Staring Down the Storm: Autism Advocacy in America

Tabitha Zeigler
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Tabitha Zeigler hosts a fiery, truth-packed podcast filled with people doing the work in the trenches for autism and neurodiversity advocacy. These everyday heroes are leading the way for the next generation. At a time when so much is at stake, ordinary individuals rise up to fill the inequalities in our society. Join us in our struggles and triumphs while trying to provide resources, access, and programs for all. We welcome you to the fight. Learn more at https://staringdownthestorm.com

  1. 1 day ago

    When Power Goes Unchecked, Who Pays the Price? With Nicole Locklin

    What happens when you stop yelling at the television and decide to actually run for Congress? That’s where my conversation with Nicole Locklin begins. Nicole is an attorney, a late-diagnosed neurodivergent woman, a survivor, and now a candidate for Florida’s 26th Congressional District. She didn’t set out to become a politician. She reached a point where she decided somebody had to step up. We talk about what it means to live under political systems that can feel increasingly disconnected from the people they’re supposed to serve. Gerrymandering, campaign money, corporate influence, government accountability—these aren’t abstract political talking points when they shape whether people can afford housing, access healthcare, feel safe, or have control over their own lives. And then we get personal. Nicole and I talk about ADHD, autism, late diagnosis, sexual violence, domestic violence, and what happens when survivors are failed by institutions that are supposed to protect them. How much are we willing to tolerate from people in power? And why do we keep treating accountability like an optional feature of government? We also talk about immigration, human rights, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, and the responsibility of allies to speak up—especially when it would be easier to stay quiet. Because democracy doesn’t survive on spectators. At some point, somebody has to decide: "I’m not sitting this one out." Learn more about Nicole Locklin: Website: Locklin For Congress Email: info@locklinforcongress.com  Facebook  Instagram YouTube  Chapters 00:00 Nicole Locklin’s Journey to Politics 10:15 The Importance of Community and Roots 20:19 Navigating Neurodiversity and Advocacy 24:13 The Journey of Advocacy and Activism 27:47 The Impact of Government Actions on Communities 32:46 Confronting Societal Issues and Historical Context 37:47 Addressing Child Protection and Justice 44:58 The Rise of Extremism and Its Consequences 47:00 Navigating the Justice System 50:28 Racism and Political Accountability 57:37 The Importance of Representation 63:10 A Call for Accountability and Change Contact Tabitha: staringdownthestorm@gmail.com https://tabithazeigler.com/

    When Power Goes Unchecked, Who Pays the Price? With Nicole Locklin

  2. 4 Sept

    The Graceful Revolution: Leading From the Heart. With Dr. Melissa Bird

    What happened to the idea that loving your neighbor, caring for your community, and wanting a better life for everyone were simply… good things? Why have we allowed compassion to become a political position? I sat down with Dr. Melissa Bird for a conversation about Indigenous sovereignty, Christian nationalism, racism, faith, and what it really means to lead from the heart. Melissa is a descendant of the Chivwitz Band of Southern Paiutes, an author, preacher, pagan, mother, and former congressional candidate. But more than anything, she is deeply committed to building communities differently. We talk about her approach to intuitive leadership and her belief that dismantling white supremacist, patriarchal, colonizing structures requires us to stop telling people what they need and start listening to one another. We also have to reckon with history. The United States did not exist here 500 years ago. Indigenous nations did. And if we refuse to understand the genocide, land theft, religious suppression, and erasure woven into our national story, how can we possibly understand where we are today? Melissa and I talk about the “graceful revolution”—self-love, self-compassion, and self-reflection as foundations for changing the world. We talk about why we need accomplices, not just allies, why talking to people who disagree with us matters, and why connection may be one of our most powerful tools against fascism and Christian nationalism. Are we willing to get uncomfortable enough to actually change? Learn more about Dr. Melissa Bird below:  Visit her WEBSITE To purchase her book, Leading From The Heart, CLICK HERE! Visit her Instagram Visit her YouTube Further links:  The Rediscovery of America by Ned Blackhawk  Fresh Banana Leaves by Jessica Hernandez Bad Indians: A Tribal Memoir by Deborah A. Miranda   Reconstruction: The Unfinished Promise podcast with Malcolm Gladwell Chapters 00:00 Heart-centered leadership 05:09 Why being called “radical” is part of the problem 09:59 Native sovereignty and the meaning of “first Americans” 13:45 How Indigenous ideas shaped the Constitution 17:31 Building community in a hyperconnected but isolated country 23:56 Challenging Native identity myths with DNA and history 37:04 Coming out, maternal rejection, and identity 42:36 Midwestern respectability, race, and immigrant bias 47:11 Why younger generations are pushing for something better 57:57 Why crisis can shock people into action 65:46 Calling Congress to account and the upcoming festival appearance Contact Tabitha: staringdownthestorm@gmail.com https://tabithazeigler.com/

