Everything You Know About Disability Is Wrong

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Everything You Know About Disability is Wrong is a podcast for the disability community by the disability community, hosted by two disabled women. But if you're not disabled, listen in to learn about real issues, celebrations, and conversations disabled people are having in their communities.

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In Each Episode — Show Notes

Season 3

Gaelynn Lea

Episode 1 - Gaelynn Lea

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.

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Subodh & Aarti

Episode 2 - Subodh and Aarti Garg

In this episode, we delve into the importance of the diverse representation of autism in media, the critical role of technology in improving communication skills, and the universal struggles with dating, and sibling dynamics. Subodh also discusses his participation in the show Love on the Spectrum.

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Episode 3 - Rawan Tuffaha

Rawan Tuffaha 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. This episode explores the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities as they transition into adulthood, particularly in accessing employment and continuing to receive support.

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Tina Firml

Episode 4 - Tina Friml

Tina Friml, a New York-based comedian, 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.

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Lolo Spencer

Episode 5 - Lolo Spencer

Erin and Lily chat with actor, model, content creator, and CEO of the lifestyle brand Live Solo, Lolo Spencer. Known for her advocacy efforts in changing the narrative around disability, Lolo shares her incredible journey and vision for a more inclusive world.

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Episode 6 - 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.

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Cory Lee

Episode 7 - Cory Lee

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.

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Chelsea Bear

Episode 8 - Chelsea Bear

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.

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Amanda McGrory

Episode 9 - Amanda McGrory

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.

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Erin Hawley and Lily Newton

Just Between Us: Disability Pride Month

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.

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Jenna Bainbridge

Episode 10 - Jenna Bainbridge

Jenna Bainbridge, an actress, singer, and accessibility advocate, shares her journey as the first wheelchair user to perform in a new musical on Broadway, debuting in the award-winning "Suffs."

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Erin Hawley and Lily Newton

Just Between Us - August 2024

Your co-hosts Erin & Lily have a special in-person segment for the first time ever on the podcast. Listen for Erin’s evolving relationship with pizza and Lily’s dive into the world of fantasy books, including some great disability representation in certain titles!

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Oliver Scheier

Episode 11 - Oliver Scheier

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.

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Lauren Melissa Ellzey

Episode 12 - Lauren Melissa Ellzey

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.

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Jennifer Gasner

Episode 13 - Jennifer Gasner

Jennifer Gasner, author and disability activist, explores the importance of supportive workplaces, the power of telling your own story, and addressing misconceptions about disability.

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Rachel Lowenstein

Episode 14 - Rachel Lowenstein

Rachel Lowenstein, Founder and Culture Expert at Rachel Lowenstein Consulting and Divergent Convergent, explains why “accessibility isn’t just a feature; it’s a necessity for truly inclusive spaces.”

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pamela schuller

Episode 15 - Pamela Schuller

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.

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Madison Tevlin

Episode 16 - Madison Tevlin

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.

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Season 2

Kaelynn Circle

Episode 1 -Kaelynn Partlow

Kaelynn Partlow, autistic advocate and Senior Therapist at Project Hope Foundation, Inc., was featured on the Netflix series called, “Love on the Spectrum.” She joins hosts Erin and Lily to chat about neurodiversity, social media advocacy, and more!

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Episode 2 - Lindsey Rowe Parker

Lindsey Rowe Parker, author of the children’s book, “Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down,” joins the podcast to discuss why disability representation is important in children's literature.

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Episode 3 - Jillian Mercado

As a fashion model, actress, and disability rights advocate, Jillian has a lot going on! Throughout her career, she has encountered comments from strangers about her disability. Learn about how she became inspired by those experiences to create safe, inclusive spaces on social media.

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Collette Divitto

Episode 4 - Collette Divitto

Collette Divitto, founder and CEO of Collettey’s Cookies, turned her love for baking into a successful business where half of the staff has a disability. She joins hosts Erin and Lily to chat about her successes, life as an entrepreneur, and the stigma many disabled people face while building their careers.

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Episode 5 - Lachi

Erin and Lily are joined by award-winning recording artist, Youtuber and disability advocate Lachi. Lachi talks about her DEI work in the music industry and the nuances of ableism as it relates to trauma, class, race, and gender.

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Jameela Jamil

Episode 6 - Jameela Jamil

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?

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Season 1

Jen Msumba

Jen Msumba

Meet award-winning filmmaker, musician, and creator of this podcast's theme song, Jennifer Msumba (she/her). Jennifer shares her experiences in unrequited love as an autistic woman.

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Nic Novicki

Nic Novicki

Meet comedian, actor, and founder of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, Nic Novicki (he/him). Nic talks about representation, popcorn betrayal, and a love story that ended up on the big screen!

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Emily Ladau

Emily Ladau

Author of Demystifying Disability, Emily Ladau (she/her), discusses her experiences with ableism on dating apps. Plus cringey first dates and how to know when love is real.

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Dom Evans

Dom Evans

Dom Evans (they/he) is a filmmaker, activist, public speaker, and writer. They dig deep into discussions with Erin and Lily about health care and mental health. Plus, a live declaration of love!

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Erin Hawley and Lily Newton

Erin and Lily

In this special episode, hosts Erin and Lily bring on their romantic partners to chat about their love origin stories, dealing with conflict as multiply-disabled couples, and the importance of strong communication in a relationship.

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Vilissa Thompson

Vilissa Thompson

In this episode, we talk about disability pride with Vilissa Thompson, who is celebrating the 10 year anniversary of her work!

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About the Podcast

Everything You Know about Disability is Wrong with hosts Erin and Lily provides an authentic exploration about navigating life as a disabled adult. As a disability podcast for and by the disability community, conversations feature disabled leaders, advocates, and content creators while challenging assumptions and stigmas -- but don’t get it twisted. This podcast is not for your inspiration! Erin and Lily bring thoughtful honesty and witty humor to complex topics that are often misunderstood. Tune in to Everything You Know about Disability is Wrong even if you don’t have a disability – you will definitely learn a thing or two!

Erin Circle

Erin

Erin is the communications and digital content producer at Easterseals. She is an avid reader, and shares her bookish adventures on her YouTube channel, From Erin's Library. Erin is also an advocate for inclusion and accessibility in gaming.

Twitter @geekygimp Youtube @FromErinsLibrary
Lily Circle

Lily

Lily is an artist, filmmaker, neurodiversity advocate, and is passionate about diversity representation in the arts. She loves making educational content and wants to increase accessibility in virtual spaces.