Advocate, public speaker, and owner of Start The Convo, Julie McLean addresses the issue of mental illness around suicide. It is increasingly common for young and old to commit suicide for a variety of reasons. The issue needs to be addressed directly to help those who are considering ending their lives see how valuable their life is. As a result of her own experience with suicide, Julie became an advocate and public speaker. On the show, Julie aims to provide others with resources and guidance based on her experiences.

If you or anyone is considering suicide, know you are not alone. Contact 988 for supportive services.

Web Link:

https://starttheconvo.net

Chaitanya Mukund, an Indian writer, blogger, and radio host and a neurodivergent individual with dyslexia and cerebral palsy, discusses his struggles and rewards. Chaitanya, however, does not see his life as "half-full" despite coping with various disabilities. In addition to earning his graduate degree in Mass Communication, Chaitanya is pursuing an internship in radio production and programming at the official community radio of Punjab University: Radio Jyotirgamaya. As per Chaitanya, having different disabilities should never impede one's growth; one must find balance and harmony to overcome challenges and succeed. The world should reflect differently on disabilities and find joy in life, rather than turning it all into a dark cloud.

"Disability isn't a burden, but my superpower ."~~~Chaitanya Mukund

Social links:

Birdie and his family have battled with addiction or mental disability for many years. Although Birdie is battling sobriety, he navigate through them it is important to draw attention to his journey. However, Birdie does want to get help, but it has been complicated with his family and been battling their disabilities too. Even though addiction isn't phenomenal, this episode aims to emphasize Birdie's current struggle.

Many people who have not endured these life experiences such as Birdie and his family would ask "Why". Keep one thing in mind,  addiction and mental disabilities is not made to be left for judgment, but draw awareness.  

Phenomenal Disabilities will keep up with Birdie's journey and additional interviews, so stay tuned.

For those of you who are ready to seek services for mental or addiction call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or 988. 

As a mother, wife, dance teacher, recent M.F.A. graduate, from the neurodiversity community, Nahyr Ruiz relates so well to it all. She is also a strong representation of BIPOC disabled women wearing multiple hats in life. Nahyr understands living a fruitful life with various invisible disabilities while navigating with them as a mother and wife. However, she never saw them as a stumbling block while having her three children. Meanwhile, many of the disabled community encounter ableism from various other communities about their invisible disabilities. Nahyr feels it is important for everyone to suppress criticisms, be more informed with a better sense of compassion. More and importantly, stop creating ableism and drama over disabilities because it is not up to anyone to participate in as entertainment relief, or cast stones.  

"Your limitation is what you put on yourself. Disability is not limitation at all. Sooooo... stop hanging hung up on it!"

As a mother, wife, dance teacher, recent M.F.A. graduate, from the neurodiversity community, Nahyr Ruiz relates so well to it all. She is also a strong representation of BIPOC disabled women wearing multiple hats in life. Because Nahyr comes from a near divergent community, it was easy for her to recognize her daughter's recent neurodivergent discovery. There are many parents in the non-disabled community who struggle to relate to their neurodivergent children or family members. Nahyr hopes to teach the world how to address disabilities within the family household from a rational perspective.

Philanthropic Songwriter, Tony Mantor, Promotes Autism Acceptance in Newest Single!

Tony Mantor, the 4-time grammy nominated musician, recreates his song, “Why Not Me” in order to raise autism awareness and acceptance. Originally, the charitable songwriter released “Why Not Me” along with a music video to show appreciation for first responders. With immense success of the original video, Tony Mantor created a pop version and new music video of the song to expand upon his charitable efforts.

Retiring from the music industry years ago, the artist did not expect to create music this year. Yet, after writing “Why Not Me” for his grandchildren, Tony knew this song was destined for much more than his family. Mantor, originally released “Why Not Me” as a country song dedicated to the first responders who dedicate their lives to our country. The new version of “Why Not Me” promotes the importance of believing in yourself and always following your heart and reams. Inspired lyrics accompanied with calming instrumentals, the audience is left feeling optimistic in their capabilities after listening to the song.

With philanthropy in mind, Tony Mantor has taken his veteran hat off and is reentering the music industry through one good deed after the other. Tony Mantor is continuing to make a change as he states, “my goal is that I can help at least one person by promoting autism awareness, acceptance and understandingthrough the pop/AC version,” explains the thoughtful musician.

Listen to the single out now on all platforms and learn more about the talented Tony Mantor at:

www.tonymantor.com!

Watch the Music Video Here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRIPkbLucS8

Andy Arias has been in the entertainment industry for the last 10 years. As an actor and advocate he has worked on several productions as both an actor and an accessibility consultant. He has had the pleasure of working with Tom Hanks, Mark Ruffalo and Hilary Swank. He also works as national Policy Advisor for people with disabilities. He merges his policy and entertainment as often as possible.

Andy has produced several films including The Unicorn Closet and Beyond Ones Heart and Extra Special. Andy’s films always showcase the intersectionality between disability and LGBTQ with a Latin X twist. He is currently producing a documentary called Dani’s Twins. Andy’s goal as a producer is to create true portrayals of intersectionality through a diverse disability lens. 

The importance of employment, inclusion, living unapologetically within the community (LGBTQIA, BIPOC, and disability), and advocacy is dear to Andy. Andy sees so much more of what the disabled community can offer in the world (professional, social, and personal) and what the non-disabled can improve on as the world continues to evolve.

"Disability isn’t a problem or death sentence. Disability is a part of everyone's life."~~Andy Arias

Andy Arias links:

Website: www.theandyarias.com

IMDB:http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3698261

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/andyarias1

Actor Shashank Sharma, who is a low vision theater actor, does not perceive his disability negatively. Throughout his childhood and adulthood, Shashank has never apologised for his disability, always seeing hard work as the key to success. Shashank believes there should be no limits to the things one can achieve in life. 

“Disability isn’t a bad thing, so STOP tripping about it.”~~~Shashank Sharma

There is still widespread misperceptions about autism, OCD, anorexia, and numerous other disabilities. In contrast, Liz Pritchard, a poet, painter, writer, and animator from the LGBT community, discusses the truth about disabilities, careers, and personal life. The report from Ablesim Around The World estimates that one in seven people are frequently subjected to ableism. In order to combat the stigma surrounding disabilities, Liz encourages people not to label them and develop anti-disability attitudes. 

“Disability isn’t and it doesn’t define you. While disability has many challenges, it also has many strengths.”~~~Liz Pritchard

All music provided by Epic Sound- (Come Correct Sarah and Oregano)

Despite her journey with breast cancer, Jackie Meader sees life as full of abundance being a mother, wife, fitness enthusiast, advocate, and entrepreneur. It is common for people to develop misinformation about breast cancer, and Jackie is ready to set things straight about it all. Breast cancer is an epidemic that has been increasing, so it is pertinent to address the subject to understand what women like Jackie and many others are experiencing.

"You can still be who you are and do whatever you want, but don't let other's beliefs limit you of what you can do."~~~Jackie Meader