Living My Best Disabled Life
By Olivia Murphy
Educate: Learn about disability rights, accessibility, and the lived experiences of disabled people.
Advocate: Explore ways to support and advocate for the disabled community.
Celebrate: Join in celebrating the achievements and stories of disabled people.
Beyond the Algorithm with Rachel Bender
In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Bender disability advocate, digital creator, and storyteller—to talk about navigating politics in the digital space through the lens of disability advocacy.
We discuss why representation matters, how creators can use their platforms for political impact, and the importance of making space for conversations around invisible disability, chronic illness, and disability justice online.
A conversation about advocacy, authenticity, and using your voice to create change.
Exploring It’s All in Your Head: A Conversation with Author Sabina Nordqvist
In this episode of 'Living My Best Disabled Life', Sabina Nordqvist discusses her book 'It's All in Your Head', a spoonie romance that explores the lives of two chronically ill individuals navigating love and ableism. The conversation delves into the inspiration behind the book, the importance of authentic disability representation in literature, and the challenges of writing intimacy in romance for disabled characters. Sabina shares her experiences with medical gaslighting, the complexities of ableism, and the excitement and anxiety surrounding her book's publication. The episode concludes with reflections on living a fulfilling life as a disabled person and the vibrant community that supports it.
Use this link to get a discount on your next pair of Billy footwear.
Rare Disease Awareness: a Conversation with Kelly and Avery
Two friends living with the same rare disease and hosts of the Wheel Talk With Kelly & Avery Podcast join Olivia for a special Rare Disease Day conversation. They share their personal journeys, discuss the realities of living with a rare disease and reflect on the inspiration behind launching their podcast to amplify disabled voices and build community.
Listen to Wheel Talk With Kelly & Avery Podcast
Website: http://ladieslivingrare.com/wheel-talk-podcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWheelTalkPodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewheeltalkpodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWheelTalkPodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewheeltalkpod
Spotify for Creators: creators.spotify.com/pod/show/the-wheel-talk-podcast
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wheel-talk-with-kelly-and-avery-podcast/id1836473324
Connect with Kelly Berger
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekellyberger/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekellyberger/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thekellyberger/
Connect with Avery Roberts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avery.nicole916/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/averyroberts916
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/averyroberts916/
Advocacy Through Art with Briana Raucci
In this episode of Living My Best Disabled Life, host Olivia Murphy sits down with artist, photographer, and writer Briana Raucci for an honest conversation about creativity, disability, and advocacy.
Briana shares her journey from aspiring photographer to multidisciplinary artist and storyteller, using her lived experience with multiple disabilities to inform and shape her work. Together, they discuss the barriers disabled creatives face in the job market, the importance of self-advocacy, and the emotional toll that activism can take. Briana reflects on how art can challenge stereotypes, create authentic representation, and serve as a powerful tool for education and connection.
She also opens up about freelancing, disability journalism, and her experiences with crowdfunding to sustain her creative and advocacy projects. The episode highlights the urgent need for diverse perspectives in media and journalism, and underscores the transformative power of storytelling in fostering understanding, accessibility, and inclusion.
Support the podcast: You can support Living My Best Disabled Life by purchasing accessible footwear from Billy Footwear and receive 10% off your order using this link:
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Education as Liberation: A Conversation With Saphire Murphy
this conversation, Olivia Murphy speaks with Saphire Murphy about her journey into disability advocacy, the importance of education, and the need for inclusive spaces for disabled voices. They discuss the organic nature of advocacy, the impact of intersectionality, and the challenges faced by disabled individuals in pursuing education and community engagement. Sapphire shares her aspirations for creating a guidebook to promote inclusivity in various movements and emphasizes the beauty and complexity of living with a disability.
takeaways
- Advocacy often happens organically rather than being a planned path.
- Education is a powerful tool that cannot be taken away.
- Disabled individuals should not be limited by their disabilities.
- Intersectionality plays a crucial role in understanding diverse experiences within the disability community.
- Community engagement is essential for amplifying disabled voices.
- Disabled people must be included in conversations that affect them.
- Advocacy work can feel overwhelming, but every small impact counts.
- The importance of allyship in disability advocacy cannot be overstated.