    The Graceful Revolution: Leading From the Heart. With Dr. Melissa Bird

  3. 28 Aug

    They Don’t Live in the Country they Govern! Who is America Working For? With Dr. Mariah Lancaster

    What happens when the people making decisions about our lives have never had to worry about making rent, paying for healthcare, or watching student debt grow despite making every payment? I sat down with Dr. Mariah Lancaster, a veterinarian, former federal employee, and congressional candidate in Massachusetts, to talk about why she believes our political system is fundamentally failing working people. Mariah and I get into the issues that politicians often try to separate: healthcare, education, student debt, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental justice, foreign policy, and the economy. Are these really separate issues—or are they all symptoms of a system that puts money and power ahead of people? We also talk about trans rights, Palestine, and the responsibility we have to stand up for people who are being scapegoated or pushed to the margins. Mariah is unapologetic about where she stands: protecting vulnerable people isn't a "culture war" issue. It's a question of whether we actually believe in equal rights. And then there's democracy itself. Who gets heard? Who gets elected? Who is buying influence? We talk about publicly funded elections, expanding the House, getting money out of politics, and what it would take to make government genuinely representative again. What kind of country could we build if we stopped accepting broken systems as inevitable? Learn more about Dr. Mariah Lancaster below: Website: http://www.MariahLancaster.com  Facebook Instagram TikTok SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN HERE!  https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ml-web  Chapters 00:00 - Dr. Mariah Lancaster and her run for Massachusetts' 6th district 02:44 - Why Congress should be made up of working people 04:51 - Replacing a politician who sold out trans kids 12:50 - Palestine, Semitic identity, and the case for coexistence 17:45 - What being non-binary means to her 23:22 - Family conversations, coming out, and the limits of old labels 28:07 - Autism, eugenics, and why she sees warning signs in current politics 34:33 - Social isolation, school experiences, and higher risk for queer youth 38:00 - Why parents should prioritize a child's safety over conformity 45:17 - How safe blue seats still shape the future of the Democratic Party 50:54 - Rebuilding the House through reform and public financing 55:23 - Private equity, essential industries, and rising costs 60:53 - Why debt and policy failure pushed her into the race 62:18 - Why she refuses a return to 1850-style politics 64:40 - Mariah Lancaster's platform and how to support the campaign Contact Tabitha: staringdownthestorm@gmail.com https://tabithazeigler.com/

    They Don’t Live in the Country they Govern! Who is America Working For? With Dr. Mariah Lancaster

  4. 7 Aug

    Can Humanity Survive Modern Politics? With Mike Stringham, Cefore X. Plosives.

    In this conversation, I sat down with Mike Stringham of Cefore X. Plosives, to tackle a question that feels more urgent than ever: what happens when ordinary people stop speaking up? We dug into corruption, political manipulation, systemic injustice, and why so many of us have been conditioned to accept things as they are. But should we? Or is the real danger believing we're too small to make a difference? Mike challenged me to think beyond outrage. It's easy to point fingers. It's harder to build something better. We talked about why critical thinking matters, why questioning authority shouldn't be controversial, and why our communities desperately need people willing to lead with courage instead of fear. If we're constantly waiting for someone else to fix the problem, aren't we becoming part of it? What struck me most was the reminder that hope isn't passive. It's contagious. Every conversation, every act of kindness, every protest, every uncomfortable question plants a seed for something bigger. We also explored our responsibility to teach the next generation to think for themselves rather than blindly accept the stories they're handed. If humanity really does hinge on what we choose to do today, then silence isn't neutral anymore. So what's it going to take before we decide enough is enough? What kind of world are we creating for our children—and what are we willing to do to make it better? Maybe creating more heaven on earth starts with each of us choosing to show up. Learn more about Mike at Cefore X. Plosives below:  Facebook  Instagram LinkTree  Twitter (X)  Stuff mentioned in this episode:  Bernard Taylor for Congress  Coconut Justice Podcast  Monte Mader Bible Study Class  Chapters 00:00 Local Politics and Community Challenges in Florida 08:17 Impact of Violence on Kids and Families 11:32 Educational and Vocational Opportunities for Disabled Youth 16:10 Personal Stories of Resilience and Overcoming Challenges 22:23 The Role of Unity in Social Movements 25:34 The Importance of Courage and Speaking Out 30:18 Addressing Systemic Inequities and Disenfranchisement 33:51 The Power of Hard Conversations and Awareness 36:30 The Urgency of Collective Action and Resistance 39:43 Call to Action: Uniting for Change Contact Tabitha: staringdownthestorm@gmail.com https://tabithazeigler.com/

    Can Humanity Survive Modern Politics? With Mike Stringham, Cefore X. Plosives.

