Podcasts about Alycia

What happens when two wheelchair users fall in love, get married, build careers, travel the world and navigate life together? Apparently, people have questions. After sharing more of their life as a disabled couple online and seeing an overwhelming response, Alycia Anderson brings her husband, Marty Anderson, back to Pushing Forward with Alycia for a lighter, candid and often hilarious Q&A about their nearly 15 years of marriage. Who is more stubborn? Who notices an accessibility problem first? Who takes longer to get ready? Who carries more disability-related gear? And when the world is not designed for two wheelchair users, how do they figure it out? As Alycia and Marty quickly discover, the answers lead to much bigger conversations about disabled relationships, wheelchair accessibility, accessible travel, independence, interdependence, ableism and belonging. Two Disabled People. One Very Normal Marriage. One of the biggest misconceptions Alycia and Marty encounter is the assumption that when disability exists in a relationship, one person must automatically become the caregiver. Their reality is much different. They help each other. Sometimes that means Marty holding Alycia's wheelchair during a transfer or Alycia grabbing onto Marty's chair for a tow. Sometimes it means reviewing an email, figuring out a business decision or helping each other navigate a difficult moment. And sometimes it simply means knowing somebody is standing beside you. As Alycia puts it, having Marty on her team makes her feel braver in the actions she takes in her life. Their partnership illustrates something much bigger: support in a relationship does not always move in one direction. When Accessibility Assumes Disabled People Are Alone Some of the funniest stories in the episode expose something decidedly less funny: much of the world is still designed around the assumption that a wheelchair user will be accompanied by a nondisabled caregiver. Movie theaters may provide one wheelchair space and one companion chair. Venues may offer accessible seating without considering that two wheelchair users might actually want to sit beside each other. Transportation systems may have accessibility policies but still create frustrating or alienating customer experiences. Hotels may technically meet accessibility standards while still making everyday tasks difficult. Alycia and Marty have spent years navigating those gaps together. Their solution is often the same: Figure it out. For Alycia, that mindset is deeply connected to disability itself. When the world is not designed for you, creativity and adaptation become part of everyday life. The Airport Shuttle Stress Is Real Accessible travel gets its own unofficial therapy session in this episode. Alycia and Marty talk about one of their biggest travel stressors: getting from the airport to the rental car facility. Wheelchair-accessible shuttle experiences can be unpredictable. Ramps may not work. Drivers may approach wheelchair passengers differently. Other travelers may board while wheelchair users are still waiting. Policies can sometimes override a simple conversation about what actually works best for the individual passenger. The frustration is not always about the equipment. It is about the experience. Marty describes accessibility as something that should create a feeling of being invited rather than treated like an exception. That distinction between technical access and true belonging sits at the center of much of Alycia's work. Accessible Parking Is More Complicated Than It Looks Alycia and Marty also tackle one of disability culture's perennial hot topics: accessible parking. They are quick to point out that disability does not have one appearance. Someone using an accessible parking space may have a completely legitimate non-apparent disability. But they also raise an important distinction around van-accessible spaces and access aisles. Those striped areas next to certain spaces are not extra parking. They provide the room someone may need to deploy a wheelchair ramp, transfer from a vehicle, use a walker or maneuver mobility equipment. It is another example of how accessibility education can make systems work better for everyone. What Do Nondisabled Couples Take for Granted? Their answer? Sometimes, spontaneity. Traveling without researching accessibility. Accepting an invitation to someone's house without wondering whether you can enter. Booking a rideshare without thinking about whether a wheelchair will fit or whether the driver will refuse the trip. Checking into a hotel without wondering whether the mirror can actually be seen from a wheelchair. These may seem like tiny details individually. Collectively, they shape whether people can participate fully and independently in everyday life. Disabled Relationship Myth Busting Perhaps the biggest misconception Alycia and Marty challenge is the belief that two disabled people somehow live a fundamentally different kind of relationship. Their marriage has accessibility logistics and mobility adaptations, yes. It also has careers. Finances. Intimacy. Arguments. Love. Partnership. Medical challenges. Travel. Laughter. And almost fifteen years of figuring life out together. Disability is part of their relationship. It is not the entirety of it. Marriage Is Still Marriage Near the end of the episode, Marty asks Alycia what nearly fifteen years together has taught her that has nothing to do with disability. Her answer becomes one of the episode's most beautiful moments. Marriage, she says, is one of the hardest things she has ever committed to, but also one of the very best. Creating a life with another person remains one of the accomplishments she treasures most. And after several heavy weeks for the Anderson household, their final Pushing Forward Moments are wonderfully simple. Marty's: Take life a little lighter. Have some fun. Everything does not have to be serious. Alycia's: All you need is love. Sometimes pushing forward means solving the accessibility problem. Sometimes it means advocating for change. And sometimes it means laughing with the person sitting beside you while you figure everything else out. IN THIS EPISODE Alycia and Marty discuss: What life is actually like for two married wheelchair users Who is more stubborn about asking for help Why asking for help can be difficult when independence has been ingrained in you Who notices accessibility barriers first Wheelchair travel and airport shuttle frustrations Accessibility versus genuine hospitality and belonging Why Alycia carries more disability-related supplies while traveling When they speak up about inaccessible environments How two disabled partners physically and emotionally support each other The assumption that every disabled person has a nondisabled caregiver Why theaters and entertainment venues often fail wheelchair-using couples Disability, marriage and intimacy Accessible parking and non-apparent disabilities Why van-accessible spaces serve a specific purpose Rideshare and transportation discrimination Why accessible hotel rooms should not have thick carpet How disability creates everyday problem-solving skills Automatic doors and universal access Spontaneity and the hidden planning involved in disability What nearly fifteen years of marriage has taught them Finding more fun, light and love in everyday life KEY THEMES

Sometimes pushing forward looks like going faster. And sometimes it looks like recording a podcast from bed. In Episode 155 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Alycia Anderson welcomes her husband, Marty Anderson, back to the microphone for one of their most personal conversations yet. Over the past several months, Alycia and Marty have found themselves navigating an unexpected medical journey that has included multiple hospitalizations, a bowel obstruction, a uterine embolization and the placement of a nephrostomy tube to protect Alycia's functioning kidney while her body heals. But this episode is not simply a medical update. It is a conversation about aging with disability, something Alycia and Marty are discovering requires continuously getting reacquainted with bodies that change over time. Both are wheelchair users. Both live with different disabilities. And after nearly fifteen years of marriage, the couple is experiencing one of those seasons when the vows “in sickness and in health” become very real. When the Body Changes the Plan Alycia has spent a lifetime adapting. Born with a congenital disability, she describes herself in the episode as a “science project that's gone right.” From the outside, people may simply see a wheelchair user. Internally, however, her anatomy and health are far more complex. Now, aging, disability and perimenopause are colliding in ways she could not have predicted. The physical challenges have also introduced something emotionally difficult for a lifelong achiever: being forced to slow down. Alycia admits that one of her greatest fears has not simply been the medical uncertainty. It has been losing momentum. After an incredibly successful Disability Pride Month, nine events, the company's first live webinar and Alycia's Pitch Perfect competition win at Disability:IN, suddenly the body demanded something completely different. Rest. Running a Business When Life Says Stop Being self employed might seem like it would make dealing with illness easier. Alycia and Marty explain why the opposite can be true. There is no traditional medical leave. No department waiting to absorb the workload. No manager to tell that you will be unavailable for the month. When one partner becomes sick, the other is balancing caregiving, household responsibilities, client needs and the business itself. It has forced Marty into an even larger role while simultaneously asking Alycia to release control over work she deeply cares about. And for a self described Type A personality, that surrender has not come easily. When Both Partners Have Disabilities One of the most compelling parts of the conversation explores a question people have asked Alycia and Marty throughout their relationship: How will two disabled people take care of each other? Their answer is beautifully simple. They adapt. When Alycia became unable to transfer as easily after her hospitalization, Marty drew from years of disability experience and ordered a transfer board. They modified routines. They used equipment differently. They accepted home healthcare. They figured it out together. And while their disabilities can create additional logistical complications, Alycia says they also create something extraordinarily valuable within their relationship: understanding. Marty does not need an explanation of what it feels like when the body suddenly stops cooperating. Alycia does not need to translate disability for him. That shared understanding creates an intimacy rooted in lived experience. “I Don't Have to Be the Strongest Person in the Room Every Day” Perhaps the most vulnerable moment comes when Marty asks Alycia what this season is teaching her. She does not manufacture an inspirational answer. Instead, she admits that she does not know yet. She is still inside it. But she is beginning to understand something important. It is okay to rest. It is okay to say she is too tired. It is okay to receive help. And it is okay not to be the strongest person in the room every single day. For someone whose career has been built around resilience, achievement and pushing forward, that may be one of the biggest adaptations of all. Love as an Accessibility Tool There is also a love story woven quietly through this episode. Alycia talks about lying in bed while recovering, looking over at Marty and feeling safe. She describes this medical season as a reminder of the depth their marriage has developed over time. Not because everything has been easy. Because it has not. But because when things become difficult, they know how to turn toward one another. Their marriage becomes another form of adaptation. Another form of access. Another reminder that independence does not have to mean doing everything alone. Episode Themes ♿ The Things Disability Keeps Teaching Us ♿ Aging with disability and adapting as bodies and needs change ❤️ Disabled love and marriage through unexpected medical challenges

