Shows
Always Looking UpHillary Wool On Being An Unrare Flower In A World Not Designed To See Our BeautyIn this week’s episode I sat down with Hillary Wool. Hillary is a disabled business strategist, model, and advocate reshaping how we think about ambition, style, and wellness for chronically ill and disabled women. As a partner at Boston Consulting Group, she led global research on the disabled workforce experience, which was covered in outlets including The New York Times and Forbes. She has also modeled in national campaigns with Target and Marshalls. Online, she shares her disability journey living with ankylosing spondylitis and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, including intentional style and adaptive fitness. We discuss being a disabled woman at...
2025-11-251h 24Always Looking UpLindi Marcusen On Finding Her Own Path To The Paralympics And Defending The Right To Travel While DisabledIn this week’s episode of Always Looking Up I sat down with Lindi Marcusen. Lindi is a Paralympic sprinter and long jumper whose journey began after surviving a catastrophic accident in 2017 that resulted in the loss of her right leg and a traumatic brain injury. A former high-level gymnast, Lindi turned to adaptive sports during her recovery, finding purpose and power through competition. Now a 5x national champion and 100 meter American record holder, she represented the USA in the 2024 Paris Paralympics, proving that resilience and determination can redefine what’s possible. We discuss her Paralympic journey that started with...
2025-11-181h 00Always Looking UpAubrey Smalls On Defining What It Means To Simply Be And Celebrate Being A Little PersonIn this week’s episode I welcomed back Aubrey Smalls. Aubrey is an actor, filmmaker, and content creator with dwarfism who uses his platforms to educate people about what it means to be a little person and dwarfism history. October is a month for celebration in the dwarfsim community, so we wanted to take the time to discuss how we will be celebrating as well as have a conversation about how being a person with dwarfism is perceived and defined in 2025. Oh, and my mom, Audrey Curwin, makes a cameo appearance to highlight a little person who has left a...
2025-10-071h 23Always Looking UpJillian Curwin On Being A Tailor-Made Fashion Girly That Is Tired Of Having To Stand On The SidelinesThis week’s episode is a special episode in celebration of New York Fashion Week which just came to an end. As the tailor-made fashion girl, I wanted to share my thoughts before and after Fashion Week about the industry, representation, and being a little person who has such a passion for fashion, even though the industry still refuses to see her. This episode was originally recorded in two parts exclusively to Patreon members as diary entries. For more content like this, make sure to join.Join The Patreon: HEREFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslooki...
2025-09-231h 00Always Looking UpJillian Ilana Curwin On Looking Ahead, Looking Back, And Always Looking UpThis episode celebrates 200 episodes of Always Looking Up, an incredible milestone that I am so incredibly proud of and grateful for. I wanted to take the time to reflect on what it means having gotten this far and the journey to get here, highlighting some milestone moments, look ahead towards where I want to be, where I want the podcast to be, and to say thank you to my brother, the audience, and guests past, present and future.As always, height is just a number, not a limit.Read the transcript: HEREFollow...
2025-08-1829 minAlways Looking UpJillian Curwin On Is Perception Reality?Dear Diary, We have some housekeeping to do, and then let's start a conversation about how the world see's (or doesn't see) dwarf bodies.This episode is the newest in my Jillian's Diary series on Patreon available to my "Second Step-Stool" tier.Join The Patreon: Click HereFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:The Partnership For Inclusive Disaster Strategies...
2025-05-1915 minAlways Looking UpLiz Gutman On Enhancing The Content We ConsumeIn this week’s episode I sat down with Liz Gutman. Liz is the Head Audio Description Writer at International Digital Centre in New York City. She has written award-winning AD for 850+ hours of movies and TV, and proudly works as an instructor with Audio Description Training Retreats. We discuss making and creating content that is digitally accessible, how she explains and defines access f*ckery and much, much more.Editor’s Note: This episode was recorded back in August of 2024 as a collaboration with her podcast, also titled Access F*ckery, so tuned for that conversation whic...
2025-05-1256 minAlways Looking UpKirsten Ferguson On Starting Her Healing Journey To Finishing The NYC MarathonIn celebration of May being Mental Health Awareness Month I am honored to have sat down with Kirsten Ferguson. A successful career woman turned Peloton fitness instructor, Kirsten wholeheartedly embraces the changes that life brings. After seven years of working with the NFL, she shifted her focus to family. Her journey to motherhood was not easy, and fitness helped Kirsten strengthen her body and soul during difficult times. She is now the proud mother of two beautiful daughters and uses her life experiences to fuel her deeply inspiring workouts. We discuss how she came to Peloton (and how Peloton...
2025-05-0542 minAlways Looking UpPeet Montzingo On Growing Up Average-Height In A Little Person WorldIn this week’s episode I sat down with Peet Montzingo. Peet Montzingo is one of the top social media content creators who has over 21.5M subscribers on his YouTube channel, 14.2M followers on his TikTok, and 3.1M followers on his Instagram. Known for his comedic videos that feature his family and daily life, his content also dabbles in the supernatural, where he formerly lived across the street from the infamous Cecil Hotel and documented its strange occurrences. Aside from being a star on social media, Peet is an accomplished singer/song writer, model, and the author of Little Im...
2025-04-2854 minAlways Looking UpKeah Brown On Being Unapologetically HerselfIn this week’s episode I sat down with Keah Brown. Keah is an award winning journalist, author, and screenwriter. Her work on disability, identity, and pop culture has appeared in Town & Country Magazine, Teen Vogue, Elle, The LA Times, Marie Claire UK, And The New York Times, among other publications. We discuss the connection between disability and celebrity, not having time for imposter syndrome, the pressure of writing an acknowledgements page and much, much more.Join The Patreon: Click HereFollow Keah: Instagram: @keah_maria TikTok: @keah_maria Website: https://keahbrown.comFollow Me: Insta...
2025-04-211h 04Always Looking UpAnna Pakman, Margo Gignac and James Ian On Emergency Plan And Raising Awareness On The Realities Of Being Disabled In Times Of DisasterIn this episode I sat down with Anna Pakman, Margo Gignac and James Ian, the writer/director and stars of Emergency Plan, a new short film for the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. Emergency Plan stars Margo and James as a disabled couple forced to send their young son out alone after a catastrophic East Coast earthquake — when it becomes clear no one is coming to help them evacuate. Ali Stroker voices the radio anchor whose warnings grow increasingly urgent as the crisis unfolds. We discuss the making of the film, the real-world inspiration and reason for telling this story, ho...
2025-04-171h 04Always Looking UpRachel Handler On Saving Her Creative Heart And Embracing Our StoriesIn this episode I sat down with Rachel Handler. Rachel is a filmmaker and actor known for her stint as Peg Leg Doris on AMC’s “Interview With the Vampire” and her award-winning Slamdance films “Committed” and “HOW MUCH AM I WORTH?” We discuss the magic of theater and storytelling, her creative processes as both an actor and a writer, the importance of something like the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge for disabled artists and creatives and much, much more.Join The Patreon: Click HereFollow Rachel: Instagram: @bionic.brunette YouTube: @RachelHandler Website: http://www.rachelahandler.comWatch DON'T TAKE T...
