Podcast Launch: Embracing Inclusion and Overcoming Challenges with Charlotte and Her Family

In this inspiring episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte welcomes Bruce Solsten, director of KDSTR Radio Corp and creator of ABLE Radio Lab — a media platform that empowers people with disabilities and underserved communities to share their stories.

Bruce shares the history of Perry Damone’s original mission, the creation of the ABLE Radio Portal, and the heart behind his Nomad Santa storytelling project. Together, he and Charlotte explore what it means to build a world where every story matters and every voice can be heard.

Whether you’re a creator, a student, or someone who believes in the power of inclusion, this episode will remind you why belonging begins with listening.

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💛 Charlotte’s Quote

“Belonging happens when your voice is heard — just the way it is and noticing others. ”  "There is no box, get out of the box and kick it away "💛

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode

🎧 The 30-year legacy of KDSTR and Perry Damone

🫶 How ABLE Radio Lab creates a space for every voice

🌐 What the ABLE Radio Portal offers new storytellers

📚 The origin of the Nomad Santa project

🤝 Why community partnerships strengthen inclusion

💡 Advice for young people who want to share their stories

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🌐 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible and YouTube!

Visit MerrillBudz.org to learn more about our mission of inclusion and how to be Happier and Healthier, we can support you.

🎵 (Music written and performed by Kalicia Merrill)

In this inspiring episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte reflects on the life and legacy of Judith Heumann — the fearless disability rights advocate and author of Being Heumann.

Charlotte shares stories from Judith’s journey that remind us what it truly means to “act human” — to see people first, to stand up for what’s right, and to lead with love in every interaction.

Through laughter, honesty, and heart, Charlotte helps listeners connect Judith’s story to their own lives — reminding us that inclusion isn’t something extra; it’s the essence of being human.

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💛 Charlotte’s Quote

“I wish people understood that disability isn’t something to fix — it’s part of who we are. Just like Judith said, it’s not about feeling sorry for us, it’s about seeing us as equals.”

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode

📚 Who Judith Heumann was and why her story still matters

💛 How ‘acting human’ means seeing and including everyone

🫶 The power of advocacy through kindness and courage

💬 Lessons from Being Heumann that inspire everyday inclusion

🌎 How one person’s story can start a movement for change

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🌐 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Buzzsprout, Amazon Music, and YouTube!

For more about inclusion and our mission, visit www.MerrillBudz.org

🎵 (Music written and performed by Kalicia Merrill)

In this heartfelt episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte sits down with three incredible moms — Nancy Ruffell, Lynette Nicoll, and Leah Clarke — to talk about the real, everyday journey of raising children and adults with special needs.

These women share their stories of love, faith, exhaustion, laughter, and hope. Together, they explore what it means to advocate, to include, and to never give up — even when life looks different than expected.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or friend to someone with special needs, this episode will remind you that inclusion begins at home — and that every family’s story adds strength to the community we’re building together.

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💛 Charlotte’s Quote

“Every mom has a story that helps another one keep going.” 💛

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✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode

👩‍👧 The heart behind motherhood in the special needs community
🫶 How faith, friendship, and advocacy build resilience
💡 Tips from moms on creating inclusion that lasts
💬 Real stories of strength, exhaustion, and everyday miracles
❤️ Why families are at the heart of inclusion

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🎧 Listen Now On

Spotify • Apple Podcasts • YouTube • Amazon Music

🌐 Learn more about our mission at www.MerrillBudz.org
🎵 Music written and performed by Kalicia Merrill

In this heartfelt episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte sits down with her best friend Enya to share their personal stories, friendship, and wisdom as young adults with unique abilities.

Building on their recent talks about turning trials into blessings, Charlotte and Enya open up about what it means to celebrate all abilities, support one another, and dream big for the future. Together, they show us that inclusion isn’t just an idea—it’s lived out through friendship, resilience, and love.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone who just wants to understand inclusion better, this episode will leave you inspired by their voices, honesty, and hope.

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💛 Charlotte’s Quote

💛 “Abilities are worth celebrating—because every person has something amazing to offer.”  "Practice makes Awesome!"
“Being included doesn’t mean being the same. It means being celebrated for who you are.”
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"Love me for me" -Enya

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode

👯 The story of Charlotte & Enya’s friendship
🌱 How trials can turn into blessings in real life
💼 Dreams and goals of young adults with disabilities
❤️ What true inclusion and belonging look like
💡 Advice for peers, parents, and communities to better support all abilities

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Reach out to us, connect, and learn more at www.Merrillbudz.org
We would love to hear from you!

🎶 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and YouTube.
(Music, written and performed by Kalicia Merrill)

In this heartfelt and personal episode of "So Let’s Be Friends," Charlotte shares her powerful talk about trials, tribulations, and how they can become blessings in disguise. Freshly called to serve an 18-month service mission, she reflects on the challenges and triumphs that shaped her journey and strengthened her heart.

Charlotte is joined by her friend Enya and community friend Eric Scott — both sharing inspiring messages about hope, resilience, and how to see blessings even in hard times. Together, they remind us that whether you believe in Christ, a higher power, or simply in the strength of the human spirit, there is a place for you here. No matter your religion or beliefs. 

This episode is a moving invitation to see hope, purpose, and compassion in every season of life.

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💛 Charlotte’s Quote

"The path isn't always easy, but every step can bring unexpected blessings." Charlotte

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✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode

🌟 Charlotte’s heartfelt speech on turning trials into blessings
🤝 Enya’s uplifting message of hope and perspective
🎤 Eric Scott’s insights on walking through challenges with strength
💡 How faith, compassion, and higher purpose can unite us across beliefs
🎶 Young voices singing about living with Christlike love and kindness
❤️ Encouragement for anyone facing challenges or seeking hope

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🔗 Learn More

Visit http://www.Merrillbudz.org to learn more about inclusion, our mission, and how to be part of the movement. We believe in Everyone Happier and Healthier.

