Telling It Our Way

Telling It Our Way is back for Season 3 with a big episode on leaving home for the first time! Kristina shares about all the skills she needed to learn, from bill-paying to cooking her grandmother's macaroni and cheese. Jisele talks about learning to be independent when the people around her doubt she can be. Becca and Ally share the numbers on where people with developmental disabilities live and what barriers prevent them from being in their communities.

In the final episode of Season 2, we invite back all of our storytellers to share their best piece of advice for our audience. After listening, you’ll be ready to take on the world! Full Episode Transcript

In this special episode, we talk with returning guests and fan-favorites Cassandra and Jordan! They tell us why it matters to share their stories as self-advocates, the process of being on the show, and their hopes for what they'd like to hear (and tell!) in future seasons. Full Episode Transcript

Today we hear from Sarah, whose story about her job takes an unexpected turn. In an interview with Becca and Ally, she shares both the joys and frustrations of finding and keeping meaningful employment in her community. Full Episode Transcript

In this episode, we hear from two returning storytellers, Jordan and Cassandra, about how and why they fight for change in their lives and communities. Becca and Ally chat about the origins of the self-advocacy movement among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Full Episode Transcript

This next on Telling It Our Way, Heidi talks about the confidence she feels when her employer trusts her. Ellison shares the transformation she experienced after a catastrophic illness. Becca and guest host JoRita Fox talk about how JoRita built her confidence in herself as a self-advocate. Full Episode Transcript

We’re breaking our format this week! In this special episode, we take you inside a public storytelling event that took place for Disability Pride Month at the Toledo Museum of Art this summer. We hear from audience members and storytellers about why sharing our stories matters, especially for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We also get an interview with our awesome intern Ava Gottschalk. Full Episode Transcript

In this episode, we have two stories of two different kinds of dreams. Nick tells us about his love of acting and his desire to share more kinds of stories. Darius talks about his dream to play a role in making a more peaceful world. Full Episode Transcript

This week, we’re talking about the expectations other people have for us. Eric talks about moving out of his parents’ house and the sacrifices he makes to live independently. Kai contrasts two bosses he’s had – one who makes assumptions about autistic people, and one who values his ideas and contributions. Ally and Becca talk high and low expectations and the dignity of risk. Full Episode Transcript

In this standalone episode, our storyteller Tom shares his experience balancing work and receiving government benefits. Ally and Becca provide statistics exploring how the system can be both beneficial and challenging for someone with disabilities. Full Episode Transcript

We have two stories about connecting with our communities today. Phillis, a social butterfly, shares about the challenges of moving everything online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Matthew talks about how mastering the bus system has opened up his world. Ally and Becca chat stats about loneliness, isolation, and transportation disparities for people with developmental disabilities. Full Episode Transcript

In this new episode of Telling It Our Way, we revisit the theme of family as guest MJ recounts her journey through an unexpected pregnancy and the decision to place her child for adoption. Ally and Becca talk research and statistics on disabled parents, pregnancy, and reproductive care. Full Episode Transcript

Telling It Our Way is back with an episode all about creativity! Eric, a multi-talented artist with a passion for acting and playwrighting, tells us about the musical he is writing, even giving us a sneak peak of an original song. Next, Yahya shares about his unique writing journey as a published author on the autism spectrum. Ally and Becca welcome the audience back and talk representation in the arts. Full Episode Transcript

In this episode, Ally and Becca chat with Associate Producer Connor Smenner about the behind-the-scenes process of getting Telling It Our Way on air, from story brainstorms to final transcripts. In between, we hear New Year's Resolutions from all the episode contributors and look forward to Season 2! Full Episode Transcript

It’s the holidays here at Telling It Our Way! First, we hear from Molly about the best Christmas present she ever received. Then Jen tells us about being thoroughly unimpressed with basketball player Charles Barkley during a particularly memorable holiday in the hospital when she was a teenager. Full Episode Transcript

This episode is all about food! Diana describes how a regular lunch on the way to the doctor's office became a lifelong favorite. JoRita tells us how her mother's cooking growing up was an expression of love. Becca and Ally chat about their favorite foods and the privilege of choosing to eat what you like. Full Episode Transcript

Brandon and Leah both discuss what it means to find confidence through performance. Brandon shares his experience becoming the "music man" in his local dance troop and Leah talks about challenging negative stereotypes about disabled people through a recent theatre performance. Full Episode Transcript

We hear two different takes on the meaning of home. In the first, Darick and Becca tell us about how they have been unhoused and managed to find housing despite difficult circumstances; Christopher reflects on the importance of his neighborhood, particularly being able to take a short walk to his grocery store, coffee shop, and nearest SmashBurger. Full Episode Transcript

In this episode, Davina shares how a moment of forced interaction in high school led to a life-long friendship. Matthew talks about his deep connection to animals, something he learned from his mother. Ally and Becca talk about what community means, and the barriers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities face in forming strong community relationships. Full Episode Transcript

Jordan and Courtney talk about their bond as twins and how they’ve maintained it even in times they’ve been separated. Paul shares how he found a chosen family at his day program. Ally and Becca talk about families of all stripes and how, until recently, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities were often separated from their families. Full Episode Transcript