I'm Kind Of A Big Deal

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Christophe is a person living with a dwarfism. He is a drummer, actor, stuntman, entertainer, businessman, and an avid surfer. Christophe talks about life as a short-statured individual living in a world made for average height people. A place where many things are out of reach, over his head, and h…

Christophe Zajac-Denek


    • Oct 25, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 40m AVG DURATION
    • 42 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from I'm Kind Of A Big Deal

    Poll: How Would Your Life Be Different If You Didn't Have Dwarfism?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2021 23:52


    A compilation of my guests from seasons one and two talking about how their lives would be different if they weren't little. We only have the life we are living, but I thought it would be interesting to see if anyone had thought of how their life would be if they weren't short-statured. 15 individuals share what they think their lives would be like if they didn't have dwarfism.

    Poll: What Does Dwarfism Mean To You?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2021 19:42


    A compilation of my guests from seasons one and two discussing what dwarfism means to them. There are many built-in struggles for little people. 15 individuals share what dwarfism means in their lives.

    Poll: What's the most difficult thing about dwarfism?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2021 22:42


    A compilation of my guests from seasons one and two talking about what they find is the most difficult thing about dwarfism. There are many built-in struggles for little people. 15 individuals share what they have struggled with the most.

    Poll: What do you love about being who you are?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2021 19:10


    A compilation of my guests from seasons one and two talking about what they love about themselves. As a little person, it can be tough to feel accepting and content in your own skin. These fifteen short-statured individuals open up about their perspectives.

    Moving To Los Angeles Opened My Eyes To A World of Possibilities

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2021 19:13


    My move to Los Angeles took a lot of effort, was scary, and completely changed my world. Though some of the jobs I worked were bad or didn’t treat me as I deserved to be treated, there were many that treated me really well. Some of them were fun, some paid well, and I learned from all of them. This is the story of my move across the country and my first gigs in Hollywood.

    The First Little Person In A Major Commercial As A Person “This Means There’s Hope” - Alexia Vassos

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2021 97:14


    How many times have you seen a little person play just a person in a commercial on TV? Or in an internet spot? If you haven’t seen this before or, you’re not alone. However, Alexia (fittingly pronounced Ah-Lex-Uh) Vassos broke this streak by being featured in an Amazon holiday shopping commercial in the Fall of 2020 - and she played a human person. Alexia talks about what the commercial means to her and how she is striving to appropriately represent the dwarfism community. Thanks to John Lee Dumas for suggesting my subtitle!

    “Please Delete My Number” Firing A Terrible Agent

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2021 18:50


    Receiving terrible treatment from a certain agent for live events has worn me down. I recently heard from them and we had an annoying and contentious text conversation. Listen in as I recount the conversation and talk about the reasons for my reaction to this agent. It’s not okay to treat people in a disrespectful manner and saying no can be one of the most important lessons to learn. Connect with Christophe: @bigdealpod Thanks to John Lee Dumas for suggesting my subtitle!

    Vietnamese Dwarf Confronts Aggressors “I was like, What The Fuck” - Kevin Ton

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2021 87:34


    What would you do if you were a little person and someone snuck a photo of you to criticize your stature on social media? This situation happened to Kevin Ton. He retaliated in a physical way because he felt threatened and violated. Though he’s normally a collected and rational person, being treated in this inhumane way is hurtful and makes you feel powerless. Kevin discusses the incident and how this treatment can have lasting effects on one’s self-confidence.

    Jimmy Kimmel Live! Hired Me to Be A Twinkie with a Dairy Cow on TV

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2021 20:40


    How many actors do you know who have worked in costume, as a Twinkie, with a dairy cow, on Jimmy Kimmel Live!? Christophe has and he recounts the story of a job he worked in 2019 on the late-night ABC show.

