PODCAST · society
Not Your Average GOAT
by Teisha Gillespie (She/Her)
Celebrating all the shapes, sizes and colors of diversity as well as adversity, while inspiring the world through authentic conversations that are both meaningful and relatable. Each episode, Teisha deep-dives into the extraordinary journey of an “average,” yet super incredible person in the diversity space. She and her guests engage in critical dialogue that seeks to both elevate the beauty of different lived experiences while simultaneously challenging and dismantling deeply-engrained societal stigma and prejudice.
Episodes
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35. Dancing Toward Change: Dan Watt’s Journey from Stage Performer to Emmy Winning Filmmaker
In this interview, Emmy Award-winner Dan Watt joins Teisha for an exciting and heartfelt conversation about his journey from dancer to director, producer, and documentary filmmaker–and all the pivots and setbacks in between. We begin by exploring Dan’s love for performance, recalling childhood...
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34. From the Projects to a Ph.D with Bryan Samuel: Defying Discrimination Through Fierce Determination
From his roots in the Longsdale housing projects of Knoxville, TN to obtaining his Ph.D and championing educational equity, Dr. Bryan Samuel's journey is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance. Bryan and I dive into his childhood and the experiences he had growing up in poverty,...
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33. Riding the Rapids with Lonnie Bedwell: A Blind Adventure Through Treacherous Water and Single Fatherhood
“I lost my sight, but I gained vision.” This week, I sat down with Lonnie Bedwell to explore his extraordinary journey from military veteran to motivational speaker–with a life-changing accident sandwiched in between. We dive into Lonnie’s free-spirited childhood and experiences as a Navy Petty...
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32. Illuminating the Invisible Through Wit and Grit: Elle Billing on Neurodivergence, Chronic Pain and Deaf Communication
This week, Teisha sits down with Elle Billing, a chronically ill artist and former educator, to illuminate all the invisible disabilities and health conditions through a witty and gritty conversation. We dive into Elle’s childhood, including her experiences with hyperlexia, anxiety, and vivid...
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31. From Anxiety Junky to Badass: Megan Devito's Journey from Teacher to Mental Health Coach
Megan Devito is not just a former educator and host of the More Than Anxiety podcast; she’s a badass woman whose overcome hypervigilance and is now empowering others to become the master of their own minds. In this episode, Megan opens up about her lifelong struggle with anxiety, which started…
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30. Rapping Unapologetically with Kaesevyn: A Music Journey into the Underground Heart
In this intimate conversation, Teisha sits down with Kaesevyn, a multi-talented rapper, songwriter, and producer, to dive into his extraordinary musical journey. Kaesevyn candidly shares the challenges he faced growing up, the loss of loved ones, and the battles with depression and addiction that...
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29. Unexpectedly Turned Fashion Industry Guru and Social Advocate with Blind Girl Designs CEO Tricia Waechter (Part 2)
In part two of this episode, Tricia opens up about the joys and challenges of raising her son, Robert, who manages multiple conditions and disabilities, including dyslexia, tourrettes, bipolar disorder and more; shares the emotional rollercoaster of his medical journey, from misdiagnoses to...
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28. Unexpectedly Turned Fashion Industry Guru and Social Advocate with Blind Girl Designs CEO Tricia Waechter (Part 1)
Tricia Waechter is not just the CEO of a fashion design company, she is also a woman of many passions and unwavering resilience. In part one of this episode, Teisha explores the boundless creative that was young Tricia, from her early days crafting plays for her five siblings to the unique...
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27. Surviving Spiritual Abuse with Cait West: A Journey from Christian Patriarchy to Self-Discovery
In this compelling episode, Teisha sits down with Cait West, author of the powerful new memoir, Rift, which details her experiences growing up among religious trauma and Christian patriarchy. We dive into her childhood, including the impact of intentional isolation, frequent relocations and a...
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Season 3 Trailer (Part 2)
The season three line-up of stories feature a slew of incredible personal journeys showcasing resilience, inspiration and stigma fighting at their best. Check out this preview and get ready to tune into the full episodes this June.
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Season 3 Trailer (Part 1)
Our season three stories showcase a wide range of personal adversities. Check out this preview and get ready to tune in to the full episodes this summer.
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26. Top 8 Moments from Season 2
We're gearing up for an exciting season 3, but we still have so many incredible stories from last season to celebrate! Check out 8 of Teisha's favorite moments from season 2, and if you haven't already, be sure to tune into the full episodes. Please consider supporting us by subscribing to the...
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25. Sexuality and Disability: Fearlessly Breaking Chains with Melanie and Wallace Earl (Part 2)
In the second half of this conversation, we explore the challenges couples face trying to merge "baggage," including what it's like learning to fight and the stigma that still encases couple's therapy, and dive into the accident that left Wallace with a spinal cord injury (SCI) at 19 as well as...