What if the trip you thought was impossible was simply waiting for the right access? For many disabled travelers, dreaming about a destination comes with an immediate second thought: But can I actually go there? In Episode 154 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Alycia Anderson sits down with Karen Morales, luxury travel advisor, speaker, wheelchair user, disability travel advocate, and leader within Fora Travel's accessibility initiative, for a conversation that may completely change the way you think about accessible travel. Karen lives with limb girdle muscular dystrophy and began using a wheelchair full time in 2020. But losing mobility did not mean losing her identity as a traveler. Instead, it pushed her to rethink what independence, adventure, and possibility could look like. And she went exploring. Japan. Morocco. Sicily. Costa Rica. France. Canada. Africa. Karen discovered that some of the destinations disabled travelers assume will be impossible can deliver extraordinary experiences when the right people, information, creativity, and hospitality come together. Her work is also proving something the travel industry cannot ignore. Fora's accessibility initiative has been associated with $75 million in accessible travel sales, showing that accessible hospitality is not merely about regulations or checking an ADA box. It represents a significant and underserved business opportunity. Karen's philosophy is refreshingly simple: Travel is travel. Hospitality is hospitality. Whether someone needs a roll in shower, a specific bed height, allergy accommodations, a medical refrigerator, sensory support, a service animal accommodation, or simply a different pillow, great hospitality begins by understanding what that traveler needs before they arrive. This conversation goes far beyond accessible hotel rooms. Alycia and Karen talk about accepting mobility devices, reclaiming independence, traveling with progressive disability, universal design, raising expectations, the power of lived experience, and why disabled people should not have to beg to participate in life's most beautiful experiences. And Karen leaves us with one invitation: Stop assuming the world is closed to you before you explore what might actually be possible.

There are an estimated 580 million children with disabilities worldwide, and approximately 80 percent of people with disabilities live in developing nations. Too many children are still hidden, neglected, denied access to inclusive education and equitable healthcare, or excluded from community life because of fear, misinformation, and deeply rooted disability stigma. In this powerful episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, disability inclusion advocate and host Alycia Anderson welcomes Cynthia Bauer, US CEO and cofounder of Kupenda for the Children, for a conversation about transforming harmful disability beliefs into dignity, opportunity, and lasting inclusion. Kupenda trains thousands of families, young people, faith leaders, educators, healthcare providers, and government leaders to become disability advocates. These community advocates help children with disabilities gain access to education, medical care, protection, and meaningful inclusion in family and community life. Cynthia shares how her unexpected journey into advocacy began while she was studying wildlife biology in Kenya. Born without her left hand, Cynthia learned that harmful cultural beliefs about disability could have placed her own life at risk had she been born in a different community. That realization changed the direction of her life and eventually led her and Kenyan special education teacher Leonard Mbonani to create Kupenda. Together, Alycia and Cynthia explore why societal perceptions and attitudinal barriers often create greater limitations than physical disabilities themselves. They discuss the damage caused by faith healing claims, misinformation, segregated education, inaccessible environments, and charitable approaches that treat disabled people as objects rather than leaders. Cynthia also explains why Kupenda does not enter communities by condemning local leaders or simply telling people they are wrong. Instead, its community led disability inclusion workshops encourage honest discussion, respectful questioning, lived experience, and practical education. Pastors, traditional healers, parents, disabled advocates, and government leaders are invited to examine the consequences of their beliefs and discover better ways to support disabled children and their families. At the center of the conversation is a simple but powerful message: people with disabilities are fully human. They deserve the same love, freedom, opportunity, dignity, equality, and full participation in community life as everyone else. The word Kupenda means “to love” in Swahili. Cynthia describes it not simply as an emotion, but as a constant action of loving. That meaning reflects the organization's mission to replace fear and exclusion with understanding, advocacy, dignity, and belonging. Love in Action: What We Explore in This Episode

