Wellness Dumpster Fire (WDF)

Join Dr. Kat and Sam as they discuss the book, "The Empowered Educator" with author, Dr. Jen Rafferty.  We'll discuss how Dr. Jen "really gets it" about teacher burnout and she'll remind of us of tools that educators (and anyone) who is burned out can utilize to reset their nervous system.  Many thanks to Dr. Jen for being the kick butt Petal of Power she is and sharing her book with us! Find Dr. Jen's book at https://empowerededucator.com/book

More episode info: Burnout isn't a badge of honor—it's a signal. Dr. Jen Rafferty, a former middle school music teacher turned educator, TEDx speaker, and author of The Empowered Educator, reveals how understanding neurobiology and embracing all emotions can transform your teaching—and your life. This episode is a wake-up call for overwhelmed teachers, school leaders, and anyone feeling stuck in a cycle of exhaustion and toxic positivity. You’ll discover how toxic positivity prevents us from truly addressing our feelings, and why leaning into disempowering emotions like frustration and rage is essential for authentic growth. 

Email: [email protected]

Music: "Master of the Feast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Book Release: “The Empowered Educator” by Dr. Jen Rafferty

Dr. Jen’s Book Recommendation: “Laziness Does Not Exist” by Devon Price

Petals of Power

Highly recommended: a Google search for cute, polarized, rose colored glasses

And Many, Many, thanks to Dr. Jen Rafferty for being our Petal of Power!  …Crystal castle! 

Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a matter of life or death for countless disabled children and adults. What if the systems meant to support us are actually designed to keep us invisible? This episode unpacks the real history of disability rights, from Judy Heumann’s pivotal activism to the elusive goal of true accessibility. Discover how legal battles like the Section 504 sit-in transformed societal perceptions and the architecture of support that shapes daily life for millions. 

Email: [email protected]

Music: "Master of the Feast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Timely Viral Event : Mom of Disabled Child Speaking to Ohio Reps About Medicaid Cuts

Dr. Jen Rafferty: The Empowered Educator: Release date Aug 4, 2024

Dr. Jen Rafferty: Instagram

Somatic Studios 

Witch Bitch Thrift

The People’s Coalition of Michigan

Chris and Dave- Instagram

Extra Credit: Watch Crip Camp (free on Netflix YouTube)

Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Judith Heymann with Kristen Joiner 

Rolling Warrior: The Incredible, Sometimes Awkward, True Story of a Rebel Girl on Wheels Who Helped Spark a Revolution by Judith Heumann with Kristen Joiner

Judy Heumann on the Daily Show with Trevor Noah

The Ed Roberts’ Campus article

The Ed Roberts’ Campus video

Big Bad Able-ism: Hockey Douchebro Pushing a Wheelchair Down The Stairs

Interview with Victim/Survivor of Able-Ist Douchebro 

Systemic Big Bad Able-ism: Hockey Douchebro sentenced to probation for pushing a wheelchair down the stairs.

Flinn Scientific Lab Poster: Carol Never Wore Her Safety Goggles

Exploring Name Signs in Deaf Culture: Article and Video

A History of Cross Colors Fashion Legacy (I learned so much from this video!): 

Amazon link: Poster Sometimes Things Explode 

“When we know better we do better.” Maya Angelou said to Oprah

The Pushy Lawyer vs Uber

American Sign Language: Puberty

Sesame Street “Nope” Aliens montage

Sesame Street “Nope” : Aliens Discover a Radio

“Elopment: The Unexpected Workout” T-Shirt on Etsy 

Payton’s Path- Carla Moore- “I wish there was the same viral outrage for the living children with disabilities…” 

New York Community Schools 

LeBron James Family Foundation “I Promise School”

Understanding Michigan’s Medicaid Waiver Programs

Accessible Playgrounds

History of Eugenics in the United States

Michigan Data Center Fight

Play Spark

Petals of Power

Podcast: Screw the Hierarchy by Deborah Falzoy: “One advocate’s story of a pattern of able-ism at work with Emma Farley

