Shows
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasGood Bad Things: A Modern Love Story Breaking Barriers in FilmSend us a textWhat if a film could be more than just entertainment, sparking a movement for positive change? Join us as we speak with Danny Kurtzman, the main character of "Good Bad Things," and the film's executive producer, Steve Way, to explore how this Apple TV release is doing just that. Together, we uncover the film's heartwarming impact as it champions love, dating, and the experiences of living with a disability. Amid Valentine's Day reflections, this conversation dives into the themes of inclusivity and representation, resonating with audiences of all backgrounds.Embracing the...2025-02-1344 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 62 Jessica Jordan Ping - Own Your AuthenticitySend us a textIn this episode of Embrace It, Estela and Lainie welcome Jessica Jordan Ping, aka “The Rolling Explorer.” Jessica is a fierce advocate, adaptive fashion consultant, and creator who’s made it her mission to break down stereotypes about disability. Living with CHILD syndrome, a rare genetic condition affecting fewer than 60 people worldwide, Jessica brings a fresh perspective on what it means to truly “own it”—from the world of fashion to the challenges of travel, dating, and beyond.With humor and raw honesty, Jessica shares why she decided to embrace her uniqueness a...2024-11-1647 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 61 Cassidy Huff - Empowering Disabled VotersSend us a textDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation. This episode may contain discussions of political viewpoints that are personal to each guest. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions based on various perspectives. In this Episode: What if the key to championing disability rights and political activism lies in the experiences of a 22-year-old trailblazer? Meet Cassidy Huff, a remarkable disability rights ac...2024-10-0448 min
Seeking DifferentSeason 2, Episode 11: Navigating the Thrills and Spills of Tween Crushes and School Yard GossipRemember the flutters of first crushes and the buzz of schoolyard whispers? Together with my daughter Estela, we take a heartfelt plunge into the world of tween crushes and the ensuing gossip that can feel like navigating a minefield. We swap stories, with Estela offering a peek into the pulse of today's tween experiences, rife with the excitement and anxiety of burgeoning attractions, as well as the sometimes harsh reality of gossip. Through laughter and a bit of cringing, we dissect how to manage the tender confessions of young hearts, proposing personal journals as a safe haven for those...2024-09-2322 minSeeking DifferentSeason 2, Episode 10: Defying Silence: A Mother's Memoir and the Fight for Children's JusticeHera and Estela bring you a new episode - that explains why they've taken a bit of a hiatus. They've both been writing books! And Hera has just released her memoir, ten years in the making, that's both deeply personal and universally touching. "Defying Silence," her memoir, unveils the heart-wrenching journey of losing her son and the struggle against a justice system that let them down. Hera and Estela grapple with the profound impact of stories like this and how they foster connections, albeit with a mindfulness to shield the innocence of our younger listeners. Through the revelation of...2024-09-2319 minSeeking Different"Bonus Mini EP": Season Recap and "Into the Mind of a Four Year Old"In this mini episode, Estela and Hera look back on the first season thus far to talk about favorite moments, things they learned, and Estela discusses how ignorance about non-traditional family can play out in the school setting. Isa makes an appearance at the end of the episode to give her definition of a donor as well as a hilarious look into the mind of a four year old. 2024-09-2313 minSeeking DifferentSeason 2, Episode 2: I'm a Barbie Girl, In a Barbie World (Movie Review and Deep Thoughts)In this episode, Hera and Estela review the new Barbie movie. They discuss the parallels between Barbie and real life as well as review the movie from the perspective of a mom and of a kid. Hera also breaks down the parts of the movie that were likely not meant for kids and Estela highlights the parts she understood more than her mom realized. 2024-09-2325 minSeeking DifferentSeason 1, Episode 12: Growing the Family from Two to ThreeIn this episode, Estela dishes about what it was like becoming a big sister and Hera shares her thoughts on the differences between having one child as an SMC and having two. They also discuss how their family was built on top of the tragedy of losing Estela's brother and Hera's son Prince. 