Amanda Steijlen is a therapist, lifestyle creator, and founder of Wheelie Big Dreams , a nonprofit that helps people with disabilities pursue their goals. She also leads True Bloom Therapy , supporting clients through life transitions with strategies that are both practical and grounded. In this episode, Amanda shares her path to mental health work, the ways we misunderstand independence, and how caregiving can be reciprocal. She speaks candidly about online self-image, burnout, and the importan...
Jul 31, 2025•56 min•Season 3Ep. 29
Courn Ahn is a designer, content creator, and advocate who cares deeply about accessibility and social justice. Their work focuses on helping people see disability, identity, and community support in a new way, especially through the lens of queerness, race, and being neurodivergent. As a Queer, nonbinary, mixed-race Korean creative, Courn shares from personal experience and speaks honestly about the challenges that come with being disabled in a world full of assumptions. Courn's journey has bee...
Jun 10, 2025•58 min•Season 3Ep. 28
Jillian Curwin, Director of Communications for the Mascots Matter Campaign, is an advocate, storyteller, and content creator reshaping the conversation around disability, access, and representation. In this episode of Everything You Know About Disability Is Wrong, she joins hosts Lily Newton and Erin Hawley for an insightful discussion. Jillian shares her experience as a little person navigating an often inaccessible world, particularly in the fashion industry. She reflects on what sparked her a...
May 15, 2025•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 27
Kyla and Jedidiah Mora are a neurodivergent couple, writers, and advocates. They are the authors of “Today My Brain Is a Dinosaur,” a popular children’s book that helps kids understand autism, ADHD, and different ways of thinking. Their journey started with their own diagnoses of autism and ADHD as adults. After years of confusion and challenges, they found clarity, self-acceptance, and a desire to help others feel less alone. Kyla is a high school teacher and journalist who is passionate about ...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 26
Tiffany Yu is a disability advocate, entrepreneur, and author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto . She started her career at Goldman Sachs before becoming a leader in disability inclusion. After acquiring a disability as a child, she struggled with loneliness and self-doubt. Over time, she turned her experiences into advocacy and founded Diversability, a community that celebrates disability pride and fights stigma. She works to break barriers, share personal stories, and create more inclusive spaces....
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 25
Experiencing the world isn’t just about sight, it's about tasting, touching, hearing, and smelling, too. Using all our senses helps us connect more deeply to the world around us. Dr. Hoby Wedler is a chemist, entrepreneur, and advocate for inclusivity. He holds a Ph.D. in physical organic chemistry from UC Davis and founded the Wedland Group to explore how our senses shape emotions and connections. He creates unique food and drink experiences that help people appreciate the little things in life...
Mar 18, 2025•59 min•Season 3Ep. 24
"Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not real." Onyinye Udokporo, CEO and founder of Enrich Learning, dives into a conversation that’s both eye-opening and deeply personal, exploring the differences between UK and US disability cultures. From how each country approaches accessibility and support to the ways people talk about neurodivergence, it’s clear that culture shapes the disability experience in ways we don’t always realize. A big theme in this discussion is the power of langua...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 23
Richard Jacobs is a dedicated gamer and member of the esports team QuadGods. He discusses his journey of resilience, the pivotal role gaming plays in his life, and the misconceptions he faces as a disabled individual. Richard shares about the power of community and how his streaming “family” has allowed him to harness his competitive spirit and embrace his emotions. Key Moments 13:32 - Inspiration and belonging. 21:57 - Supports family through streaming. 31:24 - Prefers controller over keyboard/...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 22
Humor can educate and challenge, but it must highlight issues without mocking the disability community. In this episode, we explore how satire can play into advocacy and ask, “What exactly makes good satire?”. Steven Verdile, Founder of Squeaky Wheel Media, shares his insights on the critical intersection of disability and content creation. Steven discusses the significance of focusing on specific issues, particularly those impacting the disabled community, and the protective measures taken to e...
Dec 20, 2024•56 min•Season 3Ep. 21
Navigating a medical system that dismisses your pain ignites a fire to advocate for others who are overlooked. Annie Segarra is an activist and content creator dedicated to disability rights, body positivity, and social justice. Annie opens up about her deeply personal experience living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), discussing the emotional and physical toll of navigating a medical system that often dismisses or misdiagnoses those with chronic illnesses. She shares her frustrations with bei...