- Creating inclusive spaces benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities.
- Living one's best disabled life involves sharing knowledge and experiences with others.
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Your purchase helps keep the podcast and my disability-related content going.
You get a discount while supporting disability advocacy and storytelling.
Beyond the Label: Lolita Milena on Life, Disability, and Determination
this episode, Lolita opens up about her journey from a difficult childhood to becoming an accomplished actress and content creator. She discusses living with a disability, how media representation has evolved, and why independence and empowerment are essential for disabled individuals. Olivia and Lolita also talk about the power of community, the importance of building an engaged audience, and the role brand partnerships play in shaping creative careers. The conversation explores how disability is becoming more visible in the arts and the continued work needed to achieve genuine inclusivity and representation.
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Blind Baddie: Marissa Hirt on Vision, Advocacy, and Workplace Inclusion
In this episode, Olivia talks to Marissa Hirt (@marissa.hirt) about her journey of resilience, adaptation, and advocacy. From early vision loss to navigating college, career challenges, and life as legally blind, Marissa shares how she’s embraced empowerment, purpose, and joy.
Follow her story on Instagram @marissa.hirt and discover how she inspires inclusion, confidence, and bold living every day.
Conversation with Sagar O’Hare: Disability Power on the Hill
The 10%: Erin Field’s Vision for Disability Community and Connection
in this episode of Living My Best Disabled Life, Olivia is joined by Erin Field a C5/6 quadriplegic, disability advocate, and future trauma therapist. Erin shares the story behind The 10%, a new community app designed to help disabled people connect, share resources, and support one another. Together, they discuss the power of peer connection, the realities of life after injury, and why building community matters.Follow Erin on Instagram: @erin.fieldd
Support the show and explore adaptive footwear through my Billy Footwear affiliate link:
https://billyfootwear.com/?ref=LIVING_MY_BEST_DISABLED_LIFE
Spastic Chatter: Whitney Bailey’s Path to Confidence and Advocacy
Olivia Murphy sits down with Whitney Bailey, disability advocate and former host of Spastic Chatter, to talk about her journey in the disability community. Whitney shares how she navigates online negativity, embraces support without shame, and uses her background in rehabilitation services to empower herself and others.
This episode dives into how advocacy, mindset shifts, and education helped Whitney build a life rooted in confidence, connection, and purpose.
Humor, hashtags and Hustle: A Conversation with Cassidy Huff
in this episode of Living My Best Disabled Life, I sit down with Cassidy Huff—actress, voice-over artist, best-selling author, and disability rights activist. Cassidy shares how she uses storytelling, social media, and performance to challenge stereotypes and advocate for authentic disability representation in the entertainment industry.
We talk about everything from navigating the spotlight as a disabled creator to the power of using your voice—both literally and figuratively—to create meaningful change. Cassidy’s passion, humor, and honesty shine as she reflects on her journey and what drives her to keep showing up for her community.
Body Grief: A Conversation with Jayne Mattingly
In the season premiere of Living My Best Disabled Life, host Olivia Murphy sits down with disability advocate and eating disorder recovery coach Jayne Mattingly. As the CEO of Recovery Love and Care and founder of The AND Initiative, Jayne is dedicated to supporting individuals with chronic illness and physical disabilities. She also explores the emotional and psychological journey of living in a changing body in her book, Body Grief.
In this episode, Olivia and Jayne discuss:
✅ The concept of body grief and how it impacts the disabled community
✅ The intersection of disability and eating disorder recovery
✅ Jayne’s journey as an advocate and the mission behind The AND Initiative
✅ Practical advice for navigating self-acceptance and healing
Tune in for an empowering conversation about resilience, self-love, and redefining recovery on your own terms!
🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms!
📚 Get This Is Body Grief: Making Peace with the Loss That Comes with Living in a Body here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0593656792?tag=randohouseinc7986-20
Support Living My Best Disabled Life and get 10% off your next pair of Billy’s shoes! Shop here.
Challenging Norms: Jill Cabernel on Disability and Body Confidence
Jill Cabernel shares her journey living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and kyphoscoliosis and how it shaped her work as a content creator. She discusses embracing her disability, navigating the intersection of disability and fashion, and offering advice to her younger self. Jill also touches on mental health, tackling societal norms, and her goals for the future of disability representation.