2025-04-161h 05Always Looking UpMariadeliz Santiago On The Beauty Industry And DisabilityIn this week’s episode I sat down with Mariadeliz Santiago. Maria is a NYC-based disabled content creator, speaker, and advocate who uses her platform to champion authentic representation and accessibility in media. As a Latina with an upper limb difference and chronic conditions like Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and new daily persistent headache (NDPH), she creates impactful content that bridges beauty, lifestyle, and disability awareness. With a growing and engaged audience, Maria partners with inclusive brands to tell meaningful stories, and regularly speaks on the importance of disability visibility, intersectionality, and inclusive marketing. We discuss the rise and importance of ad...
2025-04-141h 04Always Looking UpMakenzie Morgan Gomez On Dancing (Disabled) Through LifeIn this week’s episode I sat down with Makenzie Morgan Gomez. Makenzie is a Mexican-American, queer, dynamically disabled performer based in Brooklyn, NY. She is a member of Actors' Equity Association and recently made her Off-Broadway debut starring as Libby in Neil Simon's I Ought To Be In Pictures at Theatre Row, where she used both a cane and a manual wheelchair on stage. We discuss going against society’s expectations of disability, how disability representation should not be limited, question what it means to maintain the integrity of a piece of art and much more.Join...
2025-04-071h 11
Always Looking UpMark Povinelli On The Return Of Benjamin LayIn this week’s episode I sat down with Mark Povinelli. Mark is an activist as well as an actor on stage and screen. He is currently portraying Benjamin Lay, shepherd, sailor, revolutionary, the British Empire's first revolutionary abolitionist, and someone whose story for too long has not been told, in the Off-Broadway production of The Return of Benjamin Lay. We discuss who Benjamin Lay was, how this show came to be, the importance of telling this story at this time, much more. Join The Patreon: Click Here Get your tickets to see The Return Of...
2025-03-3157 min
Always Looking UpRachel Wherley, Erin Elswood and Shelby Holloway On Mascots Matter And Calling For An End Of Discriminatory Disability MascotsIn this week’s episode I sat down with Rachel Wherley, Erin Elswood, and Shelby Holloway, the co-directors of the Mascots Matter campaign. Mascots Matter is an independent grassroots advocacy initiative calling for the retirement of offensive disability mascots. We discuss the origins of the “m” slur and its continued, harmful use through to present day, the founding of Mascots Matter and its advocacy efforts thus far, why discriminatory disability mascots are not just a local issue and much more. For reference, this conversation was recorded on March 18, 2025. Also, the “m”-slur will be used in context when expla...
2025-03-241h 07
Always Looking UpJillian Curwin And Felicia Gans On Turning 30, What We've Lost, What We've Gained, And What's NextIn this week’s episode I sat down with Felicia Gans Sobey. Felicia is a deputy editor of content strategy at The Philadelphia Inquirer. She is also a retired theater kid, an avid watcher of 90s/early 2000s TV, a Kindle obsessive, a dark chocolate lover, and a longtime friend of yours truly. As we are two Pisces girls turning 30, celebrating a friendship that has lasted half our lives thus far, I invited Felicia to ask and answer more audience questions about turning a decade older and much, much more. TW: Mentions Of Pregnancy Loss Re...
2025-03-171h 27
Always Looking UpMelanie Waldman On Finding Comfort In Being YourselfIn this week’s episode I sat down with Melanie Waldman. Melanie is a multi-award-winning filmmaker with the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, a member of SAG-AFTRA, an on-air talent member at QVC, host of the Disability Reality Podcast (which, yours truly, will be making an appearance on very soon talking all things on Bravo), and she STILL somehow finds time to teach adaptive yoga to the disability community & beyond! We discuss disability as a collective and the healing power of connection within, turning adversity into joy, the opportunities that arise from authenticity and much, much more. Relief Fo...
2025-03-101h 04
Always Looking UpEliza Orlins On Pushing For Change Within The SystemFor context, this episode was recorded on February 19, 2025. In this week’s episode I sat down with Eliza Orlins. Eliza Orlins is a career public defender who has represented close to 4000 people charged with crimes in Manhattan over the last 13+ years. She’s an outspoken advocate and can be found raging against injustice on her social media platforms. We discuss the misunderstandings and misrepresentations of the criminal legal system, the ways in which the system and how it is designed impacts those in marginalized communities including persons with disabilities, how she is pushing for change within the syst...
2025-03-0353 min
Always Looking UpJillian Curwin On Turning 30 And Healing In A World Not Necessarily Designed For MeIn this week’s episode it is just me and the microphone as I sit down to answer your questions about my ongoing surgery recovery journey, healing in a world that was not necessarily designed for me, ending the chapter that was my twenties and preparing to enter the chapter that will be my thirties. Relief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires: Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/ United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/ Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.found...
2025-02-2454 min
Always Looking UpAllison E. Lang On The Beauty Of Disabled BodiesIn this week’s episode I sat down with Allison Lang. Allison is a content creator, speaker, model, and a medal-winning Paralympian, having just competed in the 2024 Paralympics on Team Canada’s seated volleyball team. Her advocacy focuses on self love and body acceptance with the hope of helping others who may be on a similar journey. We discuss connecting with authentic stories, what can happen when you feel seen and heard by a brand, being inspired by our accomplishments, not our existence, and much, much more. Learn more about and support the Mascots Matter Campaign using the...
2025-02-171h 02
Always Looking UpChuck Aoki On Wheelchair Rugby And Changing How The World Watches Para SportsIn this week’s episode I sat down with Chuck Aoki. Chuck is an American wheelchair rugby, aka “murder ball” player, a 4-time Paralympic medalist and one of the most recognized and decorated athletes in the sport both on the court and off. He is also one of the co-founders of Culxtured, a media collective that is changing the ways in which the world views para sport. We discuss the evolution of wheelchair rugby and how he found the sport, the timelines it takes to become a Paralympian compared to an Olympian, how the Paralympics have evolved in regards to med...
2025-02-1058 min
Always Looking UpViolet On The Weight Of Words When Said Behind A Podium Or A DeskIn this episode I sat down with Violet aka hi its vi. Violet is a disability advocate, filmmaker, and content creator with almost 100 thousand followers on TikTok. Violet’s advocacy focuses on the representation of people with dwarfism in the media. For context, we recorded this episode on February 3rd following remarks made by the President and the media about people with dwarfism. This is a conversation unpacking how society perceives, acts toward, and talks about people with dwarfism as well as the relationship between disability organizations and politics. Trigger warning for harmful rhetoric. Relief For Disabled Pe...
2025-02-061h 01
Always Looking UpAdam Ayers On The Wins That Happen On A Level Playing FieldIn this week’s episode I sat down with Adam Ayers. Adam is the current president of the Dwarf Athletic Association of America, also known as DAAA. DAAA is a non-profit organization that provides athletic opportunities for people of short stature. The organization consists of a core Board of Directors who are supported by volunteers and philanthropic contributors. We discuss how DAAA has evolved since its founding in 1985, what happens behind the scenes to make the games accessible and successful, the magic of DAAA and much, much more. Learn more about and support the Mascots Matter Campaign us...
