The Handicapable Podcast

On today’s episode, Adam talks with Maylan Chavez and Sory Rivera, two disability advocates living with spinal muscular atrophy, about their journeys with SMA, the friendship they’ve built, and the importance of accessibility, representation, and community. Together, they share an honest and heartfelt conversation about identity, resilience, belonging, and why disabled voices deserve to be heard.Intro music by Pat MoeschenHandicapable Media: www.hcmedia.orgHosted by Adam MaloneExecutive produced by Adam Malone and Cody ChalfanProduced by Kyle FriarPresented by The Handicapable Network

On today's episode, Adam has a conversation with Elijah Stacy, founder of the nonprofit Destroy Duchenne, which he started at just 15 years old after learning the average lifespan for Duchenne and deciding he wasn’t going to accept that as the end of the story. Elijah breaks down gene therapy versus gene editing in a way that’s easy to understand, explains why safe delivery is one of the biggest hurdles, and shares what advancements he’s most hopeful about right now. We also talk advocacy, the reality of the “disability tax,” and why supporting families today matters just as much as pushing for breakthroughs tomorrow.Intro music by Pat MoeschenThe Handicapable Network: www.hcmedia.orgElijah Stacy: www.elijahjstacy.comHosted by Adam MaloneExecutive produced by Adam Malone and Cody ChalfanProduced by Kyle Friar

On this episode of The Handicapable Podcast, Adam has a conversation with Jenny Jones, founder of Life’s a Polyp, a platform dedicated to raising awareness and educating others about Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and related GI conditions, while building community for people who don’t always feel seen.Jenny Jones talks about what it’s like living with FAP, a hereditary condition that can come with a high cancer risk, and short bowel syndrome, a malabsorption disorder that impacts daily life in ways most people never think about. She breaks down what these diagnoses mean, what people commonly misunderstand about GI disease, and why it matters to talk about the real-life experience, not just the medical terms.Jenny also gets into the emotional side of chronic illness, the constant self-advocacy, and how finding the right support can turn "I'm alone" to "I have support."Intro music by Pat MoeschenThe Handicapable Network: https://www.hcmedia.org/Life's a Polyp: https://www.lifesapolyp.org/Hosted by Adam MaloneExecutive produced by Adam Malone and Cody ChalfanProduced by Kyle Friar

On today’s episode, Adam talks with David Solano, a Phoenix educator and basketball coach with nearly three decades of experience, and the founder of Solano’s No Limit Hoops, a nonprofit using basketball to keep kids off the streets and give them a place to belong.One of the best stories he shares: David walks into an interview and tells the athletic director, “Hire me and I’ll put a state championship trophy on your counter.” They laughed. He got hired, and then he went out and won the championship.We get into disability, leadership, respect, and what it really means to show up for kids who might already be having a rough day. He also breaks down his “bucket” mindset: don’t assume someone’s okay when they walk in, fill them up with real support, and watch what happens when people feel seen.Intro music by Pat MoeschenThe Handicapable Network: www.hcmedia.orgSolano's No Limit Hoops: https://solanosnolimithoops.wixsite.com/mysite/solano-s-no-limit-hoopsHosted by Adam MaloneExecutive produced by Adam Malone and Cody ChalfanProduced by Kyle FriarChanging the world, one story at a time

Today on The Handicapable Podcast, we’re joined by Tony Jacobson, author, motivational speaker, and adaptive fitness coach living with brittle bone disease, also known as osteogenesis imperfecta.After more than seventy fractures, Tony refused to let his diagnosis define his limits, and instead built a life around strength, mindset, and purpose.He calls it The Unbreakable Way, and in this episode, we’re talking resilience, self-belief, and what it really means to keep moving forward, even when life keeps trying to break you.Intro music by Pat MoeschenThe Handicapable Network: www.hcmedia.orgTony Jacobsen: www.tonyjacobsen.comHosted by Adam MaloneExecutive produced by Adam Malone and Cody ChalfanProduced by Kyle Friar