Support accessibility in fashion by shopping through my Billy Footwear affiliate link: Billy Footwear.
Comedy and SMA: Tyler Lima-Roope's Perspective
In this episode, Olivia chats with Tyler Lima-Roope, a comedy content creator from California. Tyler, known for his humorous stories on TikTok and Instagram, shares his experiences living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Join us to hear about his journey, the challenges he faces, and how he uses a mix of humor and authenticity to connect with his audience.
Repost: Tourette's & Music: A Conversation with Dylan Brady
In honor of Tourette's Awareness Month, I'm releasing one of the top five episodes. This episode features singer-songwriter Dylan Brady. His music is like no other artist. It's somewhere between pop and country. Diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at the age of 13, Dylan found opportunities within his differences. He began speaking in schools all over the US and even Canada, spreading not only awareness of Tourette Syndrome but people’s differences in general, saying, “Everybody’s got something. And we have to accept ourselves and accept others, regardless of what that “something,” is.” This opened up opportunities to be on Disney Channel, work with Zac Brown Band and his Camp Southern Ground, work alongside Rascal Flatts, and so much more. Website:dylancbrady.com
Instagram:instagram.com/dylancbrady
Spotify:open.spotify.com/artist/69Lf9TlJ7qID862aDGbZx1?si=FMIvNk86QI-h1iDFjkPGNAApple Music:music.apple.com/us/artist/dylan-brady/1066416183Facebook: facebook.com/dylanbradymusic
Dancer on Wheels: A Triumph for Dance Representation with Kaylee Bays
In this episode, Kaylee Bays, a pioneering wheelchair dancer from "So You Think You Can Dance," shares her remarkable journey.
Kaylee discusses the early signs of EDS before her diagnosis at 21, the impact of using a wheelchair on her dance career, and her groundbreaking experience on the show. She talks about the influence of her performance on the perception of disabled dancers, offers advice to others facing similar challenges, and shares ways the dance community can be more inclusive.
Discover how being part of the Rollettes dance team has shaped her personal and professional growth and changed perceptions of wheelchair dancing. Kaylee also reveals upcoming projects, her mentoring approach, and her vision for the future of disability representation in dance. Don't miss this conversation with Kaylee Bays, a true trailblazer in the dance world. follow her @slayleebays
From Passion to Action: Victoria O'Brien's Journey with Wheelie You
In this episode, I spoke with Victoria O'Brien, who has cerebral palsy. Victoria is the co-founder of Wheelie You, an organization dedicated to fostering connections among disabled individuals and raising awareness about various disabilities. She holds a master's degree in public administration with a focus on nonprofits and a bachelor's degree in strategic communication and leadership. Victoria's work with Wheelie You demonstrates her commitment to creating a supportive community, advocating for disability inclusion, promoting accessibility, and educating about disabilities.
Wheeling Through Motherhood: A Conversation with Dr. Lindsey Urley, Founder of Wheel Good Motherhood
psychologist, about motherhood as a "wheelie mom." She shared her
experience creating the brand Wheel Good Motherhood, which aims to support
wheelie moms and provide them with a safe and supportive place to connect. You can follow her at @wheel.good.motherhood.
Pole Dancing with Cerebral Palsy: A Conversation with Jackie Robinson
In this episode, I had a conversation with Jackie Robinson, a
software engineer from Dallas, TX. She has cerebral palsy spastic diplegia and
uses an ambulatory wheelchair. Jackie is also a pole dancer who has been
exploring ways to adapt pole dancing to incorporate her wheelchair and
increase representation in a type of dance that lacks disabled people.
Seat of Empowerment: Ali Cameron, Founder of Seated Perspectives
Join Alli Cameron and I in this episode as we delve into Alli's journey with @seated. Perspectives. Alli, a disabled woman herself, will share her experiences and how they've fueled her mission to amplify the voices of disabled women. We'll explore Alli's strategies for creating engaging content on Instagram and the crucial role of representation for disabled women in media. Additionally, Alli will provide insights into her newsletter and upcoming Instagram advocacy course tailored specifically for disability advocates, whether they're just getting started or looking to refine their brand. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation about disability advocacy and empowering disabled women in our community.