2025-02-031h 07
Always Looking UpKeely Cat-Wells On Making Investments And Making Space For DisabilityIn this week’s episode I sat down with Keely Cat-Wells. Keely, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and Presidential Leadership Scholar, has been a dedicated advocate for disability rights since becoming Disabled in her teens. She is the CEO of Making Space, a talent acquisition and learning platform and co-founded Making Space Media, producing content that centers Disabled voices. We discuss investing in disability, the success of creating pipelines to companies such as NBC, Indeed, and Hello Sunshine, making outer space accessible and much, much more. This episode was recorded before the LA fires. Learn more ab...
2025-01-2756 min
Always Looking UpJulia Métraux On Media Literacy And DisabilityIn this week’s episode I sat down with Julia Métraux. Julia is Mother Jones' disability reporter, where she covers disability, chronic illness and mental health as it relates to politics. Her experience is influenced by her lived experience with vasculitis, a TBI, ME/CFS and hearing loss. We discuss what it means to be a disability reporter, how reporting on disability has evolved over time, issues and stories she is looking out for in the upcoming administration and much, much more. Follow Julia: Instagram: @julia.metraux BlueSky: @metrauxjulia Newsletter: Julia Métraux Website: https://juliasmetraux.journ...
2025-01-2154 min
Always Looking UpJillian Curwin On What It Means To Be HealingIn this week's episode it is just me and the microphone. After my most recent doctor's appointment last week (week of 1/6/2025) I wanted to sit down and update you all on how I'm doing, how I'm feeling, my frustrations, my hopes, my growth, my pain...all of it. Relief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires: Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/ United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/ Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf Follow Me: Instagram: @j...
2025-01-1341 min
Always Looking UpMarissa Bode On Nessarose, Making History, And The Magical, Accessible World Of WickedIn this week’s episode I sat down with Marissa Bode. Marissa is an artist and actor who made history in her feature-film debut as Nessarose in the film Wicked, being the first actor that is also a wheelchair user to play the part. We discuss her audition process, what Nessa means to her, the importance of seeing disabled characters authentically portrayed on screen and stage and much, much more. And yes, there will be spoilers. Follow Marissa: Instagram: @marissa_edob TikTok: @marissa_edob YouTube: Marissa Bohdee Relief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Ange...
2025-01-061h 02
Always Looking UpJillian Curwin On My Surgery Recovery Journey So FarI'm back! After a brief hiatus I am back on the microphone to catch you all up on what has happened in the too many minutes that we've been apart. I share how my recovery has been going, talking about the ups, the downs, the moments of joy, of frustration, and everything in between, before sharing what my plans are for the future of Always Looking Up as we head into the new year. Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me:...
2024-12-1152 min
Always Looking UpAriella Elm On The Disabled VoteIn this special episode Jillian sat down with Ariella Elm. Ariella is a content creator on TikTok who covers politics, local and global news. With Election Day just around the corner we discuss voting and accessibility and making sure that disabled voices are heard and disabled votes are counted. Election Resources: https://vote.gov https://www.ada.gov Find Out How to Vote in Your State - AAPD Follow Ariella: TikTok: @ariellaelm Instagram: ariella.elm Threads: @ariella.elm Twitter/X: @AriellaElm YouTube: Ariella Elm Substack: https://ariellaelm.substack.com ...
2024-09-301h 15
Always Looking UpJillian Curwin With A Little Life UpdateIn this special episode it is just me and the microphone as I share a little life update as I will be having surgery in the matter of days which means the podcast will be on a bit of hiatus. I then discuss what it has been like to live and exist in my body during this time, the impact it has had on my physical, mental, emotional, and social health before looking ahead to the future, talking about what I'm looking forward to and working towards. Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Websi...
2024-09-2732 min
Always Looking UpMadison Lawson On How Perceptions Shape Our RealitiesIn this week’s episode I sat down with Madison Lawson. Madison is a journalist, model and disability rights activist. Recognizing the importance of authentic representation in media from a young age, Madison strives to bring light to the disabled experience and to create a world that is more equitable for the next generation of disabled people. We discuss the relationship between history and accessibility, how perceptions perpetuate behaviors, the realities of simply existing as a disabled person and much, much more. Follow Madi: Instagram: @wheelchairbarbie Watch Madison Share Her Story HERE Access th...
2024-09-231h 06
Always Looking UpApril Lockhart On Normalizing Disability In The Fashion IndustryIn this week’s episode I sat down with April Lockhart. April, coined the Internet's "Disabled Fashion Girlie", has become a pioneer in the disabled community through her online fashion content. Her approach to vulnerable storytelling about her limb difference online has amassed millions of views and empowered many within the disabled community to express themselves through style. With September being Fashion Month here in New York City we discuss all things fashion from shopping for clothes as disabled women to, as she puts it, normalising disability in the fashion industry, much, much more. Follow April: Instagram: @ap...
2024-09-1659 min
Always Looking UpSteven Verdile On The Squeaky Wheel And Building A Community Through LaughterIn this week’s episode I sat down with Steven Verdile. Steven is the founder of Squeaky Wheel Media, a nonprofit organization that empowers disabled writers to use humor to combat ableism, and the first-ever satire publication focused on disability. We discuss the ways in which traditional comedy spaces are inaccessible, why it was so important to build a team of writers with voices that are authentic and genuine, how The Squeaky Wheel consistently finds the right balance of laughter and reality, and much, much more. Follow Steven: Instagram: @sillyverdile Twitter: @StevenVerdile Website: https://www.stevenverdile.com...
2024-09-0953 min
Always Looking UpSophia Herzog Gibb On Why Everyone Is Watching The ParalympicsIn this week’s episode I sat down with Sophia Herzog Gibb. Sophia is a two-time medal-winning Paralympian, having competed as a swimmer in the 2016 and 2020 Paralympic Games in Rio and Tokyo. She is now joining NBC as a contributor covering the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. We discuss the excitement and media coverage surrounding this year's Paralympics, important language you need to know, how she prepared to take on this role, what it means to her to be the first little person commentator at NBC, and much, much more. Follow Sophia: Instagram: @sophiaherzog Twitter: @SophiaHerzog Fo...
2024-09-031h 07
Always Looking UpTiffany Yu On Creating A Must-Have CommunityIn this week’s episode I sat down with Tiffany Yu. Tiffany is the CEO & Founder of Diversability, an award-winning social enterprise to elevate disability pride, the Founder of the Awesome Foundation Disability Chapter, and the author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World. We discuss the creation and evolution of Diversability, the work that happens in community and solidarity, being an amplifier of other disabled voices and much, much more. Follow Tiffany: Instagram: @imtiffanyyu Twitter: @ImTiffanyYu LinkedIn: Tiffany A. Yu, MSc TikTok: @imtiffanyyu Website: https://www.tiffanyyu.com Buy...
2024-08-2654 min
Always Looking UpTilly Griffiths On Becoming An Impact StorytellerIn this week’s episode I sat down with Tilly Griffiths. Tilly is a two-time Stanford graduate from the United Kingdom, recently completing her Master's degree in Communication with an emphasis on data journalism during which she focused on telling impactful, data-driven stories about the disabled experience. As a full-time power wheelchair user living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, she also dedicated much of her time outside of the classroom to building community on campus for her fellow disabled students. We discuss the cultural shift about disability on college campuses, the balance between being in and being defined by our co...
