Off The Crutch Podcast

In today’s episode, I’m sharing my milestones in Austin over the past several months. I share what it was like to give my second TEDx talk and step onto the DisruptHR stage. Both experiences pushed me, stretched me, and reminded me why I do this work. Then, I’m joined by Stefani Matott, the Special Needs Ministry Lead at Red Rocks Church in Austin. We dive into her heart for creating inclusive spaces, the realities individuals with disabilities face, and how churches can move from awareness t...

In today's episode, we're diving into corporate America. Over the past several months, I’ve gained insight into corporations' operations—especially when hiring talent. Companies are taking meaningful steps by creating resources and systems that foster inclusion for employees with disabilities. My guest today is Michelle Cooper, who brings firsthand experience from the tech world. She’s been deeply involved in inclusion and has much to share about what’s working and what still needs to change....

I had the honor to chat with SXSW President and Chief Programming Officer Hugh Forrest to explore how one of the world’s most influential festivals continues to lead with connection, resilience, and innovation. We discuss how SXSW has evolved, how accessibility and inclusion are prioritized, and what it takes to create space for diverse voices in tech, media, and culture. As someone who attended panels focused on happiness, resilience, and branding, this experience was very personal—and a rem...

It's the last podcast episode of 2024 and I'm ending it on a "high" note. My guests are Erika Bogan and Allison Norlian who was on last month sharing about her short film, Thirteen. This time, it's about Meandering Scars, a documentary that documents Erika’s journey to climb the tallest free standing mountain in the world to spread awareness about suicide and mental health struggles in the disability community. Meandering Scars was co-directed and co-produced by Allison and Kody Leibow...

I recently received my 2024 podcast stats. I'm immensely grateful I had over 1k downloads and listened in 21 countries. You guys rock. More great stuff is on the way in 2025. In addition, I highlighted the top 5 episodes of the year in the pod. If you're relatively new, please go back and listen to them. I'll list them at the bottom. Today, I have Kathryn Goetzke on the podcast. I was on her Hope Matrix Podcast last month and she graciously accepted the invitation to be on mine! Kathryn...

Disney's Out of My Mind will be released on Disney+ tomorrow, and I had the opportunity to interview the director, Amber Sealey, on today's podcast. The film is about a sixth grader, Melody Brooks, who has cerebral palsy, is nonverbal, and uses a wheelchair. As Melody navigates the ups and downs of being in the classroom, she eventually shows that what she has to say is more important than how she says it. Amber Sealey is an award-winning filmmaker whose most recent film, Out of My Mind (Dis...

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, my guest is Myles Wallace, Disability Inclusion Partner for Peak Performers, a disability staffing agnecy in Austin, TX. Are you disabled and looking for employment? Peak Performers can help. They help anyone with a disability regardless of location. From Administraion roles, to C-Suite, their aim is to place people with disabilities in high level positons. To learn more, go to https://www.peakperformers.org/ or e-mail Myles at...

Something I enjoy regularly is giving talks to physical therapy students about cerebral palsy. In today's episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing three physical therapy students in a class I spoke in last year. This episode is unique because all four of us, Aly West, Cameron Samrai, and Dillon Werner, were together in one room. We had an hour-long conversation that included their reflections on that class, questions about cerebral palsy, and my honest views on how physical therapy ...

It’s been a little while because I got sick again, darn! Thankfully, I’m all better. We’re right in the middle of Mental Health Awareness Month and thought it would be appropriate to have on a mental health expert, Melody Wilding. Melody Wilding is the best-selling author of Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work and an executive and leadership coach for smart, sensitive high-achievers who are tired of getting in their own way. Through her coachi...

It's March, which means it's Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month! Last April, I had the fortunate opportunity to speak at the United Cerebral Palsy Annual Conference in Las Vegas, NV. I shared my story of reslience and how I live my life with cerebral palsy. Because this month means so much to me, I thought it would be appropriate to have on CEO and President of United Cerebral Palsy, Armando Contreras to share about the organization and how it helps people with disabilities. Armando...

I'm back with another episode with my friend Alexandra Herold. If you haven't checked out Monday's episode with Jocelyn Cohen, I encourage you to do so. Alexandra Herold (she/her) is the CEO and Founder of Patti + Ricky (PattiAndRicky.com), the Adaptive Fashion Marketplace for adults and kids with and without disabilities, chronic conditions, patients, aging seniors, and caregivers. Alex’s parents worked in the New York City fashion and accessories industry. Growing up in a house full of con...

Happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Today aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. In addition to celebrating the day, my guest is Isaac Harvey from across the pond! Some of Isaac's achievements and roles include: President at Wheels and Wheelchairs Power 100 Disabled People in the UK 2021 Project Coordinator at One Place East Purple Tuesday Ambassador NFTY C...