Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vXbGfHYwW1k

In the first episode of Season 3 of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi speak with Spencer West—author, motivational speaker, advocate, and content creator—about his book "Breaking Free: Stop Following Expectations and Start Following Yourself" and the pressures of external approval, anxiety, self-doubt, and authenticity. West shares how college and coming out as gay challenged the "North American Dream," how therapy, meditation, and life experience help him stay grounded online, and why disabled people don't have to be constant educators, emphasizing boundaries and consent. The conversation addresses ableism, access barriers, and harmful "inspiration" framing, along with navigating disability and dating. In the Deep Cut segment, Keith and Jodi discuss why "Breaking Free" is a practical, conversational memoir-guide with prompts, focused on small changes, redefining purpose, asking for help, community care, and celebrating simple joys.

• Spencer West's website - https://www.spencer2thewest.com
• Breaking Free: Stop Following Expectations and Start Following Yourself - https://www.spencer2thewest.com/books

Hi again, it's Jodi and Keith, hosts of Disability Deep Dive, a podcast from Disability Rights Florida.

We are thrilled to announce that Season Three premieres on May 7th, featuring our special guest Spencer West. And this season we're not skimming the surface. We're digging into digital accessibility, desire and visibility, self-doubt, advocacy, protest, and the dangerous politics surrounding assisted dying. These are conversations about power, culture, justice, and what changes when disabled people lead the story themselves. Because disability isn't a single story. It's part of every story.

So get ready for Disability Deep Dive Season Three out on May 7th. Watch us on YouTube, or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss what's next.

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OAR134W1TGM

In the final episode of season two of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi delve into the intersection of music, language access, and interpretation with renowned ASL interpreter Amber Galloway. Amber shares insights on her 25-year career making music performances accessible and visually expressive for Deaf and hard of hearing audiences. The episode also discusses broader issues of accessibility at concerts, educational advocacy, and Amber's latest project—a fully accessible retreat center called Soulful Spaces. The episode concludes with a "Deep Cut" segment analyzing an episode of Only Murders in the Building that offers a Deaf perspective, highlighting the importance of access tools in storytelling.

• Amber's website: https://www.ambergproductions.com
• Amber's TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/speakers/amber_galloway_gallego

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cIVv3xsKT24

In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi engage in a compelling conversation with Shane and Hannah, the creators behind Squirmy and Grubs. They discuss the challenges and responsibilities of living authentically online amidst scrutiny and stigma. The duo talks about their journey as disability advocates, the importance of mental health, and the necessity of setting boundaries to protect their well-being. The episode explores how they navigate hateful commentary, decide what to share publicly, and remain true to their mission of changing societal perceptions of disability. Additionally, the discussion touches on the complex balance between visibility and privacy in their Deep Cut segment, which features an analysis of the film "I Didn't See You There."

• Interabled: True Stories About Love and Disability from Squirmy & Grubs and Other Interabled Couples - https://www.amazon.com/Interabled-Stories-Disability-Squirmy-Couples/dp/1250620716
• Laughing at My Nightmare - https://www.laughingatmynightmare.com
• Squirmy and Grubs website - https://www.squirmyandgrubs.com/
• Squirmy and Grubs on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/squirmyandgrubs

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/w4DVZRNbk-Y

In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Jodi and Keith interview Cory Lee, a travel writer and advocate who has traversed all seven continents while using a power wheelchair due to spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Cory discusses his inspiration for starting his blog, "Curb Free with Cory Lee," the challenges and lessons he's encountered in his travels, and his insights on global accessibility. The conversation also touches on how travel can foster empathy and the need for meaningful access in tourism. Additionally, the episode delves into the representation of autism in media, focusing on the show "Extraordinary Attorney Woo," and explores the impact of language, realism, and audience perception in disability narratives.

