Nothing Without Us! A Disability Advocacy Podcast

Hey Nothing Without Us listeners! We are hard at work recording season 3, but until then, here's a compilation episode featuring wisdom from some of our wonderful advocate guests throughout seasons 1 and 2. These featured clips collect stories of our guests' origins and inspirations in becoming disability advocates. Be sure to follow the podcast on instagram @nothingwithoutuspod For more information go to lakeshore.org

On this special season two finale of NWU, our guest is Ali Ingersoll. Ali is a TEDx speaker, corporate strategy consultant, health equity advocate, day trader and former Miss Wheelchair America. She draws upon her experience as a C6 quadriplegic from a shallow water diving accident in 2010, leaving her paralyzed chest down at age 27. She embraces the world around her, backed by neuroscience strategies combined with dark humor, life lessons, and powerful stories to help others embrace new perspectives in their own lives. https://aliingersoll.com/ Follow us on instagram @nothingwithoutuspod lakeshore.org

This week on NWU we welcome two special guests! Susan Sellers is the CEO of United Ability, a 77-year-old Birmingham-based nonprofit serving more than 5,800 individuals with disabilities each year. United Ability's programs include early intervention, inclusive early learning, speech, occupational, and physical therapies for kids and adults, employment and transition services, adult day autism clinics, a social enterprise, and the Ability Clinic. Campbell Scott is a Certified Nurse Practitioner and the Associate Residency Director at Cahaba Medical Care, whose partnership with United Ability has helped so many individuals with disabilities and their families. Learn more at https://www.unitedability.org/ Follow us on instagram @nothingwithoutuspod Support the pod at lakeshore.org

This week on NWU we talk to Amanda Carmichael, a vocalist, and author of "Standing Tall: A Testimonial Guide for Amputees Overcoming Life's Challenges." She tells us about how opera played a role in her recovery from undergoing an elective amputation of her lower legs due to clubbed feet in 2019. Amanda's book: https://www.amazon.com/Standing-Tall-Testimonial-Overcoming-Challenges/dp/B0B5PLCRTX Follow us on instagram @nothingwithoutuspod lakeshore.org

This week on NWU! we have a wonderful conversation with guest Ben Raanan. Ben Raanan (he/him) is a disabled theatre maker and advocate based out of Denver, Colorado. His artistic focus is centralized around creating artistically rigorous theatre with, for, and about the disabled community. Currently, Ben is the Artistic Director at Phamaly Theatre Company, the longest running professional disability theatre in the United States. https://phamaly.org/ Follow us on instagram @nothingwithoutuspod

This week on NWU we chat with Maddi Niebanck, an author, stroke survivor, speaker and advocate. You can find Maddi all over the country hosting "Survivor Summits," or you can find her influencing on instagram @maddistrokeofluck. Follow us on instagram @nothingwithoutuspod lakeshore.org

This week on NWU! we talk with Thomas E. Smith, the first person in medical history to be paralyzed three separate times and recover. He talks us through his tragedies and triumphs, and about his non-profit, the Thomas E Smith Foundation, whose mission is to better the lives of those affected by and living with paralysis. Be sure to follow us on instagram @nothingwithoutuspod https://thomasesmithfoundation.org/ lakeshore.org

This week on NWU! we chat with Lisa B. Lewis, the founder and Executive Director of Omnium Circus. Lisa B. Lewis is a recognized leader in the area of accessibility in the arts, and Omnium: A Bold New Circus is a singularly representative and comprehensively accessible nationally touring company creating joy for all. Be sure to follow us on instagram @nothingwithoutuspod https://omniumcircus.org/ https://www.lakeshore.org/

Season two of NWU! kicks off with our esteemed guest Joe Delagrave! Joe is the current Head Coach of Team USA Wheelchair Rugby, a two-time Paralympic medalist, and keynote speaker.

On this season one finale of Nothing Without Us! we are flipping the script! Alie B is in the hot seat this week, interviewed by Lakeshore Foundation CEO John Kemp. Join them as they discuss Alie's exciting journey through the arts, education, and advocacy.

On this week's episode of Nothing Without Us! A Disability Advocacy Podcast we are joined by Dr. Graham Sisson, the longtime ADA Coordinator for the state of Alabama and accomplished disability advocate.

This week on Nothing Without Us! A Disability Advocacy Podcast produced by Lakeshore Foundation, we have one of Alie B's personal heroes, Dr. Dawn DeCarlo, CEO of Sight Savers America. Join them as they discuss Dr. DeCarlo's personal advocacy journey, as well as current advancements in low vision assistive technology.

Join us this week on Nothing Without Us! A Disability Advocacy Podcast produced by Lakeshore Foundation as we speak with guest Gidi Grinstein, the founder and CEO of Tikkun Olam Makers, a global movement of communities that creates and disseminates affordable solutions to neglected challenges.

This week on Nothing Without Us! our guest is Miceala Connery, founder and CEO of The Kelsey, a disability-forward housing organization that's making an impact across the country. https://thekelsey.org/ https://www.micaelaconnery.com/about lakeshore.org

This week on Nothing Without Us! we are bewitched by the innovative, inclusive magic of Kevin Spencer. Kevin Spencer, Ph.D., is an award-winning performing artist, educator, and researcher whose career seamlessly blends artistry with academia. For over 25 years, Spencer and his wife, Cindy, captivated audiences worldwide with one of the largest and most acclaimed theatrical illusion productions in the United States. Their exceptional contributions to the art of magic earned them numerous accolades, including the title of International Illusionists of the Year in 2009, six Performing Arts Entertainer of the Year awards, and the prestigious 2015 International Illusionists of the Year award from the Milbourne Christopher Foundation for their significant contributions to the field. At the height of his success, Dr. Spencer transitioned from the big stage to classrooms and hospitals globally, becoming the leading authority on the educational and therapeutic applications of simple magic tricks. His groundbreaking work centers on using magic to empower individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual challenges, emotional disturbances, and trauma histories. Dr. Spencer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s in Arts and Academic Interdisciplinary Education, and a Ph.D. in Education with a focus on Special Education. He also maintains certifications in Neuropsychology, Autism Studies, and Trauma Support. His research has been published in prestigious journals, including the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT) and Journal of Learning Through the Arts (JLTA), and has been featured in prominent media outlets such as the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), The Washington Post, Taipei Times, and Chicago Tribune. He has also appeared on major television programs, including the CBS Early Show, Fox & Friends, and international broadcasts like CNN Türk and Saba Tümer (Türkiye). https://kevinspencerlive.com/ lakeshore.org

This week on Nothing Without Us! A Disability Podcast produced by Lakeshore Foundation, we welcome Chris Biggins to the studio! Chris is a ranked adaptive golfer, para alpine skier, and Director of Player Development at the Country Club of Birmingham.

The first episode of Nothing Without Us! is out now — stream the full episode on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts! #NothingWithoutUs #DisabilityAdvocacy #Podcast #PodcastClip

Welcome to Nothing Without Us! A Disability Advocacy Podcast produced by Lakeshore Foundation. Join our host, Alie B. Gorrie, as she speaks with a different trailblazer in the disability advocacy world each week. Our first guest is John Kemp, a leader in the disabled community and CEO of Lakeshore Foundation.