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24. Sexuality and Disability: Fearlessly Breaking Chains with Melanie and Wallace Earl (Part 1)
Melanie and Wallace Earle are making an incredible splash with their initiative T6Talk, but they’re making even more incredible waives with their vulnerable straight talk about everything from sexuality to mental health, and fearlessly challenging stigma and dispelling myths. In part 1 of this...
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23. Turning Post Partum Depression into a Glimmer of Hope with Leeann Romig (Part 2)
In the second half of this conversation, Leeann opens up about her 10-year journey managing postpartum depression, including her struggle with suicidal thoughts, the impact the pandemic had on her mental health, and the myths and misconceptions that exist around mothers experiencing postpartum...
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22. Turning Post Partum Depression into a Glimmer of Hope with Leeann Romig (Part 1)
A genuine empath by nature, it’s no wonder that once Leeann Romig found her own glimmer of hope, she immediately sought to become that glimmer for others. In part 1 of this conversation, Leeann opens up about her life-long struggle with weight, including bullying attention she received from other...
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21. Disability Pride with Chad Bouton: Turning Your Disadvantage into Your Greatest Advantage (Part 2)
We’re back with part 2 of Chad’s incredible story. If you haven’t listened to the first half yet, head over to part 1. In the second half of this conversation, Chad and I dive into the deep depression that sent him into a suicidal state, explore his healing journey, and talk about how he made it…
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20. Disability Pride with Chad Bouton: Turning Your Disadvantage into Your Greatest Advantage (Part 1)
Once naive to the true impact of his incurable, regressive disability, Chad Bouton would end up facing a turbulent storm of self-hatred before eventually finding calm and unwavering pride in himself. In part 1 of this conversation, Chad and I talk about what it was like growing up in a military...
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19. Digital Accessibility with Shilpi Kapoor: My Journey to Breaking Barriers
Since she was a child, Shilpi Kapoor has always been an independent spirit that has defied conformity and taking paths of least resistance. This plus her equally altruistic spirit and drive for universal accessibility, has led her to break barriers of incredible impact. In this conversation…
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18. Reinventing Your Career and Life Story with Lisa Curtin
In spite of an unpromising upbringing, three divorces and a bankruptcy, Lisa Curtin’s journey proves that not only is there always a story behind the story, but that reinventing your story along the way is never impossible. In this conversation, Lisa opens up about her childhood, including the…
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17. Emmanual Perez: The Choice of Zig or Zag: Charting My Own Path While Defying Uncommon Odds
Emmanual (Manny) Perez learned early on that zagging vs zigging was the only way to defy the incredible environmental, cultural and neurotypical odds placed against him in order to manifest a journey of happiness and success. In this conversation, Manny and I talk about what it was like growing…
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16. The Autism Experience with Katrina Dale: Never Stop Uppin the Game
“Who doesn’t care about human rights? We’re all human, right?” – Katrina Dale, MSW This week I sit down with Katrina, a strong Black woman on a mission to positively impact humankind, while continuously working to intentionally grow her awareness and approach to managing autism. In this...
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15. Zach Tidwell: From ‘Suck it Up’ to Talk it Up—My Journey to Becoming Uncomfortable (Part 2)
“it’s okay to not be okay, but it’s not okay to just do nothing about it, because that’s when you’re going to get yourself into trouble.” – Zach Tidwell In part two of this conversation, Zach and I dive head-first into the traumatic day he attempted to commit suicide; explore what it was like...
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14. Zach Tidwell: From ‘Suck it Up’ to Talk it Up—My Journey to Becoming Uncomfortable (Part 1)
Zach Tidwell is many incredible things–from a former Marines machine gunner to an extreme sports athlete to now a published game developer–but not least incredible is his drive, resilience and ability to embrace being uncomfortable head on. In part one of this conversation, Zach and I explore…
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Season 2 Trailer
Season two officially launches on Aug. 7, and we can't wait for you to experience all the incredible stories we have lined up! This year is especially special because not only do we explore critical topics around suicide, mental health, the "Black Experience," and trauma, but the representation…
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13. Top 10 Moments from Season One
In creating season one of Not Your Average GOAT, I learned a lot about myself, the podcast space, and more importantly, the incredible diversity that is humanity. Here are 10 of my favorite moments from this past season—in no particular order.
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12. Becoming Sober Out Loud with Jessica Williams
Despite being once in the thick valley of alcoholism, Jessica Williams has reached many incredible peeks throughout her life. But even so, she is still on the journey to becoming the person she was always meant to be. In this conversation, Jessica and I explore the detrimental impact of bullying,...
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11. Terrell Jackson: Emerging from Darkness into The Color BLCK
From abusive foster families to violent racism to extreme depression, dark experiences tortured Terrell Jackson for most of his life, but he found a way to turn these trying times into the fuel that powers his dream of promoting, supporting and connecting Black creatives. In this conversation, we...
