Off The Crutch Podcast

This week is pretty mighty! My guest today is Mike Porath, Founder and CEO of The Mighty. The Mighty is powered by the shared experiences of 3.5 million members, whose stories have been shown by Harvard researchers to improve health outcomes as a first-of-its-kind bibliotherapy. Mike’s experience raising a daughter with a rare disease, Dup15q syndrome, taught him the impact of community and inspired him to create the company.Mike has become a leading voice for patient-centered healthcare, speaking at events around the world and collaborating with healthcare leaders on a number of initiatives. He serves on the board of directors for the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and Dup15q Alliance, the non-profit that supports people with his daughter’s disease. For his work leading The Mighty, Mike was named one of the Top 5 Consumer HealthTech Executives in 2021. He was also named one of the world’s top 50 philanthropists by Town & Country, which cited the impact The Mighty has had on millions of people.Prior to launching the company, Mike was a journalist and digital media executive at ABC News, NBC News, The New York Times and AOL, where he served as editor in chief. His reporting in Kosovo was awarded with the top prize in online journalism. Mike graduated with honors from The College of William and Mary. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and four children.Check out The Mighty at www.themighty.comFollow me @offthecrutchpod or e-mail me at offthecrutch@gmail.com

It's March, which means it's Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month! Last April, I had the fortunate  opportunity to speak at the United Cerebral Palsy Annual Conference in Las Vegas, NV. I shared my story of reslience and how I live my life with cerebral palsy.  Because this month means so much to me, I thought it would be appropriate to have on CEO and President of United Cerebral Palsy, Armando Contreras to share about the organization and how it helps people with disabilities. Armando has been the CEO for the past 7 years and under his leadership, the organization has seen the highest grown during its upcoming 75th year. Enjoy!To learn more about United Cerebral Palsy, go to https://ucp.org/Follow me @offthecrutch or e-mail me at offthecrutch@gmail.com

After a year-long hiatus, I am finally back! I talk about my 2023 entrepreneurial journey, launching a Rush Bowls franchise, and the insights gained from small business ownership Before talking to Rayne Clarkson, the Commodity Business Manager for Applied Materials in Austin, TX. Rayne shared her path of resilience after a life-changing accident, emphasizing the role of yoga in her recovery and the importance of seeing abilities rather than disabilities. We delve into societal perceptions of disability, the value of independence, and the impact of societal norms on mental health. This conversation sheds light on overcoming adversity, embracing individual strengths, and the significance of genuine connections.Reach out to me by e-mailing  offthecrutch@gmail.com or on social media at @offthecrutchpod

I'm back with another episode with my friend Alexandra Herold. If you haven't checked out Monday's episode with Jocelyn Cohen, I encourage you to do so.Alexandra Herold (she/her) is the CEO and Founder of Patti + Ricky (PattiAndRicky.com), the Adaptive Fashion Marketplace for adults and kids with and without disabilities, chronic conditions, patients, aging seniors, and caregivers. Alex’s parents worked in the New York City fashion and accessories industry. Growing up in a house full of conversations about the next fashion trend or “it” color of the season led Alex to feel like she was born into retail and that it is in her blood. Her disabilities, her close relationship with her cousin Ricky who had a physical disability, and her mother’s battle with brain cancer fueled Alex’s determination to launch Patti + Ricky in 2017. Today, Patti + Ricky carries over 100 Adaptive Fashion designers with functional and fashionable products for everybody. Many designers whose products are featured on the site also have disabilities or a loved one with disabilities.Follow Patti + Ricky on social media @pattiandrickycomFollow me @offthecrutchpod or e-mail at offthecrutch@gmail.com 

