Podcasts about i identify

Ra Ra Braille! We at Outlook are cheerleaders for braille, whether it's Braille Literacy Month in January or now being into the month of February and for this first Mixed Bag show of the month following January's BLM, we continue talking braille this and braille that. This time we're talking third co-host BF Barry using his learned braille skills to play a card game with brother/co-host Brian or Brian having a go at playing a new game on his phone: Whack a Braille! “An audio first and blind first game built around increasing your touch typing and braille literacy.” This week we're talking bagpipes, supporting local, and accessible app and game development with Barry's tales of his favourite inclusive game Glory Frontline. Sister/co-host and Birthday Girl Kerry shares about an audiobook she's been reading, a memoir by a female musician first introduced to Kerry at the Perkins Museum in Boston in 2024 - I Identify as Blind: A Brazen Celebration of Disability Culture, Identity, and Power. Lachi says about disability, “Just say the word,” along with describing what she terms “disploitation” meaning the exploitation of people and their disabilities (for centuries with a bunch of racism tossed into the mix), then speaking of PEP which stands for positivity, empathy, and pride in the “Disability Movement” and in oneself. And speaking of...Kerry talks trying to be open to another side or perspective (in this case a conservative viewpoint) with a recent Canadian Conservative Leadership Review weekend in Alberta and a Con politician who propped up a trans Con to say that intersectionalities like those on the gender spectrum are unimportant: “Me being trans as like the least interesting thing about me,” this person said on said politician's video This, Kerry and the boys discuss, is about ideology and tokenism and the well-known “I have a black friend” defence for things like belittling and scrapping the need for EDI (equity/diversity/inclusion) even if that is representative of recognising us all, on this show, as full human beings who acknowledge all the parts of us. So from online and virtual games to the old-school card games made accessible, whether it's using braille or listening skills and being comfortable with our own voices with a good old-fashioned ramble we're delving into the mixed bag of topics for this one at the start of this Rare Disease Month. Find out more about Whack a Braille! and play by going here: https://marconius.com/fun/whackABraille/ Check out resources for Black History Month and beyond at Western: https://www.edi.uwo.ca/events/black-history-month/ Learn more about the organization, “Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities”, that Lachi founded: https://rampd.org And here's a little bagpipe action by Mudmen for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00kh2OZ79L8

Stand-Up On The Spot! Featuring completely improvised sets from Russell Peters, Pauly Shore, Caroline Rhea, Uncle Lazer, Ric Diez, Justin Martindale & Jeremiah Watkins. No material. Comedians create Stand-Up On The Spot off audience suggestions. Everything is covered from Uber Drivers in Gotham to Pickles, orjeez, the Super Bowl, and more! Jeremiah Watkins you know from Trailer Tales, Dr. Phil Live, his special DADDY, and as the host and creator of Stand-Up On The Spot. Russell Peters has multiple specials: Act Your Age, Notorious, Deported, and more! Pauly Shore you know from his many movies like Bio-Dome, Encino Man, Son In Law, In The Army Now, and many more! Caroline Rhea has a new special out called I Identify as a Witch, has been on every season of Phineas and Ferb, and plays the beloved Aunt Hilda character on Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Uncle Lazer can be seen regularly on Kill Tony and has a podcast called The Drunk Uncle. Ric Diez is a Kill Tony Golden Ticket winner and is currently on tour across the country. Justin Martindale is host of the Just Sayin' podcast and recently appeared on Comics Unleashed on CBS. Follow the Comedians! Jeremiah Watkins  @jeremiahwatkins   @TrailerTalesPod   @standupots   https://www.instagram.com/jeremiahstandup Russell Peters  @RussellPeters  https://www.instagram.com/russellpeters Pauly Shore  @paulyshore   https://www.instagram.com/paulyshore  Caroline Rhea https://www.instagram.com/carolinerhea Uncle Lazer  @unclelazer  https://www.instagram.com/unclelazer Ric Diez  @SadManRic  https://www.instagram.com/sadmanric Justin Martindale  @Justin_Martindale  Stand-Up On The Spot https://www.instagram.com/standupots  @standupots  Sponsored by: Blue Chew Get 10% off your first month of BlueChew Gold w/ code SPOT @ http://BlueChew.com/  Interested in sponsoring the show? Email standupots@gmail.com for inquiries #1HourSpecial #StandupComedy #RussellPeters #PaulyShore #UncleLazer #RicDiez #CarolineRhea #JustinMartindale #JeremiahWatkins #StandUpOnTheSpot #SOTS #KillTony SOTS: Russell Peters, Pauly Shore, Caroline Rhea, Uncle Lazer, Ric Diez, Justin Martindale & Jeremiah Watkins| Ep 92