2024-08-1959 min
Always Looking UpShaunta-Maé Alexander On Peloton And Training With The Healed Versions Of OurselvesIn this week’s episode I sat down with Shaunta-Maé Alexander. Shaunta-Maé is an incredibly gifted Public Speaker, Adaptive Athlete, Brand Ambassador, Influencer, Actress, Author, Philanthropist, Distance Runner, and 2024 “People’s Choice” Webby Award Winner. Her personal story of hard work, determination, tenacity, and faith through her disabilities has been used to help motivate and encourage the masses publicly. After sharing her incredible story and fitness journey we discuss training with the healed version of ourselves, the beauty of uncertainty, our shared love for Peloton and Cynthia Erivo and much, much more. Follow Shaunta-Maé: Instagram: @shauntamae_ Peloton Leaderboard...
2024-08-121h 17
Always Looking UpKayla Hamilton On Being A Dancer And A StorytellerIn this week’s episode I sat down with Kayla Hamilton. Kayla is a Texas-born, Bronx based performance maker, dancer, educator, and consultant. She is a Bessie Award-winning dancer and her performance, choreographic and disability arts work has been presented by institutions across New York City and the U.S. In July of 2024 she announced the creation of Circle O, a new cultural organization established by and for Black Disabled and other multiply marginalized creatives. We discuss her journey to becoming a dancer, creating space in places where disability is often not welcome, the stories that can be told an...
2024-08-0553 min
Always Looking UpAubrey Smalls On The Realities Of Life As A Little PersonIn this week’s episode I welcomed back Aubrey Smalls. Aubrey is an actor, filmmaker, and content creator with dwarfism who uses his platforms to educate people about what it means to be a little person and dwarfism history. We discuss how the historical beliefs, behaviors, perceptions and prejudices towards people with dwarfism have persisted and evolved through to present day in a world where conversations are now being driven by algorithms and the mainstream media and how it impacts the dwarfism community. Follow Aubrey: Instagram: @theaubreysmalls , @dwarfismhistory TikTok: @aubreysmalls Website: https://www.dearaverageheightpeople.com Fo...
2024-07-291h 11
Always Looking UpDaisy Friedman On The Intimacies And Intricacies Of DisabilityIn this week’s episode I sat down with Daisy Friedman. Daisy is a writer and director based out of New York City. Her history as a multi-organ transplant recipient has drawn her to create work that centers on the intersections of tradition, intimacy, embodiment, and disability. We discuss the spaces in between disabled and not, the power in telling disabled stories that are raw, visceral, and personal, the making and importance of her acclaimed short film As You Are, spoilers ahead, and much, much more. Watch As You Are: https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2024/05/07/as-you-are/ Fo...
2024-07-221h 03
Always Looking UpJillian Curwin On A Week Of New Friendships And New MemoriesIn this week’s episode it is just me and the microphone as I sit in my thoughts and feels and reflect on the Little People of America national conference that just took place in Baltimore. I explain what the national conference is, reflect on what the week meant to me and yes, there was certainly some laughter and perhaps tears. Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com/ Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
2024-07-1529 min
Always Looking UpRebecca Williford On DRA And Changing The Fabric Of SocietyIn this week’s episode I sat down with Rebecca Williford. Rebecca is a seasoned, nationally recognized disability community leader and an ardent disability rights litigator, currently serving as the President & CEO of Disability Rights Advocates (or DRA), the leading national nonprofit disability rights legal center whose mission is to advance the rights, inclusion, and equity of people with disabilities through high-impact litigation, education, and advocacy. We discuss the role legal action plays in the disability rights movement, how DRA is changing the fabric of society and what it means to be a disabled person, and much, much more....
2024-07-0156 min
Always Looking UpPamela Rae Schuller On Making Fun And Making An ImpactIn this week’s episode I sat down with Pamela Rae Schuller. Pamela is an internationally known disability and mental health advocate, and professional stand-up comedian. We discuss how she combines comedy and storytelling with a message about inclusion and mental health, how certain humor has to be earned, being powerfully snarky, underestimating our younger selves and much, much more. Follow Pamela: Instagram: @pamelacomedy YouTube: Pamela Comedy Website: https://pamelacomedy.com/ Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com/ Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edi...
2024-06-2455 min
Always Looking UpMuroj Negha On Being A Changemaker In An Industry That Refuses To Design For UsIn this week’s episode I sat down with Muroj Negha. Muroj is a fashion designer who is striving to redefine the boundaries of fashion and empower individuals of short stature to express themselves authentically. We discuss trying to fit into spaces and clothing that are not designed for our bodies, the inaccessibility of adaptive fashion for people of short stature, how she is building a brand for herself, the community, and ultimately for everyone, and much, much more. Follow Muroj: Instagram: @muroj_negha Website: https://muroj.art/ , https://www.graduatefashionweek.com/search-portfolios/muroj-negha Follow Mur...
2024-06-1752 min
Always Looking UpSyanne Centeno-Bloom On The Value Of DisabilityIn this week’s episode I sat down with Syanne Centeno-Bloom. Syanne is a prominent civil/disability rights activist, content creator and signed model. She has worked with brands like Dove, Thistle and Spire and Victoria’s Secret and also currently serves as a council member for Courage for America, confronting extremist ideologies by far-right lawmakers head-on. We discuss diversity and trends in disability representation, the beauty of vulnerability, showing that being disabled is being human and much, much more. Follow Syanne: Instagram @syannebloom Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https...
2024-06-1057 min
Always Looking UpAlex Barone On Seeing Disability With More AuthenticityIn this week’s episode I sat down with Alex Barone. Alex is an actor who can be seen in The Luckiest Girl Alive, Dopesick, as well as the fifth season of Mayans M.C. where he played the character of Bottles. Alex is also an advocate for performers with disabilities and is a mentor to children with limb differences. We discuss wanting to see disabled characters that are sexy and have grit, disability as a brand in the entertainment industry, that disabled people are some of the toughest people you will ever meet, and much, much more. ...
2024-06-0349 min
Always Looking UpJoshua Castille And Caden Zane Marshall On Having Deaf And Disabled People In The Rooms Where Theater HappensIn this week’s episode I sat down with Joshua Castille and Caden Zane Marshall. Joshua is a Deaf performance artist who strives to form meaningful collaborations that explore the boundaries of art. He has worked on various projects in different roles including ASL master, director, actor, set designer, and more. Caden is a seasoned performer, American Sign Language interpreter, and influencer. Caden's 15+ years of experience in the theatre community has led him to focus on topics of queer activism and advocacy for inclusive spaces and works of art that highlight underrepresented communities. We discuss how shows like Deaf We...
2024-05-281h 29
Always Looking UpMadison Tevlin On The Fun Of Defying ExpectationsIn this week’s episode I sat down with Madison Tevlin. Madison is an award-winning model, host, content creator, actor and advocate. She shatters the expectations people have about Down syndrome, reminding everyone that it is the least interesting thing about her. We discuss the powerful “Assume That I Can” video and the impact of authentic storytelling, how fun it is to defy expectations when we are underestimated, what it means to her to be someone the next generation is looking up to and much, much more. Follow Madison: Instagram: @madisontevlin TikTok: @madisontevlin YouTube: Madison Tevlin Website: https...
