The Whole Podcast
by The Whole Podcast
Welcome to The Whole Podcast! Join us to explore inspiring stories from diverse individuals embracing “The Whole Person” philosophy, “People with Disabilities Leading Independent Lives”. Discover resilience, authenticity, and the path to a more purpose-driven life. Subscribe for transformative stories and insights, one episode at a time.Visit our website at TheWholePerson.org
Episodes
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S3 E21: Redefining Success Through Social Work and Life Coaching | Reshida Rone
What does it mean to truly support someone? For certified wellbeing life coach and social worker Reshida Rone, it starts with listening, letting go of expectations, and recognizing that everyone’s journey is different.Reshida joins Halley Korff to share how her 15+ years in social work, personal...
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S3 E20: Lexi Resler’s Journey Into Deaf Advocacy
A trip to Jamaica sparked Lexi Resler’s interest in Deaf culture, ASL, and language access. During her internship at The Whole Person, Lexi has worked with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Department and The Whole Family Project, supporting children and families while building connections within the...
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S3 E19: Creating Opportunities, Not Limits | Disability Advocacy & Inclusion
What does meaningful inclusion really look like, and how can we create more opportunities for people with developmental disabilities? Halley Korff talks with Christina Ingoglia and Dr. Tony Taylor from the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council about disability advocacy, self-advocacy, and…
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S3 E18: STEM Without Limits: Jenny Carmack of the National Federation of the Blind
Jenny Carmack of the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri talks with Halley Korff about creating accessible STEM experiences for blind and low vision students through hands on science, Braille, tactile activities, and accessible technology.They also discuss breaking down misconceptions...
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S3 E17: What It’s Like to Be a Special Olympics Athlete
Special Olympics Missouri is about so much more than competition. Meg Ward and Special Olympics athlete Namande share what the Special Olympics experience looks like from both the program and athlete perspectives. They talk about sports, competition, teammates, and the experiences that make…
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S3 E16: Accessibility Should Be More Than a Checklist | Aaron McIntosh
What if accessibility wasn't something added at the end of a project, but something that shaped the design from the very beginning? Aaron McIntosh returns to The Whole Podcast to share how his work with NorthStar has continued to evolve since his previous conversations with us. He discusses his...
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S3 E15 PT2: Why Needing Help Doesn't Make You a Burden | Rebekah Taussig
What if we've been thinking about disability all wrong?Author and disability advocate Rebekah Taussig explores why needing support is part of being human, how universal design creates better communities for everyone, and why accessibility should never be treated as an afterthought. Through…
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S3 E15 PT1: Rebekah Taussig on Disability, Visibility, and Sitting Pretty
Disability advocate and author Rebekah Taussig shares reflections on disability, visibility, and the stories we tell about our bodies. Drawing from her book Sitting Pretty, the conversation explores how everyday experiences reveal deeper truths about access, belonging, and identity. The…
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S3 E14: Skateboarding after a TBI, Garrett’s story
After breaking his neck in a skateboarding accident, Garrett Gonzales sustained a traumatic brain injury that caused him to lose nearly all memory of who he was before age 17. What followed was not just recovery, but a complete rebuilding of identity. Garrett opens up about living with a TBI,...
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S3E13: Love, Intimacy, and Disability. The Conversations Rehab Misses.
What happens to intimacy when disability enters a relationship, and no one talks about it? Brandon and Lindsey from Beyond This are helping couples navigate the emotional and physical realities that traditional rehab often overlooks. From feeling like a burden to redefining romance, this...
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S3E12: Expanding Access Through Assistive Technology with David Baker
Access to technology can be life changing when the right tools are in place. David Baker from Missouri Assistive Technology shares how assistive technology supports independence, digital access, and opportunity for people with disabilities across Missouri. The conversation covers device loan and...
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S3E11: Scoops of Inclusion with Howdy Homemade KC | Kris Stevens and Hero Tommy
What if an ice cream shop could change lives one scoop at a time?The Whole Podcast welcomes Kris Stevens, General Manager of Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, along with one of the shop’s incredible Heroes, Tommy.Kris shares what truly sets Howdy Homemade apart, what a successful day looks like beyond…
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S3E10: Helping Neurodivergent Students Navigate College and Independence
The transition from high school to college can be overwhelming, especially for autistic and neurodivergent students and their families. Matt Gunter shares insights from his research, lived experience, and his work supporting families through one of the highest stakes transitions they will face.…
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S3 E9: James McGinnis on Recovery, Community, and Moving Forward After Brain Injury
James McGinnis is a traumatic brain injury survivor whose life changed in an instant and rebuilt itself over time. What began with uncertainty and difficult medical conversations slowly turned into a journey shaped by persistence, support, and a renewed sense of purpose. James shares how recovery...
