Staring Down the Storm: Autism Advocacy in America

We need to stop lying about war.

Not softening it. Not dressing it up. Lying. Because what Melinda Grisby shared with me isn’t the version you see in movies—it’s the version we actively avoid. Limbs torn apart. Burned bodies. Children caught in the blast radius. So let me ask you—why are we still so comfortable romanticizing something this brutal?

Melinda spent 10 years in the Air Force, serving two tours in Iraq as an ER medic. What she carries home isn’t pride—it’s images, smells, and trauma that don’t fade. PTSD doesn’t clock out. It follows you into your sleep, into your parenting, into every quiet moment. And yet we keep repeating “thank you for your service” like that somehow covers the cost. Does it? Or does it let us avoid actually facing what we’re asking people to endure?

Here’s where it gets uncomfortable—we’re not just talking about war, we’re talking about systems that depend on it. Profit. Power. Manufactured narratives. Why are the loudest voices cheering for war the ones least likely to fight in it? And why are veterans the ones left to clean up the emotional wreckage—with barely enough support to survive it?

If we’re serious about change, then we have to be honest. War isn’t heroic. It’s devastating. And until we’re willing to sit with that truth, we’re going to keep repeating it.

Find more info on Melinda/Brown Girl Pride here: 

Brown Girl Pride Facebook 

Brown Girl Pride TikTok

BrownGirlPride Instagram photos and videos

Check out Melinda’s Suggested Resources below:

Veterans Of Foreign Wars (VFW)

Get help from a VA accredited representative or VSO

Chapters
00:00 The Reality of War: A Veteran's Perspective

05:41 The Harsh Truth of Combat Injuries

10:08 Mental Health Struggles Post-War

14:53 The Challenge of Reintegration into Society

20:37 The Misconception of War and Violence

25:11 The Call to Action for Understanding Veterans

30:12 The Complexity of Military Orders and Morality

39:28 The Irony of Military Socialism

49:40 The Unending Cycle of War

55:13 The Dilemma of Military Service for Youth

58:00 The Role of AI in Warfare

01:04:14 Profit Over Humanity: The Economics of War

01:10:01 The Manufactured Nature of War Narratives

01:15:17 Reframing Choices for the Next Generation

Contact Tabitha:

[email protected]

https://tabithazeigler.com/

I don’t think we talk enough about where leaders actually come from—and what they’ve had to survive to get here. 

In this conversation, Bri Woodson shares a story that is anything but polished politics. Addiction. Trafficking. A suicide attempt. Medical neglect. Grief. And somehow, through all of that, she didn’t just rebuild—she decided to run for Congress. So I have to ask: why are we still being told leadership has to look a certain way?

What hit me hardest is how broken the system really is once you’re inside it. Ballot access fees, party gatekeeping, backroom conversations trying to push candidates out before they even start—who is this system actually built for? Because it’s clearly not built for everyday people. And yet, those are exactly the people Bri argues we need more of. Not career politicians. Not millionaires. Real people with real stakes.

We also get into what “progressive” even means anymore. Is it just branding? Or does it require backbone? Because saying the right things isn’t enough if you’re not willing to stand on them when it matters. Where is the line? And who’s actually willing to hold it?

At the end of the day, this conversation challenges something bigger: do we actually want authentic leadership—or are we more comfortable with the illusion of it? Because you can’t have both.

Find more info on Bri Woodson here:
Bri Woodson For Congress

• Facebook
• TikTok

The Controversial Blonde

Learn more about stuff mentioned in the episode below:

A Fever In The Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman who Stopped Them

Chapters:
00:00 Meet Bri Woodson: A Trailblazer in Politics

02:00 Bri's Origin Story: From Addiction to Advocacy

12:44 Mental Health Struggles and Recovery Journey

19:08 Political Awakening: The Call to Action

25:15 The Fight Against Greed and Corruption

28:50 Barriers to Entry in Politics

34:01 Defining Progressivism

40:02 The Role of Women in Politics

49:01 The Fight for Representation

54:58 The Role of Social Media in Political Discourse

59:58 Accountability and Responsibility in Leadership

01:04:59 The Impact of Money in Politics

01:19:43 Empathy and Historical Trauma

01:23:57 Deconstructing Supremacy and Racism

01:29:53 The Legacy of Hate and Its Modern Implications

01:33:51 The Importance of Authentic Leadership

Contact Tabitha:

[email protected]

https://tabithazeigler.com/

Last year, I met with Yolanda Kincaid, CEO of Sycamore Services, and we had one of those conversations that makes you stop and ask: who exactly are these policies supposed to help? Because right now, it feels like families are being told their child is “done” with support based on a number on a spreadsheet — not real life.