    “We’re here to make an impact on the world” - Michele Sullivan, The First Female President of The Caterpillar Foundation

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2021 41:54


    From working with Bill Gates, Bono, and Barack Obama, to helping impoverished people living in villages deep into third world countries, Michele Sullivan’s impact is larger than life. Even though she’s 4 feet tall, her outreach has been widespread. Her book “Looking Up” tells the story of how navigating her dwarfism planted a seed that inspired her to help people across the globe. In her TED Talk, she explains her belief that everyone in life should be taken seriously. And in our discussion, Michele shares some incredible stories of life, compassion, and unity.   Connect with Michele Sullivan: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.sullivan.148   Thanks to John Lee Dumas for suggesting my subtitle

    Acting in a music video for a major artist "This was a terrible experience"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2021 23:31


    As a little person, a number of the roles on productions that are available to little people include roles that cover our faces and our bodies to the point of no recognition. So many times actors with dwarfism are asked to work in prosthetics, foam, costumes, wigs, and with contacts, fake teeth, and other things that don't depict what we look like or who we actually are. This is the story of a job that Christophe worked and his experience of a day on set.

    The Smallest Exotic Dancer In The World Sassee Cassee: “People with disabilities can be sexy”

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2021 66:13


    Sassee Cassee began dancing in gentleman’s clubs at age 18. Being 2’10” and having a driven personality, she was noticed quickly. Her 13 years as an exotic dancer has been quite eventful. She’s had to figure out how to navigate all of the traveling, the high-profile clientele, and her being fetishized based on her appearance. Sassee Cassee talks about why she loves her job as a stripper and how kindness is always at the front of her mind. Thanks to John Lee Dumas for suggesting my subtitle! Show Notes:  Connect with Sassee Cassee: IG: @sasseecassee89

    The First Professional Dwarf Skateboarder “The industry turned on me” Pancho Moler, 4 foot 6 inch Little Person with achondroplasia.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2021 95:41


    For Pancho Moler, skateboarding was the sport where he found himself and felt accepted as a little person. Becoming a sponsored skateboarder and being featured in magazines for his talent made him feel validated. But when the industry decided to treat Pancho like a gimmick, he had to come to terms with being othered on a global level. Pancho talks frankly about shutting the door on his dream career, dealing with substance abuse, and how he transitioned to a new life in the world of acting.   Connect with Pancho: IG: @panchomolerp   Thanks to John Lee Dumas for suggesting my subtitle!  

    Bisexual Dwarf: “Why I wished I was a straight”

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2021 57:52


    Bi-sexuality and dwarfism are a unique combination. Little people face many challenges on a daily basis regardless of their sexuality. For Sarah Hunt, 4 foot 6 inches, identifying as bi-sexual hasn’t made her life any easier. Hunt was bullied for her size and shape in school. Although the combination of her sexual orientation and having to have multiple surgeries was difficult to navigate, in the end, she found herself stronger having had those tough experiences.  Thanks to John Lee Dumas for suggesting my subtitle!

    Being a leprechaun on St. Patrick’s Day: “I’ve decided it’s not for me”

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2021 24:16


    Having dressed up in the past as a leprechaun for parties, events, productions, and at bars, Christophe Zajac-Denek talks about his experience playing a character in drunken, wild environments. Although there’s good money to be made by playing costume characters, getting dressed up in costume comes with a cost. Christophe discusses his thoughts on St. Patrick’s Day.  Connect with Christophe: @bigdealpod Thanks to John Lee Dumas for suggesting my subtitle!

    Dru Presta, 3’4”, founded Short Favor: a streetwear clothing brand making clothes specifically designed for little people so that people with dwarfism can have clothing options that fit their body type.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2021 58:43


    One of the biggest struggles for little people is finding clothes that fit and look good. The apparel options at traditional stores are not made with short-statured individuals in mind. Dru Presta is over what the department stores have to offer. She’s decided to take matters into her own hands and start creating clothes that specifically little people. Her brand: Short Favor makes clothes with short-statured individuals in mind and caters to their unique body type. She’s frustrated with the amount of fabric being cut off and wasted from her clothing items. Frequently, alterations are required to shorten sleeves and pant legs. But even after paying high fees at the tailor, the clothes still don’t fit correctly or look respectable. Connect with Dru:@short.favor https://shortfavorclothing.com Thanks to John Lee Dumas for suggesting my subtitle!

