This week, you’ll meet Maysoon Zayid: comedian, bestselling author, and self-proclaimed "lost Kardashian" who's turning pain into laughter and shaking up the world's expectations of disability. With the wit of a standup comic and the wisdom of a sage, Maysoon introduces us to her latest creation - the graphic novel "Shiny Misfits" - and shows us how to shine in a world that often tries to dim our lights.

In this episode, Maysoon opens up about working on her audiobook with Dave Matthews (!!), the challenges of marketing a children's book during a global crisis, the complexities of representation, and why she believes ugly kids deserve to live too (not just the cuties!). With equal parts humor and fierceness, she reminds us that especially in the darkest times, we need laughter, glitter eyeshadow, and a shoulder to lean on.

So grab your favorite cat (magical or otherwise), settle in, and prepare to be inspired by the shining force that is Maysoon Zayid. This episode is guaranteed to leave you laughing, thinking, and ready to unleash your own inner misfit on the world.

5 Uplifting Lessons from Maysoon Zayid

1. Shine unapologetically: Don't hide your differences - they're what make you unique and powerful.
2. Create the world you want to see: If you don't see yourself represented, be the one to change that narrative.
3. Embrace the complexity of life: It's okay to acknowledge both pain and privilege, struggles and successes.
4. Use humor as a force for change: Laughter can be a powerful tool for addressing serious issues and connecting with others.
5. Keep hope alive, even in dark times: Find ways to create beauty, laughter, and love, no matter the circumstances.

The Great Web of Uplifters

Maysoon was nominated by Danyell Flowers.

Today’s opening features Ari DeGrote.

Maysoon Zayid

Maysoon Zayid is a comedian, best selling author, Princeton Fellow, and disability advocate. She had the most viewed TED Talk of 2014 and is the author of Shiny Misfits, a graphic novel published by Scholastic.

The Uplifters website