Spencer West on Breaking Free, Self-Doubt, and Letting Go of Expectations

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vXbGfHYwW1k  In the first episode of Season 3 of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi speak with Spencer West—author, motivational speaker, advocate, and content creator—about his book "Breaking Free: Stop Following Expectations and Start Following Yourself" and the pressures of external approval, anxiety, self-doubt, and authenticity. West shares how college and coming out as gay challenged the "North American Dream," how therapy, meditation, and life experience help him stay grounded online, and why disabled people don't have to be constant educators, emphasizing boundaries and consent. The conversation addresses ableism, access barriers, and harmful "inspiration" framing, along with navigating disability and dating. In the Deep Cut segment, Keith and Jodi discuss why "Breaking Free" is a practical, conversational memoir-guide with prompts, focused on small changes, redefining purpose, asking for help, community care, and celebrating simple joys. Spencer West's website - https://www.spencer2thewest.com Breaking Free: Stop Following Expectations and Start Following Yourself - https://www.spencer2thewest.com/books