2024-09-2324 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 60 Delaney Norvor - Unlocking Your VoiceSend us a textWhat if you could lead an entire team, present complex ideas, and engage in high-stakes discussions without ever speaking a word? This episode of the Embrace It podcast introduces you to Delaney Novor, an inspiring young leader who has mastered this art. As the Director of Product Management at the National Apartment Association, Delaney uses cutting-edge text-to-voice technology to navigate her professional and personal life seamlessly. Learn how she overcame communication barriers caused by dystonia and revolutionized her career, making her a beacon of empowerment for underrepresented professionals.From her first...2024-09-2034 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 59 Cori Fischer - Finding Strength in StrugglesSend us a textWhat if an initial misdiagnosis at the age of 13 led you down a winding path of medical challenges and remarkable resilience? This episode features Cori Fischer, a longtime member of our Trend-Able community, who reveals her incredible journey from being incorrectly diagnosed with dystonia to uncovering the true cause of her symptoms—a tethered spinal cord. Cori takes us through her experiences with multiple surgeries, and recoveries, and shares the profound emotional and physical toll that came with waking up with minimal sensation and movement from the waist down. C...2024-07-2542 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 57 - Xian Horn, Catalyst for InclusionSend us a textJoin us for an inspiring episode of the Embrace It Podcast as we welcome the radiant Xian Horn, a true catalyst for inclusion. Xian, a joyful half-Asian woman with Cerebral Palsy, wears many hats: teacher, writer, speaker, beauty advocate, blogger, and Exemplar for the AT&T NYU Connect Ability Challenge towards creating Assistive Technology.Named one of the 21 Leaders for the 21st Century by Women's eNews in 2017, Xian Horn's journey toward reconceptualizing leadership has left a profound impact. From companies like Viacom, and Target, to AXA Equitable, she's reshaping narratives using...2024-03-2159 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 56 - Alexa & Jaqueline Child, Make Love AccessibleSend us a textJoin us for an enlightening conversation with Alexa and Jacqueline Child, the dynamic duo behind Dateability, a revolutionary dating app designed to empower the disabled and chronically ill communities. Founded by sisters, Jacqueline's personal experience with discrimination and hurtful comments on mainstream dating apps due to her disability ignited a spark within them to create a platform that champions inclusivity and understanding.In this podcast episode, we delve into Jacqueline and Alexa's journey, exploring the challenges they faced in the dating world and the inspiration behind Dateability. Jacqueline shares her firsthand...2024-02-1549 min
Seeking DifferentSeason 2, Episode 11: Navigating the Thrills and Spills of Tween Crushes and GossipRemember the flutters of first crushes and the buzz of schoolyard whispers? Together with my daughter Estela, we take a heartfelt plunge into the world of tween crushes and the ensuing gossip that can feel like navigating a minefield. We swap stories, with Estela offering a peek into the pulse of today's tween experiences, rife with the excitement and anxiety of burgeoning attractions, as well as the sometimes harsh reality of gossip. Through laughter and a bit of cringing, we dissect how to manage the tender confessions of young hearts, proposing personal journals as a safe haven for those...2024-01-2922 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 55 - 10 Things We'd Tell Our Younger Selves About DisabilitySend us a textIn this heartfelt episode, join Lainie and Estela as they open up about their personal journeys in living with a disability. Delving into the depths of self-reflection, the duo shares an intimate list of insights they wish they could tell their younger selves. From navigating challenges to embracing self-love, this candid conversation unveils valuable lessons, offering a beacon of wisdom for anyone on a similar path. Tune in for a touching exploration of resilience, growth, and the empowering messages that transcend time.Book an EmBRACE It Workshop...2024-01-2533 minSeeking DifferentSeason 2, Episode 10: Defying Silence: A Mother's Memoir and the Fight for Children's JusticeHera and Estela bring you a new episode - that explains why they've taken a bit of a hiatus. They've both been writing books! And Hera has just released her memoir, ten years in the making, that's both deeply personal and universally touching. "Defying Silence," her memoir, unveils the heart-wrenching journey of losing her son and the struggle against a justice system that let them down. Hera and Estela grapple with the profound impact of stories like this and how they foster connections, albeit with a mindfulness to shield the innocence of our younger listeners. Through the revelation of...2024-01-1619 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 54 Pamela Rae Schuller - Channel Your SH*TSend us a textIn this amusing and heartfelt episode, we explore the pivotal moments that turned a troubled and disabled middle schooler with Tourette’s syndrome into an international comedian and Netflix personality! Join us as Pamela Rae Schuller blends her skills of storytelling and comedy with disability advocacy into this fun and insightful EmBrace It conversation!Follow Pamela on InstagramWatch Pamela’s TEDx TalkWatch Pamela on NetflixBook an EmBRACE It WorkshopLooking for more grea...2024-01-0545 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 53 Madeline Niebanck - Stroke of LuckSend us a textIn this empowering episode, we sit down with Maddi, an extraordinary individual whose journey has been defined by resilience and determination.Graduating from