Disability Reality Podcast
By Melanie Rivera Waldman
EPISODE 9 - LACHI "I IDENTIFY AS BLIND" AND RAMP'D
A couple of disabled-Aries-baddies walk into a podcast... and OH, how they ATE. Our guest in our 9th episode is the iconic Grammy nominated artist, named Lachi* (yes, like Versace)
Host Melanie Rivera Waldman interviews Lachi, a Grammy-nominated recording artist, advocate, and founder of Ramp’d, an organization supporting music professionals with disabilities. They discuss Lachi's journey with disability, neurodivergence, her impactful work in the music industry, and her upcoming book 'I Identify as Blind,' which celebrates neurodivergence and disability culture.
Key Topics
- Lachi's personal journey with blindness and neurodivergence
- The founding and mission of Ramp’d organization
- The importance of disability representation in the music industry
- Lachi's upcoming book 'I Identify as Blind' and accessibility features
- The role of mentorship and community in disability advocacy
Takeaways
- Embracing your disability and neurodivergence leads to greater authenticity and success.
- Creating inclusive spaces in the music industry benefits everyone.
- Mentorship and community are vital for empowering disabled artists.
- Disability culture is a source of innovation and creativity.
- Lachi's story exemplifies resilience and the power of authenticity.
Sound Bites
- "We all mask to each other, hiding our true selves."
- "Disability culture is a source of innovation and creativity."
- "The biggest adversity is what we overcompensate for."
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Personal Background
09:06
Journey to the Grammys and Mentorship
11:31
The Book: 'I Identify as Blind'
15:00
Living with Blindness and Neurodivergence
20:39
Maladaptive Daydreaming and Creativity
24:52
Founding Ramp’d: A Movement for Disabled Artists
36:07
Ramp’d’s Growth and Community Impact
41:15
Embracing Disability Identity and Reality
Keywords
Disability advocacy, neurodivergence, music industry, Ramp'd, Grammy, accessibility, neurodivergent leadership, disability representation, mental health, inclusive music, synesthesia
Action Items
- Visit Ramp’d to learn how to support or join the organization.
- Pre-save or purchase Lachi's upcoming book 'I Identify as Blind'.
- Reflect on your own masking behaviors and embrace authenticity.
- Catch Lachi's incredible music videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA2PBmpnjG3kZLDEI2asbXA
- Follow @lachimusic & @ramp_up on all social platforms
Thank you to our paid sponsors Liza, Nib and "Map" & Substack Monthly Suscriber: CCraftCollective
Episode 8 - Jillian Ilana Curwin, Take 2: Authentic Representation "For Good"
In episode 8, "oh what a celebration, we'll have today!" we're joined one of our favorite fellow disabled-Jersey-Girls", Jillian Ilana Curwin for another "clock tick" on the show. "Thank Goodness!"
Breakdown:
Jill joins host Melanie Rivera Waldman, as they explore themes of disability representation in media, personal journeys, and the dynamics of reality TV. They discuss the importance of authentic representation & portrayals of disabled individuals--in the media, the impact of mental health on their lives, and the significance of attending the (then) future premiere, of "Wicked:For Good".
The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating social issues within the realm of entertainment, particularly in the context of what's called the "Bravoverse"/ Bravo's Network's reality TV programming, especially via "The Housewives" franchises.
Chapters
00:00 Melanie's Intro: "(Flirting) Through Life"
02:54 Disability and Reality
05:29 Wicked Premiere: A Celebration of Representation
08:24 Media and Disability: Lifting the Veil
11:14 Reality TV: Where did the Disabled People Go?
14:10 The Impact of Representation in Film
16:57 Bravo and Below Deck: A Reality TV Revolution
19:40 Housewives and Social Commentary
30:42 Reality TV Dynamics and Personal Connections
33:09 Insults and Their Impact in Reality TV
36:10 More on Disability Representation in Reality Television
39:04 The Evolution of Reality TV and Authentic Representation
41:49 Cultural Commentary and Social Issues in Reality Shows
45:45 The Future of Reality TV and Representation
disability, media representation, reality TV, Wicked, mental health, inspiration porn, Bravo, Olympic dreams, personal journeys, social issues
Episode 7 - Emily Ladau + a "Wicked(ly Brief)” Recap
FULL SHOW NOTES, COMING SOON -
Please welcome my dear friend Emily Ladau, who honestly felt like a warm and cozy cup of activist self-care. I, who also happens to be a killer-advocate for Disability rights, as well as the author of one of my (non-biased but) absolute favorite books on the subject: "Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally."
Our episode begins with a closer look and a bit of a story-time, of my very own "one short day" at the premiere of "Wicked: For Good".Rounding out my interview with Emily, I share my gratitude for all of you, sweet audience of ours!
Content alert: If blubbering and happy-tears are at all a trigger to you, please keep scrolling and bless your sweet heart for getting thru today, alone! BELIEVE ME, that alone can be HEAVY some days, and big feelings are okay. Moments unacknowledged on-air:
- Emily, thank you for loving my nub heart and for thinking “it’s way cuter!!!”