Recording artist and musician Lachi dropped a new book earlier this year entitled “I Identify as Blind: A Brazen Celebration of Disability Culture, Identity, and Power.”   Host Jacob Shymanksi catches up with Lachi to chat about her journey with disability culture, identity and accessibility.   This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.   Note: Audio excerpted with permission of Penguin Random House Audio from I IDENTIFY AS BLIND by Lachi, excerpt read by the author. Lachi ℗ 2026 Penguin Random House, LLC. All rights reserved. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. ET. Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: AudiobookCafe@ami.ca About AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of National Disability Radio, we sit down with award-winning recording artist, advocate, and author Lachi for a powerful conversation about disability pride, music, and unmasking. Lachi shares her journey, from navigating the music industry as a blind artist, to founding RAMPD, a coalition amplifying disability culture across the industry. We talk about what it means to say “I identify as blind,” move beyond the medical and social models of disability into a cultural model rooted in identity and joy, and remind listeners that no one can defeat someone who hasn't given up. From glam canes to Grammy stages, this episode is about claiming space, rejecting internalized ableism, and turning perceived flaws into flexes. Transcript: Alden Blevins: It’s Lachi? I feel very- Lachi: Lachi like Versace. Alden Blevins: Lachi like… Oh, I love that. Michelle Bishop: That is the best way to explain it. Lachi: I mean, but you know what I’m saying? Come on. Alden Blevins: Well, we’re really excited about having you today because we’re all music lovers in this group here. Michelle Bishop: Yes. Alden Blevins: We talk about music all the time. Michelle Bishop: So much. Lachi: Good, good, good, good, good, good, good. I’m in the right place. Michelle Bishop: Hi everyone. Welcome back to National Disability Radio, the official podcast of the National Disability Rights Network. I am Michelle Bishop, 1/3 of your podcast hosting team. Stephanie Flynt McEben: And I’m Stephanie Flynt McEben, public policy analyst here at NDRN. Alden Blevins: I am Alden. I am a communication specialist at NDRN and I am so excited today, like I mentioned, we’re all lovers of music, so we got a guest that I’m really excited about. Lachi is an award-winning recording artist and a recording Academy Grammy’s national trustee. She’s also a disability advocate who’s been breaking barriers in the music industry and beyond. She’s the founder of RAMPD, which by the way, is such a fun play name. I really love that. And the author of the upcoming book, I Identify as Blind. So without further ado, Michelle, you’ve got some questions to kick us off, I think. Michelle Bishop: Yes. We’re so excited to have you with us. As Alden said, we are. We’re huge music lovers. I’m pretty sure we spend most of our meetings where we allegedly plan this podcast just talking about music. So you’re absolutely in the right place today, but to get us started, I mean, you’ve been open about the fact, and I’m just really interested in this as a disability rights podcast. You’ve been really open about the fact that it took you some time to really embrace your identity as a blind and disabled woman, especially in the industry that you’re in that often really rewards conformity. Can you tell us a little bit more about that journey for you, both as an artist and as someone navigating just the world with a disability? Lachi: Okay. Yeah, for sure. Hey, everybody. Lachi here, Lachi like Versace. I am a Black woman with cornrows, chilling here in New York in my studio. I also identify as blind, I identify as neurodivergent, and I identify as an Aries. So do with that what you will. Michelle Bishop: All the important points right there. Lachi: All the important points like name, age, sign. Thank you. Okay. Yeah, but I’m really glad to be here. And thank you for that question, and thank you for having me. So music has always been a very integral part of my life of growing up. Where other babies would kick in the womb, when she was pregnant with me, I was playing the piano in the womb. I don’t know how she got a piano in there, but she’s not a liar, so I’m going to take her word for it. When I was super-duper young, I didn’t really have a lot of friends, especially because of the fact that I had differences and this and that. And so I would take to music to, I guess, understand the world better and have the world understand me better. I just knew how to express myself through song and it just said the things I needed to say. It was the prayer I needed. And because of music, I started to find confidence in how to speak and how to behave and how to act. And as I got older, when I was growing up, disability was not necessarily a thing people talked about a lot in schools and teachers didn’t know what to do. My parents didn’t really know what to do. And so I would always just turn to music. It’s actually right now I’m working on a children’s album because I think that kids need to hear music that has to do with disability and neurodivergence, as well as their parents as they grow up. When I got into college, I started wanting to do music, but I studied business and finance because when I told my parents I wanted to do music, they were like, “That’s not how you spell doctor.” because they are Nigerian immigrants and everybody else in my family went to either med school and blah, blah, blah. And I was like, “No, I want to do music.” But I did get a day job after school, after college, and didn’t love it because this girl is not going to exist behind a desk. So I ended up going to South by Southwest and I got signed actually from playing the guitar at a hole in the wall spot that nobody was at, except for this A&R apparently. So we got signed to an imprint under EMI, which was a major label back then, and we started touring and music then became my life. Now today, why wouldn’t I pay my respects back to music? I mean, it’s because of music that I was able to really lean into who I am, my disability, my confidence, et cetera. So because of that, because of how much music has given to me in my life, I’m here using music to give back to other people with disabilities. Now, your question was essentially, how do you sit here and try to bring about change for disability in an industry that is not only about conformity, but also about like, “Hey, pick me to exploit.” is essentially what the music industry is. You’re raising your hand to be exploited and that’s what kind of authenticity is that? But at the end of the day, music is some of the truest forms of storytelling. And I think to myself, just the way that hip hop has amplified Black culture and the way that country music has amplified rural culture and the way that different global musics have represented different global cultures. I want to use music to amplify disability culture. I want to use music to amplify disability stories and feelings that are difficult to put words to, that are words of the soul, which is essentially what music is. And so I started going to studios and realizing things weren’t as accessible as they should be. I started speaking with organizations and realizing things weren’t as inclusive as they should be. And the response I kept getting was like, “Oh, well, there’s nobody with a disability in the music industry, so why would we make these measures?” And so I have made it my life’s goal through RAMPD, which by the way, the best thing we ever accomplished was our acronym, not us working with the Grammys to get sign language on the red carpet, not us getting these partnerships with title, Live Nation, Spotify. I mean, we’ve done so much, not just for artists, but also for professionals. And we’ve started to realize something really interesting with the work we’ve done with RAMPD. We are getting people joining our membership who are director level folks, who are label owners, who are like the big wigs that write the checks, and they’re like, “I’m neurodivergent. I’m actually hard of hearing. I have a TBI.” And so when I originally set out, they said, “We don’t do disability inclusion because nobody’s disabled.” That was three years ago. Now I’m like, not only are there neurodivergent and disabled music professionals out here, but we all are. So really to conclude, it’s just that everyone is navigating trying to make it out in this world, but everyone’s masking. Everyone feels that they have to change some part of themselves to be as close as they can to what success looks like, be as close as they can to what “beauty” looks like, what winning looks like. But really all it is internalized ableism. And I say, as soon as we drop that internalized ableism and we really start to sit in who we truly are and we start to recognize our perceived flaws as flexes, that’s when we truly start to win. And so that’s what we’re finding out with RAMPD, that people are like, “You know what? I’m tired of navigating this difficult industry with the added layer of having to mask.” And so that’s why I do what I do. Michelle Bishop: Yes. And honestly, as ridiculous as it sounds that they say to you, “Oh, there aren’t any people with disabilities.” When I tell you, we see that in everything that we do. I do voting work at NDRN and we’ll have elections officials tell us, “This polling place isn’t accessible, but there aren’t any people with disabilities that vote here.” And it’s like, “What? You realize we’re everywhere and we do all sorts of things.” Maybe the reason they think there’s no people with disabilities here is because they’re stuck outside and they can’t get in because you didn’t make it accessible, just a thought. But I mean, it sounds like coming up against all that is really, correct me if I’m wrong, helped you to develop that identity and that disability pride in the industry. When did you first say, “I identify as blind.” and what did that mean for you? Lachi: Well, so when I first came into really doing the disability thing, really leaning in, I wanted to find out more influencers or thought leaders and such with disabilities. I didn’t really know that many people. This is pre COVID, 2018, 2019, that kind of thing. And so I came across an influencer, her name is Molly Burke, and we’re great friends now, but I didn’t know her back then. I had just seen her tagline and it had said, “I’m Molly Burke and I’m a YouTuber who happens to be blind.” And for some reason I was like, “I don’t know if I love the happens to be blind thing.” I was like, “Well, I’m proud of being blind. Blindness is part of my identity. I don’t just happen to be a woman. I don’t just happen to be a Nigerian. I don’t just happen to be all of the things I am.” And so I would go to… I was touring… We’re always touring and every time I tour and do a show, I do a comedic open where I just introduce myself, I do a quick self-description, et cetera. And in my self-description, I would say, and I don’t just happen to be blind. My blindness is part of my identity, has given me all of the opportunities I have, and it’s really made me a deeper blah, blah, blah. It was just too long. So I had punched it up to be, “My name is Lachi like Versace. She, her, I’m a Black woman with cornrows and I identify as blind.” And the interesting thing about that is people took onto it. They were like, “Oh, that’s cool, nice and punchy.” But whenever I would say it in front of a large crowd or like I’ve said it on interviews or during commercials, I would get this weird, I don’t know, pushback of like, you can’t identify as blind. Blindness is an identity. It’s a medical condition. Or they’ll be like, “Do you read braille or not?” Or they’ll be like, “We don’t want people to think trans blindness is a thing where you just have a blind identity.” And then you can be like, “Well, I’m blind today, so that’s my identity.” And I thought that was really fun. I was like, “Look, everybody’s upset. They’re talking about blindness though.” So I really leaned all the way into it. And I have to say, I am super proud of my disability identity. Was it music that brought me there? I think in a sense and in a way, like today I have a few songs, you guys are music lovers, I have a few songs out that really talk about my disability pride. I think that a lot of the times as we navigate the world, masking our disability, masking our chronic condition, our difference or whatever, we end up overcompensating. We end up building up this really, really thick problem solving muscle or this really, really thick how to get around things muscle and we overcompensate. When we’re finally accommodated, when we finally get to a place where we’re accommodated or we have the tools we need, we’re coming in like bulk as hell. We’re coming in with problem solving muscles. We’re coming in with all of these things that we had to build up because of navigating the world differently, because of every day working through this very difficult maze that is living a life unaccommodated, then when we finally are accommodated, then we are killing it and crushing it. And how could you not be proud of that? How can that not give you a sense of pride? So the songs that I would love for you guys to check out that are mine is I have a song called Life on Hard, which has gone viral several times on Instagram. I’m known as an Instagram rapper, which is like, what? Hello, I do disability advocacy. Look at that stuff. But anyway, so I have a song called Life on Hard, which is essentially about just winning the game of life, playing it on the hardest setting out here while people are still trying to consult the manual. I have another song called Professional, which is oftentimes when I walk on the stage, people see the cane and they’re like, “Aw, she’s going to do a song for us. Is this from Make a Wish Foundation?” And then I bust out these raps or I hop on the piano and I go ape on this piano and then they’re like, “Oh, snap. What? Okay.” And I’m like, “Bro, I’m a professional artist. I’m not object for pity to make you feel good because you felt weird on a Monday and you didn’t feel like getting up for work, but it’s like, she could do it. So can I.” I’m like, “No, I can do it. You most likely probably just can’t.” So that’s what that song’s about. And then there’s The Bag, and The Bag is just essentially like, I’ve been told no so much like, “No, you can’t. No, you’re not good enough. No, we don’t want you.” And I’m like, “You know what? Yes, I am good enough and I deserve everything. So I’m going to throw everything I deserve in the bag, which is everything.” I don’t know. I would not be the person I am if I didn’t love all parts of myself. And that includes my disabilities, that includes my neurodivergences and all of the other wacky, weird body jazz that I bring with me everywhere I go. Michelle Bishop: Lachi, can we maybe, do you and I just FaceTime each other every morning and hype each other up? Stephanie Flynt McEben: I was literally about to say the same thing. I would like in on a true call. Michelle Bishop: I don’t know if you know. Actually, I want to say quickly, I know some of those songs actually from social media, but they’re real. They’re so real. So people haven’t heard music, go check it out. I don’t know if you know one of our co-hosts, Stephanie is blind. You’re speaking directly to her soul right now. Stephanie Flynt McEben: I literally just texted them in our podcast group text and I was like, she’s totally speaking to my soul RN, but of course I don’t want to interrupt anything. Michelle Bishop: No, I know you’re dying to talk to her about the book, Stephanie, and take it away. Stephanie Flynt McEben: Yeah, no, absolutely, for sure. And as somebody who is blind and who also identifies as a blind person and definitely does not identify with the medical model of disability, clearly gotten to more of a social model. But yeah, in terms of going through that journey of accepting all of who you are and everything about yourself, for me, I mean, it took a minute, especially when you’re talking about your experiences as a child and I totally feel that. I was that girl playing the harmonica on the jungle gym by herself. Anyway, this is about you. This is not about me, but I’m just saying that I totally relate to you on a spiritual level. And given that, I would love to know, were there any particular moments when it came to writing the book that were particularly hard or healing? Because I mean, I think that we all know that it’s not always a linear journey. Some days are going to be harder than others. And so would love to get your perspective on that. And I think that our listeners would be interested. Lachi: Yeah, absolutely. The journey for me has been one of constantly unwrapping this amazing gift. I always try to use that as the visual, if you will, of you have this big present and you get to unwrap it and then you just keep getting something cooler inside and then you get to unwrap that and you get something cooler inside and you just keep unwrapping this beautiful gift that is yourself. But you don’t realize that when you first get the box, the amazing stuff that’s going on inside, and it takes time to get to it. So a lot of times growing up, I would kick myself in the butt of, I wish I had come to this when I was so much younger. I wish there were people out there when I was younger, role models that I could look up to when I was eight years old and pointing on the TV and saying like, “Okay, well, I mean, I understand that Ray Charles existed, but that’s not going to…” Stephanie Flynt McEben: Stevie Wonder is here, Ray Charles is here, but we need more of us. Hello. Lachi: We need more of us. Hello. Exactly. And so this time and place where I am right now is where I needed to be for this to work. So I can’t really kick myself in the butt of like, “I wish I had this. I wish I knew this so much earlier. I would’ve been so much further.” That kind of thing. You have to be where you got to be where you need to be. Even right now, this conversation we’re having right now is going to have been necessary for the next thing that is happening in our lives. And just the other day, I was hanging out with Queen Herby, who’s been one of my favorite more modern rappers. I just did a thing with Apl.de.ap. I have done some stuff with Black Caviar. Folks that I’ve looked up to, I’m having the opportunity to Snoop Dogg. I’m having the opportunity to work with these days because of the fact that I am here at the right time now. So when I was writing my book, we were peeling back all the layers. I’m a generally very positive and energetic, social butterfly type of person today. But it’s interesting, I wasn’t always this person and I had to unpack all the layers to get there. One of the biggest things that happens to me, so I’ve always been low vision. So I was born with relatively low vision and it stayed the same throughout my teens and early 20s. But one day I woke up and my sight was just gone. Boom. So the interesting thing is anybody listening would be like, “Oh my God, if I woke up and my sight was gone, I would just die or I would not know what to do. My life would be over.” Stephanie Flynt McEben: Yep. Heard that a million times. Yes. Lachi: But for me, it was weird because I was already low vision, so I was going from level one to the underwater level or whatever. So it wasn’t like that life changing of a thing. I was already using screen readers or Zoom text. I was already doing stuff of that nature. So I wake up blind and I’m just like, “Okay, I guess this is it. This is the day that they told me was coming.” What had ended up happening was my corneas had erupted. And so I went to the doctor and he was like, “You’re going to become completely blind. You’re going to go from this much worse vision than you’ve had to complete blindness over the course of time.” So here you go, here’s a coupon. Bye.” or whatever. So I’m like, all right. So I had decided at that moment that I wanted to start a bucket list. So I was like, okay, what are all the things I’ve always wanted to do before completely going completely blind? So I was like, let me go skydiving, let me go spolunking, let me go meet with people, meet with celebrities and just do all of the things I’ve always wanted to do before I lose my vision. So I went out and I did it. This is still me doing it. This is still me doing it. And so I say that because to people who say if I ever went blind, I would just die. Well, when I went blind, it made me want to live. And that’s what opened me up into being this person that I am today. Stephanie Flynt McEben: That is amazing. I genuinely love that. Lachi: We talk about charity model and propping disabled folks up as tools of pity. We talk about medical model, which is really just waiting around for cure, making the cure the hero. We talk about social model, which is a really good place to live in the sense of things are impairing if they’re not accessible. Society is impairing if it’s not inclusive. But honestly, if I have all of the things, like if I have all my tools, if I have all that I need and if folks are inclusive, then I’m still blind, but I’m not impaired. But I like to go a little step further into what is the cultural model. And so the cultural model is it’s not just a discussion of what society should and shouldn’t do. It’s actually a celebration of what you gain as a person who identifies with their disability or their neurodivergence, the things they need to overcompensate because they’re navigating the world a little differently, leaning into that. So let’s say for instance, deaf culture, sign language, and the fact that folks can have complete discussions outside of what we’re talking about, there is so much deaf pride out in these streets, that is a celebration of culture that comes out of disability. And for me, let’s say for instance, I have ADHD and it powers my one million and counting ideas. I have diagnosed OCD, which helps me carry out all those one million and counting ideas. I have diagnosed general anxiety disorder, which gives me my empathy and my excitement. And then I am blind, which when I have the tools I need, it gives me drive. It keeps me determined, it keeps me focused, and it gives me my dope ass glam canes. There was a girl and her mom, and she came up to me after a show and she was like, “Oh my God, your music was great.” I was like, thank you. She’s like, “Mommy, can I get one of those canes?” And then her mom was like, “Ugh, well, you have to be blind.” And I’m like, “Yeah, girl, you better want to be me.” Stephanie Flynt McEben: Yeah. We drive sticks. Anyway, sorry. Lachi: Yes. You know what? I speak softly and I carry a big old stick. Thank you. Stephanie Flynt McEben: Yes. Amen to that. Exactly. As somebody who considers themself a lifelong disability advocate, I never really thought about it in the sense of going beyond the social into the cultural. So thank you so, so much. We all learn something new every single day on this podcast, but I’d love to know a little bit more about, obviously you were very, very, very good at talking through these experiences in such a way that they are very relatable and easy to understand and that thing. So I’d love to pick your brain about the intended audience of your book. Who did you write it for? Other blind folks? Did you write it for, was it written for multiple audiences? Lachi: Yeah, honestly, I wrote it for the person who is masking. I wrote it for anyone who is tired of… Listen, let me put it like this. Let’s face it, disability is boring, a lot of the time it’s sad and it’s compliancy. We have to go the extra mile to make it fun because the actual truth of it is that the only reason it’s boring, sad, and compliancy is because society has kept it that way through its collective internalized ableism. And so my book is actually a humor book. It’s a pop culture book. It’s a comedy book. In fact, when we were talking to the publisher, it’s like, we should be putting this up against other comedic books, not necessarily disability books because it’s a book. I got so many jokes. I have dad jokes, they’re corny jokes, I have rap bars. I rap in a lot of the book just because I was like, “Hey, this rhymes.” I’m going to say it like a rap. We’re doing the audiobook right now, so I actually get to wrap it, which is really fun. Stephanie Flynt McEben: Oh, that is so cool. Oh my gosh. Lachi: Which is really, really fun. But really, honestly, what the book is what everything I do is it is using joy, soul, pop culture, jokes, humor, fashion, and just a really good time to celebrate disability, as well as community. So what you’ll find in this book is my story through my story, through historical deep dives, through interviews with some really, really cool popular figures and a really big deep dose of disability joy. And so a lot of folks who have disabilities, they will read this book and they’ll be energized. It’ll be like, “This is really great. I’m glad that I finally get to read a book that talks about disability in a positive way.” For blind specific folks, they might relate to a few of my stories because I talk about the day I woke up blind, I talk about when I went skydiving blind, I talk about just some of my interesting blind moments. But then I also talk about how I would go to red carpets and not know how to talk to anybody. So I’m in this amazing room with all these celebrities I can’t see and I’m just sitting on the wall. So I talk about some of the hard times too as well. But at the end of the day, really what the book is is an invitation in for somebody who feels a little different, a little awkward, has to mask, and just needed that invite in to talk about disability in a fun, joyful, celebratory way, to recognize that yes, that thing in you that’s different, that thing in you that society has told you you should view as a weakness and hide, you should be proud of. And I say this to people all the time. I say it in the industry, I say it to all my friends, I say it to anyone who will listen. I say it to my local barista and they come back and they say things like, “Oh my God, I’m so glad you said it that way. It turns out I have a titanium hip and I’ve never told anybody about that.” And that’s the vibe. The vibe is someone who was like, “I really needed this to be said to me this way, and now I am able to step all the way into my disability identity.” Alden Blevins: I love, especially what you said about joy. I feel like for me as an autistic person, my experience in the arts is that it is really a space where people who maybe don’t belong in other spaces or don’t feel like they belong in other spaces or are made to feel like they don’t belong in other spaces. I think that a lot of them really do find a safe space in music, in the arts, in theater. And I just wanted to ask, why do you think the music space is such a special one for you and why do you think it’s a place where other people with disabilities seem to flock together as well? Lachi: I mean, you hit the nail on the head. Counterculture, I mean, music often rewards counterculture. And then it eventually becomes mainstream and then we got to rebel against that. So music is a place where your soul can speak. And I think a lot of the times with disabilities, especially autism for me, I’m ADHD, OCD, a different neurodivergence situation, but a lot of the issue is communication. We don’t know how to say exactly what we need or whoever we’re talking to just doesn’t know how to hear what we’re saying. And so I think that what music does is it allows a soul to speak to a soul. A lot of the times music does this thing where you’ll be listening to a song and you’ll just be like, “That, that right there. That’s what I it me. That’s the thing I’m feeling.” type deal. Music has the ability to do that. And so for me, right now, this children’s album that I’m working on, the kids’ album, which is an album that is essentially R&B, pop, electronic, sort of the genres that I dance in for kids centered on disability and neurodivergence. Because what I want to do is be able to say, “Hey, I want you to point at that and say, that’s me.” And I think the easiest and quickest way to point at something and say, “That’s me also.” has been music. And so it’s why it’s been my strongest medium. Again, it’s not my only medium. I’m talking to folks through the book, I’m talking to folks through fashion, et cetera, et cetera. But again, music has been just the quickest, easiest point A to point B conversation easer, if you will, about disability. Another thing I also love to use is humor and comedy. So I make jokes all the time. They’re all bad. They’re all very not good jokes. I need to probably get a joke writer, but the fact that I’m having such a good time telling the jokes, I think I think is all that really matters. So I think both music and humor are just really, really great spaces for two people to get to relate to something that may be difficult to talk about. Stephanie Flynt McEben: Yo, if you need a joke writer, I’m your girl. I actually do a joke every single episode of this podcast. Michelle Bishop: Her jokes are not better than yours, Lachi. Don’t hire her. Stephanie Flynt McEben: My jokes are pretty bad. They’re worse than dad’s jokes. They’re like granddad jokes. Alden Blevins: Yeah. Stephanie is the queen of the jokes on our podcast. She always brings one through. Didn’t know that you were working on a children’s music album, and I think that’s really interesting. I actually used to be a teacher, so children’s music is something that’s near and dear to my heart. So I just wanted to ask, what would you want to tell to younger people with disabilities, younger disabled creatives about claiming space and being able to tell their own stories? Lachi: Well, one thing that I heard from someone else, I don’t remember who it was. I think it was- Michelle Bishop: Jordan? Lachi: Yes, Jordan. He’s the one that said this. Michelle Bishop: I love him. Lachi: Yeah, he’s so funny. I met him at a… What did I meet him at? The Webby Awards or something. But anyway, no one can ever defeat someone who hasn’t given up. And for some reason that hit me, and I don’t even think he was trying to say it that deep. He was just saying a joke or something. But I took that and it was like, no one can ever defeat someone who hasn’t given up. So at the end of the day, you are really the only one who can end whatever you’re trying to get. Because as long as you are still going for it, it is still still there. It’s like a Schrodinger’s cat. It’s like as long as you’re still running for it, that opportunity is still there for you to have. The opportunity is never lost as long as you’re still going for it. And people can tell you, people can take your shoulders and tell you to go right. People can take your shoulders and tell you to go left. But until you take your own shoulders and go in the direction that your heart, your soul, your passion, your fire, desires, that is when you truly begin to live. And so I say personally, lean into that. I hear from a lot of younger, especially creators with disabilities. I mentor a lot of folks, tons and tons of folks. It’s one of the things I love to do the most. But what I love to tell folks is you are going to be the best you. And that you is going to include all of the different parts of who you are, but it is especially going to include you leaning in to the things that make you different and unique as unique selling points. Earlier I talked about how people try so hard to be the “definition of beauty”, definition of success, definition of whatever. Everyone’s trying to be this reference man. Everyone’s trying to be as close as they can to the reference man. And if I’m as close as I can to the reference man, then I’ll be successful or then I’ll get this job or then I’ll get this gig. But the truth of the matter is when we look at all of the people that are doing all of the big things, they’re “eccentric”. They’re “weird”. They did some big different idea that no one was thinking about and everybody fell into their trend. The further away you are from the reference man, that is when you start to win. That is when you’ll start to see success. That is when you’ll start to feel much better about yourself. That is when you can wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and say, “I am fine.” When you are able to accept all of those different freckles of yourself that are as far away from the reference man as possible, because guess what? There is room outside of the barrel for everyone to win if they are all being their unique self and running their unique purpose. That’s what I would tell to young disabled creators. Michelle Bishop: That’s amazing. Almost feel like we should stop there, but I have so many follow-up questions. Lachi: Listen, I’m here to drop as many mics as they will let me keep breaking. Michelle Bishop: I was wondering how you see the conversation around disability and inclusion and evolving these days. And a lot of our listeners are people with disabilities or people who have other even multiple intersecting identities in which they experience barriers as well. What does allyship look like to you? Lachi: This is one of my favorite questions. So yes, we have folks with disabilities and we have folks who want to work with people with disabilities, want to help a friend with a disability, want to make sure they don’t say the wrong thing to a person with a disability, neurodivergence, chronic condition, mental health condition. That’s not an ally. Wanting to help a person with a disability is not an ally. To me, wanting to support someone with a disability, that’s an ally in the very basic definition of allyship. Here’s what I think an ally is. To answer the question, I got to do two things. One, talk about the disability umbrella. So the disability umbrella encompasses so many forms of disability. It is neurodivergence, which is ADHD, dyslexia, OCD. It is mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar. It is someone who learns a little differently. It is someone who has explosive situations like anger management. It is someone who has substance abuse disorder, maybe somebody who drinks too much or uses different substances. It is chronic back pain. You know what I’m saying? It is asthma. It is EDS. It’s POTS. It is long COVID. It is different complications that you gain after pregnancy. It is different complications that you gain as you age. It is different complications you gain through menopause. It is temporary. It is breaking your arm and wearing a cast. It is seasonal depression. There is nobody on this earth that is not within the disability umbrella. And I don’t mean that you’re going to grow into it. I don’t mean in the future. I mean right now. Whether you identify as a person with a disability or not, you have disability identity because you have experience in your body disability. And when you figure that out, then you’re an ally. Allyship is seeing yourself through the other person because you can’t look through someone else’s eyes unless you can see yourself in them. And you can’t see yourself in disability until you recognize the disability identity within yourself. All of a sudden, and I say this and people are like, “What? I say this, but I’ve seen this. I’ve seen it happen. I’ve seen people who did not associate themselves with any form of disability or anything and they’re just like, Oh, them. Oh, I’ll help them. We have a conversation and then we have a follow-up conversation and then we’re drinking and then all of a sudden they’re telling me all their disabilities and then they’re walking a little different when they encounter disability. It’s no longer a them thing. And so that’s what an ally is. People with disabilities are also allies. I am an ally to the deaf community because I recognize though I’m not deaf, I see the having to navigate the world differently in you of myself. So that’s how I define an ally. An ally is someone who understands their own disability identity and can see it in others. Michelle Bishop: Don’t mind me over here just taking notes. Stephanie Flynt McEben: Literally. Oh my gosh. Lachi, thank you so, so, so much for being with us and taking time. I know that your website, lachimusic.com is one of the places where folks can stay up to date on all of the latest and greatest things that you’re up to. Is there anything else in particular you would like to plug for our listeners? Lachi: Like you said, LACHI, L-A-C-H-I M-U-S-I-C. I’m on the internets everywhere. Instagram, Spotify, check out the old music. If you’re a creator, a music creator or professional with a disability, check us out at RAMPD, R-A-M-P-D.org. Or if you want to donate or if you want to partner with us over at RAMPD, please do. If you are a cane user, whether you’re a blind cane user or you use Mobility Cane, check out glamcanes.com, get your canes bejeweled. I Identify as Blind, our book is out on Penguin Random House, imprint called Tiny Reparations by Phoebe Robinson, who is also a comedian. So we’re out here all writing very funny books. So please check it out. And lastly, listen, try to find moments in your day of disability joy. And when you find that moment, take a picture of it or write it down so that you can go back to it and live for those moments. So thank you guys so much for having me on this podcast. It’s really been a blast getting to talk at you about all things I identify as blind. Alden Blevins: I love it. I was over here taking notes too because I just found so much of myself in what you were saying and so many things were poignant and empowering. I, as an autistic person, try to be an ally to other parts of the disability community myself. And that’s something where I’m always trying to put myself in the shoes of another person and what they might experience. So I think that’s really powerful. We were so grateful to be able to connect and learn more about you, Lachi. Lachi: Yes, yes, yes. So honored to be here, guys. Michelle Bishop: Before you head out, Lachi, do you want to hear one of Stephanie’s grandpa jokes? Lachi: I was going to say, I was like, “Let’s hear one of these granddad jokes.” Let me see. Stephanie Flynt McEben: Okay. This might be- Michelle Bishop: Okay, do it. Stephanie Flynt McEben: … a granddad joke. Okay. Where do spiders like to get their information? Lachi: The web? Michelle Bishop: That would be something to do with web. Stephanie Flynt McEben: But what kind of web? Lachi: Wow. Really? You are fired from being my comedy writer. You are fired to be my comedy writer. I was rooting for you too. I was like, let’s just… Please. Stephanie Flynt McEben: I wouldn’t even get to the punchline yet. Michelle Bishop: Worldwide web? Stephanie Flynt McEben: It is the worldwide web. Michelle Bishop: Oh. Stephanie Flynt McEben: It’s fine. It’s fine. My wife warned me not to tell that joke this month and I didn’t lose it. Michelle Bishop: Oh my gosh. I’m so glad you stuck around for that part. Lachi: As I live and breathe. Thank you guys so, so much. This has been so much fun and I will see who else I can tell that joke to. And go ahead and just to help you out, Stephanie, I’ll go ahead and embarrass myself by telling that joke to others. Stephanie Flynt McEben: Not my best work, but that is allyship. Yes. Michelle Bishop: Oh my gosh, Lachi, thank you so much. And everyone, please lachimusic.com. Check it out. Listen to the music, read the book. Alden Blevins: Speaking of the worldwide web, this has been National Disability Radio. We celebrate stories, leadership, and talent of people with disabilities. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, share, and continue the conversation with us on that worldwide web at ndrn.org or anywhere you get your favorite podcasts. Thanks for listening and until next time. Stephanie Flynt McEben: Bye.