  5. 31 Jul

    When Suing Becomes Policy: A Mother's Fight Against the System. With Kay Anderson

    As parents, we're told to trust the education system. But what happens when that system isn't built for your child? And worse—what happens when advocating for your child comes with legal threats and financial consequences? That's exactly what I unpack with Kay Anderson, a mom of two incredible neurodiverse daughters who argued that "good enough" wasn’t good enough. Kay shares the deeply personal journey of navigating dyslexia, autism, public schools, private schools, and the exhausting reality that parents often have to become educators, therapists, advocates, and legal experts all at once. We talk about the impossible choices families face, why early intervention matters so much, and how schools can either build confidence—or destroy it. But this conversation goes far beyond one family's story. Why are we still treating neurodiverse children like exceptions instead of designing systems where they can thrive? Why does inclusion still feel optional? And why does money so often determine whether a child gets the support they deserve? I believe diversity is one of humanity's greatest strengths—not something to accommodate as an afterthought. If we're serious about preparing the next generation, we have to stop asking children to fit broken systems and start building systems that recognize every child's potential. Because this isn't just about education, it's about the kind of society we're choosing to create. Learn more about Kay Anderson and what she's doing below:  Prana Play - A Sensory Haven  Waves of Change Foundation for Neurodiversity  Kay on LinkedIn Chapters 00:00 Kay Anderson's Background and Personal Story 02:24 Diagnosing Dyslexia and Challenges in Support 04:37 Experience with Public and Private School Support 08:54 Decision to Move Children to Public School 12:34 Legal and Systemic Issues in Private Schools 19:11 Legal Framework and ADA Compliance for Schools 21:26 Discrimination and Privilege in Private Education 24:27 Advocacy and the Need for Systemic Change 27:25 Personal Reflection on Education and Autism 39:03 The Nordic Model and Education Success 43:19 Proposed Pilot Programs for Education Reform 55:43 Understanding Sensory Regulation and Support Tools 58:55 Science Behind Meltdowns and Regulation 01:00:39 Call to Action and Advocacy for Change Contact Tabitha: staringdownthestorm@gmail.com https://tabithazeigler.com/

    When Suing Becomes Policy: A Mother's Fight Against the System. With Kay Anderson

  6. 24 Jul

    Politics Without Humanity Isn't Leadership. With Chelsey Hockett

    What pushes someone to run for Congress? For Chelsey Hockett, it wasn't ambition - it was reaching a point where staying silent was no longer an option. We talk about immigration, racism, political division, and why so many mothers are stepping into leadership because they're tired of watching the next generation inherit broken systems. When did compassion become controversial? And why are we so afraid of having the hard conversations that actually matter? Chelsey shares how her family's civil rights legacy, her experiences growing up in diverse communities, and years of traveling shaped the way she sees the world. We dig into global human rights, the devastating impact of war on children, climate change, and the uncomfortable reality that where you're born often determines the opportunities you'll ever have. Shouldn't we be asking bigger questions about the kind of society we're building? We also dive into Texas politics, energy infrastructure, corporate influence, education, worker rights, and why she believes billionaires and career politicians have gained far too much control over everyday lives. Is corruption inevitable - or have we simply accepted it? From term limits to affordable healthcare and stronger public education, Chelsey challenges us to imagine what government could look like if people came before profits. At the heart of this conversation is something bigger than politics. It's about humanity. If we want stronger communities, safer families, and a better future, we have to stop waiting for someone else to fix it. What would happen if more of us chose courage over comfort? Learn more about Chelsey Hockett below:  Chelsey Hockett for Congress website DONATE HERE! Facebook Instagram TikTok Chapters 00:00 Immigration and Diversity in Texas 06:06 Racism, Bigotry, and the Current Political Climate 09:05 The Role of Mothers in Politics 11:58 Personal Journey and Family History 18:01 Views on Israel and Global Human Rights 24:57 Travel Experiences and Climate Awareness 32:24 Energy Infrastructure and Green Initiatives in Texas 36:35 The Impact of Billionaires on Local Resources 41:43 Corruption and the Need for Term Limits 46:48 Education Reform and the Future of American Schools 51:12 Corporate Influence and Worker Rights 57:00 Justice for Victims of Abuse and Trafficking Contact Tabitha: staringdownthestorm@gmail.com https://tabithazeigler.com/

    Politics Without Humanity Isn't Leadership. With Chelsey Hockett

  7. 3 Jul

    Why Compassion Feels So Radical Today. With Melissa Fisher & Erica Pearson at New Wave Wellness.