Podcast: The Middling

Ninjio 

“Get It in Writing: The Utimate Guide to Your Rights At Work” by: Ryan Stygar

Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt

All the Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything 

The Ed Roberts’ Campus article

The Ed Roberts’ Campus video

Disabled in Action of New York

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution

Upcoming Film : Being Heumann

Polio

The History of Polio

Section 504 and ADA through the Wrights Law Website

IDEA

Introducing Disability Studies, 2nd Edition

Mental illness, Civil Liberty, and Common Sense. Psychiatric Times. (2018)

Senator Robert Kennedy’s Visit to Willowbrook (scroll down for the video with Senator Robert Kennedy)

1970 - Present : Close the Institutions - Video archive of Geraldo Rivera’s Expose on Willowbrook

Special Olympics: Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Special Olympics: Rosemary and Eunice Kennedy

Starting Special Olympics

Rosemary Kennedy

Spread the Word 

Buzzfeed Accessible Design Fails

Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki

This episode explores the history and current challenges of disability rights, systemic inequities, and their impact on well-being. Join us as we discuss advocacy, policy, and personal stories to understand how societal structures affect marginalized communities. This episode features a deep discussion on the history of disability rights, intersectionality, and systemic ableism, highlighting key figures like Judy Heumann and Ed Roberts. It explores the evolution of accessible spaces, the impact of neoliberalism, and the ongoing fight for equity and inclusion.

Email: [email protected]

Music: "Master of the Feast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Extra Credit: Watch Crip Camp (free on Netflix YouTube)

Judy Heumann on the Daily Show with Trevor Noah

Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt

All the Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything 

Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Judith Heymann with Kristen Joiner

Rolling Warrior: The Incredible, Sometimes Awkward, True Story of a Rebel Girl on Wheels Who Helped Spark a Revolution by Judith Heumann with Kristen Joiner

The Ed Roberts’ Campus article

The Ed Roberts’ Campus video

Disabled in Action of New York

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution

Upcoming Film : Being Heumann

Polio

The History of Polio

Section 504 and ADA through the Wrights Law Website

IDEA

Introducing Disability Studies, 2nd Edition

Mental illness, Civil Liberty, and Common Sense. Psychiatric Times. (2018)

 Senator Robert Kennedy’s Visit to Willowbrook (scroll down for the video with Senator Robert Kennedy)

1970 - Present : Close the Institutions - Video archive of Geraldo Rivera’s Expose on Willowbrook

 Special Olympics: Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Special Olympics: Rosemary and Eunice Kennedy

Starting Special Olympics

Rosemary Kennedy

Spread the Word 

Buzzfeed Accessible Design Fails

Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki

keywords

disability rights, systemic inequity, advocacy, policy, well-being, history of disability, activism, accessibility, systemic change disability rights, ableism, Judy Heumann, Ed Roberts, accessibility, neoliberalism, systemic discrimination, disability history, inclusion, advocacy

In this episode of Wellness Dumpster Fire, Sam and Kat have their first guest: Uncle Jay! Uncle Jay is a cartoon character from amaze.org that asks some questions about gender and trans allyship that many people are thinking but are afraid to ask. Join Sam as her cat messes with her microphone, Dr. Kat while she deals with a migraine, and Uncle Jay while he’s trying to figure out when did gender become more complicated than having “a hoo hoo or a hee hee.” 

Note: Content warning for trans youth suicide, trans discrimination.  

Also Note: Our ADHD is strong in this episode;

So just in case this was never made verbally clear: 

LGBTQIA+: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and +

2SLGBTQIA+: 2 Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and +.

Also, the name of the trans student who died by suicide in Oklahoma was Nex Benedict.  Sam incorrectly said Nez. Our hearts are still with Nex and their family, as well as all of the trans folk harmed by discriminatory and genocidal legislation. 