    Kristen DeAndrade, 4’10”, underwent limb lengthening at 12 in order to help straighten her skeletal dysplasia. She talks about the invasive procedure, the social struggles involved, and her book: Little Legs, Big Heart.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2021 96:06


    Limb lengthening is a relatively misunderstood medical procedure. However, Kristen DeAndrade knew it’s what she wanted for herself at a very young age. At 12 years old she went through with the first lengthening operation which led to her having two external fixators attached to her lower legs. Her tibias were broken in two places and she used the medical ‘bird cages’ to tease the bone into growing longer by stretching the gaps daily. This operation is not only involved, it takes a lot of time and effort to come out of it with the desired result. Even though Kristen gained 10 inches in length, she still received ridicule and offensive comments about her appearance and even for her decision to lengthen her limbs. Someone even wrote ‘Midgets Suck’ in a very visible and public place in her community. Kristen wrote a memoir to highlight her experience called Little Legs Big Heart.   Thanks to John Lee Dumas for suggesting my subtitle!

    Nic Novicki, 3’ 10” Actor, Comedian, and founder of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge talks about breaking through the barriers of the acting world while working to normalize dwarfism.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2021 55:17


    Little people have a history of being portrayed in media as dehumanized and unreal characters. The majority of roles for little people in movies, TV shows, and commercials have been demeaning, degrading, and misrepresentative of their actual experience. These roles include leprechauns, elves, munchkins, oompa loompas, Chucky, and others. Nic Novicki realized that the best way for little people and others with disabilities to have the world see them in a real light was to start the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. https://disabilityfilmchallenge.com/

    The M-word vs. the N-word. Discussing the difference between two very offensive terms. Ali Chapman, a 3’8” black female, shares the reasons why these terms are not the same.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2021 48:27


    Using words to describe individuals who look different is a practice that goes back centuries. In recent years, people have used very offensive terms when referring to little people and African-Americans. Little people have been called ‘midget’, and African-Americans have been called the N-word. However, some people have likened the act of calling a person with dwarfism a midget to calling an African-American the N-word. Ali Chapman helps navigate this discussion and describes her experience as a 3’8” black woman. Ali outlines important points as to why there is a distinct difference between the two words. She talks about her first-hand encounters and how she has felt when she’s been called both of these words. A major takeaway from this discussion is that putting yourself in people’s shoes and thinking about their experience before you say something negative is a best practice. 

    Ali Chapman, a 3’8” actor and entertainer, talks about discrimination and the ways she’s felt diminished in society because of her life as an African-American woman with dwarfism.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2021 59:46


    Ali’s life with dwarfism has its challenges. Growing up in Indiana and seeking protection from pointed and harsh comments, Ali learned at a young age how to cover up in winter to disguise herself as a child so no one would realize that she was a little person - she practiced this behavior later into her teens. Having no ambition to leave high school and being met with constant rejection in the real world, she knows what it’s like to be the center of negative attention. Ali shares her passion for Black Lives Matter and what the movement means to her. She talks about how she’s come to own her dwarfism, her blackness, and her femininity. She explains the ways she would be protected by her dwarfism if she were to be in a racially charged situation. Ali possesses a vibrant passion for diversity and supports advocating for racial, disabled, dwarfism, LGBTQ, and anyone who is perceivably different in society.

