Claim OwnershipThe Different Ability® Podcast
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Why am I different? Why do things have to be so difficult? Am I dumb? Why am I scared? Will it be this hard forever? Will I ever find the help I need to succeed? When will being different be accepted? Welcome to The Different Ability® Podcast where we will answer all of these questions and a whole lot more! Each week host Katey Fortun brings you tips and tricks on how to navigate being different, along with inspiring stories of guests that are living an amazing life having Different Abilities of their own. Parents and Educators of kids with Different Abilities share their stories to encourage others that they are not alone and we can all get through this together! Katey, who has dyslexia, shares her personal Different Ability stories to show you that being different is a gift, being different is amazing and using your Different Abilities, you too can create and live the life you have always dreamed about! Katey believes that everyone has Different Abilities and it's time to let our Different Abilities shine bright! You are amazing, you are important, you are strong, you are smart and the world needs you just the way you were made! Are you ready to be inspired and encouraged to be the person you were made to be, Different Abilities and all? We know you're ready, so come along, we are all in this together! "You can do anything you put your mind to, with a lot of hard work, determination and never giving up! It's not your disability, it's your Different Ability®!" - Katey
244 Episodes
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Send us a text Grace Berios opens up about the emotional journey of discovering her youngest son, Teddy, has Down syndrome. From grief and uncertainty to life-changing travel and new perspectives, Grace shares how her family found hope, balance, and joy while raising kids of all abilities—and how it inspired her upcoming book, Raising Great, Even When… Grace's Bio Grace Berios is an author and mom of five—raising kids of all abilities—whose newest book, Raising Great, Even When…, was deeply...
Send us a text We’re going way back to the early days of the podcast! I’m re-releasing Episode Three — an important chapter of my story and one of the most meaningful episodes from the beginning. In this throwback, I share what it was like to finally get my diagnosis and understand why I struggled for so long. It was a moment filled with relief, hope, and the feeling that I wasn’t “broken” — I just learned differently. You’ll also hear about my parents’ incredible fight for answers and suppor...
Send us a text We’re taking it way back! I’m re-releasing Episode Two — one of the very first episodes I ever recorded and the beginning of my Different Ability® story. In this throwback episode, I open up about the tough early years: the moments when I felt “dumb,” couldn’t understand why things were harder for me, and didn’t yet know there was a reason behind the struggle. It’s honest, emotional, and such an important part of how my journey started. I’m bringing this episode back because I ...
Send us a text In this episode, I sit down with Serena — a woman whose winding path shaped her into the strong, grounded, inspiring person she is today. She grew up attending a one-room schoolhouse, moved through different schools, and eventually headed to Pacific Union College to study interior design before returning to Oregon and changing direction completely. Serena married young, raised kids, worked a wide variety of jobs, experienced a marriage that didn’t last, and learned more about h...
Send us a text Janet Mackay—high-energy speaker, founder of INPact Academy, and creator of the legendary “Drip That Rips”—returns to the show! We catch up on what she’s been building over the last few years, the powerful stories fueling her mission, and how the Drip That Rips movement continues to inspire students and adults around the world. Get ready for big energy, big heart, and big reminders that your choices can create a ripple effect of kindness, compassion, and INPact… one drip at a t...
Send us a text In this episode, Katey sits down with Marketing & Sales Strategist Hailey Rowe to talk about what it really takes to grow your business without burning out. Hailey shares her F.A.S.T. Framework and practical marketing tips that help coaches and entrepreneurs make more sales, save time, and stay consistent. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale, this conversation will help you shift your mindset from hobby to business success. Hailey's Bio Hailey Rowe is a Ma...
Send us a text In this episode, Susan Day takes us on a powerful journey from her childhood in the UK to starting over on the other side of the world in Australia. She opens up about the challenges of adapting to a new culture, finding her footing through education, and discovering the role art would ultimately play in her life’s purpose. Today, Susan blends creativity and mindfulness to support emotional well-being, helping others express themselves and heal through the arts. Her story is a ...
Send us a text Something big is happening... my book Embracing Your Different Ability® is almost here! In this episode, I’m sharing the exciting news about my Book Launch Crew and how YOU can be part of this journey with me. From sneak peek chapters to insider updates and early access, there’s a way for everyone to join in and help launch this message into the world. If you’ve ever felt inspired by this podcast, this is your chance to be part of something truly special. Join the B...