We talked a lot about the proposed caps on ABA therapy in Indiana, and I’m just going to say it directly: a one-size-fits-all approach does not work for kids with disabilities. Some children might be fine with these limits. But what about the ones who aren’t? What happens when a child is pushed back into a school that isn’t prepared? Who carries that responsibility then?

What really stood out to me about Yolanda is that she isn’t just talking about this from a boardroom. She’s showing up. She’s asking hard questions at town halls. She’s advocating not just as a CEO, but as someone who has seen firsthand what happens when people with disabilities are treated like an afterthought. And honestly — why aren’t more leaders doing the same?

This episode is about more than ABA therapy. It’s about advocacy, accountability, and the uncomfortable truth that disability policy affects far more people than anyone wants to admit. So consider this: are we improving services… or quietly taking them away?

Find more info on Yolanda here:

Sycamore Services

Facebook

Instagram

Chapters

00:00 Introduction, Impact of ABA Service Reductions on Children with Autism

04:15 Comprehensive Services Offered by Sycamore Services

06:43 Access to Services in Rural Communities

09:09 Yolanda's Personal Background and Community Roots

15:14 Advocacy and Community Engagement in Disability Services

27:24 Investing in Local Businesses for Better Community Outcomes

29:26 Transitioning from ABA to School: Challenges and Concerns

32:04 Navigating Policy Changes and Their Effects

40:26 Understanding Waivers and Service Accessibility

44:49 The Importance of Language in Disability Advocacy

48:04 Collective Responsibility in Disability Issues

Contact Tabitha:

[email protected]

https://tabithazeigler.com/

This episode kicks off the first conversation in a new series I’m doing with Barbara Busolo, and let me tell you — we’re not easing into this topic gently. If you’ve been hearing nonstop hype about AI lately and wondering what’s actually real versus what’s marketing, you’re not alone. I’ve been asking the same questions.

Barbara’s story alone is fascinating. She came to the United States from Argentina, built a career in technology and telecommunications, and now runs her own AI company, Dynamo Edge.

But what really stood out to me is how she approaches AI: not as some magical chatbot solution, but as a tool that analyzes real-world data. Think race cars, automotive telemetry, and connected systems that can actually predict what will happen before it does.

That’s a very different conversation than the one most of us are hearing.

And then we got into something that deserves a lot more attention: the explosion of AI data centers, particularly here in Indiana.

• Why are companies suddenly leasing farmland for decades?
• Why are these deals so opaque?
• And why are taxpayers potentially footing the bill for massive energy infrastructure tied to projects most people don’t fully understand?

This is just the beginning of the conversation. In this series, Barbara and I are going to dig into how AI is really impacting Indiana — our land, our energy, our economy, and our communities. The question is: are we asking enough questions before the decisions are already made?

Find more info on Barbara here:

DynamoEdge

Carmel businesswoman paving the way with breakthrough technology

Chapters

00:00 Barbara's Journey in Technology

02:26 The Intersection of AI and Auto Racing

04:30 Understanding AI in the Automotive Industry

10:27 The Impact of Data Centers on Local Communities

13:59 The Farmer's Perspective on Land Leasing

19:04 Transparency and Accountability in Contracts

Contact Tabitha:

[email protected]

https://tabithazeigler.com/

I sat down with Jackson Franklin, and this wasn’t a polite political conversation.

This was someone saying out loud what most politicians are too afraid to admit: the system isn’t broken by accident — it’s working exactly the way the powerful want it to.

A combat medic, a paramedic, and now a congressional candidate, Jackson has literally watched veterans get sent home to die because they couldn’t afford healthcare. How are we still pretending this is normal? How are we still calling this the “best country in the world”?

