Jay Trivedi | A Personal Account of Social Security Disability and Health Insurance

Hey there Earthlings! 
 
Today we are beaming up rare disease warrior and advocate Jay Trivedi. In this episode, Jay shares his story of living with a rare disease called Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS). Jay's story sheds light on the financial implications of being disabled, the struggles of government benefits, and how social issues impact those with disabilities. 
 
Jay's Bio:
My name is Jay, and I am currently 30 years old. I was diagnosed at birth with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS). CCHS impacts our respiratory system and requires a mechanical ventilator when we sleep since we can't breathe normally. I have Bachelors's and an Associate degree in Business Administration. I work as Front End Team Member at Walmart. Also, I advocate for CCHS Family Network Inc.
 
Jay's Information
Facebook: Jay Trivedi
Instagram: Jt.trivedi
LinkedIn: Jay Trivedi
 
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Episode Transcript: Coming Soon
 
*This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. NeoBilities LLC.

Nick Smit | Creating Your Own Destiny Through Purposeful Action

Hey there Earthlings! 
 
Today we are beaming up the Rebel Ninja, Nick Smit. In this episode, Nick and Tessa explore empowerment, entrepreneurship, and creating your own destiny through purposeful action. 
 
Imagine a world in which people are self-motivated to achieve what they are truly capable of; A world where people don't hide behind masks but rather embrace authenticity; A world that is not only capable of change but grows from it. A world that can dance to its destiny. Our next speaker is definitely a rebel ninja with many titles – A teacher and mentor; A professional speaker and entrepreneur and even a dancer. He has presented a variety of workshops and alike, to an array of audiences, including universities and local and international companies. Most relate to disability advocacy, awareness and inclusion; the power of the mind and overcoming challenges. Joining us today is an award-winning speaker who activates, impacts and moves people to make these imaginings a reality. 
 
Nick's Information
Website https://www.therebelninja.com
Instagram: the.rebel.ninja
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therebelninja
Youtube: Coming Soon 
 
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Episode Transcript: Coming Soon
 
*This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. NeoBilities LLC.

Shabnam Rakhiba | Getting Real about Chronic Illness and Disabilities

Hey there Earthlings! 
 
Today we are beaming up the chronic illness warrior Shabnam Rakhiba, GMBPsS, ACT.Accred.(AAAC). Shabnam is an empowerment and resilience coach for women with chronic illness, pain, and disability. Founder of Thorns & Roses coaching. Masters in Psychology. Qualified Life Coach, an Accredited practitioner of Acceptance and commitment therapy (third-wave CBT).
 
This episode explores what it's like to live with chronic illness and disabilities. We dive into tricky subjects including: toxic positivity, navigating relationships with chronic illness, and honoring the emotional journey of living with chronic illness and disabilities. 
 
Shabnam's Bio:
For 13 years (since my early twenties), I have lived with idiopathic chronic pain, with the latest plausible diagnoses being endometriosis and fibromyalgia. Throughout much of my adult life, I have been through it all – misdiagnoses, failed treatments and surgery, health-related anxiety, suicidal thoughts, being bed-ridden, and losing career prospects. Despite it all, I fought – and today I have expanded my understanding of wellness beyond the physical aspect to include emotional, psychosocial and spiritual healing. Wellness – feeling good in my skin, in body and spirit – is now my priority. Even though I still live with incomprehensible chronic pain after trying a plethora of allopathic and naturopathic protocols, I am now at peace, happy and successful. I thrive despite the pain, using a variety of psychological and practical strategies. As an empowerment and resilience coach, I help other women living with chronic pain and illness look beyond physical symptoms and take a holistic view of their healing. My practice is grounded in mindfulness, compassion, and Acceptance. I have worked with women with cancer, reproductive health challenges, autoimmune disease as well as congenital disorders. I am a co-author of the upcoming book 'Healing Chronic Pain.' My research manuscript on the lived experience of British South Asian women with endometriosis is also currently being prepared for publication in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
 
Shabnam's Information
Website: www.thornsandrosescoaching.com
Instagram: Shabnam_Rakhiba
Facebook: Unapologetic Women Collective-Chronic Illness Support 
 
 
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Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedaniproject
Episode Transcript: Coming Soon
 
*This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. NeoBilities LLC.

Nico Meyering | Becoming a Better Disability Advocate and Ally

Hey there Earthlings! 
Today we are beaming up the disability advocate Nico Meyering. In this episode, we discuss how to be a disabled advocate, what it means to be a disabled ally, and what allyship and advocacy look like in different settings. 
 
