @syannebloom Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com/ Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Alex Barone. Alex is an actor who can be seen in The Luckiest Girl Alive, Dopesick, as well as the fifth season of Mayans M.C. where he played the character of Bottles. Alex is also an advocate for performers with disabilities and is a mentor to children with limb differences. We discuss wanting to see disabled characters that are sexy and have grit, disability as a brand in the entertainment industry, that disabled people are some of the toughest people you will ever meet, and much, much more. Follow Alex: Instagram: @alexjbarone Learn More About Camp No Limits: https://www.nolimitsfoundation.org/ Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com/ Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Joshua Castille and Caden Zane Marshall. Joshua is a Deaf performance artist who strives to form meaningful collaborations that explore the boundaries of art. He has worked on various projects in different roles including ASL master, director, actor, set designer, and more. Caden is a seasoned performer, American Sign Language interpreter, and influencer. Caden's 15+ years of experience in the theatre community has led him to focus on topics of queer activism and advocacy for inclusive spaces and works of art that highlight underrepresented communities. We discuss how shows like Deaf West's Big River and Spring Awakening revolutionized how Broadway saw deaf people on stage, advocating for theater that incorporates rather than tokenizes, why we need to have deaf and disabled people in the rooms where decisions are made and much, much more. Follow Joshua: Instagram: @castillejoshua Twitter: @CastilleJoshua Website: https://www.joshuacastille.com/ Watch Josh perform Satisfied from Hamilton HERE Follow Caden: TikTok: @themusicaldealer Instagram: @whereiscaden YouTube: The Musical Dealer Website: https://cadenzane.com/ Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com/ Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Madison Tevlin. Madison is an award-winning model, host, content creator, actor and advocate. She shatters the expectations people have about Down syndrome, reminding everyone that it is the least interesting thing about her. We discuss the powerful “Assume That I Can” video and the impact of authentic storytelling, how fun it is to defy expectations when we are underestimated, what it means to her to be someone the next generation is looking up to and much, much more. Follow Madison: Instagram: @madisontevlin TikTok: @madisontevlin YouTube: Madison Tevlin Website: https://www.madisontevlin.com/ Watch the "Assume That I Can" video HERE Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com/ Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this special episode I sat down with Madison Ferris, Danny Gomez, and Laura Winters to talk about the play All of Me, opening Off-Broadway The Pershing Square Signature Center here in New York City on May 14, 2024. All of Me, written by Laura and starring Madison and Danny is a boldly humorous and candid love story exploring class and disability in America today. Let's get into it. All About All of Me Website: https://thenewgroup.org/production/all-of-me/ Buy Tickets Here: https://thenewgroup.org/production/all-of-me/tickets/ Follow The New Group: Instagram: @thenewgroupnyc YouTube: TheNewGroupNYC Twitter: @TheNewGroupNYC Facebook: The New Group Follow Madison: Instagram: @maddd.hatter Follow Danny: Instagram: @dannyjgomezofficial Website: https://www.dannyjgomez.com/ Follow Laura: Instagram: @laurawinters12 Website: https://www.laura-winters.com/ Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com/ Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
In this week's episode I sat down with Dustin Giannelli. Dustin Giannelli is the CEO & Founder of HearsDustin LLC and a DEI and Accessibility focused public speaker and consultant. He shares his lived experiences as someone who is profoundly deaf and has worn hearing aids since the age of 5 as a way to highlight DEI best practices and the importance of accessibility and communication. We discuss the feeling of living in between two different worlds, the message he shares with brands across all industries, and, because it is the third anniversary of Always Looking Up, we highlight some of the incredible people in our community that we look up to, and much, much more. Follow Dustin: Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com/ Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com
In this week's episode I sat down with Judge Soonhee “Sunny” Bailey. Judge Bailey sits on Nevada's Eighth Judicial District Court. In 2018 she created the Detention Alternative for Autistic Youth (DAAY) Court, a diversionary court that focuses on providing services aimed to help youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remain out of the criminal justice system. We discuss how the DAAY court works, how it differs from the traditional juvenile court system, what empowered her to establish the DAAY Court, the future she envisions for it and much, much more. Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com/ Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com
In this week's episode I sat down with Medusa. Medusa is a non-binary revenge-pop artist based in New York. They aim to transform stories of queer joy and agony into song “by any means necessary,” and credit their visceral production style to the somatic-emotional crossover specific to autism. We discuss having to mask parts of who we are depending on the situation, the experience of having our identities understood within the disability community, how music is another language to them how they use it to express emotions, the feelings and the power and the impact of seeing yourself represented in a space for the first time and much, much more. Listen To Medusa's Music: Apple Music Spotify Follow Medusa: Instagram: @adsume YouTube: Medusa TikTok: @adsume Website: https://medusa-adsume.com/ Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com/ Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com
In this week's episode I sat down with Lachi. Lachi is a globally touring singer and songwriter, award winning social entrepreneur, GRAMMYs Chapter Board Governor, founder of the UN-recognized organization RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities), and host of PBS' American Masters series ‘Renegades'. Born legally blind, Lachi uses her platform in music, storytelling and fashion to amplify identity pride and Disability Culture. Named a USA Today Woman of the Year, a “new champion in advocacy” by Billboard, and "a foot soldier for Disability Pride'' by Forbes, her cultural activism has landed her spots on national ads and TEDx stages, discussions with the White House, BBC, Good Morning America and The New York Times, and her bejeweled glam canes have popped up everywhere from New York Fashion Week to major LA movie premieres. We discuss the power of community and the importance in recognizing other people's journeys, the differences between accessibility and disability inclusion, how the music industry transformed her and how she is transforming the music industry and much, much more. Listen To Lachi: Spotify Follow Lachi: Instagram: @lachimusic TikTok: @lachimusic YouTube: Lachi Website: https://www.lachimusic.com/index.html Follow RAMPD: Instagram: @rampd_up Website: https://rampd.org/ Shop Glam Canes HERE Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com/ Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com
In this week's episode I sat down with Isabel Mavrides-Calderón. Isabel is a disability justice activist and organizer. Her work focuses on advocating for policy change, accessibility, and anti-ableism. She has hosted numerous campaigns and protests for disability rights bills with the ACLU, Patients Rising and the Center for Disability Rights and, in 2022, she was celebrated as one of Teen Vogue's 21 under 21, a list of changemakers, influencers, activists, and artists who have made a substantial impact in both their communities and the world. We discuss the fragility and importance of the ADA, how the ways in which people view us impacts policy, creating a legacy for the next generation and much, much more. Follow Isabel: Instagam: @powerfullyisa TikTok: @powerfullyisa Teen Vogue's 2002 21 under 21 Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com/ Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This podcast was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
To start I would like to issue a trigger warning. In this conversation we do discuss harassment, assault, and trauma. If these are triggers for you, please feel free to skip this episode. In this week's episode I sat down with Colin Buckingham. Colin Buckingham is a Writer, Actor, Model, and Producer based in Brooklyn, NY. His goal as a storyteller is to make projects that reflect the intersectional nature of disability and create opportunities for historically excluded and disenfranchised persons. We have a raw and honest conversation about the beliefs and behaviors we confront as little people living in an average-height world, how the world does not know and understand its image of dwarfism, what it takes to challenge these perceptions and much, much more. Follow Colin: Instagram: @cocobucks Website: https://www.colin-buckingham.com Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com/ Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This podcast was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
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