    Season 2 Trailer I'm Kind Of A Big Deal Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2021 2:50


    Dwarfism may be the first thing people notice about a person, but there is so much more to Little People than having short limbs. In fact, data shows that less than 1% of Americans are diagnosed. In Season 2, your host Christophe Zajac-Denek, who is diagnosed with a type of Dwarfism called Cartilage Hair Hypoplasia talks with authors, actors, clothing designers, advocates, and business people about race, disabilities, limb lengthening, sexuality and so much more –– he’s excited to share these huge stories with you. 

    Episode 20: Jon Michael Ogletree Part 3 - 3'8" CFO and talented pianist discusses Christian faith and the pitfalls of dating.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2020 35:45


    Welcome to Episode 20! This is part three of my conversation with Jon Michael Ogletree and the Season 1 Finale of I’m Kind Of A Big Deal. We are rounding out the season speaking with Jon Michael, who has a rare form of dwarfism and is an accomplished pianist and CFO. He also is a part of a strong faith community as he is a practicing Christian. Though he has a healthy and modest mindset about the challenges he faces, Jon Michael has a unique perspective when it comes to dating. I ask him if he is happy to be single and what his goals are for his personal life. I’ll admit, things take some interesting turns in this final episode! Please enjoy part three of my conversation with Jon Michael Ogletree. To watch Jon Michael in action, visit his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/user/JonMichaelOgletree Feel free to drop us a line at: abigdealpod@gmail.com Support the show! patreon.com/bigdealpod Also, you can connect here: IG: @bigdealpod Facebook: @bigdealpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/support

    Episode 19: Jon Michael Ogletree Part 2 - 3'8" little person pianist beats the odds with an extraordinary gift for music.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2020 58:00


    Welcome to Episode 19! This is part two of my conversation with Jon Michael Ogletree. He defies the norm of what disability looks like for someone with SED. Jon Michael is an extremely gifted musician, which is a rarity among people with his type of dwarfism. In a body that should be wrought with hearing and vision problems, his senses are ironically heightened. Though, Jon Michael would refer to his condition as being God-made instead of being left to chance. Regardless, his notable sensitivity to the piano is mesmerizing. In this episode, we break down his experience on the instrument and hear about his musical journey. Please enjoy part two of my conversation with Jon Michael Ogletree. To watch Jon Michael in action, visit his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/user/JonMichaelOgletree Feel free to drop us a line at: abigdealpod@gmail.com Support the show! patreon.com/bigdealpod Also, you can connect here: IG: @bigdealpod Facebook: @bigdealpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/support

    Episode 18: Jon Michael Ogletree Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2020 53:54


    Welcome to Episode 18! This is the first part of my conversation with Jon Michael Ogletree. Jon Michael has endured multiple surgeries, one to correct a spinal curvature of 88 degrees, which if not corrected would have caused his torso to collapse. Though he needed much medical attention, this was a mere speed bump in his path, as he was never coddled as a child or an adult. Jon Michael has worked hard his entire life and it shows. He’s the CFO of his company and an extremely talented pianist. We talk about sneaking onto rollercoasters and how he’s shattering stereotypes in the homogeneous culture of the corporate world. Please enjoy part one of my conversation with Jon Michael Ogletree. Feel free to drop us a line at: abigdealpod@gmail.com Support the show! patreon.com/bigdealpod Also, you can connect here: IG: @bigdealpod Facebook: @bigdealpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/support

    Lorren Cackowski Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2020 21:37


    Welcome to Episode 17! This is the final part of my conversation with four-foot-tall Lorren Cackowski. Lorren lives in Las Vegas. In this episode, we delve into what it’s like to date as a little person. Turns out, it’s the easiest thing ever! … Just kidding. We, as little people, experience the normal pitfalls of any dating scenario. Plus add in a solid helping of being short-statured and you’ve got the perfect mix for an interesting podcast. Please enjoy part three of my conversation with Lorren Cackowski. Feel free to drop us a line at: abigdealpod@gmail.com Also, you can follow us on IG: @bigdealpod Facebook: @bigdealpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/support