Send us a text In this episode, I share an exciting new chapter in my life... my husband and I bought land in Colorado to design and build our dream vacation rental! Ever since my first trip to the mountains in high school, I’ve dreamed of having a place in Colorado, and now that dream is becoming reality. We’ll be documenting the entire process on YouTube, from design to building, and can’t wait to one day welcome guests to experience the state we love so much. And here’s the best part, we’r...
Send us a text In this episode, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the next big steps in my book journey! I share the exciting news that editing is officially complete and my book is now in production. I also talk about exploring audiobook editing, why I’m publishing in both regular and dyslexic-friendly fonts, and how YOU can be part of my launch crew. Tune in for all the updates and find out how you can join me in making this book launch a success! Join my Launch Crew HERE! Stay i...
Send us a text Dr. Amanda Zeine never planned to join the military — but her path led her from ROTC to becoming a pediatrician and Army flight surgeon, serving two deployments overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq. After sustaining a traumatic brain injury, Amanda faced the devastating reality that she could no longer practice medicine. In this powerful conversation, she opens up about the struggles of losing her identity, rebuilding her life, and finding purpose in unexpected ways. Today, she’s t...
Send us a text In this episode, I sit down with Carrie West to talk about her unique journey—from studying counciling/psychology to diving into the world of film and TV, and now writing books and teaching courses on storytelling. Carrie shares how she helps people not only tell their stories but also rewrite them in powerful, life-changing ways. Oh and we also get into the movie and tv world a bit too! Carrie's Bio: Carrie KC West is a #1 international bestselling Author, Speaker and Narrat...
Send us a text This is a RE-RELEASE! The day is finally here, I'm ready to announce the title of my first book! AHHHH it's been a long time coming and I'm so excited to share it with you! If you'd like to join my insiders email list all things about the book and be the first to know everything, it's free, please join it HERE! Thank you for your love and support! I do have this full episode over on my YouTube channel as well, check it out HERE! Stay in the loop with the new Different A...
Send us a text In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Kat Paz, a disability advocate with a heart for cheering others on. Kat shares her story of immigrating from the Philippines to San Francisco at just 16 years old, experiencing culture shock, and how her brother with special needs shaped her purpose in life. Together, Katey and Kat talk about community, advocacy, and celebrating the power of supporting others. Get ready for an uplifting and joy-fi...
Send us a text I loved sitting down with Travis and learning about his life! I extra loved when I would ask too many questions in a row and he perfectly answered back with one word “yes”. Travis has an incredible story and he's so inspiring. He shares his journey of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 35! This is definitely an episode you do not want to miss! Connect with Travis Website Book Podcast Instagram Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be laun...
Send us a text Season 7 is here! I discuss briefly why we jumped from season 5 to season 7... and that season 6 is deticated to the bonus epsiodes for my book, Embracing Your Different Ability®, that's launching this year! If you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please send me a message here. Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching! Sign Up Here! Shop new products here! Places you can reach me at: Website: https://kateyfortun.com/ https://kateyfortun...
Send us a text What's happening to season 6? In this short solo episode, I’m sharing the real reason why I’m skipping straight from Season 5 to Season 7. (Spoiler alert: Season 6 isn’t gone… it’s just different.) I’m reserving Season 6 for something very special, bonus episodes tied to my upcoming book Embracing Your Different Ability®. Tune in for a sneak peek into what’s coming and why I’m so excited for this next chapter, literally and figuratively! Sign up here to join my vip behind the...
Send us a text In this powerful episode, I sit down with Erin Perkins, deafblind advocate and founder of Mabely Q, to talk about her journey growing up deaf, navigating school and being diagnosed with Usher’s Syndrome, a condition doctors said would leave her blind within 10 years. That was over 20 years ago! Erin shares what it’s like to live in a world that often overlooks invisible disabilities, and how her own journey led her to shift her business to focus on accessibility education. From...
Send us a text In this powerful episode, I sit down with Guita Movallali, a passionate advocate, psychologist, and leader in the world of early intervention for deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Born and raised in Iran, Guita shares her incredible journey of resilience, determination, and service. From earning a PhD in Psychology to founding Iran’s first parent support organization for families with deaf children, Guita has spent more than 30 years transforming lives through education, langu...
Send us a text In this inspiring episode, Katey sits down with Rebeka Acosta, an advocate, educator, and proud mom, to talk about raising children who use their voices with confidence. Rebeka shares how her sons, both navigating medical complexities, have learned to advocate for themselves at a young age. With honesty, heart, and a touch of humor, Rebeka reflects on the journey of watching her boys speak up for their needs, make their own decisions, and succeed in powerful ways. This episode ...
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