Disability is messy, political, not palatable and intersects at every identity. This podcast examines those intersections and their nuances. Hosted by the founder of the Disability Justice movement Upgrade Accessibility , Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame inductee, and two-time award winning podcaster Mary Fashik. Portrait sketch: @jenny_graphicx on Instagram
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Conversation Series: Black Women Thought Leaders - Living at the Intersection of Being Black and Disabled
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In celebration of both Black History Month in February and Women's History Month in March, Mary put together this conversation series. During the final interview of the series, Mary talks with Keri Gray of the Keri Gray Group and the NAMED Advocates. The two discuss the gap between social justice and Disability Justice, how to close the gap, Black …
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In this episode, Mary sits down with drag performer and Drag Queen of the Year pageant contestant, Charles Galin. The two discuss Charles' pageant experience, virtual drag, why they choose to continue to mask in public spaces, lack of general accessibility in the world, and more. You can follow Charles on social media here. Production note: Mary's …
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Pride Edition: Bridging the gap between the LGBTQIA+ community and the disabled/chronically ill community - Part 2
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20:47
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Mary continues her conversation Season 5, All Stars 2 contestant of RuPaul's Drag Race, Detox for The Politics of Disability Pride series. The two discuss continue their discussion on what it will take to bridge the gap between the LGBTQIA+ community and the disabled/chronically ill community, the rise, fall, and possible revival of virtual drag sh…
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Pride Edition: Bridging the gap between the LGBTQIA+ community and the disabled/chronically ill community - Part 1
24:18
24:18
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In part one of the second interview for The Politics of Disability Pride series, Mary sits down with Season 5, All Stars 2 contestant of RuPaul's Drag Race, Detox. The two discuss what it will take to bridge the gap between the LGBTQIA+ community and the disabled/chronically ill community, advocacy, anti-trans legislation, and more. Episode content…
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Pride Edition: The Intersection of Queer Liberation and Disability Justice - Part 2
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Mary continues her conversation with Season 12 contestant of RuPaul's Drag Race and the national co-chair of Drag Out The Vote, Brita Filter for The Politics of Disability Pride series. The two discuss anti-LGBGTQIA+ legislation, voting, lack of access to voting, lack of accessible social media, and more. Drag Out The Vote is a nonpartisan, nonprof…
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Pride Edition: The Intersection of Queer Liberation and Disability Justice - Part 1
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In part one of the initial interview for The Politics of Disability Pride series, Mary sits down with Season 12 contestant of RuPaul's Drag Race and the national co-chair of Drag Out The Vote, Brita Filter. The two discuss mental health, advocacy, voting, voting rights, Pride, the lack of accessibility when it comes to Pride events, and more. Drag …
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Conversation Series: Black Women Thought Leaders - The Intersection of Politics, Social Justice, and Faith - Part 2
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33:23
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In celebration of both Black History Month in February and Women's History Month in March, Mary put together this conversation series. During the second interview of the series, Mary continues her conversation with Stacey Abrams' former press secretary, Jaylen Black. The two discuss advocacy, voting rights, lack of access to basic needs such as foo…
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Conversation Series: Black Women Thought Leaders - The Intersection of Politics, Social Justice, and Faith - Part 1
25:39
25:39
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In celebration of both Black History Month in February and Women's History Month in March, Mary put together this conversation series. During the second interview of the series, Mary talks with Stacey Abrams' former press secretary, Jaylen Black. The two discuss how disability is viewed in the Black community, intersectionality, the disconnect betw…
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Conversation Series: Black Women Thought Leaders - The Intersection of Social and Disability Justice - Part 2
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22:11
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In celebration of both Black History Month in February and Women's History Month in March, Mary has put together this conversation series. She continues her conversation with Alison Mariella Désir in part two of this compelling interview. They discuss what it means to be multi-marginalized in the Black community, how disability is viewed in the Bla…
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Conversation Series: Black Women Thought Leaders - The Intersection of Social and Disability Justice - Part 1
20:06
20:06
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In celebration of both Black History Month in February and Women's History Month in March, Mary has put together this conversation series. She sits down with Alison Mariella Désir in part one of their conversation to discuss her book, Running While Black, the thought behind it, what running while Black means to her, the implications the book has ha…
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BONUS EPISODE: The Intersection of the Drag World and Disability
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In this season 2 bonus episode, Mary sits down with RuPaul's Drag Race season 11 finalist, host of Canada's Drag Race and executive producer/host of 1 Queen, 5 Queers, Brooke Lynn Hytes. The two discuss the differences in perceptions of disability in Canada and the United States, disabled representation in the Drag Race ecosystem and the lack there…
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The Intersection of the Performing Arts and Ableism - Part 2
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In part two of this episode, Mary continues her conversation with friend Christophe Desorbay. The two discuss Mary’s acting aspirations, the lack of representation on Broadway, auditioning for a Broadway role as some who is hard of hearing, and more. Christophe Desorbay is Franco-American producer and artist living in NYC. He currently works at Ran…
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The Intersection of the Performing Arts and Ableism - Part 1