This week and next week, you will find three episodes being released. I have a plethora of wonderful interviews that I want you to hear about before the end of 2022. Today's guest is Jocelyn Cohen.Jocelyn is a writer and a storyteller at heart. She knows a compelling story when she sees one, so she’s excited to serve as Vice President of Communications and Engagement for Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation. She connects CPARF with the community and the community to each other, sharing our dynamic work as it unfolds — our advancements, our discoveries, and our breakthroughs.Jocelyn has cerebral palsy, and she understands that people with CP each experience it differently — it’s personal. She’s energized by CPARF’s work and proud to use her voice and professional expertise to make a difference for others with CP.Outside of work, Jocelyn often speaks with local physical therapy students about her life with CP, hoping to positively influence their perceptions and encourage their willingness to treat people with disabilities.For more information about CPARF go to https://cparf.org/Follow me @offthecrutchpod or e-mail offthecrutch@gmail.com

Happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Today aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.In addition to celebrating the day,  my guest is Isaac Harvey from across the pond! Some of Isaac's achievements and roles include:President at Wheels and WheelchairsPower 100 Disabled People in the UK 2021Project Coordinator at One Place East Purple Tuesday AmbassadorNFTY CollectiveLinkedIn CreatorDisability AdvocateVideo EditorHonorary Freeman of RedbridgeBorn and raised in East London with a disability called limb pelvic hypo aplasia which, in short, means no arms and short legs.  For the past ten years, he has used his feet to use the computer to edit videos, answer emails and be able to communicate with the broader world. I hope you enjoy this wonderful conversation with Issac.Follow Isaac at https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaacharvey-videoeditor/Follow me on social media at @offthecrtuchpodE-mail me at offthecrutch@gmail.com

Today is a special day in the CP community because it is World CP Day! Created by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance in 2012, the mission is to bring together people living with cerebral palsy, their families, allies, supporters, and organizations across more than 100 countries. All to ensure a future in which children and adults with cerebral palsy have the same rights, access, and opportunities as anyone else in our society.Enjoy a short Q&A featuring...myself answering CP-related questions.I promise I will be releasing new episodes regularly soon. Keep updated by following me on IG and Facebook at @offthecrutchpodCheck out some great CP advocates below.Chelsea BearInstagram: @realchelseabearJM KraemerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LegoChurchProjectAndy ImlayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrew.imlayJosh BlueFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialjoshblueRJ MitteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RJMitteFor more information about World CP Day, check out https://worldcpday.org/

Did you know that individuals on SSI (Social Security Income) can only have up to $2,000 dollars in their checking account or their medical benefits may be taken away? On the first episode of 2022, my guest, Heather Benavidez shares what the ABLE program is and how that can help individuals with disabilities become more financially independent.Heather Benavidez has been a proud public servant for nineteen years, serving in both local and state government. Her service began in the judiciary where she held many positions, culminating in the development and management of the Foreclosure Settlement Facilitation Pilot Program, helping New Mexicans face the loss of their homes. As Chief of Staff, her service within the State Treasurer's Office has been enriched by advocacy work, including providing financial literacy education to youth transitioning out of the foster care system, creating and managing ABLE accounts for individuals living with disabilities, and assisting with the development of retirement savings account program for employees of small businesses and the self-employed. She is a former municipal judge and magistrate judge, and is on the DWI Planning Council and Juvenile Justice Board of Valencia County. She is also the Chair of the 100% Community Housing Taskforce, working to help those facing homelessness find shelter. She has a B.A. and Master of Public Administration, emphasis on public finance, from the University of New Mexico. She and her husband reside in Albuquerque and share a daughter, a freshman at Arizona State University. Want to sign up for an ABLE account? Sign up here https://ablenewmexico.com/ or if you are outside New Mexico, https://www.stableaccount.com/Have questions about ABLE? You can contact Heather at Heather.Benavidez@state.nm.us or 505.955.1136Follow me on social media @offthecrutchpod or e-mail me at offthecrutch@gmail.com