On today's episode Adam talks with Buddy Cassidy. Buddy is from Annandale, Virginia and has a degree in English from UC Irvine! Buddy has Duchenne muscular dystrophy and is an advocate for those with the disease all around the world. He is also the editor of the new upcoming book “Breakfall” by Kevin Counterman. Breakfall follows the story of a child from Cape Cod in the 60s that lives with Duchenne, loosely based off the experience Kevin had with his brother Michael who also had Duchenne. Along with Kevin, Buddy hopes to bring awareness about the book and the significance it will carry for readers. Intro music by Pat Moeschen The Handicapable Media Site: www.hcmedia.org Hosted by Adam Malone Executive produced by Adam Malone and Kyle Friar Produced by Cody Chalfan

On today's episode, Adam talks with Alex Dunn! Alex is the founder and CEO of Cephable! Cephable is a groundbreaking tool that allows people with disabilities to use their computer easier. Through the use of AI, Cephable allows individuals to control their computer with gestures that include sounds, facial expressions, head movements, and more! Alex and his team at Cephable are changing the world for the better and are helping our community thrive through the use of technology! Intro music by Pat Moeschen The Handicapable Podcast companion site: www.hcpod.com Cephable: www.cephable.com Hosted by Adam Malone Executive produced by Adam Malone and Kyle Friar Produced by Cody Chalfan

On today's episode, Adam talks with Andrew Bain. Andrew is from Scotland and has congenital myopathy. Congenital myopathy is a condition similar to congenital muscular dystrophy and is a neuromuscular disease that affects how the muscles in the body function. Andrew is a chef and discovered his love for cooking through different cooking shows he watched on TV. To hone in his craft, he attended the City of Glasgow College to take a professional cookery course. Since then, Andrew has been sharing his love of cooking through social media and is able to show that anyone can cook no matter what challenges life has in store for you. Intro music by Pat Moeschen The Handicapable Podcast companion site: www.hcpod.com Hosted by Adam Malone Executive Produced by Adam Malone and Kyle Friar Produced by Cody Chalfan

Today’s guests are Kelly Berger and Avery Roberts. Kelly is from Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated from the University of Kentucky and has congenital muscular dystrophy. She is an advocate for those living with CMD. Avery is a New Jersey native and also has congenital muscular dystrophy. Avery is a dancer and was the first wheelchair user to perform at THE radio city music hall in New York City. Kelly and Avery are both part of the nonprofit organization Cure CMD, which is an organization centered around advocating for those affected by CMD and the general disability community. Kelly and Avery also advocate for those with disabilities on Capitol Hill! Intro music by Pat Moeschen The Handicapable Podcast Companion Site: www.hcpod.com Hosted by Adam Malone Executive produced by Adam Malone and Kyle Friar Produced by Cody Chalfan

On today's episode Adam interviews, Chris Hannah. Chris is from New Jersey and is the founder of the Cole the Deaf Dog and Friends Foundation. In 2017 Chris adopted a dog that so many had passed up on due to the fact he is deaf, but that only made him love the dog even more, that dog is now known as Cole the Deaf Dog. Since adopting Cole, Chris has changed the lives of so many by teaching kids and adults that being different is ok, and that you can make a difference simply by being different. Chris and Cole have done countless programs at schools across the east coast and truly are making a difference. Intro music by Pat Moeschen Cole the Deaf Dog and Friends Foundation: www.colethedeafdog.com The Handicapable Podcast companion site: www.hcpod.com Hosted by Adam Malone Executive Produced by Adam Malone and Kyle Friar Produced by Cody Chalfan

New episode is out! On today's episode, Adam has a conversation with Megan Grannan. Megan has a rare form of dwarfism called metatropic dysplasia, which is a skeletal disorder affecting how bones grow. She is a New Jersey native, and a teacher for students with special needs. Megan has a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Stockton University and is currently pursuing a master's degree in arts with a concentration on special education and teaching. Megan has been able to prove that anyone no matter their condition can bring their dreams and aspirations to life. Intro music by Pat Moeschen Executive produced by Adam Malone and Kyle Friar Produced by Cody Chalfan The Handicapable Podcast companion site: www.hcpod.com