• Curb Free with Cory Lee: https://curbfreewithcorylee.com
• Cory's children's book "Let's Explore With Cor Cor": https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Explore-Cor-Cory-Lee/dp/0578670887

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/a1gYqQ1iWpg

This episode of Disability Deep Dive features a conversation with Charles Redding, Executive Director of Wheels for Humanity and the leader of CLASP (Consolidating Logistics for Assistive Technology for Supply Provision). They discuss shifting from charity to sustainable systems for delivering assistive technology globally, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Redding explains CLASP's role in establishing reliable supply chains to ensure access to high-quality, affordable assistive products and highlights their work in crisis settings. The episode also delves into the broader need for policy advocacy, investment in rehabilitation services, and the importance of inclusive disaster response. The discussion is followed by a review of the documentary 'Rising Phoenix,' which explores the history and impact of the Paralympic Games in redefining disability and athletic achievement.

• Momentum Wheels for Humanity: https://momentum4humanity.org
• CLASP: https://www.clasphub.org

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZRm8tiM1JqE

In the 100th episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Jodi and Keith celebrate the milestone by interviewing recording artist, songwriter, and advocate Lachi. They discuss her journey from performing on stage to leading the advocacy group RAMPD, her experiences in the music industry, and her efforts to make the industry more accessible. Lachi shares insights from her upcoming book, 'I Identify as Blind,' which aims to integrate disability into pop culture through humor and storytelling. The episode also features a discussion on the film 'Sound of Metal,' exploring themes of identity, disability, and community.

• Pre-order "I Identify as Blind": https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/761599/i-identify-as-blind-by-lachi-with-tim-vandehey/

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/_mk7zmUDYsk

In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi delve into the harrowing crisis of preventable deaths among individuals with intellectual disabilities. Joined by UK Professor Sara Ryan, author of "Critical Health and Learning Disabilities: an Exploration of Erasure and Social Murder," they discuss the systemic issues and inaction that allow these tragic deaths to persist. Professor Ryan shares personal anecdotes and case studies, highlighting the concept of 'social murder,' where known harmful conditions remain unaddressed. In the "Deep Cut" segment, they review the BBC drama "When Barbara Met Alan," which portrays the real-life struggles and triumphs of disability rights activists in the UK. The conversation emphasizes the importance of ongoing advocacy, public engagement, and the crucial need for enforcement and attitudinal shifts to achieve true equality. They also explore the differences between the UK's Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), examining the impact of grassroots activism on legislative change.

• Sara Ryan's book, "Critical Health and Learning Disabilities: An Exploration of Erasure and Social Murder" - https://www.routledge.com/Critical-Health-and-Learning-Disabilities-An-Exploration-of-Erasure-and-Social-Murder/Ryan/p/book/9781032605005

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/mJ_MhtjSnhM

In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi explore the theme "Access Not Applause" with guest Sarah Todd Hammer, an author, speaker, and consultant. Sarah Todd shares her journey with Acute Flaccid Myelitis, discusses the challenges and triumphs of moving from home to independent living, and underscores the importance of genuine access over superficial inspiration. They delve into practical tools and inclusive design in products and spaces while challenging common 'inspiration tropes' in disability narratives. The episode also highlights the documentary "Catwalk: From Glada Hudik to New York," showcasing a runway journey of models with intellectual disabilities emphasizing genuine joy, connection, and inclusion.

View the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_fKrzCuCYUQ?si=9La4y5V1MmIfrJR9

In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi are joined by Peet Montzingo, a creator, musician, and author, to discuss his book 'Little Imperfections: A Tall Tale of Growing Up Different.' Peet shares his experiences as the only average height member of a family of little people, his journey to online fame, and the importance of using humor and personal stories to shift perceptions about disability and difference. The episode also features a Deep Cut segment discussing the 2021 film 'Cyrano' starring Peter Dinklage, exploring themes of beauty, love, and representation. Tune in for a heartfelt and insightful conversation about family, identity, and the power of storytelling.