    What happens when we stop seeing people as diagnoses, case numbers, or "clients"—and start seeing them as human beings again? That's exactly the conversation I wanted to have with Melissa Fisher and Erica Pearson, the co-founders of New Wave Wellness. Their stories are deeply personal, but what they're building goes far beyond disability services. They're challenging the way we think about care, community, and what real advocacy actually looks like. We talked about why disability advocacy can't exist in a silo. Mental health, homelessness, developmental disabilities, struggling families—they're all connected. So why do we keep trying to solve them separately? If nearly half of Americans are one unexpected crisis away from losing everything, shouldn't we all be paying attention? Melissa and Erica refuse to accept a system that treats people like paperwork. Their approach is rooted in compassion, dignity, and the belief that every person deserves to be seen before they're assessed. It sounds simple, but somewhere along the way we've made humanity optional. Why? This conversation challenged me to ask a bigger question: What kind of community are we actually building? One that waits for people to fall through the cracks, or one that shows up before they do? Real change doesn't begin with another program—it begins with choosing to care about the person standing right in front of us. Learn more about New Wave Wellness below:  New Wave Wellness - Hope in Motion website Facebook  Email: info@newwavewellnes.org  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to New Wave Wellness and Its Founders 05:00 Personal Journeys into Disability Advocacy 09:57 Challenges Facing the Disability Community 15:07 The Importance of Advocacy and Community Support 20:01 Humanistic Approaches in Service Delivery 24:57 Opportunities for Involvement and Conclusion Contact Tabitha: staringdownthestorm@gmail.com https://tabithazeigler.com/

    Why Compassion Feels So Radical Today. With Melissa Fisher & Erica Pearson at New Wave Wellness.

  8. 26 Jun

    How LGBTQ+ People Became the Target of a Mistranslation of Biblical Proportions. With Rocky Roggio

    I sat down with Rocky Roggio, filmmaker, advocate, and someone who isn’t afraid to challenge deeply held assumptions about faith, identity, and power. We talked about her work exposing misinformation surrounding the Bible—particularly the ways scripture has been used, and often misused, against LGBTQ+ people. If the Bible wasn’t originally written in English, why are so many modern interpretations treated as unquestionable truth? Growing up in Indiana, Rocky experienced firsthand the tension between religion, politics, and belonging. Her story of deconstructing faith wasn’t about rejecting spirituality—it was about asking harder questions. Questions many of us were taught not to ask. What happens when authority figures get it wrong? And why are so many people punished simply for seeking honest answers? Our conversation also explored advocacy, community engagement, and the growing need for people to step into leadership. Rocky shared why she left the safety of a traditional career path to pursue political activism and how personal relationships often serve as catalysts for meaningful change. Real change rarely starts in institutions—it starts with people. At its core, this episode is about challenging systems that rely on silence. Whether we're talking about religion, politics, or social justice, progress requires curiosity, courage, and dialogue. Are we willing to question what we've inherited? And if we discover we've been told only part of the story, what responsibility do we have to do something about it? Learn more about Rocky Roggio here:  1946 The Movie  Sharon 'Rocky' Roggio Instagram  Rocky Recommends:  Forging a Sacred Weapon: The 1946 Bible Mistranslation Behind Anti-Gay Theology  By Kathy Baldock   Chapters 00:00 The Impact of Religion and Culture in Indiana 05:57 Personal Stories of Deconstruction and Identity 12:10 Running for Office and Political Activism 15:07 Intersectionality and Marginalized Communities 17:52 The Role of the Bible in LGBTQ+ Issues 21:04 Challenging Authority and Questioning Norms 24:16 The Importance of Open Dialogue 29:57 The Future of Advocacy and Activism Contact Tabitha: staringdownthestorm@gmail.com https://tabithazeigler.com/

    How LGBTQ+ People Became the Target of a Mistranslation of Biblical Proportions. With Rocky Roggio
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Tabitha Zeigler hosts a fiery, truth-packed podcast filled with people doing the work in the trenches for autism and neurodiversity advocacy. These everyday heroes are leading the way for the next generation. At a time when so much is at stake, ordinary individuals rise up to fill the inequalities in our society. Join us in our struggles and triumphs while trying to provide resources, access, and programs for all. We welcome you to the fight. Learn more at https://staringdownthestorm.com

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