Nico Meyering has lived in New York, California, Texas, and Pennsylvania. He lives with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome, a rare nervous system disability with under 2000 cases globally. From 2015 to 2021, Nico was on the board of the CCHS Family Network and has recently launched a series of virtual panel discussions featuring members of the CCHS community. Nico served in AmeriCorps from 2014-2016 and is currently the co-chair for the Philadelphia AmeriCorps Alumni chapter board. Nico is a member of the Philadelphia Mayor's Commission for People with Disabilities, a founding member of the Diversability Leadership Collective, and a member of the National Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame. He has been awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award twice. He graduated from Binghamton University in 2013 with his MPA.
 
Nicos's Information
YouTubehttps: Nico Meyering
Instagram: Namestartswithn
Twitter: Namestartswithn
 
Mentions:
NORD: https://rarediseases.org
CCHS Family Network: https://www.cchsnetwork.org
Chronically Capable: https://www.wearecapable.org//
Global Genes: https://globalgenes.org
Diversiblitiy: https://mydiversability.com
National Council for Independent Living: https://ncil.org
 
Please keep track of our intergalactic 
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Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedaniproject
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Twitter: BilitiesNeo
Facebook: NeoBilities
Episode Transcript: Coming Soon
 
*This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. NeoBilities LLC.

James Geiger | In Pursuit of Creativity in an Able-bodied World

Hey there Earthlings! 
 
Today we are beaming up the innovative James Geiger M. Ed. In this episode, James and Tessa talk about cerebral palsy, creativity, disability representation, disability language, the Lizzo and Beyonce fiasco, and living in an able-bodied world. 
 
It is no coincidence that James Geiger has an unadulterated appreciation for life. This thirty-wight-year-old graduate of the University of South Florida not only boasts a BA in Theatre Arts and an M. Ed. in Instructional Technology but owns his own business specializing in portrait photography. As a multidimensional artist, James strives to open minds, empower hearts, and rekindle the human spirit through film, photography, and the power of words. Watch out for James Geiger; he might just change your life.
 
Jame's Information: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgeiger
Instagram: jamesability84
Tik Tok: jamesability84
 
Please keep track of our intergalactic explorations by following us on The DANI. Project & NeoBilities Socials:
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Facebook: NeoBilities
Episode Transcript: Coming Soon
 
*This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. NeoBilities LLC.

Chris Mitchell | A Different Perspective on Disabilities in Personal, Professional, & Romantic Life

Hey there Earthlings! 
 
Today we are beaming up author and host of the Successful and disABLED Podcast Chris Mitchell. Chris has a great sense of humor and a positive outlook on life that will leave you smiling and laughing. In this episode, we explore empowerment, accountability, defining yourself, having a positive attitude, how to be a good ally, and romantic relationships. 
This podcast is all about elevating disabled voices and learning new perspectives on disabilities. Chris's unique viewpoints highlight the importance of positivity and feeling empowered despite the ablism those with disabilities may face.
Chris is a disability advocate who focuses on helping others achieve their vision of success. He is the founder of #DefineYourself and a motivational speaker and blogger. Mr. Michelle is a self-published author of "It Doesn't Define Me: How I Rebuilt My Life After Surviving an Ischemic Stroke to My Spinal Cord." His book tells how he built an eBay business after surviving an incomplete spinal cord injury has been shared in Entrepreneur magazine Starting an eBay Business. Chris was listed in the Who's Who in American Junior Colleges and has earned the 2000 Co-disabled employee of the year award.
 
Chris's Information: 
Personal Website: https://thechrismitchell.com
Define Yourself Website: defineyourselfers.com *Coming Soon
Podcast: Successful and disABLED Podcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IMChrisMitchell/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/imchrismitchell
Instagram: thechrismitchellofdfs
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU0S5EH8YdD3SUBUHiGwc6A
 
Keep track of our intergalactic 
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Twitter: BilitiesNeo
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Episode Transcript: Coming Soon
 
*This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. NeoBilities LLC.

Meghan South | Life and Advocacy at the Intersection of Disability and Mental Health

Hey there Earthlings! 
*TW*
Today we are beaming up mental health advocate and activist Meghan South. In this episode, Meghan shares her personal mental health journey and how living with multiple marginalized identities shaped her perspective and experiences. Meghan became disabled due to a workplace accident while striving to provide for herself and her daughter. Over the years, she struggled to cope with her injury and the stresses of life, which led to the mental health challenges she advocates for today. 
As a disabled woman of color, Meghan's story sheds light on how living in a world of sexism, racism, and ableism can take a toll on even the most resilient individuals. 
Today Meghan works alongside other mental health advocates to help encourage policy reform and address mental health service disparities. 
*TW: Mention of Substance Use
Follow Meghan at: 
Facebook: Meghan South 
Instagram: Meghan South 
Mentioned: 
7 Cups of Tea: https://www.7cups.com
Dr. Bernice King: https://berniceking.com
Dr. Gabor Maté https://drgabormate.com
 
Keep track of our intergalactic 
explorations by following us on The DANI. Project & NeoBilities Socials:
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Facebook: NeoBilities
Episode Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JJyCd3CX4PZ6LpJ_pKX7pYdVN4diYBW6/view?usp=sharing
 
*This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. NeoBilities LLC.