On an editing note, Dr. Kat had to pause our recording to take care of her migraine and somewhere when that happened, my microphone switched to the computer mic.  Sorry about that and thanks for sticking with us. Email us with your Petals of Power!

Email: [email protected]

Music: "Master of the Feast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)1

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975…oops)

Understanding the New Kansas Law Targeting Transgender People: The ACLU of Kansas

Human Rights Campaign Foundation & Lamda Legal File Lawsuit to Block Trump Administation’s Transgender Military Service Ban

David Ross Lawn: Facebook: “...But did you know that genocide actually happens in stages? In fact. Do you know which stage we are in for trans people? It’s 8.”

Wikipedia: Ten stages of genocide

Holocaust Memorial Day Trust: The Ten States of Genocide

Joey (Oops, Chuck) Gets His Girlfriend Pregnant: A special 3 part series : “TV 101”

Wikipedia: Molly Ivins

Don Lemon: @TheDonLemonShow

“Advocate Shares History of LGBT Acronym as Federal Websites Erase the “T”

San Francisco's Gay Mens Chorus: LGBTQIA+ Meaning: Acronym Breakdown and Definitions

Wikipedia: Two-spirit

Tribal-Institute.Org (2014) “Walking in Two Worlds: Understanding the Two-Spirit & LGBTQ Community”

2SLGBTQ+ in print article: CBC Canada: “Nex Benedict full autopsy report released: What we non about the non-binary teen’s death” 

Human Rights Campaign: “U.S. Department of Education Finds Nex Benedict’s School District Accountable for Fostering Hostile Climate in Response to HRC Complaint” Nov. 13, 2024

LGBTQNation: Good News: “Joe Biden said “there are at least three” genders and shut down a conservative activist: “Don’t play games with me kid,” Biden told a rightwing activist who tried to get him to say there are only two genders. Jan. 13, 2021

amaze.org: What is Intersex?

Paid Subscriber Episode: Podcast: “You’’re Wrong About”: Princess Diana, The Crown, and Responsible Storytelling

Free article from Elle about Princess Diana and the AIDS crisis: The True Story of Princess Diana’s Groundbreaking AIDS Advocacy: The Princess of Wales helped to raise awareness and dismantle stigma around the disease.

Black mold memes

Uncle Jay’s Amaze.org video: Range of Gender Identities

BridgeMI: Michigan adopts updated sex education standards after contentious meeting

Michigan Dept of Education: Sex-Education Advisory Boards Commonly Asked Questions: 2012

SIECUS: Michigan State of Sex-Ed

Amaze.org Sextortion: Online Coercion and Blackmail

Dr. Kat’s Circles Shoulder Pad fave: 

Circles Curriculum Purchase Site

John Oliver Slams Centrist Dems Who Think Trans People Cost Them The Election

Sophie LaBelle: Trans Cartoonist and Activist:Wikipedia:  Bluesky;: Patreon

Gardens Of Peace Project (not Olive Oil): https://www.gardenofpeaceproject.org/

ACLU of Kansas

ACLU USA Donation Page

Lamda Legal Donation Page

Podcast: Making Gay History Hosted by Eric Marcus

Hoppers Trailer

The 515

The Difference Between Trans and Drag: 

PETALS OF POWER!

Sam’s Friend Juniper Moving to Thailand to Open a Duck and Pug Sanctuary/Cafe: GoFundMe Link

Taylor Tomlinson: The Prodigal Daughter 

Alyssa Liu Skating

When life feels like a dumpster fire, Dr. Kat and Sam deliver a hilarious, unapologetic dose of joy, memes, and real talk to lighten your load and remind you that you're not alone. In this episode, these educator-sisters take you on a mild ride through their favorite memes, unexpected Benito Bowl moments, and their own saga of spine surgery and a rental car that smells like Amsterdam. They share their favorite PETALS OF POWER! and reveal how humor and community can cut through the doom scrolling gloom.