Georgetown University with a passion for Spanish and Justice and Peace Studies, Maddi's life took an unexpected turn when a hemorrhagic stroke left her paralyzed on her left side. Amidst her recovery, she discovered a new passion for fashion, channeling her love for the arts into writing her first book, "Fashion Fwd: How Today's Culture Shapes Tomorrow's Fashion," published in September 2018.But Maddi's story doesn't end...2023-12-0938 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 52 Dustin Giannelli - Hears DustinSend us a textIn this inspiring episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of Dustin, who was diagnosed with profound bilateral hearing loss at the young age of five. Despite this life-changing diagnosis, Dustin's story is one of resilience, empowerment, and a determination to spread positivity.From school hearing exams to facing unexpected challenges, Dustin’s experiences have been both unique and universal. We explore the transformative moment in his life when a simple divider during a hearing test changed everything. No longer able to rely on lip reading, he surprised not only the sc...2023-11-1141 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 51 - Becky Etchberger - From Denial to AcceptanceSend us a textDespite the disability or condition, the path from denial to acceptance is anything but linear and smooth. We all have our own journeys to becoming the person we want to be. Sometimes that journey requires us to travel alone and other times we have are fortunate enough to find the support and guidance we need.Becky Etchberger is a successful TV producer for many shows such as American Idol, The Voice & Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. She is also navigating the ups and downs of life, love, and disability due...2023-10-2051 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 50 - Yare Túa, Communicating with KindnessSend us a textIn this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Yarelbys Túa Pachano, a Venezuelan model and influencer who is defying expectations and advocating for inclusivity. Yare’s story is not only about overcoming cancer and disability but also about the power of communication and kindness in her interactions.We'll explore how Yare discusses her disability with strangers, shedding light on the misconceptions and taboos surrounding disabilities in her home country and beyond. She shares her experiences of responding to well-intentioned but offbeat questions and comments and addresses the common mis...2023-09-2847 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 49 - Dr. Akilah Cadet, Privilege & DisabilitySend us a textIn this episode, we're diving into how privilege can shape our access to healthcare and opportunities with the fabulous Dr. Akilah Cadet, who has spent an extensive part of her career designing training, coaching executives, and informing systematic change to improve the workforce experience for large organizations. We’re shedding light on how many forms of privilege can act like a golden ticket affecting how easily we access medical care and career opportunities. Tune in to gain Dr. Cadet’s valuable insight and resources for patient advocacy and why privilege matters to us...2023-09-051h 01Seeking DifferentSeeking Different: Season 2, Episode 2: I'm a Barbie Girl, In a Barbie World (Movie Review and Deep Thoughts)In this episode, Hera and Estela review the new Barbie movie. They discuss the parallels between Barbie and real life as well as review the movie from the perspective of a mom and of a kid. Hera also breaks down the parts of the movie that were likely not meant for kids and Estela highlights the parts she understood more than her mom realized. Support the show2023-08-1425 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 48 - Alexis Hillyard, Stirring Up JoySend us a textGet ready to dive into a bubbling pot of heartwarming stories and culinary delights in this episode of 'Stirring Up Joy'! We're pulling up a seat at the virtual kitchen table with none other than the fabulous Alexis Hillyard, the mastermind behind the YouTube sensation Stump Kitchen. Join us as we savor every flavorful moment of her journey – from connecting over food with her partner to becoming a cooking sensation with a twist.Imagine whipping up gluten-free vegan eats and stumptastic treats using her 'stump'! Alexis's infectious enthusiasm and creative spirit ha...2023-08-1146 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 47 - Ross Barchacky, Who Will Hire Us?Send us a textRoss, a seasoned veteran with 17 years of service, suffered an injury during his time in the military. As he transitioned into the civilian workforce, he participated in numerous workshops aiming to translate his skills effectively. However, it wasn't until his career counselor at the Department of Veterans Affairs introduced him to Inclusively that he realized what had been missing all along. Reflecting on his journey, Ross expresses, "I felt like I was exerting tremendous effort to align myself with employers, rather than finding a mutual meeting ground." Ross faced additional challenges d...2023-07-2141 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 46 - Eliza Hull, The Things We CarrySend us a textEliza is a musician, writer, speaker, and advocate — changing the way the world views disability.Having established herself as one of Australia’s most important voices and striking songwriters of recent years, Castlemaine-based artist Eliza Hull has proven the longevity of her art, and continued evolution.Growing up with CMT, Eliza recalls visiting dozens of doctors and being required to “walk in a straight line.” Decades later, she has transformed her journey into the powerful music and lyrics of her new single ‘Running Underwater.’ It’s the first song Hull has writt...2023-06-1050 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 45 - Stacie Swider, Rein to ShineSend us a textStacie Swindler has been drawn to horses since childhood. During her career in education, she began volunteering at a therapeutic horseback riding facility for individuals with disabilities. After being amazed by the interactions she observed between the students and the horses, Stacie changed the trajectory of her life. Instead of returning to the classroom, she decided to partner with horses to improve the lives of those living with autism, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a variety of physical disabilities.Today Stacie is having a big impact with her work ! S...2023-05-1939 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 44 - Nikita Chopra, We Are Worthy of SupportSend us a textAfter living with severely debilitating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis for over 30 years, Nitika Chopra found that no matter how hard she tried, she always felt completely isolated and alone. For a long time, she assumed that it must have been because something was inherently broken or wrong with her. After getting the courage to open up about her health, she realized that every time she met someone who had a chronic illness, they felt the exact same way.While Nitika’s career started over 10 years ago as the founder of a po...2023-04-2740 minSeeking DifferentSeeking Different: Season 1, Episode 12: Growing the Family from Two to ThreeIn this episode, Estela dishes about what it was like becoming a big sister and Hera shares her thoughts on the differences between having one child as an SMC and having two. They also discuss how their family was built on top of the tragedy of losing Estela's brother and Hera's son Prince. Support the show2023-04-2524 minSeeking DifferentSeeking Different "Bonus Mini EP": Season Recap and "Into the Mind of a Four Year Old"In this mini episode, Estela and Hera look back on the first season thus far to talk about favorite moments, things they learned, and Estela discusses how ignorance about non-traditional family can play out in the school setting. Isa makes an appearance at the end of the episode to give her definition of a donor as well as a hilarious look into the mind of a four year old. Support the show2023-04-0413 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 43 - Rachelle Friedman, LCSW, Honoring Grief & BoundariesSend us a text“How do we honor the inevitable grief that comes with disability and establish healthy boundaries with those closest to us?Rachelle Friedman, aka “The Brainy Social Worker,” is a disabled therapist who understands that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. With an educational background in neuroscience and social work, Rachelle knows that anyone can change how they feel by becoming aware of the data and triggers that we store in our brains and how we interact with that data on an emotional basis. But how do we actually do that...2023-03-2543 minSeeking DifferentSeeking Different: Season 1, Episode 3: Black History Month ReflectionsWe wish Black History Month could be all year long, but this Black History Month we'd like to share our thoughts on some of the current events - Like Ron DeSantis trying to whitewash history and the things we wish schools would teach as it relates to Black History. Estela learns about Critical Race theory and a bit about how the American government really felt about MLK Jr. while he was alive. Estela talks about her favorite lessor known icons from Black History and interesting things she's learned about her own family history - like pee covered soda cans...2023-02-1420 minSeeking DifferentSeason 1, Episode 3: Black History Month ReflectionsWe wish Black History Month could be all year long, but this Black History Month we'd like to share our thoughts on some of the current events - Like Ron DeSantis trying to whitewash history and the things we wish schools would teach as it relates to Black History. Estela learns about Critical Race theory and a bit about how the American government really felt about MLK Jr. while he was alive. Estela talks about her favorite lessor known icons from Black History and interesting things she's learned about her own family history - like pee covered soda cans...2023-02-1420 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 42 - Tiffany Yu, Turning Shame Into PrideSend us a text“How do we take shame around our disabilities and begin to turn it into pride & purpose?At the age of 9, Tiffany became disabled as a result of a car accident that also took the life of her father. For the next decade, Tiffany navigated the many challenges of adolescence, grief, and shame around her disability. Today, Tiffany Yu is the CEO & Founder of Diversability, an award-winning entirely disabled-run and led social enterprise to elevate disability pride, and a content creator with 170k+ followers across platforms. She is a 3...2023-02-111h 03Seeking DifferentSeason 1, Episode 2: A Mama, Mom, and Twin Donor SiblingsIn this episode of Seeking Different, Hera and Estela chat with Asher, Ari, and Mom Leah of the Pryor-Lease Family (a two Mom Family). Asher and Ari are twins and two of Estela's donor siblings. The kids chat about what it's like to tell people you don't have a Dad, the cool things about their family, and navigating school as a non-traditional family. 