On this episode of National Disability Radio, we sit down with award-winning recording artist, advocate, and author Lachi for a powerful conversation about disability pride, music, and unmasking. Lachi shares her journey, from navigating the music industry as a blind artist, to founding RAMPD, a coalition amplifying disability culture across the industry. We talk about what it means to say “I identify as blind,” move beyond the medical and social models of disability into a cultural model rooted in identity and joy, and remind listeners that no one can defeat someone who hasn't given up. From glam canes to Grammy stages, this episode is about claiming space, rejecting internalized ableism, and turning perceived flaws into flexes. Transcript: Alden Blevins: It’s Lachi? I feel very- Lachi: Lachi like Versace. Alden Blevins: Lachi like… Oh, I love that. Michelle Bishop: That is the best way to explain it. Lachi: I mean, but you know what I’m saying? Come on. Alden Blevins: Well, we’re really excited about having you today because we’re all music lovers in this group here. Michelle Bishop: Yes. Alden Blevins: We talk about music all the time. Michelle Bishop: So much. Lachi: Good, good, good, good, good, good, good. I’m in the right place. Michelle Bishop: Hi everyone. Welcome back to National Disability Radio, the official podcast of the National Disability Rights Network. I am Michelle Bishop, 1/3 of your podcast hosting team. Stephanie Flynt McEben: And I’m Stephanie Flynt McEben, public policy analyst here at NDRN. Alden Blevins: I am Alden. I am a communication specialist at NDRN and I am so excited today, like I mentioned, we’re all lovers of music, so we got a guest that I’m really excited about. Lachi is an award-winning recording artist and a recording Academy Grammy’s national trustee. She’s also a disability advocate who’s been breaking barriers in the music industry and beyond. She’s the founder of RAMPD, which by the way, is such a fun play name. I really love that. And the author of the upcoming book, I Identify as Blind. So without further ado, Michelle, you’ve got some questions to kick us off, I think. Michelle Bishop: Yes. We’re so excited to have you with us. As Alden said, we are. We’re huge music lovers. I’m pretty sure we spend most of our meetings where we allegedly plan this podcast just talking about music. So you’re absolutely in the right place today, but to get us started, I mean, you’ve been open about the fact, and I’m just really interested in this as a disability rights podcast. You’ve been really open about the fact that it took you some time to really embrace your identity as a blind and disabled woman, especially in the industry that you’re in that often really rewards conformity. Can you tell us a little bit more about that journey for you, both as an artist and as someone navigating just the world with a disability? Lachi: Okay. Yeah, for sure. Hey, everybody. Lachi here, Lachi like Versace. I am a Black woman with cornrows, chilling here in New York in my studio. I also identify as blind, I identify as neurodivergent, and I identify as an Aries. So do with that what you will. Michelle Bishop: All the important points right there. Lachi: All the important points like name, age, sign. Thank you. Okay. Yeah, but I’m really glad to be here. And thank you for that question, and thank you for having me. So music has always been a very integral part of my life of growing up. Where other babies would kick in the womb, when she was pregnant with me, I was playing the piano in the womb. I don’t know how she got a piano in there, but she’s not a liar, so I’m going to take her word for it. When I was super-duper young, I didn’t really have a lot of friends, especially because of the fact that I had differences and this and that. And so I would take to music to, I guess, understand the world better and have the world understand me better. I just knew how to express myself through song and it just said the things I needed to say. It was the prayer I needed. And because of music, I started to find confidence in how to speak and how to behave and how to act. And as I got older, when I was growing up, disability was not necessarily a thing people talked about a lot in schools and teachers didn’t know what to do. My parents didn’t really know what to do. And so I would always just turn to music. It’s actually right now I’m working on a children’s album because I think that kids need to hear music that has to do with disability and neurodivergence, as well as their parents as they grow up. When I got into college, I started wanting to do music, but I studied business and finance because when I told my parents I wanted to do music, they were like, “That’s not how you spell doctor.” because they are Nigerian immigrants and everybody else in my family went to either med school and blah, blah, blah. And I was like, “No, I want to do music.” But I did get a day job after school, after college, and didn’t love it because this girl is not going to exist behind a desk. So I ended up going to South by Southwest and I got signed actually from playing the guitar at a hole in the wall spot that nobody was at, except for this A&R apparently. So we got signed to an imprint under EMI, which was a major label back then, and we started touring and music then became my life. Now today, why wouldn’t I pay my respects back to music? I mean, it’s because of music that I was able to really lean into who I am, my disability, my confidence, et cetera. So because of that, because of how much music has given to me in my life, I’m here using music to give back to other people with disabilities. Now, your question was essentially, how do you sit here and try to bring about change for disability in an industry that is not only about conformity, but also about like, “Hey, pick me to exploit.” is essentially what the music industry is. You’re raising your hand to be exploited and that’s what kind of authenticity is that? But at the end of the day, music is some of the truest forms of storytelling. And I think to myself, just the way that hip hop has amplified Black culture and the way that country music has amplified rural culture and the way that different global musics have represented different global cultures. I want to use music to amplify disability culture. I want to use music to amplify disability stories and feelings that are difficult to put words to, that are words of the soul, which is essentially what music is. And so I started going to studios and realizing things weren’t as accessible as they should be. I started speaking with organizations and realizing things weren’t as inclusive as they should be. And the response I kept getting was like, “Oh, well, there’s nobody with a disability in the music industry, so why would we make these measures?” And so I have made it my life’s goal through RAMPD, which by the way, the best thing we ever accomplished was our acronym, not us working with the Grammys to get sign language on the red carpet, not us getting these partnerships with title, Live Nation, Spotify. I mean, we’ve done so much, not just for artists, but also for professionals. And we’ve started to realize something really interesting with the work we’ve done with RAMPD. We are getting people joining our membership who are director level folks, who are label owners, who are like the big wigs that write the checks, and they’re like, “I’m neurodivergent. I’m actually hard of hearing. I have a TBI.” And so when I originally set out, they said, “We don’t do disability inclusion because nobody’s disabled.” That was three years ago. Now I’m like, not only are there neurodivergent and disabled music professionals out here, but we all are. So really to conclude, it’s just that everyone is navigating trying to make it out in this world, but everyone’s masking. Everyone feels that they have to change some part of themselves to be as close as they can to what success looks like, be as close as they can to what “beauty” looks like, what winning looks like. But really all it is internalized ableism. And I say, as soon as we drop that internalized ableism and we really start to sit in who we truly are and we start to recognize our perceived flaws as flexes, that’s when we truly start to win. And so that’s what we’re finding out with RAMPD, that people are like, “You know what? I’m tired of navigating this difficult industry with the added layer of having to mask.” And so that’s why I do what I do. Michelle Bishop: Yes. And honestly, as ridiculous as it sounds that they say to you, “Oh, there aren’t any people with disabilities.” When I tell you, we see that in everything that we do. I do voting work at NDRN and we’ll have elections officials tell us, “This polling place isn’t accessible, but there aren’t any people with disabilities that vote here.” And it’s like, “What? You realize we’re everywhere and we do all sorts of things.” Maybe the reason they think there’s no people with disabilities here is because they’re stuck outside and they can’t get in because you didn’t make it accessible, just a thought. But I mean, it sounds like coming up against all that is really, correct me if I’m wrong, helped you to develop that identity and that disability pride in the industry. When did you first say, “I identify as blind.” and what did that mean for you? Lachi: Well, so when I first came into really doing the disability thing, really leaning in, I wanted to find out more influencers or thought leaders and such with disabilities. I didn’t really know that many people. This is pre COVID, 2018, 2019, that kind of thing. And so I came across an influencer, her name is Molly Burke, and we’re great friends now, but I didn’t know her back then. I had just seen her tagline and it had said, “I’m Molly Burke and I’m a YouTuber who happens to be blind.” And for some reason I was like, “I don’t know if I love the happens to be blind thing.” I was like, “Well, I’m proud of being blind. Blindness is part of my identity. I don’t just happen to be a woman. I don’t just happen to be a Nigerian. I don’t just happen to be all of the things I am.” And so I would go to… I was touring… We’re always touring and every time I tour and do a show, I do a comedic open where I just introduce myself, I do a quick self-description, et cetera. And in my self-description, I would say, and I don’t just happen to be blind. My blindness is part of my identity, has given me all of the opportunities I have, and it’s really made me a deeper blah, blah, blah. It was just too long. So I had punched it up to be, “My name is Lachi like Versace. She, her, I’m a Black woman with cornrows and I identify as blind.” And the interesting thing about that is people took onto it. They were like, “Oh, that’s cool, nice and punchy.” But whenever I would say it in front of a large crowd or like I’ve said it on interviews or during commercials, I would get this weird, I don’t know, pushback of like, you can’t identify as blind. Blindness is an identity. It’s a medical condition. Or they’ll be like, “Do you read braille or not?” Or they’ll be like, “We don’t want people to think trans blindness is a thing where you just have a blind identity.” And then you can be like, “Well, I’m blind today, so that’s my identity.” And I thought that was really fun. I was like, “Look, everybody’s upset. They’re talking about blindness though.” So I really leaned all the way into it. And I have to say, I am super proud of my disability identity. Was it music that brought me there? I think in a sense and in a way, like today I have a few songs, you guys are music lovers, I have a few songs out that really talk about my disability pride. I think that a lot of the times as we navigate the world, masking our disability, masking our chronic condition, our difference or whatever, we end up overcompensating. We end up building up this really, really thick problem solving muscle or this really, really thick how to get around things muscle and we overcompensate. When we’re finally accommodated, when we finally get to a place where we’re accommodated or we have the tools we need, we’re coming in like bulk as hell. We’re coming in with problem solving muscles. We’re coming in with all of these things that we had to build up because of navigating the world differently, because of every day working through this very difficult maze that is living a life unaccommodated, then when we finally are accommodated, then we are killing it and crushing it. And how could you not be proud of that? How can that not give you a sense of pride? So the songs that I would love for you guys to check out that are mine is I have a song called Life on Hard, which has gone viral several times on Instagram. I’m known as an Instagram rapper, which is like, what? Hello, I do disability advocacy. Look at that stuff. But anyway, so I have a song called Life on Hard, which is essentially about just winning the game of life, playing it on the hardest setting out here while people are still trying to consult the manual. I have another song called Professional, which is oftentimes when I walk on the stage, people see the cane and they’re like, “Aw, she’s going to do a song for us. Is this from Make a Wish Foundation?” And then I bust out these raps or I hop on the piano and I go ape on this piano and then they’re like, “Oh, snap. What? Okay.” And I’m like, “Bro, I’m a professional artist. I’m not object for pity to make you feel good because you felt weird on a Monday and you didn’t feel like getting up for work, but it’s like, she could do it. So can I.” I’m like, “No, I can do it. You most likely probably just can’t.” So that’s what that song’s about. And then there’s The Bag, and The Bag is just essentially like, I’ve been told no so much like, “No, you can’t. No, you’re not good enough. No, we don’t want you.” And I’m like, “You know what? Yes, I am good enough and I deserve everything. So I’m going to throw everything I deserve in the bag, which is everything.” I don’t know. I would not be the person I am if I didn’t love all parts of myself. And that includes my disabilities, that includes my neurodivergences and all of the other wacky, weird body jazz that I bring with me everywhere I go. Michelle Bishop: Lachi, can we maybe, do you and I just FaceTime each other every morning and hype each other up? Stephanie Flynt McEben: I was literally about to say the same thing. I would like in on a true call. Michelle Bishop: I don’t know if you know. Actually, I want to say quickly, I know some of those songs actually from social media, but they’re real. They’re so real. So people haven’t heard music, go check it out. I don’t know if you know one of our co-hosts, Stephanie is blind. You’re speaking directly to her soul right now. Stephanie Flynt McEben: I literally just texted them in our podcast group text and I was like, she’s totally speaking to my soul RN, but of course I don’t want to interrupt anything. Michelle Bishop: No, I know you’re dying to talk to her about the book, Stephanie, and take it away. Stephanie Flynt McEben: Yeah, no, absolutely, for sure. And as somebody who is blind and who also identifies as a blind person and definitely does not identify with the medical model of disability, clearly gotten to more of a social model. But yeah, in terms of going through that journey of accepting all of who you are and everything about yourself, for me, I mean, it took a minute, especially when you’re talking about your experiences as a child and I totally feel that. I was that girl playing the harmonica on the jungle gym by herself. Anyway, this is about you. This is not about me, but I’m just saying that I totally relate to you on a spiritual level. And given that, I would love to know, were there any particular moments when it came to writing the book that were particularly hard or healing? Because I mean, I think that we all know that it’s not always a linear journey. Some days are going to be harder than others. And so would love to get your perspective on that. And I think that our listeners would be interested. Lachi: Yeah, absolutely. The journey for me has been one of constantly unwrapping this amazing gift. I always try to use that as the visual, if you will, of you have this big present and you get to unwrap it and then you just keep getting something cooler inside and then you get to unwrap that and you get something cooler inside and you just keep unwrapping this beautiful gift that is yourself. But you don’t realize that when you first get the box, the amazing stuff that’s going on inside, and it takes time to get to it. So a lot of times growing up, I would kick myself in the butt of, I wish I had come to this when I was so much younger. I wish there were people out there when I was younger, role models that I could look up to when I was eight years old and pointing on the TV and saying like, “Okay, well, I mean, I understand that Ray Charles existed, but that’s not going to…” Stephanie Flynt McEben: Stevie Wonder is here, Ray Charles is here, but we need more of us. Hello. Lachi: We need more of us. Hello. Exactly. And so this time and place where I am right now is where I needed to be for this to work. So I can’t really kick myself in the butt of like, “I wish I had this. I wish I knew this so much earlier. I would’ve been so much further.” That kind of thing. You have to be where you got to be where you need to be. Even right now, this conversation we’re having right now is going to have been necessary for the next thing that is happening in our lives. And just the other day, I was hanging out with Queen Herby, who’s been one of my favorite more modern rappers. I just did a thing with Apl.de.ap. I have done some stuff with Black Caviar. Folks that I’ve looked up to, I’m having the opportunity to Snoop Dogg. I’m having the opportunity to work with these days because of the fact that I am here at the right time now. So when I was writing my book, we were peeling back all the layers. I’m a generally very positive and energetic, social butterfly type of person today. But it’s interesting, I wasn’t always this person and I had to unpack all the layers to get there. One of the biggest things that happens to me, so I’ve always been low vision. So I was born with relatively low vision and it stayed the same throughout my teens and early 20s. But one day I woke up and my sight was just gone. Boom. So the interesting thing is anybody listening would be like, “Oh my God, if I woke up and my sight was gone, I would just die or I would not know what to do. My life would be over.” Stephanie Flynt McEben: Yep. Heard that a million times. Yes. Lachi: But for me, it was weird because I was already low vision, so I was going from level one to the underwater level or whatever. So it wasn’t like that life changing of a thing. I was already using screen readers or Zoom text. I was already doing stuff of that nature. So I wake up blind and I’m just like, “Okay, I guess this is it. This is the day that they told me was coming.” What had ended up happening was my corneas had erupted. And so I went to the doctor and he was like, “You’re going to become completely blind. You’re going to go from this much worse vision than you’ve had to complete blindness over the course of time.” So here you go, here’s a coupon. Bye.” or whatever. So I’m like, all right. So I had decided at that moment that I wanted to start a bucket list. So I was like, okay, what are all the things I’ve always wanted to do before completely going completely blind? So I was like, let me go skydiving, let me go spolunking, let me go meet with people, meet with celebrities and just do all of the things I’ve always wanted to do before I lose my vision. So I went out and I did it. This is still me doing it. This is still me doing it. And so I say that because to people who say if I ever went blind, I would just die. Well, when I went blind, it made me want to live. And that’s what opened me up into being this person that I am today. Stephanie Flynt McEben: That is amazing. I genuinely love that. Lachi: We talk about charity model and propping disabled folks up as tools of pity. We talk about medical model, which is really just waiting around for cure, making the cure the hero. We talk about social model, which is a really good place to live in the sense of things are impairing if they’re not accessible. Society is impairing if it’s not inclusive. But honestly, if I have all of the things, like if I have all my tools, if I have all that I need and if folks are inclusive, then I’m still blind, but I’m not impaired. But I like to go a little step further into what is the cultural model. And so the cultural model is it’s not just a discussion of what society should and shouldn’t do. It’s actually a celebration of what you gain as a person who identifies with their disability or their neurodivergence, the things they need to overcompensate because they’re navigating the world a little differently, leaning into that. So let’s say for instance, deaf culture, sign language, and the fact that folks can have complete discussions outside of what we’re talking about, there is so much deaf pride out in these streets, that is a celebration of culture that comes out of disability. And for me, let’s say for instance, I have ADHD and it powers my one million and counting ideas. I have diagnosed OCD, which helps me carry out all those one million and counting ideas. I have diagnosed general anxiety disorder, which gives me my empathy and my excitement. And then I am blind, which when I have the tools I need, it gives me drive. It keeps me determined, it keeps me focused, and it gives me my dope ass glam canes. There was a girl and her mom, and she came up to me after a show and she was like, “Oh my God, your music was great.” I was like, thank you. She’s like, “Mommy, can I get one of those canes?” And then her mom was like, “Ugh, well, you have to be blind.” And I’m like, “Yeah, girl, you better want to be me.” Stephanie Flynt McEben: Yeah. We drive sticks. Anyway, sorry. Lachi: Yes. You know what? I speak softly and I carry a big old stick. Thank you. Stephanie Flynt McEben: Yes. Amen to that. Exactly. As somebody who considers themself a lifelong disability advocate, I never really thought about it in the sense of going beyond the social into the cultural. So thank you so, so much. We all learn something new every single day on this podcast, but I’d love to know a little bit more about, obviously you were very, very, very good at talking through these experiences in such a way that they are very relatable and easy to understand and that thing. So I’d love to pick your brain about the intended audience of your book. Who did you write it for? Other blind folks? Did you write it for, was it written for multiple audiences? Lachi: Yeah, honestly, I wrote it for the person who is masking. I wrote it for anyone who is tired of… Listen, let me put it like this. Let’s face it, disability is boring, a lot of the time it’s sad and it’s compliancy. We have to go the extra mile to make it fun because the actual truth of it is that the only reason it’s boring, sad, and compliancy is because society has kept it that way through its collective internalized ableism. And so my book is actually a humor book. It’s a pop culture book. It’s a comedy book. In fact, when we were talking to the publisher, it’s like, we should be putting this up against other comedic books, not necessarily disability books because it’s a book. I got so many jokes. I have dad jokes, they’re corny jokes, I have rap bars. I rap in a lot of the book just because I was like, “Hey, this rhymes.” I’m going to say it like a rap. We’re doing the audiobook right now, so I actually get to wrap it, which is really fun. Stephanie Flynt McEben: Oh, that is so cool. Oh my gosh. Lachi: Which is really, really fun. But really, honestly, what the book is what everything I do is it is using joy, soul, pop culture, jokes, humor, fashion, and just a really good time to celebrate disability, as well as community. So what you’ll find in this book is my story through my story, through historical deep dives, through interviews with some really, really cool popular figures and a really big deep dose of disability joy. And so a lot of folks who have disabilities, they will read this book and they’ll be energized. It’ll be like, “This is really great. I’m glad that I finally get to read a book that talks about disability in a positive way.” For blind specific folks, they might relate to a few of my stories because I talk about the day I woke up blind, I talk about when I went skydiving blind, I talk about just some of my interesting blind moments. But then I also talk about how I would go to red carpets and not know how to talk to anybody. So I’m in this amazing room with all these celebrities I can’t see and I’m just sitting on the wall. So I talk about some of the hard times too as well. But at the end of the day, really what the book is is an invitation in for somebody who feels a little different, a little awkward, has to mask, and just needed that invite in to talk about disability in a fun, joyful, celebratory way, to recognize that yes, that thing in you that’s different, that thing in you that society has told you you should view as a weakness and hide, you should be proud of. And I say this to people all the time. I say it in the industry, I say it to all my friends, I say it to anyone who will listen. I say it to my local barista and they come back and they say things like, “Oh my God, I’m so glad you said it that way. It turns out I have a titanium hip and I’ve never told anybody about that.” And that’s the vibe. The vibe is someone who was like, “I really needed this to be said to me this way, and now I am able to step all the way into my disability identity.” Alden Blevins: I love, especially what you said about joy. I feel like for me as an autistic person, my experience in the arts is that it is really a space where people who maybe don’t belong in other spaces or don’t feel like they belong in other spaces or are made to feel like they don’t belong in other spaces. I think that a lot of them really do find a safe space in music, in the arts, in theater. And I just wanted to ask, why do you think the music space is such a special one for you and why do you think it’s a place where other people with disabilities seem to flock together as well? Lachi: I mean, you hit the nail on the head. Counterculture, I mean, music often rewards counterculture. And then it eventually becomes mainstream and then we got to rebel against that. So music is a place where your soul can speak. And I think a lot of the times with disabilities, especially autism for me, I’m ADHD, OCD, a different neurodivergence situation, but a lot of the issue is communication. We don’t know how to say exactly what we need or whoever we’re talking to just doesn’t know how to hear what we’re saying. And so I think that what music does is it allows a soul to speak to a soul. A lot of the times music does this thing where you’ll be listening to a song and you’ll just be like, “That, that right there. That’s what I it me. That’s the thing I’m feeling.” type deal. Music has the ability to do that. And so for me, right now, this children’s album that I’m working on, the kids’ album, which is an album that is essentially R&B, pop, electronic, sort of the genres that I dance in for kids centered on disability and neurodivergence. Because what I want to do is be able to say, “Hey, I want you to point at that and say, that’s me.” And I think the easiest and quickest way to point at something and say, “That’s me also.” has been music. And so it’s why it’s been my strongest medium. Again, it’s not my only medium. I’m talking to folks through the book, I’m talking to folks through fashion, et cetera, et cetera. But again, music has been just the quickest, easiest point A to point B conversation easer, if you will, about disability. Another thing I also love to use is humor and comedy. So I make jokes all the time. They’re all bad. They’re all very not good jokes. I need to probably get a joke writer, but the fact that I’m having such a good time telling the jokes, I think I think is all that really matters. So I think both music and humor are just really, really great spaces for two people to get to relate to something that may be difficult to talk about. Stephanie Flynt McEben: Yo, if you need a joke writer, I’m your girl. I actually do a joke every single episode of this podcast. Michelle Bishop: Her jokes are not better than yours, Lachi. Don’t hire her. Stephanie Flynt McEben: My jokes are pretty bad. They’re worse than dad’s jokes. They’re like granddad jokes. Alden Blevins: Yeah. Stephanie is the queen of the jokes on our podcast. She always brings one through. Didn’t know that you were working on a children’s music album, and I think that’s really interesting. I actually used to be a teacher, so children’s music is something that’s near and dear to my heart. So I just wanted to ask, what would you want to tell to younger people with disabilities, younger disabled creatives about claiming space and being able to tell their own stories? Lachi: Well, one thing that I heard from someone else, I don’t remember who it was. I think it was- Michelle Bishop: Jordan? Lachi: Yes, Jordan. He’s the one that said this. Michelle Bishop: I love him. Lachi: Yeah, he’s so funny. I met him at a… What did I meet him at? The Webby Awards or something. But anyway, no one can ever defeat someone who hasn’t given up. And for some reason that hit me, and I don’t even think he was trying to say it that deep. He was just saying a joke or something. But I took that and it was like, no one can ever defeat someone who hasn’t given up. So at the end of the day, you are really the only one who can end whatever you’re trying to get. Because as long as you are still going for it, it is still still there. It’s like a Schrodinger’s cat. It’s like as long as you’re still running for it, that opportunity is still there for you to have. The opportunity is never lost as long as you’re still going for it. And people can tell you, people can take your shoulders and tell you to go right. People can take your shoulders and tell you to go left. But until you take your own shoulders and go in the direction that your heart, your soul, your passion, your fire, desires, that is when you truly begin to live. And so I say personally, lean into that. I hear from a lot of younger, especially creators with disabilities. I mentor a lot of folks, tons and tons of folks. It’s one of the things I love to do the most. But what I love to tell folks is you are going to be the best you. And that you is going to include all of the different parts of who you are, but it is especially going to include you leaning in to the things that make you different and unique as unique selling points. Earlier I talked about how people try so hard to be the “definition of beauty”, definition of success, definition of whatever. Everyone’s trying to be this reference man. Everyone’s trying to be as close as they can to the reference man. And if I’m as close as I can to the reference man, then I’ll be successful or then I’ll get this job or then I’ll get this gig. But the truth of the matter is when we look at all of the people that are doing all of the big things, they’re “eccentric”. They’re “weird”. They did some big different idea that no one was thinking about and everybody fell into their trend. The further away you are from the reference man, that is when you start to win. That is when you’ll start to see success. That is when you’ll start to feel much better about yourself. That is when you can wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and say, “I am fine.” When you are able to accept all of those different freckles of yourself that are as far away from the reference man as possible, because guess what? There is room outside of the barrel for everyone to win if they are all being their unique self and running their unique purpose. That’s what I would tell to young disabled creators. Michelle Bishop: That’s amazing. Almost feel like we should stop there, but I have so many follow-up questions. Lachi: Listen, I’m here to drop as many mics as they will let me keep breaking. Michelle Bishop: I was wondering how you see the conversation around disability and inclusion and evolving these days. And a lot of our listeners are people with disabilities or people who have other even multiple intersecting identities in which they experience barriers as well. What does allyship look like to you? Lachi: This is one of my favorite questions. So yes, we have folks with disabilities and we have folks who want to work with people with disabilities, want to help a friend with a disability, want to make sure they don’t say the wrong thing to a person with a disability, neurodivergence, chronic condition, mental health condition. That’s not an ally. Wanting to help a person with a disability is not an ally. To me, wanting to support someone with a disability, that’s an ally in the very basic definition of allyship. Here’s what I think an ally is. To answer the question, I got to do two things. One, talk about the disability umbrella. So the disability umbrella encompasses so many forms of disability. It is neurodivergence, which is ADHD, dyslexia, OCD. It is mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar. It is someone who learns a little differently. It is someone who has explosive situations like anger management. It is someone who has substance abuse disorder, maybe somebody who drinks too much or uses different substances. It is chronic back pain. You know what I’m saying? It is asthma. It is EDS. It’s POTS. It is long COVID. It is different complications that you gain after pregnancy. It is different complications that you gain as you age. It is different complications you gain through menopause. It is temporary. It is breaking your arm and wearing a cast. It is seasonal depression. There is nobody on this earth that is not within the disability umbrella. And I don’t mean that you’re going to grow into it. I don’t mean in the future. I mean right now. Whether you identify as a person with a disability or not, you have disability identity because you have experience in your body disability. And when you figure that out, then you’re an ally. Allyship is seeing yourself through the other person because you can’t look through someone else’s eyes unless you can see yourself in them. And you can’t see yourself in disability until you recognize the disability identity within yourself. All of a sudden, and I say this and people are like, “What? I say this, but I’ve seen this. I’ve seen it happen. I’ve seen people who did not associate themselves with any form of disability or anything and they’re just like, Oh, them. Oh, I’ll help them. We have a conversation and then we have a follow-up conversation and then we’re drinking and then all of a sudden they’re telling me all their disabilities and then they’re walking a little different when they encounter disability. It’s no longer a them thing. And so that’s what an ally is. People with disabilities are also allies. I am an ally to the deaf community because I recognize though I’m not deaf, I see the having to navigate the world differently in you of myself. So that’s how I define an ally. An ally is someone who understands their own disability identity and can see it in others. Michelle Bishop: Don’t mind me over here just taking notes. Stephanie Flynt McEben: Literally. Oh my gosh. Lachi, thank you so, so, so much for being with us and taking time. I know that your website, lachimusic.com is one of the places where folks can stay up to date on all of the latest and greatest things that you’re up to. Is there anything else in particular you would like to plug for our listeners? Lachi: Like you said, LACHI, L-A-C-H-I M-U-S-I-C. I’m on the internets everywhere. Instagram, Spotify, check out the old music. If you’re a creator, a music creator or professional with a disability, check us out at RAMPD, R-A-M-P-D.org. Or if you want to donate or if you want to partner with us over at RAMPD, please do. If you are a cane user, whether you’re a blind cane user or you use Mobility Cane, check out glamcanes.com, get your canes bejeweled. I Identify as Blind, our book is out on Penguin Random House, imprint called Tiny Reparations by Phoebe Robinson, who is also a comedian. So we’re out here all writing very funny books. So please check it out. And lastly, listen, try to find moments in your day of disability joy. And when you find that moment, take a picture of it or write it down so that you can go back to it and live for those moments. So thank you guys so much for having me on this podcast. It’s really been a blast getting to talk at you about all things I identify as blind. Alden Blevins: I love it. I was over here taking notes too because I just found so much of myself in what you were saying and so many things were poignant and empowering. I, as an autistic person, try to be an ally to other parts of the disability community myself. And that’s something where I’m always trying to put myself in the shoes of another person and what they might experience. So I think that’s really powerful. We were so grateful to be able to connect and learn more about you, Lachi. Lachi: Yes, yes, yes. So honored to be here, guys. Michelle Bishop: Before you head out, Lachi, do you want to hear one of Stephanie’s grandpa jokes? Lachi: I was going to say, I was like, “Let’s hear one of these granddad jokes.” Let me see. Stephanie Flynt McEben: Okay. This might be- Michelle Bishop: Okay, do it. Stephanie Flynt McEben: … a granddad joke. Okay. Where do spiders like to get their information? Lachi: The web? Michelle Bishop: That would be something to do with web. Stephanie Flynt McEben: But what kind of web? Lachi: Wow. Really? You are fired from being my comedy writer. You are fired to be my comedy writer. I was rooting for you too. I was like, let’s just… Please. Stephanie Flynt McEben: I wouldn’t even get to the punchline yet. Michelle Bishop: Worldwide web? Stephanie Flynt McEben: It is the worldwide web. Michelle Bishop: Oh. Stephanie Flynt McEben: It’s fine. It’s fine. My wife warned me not to tell that joke this month and I didn’t lose it. Michelle Bishop: Oh my gosh. I’m so glad you stuck around for that part. Lachi: As I live and breathe. Thank you guys so, so much. This has been so much fun and I will see who else I can tell that joke to. And go ahead and just to help you out, Stephanie, I’ll go ahead and embarrass myself by telling that joke to others. Stephanie Flynt McEben: Not my best work, but that is allyship. Yes. Michelle Bishop: Oh my gosh, Lachi, thank you so much. And everyone, please lachimusic.com. Check it out. Listen to the music, read the book. Alden Blevins: Speaking of the worldwide web, this has been National Disability Radio. We celebrate stories, leadership, and talent of people with disabilities. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, share, and continue the conversation with us on that worldwide web at ndrn.org or anywhere you get your favorite podcasts. Thanks for listening and until next time. Stephanie Flynt McEben: Bye.