Email: [email protected]

Music: "Master of the Feast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Regina George in a neck brace Tenor gif; Mean Girls

“PETALS OF POWER” inspirational jingle: 1980’s She-Ra Princess of Power commercials

Meme: Godzilla with a photocopier: [ID: Godzilla using a photocopier with a dissociated expression on his face. Text reads "I'm under a lot of pressure to finish this report it's bullshit I don't even work here"] source text: GeekySteven Facebook page

Meme: Godzilla baking cookies

Mr. Williams PreK Pause: Jesus interviewing Aunt Karen “We all got that one aunt…”

Mr. Williams PreK Pause: Satan Interviewing Jeffrey Epstein Satan does NOT like what he’s reading .

Meme: “When my FBI agent realizes she looks forward to my memes…”

Bad Bunny “Benito Bowl Potluck” (SuperBowl Half Time Show)

Bad Bunny 2026 Halftime show Grass People Walking and Grass People Highlights

Bad Bunny and Pedro Pascal: Protective Mom 2: SNL link

GoodBunnyFoundation.org

Bad Bunny: Domingo Vow Renewal SNL link

Bad Bunny: Couples At the Bar SNL link

Marcello Hernandez: Spanish Class (not referenced in the podcast…but should have been): SNL link

Meme:  So brave: Getting Married in front of Bad Bunny

Meme: Conservatives in the Corner; vs Bunny 

Monty Python and the Holy Grail: Killer Rabbit

Reading Rainbow Reboot with Mychal the Librarian

Maple Layne Market Bestselling Stickers 

We Rate Dogs: Golden Puppy Jumps in the Bushes

We Rate Dogs: “Tell Your Dog I said Hi” and the 15/10 Foundation

Ryker…Epic Service Dog Training Failure

The Onion: Kid Rock and CheeseBalls

RIP: The Great Catherine O’Hara

Link: Erstwilder Brooches to decorate your neckbrace

Happy Gilmore 2

 Marcello Hernandez Netflix Special “American Boy” (not mentioned in the podcast but totally a good time if you aren’t in the mood for Happy Gilmore 2). 

What was Columbia House?

Dazed and Confused: Matthew McConaughey’s Breakout Role

Office Space: “Just remember, if you hang in there long enough…”

Book: “Becoming the Teacher I Needed: Lessons in Radical Kindness and Resilience”: by Jere Chang: link to webpage with book purchase links:

MsChangGifted: Ms White Celebrates Ramadan

 Book: “Get It In Writing: The Ultimate Guide to Your Rights at Work”: by Ryan Stygar: link to webpage with book purchase links: 

AttorneyRyan: Costco Suing the Trump Administration over Tariffs

Join Dr. Kat and Sam as they delve into the intricate connections between personal well-being and political landscapes. In this episode, they explore how individual health and education intersect with broader societal issues, offering insights from their extensive backgrounds in pedagogy. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges the boundaries between personal experiences and political realities...with swearing, peri-menopause brain, and an amazing cousin story. 

Email: [email protected]

Music: "Master of the Feast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Mr. Smith Goes To Washington

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Smith_Goes_to_Washington

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr;

Thoughts on Telling the Bootless Man to Pull Himself up by his Bootstraps

https://www.reddit.com/r/Damnthatsinteresting/comments/14dinrg/dr_martin_luther_king_jr_speaks_about_perspective/

Or 

https://www.instagram.com/addisnola/reel/DFD8jQsRZQh/?locale=de&hl=am-et

The Personal is Political by Carol Hanisch

https://www.carolhanisch.org/CHwritings/PIP.html

1st ever “I dissent” shout-out: To Cousin Katie on Mom’s side!

Way to tell Arnie Duncan that his ideas were sh** in real time!  

