Why am I different? Why do things have to be so difficult? Am I dumb? Why am I scared? Will it be this hard forever? Will I ever find the help I need to succeed? When will being different be accepted? Welcome to The Different Ability® Podcast where we will answer all of these questions and a whole lot more! Each week host Katey Fortun brings you tips and tricks on how to navigate being different, along with inspiring stories of guests that are living an amazing life having Different Abilitie ...
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Welcome to The Inclusive Dad Podcast, where we explore all things inclusion and make it practical!!
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The Power of Self-Advocacy and Inclusion with Katey Fortun - Episode 19
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In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron speaks with Katey Fortun, a motivational speaker and advocate for people with disabilities. Katey shares her personal journey of growing up with a learning disability and the importance of self-advocacy. They discuss how learning about oneself fosters empathy and inclusion. Katey emphasizes t…
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Advocacy in Action: A Guide to True Inclusion with Win Charles - Episode 21
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In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron interviews motivational speaker and author Win Charles, who shares her personal journey with cerebral palsy and her experiences with inclusion, advocacy, and resilience. Win discusses challenges within education, accessibility in public spaces, and her advocacy work in promoting accessibility…
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In honor of my Great Aunt Lynn - The Book Edition
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10:59
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Send us a text On this episode I share more about my Great Aunt Lynn, someone who I looked up to for many years and still do. I write a lot about her in my book, that will be available in 2025, and I wanted to share a bit more about her that I didn't share about in the book. Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching…
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Fatherhood, Advocacy, and Overcoming Bias with Jey Young - Episode 20
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In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes Jey Young, a remarried father and mental health clinician. Jey shares his experiences growing up with a rare neuromuscular disorder called Andersen-Tawil syndrome and how it shaped his empathy and passion for helping children and families. They discuss the importance of fathers being…
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Advocacy and Leadership with Kylee Leota
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Send us a text We had an amazing conversation on today episode! Kylee has so many mic drop moments in this episode she is just incredible! From her time being a teacher, in the classroom, to working in school leadership and what shes doing now, she brings so much knowledge, kindess and compassion for kids with disabilities, it was beautiful being a…
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Customizing Life: Embracing Disability and Creativity with Dōmo Jones - Episode 18
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In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron interviews Dōmo Jones, an author, entrepreneur, and podcast host. Dōmo shares her journey with a disability, detailing her diagnosis with a brain tumor at age nine, which affected her mobility and led her to use a walker. She discusses how she embraced her creativity by customizing medical ac…
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Send us a text Life can be so unfair and so short... we are very lucky and had gaurdian angels watching over us for sure! Listen in to hear the story of how thankfully listened to my husbands gut and didn't do something that turned out very tragic. If you'd like to watch this episode on video you can check it out on my youtube chanel here! Stay in …
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How Connection Fuels Mental Health and Inclusion with Kimberly Michelle - Episode 17
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In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron interviews Kimberly Michelle, a mental health advocate and tabletop gamer, about her journey in mental health advocacy and the importance of inclusion. Kimberly shares her personal struggles with mental health, how plushie therapy helps manage her anxiety, and her work as a mental health navi…
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Autism, Empathy, and Global Inclusion with Joanne Copeland - Episode 16
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In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron interviews Joanne Copeland, who shares her story as a mother of twins with autism in Australia. Joanne opens up about the challenges of balancing different educational paths for her children and the societal shifts toward more inclusive environments. She discusses the value of empathy and how…
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Teaching English with an Aussie with Adriana Cefala
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Send us a text Oh, this episode makes me smile when listening to it! Adriana and I are like sisters from another mister for sure! She's like the very long distant friend I didn't know I needed! We have so much fun chatting and learning all about Adriana, her life in Italy and her life growing up in Australia! She is so fun, funny and wonderful to l…
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Breaking Barriers: Ableism, Disability Pride, and Inclusive Communities with Tiffany Yu - Episode 15
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In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Tiffany Yu, CEO & Founder of Diversability and author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto. Tiffany shares her personal journey into disability advocacy following a car accident, at the age of 9, that also took the life of her father. She discusses the systemic nature of ableism, the imp…