Cat and Pat are excited to welcome a very special guest this week, musician, author, and disability culture advocate Lachi! Our trio gets into the ever-shifting dynamics of neurodivergent masking, Lachi's journey into music and her latest book, I Identify as Blind: A Brazen Celebration of Disability Culture, Identity, and Power, and the sweet nectar that is mini M&Ms from a hotel mini bar.Watch the full episode on our YouTube and follow below!Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seektreatmentpodShow Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@seektreatmentpodCat: https://www.instagram.com/catccohenPat: https://www.instagram.com/patreegsSeek Treatment is a production of Headgum Studios. Our producer is Allie Kahan. The show is engineered and edited by Richelle Chen. The show art was created by Carly Jean Andrews.Like the show? Rate Seek Treatment on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review.Advertise on Seek Treatment via Gumball.fmSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Leftovers, never-before-heard audio from Lachi, award-winning recording artist, CEO of RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities), host of the PBS series Renegades, and author of the new book, I Identify as Blind. In a spirited lightening round, Lachi speaks to her true passion: melting cheese on anything and everything; we debate pulp vs no pulp in orange juice; ketchup vs no ketchup on hot dogs; she shares her favorite food city in America; and what it's like navigating a buffet as a blind person.  Listen to the full episode of Your Last Meal with Lachi here.  Become a Cascade PBS member and support public media!       Watch Rachel's Cascade PBS TV showThe Nosh with Rachel Belle.     Sign up for Rachel's (free!) biweekly Cascade PBS newsletter for more food musings.     Follow along on Instagram.     Order Rachel's cookbook Open Sesame. 

Lachi is an award-winning recording artist, CEO of RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities), host of the PBS series Renegades, disability advocate and author of the new book, I Identify as Blind: A Brazen Celebration of Disability Culture, Identity and Power. She's also a joyful, gregarious ray of sunshine! Like the name of her book implies, Lachi is legally blind. She tells host Rachel Belle how learning to cook was a big part of learning to be independent and how finally being out and proud of her blindness has made life so much easier and more successful. And she shares why eggs play a starring role in her relationship with her longtime partner, Arthur.  Then we meet the creator of The Blind Cafe, a pop-up dinner that travels the world, giving diners the experience of eating in pitch darkness.   Become a Cascade PBS member and support public media!     Watch Rachel's Cascade PBS TV show The Nosh with Rachel Belle.   Sign up for Rachel's (free!) biweekly Cascade PBS newsletter for more food musings.   Follow along on Instagram.   Order Rachel's cookbook Open Sesame.  