Happy Christmas Eve Eve everyone! Today my podcast just got a little merrier! I had the pleasure of interviewing Karen RoyI first connected with Karen a couple of years ago on LinkedIn and during my first Abilities Expo in Phoenix, I got to meet her in person!What makes Karen unique is how she has handled adversity since the spinal cord injury she sustained in 1987, as the result of a gunshot wound to the back. She was the victim of an armed Robbery during her sophomore year at Louisiana State University.After completing her rehabilitation, she went on to finish her BA in Psychology. Next, sheobtained a Master’s Degree in Social Work, also from Louisiana State University, and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 1996. Most of her Social Work career was spent working with patients in physical rehabilitation hospitals. For the past six years, she has worked at Numotion and is now the Numotion Brand Ambassador. In her role as Brand Ambassador Karen hosts a disability-related podcast, which is called Life Possible with a Disability and can be found on most podcast platforms. Karen also works in both government and payer relations as part of her role with Numotion. Another passion of Karen’s is co-leading the Numotion Disability ERG, the Disability Alliance Network.Karen’s passion is advocacy for people with disabilities. This includes over a decade of being on the board for the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Association of Louisiana, which is also the Louisiana Chapter of United Spinal Association. Karen is also the State Coordinator for Ms. Wheelchair Louisiana and an active peer mentor for the United Spinal Association. She was Ms. Wheelchair Louisiana 2018 and won Ms. Wheelchair America 2019. The Ms. Wheelchair America organization’s competition is completely based on the woman’s history of advocacy and the ability to articulate her platform.Please give her a follow on social media @lifepossiblekr or Life Possible with Karen RoyFollow me @offthecrutchpod

In today's episode, I re-visit the wonderful organization of Best Buddies. My guests are Tessah Latson, State Director for Best Buddies in New Mexico, and Martha Mondragon, Program Manager for Community Engagement.For those of you who didn't check out my podcast episode last year with Whitney Michielssen, Best Buddies is a non-profit organization that serves students and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Because this is happening in my own community, I wanted to take a deep dive into what is happening.Both of these ladies are part of a wonderful team that has been working hard to bring together the 2021 Champion of the Year Gala that takes place next Saturday evening in Albuquerque, NM.I hope you enjoy the episode and if you feel inclined to buy tickets or learn more about Best Buddies, check out the links below!Buy Ticketshttps://www.bestbuddieschampion.org/newmexico/rsvp/https://www.bestbuddies.org/Follow me on social media @offthecrutchpod or E-mail me at offthecrutch@gmail.com

After several months of being away working and enjoying the summer, the podcast is back. Check out this episode to hear what I've been up to. Then, listen to my interview with Billy Price, owner of Billy Footwear.As a teenager and Seattle native, Billy suffered a spinal cord injury and became paralyzed from the chest down, losing the ability to move his fingers. Daily tasks became difficult, but using his creative mind and unyielding spirit, he never gave up. He continued on, facing life's challenges with tenacity and determination. Born out of a need, BILLY Footwear was founded on the principle of inclusion and perseverance. Along with co-founder Darin Donaldson, Billy strives to add value to the lives of others and make a measurable difference in the world, one foot at a time.Check out Billy Footwear at:billycares.com billyfootwear.comIG: billyfootwear FB: billyfootwear https://www.youtube.com/c/billyfootwearFollow me on social media @offthecrutchpod or send me an e-mail at offthecrutch@gmail.com

Thankful to everyone who checked out my birthday episode. I have some exciting news to share with you all about my new job! No interview this week. Take a listen.

Today is my birthday! And I am so excited to share my interview with Stacey Sumereau. I've only known Stacey for less than a year but her story has ties with my journey living with cerebral palsy. Without giving much away in the description, this hits home for me for so many reasons, especially on my birthday. Here's a little background about Stacey:Stacey Sumereau’s unique journey spans performing in Broadway National Tours of “The Wizard of Oz” and “Beauty and the Beast” to discerning religious life on Reality TV in “The Sisterhood, Becoming Nuns,” to marriage and motherhood. Stacey has presented at the National Catholic Youth Conference, the LA Religious Education Congress, and dioceses across the country encouraging young people to know their worth and to embrace God’s adventure. Stacey is the founder of the Be Not Afraid Conference and the God's Adventure Awaits Summit. She hosts the popular Called and Caffeinated Podcast.Called and Caffeinated Podcasthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lowhlY7cMnoFollow Stacey on social media @staceysumereau or her website, www.staceysumereau.com