What happens when you stop trying to become the person the world expects and finally begin choosing who you want to be? In Episode 152 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, host Alycia Anderson welcomes global speaker, bestselling author, disability advocate, activist, and content creator Spencer West for a powerful conversation about disability identity, autonomy, interdependence, and breaking free from expectations. Spencer is the author of Breaking Free: Stop Following Expectations and Start Following Yourself, a new book that invites readers to question the expectations shaping their lives and begin choosing a more authentic path. Born with a genetic condition that prevented the muscles in his legs from functioning, Spencer underwent surgeries that resulted in the amputation of both legs just below his pelvis. Growing up, he was repeatedly told that he was “just like everyone else” and that every child wanted to walk. But prosthetic legs were not the best mobility choice for Spencer. By sixth grade, his parents and therapist gave him the opportunity to decide for himself how he wanted to navigate the world. Choosing to stop using prosthetic legs became one of his earliest lessons in bodily autonomy. “The moment I realized I could choose how I wanted to navigate the world, everything started to change.” That decision did not eliminate the pressure to fit in. Spencer shares how he continued confronting internalized ableism, social expectations, and the confusing message that disability should be ignored rather than embraced as part of his identity. The Life Changing Power of Autonomy Spencer and Alycia discuss why disabled children deserve the opportunity to participate in decisions about their own bodies, mobility, healthcare, and lives. Spencer credits his parents with giving him choices instead of assuming they always knew what was best for him. Looking back, he recognizes that this early experience helped him understand that he could make other meaningful choices too. For parents, educators, medical professionals, and leaders, his story offers an important reminder: supporting disabled people does not mean controlling every decision. It means creating space for autonomy, self discovery, and informed choice. Climbing Kilimanjaro and Redefining Help Spencer also shares the story behind climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. He was not motivated by a desire to prove that “anything is possible.” In fact, Spencer openly admits that he does not like camping and had never dreamed of becoming a mountain climber. The climb became part of a larger campaign called Redefine Possible, which raised more than its original $500,000 goal for clean water initiatives in East Africa. Spencer trained for a year alongside two of his closest friends. Although the original plan was to use both his wheelchair and his hands to climb, the terrain required him to navigate much more of the mountain on his hands than expected. Throughout the expedition, Spencer relied on his friends for physical support. But on summit day, both friends became sick from the altitude. Suddenly, the person who assumed he would need the most assistance became the person helping them continue. Spencer could not physically carry his friends, but he could stay beside them, encourage them, and keep moving forward with them. That experience transformed how he viewed strength. “We all need help. We all need to ask for help, and we all need to offer help.” Rather than celebrating the myth of the self made person, Spencer encourages people to embrace interdependence, the understanding that every person depends on support, relationships, community, and collaboration. Moving Beyond Inspiration Porn Spencer and Alycia examine the harmful narratives that often surround disabled people who accomplish highly visible goals. Spencer never wanted his Kilimanjaro climb reduced to a message suggesting that if a disabled person can climb a mountain, everyone should be able to overcome every barrier. That framing ignores systemic ableism, access needs, privilege, support, and the reality that every disabled person has a different body and experience. Spencer shares how disability justice advocate Naomi Ortiz challenged him to reconsider the way he talked about the climb. The true story was not that he overcame disability alone. It was that he reached the summit through community and interdependence. That conversation led Spencer to study disability history, disability justice, and the advocates who have shaped the movement. Today, much of his content reflects what he continues to learn and unlearn in real time. What Does It Mean to Break Free? Spencer's new book, Breaking Free: Stop Following Expectations and Start Following Yourself, examines the expectations people absorb from the moment they enter the world. For Spencer, those expectations included: Do not think of yourself as disabled Overcome your disability Use prosthetic legs Follow a traditional career path Marry a woman Measure success through productivity Live according to society's definition of a successful life As a disabled gay man growing up in a conservative Wyoming community, Spencer gradually realized that many of those expectations did not reflect who he was or what he wanted. Breaking free became the process of identifying which expectations belonged to him and which ones had been placed upon him by others. “My value and success are not tied up in what my body can produce.” Spencer explains that breaking free does not always require climbing a mountain or completely changing your career. It can begin with one small decision, such as leaving an unhealthy relationship, exploring a new passion, moving to another city, or making room for something that brings joy. Disability as Identity During a volunteer trip to Kenya, Spencer spoke with students about his disability. A young girl told him she had not realized that the loss of limbs could happen to a white person too. Her observation sparked a major realization. Until that moment, Spencer had viewed disability primarily as something that happened to him. He had not yet embraced it as part of his identity. That experience helped him begin connecting disability with the other layers of who he is, including being queer, a speaker, a creator, and an advocate. Spencer and Alycia reflect on how long it can take to fully embrace disability identity after growing up in environments that treated disability as something negative, shameful, or separate from the self. A Book Designed to Become a Tool Breaking Free is more than a memoir. Spencer designed the book as a practical guide for readers who are questioning the expectations shaping their lives. Each chapter includes exercises, reflection questions, key concepts, and opportunities for readers to begin their own process of change. The book also gives Spencer an opportunity to share parts of his life that he had not discussed publicly before, including the pressure he experienced to hide his queer identity while working within an organization concerned about conservative donors and religious partners. After years of advocacy from Spencer, queer colleagues, and allies, he eventually shared his coming out story publicly on June 26, 2015, the day marriage equality became law across the United States. For Spencer, that moment represented years of persistence, truth telling, and breaking free. Spencer West's North Star Today, Spencer continues speaking, creating digital content, and helping organizations understand the value of hiring disabled talent. His work challenges myths about disabled employees and highlights the unnecessary ableism many disabled people face while trying to find meaningful employment. His current North Star is clear: get Breaking Free into the hands of people who need permission to question expectations, embrace their identities, and begin choosing themselves. In This Episode Why bodily autonomy matters for disabled children and adults Spencer's decision to stop using prosthetic legs Unlearning internalized ableism The deeper story behind climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Why no one is truly self made Interdependence and the courage to ask for help How inspiration porn harms disabled people Learning from disability justice advocates Disability and queer identity Breaking free from society's expectations Separating personal value from productivity Why Spencer wrote Breaking Free Disability inclusion and employment Memorable Quotes from Spencer West “The moment I realized I could choose how I wanted to navigate the world, everything started to change.” “The story was not that I reached the top alone. The story was interdependence.” The Pushing Forward Moment “Maybe our job is not to become anything. Maybe our job is to unbecome all the things that do not belong to us so we can become the person we were meant to be.” Spencer explains that this idea, inspired by a passage associated with Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist, became the guiding thesis behind Breaking Free. Connect with Spencer West Visit Spencer2TheWest.com to learn more about Spencer, book him to speak, and find his new book. Follow Spencer on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube at @spencer2thewest. Book: Breaking Free: Stop Following Expectations and Start Following Yourself Available wherever books are sold. Connect with Alycia Anderson Visit AlyciaAnderson.com to learn more about Alycia's keynotes, disability inclusion programs, accessibility resources, and consulting services. Explore more episodes of Pushing Forward with Alycia. Pushing Forward is how we roll. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you finally meet someone who understands how your body works? For Alycia Anderson and Karen Tamley, a LinkedIn introduction became the beginning of a powerful disability sisterhood. Both women were born with sacral agenesis, a rare congenital disability affecting the lower spine. They grew up using wheelchairs during a time when disabled children were routinely underestimated, accessibility was rare, and doctors placed devastating limitations on their futures. Then they met and immediately began comparing notes: “Wait, your body does that? Mine does too.” In Episode 151 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Karen Tamley, President and CEO of Access Living, joins Alycia for an honest conversation about rare disability, peer support, leadership, aging, Disability Pride, and the urgent fight to protect disability rights. Finding Someone Who Understands Karen did not meet another person with sacral agenesis until her twenties. Before social media, finding others with the same disability was incredibly difficult. Meeting Alycia gave both women a rare opportunity to talk openly about their bodies, mobility, health, childhoods, and aging without having to explain every detail first. Karen describes that connection as a security blanket and safety net. Their friendship reflects the importance of peer support within the independent living movement. Disabled people hold knowledge that cannot always be found in medical offices or textbooks, and that lived experience can help others navigate healthcare, access, identity, and everyday life. Growing Up Before Accessibility Alycia and Karen remember life before the Americans with Disabilities Act. They recall inaccessible buses, oversized wheelchairs, buildings with stairs, restaurants without accessible bathrooms, and being carried into spaces. Karen shares that her mother carried her up four stairs every morning to reach a summer job in an inaccessible building. She also remembers putting flip flops on her hands so she could crawl across public restroom floors. Alycia had done the same thing. Their stories reveal how exclusion becomes normalized when disabled people are not protected by enforceable civil rights. Community Living Is a Disability Right Karen explains the importance of the 1999 Olmstead decision, which affirmed that unnecessary institutionalization and segregation can be discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The decision helped establish that disabled people have the right to receive services and live within their communities. Through Access Living and partner organizations, disabled people are supported as they transition from nursing facilities and institutions into their own homes. Karen warns that Medicaid reductions, weakened enforcement, and renewed conversations about institutionalization threaten decades of progress. Disabled people are asking for the right to live in their own homes, make decisions about their lives, and participate fully in their communities. Advocacy Belongs to Everyone Karen reminds listeners that advocacy is not limited to policy experts. People can make a difference by learning from trusted disability led organizations, sharing accurate information, contacting elected officials, submitting public comments, telling personal stories, amplifying disabled advocates, and connecting with a local Center for Independent Living. Her message is clear: Do not assume your voice will not be heard. Speak up anyway. Leadership Begins in the Deep End Karen credits her parents and mentors with encouraging her to take risks. Her mother often said they were going to throw Karen into the deep end of the pool and let her figure out how to swim. That mindset followed her throughout her career. Mentors including Judy Heumann, Ed Roberts, Wade Blank, and Marca Bristo recognized Karen's potential and placed her in leadership roles before she always felt ready. Karen later served as Commissioner of the Chicago Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, was appointed to the U.S. Access Board, and became President and CEO of Access Living. Her journey demonstrates the power of leaders who believe in someone before that person fully believes in themselves. Disability Pride and Aging For Karen, Disability Pride means community, visibility, self worth, and being okay with who we are. It does not mean loving every part of disability every day. Pride can exist alongside pain, fear, frustration, internalized ableism, and uncertainty. Alycia and Karen also discuss the realities of aging with a rare disability, including concerns about mobility, transfers, travel, health, and future independence. Both women were given frightening medical predictions as children. Decades later, they are still here, leading, traveling, advocating, creating community, and celebrating every year they were told they might never have. Aging with disability can be uncertain. It is also a privilege. You Deserve to Be in the Space Karen's Pushing Forward moment is a challenge to step outside your comfort zone. Attend the event. Accept the opportunity. Enter the room, even when you do not know anyone. Leadership does not eliminate fear or imposter syndrome. You deserve to be there. You deserve to be in that space. Two Women, One Rare Disability, and a Movement to Protect

Send us your problems! Badadvice973@gmail.com. The gang is joined this hour by Alycia from SAG-AFTRA. PSA 80s bands: Don't play your new stuff tonight at Totally Tubular. Let's talk about Olivia Rodrigo and her rumored new boyfriend. Ella Langley is still kicking it at #1. Many people are opting for smaller weddings - like incredibly small. Plus, How Old Is That Guy?