2023-02-0725 minSeeking DifferentSeeking Different: Season 1, Episode 2: A Mama, A Mom, and Twin Donor SiblingsIn this episode of Seeking Different, Hera and Estela chat with Asher, Ari, and Mom Leah of the Pryor-Lease Family (a two Mom Family). Asher and Ari are twins and two of Estela's donor siblings. The kids chat about what it's like to tell people you don't have a Dad, the cool things about their family, and navigating school as a non-traditional family. Support the show2023-02-0725 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 41 - Lorraine Woodward, Making Rentals AccessibleSend us a text"Everyone deserves a chance to go on a vacation and make memories with their family!"After 20 years of frustration, with very limited vacation options, Lorraine Woodward's family of four, three of whom have mobility issues due to muscular dystrophy, took it upon themselves to create their own accessible property. In 2014, Lorraine’s "A Place of No Worries" was realized. Their fully accessible property was not only a way to meet their own family vacation needs, but also a way to serve as an investment property that could be a re...2023-01-2746 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 40 - Alyse Brewer & Shannon Maher, The Next Generation of LeadersSend us a textHow do we support the next generation of disability leaders with inclusive career opportunities? What innate skills do people with disabilities bring to the workforce, and why should businesses include disability in their diversity conversations? Join us for this refreshing episode with Alyce Brewer & Shannon Mayer of DisabilityIN NextGen as we share their exciting work and personal journeys to disability advocacy!Visit the NextGen WebsiteApply to Leaders ProgramFollow DisabilityIN on InstagramBook an EmBRACE It WorkshopLooking for more great tips, hacks, and blog posts? Visit: Trend-Able.comFind more on Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) and patient...2022-12-2339 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 39 - Mindy Henderson, We Can Do Hard ThingsSend us a textOn a mission to leave the world a little better than how she found it, Mindy strives to help create a world where inclusion is the norm, where people see possibilities instead of limitations, and where no challenge is too big to overcome.Mindy is no stranger to “Doing Hard Things” and shares a few of her many examples of how she was able to turn “Nos” into “Yes’” throughout her life in this episode. Whether it was adopting a child in China, writing a NEW book, or starting her own business, Mind...2022-12-0949 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 38 - Jearlean Taylor, Different to Make a DifferenceSend us a textAt only 3 years old, Taylor was diagnosed with a rare vaginal cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma. Doctors didn't expect her to survive. After chemotherapy, radiation, and several surgeries, Taylor was cancer-free but left with two permanent ostomy bags — colostomy and urostomy, which aid her bladder and bowel functions — for the rest of her life.Growing up with ostomy bags in Baltimore, Maryland, Jearlean Taylor wasn't sure she would be able to pursue her dreams as a fashion model. Today, she has been featured in over 30 magazines, newspapers, Time Square billboards, the Today Show, and...2022-11-2546 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 37 - Billy Price, Billy's ShoesSend us a textImagine falling from a three-story window during your second week of college and transforming overnight from an athletic teen to a full-time wheelchair user. What sounds like a nightmare to many was Billy Price’s real and sudden introduction into the disability community. Join us for this mind-blowing episode and interview with aeronautical engineer turned inclusive shoe designer Billy Price, as he recalls how a casual conversation at a holiday party turned his world upside down to build a multi-million dollar empire!Follow Billy’s Footwear on Instagram. Shop Billy Footwear - 10% off w...2022-11-1140 min
Embrace It with Lainie & Estela - Smashing Disability StigmasEmbrace It: Episode 36 - Lance Johnson, Finding ClaritySend us a textWhat’s it like to slowly lose your eyesight and adapt to the world around you? How do the roles and characters we grow up watching on TV play into society's harmful stigmas around disability? Lance Johnson shares this and much more as we discuss his journey with Retinitis Pigmentosa and life as a video editor, podcaster, and content creator in Brooklyn, New York.Follow Lance on Instagram. Check out Lance on YouTube Looking for more great tips, hacks, and blog posts? Visit: Trend-Able.comFind more on Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) and patient resources on...2022-10-1443 min