Last week was a great conversation with Janie McCloughan. I decided to continue the conversation of SLP with my friend, Monica Harms.Monica Jordan has been involved in the disability community since she was young, which propelled her in the direction of speech-language pathology. She graduated with her Masters of Communication Disorders at New Mexico State University and has extensive experience with the deaf/hard of hearing population at the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy and New Mexico School for the Deaf. She now is a speech-language pathologist working with a variety of individuals with communication needs at a clinic in Albuquerque.Follow me @offthecrutchpod or e-mail at offthecrutch@gmail.com

Hope everyone had a Hoppy Easter! We are finally in April and this month is my favorite for a number of reasons. This week is about Speech-Language Pathology. My guest is Janie McCloughan who is a graduate student at Saint Xavier University in Chicago.  Janie shared the journey she has gone through picking the major and navigating its ups and downs. I got tons of information about SLP and I hope you do too!Follow Janie on IG at @jpmccloughanFollow me @offthecrutchpod or e-mail me at offthecrutch@gmail.com

This is the last week of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month and with that, my guest is Chelsea Bear.Chelsea Bear is a South Florida-based disability and inclusivity influencer and advocate. Chelsea utilizes her social media platforms to share her first-hand story of living with cerebral palsy. Her content consists of educational, fun, and lighthearted posts that strive to create acceptance and awareness for those with disabilities and beyond. Bear earned her bachelor's degree in Communication with a specialization in Public Relations from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2015, and now leads a career as a public relations professional.Follow Chelsea on Instagram @realchelseabear and her website chelseabear.comFollow me @offthecrutchpod or offthecrutch@gmail.com

Week 4 of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month and on this episode, I have comedian Andy Imlay. Andy Imlay was born several weeks early in Owensboro, Kentucky. Having a disability doesn’t get him down and gives him a unique perspective in life, and that translates into comedy gold. He has performed throughout the US, including appearances at top clubs, such as The Comedy Caravan in Louisville and the Orlando Improv. He has opened for Dustin Diamond and Mario Saenz and has showcased at the Live Laughs Comedy Festival in Ohio and the Tim Northern Comedy Festival.  He also placed runner-up at Wiley's Comedy Joint’s annual Fireworks Competition in 2020.Follow Andy at @palsypositive or e-mail him at palsypositive@gmail.comFollow me @offthecrutchpod

Week 3 of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week and today, I have Tylia Flores.  Tylia Flores, who lives in Florida, is a 25-year-old born with cerebral palsy. Although her condition has affected her mobility, it has never affected her will and determination to make a difference in the world. Tylia is the podcast host of Stomping On Cerebral Palsy, talk show host for Asheville FM, and a writer for Disability Insider.Our interview included a number of topics including struggles, current realities, and words of encouragement for those living with CP. You can follow Tylia below:FB: @stompingoncpIG: somping_on_cp_with_tyliawww.tyliaflores.comFollow me @offthecrtuchpod

Week two in Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month is here. This month also belongs to those with developmental disabilities. Because of that, my guest is Kayla Scheer, whom I met during my time in TEDx.In 2012, Kayla Scheer married her high school sweetheart and earned her BA in Secondary Education and Spanish with a concentration in Bilingual Education from UNM. Then, in 2014, she earned her MA in Organization, Information, and Learning Sciences from UNM and gave a TEDxED Talk titled “On-Demand Learning in the 21st Century Classroom”. This is Kayla’s ninth year as an educator, spending most of her time as a Spanish teacher at V. Sue Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho, she is now a Language and Culture Coordinator at Shining Stars Preschool.  The switch to preschool has been a blessing for her as a mother of two beautiful little girls, one with red hair and the other an extra 21st chromosome. Every day is fun and full of sparkles. I hope that Kayla's story can help parents who have a child with a disability.Cerebral Palsy Foundationhttps://www.yourcpf.org/Follow me on social media @offthecrutchpod or e-mail me at offthecrutch@gmail.com

March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month which means for the month of March I will be having guests in the CP community, providing resources, and answering any questions you may have. This week I provide 10 facts about cerebral palsy.Please send me an e-mail with any questions at offthecrutch@gmail.comFollow me on Facebook and Instagram at @offthecrutchpod