2024-05-2032 min
Always Looking UpMadison Ferris, Danny Gomez, and Laura Winters On All of Me, A Hot Disabled Love StoryIn this special episode I sat down with Madison Ferris, Danny Gomez, and Laura Winters to talk about the play All of Me, opening Off-Broadway The Pershing Square Signature Center here in New York City on May 14, 2024. All of Me, written by Laura and starring Madison and Danny is a boldly humorous and candid love story exploring class and disability in America today. Let’s get into it. All About All of Me Website: https://thenewgroup.org/production/all-of-me/ Buy Tickets Here: https://thenewgroup.org/production/all-of-me/tickets/ Follow The New Gr...
2024-05-0956 min
Always Looking UpDustin Giannelli On Access Being The Key To CommunicationIn this week’s episode I sat down with Dustin Giannelli. Dustin Giannelli is the CEO & Founder of HearsDustin LLC and a DEI and Accessibility focused public speaker and consultant. He shares his lived experiences as someone who is profoundly deaf and has worn hearing aids since the age of 5 as a way to highlight DEI best practices and the importance of accessibility and communication. We discuss the feeling of living in between two different worlds, the message he shares with brands across all industries, and, because it is the third anniversary of Always Looking Up, we highlight some of...
2024-05-061h 05
Always Looking UpIsabel Mavrides-Calderón On Creating A Legacy For Present And Future GenerationsIn this week’s episode I sat down with Isabel Mavrides-Calderón. Isabel is a disability justice activist and organizer. Her work focuses on advocating for policy change, accessibility, and anti-ableism. She has hosted numerous campaigns and protests for disability rights bills with the ACLU, Patients Rising and the Center for Disability Rights and, in 2022, she was celebrated as one of Teen Vogue’s 21 under 21, a list of changemakers, influencers, activists, and artists who have made a substantial impact in both their communities and the world. We discuss the fragility and importance of the ADA, how the ways in which...
2024-04-081h 05
Always Looking UpColin Buckingham On The Realities Of Living In An Average Height World That Does Not Understand What It Means To Be A Little PersonTo start I would like to issue a trigger warning. In this conversation we do discuss harassment, assault, and trauma. If these are triggers for you, please feel free to skip this episode. In this week’s episode I sat down with Colin Buckingham. Colin Buckingham is a Writer, Actor, Model, and Producer based in Brooklyn, NY. His goal as a storyteller is to make projects that reflect the intersectional nature of disability and create opportunities for historically excluded and disenfranchised persons. We have a raw and honest conversation about the beliefs and behaviors we confront as li...
2024-04-011h 27
Always Looking UpJillian Curwin And Emily Ladau On Disability, Privacy, And The Royal FamilyIn this special episode I sat down with Emily Ladau. Emily is a disability rights activist, storyteller, digital communications consultant, author of the book Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally and editor of Able News at The Viscardi Center, a monthly print periodical and digital news outlet that serves as a resource for and amplifies the perspectives of New York’s diverse, vibrant disability community. In this conversation, we take a deep dive into the timeline and media firestorm surrounding Catherine, the Princess of Wales leading up to and in the da...
2024-03-2952 min
Always Looking UpAmanda Leduc On Disability, Fairy Tales And Telling Stories That Can Be Both Painful and Full of LoveIn this week’s episode I sat down with Amanda Leduc. Amanda is a disabled writer and author of the non-fiction book Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space and the novel The Centaur’s Wife. She is also an essayist and public speaker where she talks about accessibility and the role of disability in storytelling. We discuss the aspects of disability that are often ignored by those who write and tell stories, seeing disability as a marker of change and creativity, what it means to be a part of a community where the stories can be painful but...
2024-03-251h 06
Always Looking UpAlycia Anderson On What It Means For A Brand To Listen To Disabled PeopleIn this week’s episode I sat down with Alycia Anderson. Alycia is a TEDx motivational speaker, corporate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility consultant, advocate, founder & CEO of The Alycia Anderson Company, and host of the podcast Pushing Forward with Alycia. We discuss making the decision to either lead or follow, disability inclusion in DEI efforts, daring to be bold and asking for what you want, what can happen when a brand actually listens to disabled people and much, much more. Listen To Pushing Forward With Alycia: Apple Podcasts Spotify Listen To My...
2024-03-1844 min
Always Looking UpHannah Bonam-Young On Writing Stories Where Disabled People Get A Happy Ever AfterIn this week’s episode I sat down with Hannah Bonam-Young. Hannah is a writer of romance novels including Next of Kin, Next to You, and Out On A Limb that feature a cast of diverse, disabled, marginalized, and LGBTQIA+ folks in romantic storylines that blend with the beautiful, messy, and challenging realities of life. We discuss how she got into writing, why she wanted to write romance, the need for more diverse, disabled authors in the genre, how beautiful it is to be loved for who you are, that disabled people are worthy of a happy ever after an...
2024-03-111h 15
Always Looking UpEmma Vogelmann On Changing A World That Is Always Trying To Change UsIn this week’s episode I sat down with Emma Vogelmann. Emma, also known as The Wheelchair Activist, is a disability activist based in the UK. She is the Policy, Public Affairs and Research Manager at Transport for All and host of The Wheelchair Activist Podcast. We discuss the differences in the US vs the UK in regards to disability representation, some of the impossible beauty standards that exist and the impact they have on the disability community, that disabled people are the experts on disability, how the world can change yet continuously tries to change us and much, mu...
2024-03-041h 06
Always Looking UpMatthew Jeffers On Being A Dwarf Actor On Stage And ScreenIn this week’s episode I sat down with Matthew August Jeffers. Matthew is an actor of stage and screen, having appeared on shows such as New Amsterdam, FBI, and The Blacklist and can currently be seen portraying Nat on the AMC show The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live and is about to be making his Broadway debut in the play An Enemy Of The People. We discuss the dance between recognizing limitations and accepting challenges, that dwarfism is not a monolith, seizing opportunities to affect the most change, what it means to him to be an actor wi...
2024-02-261h 09
Always Looking UpRebecca Cokley On The Disability Rights Issues On The Ballot In 2024In this week’s episode I sat down with Rebecca Cokley. Rebecca is the program officer for the Ford Foundation’s first-ever U.S. Disability Rights program, which is focused on strengthening the field, building a pipeline of diverse leadership, promoting disability pride, and mobilizing resources toward disability rights work. Prior to joining the foundation Rebecca was the co-founder of the Disability Justice Initiative at the Center for American Progress and is a three-time presidential appointee under President Obama. With 2024 being a pivotal election year we discuss the disability rights and disability justice issues on the ballot, as well as wa...
2024-02-051h 07
Always Looking UpJillian Curwin On What The LPA Austin National Conference Meant To HerIn this week's episode it is just me and the microphone as I sit in my thoughts and feelings and reflect on the Little People of America national conference that just took place in Austin. She explains what national conference is, what it is like to be there, in the moment, and what it feels like to leave. Of course there is laughter and tears. Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.