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Bader_Ginsburg

Dr. Jen Rafferty

https://empowerededucator.com/

Rebecca Solnit

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebecca_Solnit

Robert Reich

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Reich

5 Calls App

https://5calls.org/

Find My Rep at USA.gov

https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

https://action.aclu.org/give/now

NAACP

https://naacp.org/donate

Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence

https://www.teachersunify.org/

The Onion: “No way to prevent this”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%27No_Way_to_Prevent_This,%27_Says_Only_Nation_Where_This_Regularly_Happens

Boredwalk 

Grievance Journal: https://www.boredwalk.com/products/grievance-journal?_pos=1&_sid=05d072746&_ss=r

The Personal Is Political Tee: https://www.boredwalk.com/search?type=product&q=the+personal+is+political

Video: Repel Jerks:  https://www.facebook.com/reel/1124273432964308

Tik Tok: I don’t follow politics: https://www.tiktok.com/@boredwalk.lol/video/7502230930187128094

Red Stockings’ Speakout at the United Nations - 2007

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E14iJym0MpA 

The Pay Teacher’s Act & The ParaEducators Act

https://www.aft.org/news/aft-rallies-pay-teachers-act-capitol-hill-town-hall 

https://www.help.senate.gov/dem/newsroom/press/news-sanders-introduces-legislation-to-address-americas-teacher-pay-crisis-holds-town-hall-with-public-school-educators 

https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-introduces-legislation-to-increase-wages-nationwide-for-paraprofessionals-and-education-support-staff 

Why Cousin Katie on Mom’s Side was Right about Arne Duncan

Source on Arne Duncan’s comments about Hurricane Katrina (he was not the secretary of education during Katrina, but made insensitive and uninformed comments about the tragedy). 

https://la.aft.org/news/lft-duncans-apology-demonstrates-why-silence-golden 

Find my Representatives in Congress

Your representatives include 2 senators per state and a different number of representatives depending on the population in your area. Your house representative will be assigned by the district where you live and zip code.  

https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member 

Heather Cox Richardson

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heather_Cox_Richardson

https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/

The Daily Beans: News. With Swearing.

https://www.dailybeanspod.com/

PoliticsGirl

https://www.politicsgirl.com/

Learning to ZOOM, memories from COVID lockdown

“I’m not a cat”: https://youtu.be/lGOofzZOyl8?si=D3Puh49sUIa9MOGb

“Potato boss” https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/laurenstrapagiel/potato-boss-video-call

Cat bowties just because 

https://catinberlin.com/collections/bow-ties

Sunflowers clean up nuclear waste

https://www.iflscience.com/why-scientists-plant-sunflowers-after-nuclear-disasters-60380

Welcome to Wellness Dumpster Fire or WDF! Hosts Dr. Kat and Sam are sisters who delve into the complex world of wellness and its weaponization in modern society. They explore how societal pressures and neoliberal ideology have turned wellness into a tool of blame, pushing individuals to balance impossible demands. Through personal anecdotes and insightful discussions, they challenge the notion of work-life balance and highlight the systemic issues that make true well-being elusive. Join them as they navigate the intersection of wellness, neoliberalism, and the quest for genuine self-care. WE SEEK THE WELLNESS!

Music: "Master of the Feast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975…oops)

A Christmas Story 

Love Actually 

What is a SUP Board? 

Sam Vimes “Boot” Theory of Socio-Economic Unfairness 

Archies: ergonomic flip flops (not sponsored)

Nick Couldry: Why Voice Matters 

Noam Chomsky: Profit Over People

“The Goonies” Generation

Xennials or Oregon Trail Generation

Can Our Schools Run on Duncan?

Sam’s old wellness blog with meal plans

F*ck that: An Honest Meditation (ooh, there’s an app now!)

Podcasts we love: 

“You’re Wrong About”

Maintenance Phase

Feminist Survival Project

Kenneth Saltman: The Gift of Education - Public Education and Venture Philanthropy

Wellne$$ Wallet Action: Community Builders of the Month 

(Groups you can donate to if you’ve got some money to spare) 

Native Tribal Designation for Oakland County, MI

PBS

NPR