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S3 E8: Creating Inclusive Community Theatre in Blue Springs
Vickie from Blue Springs Community Theatre talks with The Whole Podcast about the impact of community theatre and its mission to create welcoming, accessible performance experiences. She shares how the theatre prioritizes inclusion and representation on and off the stage, why those efforts…
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S3 E7: A Mother’s Fight for Change | Twila Foley and the Story Behind Topher’s Law
Twila Foley joins The Whole Podcast to share the story behind Topher’s Law and the personal journey that inspired her advocacy for guardianship reform in Missouri.After experiencing the devastating realities of the current guardianship system through her son Topher, Twila has dedicated herself to...
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S3 E6: How the KC Streetcar Is Changing Kansas City Transit with David Johnson
David Johnson joins The Whole Podcast to explore how public transit in Kansas City has evolved and where it’s headed next. The conversation dives into the new Main Street extension of the Kansas City Streetcar, why it’s a game changer for mobility and accessibility, and how KCATA and the Kansas...
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S3 E5 PT2: Ableism Is More Common Than You Think with Kelly Narowski
Ableism often shows up in quiet, everyday ways and many people do not even realize it. Disability rights advocate and professional speaker Kelly Narowski breaks down how stigma and ableism appear in daily life, how they affect people with disabilities, and why awareness is the first step toward...
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S3 E5 PT1: Navigating Travel and Accessibility Worldwide with Kelly Narowski
What does accessible travel really look like in a world that often overlooks accessibility?Disability rights advocate and professional speaker Kelly Narowski joins The Whole Podcast to share her experiences traveling across the U.S. and internationally as a wheelchair user. The conversation...
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S3 E4: Rebels, Glam, and Gillian Gill
Halley and Barrie talk with Gillian Gill, the creator of Bombshells Unlimited. Gillian opens up about her creative process, what drives her work, and how Bombshells Unlimited has grown into a space filled with personality, honesty, and real connection. It’s a smooth, genuine conversation that…
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S3 E3: Vision Zero KC with Alyssa Marcy and Schylon Kubic
Halley Korff has a powerful and inspiring conversation with Alyssa Marcy and Schylon Kubic, two leaders helping Kansas City rethink what safe, connected communities can look like. Alyssa breaks down the momentum behind Vision Zero, the city’s push to eliminate traffic deaths and build streets…
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S3 E2: Empowering Communities with Easterseals Midwest featuring Megan Vargas
Megan Vargas from Easterseals Midwest shares an in depth look at how her team works to support individuals with disabilities through personalized services, community networking, and meaningful opportunities for independence. She explains how Easterseals approaches intake, helping families feel...
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S3 E1: KC Ballet’s Sensory Friendly Nutcracker
We’re kicking off Season 3 of The Whole Podcast with a festive conversation to get you in the holiday spirit! The Kansas City Ballet is bringing back its Sensory Friendly Nutcracker on December 4th at 6 PM at the Kauffman Center, a magical performance designed to welcome individuals with...
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S2 E23: Walkin’ & Rollin’ Costumes | Bringing Magic to Every Wheelchair
Who says Halloween costumes are just for walking? 👻 Host Halley chats with Lon and Reese Davis, the father-son team behind Walkin’ & Rollin’ Costumes, a nonprofit that builds incredible, custom costumes for kids in wheelchairs—completely free to their families.What began with one Wall-E costume...
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S2 E22: Chriz Dally on Deafhood, Accessibility, and Cultural Change
Chriz Dally is a leader in Deaf culture, accessibility, and education, with over 25 years of experience creating inclusive spaces through her work with the Museum of Deaf History, Arts & Culture and the Deafhood Institute. She shares insights on building cultural understanding, improving access…
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S2 E21: Play Without Limits | Adaptive Gaming with AbleGamers & Ability KC
Everyone deserves a seat at the console. The Whole Podcast’s Producer, Andrew Hoffmann, and IT Manager, John Nguyen, flip the script as special guest hosts, joined by Riley Hanline, Occupational Therapist at Ability KC, and Aaron Price, Peer Counselor and Adaptive Gaming Specialist at...
