In this heartfelt midsummer episode, Katherine reflects on a season full of sparkle, growth, and the power of a strong support team. From Mikelle’s night out at Film on the Rocks to the everyday victories made possible by a dedicated crew of caregivers, The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast celebrates the joy that comes when everyone has space to shine.

Katherine also shares a timely update on the ongoing impact of the Big Beautiful Bill (BBB), and why staying connected—and taking care of ourselves—is more important than ever. With warmth and honesty, this episode offers a glimpse into how families like Mikelle’s are navigating uncertainty while continuing to show up for joy, community, and creativity.

Whether you’re a caregiver, advocate, or just someone trying to catch your breath this summer, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, we celebrate a milestone moment—Mikelle’s powerful story being featured in the Beam+ Mini-Doc, now streaming on BeamPlus.org.

Join Maryann, Katherine, and Mikelle as they reflect on the filming process, the energy on set, and what it meant to stand alongside eight other fierce self-advocates whose lives challenge stereotypes and ignite conversations. From wardrobe choices to what made Mikelle laugh during production, we take you behind the scenes of this empowering experience.

More than a documentary, Beam+ is a movement—and Mikelle’s voice adds depth, dignity, and joy to the story of disability and self-advocacy in America today.

Tune in as we beam with pride, share the impact of this storytelling project, and encourage others to raise their voices, too.

🔗 Watch the mini-doc at BeamPlus.org 🎧 Subscribe and share if you believe stories change the world!

In this powerful episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine shares her perspectives on the recently passed "Big Beautiful Bill"—legislation that slashes billions from Medicaid over the next few years. While politicians celebrate budget cuts, people like Mikelle face an uncertain future. What happens when the supports that make independence, employment, and dignity possible are suddenly on the chopping block?

Through honest storytelling, lived experience, and advocacy, this episode challenges the narrative surrounding this bill and invites listeners to stand up, speak out, and shed light on what’s truly at stake.

Whether you're a policymaker, caregiver, self-advocate, or ally—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

In this urgent and emotional episode of The Shining Beautiful Series, Katherine dives into the devastating impact of the HB-1 “Big Beautiful Bill,” passed during the June 30th vote-a-rama. As the federal government moves to gut Medicaid and unravel decades of disability rights progress, people with disabilities were zip-tied in the U.S. Capitol simply for demanding their right to live with dignity.

Katherine contrasts this cruelty with a brighter vision from Colorado, where Governor Polis is set to sign three powerful bills—HB25-1239, HB25-1017, and HB25-1154—that protect civil rights, expand community integration, and invest in communication services for people with disabilities.

This is a story of two Americas: one where disabled voices are silenced, and another where they’re heard, valued, and supported.

Tune in to hear why we must resist with hope, organize with urgency, and never stop fighting for the people we love and support.

In this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine Carol explores what it really takes to stay positive in uncertain times. Spoiler alert—it’s not all sunshine and good vibes. It takes discipline, intentional resets, and a willingness to live life like improv: one unexpected moment at a time.

Drawing from her own experience as a lifelong caregiver, advocate, and mother, Katherine shares how she and Mikelle navigate daily challenges with humor, creativity, and just enough structure to keep going. Whether it’s tuning out the chaos, starting the day with gratitude, or simply showing up—this episode is your reminder that living lightly is a radical act of resilience.

Tune in for stories, strategies, and soul-fortifying inspiration for anyone trying to stay grounded while living life unscripted.

In this joyful and fashion-forward episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Mikelle and Maryann take us behind the scenes of their unforgettable modeling moment at Denver Fashion Week. Learn how this dynamic duo created the opportunity, from networking and bold visioning to connecting with inclusive fashion leaders. They share what it was like backstage—the energy, the nerves, the laughter—and the powerful experience of strutting down the runway in bold red looks.

More than just a moment in the spotlight, this episode highlights how Mikelle and Maryann, with the support of Denver Fashion Week, challenged stereotypes and showed the world that people with disabilities are not just present—they're paving the way, gracing the runway, and landing on the covers of publications with style and power.

Skye Barber Maa designed the ladies fashion.  https://skyeaire.com/collections/electric-love-fall-2024

In this powerful episode of The Shining Beautiful Series, we unpack the devastating implications of the federal HB-1 bill—an aggressive piece of legislation that slashes Medicaid funding and threatens the stability of home- and community-based services for people with disabilities. While Washington proposes deep cuts, Colorado offers a different path forward.

We highlight three landmark bills soon to be signed by Governor Jared Polis:

• HB25-1239 expanding the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act,

• HB25-1017 establishing a strong Community Integration Plan, and

• HB25-1154 launching a new Communication Services Enterprise for people with disabilities.

Join us as we contrast these vastly different visions of the future—one that dismantles support, and another that invests in inclusion, dignity, and accessibility.

In this insightful episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine and Mikelle sits down with longtime educator, administrator, and special education consultant Bob Barrows. Together, they explore the evolving relationship between general and special education—and compare services and supports in both urban and rural settings. Drawing on his decades of experience, Bob shares what’s working, what’s not, and where innovation is taking us. T

he conversation also dives into how artificial intelligence might support—or complicate—the role of special educators. Tune in as we examine the biggest challenges and emerging risks facing special education in the coming years, and what families, educators, and policymakers can do to prepare.

You can find Bob @ https://www.bobbarrows.com/ 

In this inspiring episode and inn honor of last month's celebration of Cerbral Palsy Awareness, we sit down with the multitalented Brittany "Lenny" Gilbert—an author, filmmaker, and lifelong entrepreneur who’s been dreaming big since the age of sixteen. With a notebook in one hand and a pencil in the other, Lenny began crafting the stories that would shape her future.

Mikelle and I dive into the making of her 2018 self-published book Rudy & Me, a heartfelt story that later blossomed into her first short film in 2022. Brittany shares her creative process, what it’s like turning words into moving pictures, and the lessons she’s learned while carving her path as a storyteller and entrepreneur.

Whether you're a fellow dreamer, a lover of indie films, or someone walking the winding road of creative self-expression, this episode will remind you that beautiful things happen when you believe in your story.

✨ Tune in and get inspired by Brittany’s shining journey.

In our upcoming episode, "From Denver to D.C.: Updates on Medicaid & Community Living Policies," Katherine delves into recent policy developments impacting Medicaid and community living services at both the state and federal levels.

She discusses Colorado's proposed 1.6% increase in Medicaid provider reimbursement rates amid a $1.2 billion budget shortfall, and the federal government's plan to dismantle the Administration for Community Living (ACL), which could affect programs like Meals on Wheels. Tune in to understand how these changes may influence services for older adults and individuals with disabilities, and learn about advocacy efforts to support these vital programs.