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Always Looking Up
Always Looking Up episodes
- Chase Merriweather On Racing Towards A Paralympic Dream
In this week’s episode I sat down with Chase Merriweather. Chase is a 16-year-old track athlete and Paralympic hopeful who competes in the 100m and 400m. A quad amputee, Chase’s journey began after a life-threatening flu virus led to septic shock and eventually his amputations in 2013. Today, he has turned his challenges into determination, competing at the highest levels of adaptive track and field. Chase is currently training and working toward his dream of representing Team USA at the LA 2028 Paralympic Games.
We discuss competing against and being in community with athletes you look up to, understanding how to talk about para athletics and para sport, what it would mean for him to compete in LA 28 and so much more.
This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.
Join Always Looking Up on Substack: https://jilliancurwin645746.substack.com
Join The Patreon: https://patreon.com/AlwaysLookingUp
Follow Chase: Instagram: @the_chaseman
Listen To The Nub Club Podcast:
Spotify
Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: [email protected]
Read With Me:
Goodreads
The StoryGraph
Support the organizers, detainees and their families at Delaney Hall (all links from @feminist):
Donate To Family Support Funds: linktr.ee/SupportOurFamilies
Donate to the Commissary Fund: givebutter.com/commissaryfund
Call your representative: https://5calls.org
Learn More: indivisible.org/campaigns/dismantling-detention
Support Minneapolis:
Stand With Minnesota: https://www.standwithminnesota.com
MN NOICE: https://mnnoice.com
Community Aid Network MN: https://www.canmn.org
Support Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:
Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.org
World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org
No Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.org
List Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.page
Support Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/
Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.org
Inland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornaleros
1 hr 3 min - Justin Dougan-LeBlanc On Understanding Communication And Movement Through The Art Of Fashion
In this week’s episode I sat down with Justin Dougan-LeBlanc. Justin is an artist working across sculpture, installation, and wearable forms. Using sculptural garments and textile-based structures, his work explores how communication, gesture, and spatial environments shape the body and organize movement through space.
We discuss fashion, both the industry’s and the art form’s, relationship with disabled bodies, his experience on Project Runway, what it means to have his work be included as a part of fashion’s history and so much more.
This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.
Join Always Looking Up on Substack: https://jilliancurwin645746.substack.com
Join The Patreon: https://patreon.com/AlwaysLookingUp
Follow Justin: Instagram: @jleblancdesign Website: https://www.justindouganleblanc.com
Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: [email protected]
Read With Me:
Goodreads
The StoryGraph
Support the organizers, detainees and their families at Delaney Hall (all links from @feminist):
Donate To Family Support Funds: linktr.ee/SupportOurFamilies
Donate to the Commissary Fund: givebutter.com/commissaryfund
Call your representative: https://5calls.org
Learn More: indivisible.org/campaigns/dismantling-detention
Support Minneapolis:
Stand With Minnesota: https://www.standwithminnesota.com
MN NOICE: https://mnnoice.com
Community Aid Network MN: https://www.canmn.org
Support Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:
Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.org
World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org
No Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.org
List Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.page
Support Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/
Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.org
Inland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornaleros
1 hr 30 min - Lylli Stapper On Being Yourself In A World Not Designed For Us
In this week’s episode I sat down with Lylli Stapper. Lylli is a creator based out of Los Angeles who creates a wide variety of content from comedy to discussions of accessibility. She uses her platform to break down social barriers by simply being herself, and showing just how “normal” she really is. We discuss the ways in which being a little person is seen, represented and understood through an average-height lens and so much more.
This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.