- In my outro, I sadly forgot to mention and thank you to all of my OG’s & previous podcast guests, you know who you are from this podcast AND the last—you’re truly the real ones!
- Shout out as always to NBC Universal —
- All photos and images are and shall remain the property of Melanie Waldman LLC
- Theme song courtesy of Artlist “Who’s That” Ty simon
To purchase Emily’s work:“Demystifying Disability” by Emily Ladau on Audible, Kindle & paperback: https://amzn.to/4pTpeiY #DisTeaPod #DisabilityReality #DisabilityRealityPodcast #DisabilityActivism #DemystifyingDisability
L'chaiam.. Literally! A Mini-sode Miracle Mitzvah
To make a generous donation in honor of my “Nub-Mitzvah-Project” 12th alive day, here are the links to the organizations that you can donate to:
Lucky Fin Project
AAPD American Association for Person with disabilities
https://secure.everyaction.com/Yc3t1__vREStfq6WbSGV5w2
Episode 6 "Austin Halls, DISABLED" for Disability Pride Month
Rounding out July 2025's Disability Pride Month with an absolute BANG is the one and only Grammy Recording Academy member (and friend of the podcast) Austin Halls.
TRUST that this episode is nothing but the most joyous of ALL joys.
Share in the laughter, love, and knowledge DROPPED along Austin’s incredible career journey and how both the one and only Lachi @rampd_up and even Gavin Degraw's music producer, all became involved, along the way!
We adore you big time, king!!!
The latest podcast episode, hosted by Melanie Rivera Waldman is out and streaming wherever you get your podcasts, NOW!
For more on the podcast & our host:
Host Melanie Rivera Waldman https://linktr.ee/onairmelaniewaldman
Disability Reality Podcast Linktree
https://linktr.ee/Disabilityrealitypod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share
Interested in becoming a Substack Producer?
Subscribe Here:
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#DisabilityPride #AustinHalls #Disabled #DisabledIcon #RAMPD #RAMPDup
Episode 5 "Good Bad Things" with Danny Kurtzman
Summary
In this episode of the Disability Reality Podcast, host Melanie Waldman speaks with Danny Kurtzman about his feature film 'Good Bad Things.' They discuss the film's impact on the disability community, the importance of authentic representation in media, and the collaborative process of filmmaking. Danny shares his personal journey in the film industry, the significance of community support during challenging times, and the emotional aspects of processing disability grief. The conversation emphasizes the need for continued advocacy and involvement in creating more inclusive content.
Link to donation spreadsheet of gofundme’s:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CJeOpQWsVCo6VYXAvChXVvoYzxVJiKPn3nMTCFVMUWc/edit?gid=0#gid=0
Takeaways
- Community resilience shines in times of crisis.
- Authentic representation in film is crucial.
- Feelings should not be dictated by society.
- The journey of filmmaking is collaborative and complex.
- Disability grief is a significant emotional experience.
- Support from the community can drive success in film.
- The importance of processing emotions related to disability.
- Advocacy for more inclusive content is essential.
- The film industry needs authentic voices.
- Future projects will continue to push boundaries.
-
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Good Bad Things
03:00 Community Resilience and Support
05:52 The Meaning Behind Good Bad Things
08:58 Danny's Journey in Film and Acting
11:50 The Importance of Authentic Representation
14:52 The Collaborative Process of Filmmaking
17:45 Impact of Good Bad Things on the Community
21:01 Disability Grief and Processing Adversity
24:01 Future Aspirations and Community Involvement
27:06 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action
Mini-sode Part 2 : EDFC LIVE "Emergency Plan"
Description coming soon
Mini-sode Part 1 : EDFC LIVE "The Invalids"
Description coming soon
EP 4 "Unholy" for Passover with Daisy Friedman
SummaryIn this episode of "Disability Reality", host Melanie Waldman introduces Daisy Friedman, a young filmmaker whose short film 'Unholy' explores the intersection of disability and Jewish identity. As they discuss the film, Daisy shares her personal journey as a triple organ transplant recipient and the complexities of family dynamics surrounding her disability. The conversation delves into the themes of representation, fear, and the impact of family conversations on understanding disability, culminating in a reflection on the film's powerful narrative and its reception at the Sundance Film Festival. In this conversation, the speaker delves into the complexities of navigating anxiety, family expectations, and the representation of disability in media. They discuss the challenges of casting authentically for a film about chronic illness, the personal sacrifices made in the name of art, and the intersection of fashion and identity. The dialogue highlights the importance of addressing disability myths, the weight of representation, and the emotional maturity required to navigate these themes in both personal and public spheres.Sound Bites"I absolutely loved watching it.""That is such a niche concept.""This is my Sundance debut.""Get your grandmother out of there!"Chapters00:00Introduction to Disability Reality and Limb Difference Awareness Month02:01Introducing Daisy Friedman and Her Film Unholy04:02Daisy's Personal Journey and Family Dynamics05:50The Impact of Family Conversations on Disability07:59Exploring Themes of Fear and Representation in Unholy10:18Navigating Anxiety and Family Expectations11:33Disability Myths and Family Dynamics12:28Chronic Illness Representation in Media13:52Casting Challenges and Authenticity in Film15:11The Cost of Art and Personal Sacrifice16:35Fashion, Identity, and Public Perception18:04The Weight of Representation and LegacyLinktree to show: https://linktr.ee/DisabilityrealitypodTheme music from Artlist: Ty Simon "Who's That?"