Hour 1: A young actor from the Godzilla franchise tragically passed away in a car accident. Conan has a new hairdo. ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' is apparently still on? Matty checked out Will Ferrell's new show. Benson Boone is still doing his signature backflip, don't worry. 22% of people claim they NEVER use AI. Is that even possible with its invasion into everything? Even dating! Hour 2: MrBeast is married! Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's karaoke song revealed! Matt Damon's stunt double was a woman! Elon Musk claims to care about the historical accuracy of The Odyssey, so he's making his own. Danae is running a marathon! A slightly disturbing fast fact about horses. Are these really “guy flexes” or just things a well adjusted person should do? Hour 3: It's time to Bridge The Gap! Giovani is back representing GenX and today his Zillennial opponent is Eric from South San Francisco. (Zillennial is a cross between Millennial and GenZ btw). Let's play! Vinnie is accepting that cash is going away. Isn't that common cents? You know what sucks? Not having a dryer. Many people consider themselves a “slow walker.” Well, they need to get out of the way! I ain't saying she a gold digger… but Sarah is. Hour 4: Send us your problems! Badadvice973@gmail.com. The gang is joined this hour by Alycia from SAG-AFTRA. PSA 80s bands: Don't play your new stuff tonight at Totally Tubular. Let's talk about Olivia Rodrigo and her rumored new boyfriend. Ella Langley is still kicking it at #1. Many people are opting for smaller weddings - like incredibly small. Plus, How Old Is That Guy?

“If you do nothing, you will get nothing.” Former IndyCar champion Sam Schmidt joins host Alycia Anderson for a powerful conversation about spinal cord injury recovery, quadriplegia, adaptive technology, disability advocacy, neurorehabilitation, resilience, and life after paralysis. After a 180-mile-per-hour crash changed his life in an instant, Sam transformed an unimaginable diagnosis into a mission rooted in recovery, innovation, and purpose. “If you don't try, you won't know.” Sam shares how he went from winning his first IndyCar race in 1999 to surviving a devastating high-level spinal cord injury and waking up dependent on a ventilator. When doctors predicted a short life in a nursing home, his family refused to accept that prognosis. Their relentless advocacy connected Sam with intensive spinal cord injury rehabilitation that helped him breathe independently, rebuild his health, and begin creating a future with no finish line. Two important themes emerge from Sam's story: never accept one person's prognosis as the final answer, and learn how to advocate for the rehabilitation, equipment, and healthcare support you need. Sam and Alycia explore the realities of insurance advocacy, accessible healthcare, caregiver support, mental health, aging with disability, and long-term spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Sam explains how he negotiated for the equipment, therapy, and resources that supported his independence while challenging a healthcare system that too often limits recovery before it has truly begun. “Racing is my passion. DRIVEN Neuro is my purpose.” The conversation also explores Sam's memoir, No Finish Line: A Racer's Journey of Passion, Perseverance, and Purpose, his championship-winning racing career, and the growth of DRIVEN Neuro, a nonprofit expanding access to activity-based neurorecovery, adaptive fitness, neurological rehabilitation, wellness programs, and disability community support for people living with spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions. Sam's story is more than a comeback. It is a call to action about self-advocacy, perseverance, accessible innovation, teamwork, and finding purpose after a life-changing injury. As Sam reminds us, progress may look different for every person, but possibility begins when we choose to take action. Racing, Recovery, Advocacy, and Purpose: The Big Takeaways from Sam Schmidt

We owe you a quick apology—the audio on this episode is a little rough in spots, but stick with us because the conversation is absolutely worth it. This week we're joined by Alycia Levels Moore, a powerhouse in economic and community development, for a conversation about building stronger neighborhoods, helping entrepreneurs succeed, and why Birmingham is full of opportunity for people willing to invest in their community. She explains what economic development really looks like beyond the buzzwords and why creating the right environment helps businesses—and people—thrive.Then the conversation gets deeply personal. Alycia shares what it's like raising four young kids while balancing a demanding career, learning to ask for help, and navigating grief, marriage, boundaries, and the friendships that sustain us through life's hardest seasons. It's an honest, thoughtful episode about ambition, resilience, and the importance of building a community that shows up when you need it most. If you've ever struggled to carry it all alone, this one's for you.

Host Alycia Anderson welcomes Jessica Lopez, a disability rights advocate, keynote speaker, marketing strategist, and digital accessibility consultant working at the intersection of inclusive marketing, brand strategy, disability inclusion, accessible technology, and corporate accessibility. A recent Arizona State University graduate and Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholar, Jessica brings lived experience, business insight, and bold advocacy to conversations about accessible education, disability pride, inclusive hiring, digital accessibility, SEO, workplace inclusion, and why building accessibility from the start creates stronger brands, better customer experiences, and measurable business impact.  Jessica shares her lived experience as a woman born without hands and feet, a hearing aid user, and someone who later developed a chronic illness that changed the course of her education. From growing up in performing arts school, riding horses through adaptive recreation, and learning confidence on stage, to navigating inaccessible education systems and eventually graduating after gaining access to online learning, Jessica's story is a powerful reminder that disabled people are not limited by their bodies, but by systems that fail to adapt. In this episode, Alycia and Jessica explore disability pride, accessible education, corporate inclusion, digital accessibility, inclusive marketing, career confidence, the ROI of accessibility, and what happens when companies stop assuming and start asking disabled people what they need. Confidence, Access, Advocacy, and “Why Not Me?”: The Big Takeaways from Jessica Lopez ♿ Disability identity, pride, and being born without hands and feet

Host Alycia welcomes Jay and Pamela, stars of TLC's GLAAD nominated series Jay & Pamela, returning June 30 for season two, and discusses their dual disability relationship as full time wheelchair users with osteogenesis imperfecta type III. They reflect on Pamela's quote about reaching dreams alongside the one you love, describe personal and relationship growth from being on TV, and explain how they set boundaries around sharing intimate topics like access, sex, marriage, and fears. Jay addresses misconceptions about two wheelchair users as partners and the dehumanization of disabled people, while both emphasize disability representation in fashion, travel, and everyday life, including a New York runway. Jay shares his work in music production, voice acting, modeling, and neurodivergence through autism and ADHD. They outline OI's impacts and share Disability Pride mantras about self worth and not letting the world define you. Love, Access, Fashion, and Pride: The Big Takeaways from Jay & Pamela ⭐ Disability representation on reality TV ❤️ Disabled love, marriage, and partnership ♿ Dual disability relationships and shared lived experience

Alycia Anderson welcomes back Nashville photographer, disability advocate, and Let Them Stare creator Angelea Yoder to discuss her advocacy, her VACTERL Association diagnosis, and the liberation of moving from hiding invisible medical differences to sharing them publicly, including a Good Morning America segment that shifted her fears into feelings of acceptance. Angelea explains VACTERL and how it has impacted her life through multiple anomalies and more than 20 surgeries, and Alycia shares they have the same VACTERL-related experiences. They focus on Angelea's first Let Them Stare phase, the photography-based children's book Look at Me: Look What I Can Do, now on Kickstarter to raise $40,000 for self-publishing and printing, with tiers for preorders and donating books to schools and hospitals. They also discuss consent and privacy for disabled kids on social media, and Angelea previews future plans including an adult coffee-table book, a disability-focused modeling agency, and a community hub. The episode's mantra is simple and powerful: “Let them stare.”  The Big Ideas Behind the Brave Moments 

In this episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast, hosts Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus chat with special guest Alycia Scheidel, who shares her journey from photojournalism to wildlife photography. Alycia emphasizes the importance of storytelling in wildlife photography, particularly in educating the public about predator behavior and human-wildlife interactions. The conversation also delves into camera trapping techniques and the significance of understanding animal behavior to foster coexistence between humans and wildlife.Chapters00:00 Kicking Off the Youth Photography Camp02:27 Alycia Scheidel's Journey into Wildlife Photography06:00 The Transition from Photojournalism to Wildlife Photography11:35 The Importance of Storytelling in Wildlife Photography22:19 Exploring Camera Trapping Techniques36:13 Understanding Predator Behavior and Human Interaction41:59 Tracking and Observing Ringtails45:04 Passion Projects and Conservation Efforts49:16 Encounters with Mountain Lions54:25 Capturing Kangaroo Rats in Action01:00:23 The Challenges of Camera TrappingThanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.LinksAlycia's Website - https://alyrenscapes.squarespace.com/homeAlycia's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alyrenwildlife/#Conservation Page - https://www.instagram.com/conservationnw/Pictureline - https://www.pictureline.comCanon USA - https://usa.canon.com