2023-07-1022 min
Always Looking UpJillian Curwin On Turning 28 And Answering Listener QuestionsThis week's episode is a solo episode, a casual and candid conversation with you, my listeners and readers. As my 28th year draws to a close I wanted to take the time to reflect on the past 365 days, shine a light on issues I want to amplify in the coming year on my platforms, and answer a few listener questions. Read the transcription HERE Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast Twitter: @jillx3456 Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
2023-02-1335 min
Always Looking UpThe Curwin Siblings On Making Today Our MasterpieceThis week’s episode is a little different. I sat down with my brother to celebrate our father who we lost on Halloween 2015. We discuss the man he was, his legacy, and share just a few of our favorite memories with him. Read the transcription HERE Follow Jillian: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast Twitter: @jillx3456 Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
2022-10-3135 min
Always Looking UpJillian Curwin On My Balancing ActIn this week’s episode, in honor of disability pride month, it is just me and the microphone. I discuss what it was like being the only little person in my family, at school, in my town, feeling like I’m balancing between three different worlds - the nondisabled, little person, and disabled, and where I think my place is within the disabled community. Read the transcript HERE Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast Twitter: @jillx3456 Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com
2022-07-2525 min
Always Looking UpSara Curwin On The Impact Of Being A TeacherIn this week’s episode I sat down with my cousin Sara Curwin. Sara is a teacher, teaching students with learning differences. We discuss her path to becoming a teacher, her approach to teaching, and the impact her students have made on her. We also talk about what it’s like being a part of the Curwin Cousin’s club. Follow Sara: Instagram: @saracurwin Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.
2022-05-0246 min
Always Looking UpAudrey Curwin On Raising A Little PersonIn this week’s episode I am sitting down with the person who knows me best and has certainly known me the longest, my mom Audrey Curwin. We discuss how I got diagnosed, what it meant to her to become an average-height parent of a little person child, and how we both learned how to advocate for accessibility in an inaccessible world. Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast Website: www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
2022-02-281h 07
Always Looking UpJillian Curwin On Seeing My Body As HealthyTo start, I would like to issue a trigger warning. This week's episode talks about disordered eating, eating disorders, and body image. If these are triggers for you, please feel free to skip this episode. With this week being National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, I am sharing a part of my story I have hinted at but have never fully told and that is my battle with disordered eating and recovery journey. Learn More: NEDA: NEDAwareness Week NEDA: NEDA Treatment Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast Website: https://www.j...
2022-02-2140 min
Always Looking UpThe Curwin Siblings On Peter Dinklage And Snow WhiteIn this week’s episode I am sitting down with my brother Ben to talk about the controversy surrounding Disney’s live action remake of Snow White. We discuss Peter Dinklage’s public reaction, as well as other prominent members of the little person community, Disney’s response to what Mr. Dinklage had to say, and how this instance exemplifies a long lasting struggle for the accurate representation of little people in Hollywood. Learn More: Peter Dinklage: Disney Responds to Peter Dinklage's 'Snow White' Live-Action Criticisms (Exclusive) - The Hollywood Reporter How Hollywood Harms the Dwarfism...
2022-02-0755 min
Always Looking UpAlexis Barber On Redefining What It Means To Love Your BodyIn this week’s episode I am sitting down with Alexis Barber. Alexis is a content creator here in New York City and is someone I have been following for quite some time, and am continually inspired and empowered by the work she does. We discuss ableism in diet culture, why disability needs greater representation in the health and wellness spaces and what it truly means to live in a disabled body. Follow Alexis: Instagram: @alexisbarber TikTok: @alexisbarber_ YouTube: Alexis Barber Website: https://www.alexisbarber.com Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alway...
2022-01-2447 min
Always Looking UpAngela Singletary On Finding Your Place And PurposeIn this week’s episode I am sitting down with Angela Singletary, the founder and owner of A Little Perspective and Purpose by Ang. We discuss finding her place and purpose in LPA, our thoughts on the proposed "cure" for dwarfism, and how A Little Perspective came to be. Follow Angela: Instagram: @purposebyang Facebook: Purpose by Ang YouTube: Coach Ang Website: https://www.purposebyang.com Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
2022-01-1742 min
Always Looking UpRance Nix On How He Became A King Of NapaIn this week’s episode I am sitting down with Rance Nix. Rance is a New York based actor who can be seen in the upcoming series Kings of Napa on the Oprah Winfrey Network. We discuss how he came to be Dana King, the changes we are seeing in the entertainment industry, and tell the story of how we met at a party in Atlanta. Follow Rance: Instagram: @rancenix Twitter: @RanceNix Website: https://www.rancenix.com/home Follow Kings Of Napa: @kingsofnapa Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast Website: https://www.jil...
2022-01-1057 min
Always Looking UpMy New Year's ResolutionsTo start, I would like to issue a trigger warning. This week’s episode talks about body image and disordered eating. If these are triggers for you, please feel free to skip this episode. This week it is just me and the microphone talking about my new year's resolutions for 2022. I explain why I'm not resolving to change my body and what I am looking forward to in the year to come. Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and pro...
2022-01-0317 min
Always Looking UpDanielle Gray On Knowing What You Are WorthTo start, I would like to issue a trigger warning. This week’s episode talks about self harm and suicide. If these are triggers for you, please feel free to skip this episode. I sat down with Danielle Gray, model and founder of the app Train Like A Gymnast. We discuss how Train Like A Gymnast came to be, our mental and physical health journeys, and how we turn our perceived limits into our greatest assets. Follow Danielle: Instagram: @daniellegrayfit , @trainlikeagymnast Websites: www.daniellegrayfit.com ; www.trainlikeagymnast.com ; www.trainlikeagymnastapp.com Secret Link fo...
2021-12-2053 min
Always Looking UpKathy D. Woods and Dana Michael Woods on Family, Faith, Fashion, and Adversity - Part 2This week's episode is part two of my conversation with fashion designer Kathy D. Woods and her husband, actor Dana Michael Woods where we continue to discuss family, faith, fashion and adversity. Follow Kathy: Instagram: @kathydwoods Website: www.kathydwoodsstore.com Follow Dana: Website: Oh So Small - Dana Michael Woods IMDb: Dana Michael Woods Follow and Support Grace 4 Champions: Instagram: @grace4champions Website: https://www.grace4champions.org Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produc...
2021-12-1353 min
Always Looking UpKathy D. Woods and Dana Michael Woods on Family, Faith, Fashion and Adversity - Part 1This week's episode is extra-special because it is part one of a two-part episode. I sat down with fashion designer Kathy D. Woods and her husband, actor Dana Michael Woods. Over the next two weeks we discuss family, faith, fashion and adversity. Follow Kathy: Instagram: @kathydwoods Website: www.kathydwoodsstore.com Follow Dana: Website: Oh So Small - Dana Michael Woods IMDb: Dana Michael Woods Follow and Support Grace 4 Champions: Instagram: @grace4champions Website: https://www.grace4champions.org Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alway...
2021-12-0645 min
Always Looking UpMartino Cartier On The Power Of A Wig And A WishIn this week’s episode I sat down with Martino Cartier. Martino is a celebrity hair stylist and philanthropist. We discuss the impact he and his non-profit Wigs and Wishes has made over the last ten years and how we are both striving to make the world a better and more beautiful place. Follow Martino: Instagram: @martinocartier Follow Wigs And Wishes: Instagram @wigsandwishes Website: https://wigsandwishes.org Support Wigs And Wishes: Text DONATE or VOLUNTEER to (856) 582-6600 Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana ; @alwayslookingup.podcast Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email...