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Her medical health journey to building a legacy with Emily Hartstone
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Send us a text Emily so kindly shares the years of her difficult medical health journey but puts such a positive spin on the many hurdles she has had to jump over. She shares about her love of horses and competing in her younger years, to being diagnosed with many different health conditions. She is a warrior and does not give up! She owns differen…
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Inclusion Is More Than Presence: From Student to Special Ed Teacher with Rebecca Engle - Episode 14
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In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron interviews Rebecca Engle, a special education teacher diagnosed with autism. Rebecca shares her experiences as both a special education student and teacher, discussing the importance of true inclusion. She highlights how inclusion is more than just being present in a classroom; it involves ge…
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Send us a text This episode I'm sharing a bit of my book writing journey and how it's going having dyslexia and writing a book... it's not easy, but it's worth it! Join my behind the scenes book email list! If you already get my emails, this is a different list speifically about the book. Join HERE! Or joing directly here! Stay in the loop with the…
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Navigating Inclusion and Accessibility in Life and Business with Erin Perkins - Episode 13
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In this episode of the Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron interviews Erin Perkins, a deafblind accessibility strategist, who shares her personal journey navigating life with dual sensory impairments. The conversation explores challenges in accessing support, from inconsistent educational accommodations to barriers in public venues like concerts. Eri…
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Strengths, Vision, and Presuming Competence with Michelle Tetschner - Episode 12
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In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron and guest Michelle Tetschner discuss their shared experiences advocating for inclusion in education for their children with disabilities. Michelle, the mother of a son with Down syndrome, highlights the importance of teamwork, confidence in IEP meetings, and a vision for the future. Together,…
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From struggling with LD in childhood to Author, Speaker and Coach, with Patrick Richard Garcia
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Send us a text Patrick Richard Garcia shares his story of growing up as a child with LD, in Canada. He moved around a lot throughout his younger years. He shares his struggles, his wins, what he has learned through the years and the teachers that impacted him greatly. Going from a struggling child with LD to now an Author, Speaker and Coach, it's f…
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How to Foster True Inclusion in Schools with Kayla Coburn - Episode 11
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In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron speaks with Kayla Coburn, an inclusion specialist and author, about the challenges of fostering inclusion in schools. Kayla shares her journey from paraprofessional to running her own business, “Inclusion Starts Now.” They discuss personal experiences with navigating educational systems, advo…
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The Power of Empathy and Inclusion: A Conversation with Joe Carr - Episode 10
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On this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, AAron welcomes Joe Carr, who discusses his journey with cerebral palsy and the use of an AAC device. Joe shares his experiences of inclusion in school, adaptive sports, and his charitable efforts through his lemonade stand, raising over $70,000 for Gillette Children’s Hospital. He emphasizes the importa…
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Redefining Inclusion: The Social Model of Disability and Advocacy Strategies with Dr. Cheryl Blankman - Episode 9
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In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, AAron speaks with Dr. Cheryl Blankman, an experienced school psychologist and advocate for inclusivity in education. They discuss the nuances of inclusion, emphasizing the importance of shifting the conversation from "inclusion" to "inclusivity" as a holistic, community-wide responsibility. Dr. Blankman…
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It's the journey up with Kari Berridge
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Send us a text Kari Berridge is an amazing guest with an incredible story! She vulnerability shares her story and all of the amazing things she's doing with her life now. This episode has so much wonderful information and stories, you don't want to miss it! Kari's Bio: Kari Berridge, a resilient and triumphant individual, is a devoted mother, proud…
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Barred from Your Child’s Special Ed Class? Take Action and Get Back In! - Episode 8
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In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, AAron addresses the issue of parents being denied access to visit their child in special education classrooms. He discusses the common reasons given—privacy and safety—and explains why these justifications may not always be valid, particularly with regard to FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy …
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How did it go? Recap Keynote Speaker - Reno, NV
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Send us a text Back on epsidoe 176 it was the beginning of Season 5 and I was out in Reno, NV Keynote speaking at a conference. I recorded that episode before the conference so this episode is a recap of how it actually went! In short, it was AMAZING and I'm so honored and grateful for the amazing opportunity! Thank you to Nevada Governer's Council…