Sensitive Content Notice: This episode discusses brain donation and postmortem tissue research. Our goal at PMSF is to provide clear, transparent information so families can better understand all areas of research. While we approach this sensitive topic with care and compassion, we recognize this episode may not be suitable for everyone. In this episode, Dr. Lauren speaks with Dr. Alyicia Halladay (Chief Science Officer at the Autism Science Foundation) and Lilliam Acosta (Outreach Manager at Autism BrainNet) about Autism BrainNet, a program funded by the Simons Foundation that supports autism research through the gift of brain donation. Together, they address common questions and misconceptions and discuss how postmortem brain tissue can help advance research in Phelan-McDermid syndrome.To learn more about Autism BrainNet: https://www.autismbrainnet.org/You can also sign up for the Autism BrainNet newsletter here:https://www.autismbrainnet.org/newsletter/

Host Alycia Anderson welcomes Meaghan Walls, CEO of the Center for Disability Inclusion and president/CEO of Assistology, to discuss how hospitality and events still leave disabled people out and why the upcoming World Cup in Kansas City makes accessibility and disability inclusion urgent across infrastructure, transportation, hotels, and short-term rentals. They explore shortcomings like limited and segregated accessible seating, inaccessible restrooms, and ticketing systems that create major barriers, and Meaghan shares a venue that renovated after losing CDI's summit due to restroom inaccessibility. Meaghan explains CDI's beyond-compliance approach, covering AV, counters, wayfinding, information and communication access, and operational practices, and cites disability travel and entertainment spending. She describes the DineAble white paper research on restaurant experiences and dignity, then connects inclusion to hiring by challenging exclusionary job descriptions. They close by promoting the hybrid CDI Disability Inclusion Summit on September 24 and Meaghan's guiding question: “Who does this not work for?” Big Ideas for Better Welcome 

On Pushing Forward with Alycia, host Alycia Anderson welcomes guest Jessica Buchanan, a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, podcast host, and kidnapping survivor, to discuss resilience, mental health, and purpose after trauma. Buchanan recounts how a teacher from Ohio came to work in Somalia in mine risk education for the Danish Demining Group, ignored her intuition after feeling pressured to travel, and was kidnapped at gunpoint with a Danish colleague, held hostage outdoors for 93 days, threatened with being sold to Al-Shabaab, starved, isolated, and fearful of losing her mind. She describes the January 25, 2012 rescue by SEAL Team Six ordered by President Obama and the call Obama made to her father. Buchanan shares her PTSD recovery, therapy and medication, her concept of “surviving survival,” how writing and speaking evolved from her first book Impossible Odds to How to Survive Survival, and her mission to help others turn pain into purpose. Moment by Moment Through Survival  00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:25 Meet Jessica Buchanan 03:13 From Ohio to Somalia 05:47 The Kidnapping 09:18 93 Days Captive 12:55 SEAL Team Rescue 17:09 Accessibility Check Break 20:15 Aftermath and PTSD 24:15 Reclaiming Her Story 30:39 Building a Platform 34:46 Mission and Legacy 36:25 Pushing Forward Mantra  Quotes from Jessica “Listen to my intuition, trust my intuition, and stop deferring to other people to make decisions about my safety and my life.” ~ Jessica Buchanan “The rescue was only part of it. There's a second survival phase that comes in the aftermath of your trauma experience.” ~ Jessica Buchanan “There can be more than one hero in a story.” ~ Jessica Buchanan The Heartbeats of This Conversation 

Alycia and Katey are BACK and they pinky promise to stop ghosting you. Katey is fully, irreversibly in her Bravo era and this week she's dragging Alycia into Summer House drama whether she likes it or not.Kyle and Amanda's divorce. A love triangle. A reunion meltdown. Ciara said what she said (“snakes in the grass,” iconic, no notes), Amanda felt absolutely nothing apparently, and we have THOUGHTS.

This week, Alycia TwoBears; the brilliant poet, artist, author, educator, and overall fantastic human being stopped by. We dive into many subjects focusing on anti-racism and celebrating our queerness and bisexuality. We have a beautifully open conversation about our queerness and how much it means to us the more we accept ourselves in whole. Alycia, thank you so much for your love and vulnerability.

Alycia Anderson shares an update after a recent medical scare and is interviewed by her sister Corinna from the Slay & Pray podcast. After years without major interventions but with extensive internal reconstruction from her disability, Alycia developed severe abdominal pain and vomiting after eating a large carrot and went to the ER, where a CT scan showed an intestinal obstruction. She was admitted for four days with an NG tube to decompress her stomach, hoping to avoid risky surgery due to prior abdominal operations and scar tissue; her bowels eventually resumed function and the tube was removed. The conversation covers fear, family trauma, accepting support from Marty, Regina, and niece Ella, vulnerability about “invisible” disability issues, postponing work as an entrepreneur, and committing to slower living, dietary changes, and prioritizing health and family. From ER Scare to Healing Victory: The Moments That Made This Story Unforgettable  00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:27 Medical Scare Update 01:08 Meet The Sister Host 02:26 Health History Context 06:00 Carrot Triggered Pain 07:50 ER Diagnosis Obstruction 10:01 Family Panic Support 14:21 Hospital Tube Ordeal 15:27 Motivation Goals Board 17:19 Vulnerability With Ella 21:12 Hospital Humor Breakthrough 22:23 Let People Show Up 24:00 Marty The Rock 25:12 Colorado Sepsis Warning 26:31 Business Forced Pause 27:35 Community Love Online 29:23 Vulnerability And Stigma 31:17 Tube Out Victory 33:28 Recovery Reset Mindset 34:51 Slow Down And Prioritize 37:01 Pushing Forward Farewell  Best Quotes “The invisible stuff that goes on is the harder part of my disability.”  ~ Alycia Anderson “That does not make me think any other way about you. Never, not one time.”  ~ Corinna  The Real Life Lessons Hidden Inside a Five Day Hospital Stay 

David and Krystal are joined by a repeat guest, the one, the only, Civics&Coffee! Join the trio in discussing the Haymarket Murders and workers' rights. Don't forget to support us and Alycia wherever you listen and interact with podcasts!

Alycia Anderson welcomes her mentor and former Chico State professor, Dr. Rebecca Lytle, who has spent 35 years building programs, publishing research, securing grants, and expanding adaptive physical activity and education locally and globally. Alycia shares how Dr. Lytle helped her overcome insecurity as a disabled student and how their early meeting led Alycia into adaptive PE. Dr. Lytle explains her drive for equity and access, shaped by growing up before Title IX, and describes organic program development at Chico State, including adult disability programs, youth programs, and an autism clinic. They discuss adaptive PE as foundational to confidence and independence, offer strategies for inclusive general PE through varied game formats, reflect on ongoing challenges in inclusion and DEI, and highlight international work in India and the UAE. Dr. Lytle's closing “pushing forward” mantra is to be open to opportunities, take them, and create them. Lessons for Leaders & Doers

Alycia Two Bears practices birthing as ceremony and sees support for pregnant and birthing bodies as key to healthy communities. Through her work and as a mother of five, she advocates for home births, midwifery, and informed access to birthing choices. Alycia recently won University of British Columbia's Carol Hird Memorial Award for dedication to practice in underserved communities. Alycia is a Two-Spirit storyteller and an award winning poet. Her work has appeared in Red Rising Magazine's matriarchy issue and has been recognized through the Kemosa Scholarship for Indigenous Mothers in Alberta. She speaks about identity, kinship, and connection in ways that are grounded, expansive, and important for all of us. Also check out Alycia as host of our 2025 Aunties Emergent visit with Otakwan of Métisse, Otipemisiwak Nationan who is educator, supermodel, producer, and activist. The two talk discuss how to take on bullying, and the Big Love they have for each other. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2026, Alycia and Marty host Shawn Jordison (“The Accessibility Guy”) to discuss why digital accessibility is not just compliance but innovation and human impact. Shawn shares his path from an 18-year-old student worker creating braille and alternate media at a community college to leading accessibility roles across California's 116 community colleges, then launching his YouTube channel and accessibility business. He describes living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and recounts a pivotal experience helping a student with a learning disability use text-to-speech to succeed in college. They address common organizational barriers—time, money, overwhelm, and inaccessible tools—and recommend starting with accessible authoring tools, using built-in features like headings and alt text, testing with NVDA, and inventorying content before tackling legacy work. Shawn also explores AI's growing role in access and ends with “be an accessibility champion” and “accessibility equals usability,” alongside plugs for Own It Mastery Collective and The Accessibility Check. The Takeaways That Make Inclusion Usable

