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© Jillian Curwin
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A podcast dedicated to telling honest and real stories about living in a world that was not necessarily designed for us.
228 Episodes
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In this week’s episode I sat down with Richard Whitehead MBE. Richard is a Paralympic Gold Medallist, world record holder, professional athlete, marathon runner and a passionate diversity and inclusion champion. Richard is now currently the fastest amputee runner in the world and is undertaking an epic 20 marathon challenge around the world throughout 2025, to bring him to an incredible 100 marathons of his career, connecting with communities and sharing his mission of true inclusion. Launched in 2021, Richard is also the founder and president of The Richard Whitehead Foundation, a charity which enables disabled people's ambitions through sport and activity and removes barriers. We discuss how running has changed his perceptions about life, the perceptions and realities about the inclusivity of the Paralympics, wanting to leave a lasting legacy everywhere he runs and much, much more.Follow Richard: Instagram: @richard_whitehead_mbe TikTok: @richard_whitehead_mbe Website: https://richardwhiteheadmbe.comLearn More About The Richard Whitehead Foundation: https://www.whitehead.foundationFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphSupport Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.orgInland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornalerosRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf
In this week’s episode I sat down with Christopher Griffin better known as Plant Kween. Christopher is a Brooklyn based black, queer, non-binary lifestyle creator with a focus on all things inspirational, fashion, design, and nature. Their work helps people reconnect with nature, live more sustainably, and inspires curiosity about the world around them. We discuss the never ending conversations around disability, the connection between plants and self care, how clothes allow us to be a character in our own stories and much, much more. This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin. All proceeds from purchasing this episode will be split between City Harvest and Food Bank For NYC. Join Always Looking Up on Substack: https://jilliancurwin645746.substack.comJoin The Patreon: https://patreon.com/AlwaysLookingUp Follow Plant Kween: Instagram: @plantkween TikTok: @plantkween Website: https://www.plantkween.comFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphSupport Minneapolis:Stand With Minnesota: https://www.standwithminnesota.comMN NOICE: https://mnnoice.comCommunity Aid Network MN: https://www.canmn.orgSupport Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.orgWorld Central Kitchen: https://wck.orgNo Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.orgList Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.pageSupport Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.orgInland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornaleros
In this week’s episode I sat down with Andrea Dalzell. Andrea, known as “The Seated Nurse”—is a New York City nurse leader, disability advocate, and wheelchair user redefining what inclusive healthcare looks like. Through storytelling, consulting, and keynote speaking, she equips institutions to move from empathy to action in disability inclusion. We discuss her journey towards becoming a nurse, what it means to truly listen to your patients and much, much more.This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin. All proceeds from purchasing this episode will be split between City Harvest and Food Bank For NYC. Join Always Looking Up on Substack: https://jilliancurwin645746.substack.comJoin The Patreon: https://patreon.com/AlwaysLookingUp Follow Andrea: Instagram: @theseatednurse TikTok: @andreadalzell Website: https://www.theseatednurse.comFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphSupport Minneapolis:Stand With Minnesota: https://www.standwithminnesota.comMN NOICE: https://mnnoice.comCommunity Aid Network MN: https://www.canmn.orgSupport Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.orgWorld Central Kitchen: https://wck.orgNo Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.orgList Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.pageSupport Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.orgInland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornaleros
