Hey there, listeners! Welcome back to episode twenty of our podcast 'True Tales by Disability Advocates'. Ready for a deep dive into the theme of 'Smashing Ableism: Tales of Resilience'? Well, we've got two fantastic disability advocates with us - the brilliant Alina Arredondo and the charming Peter Richter. In this episode, they open up about thei…

This episode features storytellers sharing their experiences of overcoming challenges while thriving with disabilities. Cindy Massey, a photographer and artist, tells her story titled "Finding Family." She recounts her journey to Africa, facing various unexpected hurdles during a safari. Despite the obstacles, she finds strength through the support…

Step into the life of Albert 'Sparky' Metz, a relentless disability rights activist and country music fan who's been championing the rights of the disabled since his formative years. From his institutionalized childhood to his fiercely independent adulthood, Sparky's journey is as captivating as it is inspiring. Through it all, Sparky's spirit rema…

Storyteller Renée Lopez has lived a life of activism, challenging disability stereotypes, and deep friendships. She returns to True Tales with a new story "Me, Myself, and Sandra" about her experience as a Freshman at UT Austin. Host Kristen Gooch and Renée chat about Renée’s passion for social justice and her 40 years of Activism, fighting for Lib…

"The Next Generation Showcase," is a special bonus episode of True Tales by Disability Advocates, the podcast where Advocates harness the power of storytelling to bring community to their peers and hope to develop empathy and others. The stories featured in this episode are written by fledgling storytellers from the Austin Independent School Distri…

"Awkward Moments" is being launched in March 2023, featuring two female storytellers with international stories in recognition of International Women's Day. For the first time, we feature a member of our multi-talented working group as storyteller and host. Host Kamand Alaghehband opens the episode with "London Calling", by storyteller Jennifer McK…

In this episode, we highlight storytellers who are practitioners of this “Magical Advocacy.” The tools these practitioners use are, being clear about what you are asking for, knowing why you’re asking and connecting with people by using personal stories to put a human face on the issue. In her story “Wand Quest”, Jessica Guerrero invokes her advoca…

Note: This episode is slightly longer than usual to honor the natural speech patterns of our guests. Welcome to the Mid-Winter Episode of True Tales by Disability Advocates, season two. Winter is the time of stillness and darkness when nature encourages us to look within and access what’s ready to grow in the coming year. In this episode, “Practice…

Hosts Brittany Sessum and Kaye Love introduce storytellers Gene Rodgers and Cade Insall, who share stories about the ways they have used Kindness and Connections to transform their lives. As we enter the holiday season, listening to “Kindness and Connections” brings you the courage you need to find hope and peace in your life, no matter the circums…

Host Kristen Gooch, and storyteller PiPa McCollister, talk honestly about life in a world not designed for folks with CP, Dyslexia, or ADHD. After PiPa presents her story, “The Gift of Not Paying Attention,” host Kristen learns more about PiPa’s lived experience with ADHD. They discuss the impact of ADHD in adulthood, struggles finding a job, getti…

We end the first season of True Tales by Disability Advocates with "Positively Shining Bright". The stories in this episode highlight the power of choosing a positive mindset. Host Brittany Sessum introduces us to storytellers, Carlos Orellana, and Anne Marie Buckle. In their stories, "Listen to My World" and "Advocate Me," they share how in their …

For Disability Pride Month, Kaye Love chats to Tanya Winters and Kamand Alaghehband about their stories “Pediacrisis” and “Kamand’s View: No More Prejudice”. Stories about how they navigate the predictable and unexpected barriers they meet daily. We hope your day is enriched by listening to “Independence”. Full transcript available. World Health Or…

Full transcripts of all episodes available at https://truetalesbydisabilityadvocates.buzzsprout.com In this episode, guests Laura Odom and Sheena Walter tell host John Beer about the “Awakenings” in their lives. Laura pushed through doubts brought on by years of narcolepsy to try her hand at a new adventure (“Finally Waking Up”), while Sheena flipp…

To listen with full transcript, go to https://truetalesbydisabilityadvocates.buzzsprout.com/ In this episode, host Joey Gidseg talks to Jennifer Howell about her story, “From Ally to Self-Advocate.” Jennifer describes going from being the daughter of parents with disabilities to becoming someone with disabilities of her own, and the surprising thin…

To listen with full transcript, go to https://truetalesbydisabilityadvocates.buzzsprout.com/ In this episode, our storytellers share two very different experiences of dressing up and playing different characters, while using a wheelchair. Host Kamand Alaghehband talks to Jessica Guerrero and Renee Lopez. They talk about their journey with Cosplay a…

A team of disability advocates creates True Tales to give voice to the personal stories and lived experiences of disabled storytellers. We offer our unique, often underrepresented perspective, to the growing community of podcast listeners worldwide. This episode is being released in March, in honor of Women’s History Month. We welcome back Kristen …

Persons with disabilities often face the challenge of others’ misconceptions of their viewpoint and day-to-day life. In this episode, host Jennifer Howell visits with married couple Dave and Kate Chapple about their experience with such situations and the joyful message that love has no limits. In their stories, “My Journey with Religion” and "My L…

Click Here To Listen With Full Transcript In this episode, host Kamand Alaghehband talks to Kaye Love and Marielle Abrams, who talk about their journey with faith and inclusion and share their stories “Faith and Inclusion” and “Prom Night.” Storyteller Bio Kaye Love Kaye is passionate about assisting individuals to explore and enhance their sense o…

In this episode, host Toby Al-Trabulsi talks to John Beer and Kristen Gooch, who talk about ways they have developed resilience while pursuing their passions in life as wheelchair users and share their stories, “Is There a Doctor in The House?” and “I Was Meant to Shine.” John Beer takes us along his adventurous experience of trying to stay stocked…

In this episode, host Brittany Sessum talks to storyteller Eric Clow, who talks about his journey with pride and bravery to live an authentic life and share his stories called "Coachella" and "Letter to My 10-Year-Old Self." You can find this episode, and many more, by subscribing to the True Tales by Disability Advocates on iTunes, Google Podcasts…