On today's episode of The Handicapable Podcast, Adam and Dr. Tye. D. Martin, have a conversation all about navigating life as individuals living with physical disabilities. For those of you who have been around since episode 1, Dr. Martin was our first guest to be on our show. Tye received his PhD in Biomedical Engineering from New Mexico State University in 2019 with a focus on Alzheimer's and adaptive design for people with disabilities! Tye also has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and has been a voice for equality in the disability community. He is also an ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association as well as a board member for Laughing at My Nightmare Inc. Intro music by Pat Moeschen The Handicapable Podcast Companion Site: www.hcpod.com Hosted by Adam Malone Executive Produced by Adam Malone and Kyle Friar Produced by Cody Chalfan

On today's episode of the Handicapable Podcast, we discuss finding your purpose in life with Adam Wechsler. Adam Wechsler has Duchenne muscular dystrophy and is part of the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy Adult Advisory Committee with me. We want to help you find your purpose so that you can have a happy and fulfilling life! Intro music by Pat Moeschen The Handicapable Podcast Companion Site: www.hcpod.com Hosted by Adam Malone Executive produced by Adam Malone and Kyle Friar Produced by Cody Chalfan

On todays episode, Adam interviews Brittany Reinke! Brittany was born with Cerebral Palsy, a movement and posture disorder with differing levels of severity, all with varying levels of pain. She is a licensed mental health therapist as well as a digital marketer. Brittany is the mother to 3 boys, and has been married for over 10 years. She has not let her condition define her, and has been able to persevere through the many challenges she has faced in her life. Intro music by Pat Moeschen The Handicapable Podcast Companion Site: www.hcpod.com Executive produced by Adam Malone and Kyle Friar Produced by Cody Chalfan

On today’s mini episode of The Handicapable Podcast, Adam recollects the story of one of the scariest moments in his life, and touches on the need for accessible rental properties. The Handicapable Podcast companion site: www.hcpod.com Northshore Specialty Coffee: www.northshore.coffee Intro music by Pat Moeschen Hosted by Adam Malone Executive produced by Adam Malone and Kyle Friar Produced by Cody Chalfan

On today's episode, Adam talks with Brad Miller. Brad lives with Becker Muscular Dystrophy, and is from Ontario, Canada. He runs a blog called “My Beckers Story” which raises awareness about his condition and about general issues people with disabilities face. Brad was able to overcome childhood bullying, and was able to overcome the problems that come with finding a job as a disabled individual. He has also written a book called “Fighting Towards Victory” which details his life with Becker Muscular Dystrophy and all the issues that come with the condition. Intro music by Pat Moeschen The Handicapable Podcast companion site: www.hcpod.com Northshore Specialty Coffee: www.northshore.coffee Brad's Blog: www.mybeckersstory.blogspot.com Hosted by Adam Malone Executive produced by Adam Malone and Kyle Friar

On today's episode of The Handicapable Podcast, Adam interviews Dr. Ryan Russell, Ph.D. Ryan lives in Kansas City, Missouri and has Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Ryan has a PhD in Psychology, Master of Education and is a health and mindset coach with his wife Angela. Ryan and Angela offer their services through their site, lifeonpositivity.com, where they help people live their best lives. He and his wife also have a podcast launching soon on their site. Ryan has not let his disability stop him from pursuing his passion and does not take no for an answer. He wants to use his story to inspire others with and without disabilities to push themselves to the limit. Intro music by Pat Moeschen The Handicapable Podcast companion site: www.hcpod.com Northshore Specialty Coffee: www.northshore.coffee Disability Disaster Access: www.disabilitydisasteraccess.org Hosted by Adam Malone Executive produced by Adam Malone and Kyle Friar