In this episode, meet Grammy-nominated recording artist Lachi, journalist Jennifer Breheny Wallace, and librarian and host of Reading Rainbow Mychal Threets. Hear how weaving in her original music made Lachi's audiobook come to life, how Jennifer Breheny Wallace prepared for her time in the studio, and learn Mychal Threet's favorite thing about his local library. I Identify as Blind by Lachi: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/761599/i-identify-as-blind-by-lachi-with-tim-vandehey/audio Mattering by Jennifer Breheny Wallace: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/756179/mattering-by-jennifer-breheny-wallace/audio I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy by Mychal Threets: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/776025/im-so-happy-youre-here-a-celebration-of-library-joy-by-mychal-threets-illustrated-by-lorraine-nam/audio

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZRm8tiM1JqE In the 100th episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Jodi and Keith celebrate the milestone by interviewing recording artist, songwriter, and advocate Lachi. They discuss her journey from performing on stage to leading the advocacy group RAMPD, her experiences in the music industry, and her efforts to make the industry more accessible. Lachi shares insights from her upcoming book, 'I Identify as Blind,' which aims to integrate disability into pop culture through humor and storytelling. The episode also features a discussion on the film 'Sound of Metal,' exploring themes of identity, disability, and community. Pre-order "I Identify as Blind": https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/761599/i-identify-as-blind-by-lachi-with-tim-vandehey/

Lachi thinks the way we talk about disability is boring, so she's here to make it glam, loud, and impossible to ignore. This week, the boys are joined by recording artist, Grammy Trustee, and CEO of RAMPD, Lachi. She breaks down why she went from throwing her white cane into traffic as a kid to turning it into a high-fashion statement today. We dive deep into the concept of "Maladaptive Daydreaming" (and Jer's sudden realization that he definitely has it), the crucial difference between the "Charity Model" and the "Social Model" of disability, and why Lachi's new book title, I Identify as Blind, is pissing off the internet in the best way possible.Check out RAMPD: rampd.orgFind Lachi: lachimusic.com | @lachimusicFollow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

Lachi thinks the way we talk about disability is boring, so she's here to make it glam, loud, and impossible to ignore. This week, the boys are joined by recording artist, Grammy Trustee, and CEO of RAMPD, Lachi. She breaks down why she went from throwing her white cane into traffic as a kid to turning it into a high-fashion statement today. We dive deep into the concept of "Maladaptive Daydreaming" (and Jer's sudden realization that he definitely has it), the crucial difference between the "Charity Model" and the "Social Model" of disability, and why Lachi's new book title, I Identify as Blind, is pissing off the internet in the best way possible.Check out RAMPD: rampd.orgFind Lachi: lachimusic.com | @lachimusicFollow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

In this episode of The Yegi Project, Tim Vandehey, a seasoned ghostwriter and author, shares insights into the world of ghostwriting, the publishing process, and the challenges and rewards of freelancing. He discusses the differences between traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing, emphasizing the importance of quality and the author's platform. Tim also teases his upcoming book release, 'I Identify as Blind,' which explores disability identity and challenges societal norms.Connect with Tim Vandehey!Website: https://www.timvandehey.com/ Pre-Order I Identify as Blind: A Brazen Celebration of Disability Culture, Identity, and Powerhttps://www.amazon.com/Identify-Blind-Celebration-Disability-Identity/dp/0593851579Takeaways• Ghostwriting is a hidden economy in publishing.• Freelancing offers freedom and control over one's time.• Getting a traditional book deal is more challenging than it seems.• Self-publishing can lead to wasted time and resources.• Hybrid publishing offers a middle ground for authors.• Quality of the book is crucial for success.• A book can significantly enhance an author's credibility.• Bravery in trying new things leads to personal growth.• The ROI of publishing a book can be substantial for businesses.• Tim's upcoming book focuses on disability pride and identity.If you would like to be a guest on a future episode of The Yegi Project, please email info@yegiproject.comThe Yegi Project is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and more!https://linktr.ee/theyegiprojectDisclaimer: This podcast or any other The Yegi Project episodes on this platform or other podcast streaming platforms is not legal business or tax advice. I make this content based on my own experience as a business owner and MBA for educational and entertainment purposes only. #theyegiproject Podcast Audio & Video Edited by Elizabeth Hadjinianhttps://www.elizvirtualassistant.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theyegiprojectTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theyegiproject YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@theyegiproject

Innovation partnerships can create breakthrough markets—or hand them to competitors through terrible decisions. I know because I lived through both outcomes. Bill Geiser from Fossil and I had it exactly right. We built the MetaWatch—a smartwatch with week-long battery life, Bluetooth connectivity, and every feature that would later make the Apple Watch successful. We had HP's massive retail reach, Fossil's manufacturing scale, and the technical vision to create an entirely new market. But our organizations couldn't execute on what we knew was right. Leadership chaos at HP and innovation paralysis at Fossil killed a partnership that should have dominated the smartwatch market—handing Apple a $50 billion opportunity. I've shared the complete behind-the-scenes story of the people, strategies, and decisions that killed our partnership in my Studio Notes post "How HP and Fossil Handed Apple the Smartwatch Market." Today I'm applying the DECIDE framework to our partnership failure. If you haven't seen my DECIDE framework yet, grab the free PDF—it's the innovation decision tool I've developed over 30 years of making high-stakes choices. Because here's what this partnership taught me: having the right vision means nothing without the right decision framework. What Makes Innovation Partnerships Different? Let me start by explaining why the HP-Fossil partnership should have worked. This wasn't just another business deal—it was the perfect storm of complementary capabilities. Bill Geiser, Fossil's VP of Watch Technology, had been working on smartwatches since 2004. The man was practically clairvoyant. In 2011, he told me, "Phil, I wouldn't be shocked if Apple evolved the Nano to take advantage of this space. They'll legitimize it in consumers' minds worldwide." Bill understood something most people missed: Apple didn't need to be first to market—they needed to be first to create a platform. Meanwhile, I was developing HP's connected device strategy. We had the technology foundation, unmatched retail distribution—about 10% of consumer electronics shelf space—and the same retail muscle that helped launch the original iPod. Together, Bill and I had solved the hard problems. We had the vision, the technology, and the market insight. But we couldn't overcome the organizational machinery that prioritizes short-term comfort over long-term position. Innovation partnerships aren't just about having the right technology or market vision. They're about having the right decision framework when uncertainty meets organizational reality. The Three Partnership Decision Traps Before I show you how DECIDE could have saved our partnership, let me show you the three traps that derail even the smartest collaboration. Bill and I understood what needed to happen, but our organizations fell into every one of these traps. Trap #1: Innovation Type Mismatch This is when you apply the wrong decision framework because you've misidentified what type of innovation you're actually pursuing. It's the most common partnership killer because different innovation types require completely different approaches to risk, timing, and success metrics. In our case, Bill and I understood that smartwatches represented a platform opportunity—a new ecosystem that would change how people interact with technology. But our organizations treated it as a product extension that wouldn't threaten their existing businesses. HP's leadership viewed MetaWatch as another device in their portfolio, rather than as the foundation of a connected ecosystem spanning tablets, phones, and laptops. Fossil's leadership saw it as a "development platform" priced at $200—innovation theater that wouldn't cannibalize their traditional watch sales. Here's the partnership recognition question: Have you correctly identified what type of innovation you're pursuing together? Because applying incremental decision frameworks to breakthrough opportunities, or product frameworks to platform opportunities, kills partnerships before they can succeed. Trap #2: Safe Innovation Theater This combines revenue protection with organizational risk aversion. Both companies wanted to appear innovative without actually risking their core businesses. HP didn't want to cannibalize enterprise focus. Fossil didn't want to threaten traditional watch revenues. So instead of going all-in on market creation, both organizations positioned MetaWatch as a "safe" innovation—a development platform for engineers, not a consumer product that could disrupt markets. Bill faced an impossible organizational reality: Fossil's watch sales had tripled to $3.25 billion during the smartphone era. How do you convince leadership to risk that success for an uncertain new category? The partnership recognition question: Are you innovating to create markets, or are you innovating to appear innovative while protecting existing revenue? Trap #3: Governance Complexity Paralysis Bill and I found ourselves fighting the same battle on different fronts: convincing leadership that wearables represented a platform shift, not just a product extension. But even when we had the right vision, we couldn't execute at market speed. Multiple stakeholders created governance complexity without clear decision authority. We'd have month-long approval cycles for changes that startups could implement in days. I remember one meeting where we spent 45 minutes debating some minor specification while Apple was probably finalizing their entire ecosystem strategy. The fatal blow came from HP's leadership chaos. We cycled through three CEOs in 13 months, each with completely different visions. When Leo Apotheker arrived, he immediately decided HP should become an enterprise software company, not compete in consumer platforms. Our partnership needed startup decision velocity, but we were trapped at committee speed across two large organizations with conflicting priorities. Partnership recognition question: Can you move at market speed together, or are you trapped at the slowest organization's committee speed? Because innovation partnerships under uncertainty require aligned decision velocity. Applying DECIDE to the HP-Fossil Partnership Now let me show you how the DECIDE framework—which you can download free at philmckinney.substack.com—could have saved our partnership. This isn't theoretical. These are the specific decisions Bill and I needed our organizations to make differently. D - Define the Real Partnership Decision Our first mistake was never clearly defining what we were actually deciding as partners. HP saw it as extending our mobile ecosystem. Fossil saw it as diversifying its product line. I saw it as platform creation. Bill saw it as market preparation for the inevitable. But we never aligned on the fundamental question: Were we creating a new product category together, or were we each using the partnership to serve our existing strategies? The DECIDE framework forces this clarity upfront. What decision are both partners actually making? Until you have alignment on the decision itself, you can't make it well together. What we should have defined: "We are deciding to jointly create and dominate the smartwatch platform category before Apple legitimizes i Smartwatch Market." E - Examine Market Creation Potential Together Traditional partnership evaluations focus on combining existing capabilities. Innovation partnerships need to evaluate market creation potential. Bill understood this completely. He predicted exactly what Apple would do. But neither organization had a framework for evaluating market creation partnerships versus product extension partnerships. For market creation partnerships, you can't study competitors or analyze customer segments that don't exist yet. You need different evaluation criteria focused on timing, platform potential, and ecosystem readiness. What we should have examined: "Are we positioned to create and own a new category, or are we just building another device?" C - Challenge Individual Cannibalization Fears Here's where partnerships get interesting. Fossil feared cannibalizing traditional watch sales. HP feared distracting from enterprise transformation. But we never addressed how a partnership could protect both companies from external cannibalization. The framework question isn't whether the partnership will cannibalize existing business—it's whether the partnership creates better protection than going alone. What we should have challenged: "What happens if Apple creates this category without us? What market position will each company have then?" I - Identify the Partnership Innovation Type We treated our partnership like an incremental product collaboration when it was actually a breakthrough market creation partnership. These require completely different success metrics, timelines, and risk tolerance. Incremental partnerships: You can require certainty, detailed market research, and predictable ROI. Breakthrough partnerships: You have to accept uncertainty, optimize for learning speed, and measure different success metrics like market position and ecosystem readiness. What we should have identified: "This is breakthrough innovation requiring platform thinking, not incremental innovation requiring product optimization." D - Design Partnership Scenarios Together Traditional partnership planning tries to predict success. Innovation partnership planning prepares for multiple futures—together. We should have built scenarios like: "What if Apple legitimizes this category in two years?" "What if consumers aren't ready for smartwatches?" "What if we succeed and create a billion-dollar market?" But most importantly: "What if we don't partner and pursue this separately? What if we don't pursue this at all?" What we should have designed: "Multiple scenarios where our combined capabilities create different outcomes than our individual capabilities." E - Execute with Evidence Collection as Partners This is where our partnership completely failed. We optimized for committee consensus instead of rapid market learning. We needed to fail fast or succeed fast—together. Instead of quarterly partnership reviews, we needed weekly sprint cycles. Instead of seeking approval for perfect plans, we needed permission to test and iterate quickly. What we should have executed: "Rapid market validation cycles where both partners learn and adapt together, not separate approval processes that slow everything down." Your Partnership Decision Audit Want to apply this to your current innovation partnerships? Here's a 30-second audit using the DECIDE framework: Have we clearly defined what decision we're making together? Are we optimizing for market creation or capability combination? What external threats are we protecting each other from? What type of innovation partnership is this really? What scenarios would change our partnership strategy? How quickly can we test and learn together? If you can't answer these questions clearly with your partners, you're not ready to make breakthrough innovation decisions together. And that's okay—clarity about partnership uncertainty is better than false confidence in flawed collaboration. The Framework Changes Everything Let me be clear about what DECIDE would and wouldn't have guaranteed for our partnership. Would this framework have eliminated uncertainty? No. Nothing eliminates uncertainty in breakthrough innovation partnerships. Would it have guaranteed success? No. Even perfect decision frameworks can't overcome poor market timing or execution failures. But would it have given the HP-Fossil partnership a fighting chance? Absolutely. It would have aligned our decision-making process with the type of decision we were actually making together. Most importantly, it would have helped us recognize that we were making a platform partnership decision, not a product partnership decision. That recognition alone might have changed our entire approach to market timing, resource allocation, and success metrics. Your Innovation Partnerships Start Now Innovation partnerships aren't about having the best technology or the smartest people—they're about using the right decision framework when uncertainty meets organizational reality. Bill Geiser and I had the vision, the technology, and the market insight. But our organizations couldn't execute on what we knew was right because we didn't have the decision framework to bridge individual company interests with partnership potential. The DECIDE framework won't eliminate uncertainty—nothing can. But it will help you and your partners make better choices under uncertainty, which is what innovation partnership leadership actually requires. So here's my challenge for you: What innovation partnership opportunity is your organization considering right now? Apply the DECIDE framework with your potential partners and see what you discover. Are you making the right type of decision together? Are you optimizing for the right outcomes? Are you prepared for multiple scenarios as a partnership? Because somewhere out there, another brilliant partnership is about to hand their breakthrough innovation to a competitor through bad decision-making. Don't let it be yours. The framework is free at philmckinney.substack.com. For the complete story of how organizational failures killed our partnership—including the specific people and pivotal moments that changed everything—read "How HP and Fossil Handed Apple the Smartwatch Market" in my Studio Notes. The partnership opportunity is waiting. The choice is yours. What will you and your partners decide together?

L*st doesn't wait until you're ready. It strikes when you're tired, bored, or spiritually weak. But you're not alone—and you're not powerless.In Episode 68 of Warrior's Walk, we unpack how to kill the flesh and win the battle against l*st and temptation using the R.A.I.D. method:

What if your fear is actually pointing you toward God's strength?In this episode of Warrior's Walk, we break down how to overcome fear and anxiety through Isaiah 41:10 and the R.A.I.D. battle plan—a Navy SEAL-inspired approach to spiritual warfare.

Ep 722SHOW NOTESPatriot MobileIt's time to switch to Patriot Mobile, America's ONLY Christian conservative wireless provider. https://www.patriotmobile.com/JayGet the best “wake up and kick butt” coffee from BLACKOUT COFFEE https://www.blackoutcoffee.com/?p=HyctD1sS3Use promo code JAY20 at check out for 20% offBe Prepared with JASE Medicalhttps://jasemedical.com/?rstr=21099Use Promo code SHELDON10 for a $10 Discount!Keep your online activity hidden with the best VPN. Get a HUGE DISCOUNT at NordVPN with this special link! https://bit.ly/NordVPN-JaySheldon Get healthy with all natural fruits and veggies! Start today! Brickhouse Nutrition https://bit.ly/JaySheldonBrickhouseAll New, All-American designs!Check out our new show merchandise!https://the-jay-sheldon-show.printify.mehttps://x.com/TxWidiwidi/status/1851835337783357821 In today's show: Trump Announces the Next CIA Director https://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2024/11/12/trump-announces-the-next-cia-director-n2647690 More CNN Pink Slips https://thepostmillennial.com/breaking-cnn-to-lay-off-hundreds-of-staff-on-air-personalities-report Connecticut Teacher Threatens to Kill Trump Supportershttps://x.com/libsoftiktok/status/1856025321570455634 Bit of a Chill in The Air? https://x.com/KarluskaP/status/1856338078626918898 John Ratcliffe is on Fire!https://x.com/GuntherEagleman/status/1856480575827108124 Trump Kills More DEI https://x.com/keithboykin/status/1856396150011768837 Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth on reforming US military leadershiphttps://x.com/WesternLensman/status/1856497145588679059  The Truth is a “Distraction”?!https://x.com/TheRabbitHole84/status/1856340038574907449 I Identify as a Couchhttps://x.com/OneBadDude_/status/1856469625019535674 The Karens Are Still on The March https://x.com/NoCapFights/status/1856367797615636872 TIMBER! https://x.com/MattWallace888/status/1855874551265063037  Contact Your Representatives. Let Them Know!https://www.congress.gov/members Please subscribe to the podcast at: iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jay-sheldon-show/id1568836253Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HNQU8yshneTCb0K1Q6cS0 Buy my book!https://www.facebook.com/WillyandTheWarthog https://www.amazon.com/dp/1320055001/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_VjSStb0E2RTDG26W Or Just Send me money ‘cause you love me! https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheJaySheldonShow Social MediaTikTok: @JaySheldonTikTok Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaySheldonShow Truth Social https://truthsocial.com/@JaySheldon Facebook @jay.sheldon Instagram @ItsJaySheldon Email us at show@jaysheldon.comDISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed on this show are the host's and do not reflect the opinions of guests or advertisers. This show does not promote drug use or violence in any manner, but we do promote free thinking and the absolute freedom of speech.

