When Your First Language Is Sign Language: Growing Up as a CODA

What if your first language wasn't spoken—it was signed?In this inspiring episode of The Molten Truth, Zoey Michaels welcomes bestselling author Maria Gallucci, who grew up as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) with American Sign Language (ASL) as her first language.Maria's story offers a rare glimpse into life between two worlds—the Deaf community and the hearing world. Raised by deaf parents, she learned early that communication is about far more than words. It's about presence, empathy, understanding, and making people feel like they belong.Drawing from the experiences that inspired her bestselling book, Raised in Silence, Maria shares how growing up in Deaf culture shaped her perspective on leadership, accessibility, inclusion, and authentic human connection. She also discusses the barriers the Deaf community continues to face, the role technology is playing in improving accessibility, and why her personal motto—"Just try."—has the power to transform relationships.Whether you're curious about Deaf culture, interested in American Sign Language, or simply want to become a better communicator, this conversation will leave you seeing connection in an entirely new way.In this episode, you'll discover:What it means to grow up as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults)Why American Sign Language became Maria's first languageHow Deaf culture teaches empathy, resilience, and connectionThe importance of accessibility in everyday life and businessWhy inclusion begins with making an effortHow one simple act of kindness can make someone feel truly seenSometimes the greatest lessons about listening come from those who experience the world differently.