Dec 12, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 20
Your co-hosts Lily Newton and Erin Hawley return with a candid "Just Between Us" segment on this episode of Everything You Know. They discuss the importance of authentic storytelling in media, using recent casting choices in "Wicked" and Disney adaptations as a jumping-off point. The hosts explore why representation isn’t enough without real inclusion and the need for self-accommodation to destigmatize accessibility. Lily and Erin also reflect on highlights from the past year, sharing their "All...
Dec 09, 2024•26 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Advocacy is not just about raising awareness; it’s about creating real change. Madison Tevlin is an actor, Host, Model, and Advocate. She is known for her impactful work in the "Assume That I Can" campaign for World Down Syndrome Day and her role in "Champions" alongside Woody Harrelson. Madison shares her wonderful journey and passion for music and storytelling. Madison talks about her upcoming podcast, "21 Questions," featuring stars like Paris Hilton and Nelly Furtado. Madison opens up about ...
Nov 26, 2024•52 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Humor is a bridge to understanding; it transforms conversations about disability into moments of connection. Pamela Schuller is a passionate disability advocate and stand-up comedian. Pamela shares her journey with Tourette syndrome and how humor has helped her tackle tough conversations about disabilities. Pamela opens up about finding the right balance between vulnerability and oversharing, the challenges of accommodating disabilities in public spaces, and her unexpected shift from stand-up to...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Rachel Lowenstein, Founder and Culture Expert at Rachel Lowenstein Consulting and Divergent Convergent, joins Lily Newton and Erin Hawley on the show. Rachel talks about why neuro-inclusion is a crucial part of workplace accessibility and how her work with Divergent Convergent is making a difference. Rachel also opens up about her own experiences with finding her true identity, avoiding burnout, and shifting from a corporate job to running her own business. In this episode, Rachel shares her tho...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 3Ep. 16
"The journey of self-acceptance is ongoing and deeply personal." Jennifer Gasner, author of *My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis*, shares her journey of self-acceptance and understanding of her own identity. She explores the importance of supportive workplaces, the power of tell your own story, and addressing misconceptions about disability. Jennifer also highlights her personal growth in accepting help and fostering inclusivity. Her story is a powerful testament to self-acce...
Oct 08, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Author and Activist, Lauren Melissa, shares a powerful story of resilience and creativity. Diagnosed with autism in her twenties, Lauren Melissa turned the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic into an opportunity, hand-writing a novel that was later accepted by Bold Strokes Books. Based in New York City, she passionately advocates for the representation of queer, BIPOC, and disabled individuals in fiction, bringing to life diverse, multiracial, neurodivergent, and queer characters. Her journey is...
Sep 17, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 14
"I don't concern myself with what they get wrong. I like to just show up as myself and then let any preconceived notion, if there is any, flow like, float away” Oliver Scheier, is a 19-year-old filmmaker, artist, and sophomore in college. Oliver discusses his approach to authenticity in both his work and personal life. He shares insights on his short film "Read a Page," his journey as a young artist, and how he navigates the perceptions of others. Key Moments 00:00 Embracing individuality 13:01 ...
Aug 27, 2024•55 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Your co-hosts Erin & Lily have a special in-person segment for the first time ever on the podcast. They Kick things off by discussing the significance of Disability Pride Month and the joys of creating content together as friends who are both disabled. They also discuss some light-hearted topics like newfound interests—Erin’s evolving relationship with pizza and Lily’s dive into the world of fantasy books, including some great disability representation in certain titles. They get real about ...
Aug 20, 2024•25 min•Season 3Ep. 12
In this episode, hosts Erin and Lily interview Jenna Bainbridge, an actress, singer, and accessibility advocate. Jenna shares her journey as the first wheelchair user to perform in a new musical on Broadway, debuting in the award-winning "Suffs." She discusses her career and daily life as an ambulatory wheelchair user, challenging misconceptions and emphasizing the importance of accessibility and personal freedom. Jenna explains how her wheelchair enhances her ability to navigate New York City, ...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Your co-hosts Erin & Lily have a special segment today called “Just Between Us!” Today’s episode is all about the importance of Disability Pride Month. They share their thoughts on why it's crucial to celebrate being disabled and not just focus on ableism. Erin & Lily also discuss how pride in their identities as disabled people and as friends empowers them. We hope you enjoy today’s real (and unfiltered) episode. Happy Disability Pride Month! Timestamps 04:06 Claiming pride in queer and...