In this episode, we focus on the stages of healing from partner betrayal and infidelity, sharing insights from Paula Hall's work, breaking down the healing process into easily understandable acrostics. We highlight the first phase of safety and stabilization, followed by grief and mourning, and finally post-traumatic growth and reconnecting with oneself. We also explore the importance of understanding the impact of one's actions on their partner as a foundation for developing empathy in the relationship. Here are the models introduced in today's episode: SURF Model: (betrayed partner healing) S: Survive the trauma and initial shock. U: Understand the cycle of reaction and triggers. R: Repair self-identity and self-esteem. F: Face the future with new perspectives. CHOICE Model: (one who has acted out healing) C: Challenge core beliefs hindering change. H: Have a vision for a healthier future. O: Overcome compulsive behaviors and triggers. I: Identify positive support networks. C: Continue healthy living practices. E: Embrace life fully in recovery. Thank you for tuning in to our podcast for couples healing from infidelity and betrayal. As certified coaches, we aim to provide support and guidance for those who decide to stay in their relationship. We offer valuable insights, empathy, and hope on the journey toward healing. Join us weekly for encouragement, skills, and expertise. Your hosts are Certified Relational Recovery Coaches specializing in Infidelity and Betrayal: Hali Roderick- TICC, PCC, APSATS CPC-Candidate, ERCEM Candidate Read Hali's Bio Book with Hali Stephanie Hamby- MCLC, APSATS CPC-Candidate, ERCEM Candidate Read Stephanie's Bio Book with Stephanie Email Stephanie: stephaniehambycoaching@gmail.com  Contact us:  info.choosingtostay@gmail.com Choosing To Stay Webinar: Join Hali as she teaches this monthly free webinar for those Choosing To Stay after infidelity and betrayal. Help. Her. Heal. for Men - Hali Roderick helps men learn more about empathy, conflict resolution, and healthy communication. Participants will receive weekly exercises and worksheets to help them gain the skills to begin healing a broken relationship.  Empowerment After Betrayal for Men - Hali Roderick leads a betrayal trauma support group for men who have been betrayed where they can gain tools and resources to recover from betrayal trauma in a healthy way while being surrounded by a supportive community.  Healing Hearts Couples Group - Stephanie Hamby leads Healing Hearts Live Group  a supportive community for couples seeking healing after betrayal and infidelity, emphasizing the development of empathy, integrity, and authentic intimacy, offering practical tools, skills, and a nurturing community to navigate challenges and foster relational growth. Choose Renewal Group for women: Stephanie Hamby leads Choose Renewal: For women recovering from unwanted sexual behavior. Our focus is on recovery and healing from patterns of sexual acting out. This group aims to provide a safe, nurturing community where women can find support and guidance on their journey towards renewal. More from Choose Recovery Services: Choose Healing - Betrayal Trauma support for women - This weekly support group is for women who have recently experienced betrayal and are needing help to cope with the symptoms of trauma such as depression, hyper-vigilance, anxiety, and lack of trust. Ask questions from our team of coaches at Choose Recovery Services who have been there. Road to Recovery - Free monthly webinar with Luke and Alana Gordon for couples navigating the relational aspects that come along the road to recovery.  Connect with Choose Recovery on Instagram

In this episode I'm doing a July 4th niche research + design session and sharing my entire process along the way, where I: - Identify a niche that is ripe for making sales - Create a very accessible July 4th inspired design that anyone can replicate

In this episode of the Virtually Speaking Podcast, Pete and John sat down with Chen Wei, the creator of HCIBench, from VMware by Broadcom. HCIBench streamlines HCI benchmarking, simplifying a once-complex process. Chen Wei shared HCIBench's journey, emphasizing its user-friendly interface, which caters to both novices and experts. We explored its technical architecture and discussed key metrics like throughput and latency crucial for assessing HCI performance accurately. Our conversation also touched on HCIBench's collaborative development model, driven by user feedback and community contributions. Looking ahead, Chen discussed upcoming features and the tool's evolving role in the HCI industry. Tune in to gain insights into HCI benchmarking and discover how HCIBench is shaping the future of infrastructure optimization. Links Mentioned: Download HCIBench - https://via.vmware.com/hcibench Blog: How do I Identify if I have bad performance Reference Architectures - https://core.vmware.com/reference-architectures The Virtually Speaking Podcast The Virtually Speaking Podcast is a technical podcast dedicated to discussing VMware topics related to storage and availability. In each episode, Pete Flecha and John Nicholson bring in various subject matter experts from VMware and within the industry to discuss their respective areas of expertise. If you're new to the Virtually Speaking Podcast check out all episodes on vSpeakingPodcast.com and follow on Twitter @VirtSpeaking

Now days everybody has a personal belief about the creation story and where we come from. They keep finding books filled with religions that are older than the bible itself! Alot of text from ancient beings who once existed and recorded some of the greatest testimonys we have translated today.. I too have a NEW perspective on religion..specifically Christianity, the religion I personally grew up on There was a time where I was punished by watching a movie about slavery in America called "Amistad" and that movie awakened my consciousness to the point I began to question.. EVERYTHING... This is my journey, and I share with whoever has an ear to listen.. When I was young I was taught a few basic life lessons and one of them was "There are TWO sides to every story'' and living with siblings who would sometimes lie on another sibling to escape punishment from the parent really proved that true.. My point is if you were blamed for something you did not do and could not testify your truth because it was never listened to , would you be okay with the outcome? An outcome decided by people who are related to your accuser? Every story deserves both encounters to be included for a final judgment .. TRIGGER WARNING: This is why The snake in the bible deserves a chance to tell its side of the encounter with our late Adam and Eve. would I be considered insane if I told you the snake was a hero, or heroine even? Would I be considered crazy if I said the Snake made Bold Claims that the one who was in charge of the Garden of Eden was actually the antagonist of the story the entire time and was so upset till this day everyone can be forgiven for their sins Except for the "behavior" of the very first woman , EVE.?? These are ancient stories told by beings that still live in Planet Earths orbit today!! We don't have to wait for them to come back , no offense, and we don't have to give our souls to them for reassurance purposes in the afterlife...This is a brand new perspective I have waited desperately for someone to Start an English version podcast for. I waited almost 5 years since they got contact permissions from secret agencies and certain governments..So I AM !! It takes a brave soul to incarnte , realize whats wrong and personally decide to help CHANGE the minds of the ones under deep control from the Elite malevolent forces.. I Identify as that soul.. Beware this is the most sensitive topic on Spotify where I attempt to present the most groundbreaking E.T. human related stories that completely shatter the existence of religious mindset. 1.No one owns your soul it is yours 2.Control is Key on Planet Earth ,By any means 3.The World is yours. They Create chaos based on what tolerate as acceptable by not rejecting the ideas imposed by Cabal Immediately! This will be the BIGGEST story and trend in history once the Taygetans have permission to go live on video and prove beyond the already Official photos of their team AND Queen Alenym the first! Thank you in advance , and I promise to keep these interesting as possible ..especially since I have a feeling these Human like beings in our orbit aren't going anywhere ANYTIME soon.. -V.O.V.

SIGN UP TO JOIN OUR SURVEY PANEL - https://forms.gle/zoVJm9GfskZHxReK8That's right, it's survey time! We polled 100 gay and 100 straight people, asking them their opinions on a variety of intriguing topics. Who likes pineapple on pizza more? Who likes sports? Who believes America is a great country? And more controversially, who supports the Republican party?? Jump in for today's episode of "What Do The Gays Think?" as we explore the results in the format of a lighthearted game show, pitting Pat and Jackie against each to other to figure out who understands the gay community more

You know her, you love her, she's back and now she is an official Lancasterine!! Chelsey Clark and I are coming to you from the cutest little downtown Lancaster workspace, The Candy Factory. Discussing being an adult and making friends in a new town, crafting our resumes for different careers, relationship reflection, and living with your close friends! Subscribe: ⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/theluxuryofselfcare/subscribe⁠⁠ Follow Chelsey: https://www.instagram.com/peachycheech Follow Your Host: Instagram:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/rumor_in_stpetersburg ⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@rumor_in_stpetersburg ⁠ Facebook Page: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/theluxuryofselfcare⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/user/ahnastasia88?si=ab36621742b4474c Chelsey's Previous EP's: "I Identify as Poached Egg" #155 "Blow Your Wad" #080 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theluxuryofselfcare/message

Today's message, “I Identify" is brought to us by Pastor Adrian Crawford. We hope you enjoy today's sermon. Get connected with us through our app or on our website at www.engagetallahassee.com/connect. If you'd like to give to Engage Church, please click this link: www.engagetallahassee.com/give. Follow along with us throughout the week on IG & FB at @engagetlh

I Identify, Part 5 | Stand Up In Your Righteousness | Dr. Chris Cody

In this episode, it gets really vulnerable with personal struggles. Take a listen as we've got you covered with a potent blend of motivation, insights, and practical tips to navigate through any funk that comes your way. From demystifying the roots of a funk to finding the right mindset, we'll guide you toward your personal breakthrough.

I Identify, Part 4 | Called Saints | Dr. Chris Cody

Thank you to the listeners of the NOMT podcast! the number one podcast for woman and the LGBTQIA community (Lets not forget the nerds) I Identify as a nerd for sure. Tonights episode is the Burnout episode! 89% of Americans have suffered from burnout within the past year. This burnout can be characterized by many symptoms, including: Physical fatigue Cognitive weariness Justin Thyme shares his experiences with burnout, the effects it had on health, relationships, and work. The rest of the cast is there listening and giving support and perspective! In the Tao its says this concerning work If you're working without friction and you're working towards your true ideals, fulfillment should be the result. Burnout, distress, frustration and fatigue are symptoms that you're falling off the Way, not a side-effect of true productivity Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nakedonionmysterytourspodcast/message when you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich. seriously you have the same if you are rich, when you are poor. Think about that for a minute, When you are rich without a sense of self and desire you have nothing. However if you are poor and have a good sense of self and eliminate desire you have everything. Tao te Edith leave us a message on the following link so we can put it in the next episode! https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nakedonionmysterytourspodcast/message --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nakedonionmysterytourspodcast/support

I Identify, Part 3 | Establishing Yourself In Righteousness | Dr. Chris Cody

I Identify, Part 2 | Seeing Yourself in Christ | Dr. Chris Cody

I Identify, Part 1 | Easter Sunday 2023 | Dr. Chris Cody

We can't get rid of Mom Guilt but we can try and manage it.Mom Guilt with Australian Mom and Life Coach  Hey Shayla Podcast | Ep: 053Guest: Sarah Kate is a mom and life coach in AustraliaMom Guilt is a VERY real thing I spoke with Sarah about what it is, how to identify mom guilt,  and how to manage it because like she said, it's because we LOVE our children and that is something that won't go away. G - Give yourself GraceU - Understand your 'Why'I - Identify your TriggersL - Look for the GoodT - Trust YourselfThank you for listening to the Hey Shayla podcast!  Here, we love to learn new things and decide what works for us and our family.. We're the moms that support instead of judge and know there are many ways to do something right.  I'd love to connect on Instagram @heyshaylaXo ShayJoin the email list to be notified when episodes go live HERE!Companies I work with and am an affiliate for ALL DISCOUNT CODES ARE HEYSHAYLA unless specifiedGo to heyshayla.com/codes if a code isn't working*California Beach Co: Travel Playpen*Expecting and Empowered: Pregnancy and Postpartum workouts*LoveBug Probiotics: Pre and postnatal probiotics*My Little Eaters: Guide to Baby Led Weaning*Kindred Bravely: Maternity Sports Bra HeyShayla15*Clearly Filtered: Filtered water bottle pitcher*TushBaby: Great “Up-Down” Baby carrier*Iksplor: Wool base layer*hypnobabies: hypnosis for labor and deliveryLet's Connect!Instagram (@heyshayla)YouTube (Hey Shayla)Website (www.heyshayla.com)Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/shop/heyshayla)**Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links. Which means at no cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I only work with companies that I love, and that I think you will love.

Join us for an uplifting and insightful sermon titled "I Identify as Free" by Pastor Fred. In this message, Pastor Fred explores our true identity in Christ and what it means to live as free people. Get ready to be inspired and gain a deeper understanding of who you are in Christ as you listen to this powerful message. Join the Prevail family and experience the power of connecting with Jesus! If you have a prayer request, want to give online, or learn more about our church, visit www.prevail.tv or text 'PREVAIL' or 'GIVE2PRVL' to 84576. Don't forget to hit the subscribe button and be a part of this growing community! #TogetherwePRVL #PrevailChurch --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theprevailchurch/support

Episode 45 – Handsfree Unicorn That's News to MeShow Notes Sources from Story 1https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2022/05/04/feds-detroit-man-sold-2-000-day-home-marijuana-vending-machine/9642715002/ Sources from Story 2https://www.ladbible.com/community/mum-changes-name-to-unicorn-sparkles-after-netflix-show-convinced-her-20220217 Co-HostsMookie GErica B Edited by Nelson Crawford Subscribe!Don't miss an episode! Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. If you like this episode, help us make sure others can find it too! Write a review (especially the FIVE STAR kind) and we'll give you a shout on our next episode! Follow That's News to Me on:Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/twisteddreamscomedy/Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/Thats-News-to-Me-112502543717327 Theme song written and performed by Nancy R. SmithFollow her on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/nancyreginaa_/IntroOn this week's episode, Mookie tells the crazy story of a man who was popped for selling drugs out of a vending machine while Erica recounts the story of a woman who goes to unusual lengths to do what brings her joy!Technically, It Wasn't ME!A Detroit man was arrested for selling drugs. What makes this story unique is that HE didn't actually HAND the drugs to anyone. He simply acquired a vending machine, as one does. Except, rather than placing trail mix, candy bars, and chips in the machine, he put drugs in the machine. So, ACTUALLY, the machine was selling drugs… right?I Identify as Happy!A UK mom watched the popular Marie Kondo Netflix show that shows watchers how to organize and de-clutter by getting rid of all of the things we hold on to that don't truly bring us joy. While watching the show she had an epiphany: her name had to go! Ladies & gents, I present to you: Marie Unicorn Sparkles! I'm pretty sure it's impossible to be unhappy with a name like that!What's Next Do you have a crazy news story we should cover? Let us know! Send us a note at thatsnews2me2@gmail.comThat's News to Me Logo designed by Lydia Phelps

Part Two: Overcoming Toxic EmotionsToxic emotions can be overwhelming, but there are ways to overcome them if we have the right tools in place. When you are experiencing toxic emotions or relationships, it is important to take a step back and start with prayer first, then follow through with the POINT acronym. This will help you find clarity, wisdom, and guidance from the Lord. It will also help you identify your role in the situation and be authentic in your interactions. The way we react to negative thoughts and feelings has a huge impact on how well we recover from them. Join the conversation with me, Lisa, and my co-host Dr. Lidia Martinez as we share more about toxic emotions and how you can resolve them in a Godly way by using the POINT acronym. Slowing down, praying for wisdom, and knowing your role can help you take the right action toward healing. Tune in!    In This Episode, You Will Learn About: [00:01] Introduction to part two of toxicity [00:51] Today's focus: Point to yourselves [01:21] P: pray for guidance and wisdom [03:05] O: Make observations of what your role is [03:31] I: Identify your role in the situation [06:02] N: Negotiating the negatives [08:25] T: Take action [10:38] The HALT acronym and how it applies in taking action [12:13] Slowing things down and pointing others to the Lord [14:09] Ending the show with a word of prayer   Notable Quotes:●     Starting with prayer first is very important ●     Be honest, authentic, and talk to God as you would to your best friend. ●     Writing down your weakness is difficult, but it's where growth comes in ●     Taking no action is taking action ●     Do not take any action when you're feeling hungry, angry, lonely, or tired     Follow Faith with Friends onWebsite: https://faith-with-friends.captivate.fm/ (https://faith-with-friends.captivate.fm/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithwithfriends_podcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/faithwithfriends_podcast/)   Let's Connect!   Lidia Martinez Website: https://www.drlidiamartinez.com/ (https://www.drlidiamartinez.com/) Email: info@drlidiamartinez.com   Lisa Lorenzo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisalorenzo/ (https://www.instagram.com/lisalorenzo/)   About The Show      *****Thank you so much for listening to the FAITH WITH FRIENDS PODCAST! Get inspired, motivated, and tuned up with honest conversations every week as we seek to know God and make him known. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and be part of this blessed family.    Please consider leaving a review and sharing it with your friends and family!                                    

With a world that loves negativity it's not always good to feed into and be around it I Identify the cause and get away from it soonest let it correct itself and come to your you don't lower yourself to it and allow it to drain you

In this episode of the Conquer Food Podcast Craig discusses the theory of Time Restricted Eating. Does it work? Does it not? Is it right for you & how to get started with it?Check out this episode to find out and learn more about Time Restricted Eating.00:30 - Intro03:10 - What is Time Restricted Eating07:27 - How to get started with Time Restricted eating00:00 - T - Tailor your environment09:54 - I - Identify your window11:58 - M - Monitor13:28 - E - Establish a routine

-> Before you take offense at “ANOTHER PODCAST,” please address past “shock

Inklings ~ How to Live a High Vibe LifeCreate a strong energy foundation with this: https://www.irenamiller.co/getcalmFirst step . . .Take a moment to S.I.T.From an energetic perspective there are 3 key areas to look to live the high vibe life.Here is what I share with my clients …Irena's Energy Recipe for a High Vibe Life✨ S - Scan your energy field for leaks, drains, or tears✨ I - Identify the energetic costs✨ T - Take action and align intentions with attention---------------------------------Irena Miller is an Energy Alchemist + Intuitive Guide. She is the playfulness behind InSight of the Moon, a membership community connecting empaths and harnessing the energies of the Lunar Cycles (https://www.irenamiller.co/insight ). Her joy is introducing you to the experience of living a harmonious, engaged, and free-flowing life! With over 20 years of experience studying and teaching energy and yoga, she still loves to see the light turn on in her students' eyes after a practice. Irena has been featured in Runner's World, Spark People, seen on The Shift Network, Sirius Joy, and has lead retreats and teacher trainings. She is a certified Sekhem-Seichim-Reiki Master and Yoga Instructor at the Experienced-500 hour level with the Yoga Alliance. With time so precious and rare, she will teach you how to leverage your invisible support team and realize that you always have support on this journey if you simply ask.Want to take it to the next level, check this out: https://www.irenamiller.co/getcalm See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

00:00 - “ Robby”02:15 - Invasion.04:00- Stop singing all the damn time.07:20 - Fuck this ima jus rap.11:06 - Honest conversation about “love Jones” the shit sucks!13:00 - Brown paper bag. “I'm a darkie?”16:00 - Should children know about slavery?22:30 - Stuck in space or stuck in a submarine?25:00 - Can you see the sun in space?30:00 - Just forget about slavery like the Jews forgot the holocaust.35:00 - Ryan is the only person that didn't like “Spider-Man no way home.”38:30 - “Zendaya too high for me”40:00 - Men are more likely than women to be single.45:00 - Rob Anti48:00 - “I know mad cool white people.”54:00 - Can't talk about one without the other. 57:00 - CREDIT TALK. chiami vice gets its flowers 60:00 - Honest moment about fatherhood/ co- parenting.63:00 - trials and tribulations of standup 69:00 - Rob was supposed to be our co-host.73:00 - God is Love - Rev Run77:00 - Ryan shits on the marvel universe.80:00 - Casting the black Batman cast.82:00 - “Cardi looks like she got some bumps and bruises.” Personality v Trophy wife.86:00 - WE CANT DRINK DARK LIQOUR CUZ IT GETS ANGRY.90:00 - substance v personality.94:00 - I Identify as 6ft/ Rapid Fire.101:00 - Nigga sketch104:00 - Shutyostupidfuckindumbass.