Join Always Looking Up on Substack: https://jilliancurwin645746.substack.com
Join The Patreon: https://patreon.com/AlwaysLookingUp
Follow Lylli: Instagram: @lyllistapper TikTok: @lyllistapper YouTube: Lylli
Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: [email protected]
Read With Me:
Goodreads
The StoryGraph
Support the organizers, detainees and their families at Delaney Hall (all links from @feminist):
Donate To Family Support Funds: linktr.ee/SupportOurFamilies
Donate to the Commissary Fund: givebutter.com/commissaryfund
Call your representative: https://5calls.org
Learn More: indivisible.org/campaigns/dismantling-detention
Support Minneapolis:
Stand With Minnesota: https://www.standwithminnesota.com
MN NOICE: https://mnnoice.com
Community Aid Network MN: https://www.canmn.org
Support Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:
Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.org
World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org
No Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.org
List Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.page
Support Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/
Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.org
Inland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornaleros
1 hr 31 min - Marsha Elle On Turning A Moment Into A Movement
In this week’s episode I sat down with Marsha Elle. Marsha is a bionic model, actress, recording artist, and disability advocate redefining beauty and representation in fashion and entertainment. Featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Essence, and People, she brings authenticity, confidence, and lived experience to every project. Her work challenges stereotypes while creating space for greater visibility and opportunity for people with disabilities.
We discuss her evolution, influences and sound as a singer-songwriter, fashion as a romantic art form, building something more lasting from a moment of virality, and so much more.
Join Always Looking Up on Substack: https://jilliancurwin645746.substack.com
Join The Patreon: https://patreon.com/AlwaysLookingUp
Listen To Marsha Elle:
Apple Music
Spotify
Follow Marsha: Instagram: @marshaellemusic TikTok: @marshaellemusic Website: https://www.marshaelle.com
Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: [email protected]
Read With Me:
Goodreads
The StoryGraph
Support the organizers, detainees and their families at Delaney Hall (all links from @feminist):
Donate To Family Support Funds: linktr.ee/SupportOurFamilies
Donate to the Commissary Fund: givebutter.com/commissaryfund
Call your representative: https://5calls.org
Learn More: indivisible.org/campaigns/dismantling-detention
Support Minneapolis:
Stand With Minnesota: https://www.standwithminnesota.com
MN NOICE: https://mnnoice.com
Community Aid Network MN: https://www.canmn.org
Support Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:
Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.org
World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org
No Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.org
List Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.page
Support Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/
Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.org
Inland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornaleros
57 min - Meredith Lynch On Understanding Humanity Through The Lens Of Pop Culture And Politics
In this week’s episode I sat down with Meredith Lynch. Meredith is an LA-based writer, comedian, and TikTok sensation. In just under four years, she has captivated a dedicated audience with her bold take on pop culture, fearlessly dissecting everything from the Kardashians to the climate crisis. She is the co-creator and cohost of The Moment LIVE a female-led news show that streams wherever you scroll.
We discuss the feeling and healing of being heard, intent versus impact, the importance of understanding the intersection between pop culture and politics and so much more.
This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.
All proceeds from purchasing this episode will be split between City Harvest and Food Bank For NYC.
Join Always Looking Up on Substack: https://jilliancurwin645746.substack.com
Join The Patreon: https://patreon.com/AlwaysLookingUp
Follow Meredith: Instagram: @meredithmlynch TikTok: @meredithmlynch Substack: https://meredithmlynch.substack.com Website: https://www.meredithlynch.com
Follow and Watch The Moment LIVE: Substack: https://www.instagram.com/itsthemomentlive/ YouTube: @TheMoment_Live TikTok: @themomentislive Instagram: @itsthemomentlive
Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: [email protected]
Read With Me:
Goodreads
The StoryGraph
Support the organizers, detainees and their families at Delaney Hall (all links from @feminist):
Donate To Family Support Funds: linktr.ee/SupportOurFamilies
Donate to the Commissary Fund: givebutter.com/commissaryfund
Call your representative: https://5calls.org
Learn More: indivisible.org/campaigns/dismantling-detention
Support Minneapolis:
Stand With Minnesota: https://www.standwithminnesota.com
MN NOICE: https://mnnoice.com
Community Aid Network MN: https://www.canmn.org
Support Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:
Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.org
World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org
No Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.org
List Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.page
Support Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/
Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.org
Inland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornaleros
1 hr 5 min - Lillian Carrier On "Horsegirls" And The Power Of Film In Telling Disabled Stories
In this week’s episode I sat down with Lillian Carrier. Lillian is an autistic actress and advocate from Los Angeles, best known for her breakout role in Freeform’s Everything’s Gonna Be Okay. In 2025, Lillian starred in her first leading film role in HorseGirls, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. Directed by Lauren Meyering and co-starring Tony Hale and Gretchen Mol, the film follows Margarita, an autistic 22-year-old who finds unlikely belonging in a quirky community of hobby horse riders.