Jul 31, 2024•33 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Amanda McGrory, a four-time Paralympian and seven-time Paralympic medalist shares her journey as an elite athlete. She addresses the pervasive stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding disabled athletes and how they are often misrepresented in the media. Throughout the conversation, the importance of authentic representation in media and sports is highlighted, focusing on the significance of community support. She discusses her struggles with eating disorders and finding community through adapt...
Jul 23, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 9
In this episode, Chelsea Bear, a content creator and disability advocate, shares her experiences and challenges as a lifestyle influencer. Chelsea highlights the importance of embracing her disability wholeheartedly and the sense of community and validation it brings. She discusses how Disability Pride Month encourages individuals to own their disabilities proudly, even on tough days. The co-hosts Erin and Lily resonate with Chelsea's experiences, sharing their struggles and triumphs in acceptin...
Jul 09, 2024•53 min•Season 3Ep. 8
In this episode, Cory shares his experiences exploring the world as a wheelchair user, from group trips to international destinations to navigating the challenges of air travel accessibility. Learn about Cory’s blog, Curb Free with Cory Lee, and its company non-profit, The Curb Free Foundation, which funds dream trips for wheelchair users. Discover practical tips on accessible travel planning, insights on preparing for travel obstacles, and the importance of building a strong community for peopl...
Jun 25, 2024•58 min•Season 3Ep. 7
In today’s episode, we have Spencer West! From discussing the challenges of accessing queer spaces and nightlife to setting boundaries as a disabled content creator, this conversation sheds light on pivotal issues affecting the LGBTQ+ and disabled communities. Spencer shares his personal experiences, advocacy work, and the role of social media in promoting awareness. Don't miss this engaging episode with Spencer West! Timestamps 00:00 Spencer West: Keynote speaker, activist, trailblazer, author....
Jun 18, 2024•59 min•Season 3Ep. 6
In this episode, hosts Lily Newton and Erin Hawley sit down with actor, model, content creator, and CEO of the lifestyle brand Live Solo, Lolo Spencer. Known for her advocacy work and trailblazing efforts in changing the narrative around disability, Lolo shares her incredible journey and vision for a more inclusive world. We also explore the broader implications of representation in Hollywood and the importance of community building, with Lolo emphasizing the need for disabled actors to be cast ...
Jun 11, 2024•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 5
In today's episode, Erin and Lily are joined by Tina Friml, a New York-based comedian who shares her unique experiences navigating the comedy scene. We'll explore the misconceptions about disabilities, the role of humor and radical self-acceptance, and turning casual ableism into comedy gold. From the sometimes illogical things Tina can and cannot do, to her decision to only perform in ADA accessible venues, this episode is packed with insights. Get ready to tune in, laugh, and learn as we welco...
May 29, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 3Ep. 4
In today's episode, your hosts Lily Newton and Erin Hawley have a heartfelt conversation with our guest, Rawan Tuffaha. Rawan is the lead singer of the ASD Band, a group composed entirely of autistic musicians, which shines a light on talent within the autistic community. Besides her music career, Rawan is an advocate for autism acceptance and disability employment, challenging misconceptions and pushing for more inclusive practices. Join us as we delve into Rawan's journey, from forming the ASD...
May 14, 2024•54 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Navigating Independence and Relationships: Subodh and Aarti's Journey on EYK | Season 3, Episode 2 Welcome to a special episode of Everything You Know, presented by Easterseals. Today, we've got a truly enlightening conversation lined up with our guests, Subodh Garg and his sister, Aarti Garg. Subodh, a charismatic individual diagnosed with autism at the age of 3, shares his journey towards independence, his exceptional memory, and his experiences with dating and social interactions. Aarti, who ...
Apr 30, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Join our hosts, Lily Newton and Erin Hawley, as they sit down with the riveting Gaelynn Lea, whose voice and violin strings resonate with the force of change, challenging our perceptions of ability and accessibility. Imagine being told that your dream career is not designed for someone like you. Now picture breaking that mold and redefining what is possible. Gaelynn Lea did just that. Born with a physical disability, Gaelynn transformed the way the violin is played, gripping it like a cello. Wit...
Apr 16, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 3Ep. 1
In this exciting episode, Jameela Jamil, actress, activist, and television host, shares how she began to understand her own disability while navigating the entertainment industry. We're working through shame, making our own rules, and creating inclusive spaces together to break barriers. Are you in?
Jan 10, 2024•57 min•Season 2Ep. 6
