Inclusion Starts Now

Episode 34: Interwoven Identities: Disability, LGBTQ+ Identity, and Intersectionality

In this episode of Inclusion Starts Now, I sit down with Michael, a white, gay, disabled advocate, to explore the layers of identity and intersectionality. Why does it seem like so many people who are disabled, LGBTQ+, or POC belong to more than one marginalized group? We unpack this question through Michael’s lived experiences, discussing identity, privilege, and the power of language in shaping inclusion.

Episode 33: Bridging Worlds Through Words: A Conversation with Blair Fell

In this episode of Inclusion Starts Now, we sit down with Blair Fell, author of The Sign for Home and the upcoming Disco Witches of Fire Island. Join us as we explore Deaf culture, the nuances of deafblind signing, and the ways lack of understanding can create barriers. Blair shares his journey as a writer and interpreter, his inspirations, and his mission to foster connection and representation through storytelling.
You can connect with Blair on Instagram @blair.fell
And make sure to pre-order his newest book at https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/770228/disco-witches-of-fire-island-by-blair-fell/
Published by Alcove Press

Episode 32: Disabled and Furious: Can we get stronger these next 4 years?

On this week's episode of Inclusion Starts Now, Wes and I have a conversation about how some people in the disabled community don't feel safe around people who voted for the most recent president. Wes shares why this most recent election frightens him while reflecting on the notion that not everyone who voted for the most recent president thought as their vote being against disabled people. Politics is an emotional subject and this is a place where we can explain, learn, and grow together. We are voting on policies and laws about people's rights. Let's start the conversation.
 
You can find Wes on Bluesky or Instagram at @wes_of_disabledland

Ep 31: Concerned for Communities after a Spontaneous Dog Adoption

These solo episodes are usually an educational conversation but today I want to have time to reflect with you. On Christmas Eve, our family deciding to spontaneously adopt a dog. As someone who has been saying no to animals for years, I caved after one conversation at the TASH conference I went to in December. We will dive into the reasoning behind why I actually said yes to this big step and reflections on why our relationships with animals seem to be so much stronger than with humans.

Ep 30 Rethinking Education: A Conversation with Tim Villegas

In this episode of Inclusion Starts Now, we sit down with Tim Villegas from MCIE to explore how non-profit organizations like his champion inclusive education. Together, we imagine what the education system might look like without the Department of Education and discuss the challenges and opportunities in creating equitable learning environments.
 
You can check out MCIE: https://mcie.org/
and
Tim's podcasts: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/
If you want more of our conversation, subscribe:
https://ko-fi.com/inclusionstartsnow
 

Ep 29 Disaster Preparedness: Inclusive plans to keep everyone safe with Mer

The L.A. fires are terrifying and as a Southern California native, who has recently moved out of the state, this past week has been heartbreaking to say the least. On this episode, Mer and I discuss mindset shifts and simple steps we can take now to prepare our families for evacuations, focusing on the disabled community. As a community, we have the ability to come together in a time of need but it starts with taking care of ourselves.
ADA Emergency Planning: https://www.ada.gov/topics/emergency-planning/
Ready.Gov resources for disability: https://www.ready.gov/disability
Mer's personal IG: https://www.instagram.com/aspoonfullofsalt/
Ready Set Disability IG: https://www.instagram.com/ready.set.disability/

Episode 28 Inclusive Resolutions: Raising Kids Who Embrace Everyone

Start the new year with purpose! In this episode of Inclusion Starts Now, we share meaningful resolutions for teachers and parents to foster inclusion in 2025. From actionable tips to fresh perspectives, learn how small changes can make a big impact in raising empathetic, inclusive kids. Let’s make this year the most inclusive yet!
Subscribe below!
https://ko-fi.com/inclusionstartsnow

Ep. 27 Unfiltered Conversations: Understanding Perspectives with an Online Critic

In this unfiltered episode, I sit down with someone who disagreed with one of my viral reels about behaviors. We dive into their perspective, unpack our differences, and explore common ground in fostering inclusive conversations online and offline. It's a raw, real look at what happens when we take disagreements beyond the comments section.

Ep 26 Wickedly Inclusive: A Symbolic Dive Into Disability and Representation

In this episode of Inclusion Starts Now, I review the movie Wicked, unpacking its rich symbolism, moments of disability representation, and the quotes that resonated with me most. Join me as I reflect on the notes I attempted to jot down during the movie and explore how its themes align with the values of inclusion and understanding.

Ep. 25 Stories That Shape Us: Inclusive Books by Self-Published Authors

In this episode, I sit down with three inspiring self-published authors who are breaking barriers with their educational and inclusive books. We dive into their creative processes, the challenges of self-publishing, and how their stories are fostering understanding, empathy, and representation for readers of all ages.
 
You can find Rashda's book Think Big: https://www.rashzee.com/
and follow her on instagram:  @Rashzee128 @rashzee1
You can buy your own copy of Sean Gold's book the ABC of Disabilities: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sean%20Gold/author/B08ZCB44H3
and follow him on instagram: @authorseangold
You can get Jenny's book: https://www.jennymouse.com/store
and follow her on instagram: @travelingchalkboard
Inclusion starts with you and I just want to help!