    Lorren Cackowski Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2020 42:11


    Welcome to Episode 16! This episode is Part 2 of my chat with my friend Lorren Cackowski. Lorren is a four-foot-tall sexy nurse server at a popular restaurant in Las Vegas. We talk about her experience acting on a major film: Disney’s OZ: The Great And Powerful and also how she handles being in a position where she is constantly around different people. Her encounters run the gamut from easy to difficult and everything in between. Please enjoy part 2 of my conversation with Lorren Cackowski. Feel free to drop us a line at: abigdealpod@gmail.com Also, you can follow us on IG: @bigdealpod Facebook: @bigdealpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/support

    Lorren Cackowski Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2020 40:09


    Welcome to Episode 15! In this episode, I chat with my friend Lorren Cackowski. I met Lorren in Michigan when we were both hired to play munchkins on the Disney film Oz: The Great And Powerful. She’s an incredibly strong-willed individual who doesn’t let any obstacle stand in her way. At 4 feet tall, she received a lot of attention from being prom queen to working as a bikini-clad bartender at a dive bar in Detroit, to finding her way to Vegas. Lorren has always left her mark and maintained a positive attitude through all of the ups and downs. It should just be said that people can be jerks sometimes. Please enjoy my conversation with Lorren Cackowski. Feel free to drop us a line at: abigdealpod@gmail.com Also, you can follow us on IG: @bigdealpod Facebook: @bigdealpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/support

    David Lyons

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2020 50:49


    Welcome to Episode 14! In this episode, I chat with my good friend David Lyons. David is an average height friend of mine from college. We were in the same program at Michigan State and bonded over a mutual love of punk rock. In this episode, Dave shares the story of how his view of little people has significantly changed over the years. We talk about how he went from making jokes from afar to have some of his closest friends be short-statured individuals. I commend him for sharing this story and for having an honest and fun discussion about his journey. Please enjoy my conversation with David Lyons. Feel free to drop us a line at: abigdealpod@gmail.com Also, you can follow us on IG: @bigdealpod Facebook: @bigdealpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/support

    Jonna Ross Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2020 35:01


    Welcome to Episode 13! I'm wrapping up my conversation with Jonna Ross. She’s a 3’ tall dancer with a huge following on TikTok. After Jonna conquered her vices and learned to love herself, doors just began to open up for her. She focused on dance, her sobriety, and her self esteem. In this episode, we discuss how things in life can really align when you are in the right headspace and surrounded by positivity. I promised triumph, so here it is. Please enjoy Part Three of my conversation with Jonna Ross. You can follow Jonna at: IG: @lilmissross7 TikTok: lilmissross22 Feel free to drop us a line at: abigdealpod@gmail.com Also, you can follow us on IG: @bigdealpod Facebook: @bigdealpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/support

    tiktok jonna ross part
    Jonna Ross Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2020 36:40


    Welcome to Episode 12! In this episode, I continue my conversation with Jonna Ross. She’s a 3’ tall dancer with a huge following on TikTok. Growing up, Jonna experienced lots of setbacks and battled multiple forms of addiction, even as a kid. We talk about Jonna’s road to sobriety and the bumps and cracks along the way. We also hear about how she found the strength to start loving herself and about her getting back into dancing, one of her biggest passions. Please enjoy Part Two of my conversation with Jonna Ross. You can follow Jonna at: IG: @lilmissross7 TikTok: lilmissross22 Feel free to drop us a line at: abigdealpod@gmail.com Also, you can follow us on IG: @bigdealpod Facebook: @bigdealpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/support

    tiktok jonna ross part
    Jonna Ross Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2020 39:25