On this episode of The Handicapable Podcast, Adam talks with Kevin Christopher Fox. Kevin lives with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), a motor-neuron disease that affects body movement. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from DePaul University in 1995 since then he has acted in numerous productions and directed shows. Although his diagnosis may affect his ability to act in shows, it hasn’t prevented him from doing what he loves. Kevin advocates for those with disabilities through his podcast and social media page wtflerosis, which combines his love of acting with meaningful discussions about life with a disability. Kevin is helping us change the world, one story at a time. The Handicapable Podcast Companion Site: www.hcpod.com Northshore Specialty Coffee: www.northshore.coffee Intro music provided by Pat Moeschen Hosted by Adam Malone Executive produced by Adam Malone and Kyle Friar

Adam gives a brief message concluding season 1. The Handicapable Podcast companion site: www.hcpod.com

On this episode of The Handicapable Podcast, Adam interviews Shannon Bonardy. Shannon lives with hard-of-hearing and has 2 children. She advocates for invisible disabilities and wants to show anyone who will listen how to accept themselves for who they are. Shannon shares her journey as a hard-of-hearing mother through her Instagram page and offers support to others in her situation. She wants to show that anyone can overcome their obstacles no matter the circumstances! The Handicapable Podcast companion site: www.hcpod.com Intro music by Pat Moeschen

On this episode of The Handicapable Podcast, Adam talks with Dr. George Ackerman. George has been an advocate for Parkinson's disease since his mother's passing in 2020. Through his website togetherforsharon.com, he continues to spread awareness about the disease. George has written 3 books, the 2 part "Voices of Resilience" and "A Son's Journey", all surrounding the topic of Parkinson's disease. He wants to show that everyone who has to go through the journey of the disease themselves, or through a loved one, is not alone in the fight. Together For Sharon: www.togetherforsharon.com The Handicapable Podcast Companion Site: www.hcpod.com Intro music by Pat Moeschen

On this episode of The Handicapable Podcast, Adam interviews Monica Quimby! Monica became a paraplegic after a skiing accident when she was a sophomore in college. She now plays para-ice hockey for Team USA and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Monica was also Miss Wheelchair Maine in 2011 and continues to push for awareness in the disability community. Intro music by Pat Moeschen The Handicapable Podcast companion site: www.hcpod.com

On this special episode of The Handicapable Podcast, Adam interviews Tobias Forrest and John Lawson, the stars in the new authentically cast film "Daruma"! This new film is executive produced by two-time Academy Award-winning director Peter Farrelly ("Dumb and Dumber," "The Green Book," "The Three Stooges," and more!). Tobias is a quadriplegic, and John is a double-hand amputee. This film is one of the few movies where the leads are disabled, but the story has nothing to do with disabilities. Patrick (Tobias Forrest) must enlist the help of his cantankerous neighbor Robert (John Lawson) to transport the four-year-old daughter he never knew he had to live with her maternal grandparents on the other side of the country. "Daruma" - Available on Amazon and iTunes on November 15th. www.darumamovie.com. The Handicapable Podcast companion site: www.hcpod.com Intro music by Pat Moeschen

On this episode of The Handicapable Podcast, Adam continues his conversation with Abby Lehner. Abby shares her career journey and talks about living independently. We also touch on topics surrounding dating as well. If you haven't listened to part 1, do that before listening to this one! Intro music created by Pat Moeschen The Handicapable Podcast Companion Site: hcpod.com

On this two-part episode of The Handicapable Podcast, Adam interviews Abby Lehner! Abby has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), and is from Boston, Massachusetts. She is able to show that with the right mindset, independence is never out of reach! Join us on a conversation all about her journey to independence from her career to dating and so much more! The Handicapable Podcast Companion Site: hcpod.com Intro music created by Pat Moeschen

On this minisode of The Handicapable Podcast, Adam talks about how to advocate for yourself and how to present yourself as someone with a disability best. The Handicapable Podcast Companion Site: hcpod.com Intro music provided by Udio AI

On this episode, our host Adam interviews Pat Moeschen. Pat lives with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy and taught music for 27 years! He now works for a non-profit organization called Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, which is an organization dedicated to the eradication of muscular dystrophy. Within PPMD, Pat is in charge of group called the Patient Adult Advisory Committee. The PAAC, as it is known, is a group of adults with muscular dystrophy dedicated to raising awareness about muscular dystrophy. Pat is happily married with 2 sons and has devoted his life to disability advocacy. The Handicapable Podcast Companion Site: hcpod.com Intro music provided by Udio AI