EP 3 "The Reality of Disability (Bravo & Reality TV) "with Jillian Curwin
Summary
In this episode of the Disability Reality Podcast, host Melanie Waldman shares her personal experiences with disability, health challenges, and the impact of reality TV on her life.
Joined by guest Jillian (Ilana) Curwin, they discuss the representation of disability in media, particularly in reality TV--focusing in on their favorite Bravo shows--and how these portrayals affect public perception and personal experiences.
They explore memorable moments of disability representation, the importance of community, and the evolving narrative around disability in reality television. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of disability representation in reality television, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by individuals with invisible disabilities.
They discuss the impact of misunderstanding chronic illnesses, the importance of accurate representation, and the role of humor as a coping mechanism. The conversation also touches on accessibility in real estate, the intersection of wealth and disability, and the potential for future reality shows to include diverse representations of disability.
Time stamps
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
01:39 The Reality of Disability and Media Representation
02:55 Connecting Through Shared Experiences
04:41 The Role of Reality TV in Disability Awareness
10:53 Bravo and Its Impact on Personal Lives
19:19 Disability Representation in Reality TV
22:54 Memorable Moments of Disability Representation
30:42 Understanding Invisible Disabilities
33:31 The Impact of Misunderstanding Chronic Illness
36:23 Top Moments of Disability Representation in Reality TV
39:30 Humor and Disability: A Coping Mechanism
42:17 Accessibility in Real Estate: A Case Study
46:22 The Intersection of Wealth and Disability
50:23 Imagining Disability in Reality Shows
54:21 The Future of Disability Representation on Bravo
#DisabilityRealityPodcast #DisTeaPod #DisTeaPods #disability #DEIA #Section504 #DisabilityonBroadway #DisabilityAwareness #DisabilityonBravo #DisabilityRepresentation #ProtectDEI #ProtectSection504 #SendIt
EP 2 "Queer & Disabled-Joy" with Jillian Mercado
To donate to the Eaton Fires, visit: https://linktr.ee/eatonfire
Jillian Mercado (she/her) shares her journey from the fashion industry to acting, particularly her role inThe L Word. She discusses the importance of representation for disabled and queer individuals in media, her personal connection to her character, and the impact of her experiences on her identity.
The discussion also touches on her transformative experience with Broadway, particularly with Wicked, and the significance of historical accuracy in character portrayal. In this conversation, Jillian Mercado discusses the importance of representation for disabled individuals in media and fashion.
She emphasizesthe need for authentic casting and the integration of adaptive design in fashion. The impact of COVID-19 on creative processes and the importance of community in the industry are also highlighted. Jillian shares her aspirations for the future of adaptive fashion and the significance of finding joy in disability, advocating for unity and representation in all creative & fluid fields.
00:00Introduction and Rundown from Sundance Experience03:57The Impact of Disability Identity on Fashion06:16Character Development and Personal Connection09:04The Importance of Representation in Media12:00Wicked: A Life-Changing Experience14:51Nessa Rose and Representation in Wicked18:09Historical Accuracy in Character Portrayal19:35Representation in Fictional Worlds20:26The Aesthetics of Adaptive Design21:01Fashion and Disability: A New Perspective22:49The Impact of COVID-19 on Creative Processes24:15Navigating Intimacy and Safety on Set25:12The Essence of Queer Joy in Storytelling26:37Building Community in the Industry28:03Future Aspirations in Fashion30:04Authentic Representation in Media31:21Finding Joy in Disability32:10The Power of Community34:13The Importance of Authentic Casting35:37Unity in Advocacy
EPISODE 1 with Steve Way
In this engaging conversation, the indelible Steve Way ("Ramy" on Hulu) and host Melanie Waldman (QVC, "Goliath" on Amazon Prime) explore a variety of topics ranging from personal experiences and reflections on disability, to their journeys in the entertainment industry.
They discuss the importance of representation in media, share memories from theater and Broadway, and delve into their coping mechanisms, including substance use.
The conversation also touches on upcoming projects, aspirations for Sundance, and the significance of storytelling and advocacy in their lives.
#DisTeaPod #DisabilityRealityPodcast #DisabilityInMedia #SteveWay #Ramy Keywords #DisabilityRepresentation #DisabilityInMedia #DisabilityInHollywood #Advocacy #DisabilityInTheater #Sundance
Teaser Trailer for "Disability Reality Podcast"
Welcome one and all to Disability Reality Podcast aka Spilling the #DisTea.
Here's where we'll cover everything from pop-culture- to spicier subjects! This podcast is not rated for children, or teens, or even non-disableds. Disabled supervision is advised!
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