    Welcome to Episode 11! In this episode, I am talking with Jonna Ross. She’s a 3’ tall dancer with a huge following on TikTok. Growing up, Jonna experienced lots of setbacks and battled multiple forms of addiction, even as a kid. She shares some of the dark and difficult times with us. Her stories are incredible and heartbreaking, but she’s been a fighter through it all and teaches us that life, especially as a little person, has many crazy twists and turns. I hope you enjoy Part 1 of my conversation with Jonna Ross. You can follow Jonna at: IG: @lilmissross7 TikTok: lilmissross22 Feel free to drop us a line at: abigdealpod@gmail.com Also, you can follow us on IG: @bigdealpod Facebook: @bigdealpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/support

    tiktok jonna ross part
    Vinnie Rupolo Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2020 33:32


    Welcome to Episode 10! This episode is Part 3 of my chat with my friend Vinnie Rupolo. In this final part, we relive the day we first met on a reality TV show and how being a cast member on the show changed Vinnie’s outlook on many things in his life. He also is very honest and open about how anxiety is still a big part of his daily experience. Vinnie shares ways that he has learned to embrace life in his skin. I hope you enjoy Part 3 of my conversation with the honest and kind Vinnie Rupolo. Feel free to drop us a line at: abigdealpod@gmail.com Also, you can follow us on IG: @bigdealpod Facebook: @bigdealpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/support

    Vinnie Rupolo Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2020 27:04


    Welcome to Episode 9! This episode is Part 2 of my chat with my friend Vinnie Rupolo, a 4’7” musician who has toured the world playing guitar in a metal band. He grew up in a household filled where he was exposed to all types of music. Vinnie picked up drums and guitar at a young age, which led to him starting a band, and then he carved out a spot for himself in the tight-knit metal scene. His band, Auburn, toured the US and Europe for many years. Vinnie and I talk about his unique encounters, some positive and some negative, with all types of people and press; because being a little person and playing on a rock and roll stage definitely gets you some unique attention! I hope you enjoy Part 2 of my conversation with the ever-positive Vinnie Rupolo. Feel free to drop us a line at: abigdealpod@gmail.com Also, you can follow us on IG: @bigdealpod Facebook: @bigdealpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/support

    Vinnie Rupolo Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2020 32:06


    Welcome to Episode 8! In this episode, I chat with my friend Vinnie Rupolo. He’s a 4’7” musician who has toured the world as a guitar player in a rock band. Growing up, Vinnie was met with quite a few physical struggles. He needed to have his first operation when he was a baby, and over the years he received many medical treatments on his skull, neck, ears, and back. He found his love for music as a youngster and later started a band that ended up taking him around the US and the world. Vinnie has lived a life full of unique experiences. Always an individual, he strives for positivity and inclusivity. I hope you enjoy Part 1 of my conversation with Vinnie Rupolo. Feel free to drop us a line at: abigdealpod@gmail.com Also, you can follow us on IG: @bigdealpod Facebook: @bigdealpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/support

    Sophia Herzog Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2020 31:00


    Welcome to Episode 7! This episode continues the interview with Sophia Herzog. She is a 4’0” Paralympic swimmer and silver medalist. We hear about Sophia’s medal win at the Summer Games in Rio in 2016. She also tells us how she met her boyfriend at the Olympic Training Center and how she operates really well under a lot of pressure in the water. Feel free to drop us a line at: abigdealpod@gmail.com Also, you can follow us on IG: @bigdealpod Facebook: @bigdealpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/support

    Sophia Herzog Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2020 32:34


    Welcome to Episode 6! In this episode, I chat with my friend Sophie Herzog. She is a 4’0” Paralympic swimmer and competed in the Summer Games in Rio in 2016. In her early years, Sophia had to deal with a lot of loneliness and isolation from her classmates. Sophia’s experience influenced her to get focused, making her a tenacious and driven individual. Instead of dwelling on situations that could’ve brought her down, she found ways to direct her energy which turned into a passion for swimming. She talks about how her dedication has given her the opportunity to travel and compete around the globe. This is Part One of a two-part episode. Tune in to episode 7 to hear more about her experience at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio and about how she met her boyfriend at the Olympic Training Center. Feel free to drop us a line at: abigdealpod@gmail.com Also, you can follow us on IG: @bigdealpod Facebook: @bigdealpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/support