2021-11-2257 min
Always Looking UpMaria Town On Knowing Our Past To Change Our FutureIn this week’s episode I am sitting down with Maria Town. Maria is the President and CEO of the American Association of People With Disabilities. Prior to joining AAPD, Maria served as the Senior Associate Director in the White House Office of Public Engagement under President Obama where she managed the White House’s engagement with the disability community and older Americans. We discuss her work at the American Association of People With Disabilities, disability identity, how everyone can help fulfill the promise of the ADA and why it's important to know about our past in order to crea...
2021-11-1556 min
Always Looking UpLil Gabi D On The Power Of Feeling SeenIn this week’s episode I am sitting down with Gabi though you may know her as Lil Gabi D. Gabi is a digital content creator, using her platforms to advocate for dwarfism awareness. We discuss the portrayal of little people in the media, the perpetuation of certain stereotypes, and why representation matters. Follow Gabi: Instagram: @lilgabid Twitter: @lilgabid TikTok: @lilgabid YouTube: Lil Gabi D Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana ; @alwayslookingup.podcast Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.
2021-11-0856 min
Always Looking UpMark Povinelli On Acting And ActivismIn this week’s episode I am sitting down with Mark Povinelli. Mark is an actor and activist, currently serving as the President of Little People of America. Mark’s credits include Modern Family, Mad Dogs, My Dinner With Hervé, and Water For Elephants. As President of the Board, Mark is the face of LPA and oversees the board and various committees, along with presiding over all national meetings. We discuss his roles as an actor and an activist, the issues affecting the little person community, and the importance of LPA. Follow Mark: Instagram: @markpovinelli IMDb: Mark Povine...
2021-11-011h 09
Always Looking UpNancy Volpe Beringer On Project Runway And Designing Without LimitsIn this week’s episode I am sitting down with Nancy Volpe Beringer. Nancy is a fashion designer who competed on season 18 of Project Runway, making it all the way to the finale. Since then, she has launched The Vault by Volpe Beringer, an online luxury resale store that caters to both the able-bodied and disabled. She believes in sustainability and adaptability- that fashion can and should include everyone. We discuss her time on Project Runway, The Vault, and why adaptive design is the now of fashion, not the future. Follow Nancy: Instagram: @nancyvolpeberinger Website: https://www.na...
2021-10-181h 05
Always Looking UpLucy Jones On What It Really Means To Be An AllyIn this week’s episode I am sitting down with Lucy Jones. Lucy is a fashion designer who focuses on solution-based design. In 2017 she founded FFORA, an adaptive fashion accessories label of which she is the CEO. She also happens to be one of my best friends here in New York City. We discuss FFORA, disability in fashion, and what it really means to be an ally to the disability community. Follow Lucy: Instagram: @lucyjonesdesign . Website: https://www.lucyjonesdesign.com Follow FFORA: Instagram: @fforaofficial . Website: https://liveffora.com Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_i...
2021-10-111h 06
Always Looking UpJillian Curwin On All The Little ThingsIn that week's episode I am in the hot seat. My brother Ben, who is also the show's editor and producer, sat in the host's seat and asked me questions about what being a little person means to me. I had no knowledge of the questions being asked and nothing was off-limits. We discussed growing up in a world where I was often the only little person in the room, how I almost became an athletic trainer, and how the representation of little people in the media affects the real world. Follow me: Instagram: @jill_ilana ; @alwayslookingup...
2021-10-041h 28
Always Looking UpKelsey Lindell On Ableism And How It Does Not DiscriminateIn this week’s episode I am talking to Kelsey Lindell. Kelsey is a disability advocate and fitness influencer. In August she was named Well+Good’s first ever disabled trainer of the month. On a daily basis Kelsey uses her platforms to combat ableism, a prejudice that no one wants to talk about and affects everyone. We discuss our disabled experiences, the many forms of ableism, and the changes we want to see and create in the world. Follow Kelsey: Instagram: @kelsey_lindell Twitter: @KelseyELindell Website: https://www.kelseylindell.com Sign Up: Dismantling Your Inte...
2021-09-2742 min
Always Looking UpStacie Lick On Disability And Sexual Assault And Telling My StoryTo start, I want to issue a trigger warning. This week’s episode talks about sexual harassment and sexual assault. If these are triggers for you, please feel free to skip this episode. I am starting by talking to Stacie Lick, a family friend and Lieutenant in the Gloucester County Special Victims’s Unit, basically a real-life Olivia Benson. We are discussing disability and sexual assault- the statistics, the laws that address these crimes, and resources that are available for victims. After our conversation I share my story. Learn More: RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Inces...
2021-09-1331 min
Always Looking UpBri Scalesse On Redefining Beauty StandardsIn this week’s episode I am sitting down with disabled model and advocate Bri Scalesse. Bri is a true queen in every sense of the word. Paralyzed at age six, Bri has refused to let her disability, or society’s perception of disability, stop her from pursuing her dreams. She has wheeled the runways at New York Bridal Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week and opened designer Nancy Volpe-Beringer’s fashion show during the Project Runway season 18 finale...and she’s just getting started. We discuss her career as a disabled model, her advocacy work, a certain airline...
2021-09-061h 14
Always Looking UpColleen Ditro, DNP, DPNP On Diagnosing DwarfismIn this week’s episode I am sitting down with Colleen Ditro. Colleen is a Doctor of Nursing Practice, certified nurse practitioner, and the lead Advanced Practice Registered Nurse for the orthopedics, pain and wound care teams at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children. In addition, she serves on the medical advisory board of Little People of America and is the camp nurse at Camp Seneb- a summer camp for children with skeletal dysplasia. I have known her since she joined Nemours in 2004. We discuss what it means, medically to be a dwarf, the various types, complications, and ad...
2021-08-3034 min
Always Looking UpKristina Thibault On Dating, Marriage, And Happily Ever AfterIn this week’s episode I am sitting down with Kristina Thibault. Kristina has always been someone I’ve looked up to and is practically a big sister to me. She just got married in March so we are talking about dating, wedding, and marriage. Specifically, we discuss the struggles and successes of dating as an LP, planning a wedding, and the happily ever after. Follow Kristina: Instagram: @kristinathibault_ Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana ; @alwayslookingup.podcast Website: www.jillianilana.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin
2021-08-2344 min
Always Looking UpSophia Herzog On Her Medal MomentIn this week’s episode I am sitting down with Sophia Herzog, a Paralympic Silver Medalist and a swimmer for the US Paralympic team. At the time of this recording, Sophia is preparing to leave for Tokyo to compete in her second Paralympic games. We discuss her journey to the games, what she's most looking forward to in Tokyo, and what it means to be a Paralympian. Follow Sophia: Instagram: @sophiaherzog Twitter: @SophiaHerzog Follow US Paralympics Swimming: Instagram: @usparaswimming Twitter: @USParaSwimming Website: https://www.teamusa.org/USParaSwimming ; Support Team USA: https://www.teamusashop.com/team-usa/us-paralympic-swimming/t-14393661+sp...