We talked about what real progressivism actually means — not the watered-down version politicians use when it’s convenient, but the version that fights for disability and trans rights, immigrants, veterans, women, and working-class people without apology.

And yes, we went there: corporate money in politics, endless wars, billionaires controlling policy, and politicians who care more about donors than the people they claim to represent. If that makes people uncomfortable… good. It should.

What this really comes down to is courage. Not branding. Not personality.

Courage.

Are you willing to stand up to corporate influence? Are you willing to call out injustice even when it costs you something? Because too many politicians aren’t.

So, are we finally ready to vote based on policies? Or are we going to keep rewarding the same broken system over and over again?

Find more info on Jackson Franklin here:

Website: Jackson Franklin for Congress

Email: [email protected]

See Jackson’s suggestions below:

Breaking Points w/Krystal Ball and Saagar Enjeti

Drop Site News

Ground News

Indivisible

MADVoters

Muncie Resists

Open Secrets 

Secular Talk w/Kyle Kulinski

00:00 The Importance of Lived Experience in Politics
12:00 Learning from Global Systems
18:14 Defining Progressivism
26:53 Women Influences
32:59 Addressing the Trans/Immigrant Communities
38:31 Term Limits/Congress Wealth Caps
51:00 Understanding Apartheid/Human Rights
01:02:04 Housing Crisis/Young People's Future
01:04:20 Environmental Concerns
01:16:11 Identifying True Progressives
01:19:29 Defunding ICE
01:30:37 Accountability for the Powerful
01:36:38 Universal Childcare/Education
01:40:21 Advocating for Disability Rights
01:53:19 Accountability/Candidate Track Records
01:56:08 Commitment to the Cause
02:02:24 Vision for the Future
02:12:19 Empowering the Next Generation

Contact Tabitha:

[email protected]

https://tabithazeigler.com/

We have two episodes for you this week!

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the stories we tell ourselves about other people. Especially when it comes to disability. Why do we assume limitation before we ever take the time to understand the person standing in front of us?

In this episode, I sat down with Mitch Stevens, author of Transcending Labels, and our conversation challenged a lot of those assumptions. Mitch shares the relationships that shaped his work—friends like Robert, who has Down syndrome, and Stephen, who lives with significant cognitive impairments. And here’s the uncomfortable truth: the moment many people notice a disability, their expectations immediately drop. Why? What does that say about us?

We also talked about the power of storytelling. Real stories. The kind that force you to slow down, listen, and actually see someone. Mitch describes meeting families in the autism and disability communities and learning firsthand that advocacy isn’t abstract policy work—it’s deeply human. It’s about connection, patience, and sometimes realizing how wrong our assumptions have been.

And honestly, I find conversations like this refreshing. At a time when everything feels loud, divisive, and performative, here’s a reminder that empathy still matters. That community still matters.

So maybe the real question is this: what would happen if we started assuming capability instead of limitation? What would change if we actually took the time to know people beyond the labels we assign them?

Find more info on Mitch Stevens here:

Website: https://www.mitchjstevens.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mitch.stevens.186

Learn more about info discussed in the episode: 

Hal Elrod

Monte Mader

Real Words With Sam - J Brad Britton

SPELLERS - The Movie

What If My Pieces Don't Fit? - Marya Sherron

00:00 Introduction and Mitch’s Background

06:38 The Importance of Family and Advocacy

10:43 Exploring the Book: Transcending Labels

15:11 Understanding Special Needs and Disabilities

20:27 The Role of Masculinity in Advocacy

26:12 Networking and Community in Advocacy

30:05 The Impact of Advocacy and Future Goals

43:10 Advocacy and Empowerment in the Autism Community

48:05 Legislative Challenges and Opportunities for Change

51:12 The Importance of Storytelling and Authenticity

57:00 Faith, Humanity, and Community Engagement

01:02:57 Finding Common Ground and Bridging Divides

Contact Tabitha:

[email protected]

https://tabithazeigler.com/

What happens when you grow up surrounded by one political worldview… and realize it just doesn’t fit?

That’s exactly the journey Natasha Baker shares in this conversation. Raised in a deeply conservative Hoosier family, Natasha didn’t suddenly become “political.” She simply started asking questions.