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The Inclusive Dad with Stephanie Polcyn - Season 2 Episode 7
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In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, AAron interviews Stephanie Polcyn, a mother and advocate with a personal connection to disability. Stephanie shares her journey, highlighting her husband’s military-related disability, her own sudden hearing loss, and her experiences advocating for her children with ADHD and asthma. She discusses the ch…
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Spiritual Healer and Astrology with Sarah Boss
1:06:50
1:06:50
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Send us a text Oh my gosh, this episode got real... really fast! Sarah has an amazing soul and you're going to love her just as much as I do! She shared about her childhood growing up as a younger sister to her older brother that was Autistic and then we dove into what she's doing now! She's a spiritual healer and we talked about astrology! She pin…
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The Inclusive Dad with Sarah St. Louis - Season 2 Episode 6
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In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron interviews Sarah St. Louis, a certified ADA coordinator. They discuss Sarah’s work in advocating for more inclusive public spaces, including her involvement in Changing Spaces Minnesota, which advocates for adult-sized changing tables in public restrooms. Sarah shares her personal journey int…
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The Inclusive Dad Talks About the ADA - Season 2 Episode 5
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In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, AAron discusses the challenges and frustrations of encountering and addressing The Americans With Disability Act (ADA) violations in everyday life, particularly as a parent of a daughter who uses a wheelchair. He shares personal experiences, such as inaccessible sidewalks and schools, emphasizing the on…
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Beautifuly gifted and diagnosed with autisum at 39 with Rebecca Finch Vitsmun
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Send us a text Rebecca is such a wonderful guest! I had so much fun learning from her and hearing part of her story! She's doing incredable things and it's so inspring to learn how she sees the world and learning more about her Different Abilities! You don't want to miss this episode, that's for sure! Rebecca's Bio: Rebecca Finch Vitsmun is an auti…
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The Inclusive Dad with Anthony Cutno - Season 2 Episode 4
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29:17
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In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron interviews Anthony Cutno, a retired Marine and single father of three, including a daughter with a disability. Anthony shares his journey of learning about disabilities through his daughter and how it has shaped his perspective as a parent. He discusses the importance of inclusion, the challe…
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Send us a text I have been working on one new thing this year and I'm announcing what it is in today's episode! It's something that is very personal but has been a huge goal of mine for a long time. I have talked myself out of it for years, but this year was the year I was going to make this goal reality! Please tune in to hear the big news and I c…
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The Inclusive Dad with Michael Humel - Season 2 Episode 3
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In this episode of the Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron interviews Michael Humel, a disability advocate with spina bifida. Michael shares his experiences growing up with a disability, including the challenges of using a wheelchair in an often inaccessible world. He discusses the importance of inclusion, the difficulties faced in everyday situation…
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Season 5 AND Keynote Speaker in Reno, NV!
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Send us a text SEASON 5 is here! I can't believe this podcast has been alive for 4 years! Thank you to everyone that has been listening and supporting along the way! Welcome to anyone that is new and this is your first episode! I appreciate each and every one of you! Also, when this epsiode goes out, I'm out in Reno, NV Keynoting a really awesome c…
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The Inclusive Dad with Becca Boston - Season 2 Episode 2
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In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes Becca Boston, an inspirational speaker and mental health advocate. Becca shares her journey of growing up with dyslexia and auditory processing disorder, overcoming a domestic violence relationship, and finding her voice as an advocate for inclusion. They discuss the importance of em…
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The Inclusive Dad with Nick Yerhart - Season 2 Episode 1
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In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron interviews Nick Yerhart, a resilient individual with cerebral palsy who defies expectations. Nick shares his journey of overcoming physical limitations, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and empathy. He discusses how he navigates daily life, the challenges of accessibility, and the impa…
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Loving Mother & Down Syndrome Advocate with Wendy Hooton
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Send us a text This is the best interview for our last episode of season 4! Wendy shares her incredible journy of becoming a monther at 23 and when she gave birth to her son, she found out 3 hours after the birth that he has Down Syndrome. It turned her world upside down in that moment, but she made him promises in the hospital that day and she has…
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Life Update - How has it been two years already?