Alycia Anderson welcomes Elizabeth Ansell, founder of #NotJustFatigue, a nonprofit advancing awareness, research, and policy for ME/CFS, and discusses how Elizabeth has driven advocacy and federal policy work while bedbound. Elizabeth shares becoming ill at 26 while working in New York City, years of misdiagnoses, and being dismissed as psychosomatic. She explains teaching herself medicine before being diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, defined by post-exertional malaise and many possible symptoms. She describes launching her organization after learning the disease's history and stigma. They cover misconceptions tied to the “chronic fatigue” name, the need for education and funding, policy wins including ME/CFS language in the Long COVID Recovery Initiative, and an NIH reporting requirement tied to a 2024 research roadmap. She then explains ways to get involved for May 12 ME/CFS Day using “millions missing,” sharing stories, and donating. From Challenge to Change

Alycia Anderson welcomes Mindy Henderson, who is a speaker, author, VP of Disability Outreach and Empowerment at the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and editor-in-chief of Quest Media, to discuss disability advocacy, especially accessible air travel. Mindy explains why adding wheelchair spots on airplanes is complex due to regulation, safety testing, and staff training. They reflect on their shared experiences spending 20 years in tech while trying to “hide” disability. Mindy also describes how job loss pushed her into writing The Truth About Things That Suck and building a speaking platform centered on honest storytelling. Insights You Can Use

Are you wrestling with church hurt, spiritual abuse, or disappointment in pastoral care and church leadership? In this gospel-centered episode of Shepherd's Heart, Stewart and Alycia White gently but boldly unpack the crucial differences between a biblical church and a church as business. We explore how unhealthy church structures, CEO pastors, and corporate church models can lead to spiritual trauma, abuse of power, and a crisis of accountability, leaving wounded believers searching for healing, restoration, and trustworthy discipleship.Learn how to recognize seven clear signs your church may be operating as a business rather than following Christ's call to gospel-centered care and authentic biblical counseling. We discuss red flags such as NDAs (non-disclosure agreements), church discipline handled as HR, treating members as customers, mega church dynamics, partiality toward influential members, misuse of church discipline, avoidance of church crisis conversations, and prioritizing brand over people.You'll gain insight into real biblical discernment; how to spot unhealthy church organizations, navigate church discipline, seek wise accountability, and evaluate your own healing journey. Whether you've experienced toxic church leadership, spiritual neglect, or are a leader seeking a healthy church model, Stewart and Alycia point you to the hope of Christ, the comfort of Scripture, and practical next steps for your healing and restoration.If you need resources or support, we highly recommend reaching out to BeEmboldened:BeEmboldened Ministries website — https://www.beemboldened.com/BeEmboldened YouTube channel — https://www.youtube.com/@beEmboldenedContact beEmboldened: https://www.beemboldened.com/contactWorkshops for churches, survivor groups, and more are available— https://www.beemboldened.com/programsEpisode Summary:Seven warning signs that point to a business-minded church structure and how these relate to spiritual abuse, trauma, and neglect.How CEO pastors, mega church growth, and legal tools like NDAs signal a shift from gospel-centered discipleship to corporate priorities.Why biblical counseling, scriptural accountability, and honest pastoral care must anchor every healthy church.How to recognize and respond wisely to partiality, power imbalances, and crisis management driven by business interests rather than love for Christ.Steps for your healing journey: approaching church leadership with grace, processing hurt through a biblical lens, and discerning when it may be time to seek restoration or a new church community.The essential marks of a truly healthy, biblically faithful church.Key Scripture:John 10 highlights Jesus as the Good Shepherd who cares for, restores, and protects His flock, contrasting godly pastoral leadership with the dangers of false shepherds and business-focused church organizations.Care and Encouragement:If you are navigating spiritual trauma, abuse of power, or crisis in your church, know you are not alone. Shepherd's Heart is not a substitute for local pastoral care, Biblical counseling, or professional counseling where necessary, but comes alongside you on your healing journey with truth and compassion.Final Encouragement & Call to Action:If this episode helps you discern, heal, or grow, please subscribe, share, and comment with your questions or experiences. Stewart and Alycia take every story seriously—it's our honor to pray for you.Reach out below if you would like support, have suggestions for future topics, or need help taking your next step toward restoration.You are seen, loved, and cared for by the Good Shepherd. There is hope after church hurt—and real healing can begin.TIMSTAMPS:0:00 - Why Jesus Flipped Tables (And Where He Did It)0:42 - We Love the Church! Here's Why This Conversation Matters5:07 - Sign #1: The Pastor Acts More Like a CEO Than a Shepherd11:35 - Sign #2: Members Are Treated Like Customers or Stockholders18:23 - Sign #3: The Service Points to the Church Instead of Christ25:50 - Sign #4: Missions Become a Brand-Building Sizzle Reel29:06 - Sign #5: Crisis Response Looks Like Corporate PR, Not Pastoral Care38:54 - Sign #6: The Speed of Response Reveals the Heart47:14 - Sign #7: NDAs and Legal Silencing in the Church50:29 - What To Do If You're Seeing These Red Flags52:45 - Sign #8 (BONUS!): When All Counseling Gets Outsourced53:46 - Closing Thoughts and Prayer RequestBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shepherd-s-heart--4100466/support.

Talking about My sister and Friends podcast, pushing forward with Alycia and our sister, Ali Stroker, who was the guest yesterday.

Alycia Anderson welcomes Tony Award-winning actress and disability advocate Ali Stroker, reflecting on their first meeting at a mobility expo where they bonded over making wheelchairs more fashion forward. Ali shares her story of becoming disabled at age two after a car accident that caused a C7–T2 incomplete spinal cord injury, and explains how theater—discovered at age seven—helped her reclaim the “gaze” and build identity, confidence, and purpose. They discuss not waiting for permission, pushing through inaccessibility and others' fear, and the impact of Ali's Broadway milestones, including her debut in Spring Awakening and her Tony-winning role as Ado Annie in Oklahoma. Ali talks about writing middle-grade and children's books for representation, prioritizing health and aging, and why motherhood and marriage are her greatest accomplishments. She closes with a favorite Marianne Williamson quote about embracing one's power. Broadway Beats from Ali Stroker 

On Pushing Forward with Alycia, Alycia Anderson welcomes writer and teacher Molly Gaudry, founder of Lit Pub and author of We Take Me Apart and Fit Into Me: A Novel: A Memoir, to discuss storytelling, identity, and memory. Molly shares being born in Korea, adopted, and growing up in northeast Ohio, where early language acquisition and school support shaped her love of reading and writing. Molly recounts a 2011 concussion that led to months of double vision and sensory overload. She eventually addressed it through vision therapy and an exploratory study at the University of Utah that taught coping strategies rather than a cure. She reflects on how the injury reshaped her boundaries, pace, and happiness. From Challenge to Change

In this episode, Stephanie is joined by Alycia, a Gestational Diabetes Nutritionist who has spent the last couple of years building her business one foundation at a time, all while working at her full-time job and running a household with little ones at home.  They talk about what a real week in Alycia's business actually looks like, how niching down to gestational diabetes completely changed her traction, and the tools and systems she has put in place to make it all work without burning out. This one is for you if you're in the early or middle stages of building your nutrition business and wondering how other nutritionists actually make it happen day to day.   In this episode, you'll learn: How niching down to gestational diabetes changed everything for Alycia's leads, content, and confidence What a real week looks like when you're building a nutrition business alongside a full-time job and a young family The Instagram and email strategy Alycia uses to attract leads and move them toward a discovery call without chasing anyone Why she added an application form before discovery calls and how it almost completely eliminated no-shows Links and resources mentioned: Get 50% OFF Launch Your Nutrition Biz between April 20-24   Follow Alycia on Instagram   Flodesk   ManyChat   That Clean Life   Practice Better  

Alycia Anderson welcomes Peri Finkelstein: Emmy-winning marketing consultant, keynote speaker, recent TEDx speaker, marathon participant, and founder/CEO of the Team Peri Foundation. Peri explains how assistive communication evolved from Proloquo4Text to 11 Labs AI voice technology, helping her be understood on podcasts and stages despite bias and past bullying. She shares growing up with nemaline rod myopathy, navigating surgeries, pain, fatigue, and a nontraditional childhood, and credits her mom as her primary support and collaborator. Peri describes how her May 2025 TEDx talk sparked a new commitment to vulnerable storytelling through Substack and a memoir. She also details the foundation's scholarship and Peri Project, which provides caregiver kits in pediatric ICUs and plans hospital expansion through 2026. She closes with motivation to embrace differences, find what you love, and create your own path. The Entrepreneurial Throughline