In this week’s episode I sat down with Syanne Bloom and Jillian Mercado. Syanne is an Afro-Indigenous disabled activist and political commentator who examines the intersection of politics, media, and representation. Her work exposes how industries like fashion often reflect the same systemic inequities seen in government and society. Jillian is an actress, model, and activist who has become a prominent figure in the fashion world, challenging beauty ideals, and re-defining traditional norms in the fashion industry. We discuss Bad Bunny’s halftime concert and the power of representation and storytelling, the fashion industry and its current lack of disability inclusion and much, much more.This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin. All proceeds from purchasing this episode will be split between City Harvest and Food Bank For NYC. Join Always Looking Up on Substack: https://jilliancurwin645746.substack.comJoin The Patreon: https://patreon.com/AlwaysLookingUp Follow Syanne: Instagram: @syannebloom TikTok: @syannebloomFollow Jillian: Instagram: @jillianmercado TikTok: @thejillianmercado Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphSupport Minneapolis:Stand With Minnesota: https://www.standwithminnesota.comMN NOICE: https://mnnoice.comCommunity Aid Network MN: https://www.canmn.orgSupport Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.orgWorld Central Kitchen: https://wck.orgNo Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.orgList Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.pageSupport Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.orgInland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornaleros
In this week’s episode I sat down with Cara Elizabeth Yar Khan. Cara is a visionary international disability rights advocate whose career has spanned humanitarian action, diplomacy, entrepreneurship, and storytelling. She is also a filmmaker and a passionate force for inclusion in the arts and media, most recently participating, owning and producing the short documentary film, Facing the Falls.We discuss her incredible career as an activist, the power and impact in seeing disabled people doing humanitarian work, why representation truly matters and much, much more.This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin. All proceeds from purchasing this episode will be split between City Harvest and Food Bank For NYC.Join Always Looking Up on Substack: https://jilliancurwin645746.substack.comJoin The Patreon: https://patreon.com/AlwaysLookingUp Follow Cara: Instagram: @cara_yarkhan LinkedIn: Cara Yar Khan Website: https://carayarkhan.comWatch "Facing The Falls": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMa86VBidKE&t=1sWatch Cara's TED Talk, "The beautiful balance between courage and fear": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHgfcA6Vy24Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphSupport Minneapolis:Stand With Minnesota: https://www.standwithminnesota.comMN NOICE: https://mnnoice.comCommunity Aid Network MN: https://www.canmn.orgSupport Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.orgWorld Central Kitchen: https://wck.orgNo Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.orgList Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.pageSupport Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.orgInland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornaleros
In this week’s episode I sat down with Cara Reedy and Rebecca Cokley. Cara is a journalist, filmmaker and a sometimes actor/comedian. She is the founder and Executive Director of the Disabled Journalists Association where we are working to make a more equitable industry for Disabled Journalists. Rebecca Cokley is a second generation civil rights activist raising a third. She is a political consultant, philanthropist, writer, and producer and is working on her first book. We discuss the current state of disability from both a policy and media perspective, what disability issues and stories we should all be paying attention to and much, much more. For context, this conversation was recorded on January 30, 2026. This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin. All proceeds from purchasing this episode will be split between City Harvest and Food Bank For NYC.Join Always Looking Up on Substack: https://jilliancurwin645746.substack.comJoin The Patreon: https://patreon.com/AlwaysLookingUp Learn More About the Texas v Kennedy Case: https://dredf.org/texas-and-eight-other-states-renew-attack-on-section-504-and-the-right-of-disabled-people-to-live-in-their-communities/Follow Disabled Journalists Association: Instagram: @disabledjournalists Website: https://discojourno.comFollow Rebecca Cokley: LinkedIn: Rebecca CokleyFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphSupport Minneapolis:Stand With Minnesota: https://www.standwithminnesota.comMN NOICE: https://mnnoice.comCommunity Aid Network MN: https://www.canmn.orgSupport Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.orgWorld Central Kitchen: https://wck.orgNo Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.orgList Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.pageSupport Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.orgInland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornaleros
In this week’s episode I sat down with Lachi. Lachi is a world touring recording artist, award winning music executive, Disability Culture champion, host of PBS series Renegades, Recording Academy National Trustee, and producer of a GRAMMY-Nominated album. Born legally blind, Lachi created the U.N.