Deana Tsiapalis | A Candid Conversation about the Journey of Chronic Pain

Hey there Earthlings! 
Today we are beaming up an inspiring pain coach, Deana Tsiapalis, the head pain coach and chief curator at Pain 2 Possibilities, an online community for those living with chronic pain. In this episode, we talk about the chronic pain journey, body positivity and neutrality, holistic vs. medical model approaches to pain, and more. 
Deana studied physical health and education at the University of Toronto and Lifestyle Management at George Brown College. She is a certified wellness coach through the American College of Sports Medicine and focuses solely on chronic pain. Deana is also a remedial movement specialist. As a pain coach, Deana helps bridge the gap between physician and chronic pain warrior with pain education, coaching, and community. Deana also lives with intermittent pain via Migraines.
*This episode is not medical advice*
Deana's Information: 
Website: https://pain2possibilities.com
Podcast: The 15-minute Chronic Pain Experience (Google, Apple, Spotify) https://pain2possibilities.com/
The readiness to change quiz:https://pain2possibilities.com/chronicpainquiz/
Email: deana@pain2possibilities.com
Mentioned: Dr. Rachel Zoffness has been interviewed in many podcasts and is a great resource.
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Episode Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LFtC_ckNszddgEDpS_YoeWP7W-LWCysX/view?usp=sharing
*This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only: Copyright 2022, NeoBilities LLC.

Michelle Agopsowicz | Disability Trauma and the Path to Sacred Social Justice

Hey there Earthlings! 
*TW*
Today we are beaming up phenomenal social worker Michelle Agopsowicz, BCR, MSW, RSW. In this episode, we explore trauma stemming from the disabled experience, the idea of sacred justice, and how folks can break through their internalized biases surrounding disabilities. 
 
Michelle offers counseling and education opportunities from a holistic, trauma-informed perspective. She aims to create wellness and balance by integrating traditional counseling and energy techniques. This approach has developed through her own journey of having an autoimmune condition, trauma, and anxiety. She offers practices and discussions that can guide us to live a more fulfilled and authentic experience with self-compassion. She strongly believes trauma is a universal human experience that affects the body, mind, and spirit. She believes that addressing our suffering leads to a beautiful, painful journey and ultimately reconstructs our fundamental meaning of compassion, humanity, and our place in the world.
*TW: IPV/DV, Abuse* 
Michelle's Information: 
Website: www.illuminatedpathcounselling.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IlluminatedPathCounselling/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0VTCoRREhaMME9y-2_QRZg 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-agopsowicz-a74672219
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illuminatedpathcounselling/?hl=en 
Courses:
https://illuminatedpathcounselling.thinkific.com/
https://michelle-s-school-b43d.thinkific.com/
https://michelle-s-school-b43d.thinkific.com/courses/trauma-recovery-method 
Website: www.illuminatedpathcounselling.com
 
Keep track of our intergalactic 
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Episode Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mald0ff_9cz85gDMv80EZKDrcEiVAAeM/view?usp=sharing
*This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Copyright 2022, NeoBilities LLC.

John Felageller | Fatherhood with an Autistic Child; Working Towards the Future

Hey there Earthlings! 
*TW*
Today we are beaming up John Felageller. John has spent almost 20 years in education, working with children from infants to middle school, serving in various roles, including teacher, mentor teacher, and school director. He is passionate about public speaking and adult/parent education and has conducted several curriculum workshops at previous schools. John has also been very involved in his church community, having served on fundraising teams, as a ministry leader, and Sunday School teacher. John lives in Highwood, IL, and is a single father to his son Christopher (ASD); and is currently the Ministry Relations Manager at Joni and Friends Chicago. He is a regular contributor to Key Ministry's Special Needs Family blog and other special needs blogs, including Hope Anew and The Mighty. John has been a presenter at several special needs ministry conferences and has done podcasts and Facebook Live interviews. He coordinates a special needs dads meetup in his community and works with several other local special needs organizations serving parents and children. 
***TW: Brief Mention of Suicide***
 
John's Website: https://johnfelageller.com
Facebook blog page: www.facebook.com/johnsspecialneedsblog
Joni and Friends Chicago: www.joniandfriends.org/chicago 
Special Fathers Network: www.21stcenturydads.org
 
Keep track of our intergalactic 
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Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedaniproject
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Twitter: BilitiesNeo
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Episode Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DSmxQ0YQKM9TpZVAftDnuChc4pfUkK3G/view?usp=sharing
*This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Copyright 2022, NeoBilities LLC.