Have you ever been told you couldn't do something? That's what happened to today's guest, Shelbi Davenport. Years ago, Shelbi was told she wouldn't be able to attend college due to her disability. However, she didn't take "NO" for an answer. Shelbi Davenport is a disability advocate, podcaster, and speaker. After many struggles and victories, Shelbi graduated from Texas A&M. Being awarded the first Peer-to-Peer Training certification in Texas on February 5th, 2017, was one of her gr...

In today’s episode, I’m sharing my milestones in Austin over the past several months. I share what it was like to give my second TEDx talk and step onto the DisruptHR stage. Both experiences pushed me, stretched me, and reminded me why I do this work. Then, I’m joined by Stefani Matott, the Special Needs Ministry Lead at Red Rocks Church in Austin. We dive into her heart for creating inclusive spaces, the realities individuals with disabilities face, and how churches can move from awareness t...

Last episode, I had Michelle Cooper on the podcast—and today, we're switching things up. This time, she had the idea to host the show and put me in the hot seat. She asked me questions about how I network and build connections. Whether it’s business, podcasting, or everyday life—relationships matter. It's a fun one. Enjoy! Send us Fan Mail TEDx Talk, Disrupt HR Talk

In today's episode, we're diving into corporate America. Over the past several months, I’ve gained insight into corporations' operations—especially when hiring talent. Companies are taking meaningful steps by creating resources and systems that foster inclusion for employees with disabilities. My guest today is Michelle Cooper, who brings firsthand experience from the tech world. She’s been deeply involved in inclusion and has much to share about what’s working and what still needs to change....

In this episode of Off the Crutch, we’re talking all things adapted fitness—why it matters, how it builds community, and what accessible fitness really looks like. In 2014, Jake Weiner founded ZOOZ Fitness in Los Angeles with a mission to help individuals with disabilities thrive physically, mentally, and socially. With a background in psychology, marketing, Judo, and personal training, Jake recognized a need for more inclusive fitness opportunities and set out to fill that gap. What started ...

I had the honor to chat with SXSW President and Chief Programming Officer Hugh Forrest to explore how one of the world’s most influential festivals continues to lead with connection, resilience, and innovation. We discuss how SXSW has evolved, how accessibility and inclusion are prioritized, and what it takes to create space for diverse voices in tech, media, and culture. As someone who attended panels focused on happiness, resilience, and branding, this experience was very personal—and a rem...

In today’s episode, I dive into the excitement of being selected for my second TEDx talk, reflect on my recent return to Austin, and share a powerful conversation with Emma Faye Rudkin—an absolute powerhouse and amazing human being. Emma Faye went profoundly deaf at the age of three and has spent her life turning a disability into an ability. Emma Faye is an internationally known role model and public speaker for the (D) deaf and hard-of-hearing (HOH) community and Founder and Executive Direc...

It's the last podcast episode of 2024 and I'm ending it on a "high" note. My guests are Erika Bogan and Allison Norlian who was on last month sharing about her short film, Thirteen. This time, it's about Meandering Scars, a documentary that documents Erika’s journey to climb the tallest free standing mountain in the world to spread awareness about suicide and mental health struggles in the disability community. Meandering Scars was co-directed and co-produced by Allison and Kody Leibow...

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! This is right up there with my favorite interviews of the year. I learned so much from Emma Withrow, investigative journalist for The National News Desk on today's episode. We discussed her background covering disability related stories, Autism, Love on the Spectrum, and what it's like working for a national news channel. It's worth your time as you drive around returning Christmas gifts! Emma Withrow is a National Investigative Journ...

I recently received my 2024 podcast stats. I'm immensely grateful I had over 1k downloads and listened in 21 countries. You guys rock. More great stuff is on the way in 2025. In addition, I highlighted the top 5 episodes of the year in the pod. If you're relatively new, please go back and listen to them. I'll list them at the bottom. Today, I have Kathryn Goetzke on the podcast. I was on her Hope Matrix Podcast last month and she graciously accepted the invitation to be on mine! Kathryn...