-recognized organization RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities), a consultancy group, collaborating on disability-inclusive solutions with the likes of Netflix, Live Nation and more, while bringing opportunities to its growing global network of professionals with disabilities. We discuss her newly released book I Identify As Blind, out today, and the stories and conversations that have filled its pages, who this book is for and what she hopes her readers take from it, celebrating the disability community and the people in it past, present and future and much, much more.This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin. All proceeds from purchasing this episode will be split between City Harvest and Food Bank For NYC.Join Always Looking Up on Substack: https://jilliancurwin645746.substack.comJoin The Patreon: https://patreon.com/AlwaysLookingUp Follow Lachi: Instagram: @lachimusic YouTube: Lachi Website: https://www.lachimusic.com/index.html Follow RAMPD: Instagram: @rampd_up Website: https://rampd.org/ Buy I Identify As Blind: https://lachimusic.com/i-identify-as-blind.htmlShop Glam Caneshttps://www.instagram.com/reel/DToHjpeEjbV/Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphSupport Minneapolis:Stand With Minnesota: https://www.standwithminnesota.comMN NOICE: https://mnnoice.comCommunity Aid Network MN: https://www.canmn.orgSupport Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.orgWorld Central Kitchen: https://wck.orgNo Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.orgList Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.pageSupport Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.orgInland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornaleros
In this week’s episode I sat down with Daniel Durant and Britt Stewart. Daniel is a Deaf actor on stage and screen. He is best known for his starring role as Leo Rossi in CODA, a film that garnered three Oscar Awards, including the top prize of Best Picture. He also starred in Deaf West’s productions of Spring Awakening and Green Day’s American Idiot and made it to the semifinals of Dancing With The Stars alongside his then dance partner, now wife, Britt Stewart. His ongoing work also includes co-leading acting workshops for Deaf students and interpreting in schools, serving as an acting teacher and coach for Deaf film camps as well as national speaking engagements for colleges and universities. Britt is a professional dancer, choreographer, and creative leader whose career blends artistry, impact and authenticity in the entertainment industry. Best known as a Pro dancer on Dancing With The Stars, she made history as the first Black female professional dancer on the show and has since made an impact with her presence. She uses her platform to inspire balance, self growth and connection. As president of non-profit organization, Share The Movement, she champions access, education and representation in dance.We discuss what Deaf representation looked like for Daniel growing up and why he decided to become an actor, Britt’s dance journey that led her to the Dancing With The Star’s ballroom, how they are both working to make their respective spaces in the entertainment industry more inclusive, their relationship and how they have made their world and their home more accessible and much, much more.For this conversation we were joined by ASL interpreter Justin Maurer.This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin. All proceeds from purchasing this episode will be split between City Harvest and Food Bank For NYC.Join Always Looking Up on Substack: https://jilliancurwin645746.substack.comJoin The Patreon: https://patreon.com/AlwaysLookingUpFollow Daniel: Instagram: @danielndurant TikTok: @danielndurant YouTube: Daniel N. DurantFollow Britt: Instagram: @brittbenae TikTok: @brittbenae Website: https://www.brittbenaestewart.comFollow The DWTS Tour: Instagram: @dwtstourofficial TikTok: @dwtstourofficial Website: https://dwtstour.comFollow Share The Movement: Instagram: @sharethemovementnow Website: https://sharethemovementnow.orgFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphSupport Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.orgWorld Central Kitchen: https://wck.orgNo Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.orgList Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.pageSupport Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.orgInland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornalerosRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf
In this week’s episode I sat down with Austin Halls. Austin is a singer, storyteller, and motivational figure born with Moebius Syndrome, using music, fashion, and psychology to redefine self-expression and visibility. He’s the first person with Moebius Syndrome to walk New York Fashion Week and creates empowering dance-pop that turns disability into celebration. We discuss the healing and expressive power of music, leaning into authenticity the beauty of advocacy, how living in New York City has made the impossible possible and much, much more.This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.All proceeds from purchasing this episode will be split between City Harvest and Food Bank For NYC.Join Always Looking Up on Substack: https://jilliancurwin645746.substack.comJoin The Patreon: https://patreon.com/AlwaysLookingUpFollow Austin: Instagram: @theaustinhalls TikTok: @austinhalls Spotify: Austin Halls YouTube: @AustinHalls Website: https://www.austinhalls.comFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphSupport Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.orgWorld Central Kitchen: https://wck.orgNo Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.orgList Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.pageSupport Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.orgInland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornalerosRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf
In this week’s episode I sat down with Ezra Frech. Ezra is a 20 year-old 2x Paralympian from Los Angeles who competes in the T63 100M, Long Jump, and High Jump. He recently won gold in both the 100M and High Jump, and placed 5th in Long Jump at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. He is an accomplished athlete, advocate, model, motivational speaker, and 2024 and 2025 ESPY Nominee whose goal is to normalize disability on a global scale by elevating the Paralympic Movement.We discuss his journey to the starting line in Paris, how the Paralympics have changed perceptions of disability, those moments in life where you know you your life is about to change, the realities of traveling while disabled and his work with Ottobock’s Invisible Class campaign and much, much more.This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.All proceeds from purchasing this episode will be split between City Harvest and Food Bank For NYC.Join Always Looking Up on Substack: https://jilliancurwin645746.substack.comJoin The Patreon: https://patreon.com/AlwaysLookingUpFollow Ezra: Instagram: @ezrafrech TikTok: @ezrafrechLearn More About Ottobock and The "Invisible Class" Campaign Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphSupport Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.orgWorld Central Kitchen: https://wck.orgNo Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.orgList Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.pageSupport Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.orgInland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornalerosRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf
In this week’s episode I sat down with Niamh Ni Hoireabhaird. Niamh is a disability journalist from Ireland. Having been featured in publications like the Guardian, HuffPost, the Journal, the Irish Independent and the Women's Media Center, Niamh’s work seeks to highlight and raise awareness of national and international disability issues.. We discuss disability as a practice, society not wanting disabled people to take up space, and our refusal to listen, becoming a journalist and writing stories for everyone through a disabled lens and much, much more.This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.All proceeds from purchasing this episode will be split between City Harvest and Food Bank For NYC.Join Always Looking Up on Substack: https://jilliancurwin645746.substack.comJoin The Patreon: https://patreon.com/AlwaysLookingUpFollow Niamh: Instagram: @niamhnih TikTok: @niamhnih Muckrack: https://muckrack.com/niamh-ni-hoireabhairdFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphSupport Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.orgWorld Central Kitchen: https://wck.orgNo Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.orgList Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.pageSupport Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.orgInland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornalerosRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf
In this week’s episode I sat down with Tori Calamito. Tori, Oz historian and content creator, is a life-long Oz fan who has been collecting Oz memorabilia for 28 years and has been posting about Oz online for 20 years. Tori is a multi-platform content creator and a trusted source for all things Oz. “The Oz Vlog” has helped connect fans and collectors around the world through the wonders of social media. We discuss disability in The Land Of Oz and Wicked: For Good, the parallels between Oz and the real world, what defines a Munchkin and who is, or isn’t, one, and much, much more. This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.All proceeds from purchasing this episode will be split between City Harvest and Food Bank For NYC.Join Always Looking Up on Substack: https://jilliancurwin645746.substack.comJoin The Patreon: https://patreon.com/AlwaysLookingUpFollow Tori: Instagram: @theozvlog TikTok: @theozvlog YouTube: Tori .Calamito Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theozvlogFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphSupport Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.orgWorld Central Kitchen: https://wck.orgNo Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.orgList Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.pageSupport Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.orgInland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornalerosRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf
In this week's episode it is just me and the microphone. With the chapter that was the year 2025 coming to an end, and 2026 just around the corner, I wanted to take a moment to unpack and reflect. I went into this year with plans and expectations that quickly and quite often had to be altered, in both good ways and bad. And those experiences have made an impact on my body, physically, mentally, emotionally, and have both enabled and empowered me to redefine what it means, for me, to be a little person, a person with dwarfism, in an average-height world.All proceeds from purchasing this episode will be split between City Harvest and Food Bank For NYC.Join Always Looking Up on Substack: https://jilliancurwin645746.substack.comFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphSupport Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.orgWorld Central Kitchen: https://wck.orgNo Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.orgList Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.pageSupport Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.orgInland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornalerosRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf
In this week’s episode I sat down with Hillary Wool. Hillary is a disabled business strategist, model, and advocate reshaping how we think about ambition, style, and wellness for chronically ill and disabled women. As a partner at Boston Consulting Group, she led global research on the disabled workforce experience, which was covered in outlets including The New York Times and Forbes. She has also modeled in national campaigns with Target and Marshalls. Online, she shares her disability journey living with ankylosing spondylitis and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, including intentional style and adaptive fitness. We discuss being a disabled woman at the intersection of style and advocacy, good girl grief, navigating between what’s right with our bodies and what’s right for our careers and much, much more.All proceeds from purchasing this episode on my Patreon will be split between City Harvest and Food Bank For NYC. Join The Patreon: HEREFollow Hillary: Instagram: @hilla_rose TikTok: @hilla_roseFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphAll episodes are edited and produced by Ben Curwin.Support Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.orgWorld Central Kitchen: https://wck.orgNo Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.orgList Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.pageSupport Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.orgInland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornalerosRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf
In this week’s episode of Always Looking Up I sat down with Lindi Marcusen. Lindi is a Paralympic sprinter and long jumper whose journey began after surviving a catastrophic accident in 2017 that resulted in the loss of her right leg and a traumatic brain injury. A former high-level gymnast, Lindi turned to adaptive sports during her recovery, finding purpose and power through competition. Now a 5x national champion and 100 meter American record holder, she represented the USA in the 2024 Paris Paralympics, proving that resilience and determination can redefine what’s possible. We discuss her Paralympic journey that started with learning to walk again, traveling while disabled, the structural and societal barriers that are put in place, and how she is working to dismantle them and much, much more. All proceeds from purchasing this episode on my Patreon will be split between City Harvest and Food Bank For NYC. Join The Patreon: HEREFollow Lindi: Instagram: @lindi.marcusen TikTok: @lindimarcusenLearn More About Ottobock and The "Invisible Class" Campaign Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphAll episodes are edited and produced by Ben Curwin.Support Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.orgWorld Central Kitchen: https://wck.orgNo Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.orgList Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.pageSupport Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.orgInland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornalerosRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf
In this week’s episode I sat down with Selene Luna. Selene is an actress and producer hailed by The New York Times as “a polished spitfire.” A magnetic live performer, she’s toured extensively alongside Margaret Cho and Dita Von Teese. We discuss the mask people with dwarfism are often forced to wear, the moment in her career where she was able to take the mask off, creating a character such as Soledad on Mayans M.C. and much, much more.All proceeds from purchasing this episode on my Patreon will be split between City Harvest and Food Bank For NYC. Join The Patreon: HEREFollow Selene: Instagram: @selene_luna Website: https://seleneluna.comFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphSupport Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.orgWorld Central Kitchen: https://wck.orgNo Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.orgList Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.pageSupport Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.orgInland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornalerosRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf
In this week’s episode I sat down with Caity. Caity is the founder of her own fashion brand where she repurposes thrifted garments and enhances them with her signature free-motion embroidery. Her work is best described as wearable art, incorporating appliqué and embroidery featuring nature-inspired and character-driven motifs. We discuss her being a designer with dwarfism in the fashion industry and how she is making space for her, what the industry is missing when it comes to designing for little people's bodies, creating without perceived limits and much, much more.All proceeds from purchasing this episode will be split between City Harvest and Food Bank For NYC.Join The Patreon: HEREFollow Caity: Instagram: @ca8ty TikTok: @ca8ty Website: https://www.ca8tydesigns.comFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphSupport Those Impacted By The Cutting Of SNAP Benefits:Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.orgWorld Central Kitchen: https://wck.orgNo Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.orgList Of NYC Food Pantries: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.pageSupport Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.orgInland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornalerosRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf
In this week’s episode I sat down with Jake Stimell. Jake is a disability inclusion and accessibility specialist at New York Road Runners, who is on a mission to make the sports world more accessible for and inclusive of people with disabilities. Jake advocates for people with disabilities to be involved in the sports world as athletes, spectators, employees and community representatives, and he firmly believes that the sports world is stronger when it includes people with disabilities. In the excitement and anticipation of the TCS New York City Marathon we discuss how New York Road Runners has made their races, including the marathon, accessible, what we can look forward to seeing and experiencing at this year’s Marathon, why we should be celebrating the first and final finishers on race day and much, much more.Join The Patreon: HEREFollow New York Road Runners: Instagram: @nyrr TikTok: @newyorkroadrunners Strava: New York Road Runners Facebook: New York Road Runners Website: https://www.nyrr.orgWatch the 2025 TCS NYC Marathon: https://www.nyrr.org/tcsnycmarathon/race-day/watch-the-raceFollow Jake: LinkedIn: Jake StimellWatch the trailer for Final Finishers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1gdy0KC6w4Watch Becky Curran's Journey To The Start Line: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fK6UG0112jw&t=2sLearn More About The Economic Impact of the TCS NYC Marathon: https://www.nyrr.org/media-center/press-release/2025_0930_nyrrfy25impactFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphSupport Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.orgInland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornalerosRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf
In this week’s episode I sat down with John Feal. John is best known for his work with the FealGood Foundation (“FGF”), a 9/11 First Responder advocacy group that has provided both economic aide and individual comfort to countless First Responders, as well as his tireless efforts on behalf of those Responders in the passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. Today, John remains steadfast 24/7 in his activism on behalf of First Responders and continues his grass roots efforts to help all those in need. To his core, John knows his mission of advocacy will never cease to be needed; it is, has been and always will be about one thing…. “The Responders”. He shares his story and we discuss how to be an effective advocate and why it is imperative that we keep trying. Join The Patreon: HEREThis episode is available for purchase on the Patreon without membership. All of those proceeds will be donated to the FealGood Foundation.Follow The FealGood Foundation: Website: https://fealgoodfoundation.comFollow John: Instagram: @johnfeal9117Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphRSVP: Celebrating Dwarfism in the ArtsSupport Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.orgInland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornalerosRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf
In this week’s episode I welcomed back Aubrey Smalls. Aubrey is an actor, filmmaker, and content creator with dwarfism who uses his platforms to educate people about what it means to be a little person and dwarfism history. October is a month for celebration in the dwarfsim community, so we wanted to take the time to discuss how we will be celebrating as well as have a conversation about how being a person with dwarfism is perceived and defined in 2025. Oh, and my mom, Audrey Curwin, makes a cameo appearance to highlight a little person who has left a lasting legacy in our family and our community. Join The Patreon: HEREFollow Aubrey: Instagram: @aubreysmalls TikTok: @aubreysmallsFollow Dwarfism History: Instagram: @dwarfismhistory TikTok: @dwarfismhistoryRSVP: Celebrating Dwarfism in the ArtsDear Average Height People: Instagram: @dearaverageheightpeople Website: https://www.dearaverageheightpeople.comFollow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.comRead With Me:GoodreadsThe StoryGraphSupport Immigrant Communities (all links came from @chnge):The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (@chirla_org): https://www.chirla.org/donatenow/Immigrant Defenders Law Center (@immdef_lawcenter): https://www.immdef.orgInland Coalition 4 Imm Justice (@ic4ij): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jornalerosRelief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires:Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf
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