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Send us a text It's been a while since I have done a solo show! Just a quick update on what's been going on in life AND its my two year wedding anniversary! I can't believe it's been two years! I talk about what we have done over the last two years and drop a few hints on a few announcments I'll be doing over the next few weeks! Thank you to our pa…
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A father’s loss and grief with Jason Tuttle
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Send us a text Loss and grief is different for everyone but on this podcast episode Jason bravely and vulnerably shares his story. Jason’s story is beautiful and also heartbreaking, but needs to be shared! He has created a safe space for people who are going through loss and grief and he’s straight forward and honest about it all! Please listen to …
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Diagnoised with ADHD after her daughter was diagnosed - with Andrea Atherton
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Send us a text Andrea was such pleasure to have on the podcast in todays episode! She told me it was her first time talking about her own story publically and I'm so grateful she did! Her life growing up wasn't as easy as one may think, but her boldness to never give up and be who she wanted to be is inspiring! Listen in and hear all about her incr…
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Wheelchair accessible travel with Kristin Secor
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Send us a text Do you love traveling? Are you ever afraid to travel alone? Do you know someone that has a physical disability that would love to travel but is not comfortable doing so? Well this episode is for you and anyone you know! Kristin shares her story growing up with a physical disability and shares how she turned her love of travel into he…
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Music Therapy and neurodivergent children with Samantha Foote
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Send us a text Samantha talked about learning, in her 30's, she has ADHD! We dive into her childhood, growing up, and now looking back at her life realizing that ADHD makes sense for her. She also talks about her career and the amazing business she owns all about helping neurodivergent children through music therapy. Her company also supports paren…
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Her Blind Parents Beautiful Love Story with Mary Harper
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Send us a text Oh this episode is so dang beautiful! Mary Harper shares her parents incredibly beautiful love story! Both of her parents were blind and she shares so much about their journey thorugh life and what Mary learned from growing up with her parents being blind. Did I tear up and cry during this episode? Absolutly! It's one of the most bea…
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Send us a text Aaron is an amazing advoate not only for his child that has a Different Ability® but for any child with a Different Ability®! His daughter was born having epilepsy and also cerebral palsy. He has been her advocate since she was 3 months old, when he found out. He contiunies to be her advocate and also helps other parents advocate for…
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"Is It Dyslexia?" with April McMurtrey
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Send us a text I was introduced to April and all that she does by following her on Instagram and seeing her incredible reels. Her videos truly have changed me and helped me in more way to even try to explain. What April is doing for the world of Dyslexia is nothing short of amazing! I can't wait for you to hear today's episode. It made me cry editi…
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"It all came from TikTok" Learing she may have a Different Ability® from TikTok with Nina Clapperton
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Send us a text This interview with Nina is full of her amazing stories! She takes us through her life growing up and in her 20's realizes from Tiktok that she may have a Different Ability®! Then she went on to get an actual diagnosis to then a few months later accidently getting a shocking diagnosis! Nina is an incredible storyteller, this episode …
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Her story of living in Iran before and after the revolution with Soodabeh Mokry
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Send us a text Soodabeh's story is unlike any story we have had on the Different Ability® Podcast to date. I'm so grateful that she was willing to share her incredible story with us on today's episode! Read more about Soodabeh HERE! Connect with Soodabeh: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok Buy Her books HERE! Thank you to our partner this we…
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Advocating & educating people about his disability from a young age! with Nick Smit
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Send us a text This episode I'm interviewing my new friend all the way from South Africa! This is the first of many episodes with Nick, he has an incredible story and is doing so many amazing things in the disability world! Nick's Bio: A teacher by profession and passion which led him into public speaking, corporate training and disability advocacy…
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Advoating for her two build children and creating change in the world! with Kristin Smedley
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Send us a text We go way back when she was a child, what she learned while playing softball and having her father as her coach, being an amazing teacher, to becoming a monther. After she had her first born child, 4 months in, she learned that her son was leagally blind. She shares her vulnerable, honest feelings finding that out. A few years later …
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WARRIOR! Fought many battles and she's not giving up! with Neosho Ponder
1:08:42
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Send us a text Neosho has fought so many battles in her life and she continues to win! This episode is full of stories trials Neosho went through and she fought her way through them. In this interview I kept coming back to the word warrior. I truly believe that word is perfect to sum up this episode. Neosho was also so fun to talk to, she's funny a…
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Diagnosed in her 50's with ADHD and helping so many people along the way with Anita Hempenius
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Send us a text We talked with Anita on this episode about her being diagnosed with ADHD in her 50's, her incredibly full life of amazingness! She is doing SO many amazing things, like helping people with ADHD, couples with ADHD, teaching children with disabilities just to name a few! She is doing so much more than that, and I highly suggest not onl…
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Continuing to live her purpose with Alma Thomas
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Send us a text This episode is an incredible episode. My guest Alma, shares her story and takes us on her many trials in her life. She is an inspiration for everything she has been through and continues to go through, but she doesn't give up! Listen in to her amazing story! I also want to wish Alma's late son, Tysean, a heavenly happy birthday, Apr…
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