EXPERT: How Storytelling Changes Disability Perspectives with Dan Habib

Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today’s expert episode, #259, with documentary filmmaker and disability advocate Dan Habib.These expert episodes feature conversations with professionals, advocates, and storytellers whose work supports caregiving families and the disability community.In this episode, hosts Jessica Patay, Susanna Peace Lovell, and Dr. Zoe talk with Dan about his journey from photojournalist to acclaimed filmmaker and advocate for disability inclusion.Dan shares how the birth of his son Samuel transformed both his family’s life and the trajectory of his work. Through projects like Including Samuel and The Ride Ahead, Dan has used storytelling and documentary filmmaking to challenge misconceptions about disability, amplify disabled voices, and advocate for systems rooted in belonging, mentorship, and interdependence.The conversation explores the impact of mentorship in disability advocacy, the importance of authentic representation in media, and the lessons Dan has learned from Samuel about patience, communication, and community. Dan also speaks candidly about the fragility of support systems for families and the ongoing work of creating a more inclusive society where disabled individuals are valued, supported, and empowered.Jessica, Susanna, and Zoe also discuss the emotional realities of parenting children with disabilities, balancing independence and support, and the importance of building communities where families feel seen and understood.This episode is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about advocacy, storytelling, and the power of community to create meaningful change.Find more information about Dan Habib here. Follow Dan on social media here. Find more information about Licensed Psychotherapist, Dr. Zoe here. Find Dr. Zoe’s book, Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame here.Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enough here.Find our first book from We Are Brave Together, Becoming Brave Together here.Find our second book from We Are Brave Together, Suddenly Brave Together here. Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys. JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here. Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here. Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube. Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: [email protected] If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!Disclaimer