After sharing her journey towards becoming an actor we discuss role in the film, the importance of not just authentic disability representation but also in telling disabled stories that are grounded in truth and so much more.
This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.
All proceeds from purchasing this episode will be split between City Harvest and Food Bank For NYC.
Join Always Looking Up on Substack: https://jilliancurwin645746.substack.com
Join The Patreon: https://patreon.com/AlwaysLookingUp
Follow Lillian: Instagram: @lilliancarrier
Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: [email protected]
Read With Me:
Goodreads
The StoryGraph
Support the organizers, detainees and their families at Delaney Hall (all links from @feminist):
Donate To Family Support Funds: linktr.ee/SupportOurFamilies
Donate to the Commissary Fund: givebutter.com/commissaryfund
Call your representative: https://5calls.org
Learn More: indivisible.org/campaigns/dismantling-detention
Support Minneapolis:
Stand With Minnesota: https://www.standwithminnesota.com
MN NOICE: https://mnnoice.com
Community Aid Network MN: https://www.canmn.org
Support Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:
Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.org
World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org
No Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.org
List Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.page
Support Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/
Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.org
Inland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornaleros
1 hr 1 min - Carrie Gillispie On The Changes To Disability Education Policy And Its Impact On Students With Disabilities
In this week’s episode I sat down with Carrie Gillispie. Carrie is the Early Development & Disability Project Director in New America’s Education Policy program, where she focuses on equity in education for young children and students with disabilities. Before joining New America, she led early childhood and disability equity work at The Education Trust and held roles in education policy, research, school psychology, and special education.
In response to the Trump administration’s announcement that the oversight of special education will be moved to the Department of Health and Human Services and that the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights will be moved to the Department of Justice, we sat down to discuss the impact this decision will have on students with disabilities and much, much more.
This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.
All proceeds from purchasing this episode will be split between City Harvest and Food Bank For NYC.
Join Always Looking Up on Substack: https://jilliancurwin645746.substack.com
Join The Patreon: https://patreon.com/AlwaysLookingUp
New America's Disability Policy Initiative page (including info on Dept of Ed, ICE detention, and more): https://www.newamerica.org/projects/disability-policy/
New America's disability work is updated regularly here: https://www.newamerica.org/topics/disability/
Recaps of two of our events, written by the great Emily Ladau:
- Confronting Harmful Federal Disability Policy in Health and Human Services Reclaiming the Promise of the ADA
- Bridging the Gaps in Disability Policy: Reclaiming the Promise of the ADA
Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: [email protected]
Read With Me:
Goodreads
The StoryGraph
Support the organizers, detainees and their families at Delaney Hall (all links from @feminist):
Donate To Family Support Funds: linktr.ee/SupportOurFamilies
Donate to the Commissary Fund: givebutter.com/commissaryfund
Call your representative: https://5calls.org
Learn More: indivisible.org/campaigns/dismantling-detention
Support Minneapolis:
Stand With Minnesota: https://www.standwithminnesota.com
MN NOICE: https://mnnoice.com
Community Aid Network MN: https://www.canmn.org
Support Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:
Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.org
World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org
No Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.org
List Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.page
Support Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/
Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.org
Inland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornaleros
1 hr 2 min - Jameisha Prescod FRSA On Disability, Art, The Artists And The Storytellers
In this week’s episode I sat down with Jameisha Prescod FRSA. Jameisha is a multidisciplinary artist and writer from South London. With work grounded in a research-based practice, Jameisha explores how culture, identity, black history and colonialism influence the way illnesses are experienced. By combining multiple art forms their work reimagines how disabled stories can be archived in more experimental ways.
We discuss disability as depicted in art past and present, the role of art and the artists in the disability rights movement, being told “you look okay to me” and much, much more.
This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.
All proceeds from purchasing this episode will be split between City Harvest and Food Bank For NYC.