    Episode 5: Joseph Griffo :: Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2020 27:36


    Welcome to Episode 5! This episode picks up the second half of our conversation with Joseph Griffo. Joseph is a 4’4” actor and stuntman who often doubles Peter Dinklage. Growing up, he had to endure some pretty rough times because of his physical appearance. In Part 2 of our conversation, we delve more into the struggles Joseph has encountered with people reacting to the way he looked. He has developed a very inspirational and kind way of diffusing awkward feelings caused by uneasy first impressions. Thank you for tuning in and I hope you enjoy the episode! Thanks to Jenny Lynn for co-hosting with me and to Shanan Snyder for being our production consultant. Feel free to drop us a line at: abigdealpod@gmail.com Also, you can follow us on IG: @bigdealpod Facebook: @bigdealpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/support

    Episode 4: Joseph Griffo :: Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2020 37:56


    Welcome to Episode 4! Episodes 4 and 5 feature Joseph Griffo. Joseph is a 4’4” actor and stuntman who frequently doubles Peter Dinklage in movies. He had to endure some pretty rough times growing up in the 1950s and 1960s because of his dwarfism. Joseph talks about the path to finally accepting himself and also describes some of the dangerous ways he’s made a living in the entertainment industry: working with fire, being dropped on wires, and wearing all types of creature costumes, just to name a few. Thank you for tuning in and I hope you enjoy the episode! Thanks to Jenny Lynn for co-hosting with me and to Shanan Snyder for being my production consultant. Feel free to drop us a line at: abigdealpod@gmail.com Also, you can follow us on IG: @bigdealpod Facebook: @bigdealpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/support

    Episode 3: My Mom!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2019 42:52


    Welcome to Episode 3! In this episode, we have a chat with my mom. She gave birth to me not knowing that I had dwarfism. She and my dad had to navigate some uncharted waters with trying to figure out the best way to find the proper treatment for my skeletal deformities and had to deal with unwanted criticism from onlookers in society. Turns out my mom is incredibly strong, very compassionate, and really carried me through some of the most difficult times of my life. But I already knew that! Fair warning: you may require a tissue or two while listening! Thank you for tuning in and I hope you enjoy the episode! Feel free to drop us a line at: abigdealpod@gmail.com Also, you can follow us on IG: @bigdealpod Facebook: @bigdealpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/support

    Episode 2: A Young Man And His Surgeries.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2019 38:49


    Welcome to Episode 2! In this episode, we delve into what it was like for me to grow up having to regularly see doctors, undergo major surgeries, and deal with a childhood that was not regular or normal. I’m grateful for everything the doctors were able to do for me. Facing all of the medical issues I’ve had to endure head-on has made me a stronger individual. Even though surgeries are scary to face, especially at six years old, I learned how to manage them in my own way. Thank you for tuning in and I hope you enjoy the episode! Feel free to drop us a line at: abigdealpod@gmail.com Also, you can follow us on IG: @bigdealpod Facebook: @bigdealpod --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/support

    Episode 1: An Intro To My Life With Dwarfism

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2019 34:34


    Welcome to the intro! The beginning. The overview. In this episode, Jenny and I have a general discussion about my life with dwarfism. We talk about my having to see doctors, getting surgeries in my youth, work I've done, relationships I've had, and how I'd rather talk on the phone with people instead of text. Thank you for listening! We're so excited to have you along for our maiden voyage. Feel free to drop us a line at: abigdealpod@gmail.com Also, you can follow us on IG: @bigdealpod Facebook: @bigdealpod --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/support

    Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2019 3:13


    This is the trailer for my new podcast. I hope you enjoy it and please stay tuned for more to come! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/imkindofabigdeal/support

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