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In part one of this episode, Mary sits down with her friend Christophe Desorbay about his experience as a artist, the ableism hard of hearing/Deaf performers on Broadway face, and more. Christophe Desorbay is Franco-American producer and artist living in NYC. He currently works at Range Media Partners, finding the ways that theater can successfully…
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The Intersection of Publishing and Ableism - Part 2
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Mary continues her conversation with founder and president of Row House Publishing, Rebekah Borucki. The two discuss accessibility, the disability tax, ableism and whether there is or will be a shift in representation in the publishing industry. Rebekah “Bex” Borucki (she/they) is a mother-to-five, self-help and children's author, and the Founder a…
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The Intersection of Publishing and Ableism - Part 1
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Mary talks with founder and president of Row House Publishing, Rebekah Borucki about the lack of marginalized representation, particularly disabled representation in the publishing world, what needs to happen in order to change that, and how important access to books is for children (and everyone). Rebekah “Bex” Borucki (she/they) is a mother-to-fi…
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The Intersection of being Black, Jewish, and Disabled - Part 2
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Mary and Love continue their conversation as they dive into why Love created "Ableism Fridays," being an educator, the pandemic, and mental health. Love is a disabled Black and Jewish Higher Education administrator and educator. Love has led numerous trainings on creating inclusive communities and addressing internal and external biases. ⠀ Love cur…
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The Intersection of being Black, Jewish, and Disabled - Part 1
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In part one of this episode, Mary and educator Love Wallace discuss the nuances and complexities surrounding intersectionality. They also talk about Love's experiences as a Black, Jewish, disabled woman and why it's difficult to get every part of her identity recognized by some. Love is a disabled Black and Jewish Higher Education administrator and…
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The Intersection of Parenting and Ableism - Part 2
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In the second part of the season 2 premiere, Mary sits down continues her conversation with fellow disability advocate Nina Tame. The two discuss advocacy burnout, the pandemic, mental health, and Nina delivers her message to the non-disabled community. Nina Tame is a disability advocate, writer, and content creator from the UK. She uses her Instag…
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The Intersection of Parenting and Ableism - Part 1
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Content warning: Some mild language and mentions of ableism In the first part of the season 2 premiere, Mary sits down with fellow disability advocate Nina Tame to discuss her disability journey, how having a disabled child helped her find beauty in her own disability, being a disabled parent to both disabled and non-disabled children, and the misc…
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Season 1 Finale - The Intersection of Academia, The Dance World, Disability Justice, and Ableism - Part 2
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Content warning: Explicit language and mentions of both ableism and racism In the last part of the season one finale, Mary and Catalina discuss how Catalina's term "diversity burrito" came about, what it means, ableism and racism in the workplace, the pandemic, and how Black advocates/activists paved the way for disabled advocates/activists. Born i…
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The Intersection of Academia, The Dance World, Disability Justice, and Ableism - Part 1
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Content warning: Explicit language and mentions of ableism In the first part of the season one finale, Mary and Catalina discuss ableism in academia, the dance world and Disability Justice. Born in Medellin, Colombia and raised in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Catalina earned a BA in Psychology at Western Connecticut State University in 2011 and c…
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BONUS EPISODE: Where Disability and Politics Meet
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29:37
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On Friday, July 8, 2022, Mary sat down with Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams for a one on one discussion about issues that directly impact the disabled community. The two discussed the lack of affordable, accessible housing, voter suppression, health care, myths surrounding Medicaid expansion, and more. Leader Abrams' plans for the sta…
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The Intersection of Gaslighting and Ableism - Part 2
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Content warning: Mentions of racism, ableism, suicidal ideation In part 2 of their conversation, Mary and Emee discuss growing up in Middle Eastern families, not being "American enough," Emee's style, COVID and mental health. Emee is a disabled fiction and non-fiction writer, vintage jewelry maker, and business owner. She has thirteen chronic illne…
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The Intersection of Gaslighting and Ableism - Part 1
22:54
22:54
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Mary is joined by Emee for this episode. In part one of this interview, the two talk disability, chronic illness, going undiagnosed and the gaslighting they've both dealt with in medical settings. Emee is a disabled fiction and non-fiction writer, vintage jewelry maker, and business owner. She has thirteen chronic illnesses and is neurodivergent. S…
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The Intersection of Generational Trauma and Ableism - Part 2
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26:43
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Content warning: Mentions of natural disasters, death of a pet, ableism, COVID Mary and Jocy continue their conversation during the second part of this interview. They discuss disabled and chronically ill individuals being left behind/forgotten during natural disasters, ableism in the education system, COVID, and more. Jocelyn Mondragon, also known…
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BONUS EPISODE: Disability is Indeed Political - Part 2
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24:22
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Content warning: Mentions of suicidal thoughts, depression, mass shootings In part 2 of this very special bonus episode, Mary continues her conversation with Dom Kelly, the Georgia Fundraising Director and the Director of Disability Engagement & Accessibility for Stacey Abrams’ campaign for Governor of Georgia. The two discuss the political nature …
