Shows
Disability Reality PodcastL'chaiam.. Literally! A Mini-sode Miracle MitzvahTo make a generous donation in honor of my “Nub-Mitzvah-Project” 12th alive day, here are the links to the organizations that you can donate to:Lucky Fin Projecthttps://www.paypal.com/donate?token=l_FTChWGfw3FX4_7VKLOacCDZj085DBvihrS-QiTre-15qyOnaopPFhLlzVZu7Oj9IfyH7EupTR7aRe7AAPD American Association for Person with disabilitieshttps://secure.everyaction.com/Yc3t1__vREStfq6WbSGV5w2
2025-09-1904 minDisability Reality PodcastEpisode 6 "Austin Halls, DISABLED" for Disability Pride MonthRounding out July 2025's Disability Pride Month with an absolute BANG is the one and only Grammy Recording Academy member (and friend of the podcast) Austin Halls.TRUST that this episode is nothing but the most joyous of ALL joys. Share in the laughter, love, and knowledge DROPPED along Austin’s incredible career journey and how both the one and only Lachi @rampd_up and even Gavin Degraw's music producer, all became involved, along the way!We adore you big time, king!!! The latest podcast episode, hosted by Mel...
2025-07-2551 minDisability Reality PodcastEpisode 5 "Good Bad Things" with Danny KurtzmanSummaryIn this episode of the Disability Reality Podcast, host Melanie Waldman speaks with Danny Kurtzman about his feature film 'Good Bad Things.' They discuss the film's impact on the disability community, the importance of authentic representation in media, and the collaborative process of filmmaking. Danny shares his personal journey in the film industry, the significance of community support during challenging times, and the emotional aspects of processing disability grief. The conversation emphasizes the need for continued advocacy and involvement in creating more inclusive content.Link to donation spreadsheet of gofundme’s...
2025-04-1733 min2025-04-1730 min2025-04-1720 minDisability Reality PodcastEP 4 "Unholy" for Passover with Daisy FriedmanSummaryIn this episode of "Disability Reality", host Melanie Waldman introduces Daisy Friedman, a young filmmaker whose short film 'Unholy' explores the intersection of disability and Jewish identity. As they discuss the film, Daisy shares her personal journey as a triple organ transplant recipient and the complexities of family dynamics surrounding her disability. The conversation delves into the themes of representation, fear, and the impact of family conversations on understanding disability, culminating in a reflection on the film's powerful narrative and its reception at the Sundance Film Festival. In this conversation, the speaker delves into the complexities of navigating anxiety...
2025-04-1121 min
Disability Reality PodcastEP 3 "The Reality of Disability (Bravo & Reality TV) "with Jillian CurwinSummaryIn this episode of the Disability Reality Podcast, host Melanie Waldman shares her personal experiences with disability, health challenges, and the impact of reality TV on her life. Joined by guest Jillian (Ilana) Curwin, they discuss the representation of disability in media, particularly in reality TV--focusing in on their favorite Bravo shows--and how these portrayals affect public perception and personal experiences. They explore memorable moments of disability representation, the importance of community, and the evolving narrative around disability in reality television. In this co...
2025-03-2459 min
Disability Reality PodcastEP 2 "Queer & Disabled-Joy" with Jillian MercadoTo donate to the Eaton Fires, visit: https://linktr.ee/eatonfireJillian Mercado (she/her) shares her journey from the fashion industry to acting, particularly her role inThe L Word. She discusses the importance of representation for disabled and queer individuals in media, her personal connection to her character, and the impact of her experiences on her identity.The discussion also touches on her transformative experience with Broadway, particularly with Wicked, and the significance of historical accuracy in character portrayal. In this conversation, Jillian Mercado discusses the importance of representation for disabled...
2025-02-1336 min
Disability Reality PodcastEPISODE 1 with Steve WayIn this engaging conversation, the indelible Steve Way ("Ramy" on Hulu) and host Melanie Waldman (QVC, "Goliath" on Amazon Prime) explore a variety of topics ranging from personal experiences and reflections on disability, to their journeys in the entertainment industry. They discuss the importance of representation in media, share memories from theater and Broadway, and delve into their coping mechanisms, including substance use.The conversation also touches on upcoming projects, aspirations for Sundance, and the significance of storytelling and advocacy in their lives.#DisTeaPod...
2025-01-1739 min
Disability Reality PodcastTeaser Trailer for "Disability Reality Podcast"Welcome one and all to Disability Reality Podcast aka Spilling the #DisTea.
Here's where we'll cover everything from pop-culture- to spicier subjects! This podcast is not rated for children, or teens, or even non-disableds. Disabled supervision is advised!
Interested in becoming a Substack Producer?
Subscribe Here:
https://substack.com/@disabilityreality
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHhWSkWtMMVkdWGA1xyLg0g
Little Miss Representation
https://youtu.be/x3O2le32fa4?si=dO9S4uCKx9x4Y...
2025-01-1100 min
Claiming Disability PodcastEasterseals Disability Film Challenge with Imani Barbarin & Cast (2021 Chat)The films we will be discussing are:
-This Lonely Life Written and Directed by Zach Mecham from @zachofalltrades.media in partnership with Claiming Disability LLC
-Couples Therapy Produced by
Melanie Rivera Waldman
Associate Producer
Samantha Mannis
Directed by
Melanie Rivera Waldman
Cast: @crutches_and_spice @thesteveway & additional
-Extra Special Written and Directed by Luke Turell starring Andy Arias @andyswheelz
Join us on Facebook live this Monday March 29th @ 1pm cst/2pm est/11 am
Seriously, even through this is a competition that official starts TOMORROW and goes until April 5th, we all WIN when the disabled community is recognized in film 🎥 Do...
2022-09-1744 min
Divided FilmsThe Shallows (ft. Melanie Rivera Waldman)
Smile you son of a... Oh wait, we're not talking about that shark movie. We're discussing the 2016 film, The Shallows! Critics say Blake Lively's performance kept this thriller afloat, but audiences complained there wasn't enough hard-biting action. Is this the best shark movie since Jaws or the worst since Jaws: The Revenge?
2022-05-1754 min
Divided FilmsThe Secret Life of Walter Mitty (ft. Melanie Rivera Waldman)Were we zoning out? Sorry, we were just thinking about this week’s Divided Film, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. This dramedy’s message to live life to the fullest hit home with audiences, but the direction was too schmaltzy for critics. Is this the kind of movie we fantasize about? Sorry, we’re zoning out again...
2021-04-201h 03
Divided FilmsCruel Intentions (ft. Melanie Rivera Waldman)Kids can be cruel, especially the teens in the 1999 drama Cruel Intentions. Audiences were drawn into this movie by the attractive cast and steamy story, but critics found the plot and direction too silly to take seriously. We’re gonna find out how cruel we need to be on this Divided Film.
2020-11-241h 07