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10. Healing from Suicide Loss One Layer at a Time with Braelyn Rasco (Part 2)
We’re back with part 2 of Braelyn (Brae) Rasco’s inspiring story! If you haven’t already, head over to part 1 now to give it a listen. In the second half of this conversation, Brae shares what life was like in the months leading up to her mother’s suicide, including the emotional rollercoaster…
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9. Healing from Suicide Loss One Layer at a Time with Braelyn Rasco (Part 1)
Braelyn (Brae) Rasco’s animated personality and connection with dance is proof you can absolutely be the evidence of your loved ones without being the evidence of traumatic circumstance–but Brae will be the first to admit it’s been “one hell of a journey” sorting through all the layers to get…
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8. Noor: Freedom Beyond Tensions and Trauma: Realizing My True Self—Personally, Sexually and Spiritually
Cultural, religious and familial tensions as well as childhood trauma stunted Noor’s identity for awhile, but through twists and turns, she eventually evolved from inward thinking and meek to out and loud! In this conversation, Noor and I explore what it was like growing up in India in a...
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7. Overcoming Cultural Shame, Chronic Pain and the Curse of the Rose-Colored Glasses with Madeline Ruiz
Despite the tremendous hurdles of shame and pain Madeline Ruiz has faced, her passion for empathy has never faded. In this conversation, we explore the magnitude of shame Madeline endured as a Bolivian/Honduran female throughout her childhood and young adulthood—both inside and outside her…
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6. Chelsea Gilchrist: From Finding My Own Voice—to Becoming a Voice for the Voiceless
Gaining confidence and finding her own voice is something Chelsea Gilchrist, MGS struggled with for awhile, but once she conquered it, she not only had the courage to speak up for herself, she also became the loud vocals for many older adults who had become voiceless themselves. In this...
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5. Being Bipolar with Stephan Ringer: Embracing My Misfit (Part 2)
We’re back with the second half of Stephan Ringer’s incredible story. In part 2 of this conversation, we travel back to the U.S. with Stephan and his wife and explore what it was like trying to get back on their feet (and almost hitting bankruptcy); the “hard sell” of having kids in today’s world...
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4. Being Bipolar with Stephan Ringer: Embracing My Misfit (Part 1)
The label “bipolar” is one that Stephan Ringer leans into wholeheartedly, and is what ultimately enabled him to be himself always—regardless of relationship or environment. In part 1 of this conversation, we set the stage for Stephan’s incredible journey to being diagnosed bipolar in his late 30s...
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3. The Black Perspective with Kisha Brown: Showing up Consciously and Impacting Greatly
From a Black lawyer to a female leader to a loving mother, Kisha A. Brown, Esq. is dedicated to always showing up in the world, and doing it consciously. In this conversation, Kisha and I journey through her extraordinary legal career—from her time as a practicing attorney, to becoming the first...
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2. Yza Shady: Journeying Through Surreal Moments in Time as a Dark-Skinned Artist
Across four careers and just as many continents, Yza Shady’s journey through life can be described as many things, but plain isn’t one of them! In this conversation, we talk about Yza’s extraordinary career pivots, starting with her dancing days in 1980s’ NYC go-go bars and Parisian cabaret…
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1. From Poly (Amorous) to Do-Gooder: Living My Truth Out Loud with Sonia Zamborsky
Sonia Zamborsky, (she/her/hers), doesn’t just live her truth, she lives it loudly–and proudly! In this conversation, Sonia shares what her journey was like finding her sexual identity throughout her 20s and 30s; discovering what her queerness meant to her, and sometimes struggling with not being...
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Season 1 Trailer
I'm so excited for season 1 of Not Your Average GOAT as well as to share a preview of the first few episodes with you!
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Why Not Your Average GOAT?
Hi, I'm Teisha Gillespie, host of the upcoming podcast, Not Your Average GOAT. In this episode, I share with you my inspiration for why I even wanted to start a podcast; what my mission is and what I'm trying to accomplish with the show; and why I chose the name, Not Your Average GOAT. I'm going...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Celebrating all the shapes, sizes and colors of diversity as well as adversity, while inspiring the world through authentic conversations that are both meaningful and relatable. Each episode, Teisha deep-dives into the extraordinary journey of an “average,” yet super incredible person in the diversity space. She and her guests engage in critical dialogue that seeks to both elevate the beauty of different lived experiences while simultaneously challenging and dismantling deeply-engrained societal stigma and prejudice.
HOSTED BY
Teisha Gillespie (She/Her)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Not Your Average GOAT have?
Not Your Average GOAT currently has 40 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Not Your Average GOAT about?
Celebrating all the shapes, sizes and colors of diversity as well as adversity, while inspiring the world through authentic conversations that are both meaningful and relatable. Each episode, Teisha deep-dives into the extraordinary journey of an “average,” yet super incredible person in the...
How often does Not Your Average GOAT release new episodes?
Not Your Average GOAT has 40 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Not Your Average GOAT?
You can listen to Not Your Average GOAT on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Not Your Average GOAT?
Not Your Average GOAT is created and hosted by Teisha Gillespie (She/Her).
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