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance.In this episode we explore all things equestrian and insurance with guest Alycia Port, Equine Underwriter at Convex.Alycia explains how equine insurance works and the importance of having it, sharing her experience as both an event rider and equine underwriter.We hope you enjoyed this episode, if you did please subscribe to be notified when new episodes release. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alycia Anderson welcomes Lawrence Carter-Long, Director of Engagement at ReelAbilities International, onto Pushing Forward with Alycia to discuss how disability narratives in media shape public understanding, possibility, and policy. Lawrence shares his background growing up with cerebral palsy, being a 1970s “poster child,” and how that early exposure taught him the power of media and communication. He explains ReelAbilities as a disability-forward film festival and year-round platform where “film is the front door” to community, conversation, and cultural change, emphasizing accessibility through open captions and audio description. They discuss moving beyond “tragic or heroic” tropes by elevating authentic stories and changing who writes, produces, directs, and greenlights projects, citing work like Best Summer Ever and Out of My Mind. Lawrence also describes the festival dates, sample programs, affiliate festivals, and his mantra: “go through the doors that open.” Rewriting the Narrative: Core Themes from Episode 136  

Alycia Anderson introduces an episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia focused on “glass children,” siblings of disabled kids who often advocate naturally while sometimes feeling invisible, and interviews Meghan Connolly Haupt, founder of Inclusive Saratoga. Meghan shares how her 13-year-old daughter's question sparked Meghan to use her 30-year social impact marketing background to help businesses and communities improve disability inclusion. They discuss how “separate but equal” still limits shared experiences, how loneliness and separation affect disabled people daily, and why barriers are often cultural as much as physical. Meghan explains an empathy-plus-creativity approach, offers low-cost accessibility fixes, and outlines the business case and closes with “relentless forward progress.” The Heart of this Episode

In this episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Alycia Anderson speaks to parents, teachers, and caregivers about how to talk to kids about disability and why we shouldn't shut down their curiosity. She shared a joyful interaction with a six-year-old at her niece's recital who was excited about her wheelchair, asked questions, and even said she'd always wanted one. She contrasts that with a store experience where a mom's fearful comment instantly made her child retreat, illustrating how adult cues teach ableism, exclusion, and lowered expectations. She encourages using honest, safe language, modeling comfort, focusing on capabilities, and inviting respectful conversation so kids grow into inclusive adults who build workplaces, schools, and communities where everyone belongs. What Shaped the Dialogue

To get live links to the music we play and resources we offer, visit www.WOSPodcast.comThis show includes the following songs:Andie Yagher - Real Things FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYPaige Galdieri - Rich Daddies FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYJasmine Sparkes - You've Got Time To Kiss Me FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYGEORGIA REED - Golden FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYCash Honey - Say You Love Me FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYMcKinney - Losing in Love FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYAlycia May - Empty Faces FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYFlorence Jack - Block You FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYMargot Perkinson - Ain't It Sweet FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYRachel Wyre - Shy Girl FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYJulia Kate - truce FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYWritten By Daria - Piggyback Ride FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYBay Blur - That Ain't Right FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYKara Cole - i don't like the way I'm feeling (without you) FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYEleven Green - Gimme Gimme FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYFor Music Biz Resources Visit www.FEMusician.com and www.ProfitableMusician.comBecome more Profitable in just 3 minutes per day. http://profitablemusician.com/join

Alycia Anderson celebrates Women's History Month on Pushing Forward with Alycia by welcoming her sisters, twin Regina and Corinna, to discuss women's empowerment, history-making moments, and lessons from their lives. In rapid-fire prompts, they share defining words, women they'd invite to dinner, what women should stop apologizing for, and their empowerment anthems. Regina recounts the life-changing emergency C-section birth of her daughter Ella, while Corinna shares a pivotal choice to call her future husband. Alycia reflects on leaving her corporate job, their father's influence, and grief around losing their parents. They close with hopes to be remembered for kindness, love of family, and inspiring others. Lessons for Leaders & Doers

Pushing Forward with Alycia introduces Lynsey Chediak, a disabled woman and rare disease advocate whose lived experience has shaped work spanning government, global health policy, and biotech. Lynsey shares growing up with arthrogryposis alongside an unaffected twin sister, realizing her difference at school, while also navigating chronic pain, limited medical answers, and systems not built for patients. Additionally, she speaks about how insurance barriers before the Affordable Care Act impacted access. Lynsey discusses rare disease priorities, which includes faster diagnosis, better treatment access, and policy change. Her role at BioMarin involves work to remove prior authorization in California and urging listeners to meet their local representatives. She also recounts ignoring neck pain that resulted in surgery, underscoring self-advocacy, and closes with her mantra that people are stronger than what doctors and medical charts suggest. Mindset Shifts & A-ha's ⚡ An Instant Connection

What happens when you decide you're done living the same year twice? In this powerful Women's History Month episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Kristina Watts⁠ shares the raw, disciplined, identity-shifting journey that changed everything. This isn't just a story about weight loss. It's about betting on yourself before anyone else understands. It's about quieting the noise. It's about standing at mile five of your life and realizing, I belong here. Kristina is a wife, mom of three, multipreneur, and founder of a multiple seven-figure life insurance agency. But three years ago, she was 274 pounds, rebuilding financially after losing a business, and facing the hardest opponent of all: Herself. From using GLP-1 medication amid criticism… To losing 130 pounds… To running her first marathon at the Every Woman's Marathon… To completing Andy Frisella's 75 Hard and then extending it to 365 days… This episode is about discipline, identity, leadership, and declaring your own “I Did It” year.

Welcome to The SonRise Project! I'm Kelli Joy Richardson, and I would like to thank you for joining us in this safe space where all your questions on mental health, parenting, and emotional well-being are welcome.Joining me is Alycia Johnson, here to share her insights and offer guidance as we navigate going from Broken Promises to Intentional Living. What You'll Learn:In this powerful episode, we sit down with Alycia Johnson as she shares her journey from heartbreak and disappointment to healing, clarity, and intentional living. Through broken promises, unmet expectations, and seasons of deep questioning, Alycia discovered that even life's most painful detours can become the foundation for purpose.Join our Live Sunday Sessions: Don't miss our Sunday Motivational Support Call every Sunday at 9 AM EST.  It's a safe space for parents and caregivers to share, support each other, and gain motivation for the week ahead. Click Here to Register:https://www.thesonriseproject.org/sonrise-sunday-support-group-callsAbout The SonRise ProjectThe SonRise Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting parents and caregivers in dealing with mental health or addiction issues. We provide a safe space to share and support each other with weekly conversations with experts, therapists, and people with shared lived experiences.Connect with UsWebsite: www.thesonriseproject.orgInstagram: The SonRise Project: @thesonriseprojectFacebook: The SonRise ProjectGuest - Alycia Johnson#MentalHealth #Parenting #SonRiseProject  #MentalWellness #Parents #Families #SelfCareSunday #AlyciaJohnson #IamKelliJoy

Pushing Forward with Alycia welcomes award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, writer, and Georgetown Law graduate James Ian, who lives with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type 3. Alycia Anderson and James talk about meeting at New York Fashion Week 2024 during Runway of Dreams and what it meant to see disabled models represented on the runway. James shares how access barriers at Georgetown motivated him toward law school to fight for disability rights, and how experiences performing music—including falling on stage and disclosing his disability—helped him realize he could advocate through art. He also talks about his performance at the DRA Gala (Disability Rights Advocates) in a room that included Hillary Clinton, and discusses the limited opportunities for disabled musicians, widespread venue inaccessibility, and the extra labor of education and advocacy alongside creative work. James details SMA basics, how type 3 has progressed for him, and complications from his cervical stenosis surgery that led to C5 palsy, major loss of arm strength, requiring rehab and forcing him to relearn his body. This episode dives into so much more with reflections on grief, gratitude, learning to accept help and more on his songs including “Spaces,” “Lift Me Up” honoring Judy Heumann, and his collaboration “Unconditional Love” with disabled artist Tap Waters. What Shaped Our Dialogue ✨ When Advocacy Meets Artistry ⚖️ From Law to Lyrics