• Why do policies hurt the very communities they claim to protect?
• Why are families struggling while the state sits on billions in surplus?
• And why are we so quick to ignore facts when fear is louder?

Natasha is now running for Indiana State Senate, and she isn’t interested in playing the usual political games. As a teacher, a mom, and someone who has spent years in rural classrooms and communities, she sees firsthand what policies actually do to people’s lives.

Healthcare access, autism services, education funding, food insecurity—these aren’t abstract debates. They’re real families trying to get through the day.

But the heart of this conversation is courage. Natasha talks openly about fear in politics—especially in rural communities where certain voices dominate the conversation. Her message? Don’t comply in advance. Fear only wins when we silence ourselves before anyone even asks us to.

Advocacy doesn’t always start with running for office. Sometimes it starts with a phone call, a yard sign, or a chat with a neighbor.

But if we want a better future—for our kids, our schools, and our communities—then the question becomes unavoidable.

Who’s willing to speak up?

Find more info on Natasha Baker below: 

Website: Elect Natasha Baker

Facebook: Natasha Baker for Indiana Senate District 22

Donate HERE

00:00 Natasha Baker's Origin Story

06:07 Advocacy for Autism and Disability Services

08:49 The Vaccine Debate and Public Health

12:02 Concerns Over Eugenics and Autism Registries

17:53 Addressing Homelessness and Systemic Issues

26:58 Personal Values and Political Lines

29:50 Healthcare Systems and Progressive Taxation

32:57 Hoosier Values and Community Spirit

46:26 Concerns Over Mark Rowan and Epstein Connections

51:54 Protecting Children: A Mother's Perspective

52:08 Preparing for Political Battle: A Candidate's Readiness

55:12 Gun Ownership and Safety in Rural Indiana

01:09:30 Women in Politics: Emotionality vs. Leadership

01:14:43 Democratic Messaging and Inclusivity

01:18:38 Big Money in Politics: A Call for Change

01:20:03 Term Limits: A Solution for Political Complacency

01:25:06 Why Choose Natasha: A Candidate's Commitment

Contact Tabitha:

[email protected]

https://tabithazeigler.com/

Last week, Dr. Stuart Jones and I started a conversation about disability advocacy, faith, and the responsibility we all have to stand up for people who are too often ignored. This week, we keep going—and honestly, we go deeper.

Stuart shares powerful stories about his brother Stephen and the simple but profound message that shaped his life: God don’t make no junk. It’s a phrase that sounds almost childlike, but if we actually believed it, our world would look very different. People with disabilities wouldn’t be treated as invisible. Services wouldn’t quietly disappear in budget meetings. And advocacy wouldn’t be left to a handful of exhausted families and allies trying to hold the line.

We also get into something that’s making a lot of people uncomfortable right now: how faith is being used—and misused. Dr. Stuart makes a pretty direct challenge. If you call yourself a Christian, are you actually living like Christ? Because when you read the Gospels, Jesus wasn’t interested in judging people, hoarding wealth, or excluding the “undesirable.” He did the exact opposite.

Which raises a hard question. When Christians call out injustice, defend vulnerable communities, and challenge harmful systems… why are they suddenly labeled radicals?

Maybe the problem isn’t that people are being too faithful.

Maybe the problem is that they’re finally taking Jesus seriously.

Find more info on Dr. Stuart Jones below: 

• https://www.authorstuartjones.com/
• Buy For the Love of Stephen HERE

Chapters

00:00 Advocacy and Personal Stories

09:50 The Importance of Advocacy for the Disabled

20:13 Finding Your Voice and Taking Action

25:01 The Role of Faith in Advocacy

31:31 Radical Actions and Christian Values

34:41 Jesus and the Treatment of Women

38:15 Wealth and the Christian Life

43:40 Accountability in Faith Leadership

48:14 Judgment and Acceptance in Christianity

52:43 The Intersection of Faith and Politics

58:18 Finding Your Compass in Faith

Contact Tabitha:

[email protected]

https://tabithazeigler.com/

I sat down with Dr. Stuart Jones to talk about For the Love of Stephen — but this conversation is bigger than one book. It’s about who we decide is fully human. When Stuart’s brother Stephen was born in 1954, his parents were told to institutionalize him. Put him away. Out of sight, out of mind. They refused. And that decision shaped generations.