Join Always Looking Up on Substack: https://jilliancurwin645746.substack.com
Join The Patreon: https://patreon.com/AlwaysLookingUp
Follow Jameisha: Instagram: @youlookokaytome YouTube: You Look Okay To Me Website: https://jameishaprescod.com
Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: [email protected]
Read With Me:
Goodreads
The StoryGraph
Support the organizers, detainees and their families at Delaney Hall (all links from @feminist):
Donate To Family Support Funds: linktr.ee/SupportOurFamilies
Donate to the Commissary Fund: givebutter.com/commissaryfund
Call your representative: https://5calls.org
Learn More: indivisible.org/campaigns/dismantling-detention
Support Minneapolis:
Stand With Minnesota: https://www.standwithminnesota.com
MN NOICE: https://mnnoice.com
Community Aid Network MN: https://www.canmn.org
Support Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:
Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.org
World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org
No Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.org
List Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.page
Support Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/
Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.org
Inland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornaleros
1 hr 5 min - Emily Gerhardstein On Creating At The Intersection Between Fashion and Technology
In this week’s episode I sat down with Emily Gerhardstein. Emily is the CEO and Co-Founder of LS Adaptive™, a mission-driven minority and female owned company utilizing proprietary magnetic technology, Hana Fasteners™, to restore independence and dignity to those with limited mobility, aging, or disabilities. As an FIT graduate, retail veteran, and former caregiver, Emily combined her personal journey with professional expertise to create universal, one-handed dressing solutions.
We discuss the disability tax, building a brand at the intersection of fashion and technology and much, much more.
This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.
All proceeds from purchasing this episode will be split between City Harvest and Food Bank For NYC.
Join Always Looking Up on Substack: https://jilliancurwin645746.substack.com
Join The Patreon: https://patreon.com/AlwaysLookingUp
Follow LS Adaptive: Instagram: @lsadaptive TikTok: @lsadaptive Website: https://www.lsadaptive.com
Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: [email protected]
Read With Me:
Goodreads
The StoryGraph
Support the organizers, detainees and their families at Delaney Hall (all links from @feminist):
Donate To Family Support Funds: linktr.ee/SupportOurFamilies
Donate to the Commissary Fund: givebutter.com/commissaryfund
Call your representative: https://5calls.org
Learn More: indivisible.org/campaigns/dismantling-detention
Support Minneapolis:
Stand With Minnesota: https://www.standwithminnesota.com
MN NOICE: https://mnnoice.com
Community Aid Network MN: https://www.canmn.org
Support Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:
Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.org
World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org
No Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.org
List Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.page
Support Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/
Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.org
Inland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornaleros
58 min - Belle Bakst On The Fashion Media, Disability, Who Is Being Seen And Who Should Be
In this week’s episode I sat down with Belle Bakst. Belle, is a stylist, fashion editor, content creator and disability advocate. Also known as “Little Fashion Stylist”, her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, InStyle, Harper's Bazaar, Brides, and more.
We discuss who is driving the conversations around representation and inclusivity, especially in this new era, the permanence of fashion as an art form, what it means to be whimsical and much, much more.
This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.
All proceeds from purchasing this episode will be split between City Harvest and Food Bank For NYC.
Join Always Looking Up on Substack: https://jilliancurwin645746.substack.com
Join The Patreon: https://patreon.com/AlwaysLookingUp
Follow Belle: Instagram: @littlefashionstylist TikTok: @littlefashionstylist Substack: Outta Sight
Learn More About And Support The Fun Eye Fund: https://www.funeyefund.org
Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: [email protected]
Read With Me:
Goodreads
The StoryGraph
Support the organizers, detainees and their families at Delaney Hall (all links from @feminist):
Donate To Family Support Funds: linktr.ee/SupportOurFamilies
Donate to the Commissary Fund: givebutter.com/commissaryfund
Call your representative: https://5calls.org
Learn More: indivisible.org/campaigns/dismantling-detention
Support Minneapolis:
Stand With Minnesota: https://www.standwithminnesota.com
MN NOICE: https://mnnoice.com
Community Aid Network MN: https://www.canmn.org
Support Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:
Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.org
World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org
No Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.org
List Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.page
Support Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/
Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.org
Inland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornaleros
1 hr 4 min
About Always Looking Up
From the publisher's feed
A podcast dedicated to telling honest and real stories about living in a world that was not necessarily designed for us.