Bella Adlah: Dancing, Acting, and Changing Lives
In this episode, I sit down with Bella Adlah, a resilient individual with many passions and a drive to make a difference. Bella wears many hats as she pursues her aspirations as an aspiring nurse, dancer, and founder of her nonprofit organization.
We dive deep into Bella's journey, starting with the life-altering event that occurred when she was just 16 years old: a vaccine injury that left her paralyzed. Despite facing numerous neurological and autoimmune disorders, Bella's determination remains unyielding, propelling her on a path of resilience.
Lights, Camera, Action! Changing the Narrative Through the Easter Seals Disability Film Challenge, Featuring Joci Scott
In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Joci Scott, a multi-talented actress, singer, dancer, and content creator based in Los Angeles. At the age of 20, Joci's life took a dramatic turn when she became paralyzed due to a T12 spinal cord injury sustained in a plane crash. Despite the glaring absence of wheelchair users in her favorite movies and TV shows, Joci's determination to pursue her dream of acting never wavered. Her journey is one of resilience and unwavering commitment to advocating for equal and authentic representation of people with disabilities in the entertainment industry.
Finding Harmony: Navigating the Music Industry as a Disabled Musician
In this episode, Teddy Cosmo, a disabled musician, offers valuable insights into his life with cerebral palsy. Teddy candidly discusses the challenges he faces, such as spasticity and hand tremors, and how these impact his journey as a musician.
Throughout the conversation, Teddy delves into the obstacles disabled performers encounter in an industry often inaccessible. He highlights the vital role of inclusivity and representation in media, advocating for equal opportunities for all musicians. Teddy shares personal anecdotes of navigating inaccessible venues and underscores the significance of community connections within the disabled community.
Dateability: Breaking Barriers in the Dating App World - A Conversation with Jacqueline and Alexa Child
In this episode, the founders of Dateability discussed their app's unique approach to dating for people with disabilities. They emphasized the importance of accessibility and inclusivity, which sets Dateability apart from other dating platforms. The app offers a range of features that cater to the specific needs of people with disabilities, such as the ability to filter matches based on accessibility requirements. Through Dateability, people with disabilities and chronic illnesses have access to a safe and secure space to meet and connect with others who share similar experiences. Overall, Dateability is a promising app that has the potential to revolutionize online dating for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
Embracing Dance and Advocacy: Alex Martinez's Journey in Performing Arts
spina bifida recounts her journey in the performing arts, particularly her
adaptations in ballet and hip hop. She elaborates on her choreographic
preferences, emphasizing her affinity for lyrics, and highlights her aspirations of mainstream inclusion for wheelchair dancers. Alex delves into
the challenges of performing on stage, underscoring the importance of
communication, spatial awareness, and stamina in musical theater. She also
highlights the significance of portraying disabled individuals leading
fulfilling lives and disseminating awareness through online platforms. As a
result, Alex aims to empower disabled artists to live their best-disabled lives
through dance and joy online. Tune in to hear about Alex's passion for dance
and representation.
The Transformative Power of Creative Expression: Turning Pain into Power with Tracy Coval
In this episode, I am joined by Tracy Coval, a T7 incomplete paraplegic, who shares her remarkable journey of transforming chronic pain and disability into power through creative arts. Tracy discusses the healing power of creative expression, the impact of art therapy, and her insightful book, "An Untethered Truth, A Medical Journey'.
Empathy Unleashed: Inclusion, Service Dogs, and Insights with Bre Coleman
In this episode, Bre, a social work student with osteogenesis imperfecta, shares how her disability has shaped her perspective on life and her career path. She talks about the positive impact of her service dog, from assisting with daily tasks to providing emotional support. Brie discusses navigating professional environments, dealing with misconceptions, and advocating for accessibility. She emphasizes the importance of empathy and inclusivity and shares her journey of advocacy work within the disability community.
Tiffany Pervis: Empowering Voices in Political Landscapes
A conversation with Joseph Kibler: Creative Journey, Disability, and TikTok Success
Joseph Kibler, an actor, writer, and content creator, joins
me on the show to discuss his creative journey, growing up with a disability.
and HIV, his success on TikTok with humorous yet relatable content poking fun
at the challenges of being disabled, as well as his past and future projects.