With the powerful endorsement of Temple Grandin — who reminds us that “different is not less” — we dug into what authentic advocacy actually looks like. It’s not pity. It’s not performative inclusion. It’s asking a radical question: What if he can? What if we stopped obsessing over limitations and started building opportunities? Early intervention matters. Celebrating small milestones matters. And shaming parents? It’s useless and cruel.

But let’s talk about the part that makes people uncomfortable. Why are disabled individuals always the last to the table when funding is allocated — and often the first to lose their seat? Who decided their lives were worth less? Legislators? Budget committees? The almighty dollar?

Stuart’s brother, Stephen, didn’t have a disability as much as he had an invisibility. All he ever wanted was to be included. If we claim to value diversity, faith, and human dignity — do our policies reflect that? Or are we still hiding behind polite language while pushing people to the margins?

Find more info on Dr. Stuart Jones below: 

Author Stuart Jones

Buy For the Love of Stephen HERE

Learn more about topics discussed in this episode: 

Temple Grandin Documentary

https://www.templegrandindocumentary.com/

Contact Tabitha:

[email protected]

https://tabithazeigler.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Autism Advocacy

02:53 The Journey of Writing 'For the Love of Stephen'

08:55 Historical Perspectives on Autism and Disability

14:56 Navigating Challenges and Misunderstandings

21:12 Milestones and Celebrations in Autism Advocacy

39:20 Advocacy and the Fight for Rights

46:40 The Power of Representation in Legislation

55:05 The Importance of Context in Storytelling

57:00 Connecting Personal History to Broader Narratives

01:08:00 Learning from Painful Conversations

01:19:52 The Church's Responsibility to the Disabled Community

What happens when your very existence challenges the boxes society demands you check?

This week, Jaclyn Peterson and I go deep — into ancestry, apartheid, passing, and the audacity of being told to “pick a race.” From her South African Cape Colored heritage to growing up an Air Force brat in America, this story exposes how race isn’t just personal — it’s political, economic, and generational.

Wealth was transferred. Identity was manipulated. Passports determined humanity. And people still say race doesn’t matter?

We also confront the church. Not faith — the institution. The slave Bible. Scriptures twisted to defend abuse. Pastors protecting power not people.

Why are survivors of domestic violence shamed while abusers are platformed? Why are women told to submit but men rarely told to love like Christ?

This episode is raw. We talk about white nationalism hiding behind pulpits, and the courage it takes to speak when silence is safer. Jaclyn shares her journey as a survivor, a trauma-sensitive yoga teacher, and the founder of Christian Moms Heal — creating spaces where women reclaim their bodies, voices, and faith.

So I’m asking you: Are we just building empires in Christ’s name, or actually following Him?

More info on Ascend With Jaclyn here: 

Facebook: Ascend with Jaclyn 

Instagram: @ascendwithjaclyn

TkiTok: @ascendwithjaclyn

Website: https://ascendwithjaclyn.com/

Learn more about: 

The Slave Bible

Further links from Jaclyn:

Responding to Domestic Violence, Pastor Al Miles

The spiritual price of the Doctrine of Discovery,  Mark Charles

Decolonizing Yoga: Susanna Barkataki

National Domestic Violence Hotline (US): 

1-800-799-7233

Contact Tabitha:

[email protected]

https://tabithazeigler.com/

Chapters

00:00 Impact of Race on Immigration

06:25 Language/Cultural Connections

12:13 Reflections on Apartheid/Race Relations

15:11 Generational Perspectives on Race

21:15 The Legacy of Wealth/Race

24:11 Understanding Mixed-Race Identities

32:09 Understanding the Slave Bible, Historical Context

43:55 The Hypocrisy of Religious Leaders and Their Actions

46:58 The Importance of Supporting Survivors and Challenging Abusers

51:45 Empowering the Next Generation to Stand Against Injustice

56:36 The Call to Political Action/Advocacy

01:15:48 The Rebel Nature of Christianity

01:20:14 Jaclyn's Journey/New Podcast

01:28:22 Trauma-Sensitive Yoga/Accessibility

01:31:27 Building Community/Support for Survivors