🎙️ So Let’s Be Friends — where we listen, learn, and love one another.

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📡 Streaming Info

Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
(Music written and performed by Kalicia Merrill)

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In this inspiring episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte sits down with Mrs. Cher Lewis, who leads the Transition School to Work (TSW) program at the high school.

The TSW program helps students with disabilities prepare for life after graduation by teaching real-world skills, creating job opportunities, and building the confidence to live independently.

Charlotte and Mrs. Lewis talk about how families, teachers, and communities can partner together to create smoother transitions from school to adult life. This episode is filled with practical advice, encouragement, and stories of what’s possible when students are truly supported.

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💛 Charlotte’s Quote

“When we believe in students and give them opportunities, they can do more than we ever imagined.” — Charlotte 💛

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✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode

•🏫 How the Transition School to Work (TSW) program supports students

•💼 Steps families and teachers can take to prepare for life after high school

•🌱 Ways students with disabilities can grow independence and confidence

•🤝 The power of schools, general education students/partners, parents, and businesses working together

•❤️ Real success stories of students who found their place in the community

🌱 Learn more, connect and join our mission at www.Merrillbudz.org

Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

(Music, written and performed by Kalicia Merrill)

In this inspiring episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte welcomes Nancy—a mother and teacher—along with her two amazing adult daughters, Elizabeth and Emma. Together, they share what life looks like beyond school: navigating jobs, independence, friendships, and belonging in the adult world with special needs.

You’ll hear wisdom from a mom who has walked both the parenting and teaching paths, and powerful voices from her daughters who are stepping forward, contributing, and shining in their own ways.

This conversation is filled with hope, honesty, and practical insight for families, educators, and anyone who believes in the power of true inclusion.


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💛 Charlotte’s Quote
“Everyone deserves the chance to grow up, find their place, and shine in their own way.” 💛

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✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode
•👩‍👧 Lessons from a mother and teacher navigating school and adulthood
•💼 How adults with special needs can find jobs and contribute to society
•🌱 The importance of community support in building independence
•💡 Advice for parents and teachers planning for life after high school
•❤️ Real stories of inclusion, resilience, and dreams coming true

🌱 Learn more and join our mission at www.Merrillbudz.org.

Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

(Music, written and performed by Kalicia Merrill)

In Part Two of this two-part series, Charlotte continues her heartfelt conversation with her speech therapist and physical therapist friend. Together, they share stories, practical advice, and real wisdom about how therapy is more than a session—it’s a bridge to independence, confidence, and inclusion.

…. we dive deeper into how therapy helps individuals with disabilities find their voice, grow their strength, and build confidence. This isn’t just about exercises or goals—it’s about real people, real support, and real inclusion.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, support or friend, this episode will remind you that every voice matters, every step forward counts, and we’re stronger when we walk this journey together.

💛 “Inclusion is stronger when everyone has the tools to shine.” —Charlotte

👂 You’ll hear:
• How therapy builds confidence & independence
• Ways parents and educators can support therapy at home and school
• The heart behind being a therapist and why relationships matter
• Why every small step is worth celebrating

🎙️ So Let’s Be Friends — where we listen, learn, and love one another.

📍 Farm life disclaimer! 🐓🌾 Yes, the roosters, sprinklers, dogs barking and maybe even a tractor make their cameo again. Thanks for smiling with us through the real-life soundtrack of inclusion!

Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

(Music, written and performed by Kalicia Merrill)

📢 A brand-new episode of So Let’s Be Friends is live — and it’s so good, we had to split it into two parts!

This week, Charlotte chats with her amazing speech therapist and her friend, a physical therapist, about what it really takes to support individuals with disabilities—at school, with doctors, and in the community.

💬 Learn how to find your voice and be heard
🤝 Discover how therapists can be powerful allies
🏫 Hear how to work with schools and doctors—not against them
📣 Gain real steps to begin advocating for yourself or your child
🛠️ And learn how professionals help build confidence and independence!

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🐓 P.S. — Yes, you may hear a rooster or a sprinkler in the background.
That’s just life on the farm! 🌾
We record from our homestead, so thanks for loving the podcast and the background music of horses, dogs, chickens, and sprinklers. 😂🎙️ and maybe even a duck.

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💛 Charlotte’s Quote:

“Having support doesn’t mean you’re not strong—it means you’re ready to rise.” 💛

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📱 Now streaming on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts!
And top of the charts when searching "embracing inclusion" wherever you listen.

🎧 Like. Share. Subscribe. And join Charlotte in building a more inclusive world—one story at a time.

(Music, "When it Rains" written and performed by Kalicia Merrill) 

In this inspiring episode of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte interviews a remarkable family, the Sandoval Family,  who lives out love and inclusion every day. Their daughter, who lives with seizures, is a proud Little Caesars employee and a vibrant part of her community. Her parents and brothers are passionate about giving back and lifting others—especially through Special Olympics Unified.

Get ready to meet a family that shows us what it means to contribute, include, and love without limits.

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💡 In this episode, you’ll hear about:
 • How a young adult with seizures and Cerebral Palsy contributes to her community and workplace and how to handle a seizure.
 • The power of a supportive and inclusive family
 • Real ways families give back to others with special needs
 • Encouragement for parents raising children with disabilities
 • Why showing up matters more than being perfect, while gaining confidence.

💛 Charlotte’s Quote:
“Inclusion isn’t just a word—it’s something you do, together.” ⸻

🎙️ Hosted by Charlotte | So Let’s Be Friends Podcast
Now streaming on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more.

Music written and performed by Kalicia Merrill