"Sojourn is a beacon. The world is watching Sojourn. And as Sojourn goes, other churches follow."   Pastor Stephen McRae joins Sojourn this week for a powerful message about serving the church, faith and family. Watch the full message, "It's A Fight!" and don't forget to subscribe for new sermons every week.   Scriptures and Talking Points for It's A Fight! 1. Be Vigilant and Alert ● 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. ● How do I Identify when the enemy is attacking me? ● Satan attacks our minds because he knows how hard it is for our minds/flesh to line up with God's Word. ● Romans 7:21-25 21So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! ● What am I looking for when it comes to Satan's attack? ● We have to fill our mind with God's word and be disciplined enough to think on these things. ● Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 2. Unity ● Mission over Me ● God's Mission for my life is more important than my mission ● John 17:22-23 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 3. What's the Win? ● John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. ● John 13:34-35 34“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Hour 1 * Love Is Like A Heat Wave! * Sign the I Identify as a Human petition! – #HumanSinceConception – Autumn Leva, FamilyPolicyAlliance.com. * Freedom Fight is Winnable, Says Radio Star Sam Bushman – Alex Newman, TheNewAmerican.com. * The battle for the sacred cause of liberty is winnable, and there is more to be encouraged about today than at any time in decades, says syndicated radio host and longtime conservative leader Sam Bushman in this interview with The New American's Senior Editor Alex Newman. The diabolical forces seeking to end freedom are going to lose, and despite the loss of liberties thus far, America is still a shining city on a hill. We The People should not be underestimated, he said. With God's help, freedom will be restored, Bushman said, noting that more people are engaged in the fight than ever. * Higher Inflation Is Here to Stay – Inflation is expected to remain elevated and drive consumer prices higher for several years, according to surveyed economists. * FDA to Issue New Warning on J&J Vaccine CDC says it has been linked to around 100 cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome. * Pfizer plans to meet with top US health officials to discuss the drugmaker's request for federal authorization of a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine. Hour 2 * Guest: Curt Crosby – Discussion of All Things Liberty – LocalHoneyMan.com. * Trump addresses CPAC in Dallas, Texas, identified the American he called the “most angry person in the United States” today – That name is Hillary Clinton, the former U.S. senator and first lady who lost to Trump during the 2016 presidential contest – ‘Why didn't you cheat for me? I could have been somebody!' – Joe Kovacs, WND.com. * Have You Checked Out FrankSpeech.com * Trump easily wins CPAC straw poll for 2024 president 70%! * New Poll: Media Trust at an All-Time Low, Nearly 60% Think Press ‘More Concerned With Supporting an Ideology' Than Informing Public – Joe DePaolo – The Edelman number tracks with Gallup's findings. * John Stossel: How you and I can overthrow the fake news media. * Cybersecurity experts have validated Mike Lindell's Packet Captures. * Mike Lindell, in a new video posted to his FrankTV platform, said his team of cybersecurity experts were able to validate data packets recorded in real time as they were exchanged between 2020 election voting machines/tabulation machines and IP addresses in communist China. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/loving-liberty/support

* Love Is Like A Heat Wave! * Sign the I Identify as a Human petition! - #HumanSinceConception - Autumn Leva, FamilyPolicyAlliance.com. * Freedom Fight is Winnable, Says Radio Star Sam Bushman - Alex Newman, TheNewAmerican.com. * The battle for the sacred cause of liberty is winnable, and there is more to be encouraged about today than at any time in decades, says syndicated radio host and longtime conservative leader Sam Bushman in this interview with The New American's Senior Editor Alex Newman. The diabolical forces seeking to end freedom are going to lose, and despite the loss of liberties thus far, America is still a shining city on a hill. We The People should not be underestimated, he said. With God's help, freedom will be restored, Bushman said, noting that more people are engaged in the fight than ever. * Higher Inflation Is Here to Stay - Inflation is expected to remain elevated and drive consumer prices higher for several years, according to surveyed economists. * FDA to Issue New Warning on J&J Vaccine CDC says it has been linked to around 100 cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome. * Pfizer plans to meet with top US health officials to discuss the drugmaker's request for federal authorization of a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine.

Could you imagine being the safety manager for a company that is the biggest player in its industry on the entire planet? Well, meet Don Standridge. He's the Corporate Safety Manager at Mohawk Industries, the largest provider of flooring in the world. Mohawk is a massive company. Could you imagine managing safety across so many departments? In this episode, Don and Apolonia Rockwell discuss: * How Don moved from marketing to safety. In a nutshell: One of Don's colleagues recognized that, as a marketing guy, he was a great “cheerleader” for his company. That colleague saw transferable skills in Don that could apply to safety. * How Behavior-based safety (BBS). * Falling in love with safety—because, ultimately, safety is about helping people. * Helping people have “a-ha!” moments where they say something like: “Oh, I know now why I should wear safety glasses.” * The difficulties of making “safety stick.” * How Don and Mohawk Industries rolled out a “Stop and THINK” program. The acronym THINK stands for: T – TRAIN yourself to look for the hazard or risk in every task. H – HONE your understanding of the job or task. I – IDENTIFY the hazard. N – NEVER sacrifice safety for speed. K – KEEP others safe. Thanks so much to Don Standridge for being a guest! Connect with Don: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-standridge-86280070/. Find out more about Mohawk Industries: https://mohawkind.com. Apolonia Rockwell is the Founder and CEO of True Safety Services and True Safety University. Learn more about “The True Safety Podcast with Apolonia Rockwell”: https://www.truesafetyservices.com/podcast. Subscribe to Apolonia Rockwell's YouTube channel (where we also post her podcasts): http://bit.ly/subscribe-Apolonia-Rockwell-YouTube. True Safety Services is Colorado's #1 provider in safety training and safety management services. Learn more about True Safety Services: https://www.truesafetyservices.com. Connect with True Safety Services: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/true-safety-services. * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truesafetyservices. * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truesafetyservices. * Twitter: https://twitter.com/true_safety. This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com.

When you started your Recruitment / Search business, everything felt right. You had a solid business idea, a good lead generation plan, a driven conversion model, and a competitive delivery system. And of course, you were passionate. In your first two or three years, your hard work and investment paid off. You grew faster than you projected. But now, you can't achieve that same success. You seem to be experiencing a feast and famine cycle and is stuck with the same revenue for multiple years now. If this sounds familiar, your Recruitment / Search business has reached a plateau. You're probably feeling somewhat frustrated and more than a little concerned about the future of your Recruitment / Search business. The good news, however, is that with the right approach, systems, and models you can overcome plateaus and continue to achieve sustainable Recruitment / Search business growth. In this new video, I'll be discussing why Recruitment / Search Company Plateaus? What's the impact of that on your life and the life of people around you? and how can you fix it? Bare in mind that the business owner is the point of failure and success of the business, every single time! Now the big question is, “Andy, How do I Identify that my business is on the plateau?” To Identify where you are right now and what seems to be the problem causing your business to plateau, you need to check the “METRICS!” ✅What are the metrics behind leads; Clients & Candidates? ✅What are the metrics behind leads; Conversion appointments? ✅What are the metrics behind leads; Delivery? Any questions comment down below! If you want to reach out for my help, don't hesitate to DM me The Laptop Recruiter™ - Andy Whitehead

I must view myself as one deserving recovery and healthy relationships. Until I see myself in this light, I will not do the things necessary to transform into this person. The post Episode #174 – Friday The Checkup: How do I Identify appeared first on Recovery Guy.

Episode Fourteen of Christian in Progress is here, Samuel answers questions about Same Sex Attraction. Recently someone submitted some questions on instagram for me to answer, and asked me for their advice. The questions range from "What should I Identify as?" too "Should I try to become heterosexual?". Follow me on Instagram @Samuelabrahamp and don't forget to check us out on youtube www.youtube.com/c/SamuelPereztv for the on camera visual video of this episode! Become a partner or donor for us to continue to make this podcast available!  Monthly Partners click here to sign up and receive some gifts! patron.podbean.com/samuelperez The rest of our donation links to Venmo, Paypal, and Cashapp can be found on our linktr.ee/SamuelAbrahamP or Samuelabrahamperez.com Email me at Unitedtwelve@gmail.com

Episode Fourteen of Christian in Progress is here, Samuel answers questions about Same Sex Attraction. Recently someone submitted some questions on instagram for me to answer, and asked me for their advice. The questions range from "What should I Identify as?" too "Should I try to become heterosexual?". Follow me on Instagram @Samuelabrahamp and don't forget to check us out on youtube www.youtube.com/c/SamuelPereztv for the on camera visual video of this episode! Become a partner or donor for us to continue to make this podcast available!  Monthly Partners click here to sign up and receive some gifts! patron.podbean.com/samuelperez The rest of our donation links to Venmo, Paypal, and Cashapp can be found on our linktr.ee/SamuelAbrahamP or Samuelabrahamperez.com Email me at Unitedtwelve@gmail.com

This is part 2 of Shift Change to Embrace Grief & Hope After Infancy Loss. If this is a sensitive topic for you, this might be an episode to listen to later. Today, October 15th is Pregnancy and Infancy Loss Awareness so I wanted to share my story and my friend, Nika's story. Nika was pregnant earlier this year with no complications then all of a sudden started experiencing pain, went into labor at 21 weeks with their beautiful little girl, June, who then went to be with the Lord. This is a story of many women, and as we share - we are with you, we remember our little blessings that is in Heaven. Your pain is real. Your loss is real. Your pain is not wasted. Your tears are accounted for by Jesus who sees you, hears you, and loves you. I pray you are blessed by Nika's powerful story. This episode is dedicated to June Simpson 1/27/2020 and all the angels in Heaven. This episodes Sticky Note Quote is: "Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness, my God, that is Who You are." SHIFT | CHANGE ANCRONYM: S - Self care & self compassion. Being kind to yourself and your partner during this time of grief. H - Help. Accept help from others and to tell those who love you what you need. Your people are glad to help you! I - Identify the many layers of your loss and challenges of your grief, but also identify the good. F - Find inner peace. Engaging in mindful practices of peace. Nika used the Calm app. T - Things. Do things that make you feel close to your baby. Being outside was something that brought Nika closer to her baby. Connect with the Nika on Facebook: Nika Simpson If you are struggling with your loss, I encourage you to connect with The National Share here or call (1-800-821-6819) or email them (info@nationalshare.org). Another great resource is Butterfly Baskets and they have an Etsy story to send anyone a gift who's experienced an infancy loss. Lastly, is Through The Heart for support and education. Or to connect with me or have a prayer request, email me: shiftchangerpodcast@gmail.com Stay connected www.instagram.com/Revive.Her or visit my shop: www.ShopPalomaBlanca.com Have a story that inspired change by you or someone else? I would love to share it! Love the podcast? Be gangster and rate & review this podcast! Thank you for listening! Shift happens! We get the opportunity to BE THE CHANGE!

This is a 2 part episode of the subject: Pregnancy and Infancy Loss. If this is a sensitive topic for you, this might be an episode to listen to later. Today, October 15th is Pregnancy and Infancy Loss Awareness so I wanted to share my story and my friend, Nika's story. Nika was pregnant earlier this year with no complications then all of a sudden started experiencing pain, went into labor at 21 weeks with their beautiful little girl, June, who then went to be with the Lord. This is a story of many women, and as we share - we are with you, we remember our little blessings that is in Heaven. Your pain is real. Your loss is real. Your pain is not wasted. Your tears are accounted for by Jesus who sees you, hears you, and loves you. I pray you are blessed by Nika's powerful story. This episode is dedicated to June Simpson 1/27/2020 and all the angels in Heaven. This episodes Sticky Note Quote is: "Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness, my God, that is Who You are." SHIFT | CHANGE ANCRONYM: S - Self care & self compassion. Being kind to yourself and your partner during this time of grief. H - Help. Accept help from others and to tell those who love you what you need. Your people are glad to help you! I - Identify the many layers of your loss and challenges of your grief, but also identify the good. F - Find inner peace. Engaging in mindful practices of peace. Nika used the Calm app. T - Things. Do things that make you feel close to your baby. Being outside was something that brought Nika closer to her baby. If you are struggling with your loss, I encourage you to connect with The National Share here or call (1-800-821-6819) or email them (info@nationalshare.org). Another great resource is Butterfly Baskets and they have an Etsy story to send anyone a gift who's experienced an infancy loss. Lastly, is Through The Heart for support and education. Connect with the Nika on Facebook: Nika Simpson Or to connect with me or have a prayer request, email me: shiftchangerpodcast@gmail.com Stay connected www.instagram.com/Revive.Her or visit my shop: www.ShopPalomaBlanca.com Have a story that inspired change by you or someone else? I would love to share it! Love the podcast? Be gangster and rate & review this podcast! Thank you for listening! Shift happens! We get the opportunity to BE THE CHANGE!

DISCLAIMER: Due to COVID, we've had to orchestrate Zoom recordings rather than in person. Our connection on this episode was patchy despite our efforts. We proceeded and didn't let that stop us. We still hope you enjoy! On June 13th, 2020, our little store, Paloma Blanca, will be one! We wanted to come alongside the struggling and strong Believers and provide financial assistance to women & children who cannot help themselves. God lead us to partner with the Rosas and their organization, Love Bought International. An orphanage in Soacha, Colombia. Mike is a father, traveling evangelist, the chaplain to the Houston Rockets, and a Leadership Coach through Revolutionary Living. Lidiette, his beautiful bride is a loving mother to three gorgeous babies, a minister of the Gospel, and the other heartbeat behind Love Bought. She's also vital in keeping #allthethings running. The call of God came to Mike at the age of 16 while watching a commercial that sparked the fire in his heart for the people of Colombia. In 2007, they started a soup kitchen feeding children and now have a home for the children. Love Bought is their offering to the Lord. Their passion is fueled by James 1:27 that says, "Pure and true religion in the sight of God means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." This episodes sticky note quote is, "You must change with the times unless we're big enough to change the times." SHIFT | CHANGE ANCRONYM: S - Seek the Lord. What comes from the Lord, He will sustain. If it comes from you, it will be sustained by your works. H - Hear His voice. Don't just pray, stay in that moment and wait for the Lord to speak to you. I - Identify the plan. Lidiette prays, "God gives us the blueprint." What is His plan? Ask for it and wait for it. F - Fast and pray. The enemy would love nothing more than to keep you blind, stuck, and immovable towards the purpose God has on your life. Fasting and praying sets intention and is your request for clarity and confidence on your next move. Cry out to God and hold your peace. "The Lord Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm (quiet in another translation)." Exodus 14:14 T - Take Action! This is the last step. Don't be impulsive and skip before seeking the Lord, hearing from Him, fasting, and praying. Once you've done those steps, it's time to take action! Where are they now: they NEED prayer. The Colombian government is preventing Love Bought from caring for the children. Will you join in prayer with my family, with Paloma Blanca, and the Rosas for breakthrough for these precious children? We look forward to a praise report soon this year from The Rosas on obtaining custody of the children. Connect with the Rosas on Instagram: @MikeRosas and @LoveBought or go to www.LoveBought.com Shift happens! Be the change and inspire others to be Shift Changers with you! Contact me shiftchangerpodcast@gmail.com Stay connected www.instagram.com/Revive.Her or visit the shop: www.ShopPalomaBlanca.com Have a story that inspired change by you or someone else? I would love to share it! Love the podcast? Be gangster and rate & review this podcast!

Ria Story shares her journey from an incredibly abusive home to becoming a motivational speaker, author and expert on Women’s Leadership in this podcast interview. She shares how “it’s not what happens to you that matters most. It’s who you become because of it.” Ria has the mindset of “I am going to figure it out one step at a time”. When she became a motivational speaker, Les Brown encouraged her to realize: “you have a story to tell and someone needs to tell that story.” In this episode you will get ways to be resilient, how to be prepared for change and why "nothing fails like success".  Try one of Ria's 4 actions today! In her TEDx talk, Ria shares the acronym RISE and what it represents.  “Every single one of goes through adversity.  We are going to experience problems and pain. How to respond to adversity is what is important. R- Respond   Be proactive and respond positively. We don’t have to let emotions dictate our response.  Choose our thoughts, actions and behaviors help us grow. We can choose our thoughts and attitudes.   I-Identify  Think about the next steps to go forward. Break down what it is you need to do into small actionable steps.  We need to be able to take action. S-Step Forward Consistently The journey of 1000 miles isn’t just a single step.  It takes many steps to get there and you have to keep going. E-Experience Joy Joy-it is a choice we can make.  It can be a tough choice but it absolutely is a choice.  Joy can create emotional freedom.  How to Be Resilient: Be consistent with your actions. When you are going through a difficult situation-I know I should get up but I don’t feel like it. There are going to be days when you don’t feel like being positive. Commit to telling yourself ‘I am going to do the things that are going to change my mindset.’ Make a list. Figure out 3-5 things that helps you feel better.  It can be exercise, listening to music, taking a hot bath for example. Create Pre-Traumatic growth. Think about what would happen if we can grow ourselves and be prepared in advance for times we will experience adversity.  What we can grow before we get to hardship. What to Do In Times of Change: We all love change if it is our idea-but we don’t like it if it is someone else’s idea. It has to do with fear. We have fear of the unknown, loss of control or we won’t like a new situation.” “Nothing fails like success”. It is human nature to keep doing what works and keep doing that and get complacent. Actions to do Today: Be disciplined about our behaviors. Even when we don’t feel like doing something. Learn something new every day. Commit to 5 minutes.  Set small goals they are easier to keep.  Keep commitments we make to ourselves.  It builds personal integrity with ourselves Be of service to someone else.  Take small actions to lift up someone else it will make you feel better. As always, if I can be of any help in your journey, reach out to me, I love to provide support in your journey! Resource Recommendations: Book: Achieve-Maximize Your Potential with 7 Keys to Unlock Success and Significance Website: www.Riastory.com Podcast: Fearfully and Wonderfully Me LinkedIn Ria Story TEDx Talk Editing Credits: As always thanks to the amazing Christy Haussler and Team Podcast for editing this episode!    