Breaking Barriers with Inclusive Art and Advocacy: A Conversation with Courtney Gabrus
Courtney Gabrus has a rare form of muscular dystrophy and
survived a stroke at 22; she is on a journey to entrepreneurship. Her
all-inclusive coloring books break boundaries and bring joy to many. Courtney's
story is a testament to resilience and inclusivity, proving that passion and
determination know no bounds. In this episode, Courtney and I discuss her
disability advocacy journey and how it led her to create inclusive coloring
books and start her live podcast.
Authentic Disability Representation in Literature: A Discussion with Author Claire Forrest
Talented novelist Claire Forrest joins me to share her experience writing her young adult novel, Where You See Yourself, where draws from her experience as a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy. She also shares advice for fellow disabled writers, To learn more about Claire, visit her on Instagram and TikTok at @claire4est or check out her other work on claireforrest.com
Finding Strength in Uncertainty: a Conversation with Hailey Kinter
Haliey Kinter is back to share life/health updates and how she she has stayed positive through her two most recent life changing surgeries Hailey Kinter, a vibrant 28-year-old yoga teacher who embraces life to the fullest, even while using a wheelchair. Despite being misdiagnosed, Hailey maintains a positive outlook and believes that getting sick, injured, and aging are natural parts of life. Her sincere dedication to making yoga accessible to everyone is evident in her classes and free content available on her website and Instagram. If you're interested in following Hailey's inspiring recovery journey, be sure to check out her YouTube channel as well.
To take Yoga Classes with Hailey, go to www.yogaforallhumans.com
For more free yoga content, check out her Instagram @DisabledYogi
Check out the BLOG, disabledyogi.blogspot.com/
Beautiful survivor: a conversation with Christa Carius
In this episode, author Christa Carius shares her story of
resilience and survival. She is the author of two books. Christa Carius's life is a product of the trauma she experienced from age
18. Young Christa just graduated high school and met a man during this time.
She hoped she would be her soul mate. In spite of her clean moral compass and character, time
progressed, and she eventually found herself a victim of sex trafficking.
A motorcycle accident led to her breaking her spine, which
compounded years of sexual assault and abuse by her boyfriend and other men.
The doctors predicted Christa would live a miserable life
with quadriplegia, but she seized the moment and strategically changed the
the course of her life.
she’s now a special education teacher, a loving
wife, and a mom of four.
In both books, she shares the wisdom she has gained from her
life experiences with those who have experienced catastrophic trauma act as guides for other lost souls.
Turning Adversity into Glitter
Turning Adversity into Glitter: Cairus, Christa: 9798648761278: Amazon.com: Books
Beautiful Survivor: Escaping the Statistics
Beautiful Survivor: Escaping the Statistics: Cairus, Christa: 9781652856016: Amazon.com: Books
Conversation with Emily Bottnick about Cerebral Palsy and Aging
A conversation with TikTok Stars Baker Banter
In this episode, I talked to siblings Derek and Jenna, Co-creators of Baker Banter. They use their platform to normalize Derek's life
with Down syndrome and document all the opportunities given to
them while spreading awareness of Down syndrome and the disability community.
Carving Your Own Path: a Conversation with Morgan Bachmann
Making Every Moment Count :a Conversation with Sydni Dupre
A conversation with Autism Advocate Cory Singer
Designing an accessible space:a conversation with Maegan Blau of Blue Copper Design
Autism & Intersectionality with Lauren Melissa Ellzey
Teaching with a Disability: a conversation with Kaylee Blake
Becoming a Disabled Nurse: a Conversation with Hannah Lutz
Asking For a Friend :a conversation with Brigetta
Wheelchair racing :a Conversation with Wheelchair Racer Arielle Rausin
Fitness and Nutrition: a Conversation with Nikki Walsh
Journalism & Pop Culture: a Conversation with Keah Brown
Social Media & Disability: A Conversation with Grace Nova
Chiari Malformation Awareness :A Conversation with Alex Maldonado
A Interabled Social Media Love story: A Conversation with Jacob and Savannah
Intimacy and Relationships: a Conversation with Izzie and David
She also works with Pure Romance: www.pureromance.com/isabellabullock.