In this episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, host Alycia Anderson chats with Adam Keys, an Army veteran and comedian, about his incredible journey of resilience, comedy, and advocacy. Adam shares his experiences as an Afghanistan war survivor, his transition to stand-up comedy, and the importance of humor in dealing with life's challenges, not in that particular order. He also discusses accessibility issues, the impact of his injuries on his identity, and his bold approach to tackling tough topics on stage. Tune in for a real conversation filled with laughter and valuable insights on perseverance. Press Play Roadmap 00:00 Introduction to Pushing Forward with Alycia 00:25 Meet Adam Keys: Comedian and Veteran 01:39 Rapid Fire Questions with Adam 03:09 Adam's Journey: From Army to Comedy 08:05 Life After Injury: Embracing a New Reality 10:53 Advocacy and Humor: Breaking Barriers 14:48 Turning Frustrations into Comedy 15:32 Travel Challenges and Solutions 17:29 Dating Adventures Post-Injury 19:07 Performing for Different Audiences 24:32 Booking Challenges as a Disabled Comic 26:28 Upcoming Shows and Final Thoughts A Quote from Adam “ Whatever your fight may be, just keep fighting, but don't be weird.” ~ Adam Keys Big Picture & Bold Moves

In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' Alycia Anderson welcomes Rachel Shaw, president and founder of Rachel Shaw Incorporated, and a nationally recognized ADA compliance expert. Rachel shares her journey from a novice HR professional to an award-winning strategist, focusing on enabling employers to better accommodate disabled employees. The discussion includes her insights into the evolving understanding of ADA, the importance of communication and process in HR, and how to overcome fear and assumptions in workplace accommodation. Rachel also talks about her book 'Disabled Workforce: What the ADA Never Anticipated' and highlights the need for continual adaptation of the ADA to modern needs. The episode emphasizes empathy, curiosity, and the intent to find 'yes' as central to creating inclusive workspaces. Rachel concludes by stressing the importance of representation and how her work aims to make significant differences in people's lives. Strategy, Grit, and Growth ❓The Why Behind the Work

In this episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Alycia Anderson welcomes Olivia Murphy, a disability advocate, speaker, and podcast host of 'Living My Best Disabled Life.' They discuss Olivia's journey of embracing her disabilities, overcoming internalized ableism, and using her platform to celebrate and advocate for the disability community. Olivia shares her experiences with cerebral palsy and being a late-diagnosed autistic, revealing the challenges and triumphs she encountered. The conversation also delves into the importance of authentic representation in media, Olivia's upcoming children's book 'How Olivia Learned to Live Her Best Disabled Life,' and the significance of creating inclusive environments. This episode highlights the power of disabled voices and the resilience required to thrive in a world not always designed for everyone. Timecoded Table of Contents 00:00 Introduction to Pushing Forward with Alycia 00:25 Meet Today's Guest: Olivia Murphy 01:39 Living Your Best Disabled Life 03:16 Olivia's Journey with Disability 07:27 Finding Community and Overcoming Ableism 14:53 Olivia's Podcast and Advocacy Work 17:12 Exciting New Projects: Olivia's Children's Book 19:16 Fun Facts and Final Thoughts A Quote from Olivia “Don't let your disability stop you, but also don't see it as a barrier.” ~ Olivia Murphy Lessons for Leaders & Doers

In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson and co-host Marty Anderson engage in a detailed conversation with Michael Liner, a Social Security disability attorney who has gained fame on TikTok for his informative and entertaining content. Michael shares his personal journey from facing early educational challenges to becoming a leading disability advocate. He discusses the roles and responsibilities of his law practice, the intricacies of Social Security Disability Benefits, and debunks common myths surrounding the system. Michael also emphasizes the importance of dignity and authenticity in advocacy and offers valuable advice for navigating complex legal frameworks. The episode concludes with light-hearted rapid-fire questions, adding a fun twist to an insightful discussion. In-Depth Timeline of Events 00:00 Introduction to Pushing Forward with Alicia 00:50 Meet Michael Liner: The Viral Lawyer 02:14 Michael's Journey: From Troubled Youth to Lawyer 04:13 Living the Dream: Michael's Current Life and Work 06:39 The Challenges and Rewards of Disability Law 13:35 Michael's Personal Struggles and Triumphs 18:33 Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits 20:43 Debunking Disability Myths 21:17 Disability Leadership Summit Announcement 22:09 Social Security Disability Trust Fund Facts 24:09 Addressing Fraud and Misconceptions 25:09 Cultural Stigma and Disability Benefits 27:25 Personal Story of Overcoming Stigma 28:56 Disability Inclusion in the Workforce 30:10 Empowering the Disabled Community 32:32 Legal Support and Client Services 36:12 Fun Lightning Round Questions 38:22 Final Thoughts and Mantra A Quote from Michael “ You have rights, you are a human.” ~ Michael Liner Inclusion in Action: Key Threads ✨ Meet Michael Liner: The Influential Attorney

In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson dives into a heartfelt conversation with twins M.E. and Wesley Sanders. The discussion explores themes of confidence, resilience, and ambition as they share their unique journey living with Pfeiffer syndrome. The twins provide an insightful look into their medical experiences, the importance of femininity and self-expression, and the power of sibling support. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their limitations without allowing them to define their life, inspired by M.E. and Wesley's positivity and determination. What's Really Driving the Story

The unforgiveable abuse and murder of 14-year-old Alycia Mesiti This is a re-release with sped up audio and gaps of silence removed. I found this painful in editing it out so I appreciate you all listening back then when I was very new and still learning! Hopefully this will get more ears on the episode. Discuss this episode in the Stolen Lives Facebook discussion group Share this episode on your social media of choice and subscribe on your favourite podcast app. Listen to my other podcasts - Mysteriously Listed (Mysteriously Listed True Crime - Podcast - Apple Podcasts) and Beyond Your Nightmares (Beyond Your Nightmares - Podcast - Apple Podcasts)  Facebook /stolenlivespodcast Instagram /stolen_lives_podcast Email stolenlivespodcast@gmail.com Research and script writing by Ali Hosting and production by Ali Music by Myuu    

Alyica Israel AKA Be Your Own Daddy is back on the podcast and we are going to talk about a lot of her business journey but one part in particular when she started to run ads and everything changed. Well not everything but when you listen, you'll understand what changed. The marketing game has changed since 2019 and it's important to keep up with what's working and hearing it from someone who's crushing in our field today is exactly what we are bringing you!   Time Stamps:   (0:10) Be Your Own Daddy Is Back (1:30) What AB Barbell Looked Like Before IFCA (3:40) Stubborn About Mentorship (7:34) Data and The Entrepreneur's Mental and Emotional State (12:55) 2019 vs 2025 Marketing Game (19:50) Ads and The Ego (23:00) Alycia's Ads Journey (28:43) Ads Improve Your Sales and Nurture Skills (41:35) The Fearlessness of Lacey Iskra (44:00) Parting Advice (48:33) Where To Find Alycia ----------

In this week's Fraud Friday, Laci is joined by actresses Josie Totah, Alycia Pascual-Pena & Yasmine Hamady (Dare We Say Podcast)  to discuss Richard Ayvazyan and Marietta Terabelian, the leaders of a family fraud ring that collected $18 million in pandemic relief for 151 sham businesses. Plus, a load of jewelry and gems were stolen from a Brink's truck at a truck stop along the I-5. Stay Schemin'! (Originally Released 08/16/2022) CONgregation, catch Laci's TV Show, Scam Goddess, now on Freeform and Hulu!Did you miss out on a custom signed Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes book? Look no more, nab your copy here on PODSWAG Follow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciJosie Totah: @josietotahAlycia Pascual-Pena:@alyciadelsolYasmine Hamady: @childishyasmino  Research By Kaelyn Brandt  SOURCES:​​https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-07-16/covid-fraud-conspiracy-los-angeles-ayvazyanhttps://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-07-21/montenegro-fugitives-ayvazyan-fbi-pandemic-fraudhttps://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-02-23/los-angeles-fugitive-family-members-covid-19-relief-scam-capturedhttps://www.nbcnews.com/investigations/three-fugitives-stole-18-million-covid-relief-loans-captured-montenegr-rcna17375https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11043879/The-27-minute-highway-heist-netted-100-MILLION-Thieves-secretly-tracked-truck-pouncing.html Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Scam Goddess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.