On this episode of The Handicapable Podcast, Adam continues his conversation with Michael Lapham. Michael continues to share the story of his injury that left him a paraplegic and how he has adapted to his disability over the years. He is able to show how even when tragic things happen, everything happens for a reason. The Handicapable Podcast Companion Site: hcpod.com Intro music provided by Udio AI

On this episode of The Handicapable Podcast, Adam interviews Michael Lapham. Michael is a T11-T12 paraplegic after a motorcycle crash in 2003. He is an avid hunter and doesn't let his disability stop him from doing what he loves. He has been married to his wife (another paraplegic) for 13 years! He created a fully accessible swamp buggy for wheelchair users to utilize, as well as the hunter's hoist which allows those with disabilities to be lifted into a tree stand. In this part of a two-part episode, Michael talks about hunting as someone in a wheelchair, his inventions, and how he utilizes a track chair. The Handicapable Podcast Companion Site: hcpod.com Action Track Chair: actiontrackchair.com onX: onxmaps.com Intro music provided by Udio AI

On this minisode of The Handicapable Podcast, Adam talks about the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and some flaws that it has. He talks about some of these flaws and offers solutions on how those flaws can be resolved. The Handicapable Podcast Companion Site: hcpod.com Intro music provided by Udio AI

On this episode, Adam interviews Jamie Santillo! Jamie owns the company Adventures by Jamie, a travel agency specializing in helping those with disabilities travel! She has congenital muscular dystrophy but is not letting that stop her from making a difference in the world. Jamie wants to take most of the hassle of traveling with disability away, so everyone can spend more time enjoying their trips! She has a bachelor's degree in mass communications from the University of South Florida, and a master's degree in management from Bellevue University! The Handicapable Podcast Companion Site: hcpod.com Adventures by Jamie: adventuresbyjamie.com Whill wheelchair: whill.inc Intro music created using Udio Ai

On this episode of The Handicapable Podcast, Adam interviews Cheyenne Heflin. Cheyenne is a pediatric cancer survivor who suffered an amputation to prevent the spread of her cancer. She is an advocate for those with disabilities, especially those who have experienced limb loss. Cheyenne is an ambassador for the Amputee Coalition and is a motivational speaker.

On this episode of The Handicapable Podcast, Adam interviews Nevin Steiner. Nevin works at ESPN as a Digital Video Producer. He lives with Becker muscular dystrophy, which is a form of muscular dystrophy that progresses at a much slower rate than other types. Nevin is at the age where his disease has progressed more, and we learn how he navigates day-to-day life. Nevin was married in 2008 and has 2 children. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Handicapable Podcast, where we're changing the world, one story at a time!

On this episode of The Handicapable Podcast, Adam interviews Alan Chaulet, the vice president of All Wheels Up. All Wheels Up is a non-profit organization with the goal of adding a wheelchair spot on commercial aircraft. They want to open up the world of destinations for everyone, and to make traveling with a disability more dignifying. https://www.adapts.org Use code AWU15 for 15% Off! https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/disabilitybillofrights The Handicapable Podcast Companion Site: https://www.hcpod.com

Adam talks about all things travel on this shorter episode of The Handicapable Podcast! He discusses his top 3 favorite accessible US cities he has visited and gives you best practices on traveling as someone with a disability. With a bit of humor along the way, let's talk about all things travel!

On this episode of The Handicapable Podcast, Adam interviews Dr. Tye D. Martin Ph.D. Dr. Martin received his Ph.D from New Mexico State University in 2019. He has an unconfirmed diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and is an advocate for the disability community. Dr. Martin is an ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), and a board member for Laughing at My Nightmare Inc. They discuss many topics surrounding the disability community, including dating, travel, marginalization, and more! Join us for a deep dive into the world of the disability community on this episode of The Handicapable Podcast!