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S2 E20: Brandy McCombs on Inclusion, Leadership, and Safer Streets
Brandy McCombs, CEO of IBC Carpentry and IBC Traffic, sits down with Halley to talk about her journey as an entrepreneur and leader in construction. In 2023, Brandy made history as the first woman chair of The Builders, the Kansas City chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America…
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S2 E19: Music Powers the Mind | Anton Krutz, Master Luthier and Entrepreneur #podcast #kansascity
Halley is joined by renowned luthier Anton Krutz as they discuss violins and how music helps shape the world in more ways than one. Anton is the owner of the famous KC Strings and mastermind behind Music Neurohack. This episode features Anton’s career so far and how to strengthen your brain by...
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S2 E18: Brain Injury Peer Support with Sarah Carlson
Finding support after a brain injury can make all the difference. Sarah Carlson, returning guest on The Whole Podcast, leads the Brain Injury Peer Support Group at The Whole Person, where people come together to share their experiences, find encouragement, and build a community that understands....
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S2 E17: Preemie to Mighty - A Conversation on Cystic Fibrosis, Cerebral Palsy, and Raising Addie
Born at just 26 weeks and weighing only 2 pounds, Addie has faced more challenges than many do in a lifetime. Including diagnoses of Cystic Fibrosis and Cerebral Palsy. Host Halley is joined by Addie and her parents, Christina and Paul, for a heartfelt conversation about her incredible journey....
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S2E16: Losing Her Hearing, Finding Her Voice
What happens when the world goes quiet? For Deb Morrison, losing her hearing meant more than silence—it meant losing parts of her identity. But with the help of a four-legged partner named Mango, she began to rediscover her voice.Hosted by Halley Korff, this heartfelt conversation features Deb as...
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S2 E15: Music with Meaning – Gracie Caggiano’s Voice in Disability Culture
How does a musician’s wheelchair shape her songwriting—and her sense of pride? Halley talks with Kansas City singer-songwriter and composer Gracie Caggiano in honor of Disability Pride Month. Gracie shares her journey as a musician with a disability, how her wheelchair influences her creative...
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S2 E14 PT2: Mobility Meets Personality: Canes, Canines, and Confidence
In Part 2 of their conversation, Halley and Orientation & Mobility Specialist Doug Pappert dive into the different types of white canes, the role of guide dogs—and yes, even guide ponies—and why self-advocacy is just as important as mobility skills. Doug shares some of his favorite stories from...
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S2 E14 PT1: A Journey Through Blind Mobility and Mentorship
Doug Pappert has dedicated his career to helping people with blind or low vision gain confidence and independence through orientation and mobility training. Years ago, he was the one teaching Halley how to navigate the world with a white cane. Now, they reconnect to reflect on that journey, the...
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S2E13PT2: Andrea Harper & the Fight for Sight
Andrea Harper isn’t just building community—she’s changing lives across the Heartland. As the Community Manager for the Foundation Fighting Blindness, Andrea works at the front lines of connection, awareness, and support for those affected by retinal diseases. In Part 1 of this two-part series…
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S2 E13 PT 1:Connecting Communities at the Foundation Fighting Blindness with Andrea Harper
Andrea Harper isn’t just building community—she’s changing lives across the Heartland. As the Community Manager for the Foundation Fighting Blindness, Andrea works at the front lines of connection, awareness, and support for those affected by retinal diseases. In Part 1 of this two-part series…
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S2 E12 PT2: Accessible designs for the future with Aaron McIntosh
KCAI Senior Aaron McIntosh returns to wrap up his deep dive into futuristic accessibility. From high-concept design to practical solutions, Aaron walks Halley through innovative projects that reimagine public spaces for people with disabilities. Discover how design can be both inclusive and...
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S2 E12 PT1: Beyond the Bench: Designing the Future of Accessibility
Brilliant KCAI Senior Aaron McIntosh, breaks down his incredible work with accessibility and shows host Halley what the future may look like for people with disabilities. Thinking outside the box and taking accessible benches, hallways and more into the 21st century. Tune in this two-parter! You...
