Listen to our second round of interviews with freshmen Hilary Shikuku, Alexis Shehan, and Samantha Shehan. They join us today to tell us more about their lived experiences here at Kentucky Wesleyan College as students and athletes.

In Episode 3 of the Barrier Breakers Podcast, host Lori Thurman, a proud 1994 graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College, sits down with Sam Hardesty, a junior English major at KWC. Sam shares his personal journey as a student with a disability and reflects on how being different has shaped his educational experience and personal growth.

Throughout the episode, Sam discusses his involvement on campus, including his work with WKWC, Student Government Association, and Prism. He speaks candidly about when he first realized he was different from other children and how that realization influenced his confidence, resilience, and advocacy. Sam highlights accomplishments he is most proud of and offers thoughtful advice he would give to his younger self, emphasizing self-acceptance and perseverance.

The conversation also explores the challenges students with disabilities face in educational settings. Sam shares insights into how disability has impacted his academic journey and what he wishes educators and professors better understood about accessibility, respect, and inclusion. He addresses moments of vulnerability, including whether people have attempted to take advantage of him, and reflects on experiences that shaped his sense of independence.

Sam identifies the best decision he has made at Kentucky Wesleyan College and offers meaningful advice to new students with disabilities navigating college life. He closes the episode by discussing his goals after graduation and his passion for advocacy, particularly for underrepresented and minority communities on campus.

This episode highlights Sam Hardesty’s powerful voice as a student leader and advocate, reinforcing the Barrier Breakers mission of amplifying lived experiences and fostering a more inclusive campus community.

In today’s episode, we are so excited to hear from a very special person in our program, Payton Blakemore. She is our student manager and has been for the past year. You get to hear about her and learn about how awesome of a person she is.  She is a sophomore at KWC and is also on the cheer team. Listen in to get to know Payton!

Join Kentucky Wesleyan College Disabilities Services and Title IX Coordinator, Lori Thurman as she sits down with 2013 KWC graduate, Lauren Goffinet.  We will talk about her time as a student athlete at Kentucky Wesleyan.  On the court, she was a force—Second Team All-GLVC, the team’s leading scorer with 11.8 points per game, top three-point shooter, and the player who logged more minutes than anyone else. From a 23-point performance in the NCAA Midwest Regional to a career-high 11 rebounds at Quincy, Lauren delivered again and again. She led the team in double-figure scoring games, steals, blocks, rebounds—truly an all-around competitor.

We’ll also dive into some deeper issues: equity in women’s sports, her experiences as a female athlete, her coaching journey, and the advice she offers to the young women she mentors. And with two beautiful daughters of her own, we’ll ask what she hopes the world looks like by the time they become young women.

In this episode, we’re balancing the chaos of finals week with the excitement of Christmas break. We chat about end-of-semester stress, upcoming holiday plans, and the traditions we look forward to every year. Plus, we dive into a rapid-fire round of Christmas questions, laugh about our experiences with Elf on the Shelf, and share some of our favorite festive memories. It’s the perfect mix of cozy holiday vibe and college reality!

Tune in to hear from a few more freshmen, Georgia Acompanado and Hilary Shikuku. These two teammates are also roommates and they share with us their thoughts and adventures they have endured as basketball players. From overcoming injuries to moving away from home, they give us a look into their experiences here at Kentucky Wesleyan.

In this episode, we catch up on everything that’s been happening lately—starting with the excitement of being in a pageant and what that experience was really like. We also talk about celebrating my birthday, how Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving break went, and all the chaotic, funny moments that came with the holidays. Somehow we even end up talking about Twilight and why it’s still such a cultural reset. And of course, we wrap up with the stress and survival tips for finals week as we move into the end of the semester. It’s a laid-back, catch-up episode with lots of stories, laughs, and random side tangents. 

Tune in to hear from a few players who also get to play with their sisters. We have three freshmen joining us today to talk about their experiences as sisters and teammates. Avah Montgomery, Alexis Shehan, and Samantha Shehan talk about what it’s like having a family member alongside their journey and how they have grown over the first few months here at Kentucky Wesleyan. They even disclose some behind the scenes observations of their teammates.

In today’s episode we get to learn about a couple of our Kentucky freshman, Lillian Hoagland and Ella Finley. They speak upon their adventures as freshman and their life experiences that have led them to Kentucky Wesleyan and playing college basketball.

In the debut episode of Barrier Breakers, host Lori Thurman sits down with BJ Burton, a 1989 graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College whose life and work embody resilience, innovation, and service. Burton shares the story of his entrepreneurial journey, detailing the businesses he founded and the principles that guided him along the way. He offers an honest look at how living with a disability shaped both his personal outlook and professional path, emphasizing perseverance, self-advocacy, and the importance of building supportive communities.

The conversation also highlights Burton’s deep commitment to philanthropy. He reflects on the initiatives he supports, why giving back matters to him, and how his own experiences inspired a lifelong dedication to helping others overcome obstacles.

Throughout the episode, Burton fondly revisits his time at KWC—recalling formative relationships, impactful professors, and memorable campus moments that influenced his trajectory long after graduation. His reflections blend humor, gratitude, and insight, providing listeners with an inspiring portrait of the lasting value of connection and community.

Barrier Breakers launches its series with a compelling, heartfelt conversation that encourages listeners to view challenges not as limitations, but as opportunities to create meaningful impact.