Ep. 32 I Identify as a Unicorn Red interiors and red leather pants, Pebbles has a new whip.Fart charts and 10 questions with Kona about Passion. Botox parties, food porn and food gasms, social judgement, birthday parties where the guests are expected to pay, plus Kona's rant about gender. www.MouthfulMedia.com

In this episode we welcome body positivity activist, founder/CEO of People of Color Productions and one of the Directors/Producers of the I Identify as Me documentary, Tina Colleen.

First, don’t do anything. Simply allow yourself to feel, and breathe into your feeling. Then F.I.G.H.T. F- Forgive yourself and others. If you can’t forgive others, start with forgiving YOU. I- Identify what you’re really angry about. At the core of most anger is a feeling of hurt. G- Grow through it H- Help yourself. Your feelings are not someone else’s responsibility, and "they" are not to blame. Take ownership of your feelings. Feel and heal them. Seriously, nurture yourself with kindness and love. Yes, be KIND TO YOURSELF. T- Transition. Yes, strategically turn it into positive power with LOVE! Please grab your SACRED S.O.L. D.A.T.E. JOURNAL (Daily Action To Engage yourself.)  TODAY’S SACRED S.O.L. STEP IS THIS:  What are you angry about right now? F.I.G.H.T. for it. Win WITH yourself, not against yourself. I’d LOVE to hear from you!! Join the MOVEMENT. I’m going to be inviting listeners onto the program. If you have a story you'd like to share — a song to sing (but not a Poor Me Story) — send me an email at: drshannon@doctorshannon.com and put SHARE MY STORY in the subject line. S.O.L.| NOT SOLO. If you haven't already joined the movement, you're personally invited to come over to the WOMEN SIPPING ON LIFE S.O.L. MOVEMENT Closed FB Group and Join the MOVEMENT: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WSOLMovement/ I can't wait to meet you there, and engage with you even more! Thank you for being here, and allowing me to sip on life with you. FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @doctorshannon! See you there... To listen to the song I wrote, you can do so here: letsnottalkaboutex.com, and also cast your vote on your favorite version. If you’ve been feeling like you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or perhaps you still feel like you’re drowning, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be more than happy to schedule a Discovery Call with you to see if Healing Life Coaching is a good fit for you. Email me at drshannon@doctorshannon.com Come over to the WOMEN SIPPING ON LIFE S.O.L. MOVEMENT Closed FB Group and Join the MOVEMENT: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WSOLMovement/ Visit WomenSippingOnLife.com for more free resources, including my CHECKLIST FOR CHANGE, Engagement Checklist + Evaluation Rating, Six Sacred S.O.L. DATE Secrets…and a FREE copy of my best-selling book, Date Yourself Well. You can also check out my Dr. Shannon Facebook Page for more daily S.O.L. TRAINING. I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow. Please invite your best girlfriends to come and join our S.O.L. PARTY. xo Dr. Shannon. Inspiring minds that want to grow and hearts that want to know, so you can love you, your life, and your life’s work well. ONE SIP AT A TIME. A special thanks to the following souls for helping me launch our WOMEN SIPPING ON LIFE podcast… Intro/Outro done by UNI V. SOL  Outro music by Jay Man: Mind Over Matter (www.ourmusicbox.com)  Podcast cover design and web site done by: Pablo Aguilar (www.webdesigncreator.com) Podcast cover photo by Kate Montague of KM Captured (www.kmcaptured.com) 

First, don’t do anything. Simply allow yourself to feel, and breathe into your feeling. Then F.I.G.H.T. F- Forgive yourself and others. If you can’t forgive others, start with forgiving YOU. I- Identify what you’re really angry about. At the core of most anger is a feeling of hurt. G- Grow through it H- Help yourself. Your feelings are not someone else’s responsibility, and "they" are not to blame. Take ownership of your feelings. Feel and heal them. Seriously, nurture yourself with kindness and love. Yes, be KIND TO YOURSELF. T- Transition. Yes, strategically turn it into positive power with LOVE! Please grab your SACRED S.O.L. D.A.T.E. JOURNAL (Daily Action To Engage yourself.)   TODAY’S SACRED S.O.L. STEP IS THIS:  What are you angry about right now? F.I.G.H.T. for it. Win WITH yourself, not against yourself. I’d LOVE to hear from you!! By the way, if you haven't already listened/downloaded my new song (EPISODE 291), you can also listen to it here: letsnottalkaboutex.com, and cast your vote for your favorite version. S.O.L.| NOT SOLO. If you haven't already joined the movement, you're personally invited to come over to the WOMEN SIPPING ON LIFE S.O.L. MOVEMENT Closed FB Group and Join the MOVEMENT: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WSOLMovement/ I can't wait to meet you there, and engage with you even more!  I’m also going to be inviting listeners onto the program. If you have a story you'd like to share — a song to sing (but not a Poor Me Story) — send me an email at: drshannon@doctorshannon.com and put SHARE MY STORY in the subject line. Thank you for being here, and allowing me to Sip On Life with you. Visit WomenSippingOnLife.com for more free resources, including my CHECKLIST FOR CHANGE, Engagement Checklist + Evaluation Rating, Six Sacred S.O.L. DATE Secrets…and a FREE copy of my best-selling book, Date Yourself Well. You can also check out my Dr. Shannon Facebook Page for more daily S.O.L. TRAINING. I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow. Please invite your best girlfriends to come and join our S.O.L. PARTY. xo Dr. Shannon. Inspiring minds that want to grow and hearts that want to know, so you can love you, your life, and your life’s work well. ONE SIP AT A TIME. A special thanks to the following souls for helping me launch our WOMEN SIPPING ON LIFE podcast… Intro/Outro done by UNI V. SOL  Outro music by Jay Man: Mind Over Matter (www.ourmusicbox.com)  Podcast cover design and web site done by: Pablo Aguilar (www.webdesigncreator.com) Podcast cover photo by Kate Montague of KM Captured (www.kmcaptured.com) 

This week Jen shares the most incredible tool to shift out of the state of overwhelm, anxiety and exhaustion. She explains how the energy leak of living out of alignment of your core values and beliefs will keep you stuck in your head on a continuous loop of overwhelm, anxiety and exhaustion.   Follow her three-step Instant Reset Analysis or IRA process which is the Heart-Core Connection to self-love. I – Identify that you’re stuck in your head (Head = H1) R – Replace head talk with heart talk (use the words “thank you” on repeat) (Heart  =H2) A – Ask the questions of your core. (Home = H3)   Jen explains it all in detail during this episode and the shifts this helps Jen and her clients make creates a cascade of incredible positive changes that flow with ease instead of feeling like such a battle.   Apply HERE for the FitMama Foundations™ Program where you will learn these techniques and so many more that will empower you on your FitMama journey. To finish off the podcast Jen shares her secret to getting what you want right now. Don’t miss this episode – it’s sure to lead to an incredible breakthrough if you’re feeling at all stuck or living out someone else’s values rather than your own.   This episode is brought to you by the Best Self Journal. Take some time each day to follow up on your own goals. As well, our show partner Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee encourages you to brew a cup and do the IRA process!! The calmness you will feel from this yummy cup of coffee will feel so good!

Adding fuel to your NFL Draft Week flames, we brought in Friend of the Program Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) of The Rookie Scouting Portfolio and Football Guys to break down the two polarizing quarterback prospects (Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson), give me a mid-late round tight end, wide receiver, and running back that could help the Minnesota Fightin' Vikings Day 3, and his FAVORITE skill position sleeper of the draft. Plus I open the show with some choice thoughts on Vikings general manager Rick Spielman.  All that and more "I Identify with bowling ball shaped running backs" chatter on this edition of the Purple FTW! Podcast! A Carlson Digital Joint Twitter: http://twitter.com/purpleforthewin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purpleftwpodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purpleftwpodcast/ Website: http://purpleftw.com iTunes: http://purpleftw.com/itunes 1500ESPN: http://www.1500espn.com/tag/andy-carlson/ PodcastOne: http://www.podcastone.com/purple-ftw Stitcher: http://purpleftw.com/stitcher iHeart Radio: http://www.iheart.com/show/263-Purple-FTW-Podcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/purpleftwpodcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Xt29Fi1ES6C1fEtWFUFIw?sub_confirmation=1 Bookmark us on Amazon & show some love! http://purpleftw.com/amazon Music for the Purple FTW! podcast is created by & produced by deeB. To hear more of his tracks, check out http://soundcloud.com/deeb

Coach Winn is an in-demand motivational speaker, a leading success coach and seminar trainer, a two-time Olympian, a national championship basketball coach, and an Amazon bestseller. She has written five books including, “Unleash the Winner within You: A Success Game Plan for Business, Leadership, and Life.” Thousands, from small business owners to athletic coaches to corporate executives, have enjoyed Coach Winn’s powerful interactive and humorous WINNING presentations. With over 34 years of practicing leadership as an elite athlete and collegiate basketball coach, Sherry is an expert on coaching leaders and team members to championship status. She has successfully taken people beyond their levels of comfort to “WIN” against competitors who were superior in talent, facilities and financial budgets. Through her WIN Philosophy™ and WINNER Principles™, she teaches leaders and team members to be victorious even when the odds appear to be insurmountable. A recognized authority on leadership and team development, Coach Winn shares with you the WINNER Principles which will enable you to rejuvenate, invigorate and stimulate you and your team members to become agents of change. Audiences rave about Coach Winn’s ability to enthusiastically deliver messages woven into humorous stories which are applicable for individuals within all levels of organizations. A passionate, sought-after author, speaker and business consultant, Coach Winn is characterized by friends, colleagues, and clients as one of the most benevolent, perceptive and influential individuals in the business today. Coach Winn is the originator of the WIN Philosophy ™ and the WINNER Principles ™ and is known for her passion and belief system that ALL things are possible. TOP POINTS FROM THE EPISODE: 1. What we tell ourselves becomes our truth. 2. All things that happen to you are for the greater good. 3. Visualize yourself in your success! 4. Believe it to start doing it! 5. Grow your students/team members so they can become better people! 6. Unleash The Winner Within You 7. THE WIN PHILOSOPHY: W-Widen The Separator: most people do the given! if all you do is the given you’ll just be the average! Do things that make you a separator! I-Identify "I AM" As Your Power Words: 80% of our thoughts are negative unless we choose to change those thoughts. N-Navigate Success: You are the creator. You have to take sole responsibility for who you are and what you do! STAY CONNECTED:   www.facebook.com/coachwinnspeaks www.twitter.com/coachwinnspeaks https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachsherrywinn/ www.coachwinnspeaks.com coachwinn@coachwinnspeaks.com Thank you again for joining us today please check out our webpage at riseupforyou.com for more podcast episodes, webinars, articles, free resources, and events to help you get to the next level in your life! You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google+, and Youtube @riseupforyou If you know anybody that would benefit from this episode please share it with them and help spread the knowledge and motivation. Please support Rise Up For You by writing a review on iTunes. Your feedback will really help the success of our show and push us to continuously be better!  So don’t forget to show your support! SUBSCRIBE TODAY FOR WEEKLY EPISODES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/rise-up-for-you/id1041139377?mt=2

As you start investing in real estate, it's crucial that you have a team around you that you can rely on when you need help. One of those people can be an investment counselor, and Elisabeth Embry talks with two of Jason's investment counselors, Sara and Carrie. The three discuss the various ways you can take advantage of investment counselors, even when you're not ready to buy, the helpfulness of attending events, and the importance of matching investors with the right vendors. Then Jason Hartman talks with human behavior coach Beverly Flaxington, author of Make Your Shift: The Five Most Powerful Moves You Can Make to Get Where YOU Want to Go. Beverly defines each of the five key steps in her SHIFT process to help people add value to their busienss and increase productivity in employees. Key Takeaways: [0:48] Sara's 10 year journey with Jason started with a friend [2:16] How Carrie met Jason and her work journey to investment counselor [6:47] How investment counselors help clients find the right markets and properties [11:19] The benefits going to a real estate seminar or event can give you Beverly Flaxington Guest Interview: [16:37] Beverly’s professional journey of bridging the gap between her financial career and her interest in human behavior. [18:20] People get overwhelmed by the amount of information out there so Beverly chunked it down to 5 steps in her SHIFT Model. [20:38] S: Specify the desired outcome. [24:52] H: Highlight the obstacles and categorize them. [26:16] I: Identify the human factor [28:10] F: Find the Alternative [29:20] T: Take the disciplined action [31:40] Beverly shares an executive tip to prioritize a to-do list. [32:53] Humans have a misperception that communication comes naturally. [33:51] Contact information for Beverly Flaxington Website: www.JasonHartman.com/Contact Beverly Flaxington - The Collaborative

Giving students a voice and choice are appealing ideas, but what are the practical steps to getting students to take charge of their learning? Follow: @larryferlazzo @gallit_z @YJacksonNUA @mrsmieliwocki @Bamradionetwork Yvette Jackson and Veronica McDermott are the authors of the ASCD books Aim High, Achieve More: How to Transform Urban Schools Through Fearless Leadership and Unlocking Student Potential: How do I Identify and Activate Strengths? Jackson is the CEO of the National Urban Alliance for Effective Education. McDermott is a retired superintendent, professional developer, and education consultant. Rebecca Mieliwocki is a 21-year veteran middle school English teacher in Burbank, CA, who adores trying new things with her wild, wonderful, and wooly 7th graders. Gallit Zvi is a teacher and vice principal in Surrey, BC, Canada. She is the co-author of The Genius Hour Guidebook.

But, are these assessments fair and accurate? Should we not identify the obstacles parents face in today's culture. My good friend, John Rosemond, and I discuss this today. John is no stranger to "License to Parent." He has been a friend to myself and to the ministry of Shepherds Hill Academy for a number of years. In addition, he has been featured on our program numerous times. I'd encourage you to search our content to hear more from John Rosemond. John is a successful columnist, conference speaker, radio talk show host, and author. John is the host of "Because I Said So!" -  a nationally syndicated radio program. Common Stumbling Blocks for Parents Have parents of the digital age been dealt a bad hand? While there are certainly cases of dereliction on the parent's part. Those exceptions aside, I want to identify the challenges that the average parent faces. I particularly want to focus on the parents that claim to be followers of Christ. What unique challenges do they face as the digital age begins to take root. John and I Identify the following: How the experts become a stumbling block. The reason Christian parents face the same stumbling blocks as the culture. The role the culture-pivot of the 1960's played in developing stumbling blocks. How psychology has harmed parenting practices today. How suicidal ideations have become a stumbling block for families. The relationship between order, discipline, and the public schools. The empowering of the kid's right and minimizing the role of the parent. How the phrase “That is what teens do” has misled a generation. How the LGBT ideology has confused parents and teens. The misleading problem of codependency. Minimizing the role of spiritual warfare. Picture provided by: pixabay.com

But, are these assessments fair and accurate? Should we not identify the obstacles parents face in today's culture. My good friend, John Rosemond, and I discuss this today. John is no stranger to "License to Parent." He has been a friend to myself and to the ministry of Shepherds Hill Academy for a number of years. In addition, he has been featured on our program numerous times. I'd encourage you to search our content to hear more from John Rosemond. John is a successful columnist, conference speaker, radio talk show host, and author. John is the host of "Because I Said So!" -  a nationally syndicated radio program. Common Stumbling Blocks for Parents Have parents of the digital age been dealt a bad hand? While there are certainly cases of dereliction on the parent's part. Those exceptions aside, I want to identify the challenges that the average parent faces. I particularly want to focus on the parents that claim to be followers of Christ. What unique challenges do they face as the digital age begins to take root. John and I Identify the following: How the experts become a stumbling block. The reason Christian parents face the same stumbling blocks as the culture. The role the culture-pivot of the 1960's played in developing stumbling blocks. How psychology has harmed parenting practices today. How suicidal ideations have become a stumbling block for families. The relationship between order, discipline, and the public schools. The empowering of the kid's right and minimizing the role of the parent. How the phrase “That is what teens do” has misled a generation. How the LGBT ideology has confused parents and teens. The misleading problem of codependency. Minimizing the role of spiritual warfare. Picture provided by: pixabay.com

During the introduction Jason breaks down the components of inflation, stagnation and deflation. He refers to a Business Insider article to demonstrate how the devaluing of the dollar is bad news for US global trading partners.   Human Behavior coach, Beverly Flaxington is Jason's guest expert. She introduces her SHIFT Model from her best-selling Make Your Shift: The Five Most Powerful Moves You Can Make to Get Where YOU Want to Go and defines each of the five key step in the process. Beverly is the co-founder at The Collaborative, a practice management and business consulting firm, which helps corporate clients to add value to their business and to increase productivity in their employees.      Key Takeaways: [2:00] Delayed gratification is a key to success in life and in real estate investing. [4:56] A Business Insider article tackles inflation, 7 Things You Could Buy For $1 in 1950.     Beverly Flaxington Guest Interview: [16:01] Beverly's professional journey of bridging the gap between her financial career and her interest in human behavior. [17:44] People get overwhelmed by the amount of information out there so Beverly chunked it down to 5 steps in her SHIFT Model.   [20:02] S: Specify the desired outcome. [24:16] H: Highlight the obstacles and categorize them. [25:40] I: Identify the human factor [27:34] F: Find the Alternative [28:44] T: Take the disciplined action [31:04] Beverly shares an executive tip to prioritize a to-do list. [32:17] Humans have a misperception that communication comes naturally. [33:15] Contact information for Beverly Flaxington Mentioned in This Episode: Jason Hartman Register for the Software and Buying Event The Collaborative

We asked for 44 retweets for an early release of "Episode 44 - I Identify as a Unicorn," but you only got us halfway there. You teased us, so we're gonna tease you. Here's the last 22 seconds of tomorrow's release. Hope it tickles. Don't know what the f--what we're talking about? Follow us on Twitter and catch up.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/hashtag-questions-with-brandon-and-trey/donations