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S2 E11 PT2: Accessible City Planning and Policy with Michael Kelley
In Part 2, Michael Kelley of BikeWalkKC dives deeper into city planning and the specific ordinances that have helped make traffic flow, sidewalks, and crosswalks more accessible for people with disabilities in Kansas City. These changes aren’t just about convenience — they can save lives. People...
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S2 E11 PT1: Michael Kelley of BikeWalkKC on Thriving Without Driving
Michael Kelley from BikeWalkKC joins us to talk about how streets shape our communities — and why safer, more accessible transportation options matter for everyone. From Complete Streets policies to building coalitions across Missouri and Kansas, Michael shares what it takes to advocate for a…
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S2 E10: Howard on AlphaPointe: Rehabilitation, Employment, and Advocacy in Action
Howard, Director of Clinical and Rehabilitation Services at AlphaPointe, joins Halley to discuss how the organization is transforming lives through rehabilitation, employment, and advocacy for people who are blind or visually impaired. From innovative training programs to life-changing services,...
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S2 E9: Expanding Access to Art: Jackie’s Work at the Nelson-Atkins Museum
Art should be for everyone, and Jackie, the Manager of Community and Access Programs at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, is making that a reality. She leads tours designed for people who experience blind or have low vision, even making it possible for participants to touch artwork and experience...
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S2 E8: The Future of Touch: Haptics, Accessibility, and Inclusive Design with Keith Kirkland
How can we bring the sense of touch into the digital world—and why does it matter? The Whole Podcast team sits down with Keith Kirkland, a pioneer in haptics and accessibility, to explore the power of touch in technology. From his groundbreaking work with WearWorks—helping the first blind runner...
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S2 E7: (Unleash)ing Potential: How Service Dogs Empower People with Disabilities
Host Halley sits down with Chuck and Cat from Dog Training Elite Kansas City to explore the incredible impact of service dogs. They share their expertise in training dogs to assist people with disabilities, the life-changing bonds these dogs create, and what it takes to find the perfect canine...
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S2 E6: Troy Balthazor on Accessibility, Advocacy, and the ADA’s Impact
Troy Balthazor, Director of the Great Plains ADA Center, joins The Whole Podcast for an insightful conversation about accessibility, inclusion, and the evolving landscape of ADA compliance. He shares his journey to leadership, the Center’s mission, and the critical role of Universal Design in...
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S2 E5: Hot Topics: Dating & Traveling with Disabilities
In this special episode of The Whole Podcast KC, hosts Kelly and Halley dive into "Hot Topics" that matter in the disability community. They share their personal experiences with dating—both the highs and lows—and provide tips for preparing for dates, from makeup hacks to confidence boosters. The...
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S2 E4: Empowering Through Opportunity: Robert Honan and The Farmer’s House
In this inspiring episode of The Whole Podcast KC, we sit down with Robert Honan from The Farmer’s House, a remarkable organization dedicated to helping adults with developmental disabilities gain meaningful job experience. Learn about their mission, the incredible work they’re doing, and the...
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S2 E3: Team USA’s Rachel Watt’s Paralympic Journey
The Whole Podcast KC is thrilled to welcome back an extraordinary guest: Rachel Watt! Fresh off her incredible triathlon performance at the Paris Paralympics, Rachel joins host Halley Korff to share her inspiring journey to the world stage. Hear Rachel break down her experiences in Paris, the…
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S2 E2: Meet Kathy Kay – The Whole Person’s New CEO
In this exciting episode of The Whole Podcast KC, Kelly and Clayton sit down with Kathy Kay, the new CEO of The Whole Person. Kathy shares her journey of working with nonprofits supporting individuals with disabilities and what it takes to lead an organization making such a meaningful impact.…
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S2 E1: Season Premiere - Empowering Lives with CCVI
Welcome to Season 2 of The Whole Podcast KC, presented by The Whole Person! Meet our new host, Kelly, as we kick off the season with an inspiring episode featuring two incredible guests from the Children's Center for the Visually Impaired (CCVI). Learn about the transformative work CCVI does to...
About this show
Welcome to The Whole Podcast! Join us to explore inspiring stories from diverse individuals embracing “The Whole Person” philosophy, “People with Disabilities Leading Independent Lives”. Discover resilience, authenticity, and the path to a more purpose-driven life. Subscribe for transformative stories and insights, one episode at a time.Visit our website at TheWholePerson.org
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