2021-08-1627 min
Always Looking UpZach Shattuck On Going For GoldIn this week’s episode I am sitting down with Zach Shattuck, a swimmer for the US Paralympic team. At the time of this recording, Zach is preparing to leave for Tokyo to compete in the 2020 Paralympics. We discuss his journey to the games, what he’s most looking forward to in Tokyo and what it means to him to be a Paralympian. Follow Zach: Instagram: @zshattuck96 Follow US Paralympics Swimming: Instagram: @usparaswimming Website: https://www.teamusa.org/USParaSwimming ; Support Team USA: https://www.teamusashop.com/team-usa/us-paralympic-swimming/t-14393661+sp-783710+z-874-703572402 Follow Me: Instagram...
2021-08-0930 min
Always Looking UpBenjamin Curwin On Growing Up With A Little Older SisterIn this week’s episode I am sitting down with someone who is not a little person but has grown up in this world, my younger brother Ben. Ben grew up going to LPA conventions with me and lived in a house with sideways sinks and too many stools. He could be the biggest pain in the butt, cracking the good joke whenever he can, but he is also one of my biggest (no pun intended) supporters. I sat down with Ben to discuss being an average-sized person immersed in the little people community. Follow Me: Instagram: @ji...
2021-08-021h 01
Always Looking UpDave Duminuco On Finding A New Way To TrainIn this episode I am sitting down with Dave Duminuco. Dave is my personal trainer at Equinox and today we are talking all things health and fitness. I am the first little person he has ever had as a client and it has been quite an adventure for the two of us. We discuss how I came to be his client, his approach to training me, and what we’ve both learned from this experience so far. Follow Dave: Instagram: @daveduminuco Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana ; @alwayslookingup.podcast Website: www.jillianilana.com This epis...
2021-07-191h 00
Always Looking UpChristina Chambers and Liv Hope Bender On Our Disabled ExperiencesIn this week’s episode I am sitting down with not one, but two badass, beautiful women- Christina Chambers and Liv Hope Bender. Both in wheelchairs, they host the podcast Sit The Fuck Down where they talk about what it means to be disabled. We discuss our similar and different disabled experiences, along with the changes we want to see and make in order to make the world accessible. Listen to Sit The Fuck Down: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sit-the-f-ck-down-podcast/id1551074126 Follow STFD Podcast: Instagram: @stfdpodcast Follow Christina: Instagram: @christina_chambers
2021-07-121h 07
Always Looking UpLakshmi Shyamakrishnan On Public Accommodations And Why They MatterIn this week’s episode I am sitting down with Lakshmi Shyamakrishnan. Lakshmi is a writer, a TED conference speaker, and an advocate within the little person community. She is currently an MS Candidate for the Marketing Analytics program at the University of Maryland and was recognized in 2021 as a Disability:IN Next Gen leader. We discuss the issue of public accommodations, her work advocating for them, and her upcoming book about the little person experience. Follow Lakshmi: Instagram: @shyamwow.laksh Follow Me: Instagram: @Jill_ilana ; @alwayslookingup.podcast Website: www.jillianilana.com This epis...
2021-07-0545 min
Always Looking UpMichaela Healy On Living With HydrocephalusIn this week’s episode I am talking to Michaela Healy. Ever since being diagnosed with hydrocephalus, water on the brain, at the age of one, she has been giving Wonder Woman a run for her money. Simply put, she is the strongest person I know and, through a series of very fortunate events we became best friends. She has survived over 300 surgeries, the halls of Washington Township High School, and crazy adventures with me, all with the biggest smile on her face and the occasional middle finger in the air. Though she is not a little person, I kn...
2021-06-2816 min
Always Looking UpRebecca Cokley On Being A Disability Rights ActivistThis week I am sitting down with Rebecca Cokley, someone I have always looked up to in the little person and disabled communities. Rebecca is currently serving as a program officer in the President’s Office of the Ford Foundation, a global grant-making philanthropy that challenges inequality, where she is developing the U.S. disability rights program strategy. Prior to joining the Ford Foundation, Rebecca was the co-founder of the Disability Justice Initiative at the Center for American Progress, the executive director of the National Council on Disability, and a presidential appointee under President Obama where she worked in the...
2021-06-211h 05
Always Looking UpShelby Holloway On Little People of America - What It Is And What It Means To UsIn this week’s episode I am sitting down with Shelby Holloway. We met at the LPA national convention in Brooklyn twelve years ago and she instantly became a best friend and big sister. Though she lives 3,000 miles away, she has always been there for me through times of laughter, tears, and everything in between. Today we are discussing Little People Of America- what it is, what it means to us, and what happens when the little person community comes together for a week or weekend. Follow Shelby: Instagram: @shelbyhollowayy TikTok: @shelby_holloway Follow...
2021-06-0757 min
Always Looking UpBecky Kekula On Disability, Accessibility, And EmploymentIn this week's episode I am sitting down with Becky Kekula, a mentor of mine in Little People Of America and an advocate for disability inclusion. Becky currently serves as the Disability Equality Index Director at Disability:IN, a non-profit organization that advocates and provides resources for business disability inclusion on a global scale. In addition, she currently serves as the LPA Employment Chair and is a member of the Board of Advisors for the National Center For Disability Journalism (NCDJ) at Arizona State University. I sat down with Becky to discuss her advocacy work, the issues people with...
2021-05-3153 min
Always Looking UpLauren Humphries On The Future Of FashionIn this week's episode I am sitting down with Lauren Humphries. Lauren is someone I have always looked up to in the little person community. For the past few years she has helped organize the annual LPA fashion show and is a brand ambassador for the German fashion label AUF AUGENHOEHE, one of the first fashion labels that design for little people. In this week’s episode we discuss the current state of the fashion industry as it applies to little people, her work in the fashion industry, and how the industry needs to become more accessible. Fo...
2021-05-2456 min
Always Looking UpMackenzie Trush On Making Her Voice HeardIn this week's episode I am sitting down with Mackenzie Trush. Mackenzie is one a million, living with Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, an incredibly rare form of dwarfism. We discuss her diagnosis, how she makes her world accessible, and how she harnessed the power of social media to have her voice heard. Watch BORN DIFFERENT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u41ApfQbpT8 Follow Mackenzie Trush: Instagram: @mackenzie.trush TikTok: mackenzie.trush Follow me: Instagram: @jill_ilana Website: jillianilana.com This episode was edited by Benjamin Curwin
2021-05-1746 min
Always Looking UpLydia Barber On Defining What It Means To Be A Little Person In 2021In the premiere episode I sit down with Lydia Barber. Lydia and I became fast friends, practically sisters, in 2005 at an LPA convention in Orlando. We discuss what it means to be a little person in 2021 and how that definition has changed over time. We talk about our struggles and successes with making our world more accessible. We end our conversation by exploring the topics of weight, body image, and what a healthy little person looks like. Follow Lydia Barber: Instagram @lydstagramma Twitter: @trippinonlsb Follow me: Instagram @jill_ilana Website: jillianilana.com This episode was edited by Benjamin Curwin
2021-05-101h 13