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BONUS EPISODE: Disability is Indeed Political - Part 1
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31:03
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Content warning: Mentions of children's death In part 1 of this very special bonus episode, Mary speaks with friend, former colleague at Neighborhood Access, and fellow advocate Dom Kelly. Dom Kelly is currently the Georgia Fundraising Director and the Director of Disability Engagement & Accessibility for Stacey Abrams’ campaign for Governor of Geo…
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The Intersection of Generational Trauma and Ableism - Part 1
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26:29
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In part one of this episode, Mary is joined by fellow advocate, Jocy Mondragon. The two discuss ableism within the medical model, generational trauma, and yes, even Encanto . Warning: Movie spoilers in this episode Jocelyn Mondragon, also known as Jocy is dedicated to building community by sharing Disability y Latinidad through a political and crea…
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The Intersection of Being Deaf, Identifying Language, and Ableism - Part 2
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18:31
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Episode content warning: Profanity and brief mention of abuse In part 2 of this episode, Mary and Elle continue their conversation. The two discuss being Deaf and Jewish, the pandemic, mask wearing as a Deaf person, and Elle’s message to the non-disabled community. You can watch Elle sign "The Matzah That Papa Brought Home" here. You can follow Ell…
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The Intersection of Being Deaf, Identifying Language, and Ableism - Part 1
23:26
23:26
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In this latest episode, Mary talks with one of her closest friends and fellow advocate Elle Zusi. The two discuss navigating the world as a deaf person, both personally and professionally. They dive into identifying language and the nuances surrounding it, as well as embracing one’s own disability identity. Elle is a Jewish DeafDisabledAutistic Que…
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The Intersection of Autism and Transphobia - Part 2
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30:00
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Content warning: Mentions of eugenics and ableism As part of Autism Acceptance Month, Mary continues the conversation with her colleague from Neighborhood Access, Eryn Star. The two discuss digital drag, disabled drag artists, disabled artists occupying ableist spaces, the intersection of activism and drag, the pandemic and mental health. Eryn Star…
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The Intersection of Autism and Transphobia - Part 1
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27:16
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Content warning: Mentions of transphobia and police violence In honor of Trans Visibility Week and Autism Acceptance Month, Mary talks with her colleague from Neighborhood Access, Eryn Star. The two discuss at length about how ableism leads the non-disabled community to form opinions when it comes to the disabled community, autonomy, and gender ide…
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The Intersection of Being Non-Verbal and Navigating Multi-marginal Identities
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Content warning: Profanity, ableist language, talk of homophobia, ableism and eugenics In this brief but impactful interview, Mary and author/disability rights advocate Sean Gold discuss the misconceptions of being non-verbal, ableism, navigating multi-marginalized identities, and the pandemic. As Sean is non-verbal, Adam Ross voiced for him during…
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The Intersection of Chronic Pain, Advocacy, Gender Identity, and Sexuality - Part 2
28:05
28:05
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Content warning: Profanity, talk of homophobia, ableism, and eugenics In the second half of this interview, Mary and Cami Randleman discuss growing up in the church, the homophobia they've faced, gender identity, accepting their sexuality, how disability intersects with all of that and more. ⠀ Cami describes themself as follows: ⠀ “I am a Black 26 …
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Fighting for Their Lives and Their Education - The UCLA Sit-In
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29:25
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Content warning: Mild cursing, mentions of harassment by law enforcement The Disabled Student Union at UCLA (DSU) provides a safe and inclusive place for disabled, neurodivergent, and ill people to feel accepted. Its purpose is to empower students through advocacy, education, and pride, build relationships with the administration and wider communit…
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The Intersection of Chronic Pain and Advocacy - Part 1
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Content warning: Brief mention of assault Episode note: Cami has asked that it be acknowledged that at the time of recording, they misspoke regarding the specific term "endometrium." In the first half of this episode, Mary is joined by Cami Randleman as they discuss the myths and stigmas that come along with chronic pain, the reality of living with…
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The Intersection of Medical Racism and Ableism - Part 2
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31:15
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In part two of Mary and Makahla's conversation, the two discuss medical racism even further, intersectionality, the pandemic, vaccine hesitancy within the Black community, and what Makahla's message to the non-disabled community is. The Politics of Disability was named Best Interview Podcast at the Astoria Film Festival in both October 2022 and aga…
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The Intersection of Medical Racism and Ableism - Part 1
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In the first part of this conversation filled episode of The Politics of Disability, Mary Fashik, the founder of Upgrade Accessibility and disability activist Makahla Jackson discuss medical racism, biases, as well as chronic illness. In part two, the pair will discuss intersectionality, COVID, vaccine hesitancy within the Black community, and what…
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In the premiere episode of The Politics of Disability podcast, the founder of Upgrade Accessibility, Mary Fashik and disability activist Syanne Bloom discuss the ableism in medical settings and in the pageant world, as well as navigating the pandemic. The Politics of Disability was named Best Interview Podcast at the Astoria Film Festival in both O…
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