Independent Idaho

Living Independence Network Corporation

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Society & Culture
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Independent Idaho is a podcast dedicated to the exploration of all things disability in the Gem State and beyond. Independent Idaho is a production of the Living Independence Network Corporation, one of Idaho's three Centers for Independent Living. Our mission is to empower Idahoans with disabilities across the lifespan to achieve our desired level of independence.

5d ago

Hearing Loss, Survival, and Advocacy with Tara Adams

Episode Description How do the experiences that shape us change the way we see ourselves—and the way we show up for others? In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with Tara Adams, a fifth-generation Idahoan, author, entrepreneur, mother, and longtime disability advocate. Tara shares what it was like growing up with hearing loss in Idaho, attending the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind, and finding community and identity along the way. Jeremy and Tara talk about communication and Tara's work to help create communities where people with disabilities are heard and included. The conversation also turns to an experience that changed Tara's life. On October 1, 2017, Tara was in Las Vegas during the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest music festival. She shares her experience surviving that night and reflects on what came afterward. Through both very different parts of Tara's story, the conversation explores resilience, identity, family, advocacy, and the experiences that shape how we understand ourselves and one another. About Our Guest Tara Adams is a fifth-generation Idahoan, graduate of the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind, author, entrepreneur, and disability advocate. She is the founder of ASL Expressions, LLC and the author of three books focused on American Sign Language. Tara also served for four and a half years on the Idaho State Independent Living Council and continues to participate on community advisory panels. A devoted mother of five, Tara has spent years using her personal and professional experiences to elevate the voices of people with disabilities and encourage communities and organizations to become more inclusive and responsive.
Sep 14

Loving History, Working Not to Repeat It with Tara Rowe

Episode Description What can Idaho's history teach us about the future of disability rights? In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with Tara Rowe, an independent historian, scholar, and disability advocate, for a conversation about the intersection of history, disability, and public policy. Tara discusses her research into Idaho's history of institutionalization and what that history can teach us about the language and policy debates happening today. The conversation looks at the evolution of institutions, the movement toward community-based services, and the importance of understanding how ideas that may sound new can have deep historical roots. Jeremy and Tara also discuss her recent Idaho Capital Sun commentary on institutionalization, the Department of Justice's findings regarding Idaho, and the legacy of the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision establishing the right of people with disabilities to receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs. More broadly, they talk about why history matters—not simply as something to study, but as a tool for recognizing patterns, understanding how systems develop, and asking better questions about the choices we make today. It's a conversation about Idaho history, disability rights, institutionalization, independence, and why understanding where we've been matters when deciding where we're going. About Our Guest Tara Rowe is an independent historian, scholar, writer, and advocate for people with disabilities who frequently writes commentary on Idaho history and politics. Born and raised in southern Idaho, Tara is an alumna of Idaho State University, where she earned degrees in History and Political Science and completed graduate study in interdisciplinary History and Political Science. Her scholarship spans Idaho history and politics, early 20th-century American history, public health, disability history, and the Independent Living Movement. She contributed to Idaho's Place: A New History of the Gem State and has contributed work to a forthcoming volume on women in Idaho history from Washington State University Press. Tara's professional and public-service experience has included historical research, archival work, writing, historic preservation, and disability advocacy. She currently serves as Chair of the Idaho State Independent Living Council and as a member of the Independent Living Training & Technical Assistance Center Advisory Council. She lives in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Sep 7

Meet the Board: Ferne Brandt on Disability, Advocacy, and LINC

Episode Description What does independence actually mean for a person with a disability—and who gets to define it? In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with Ferne Brandt, a licensed social worker and disability advocate who brings both lived experience and professional experience to her work in the disability community. Jeremy and Ferne talk about the everyday realities of navigating communities and systems that weren't always designed with people with disabilities in mind. They explore accessibility, housing, transportation, behavioral health, and the often complicated network of programs and services people must navigate to get the support they need. Drawing on her experience as a person who is legally blind, a social worker, and a former Independent Living Specialist, Ferne brings a perspective that crosses the line between receiving services, providing services, and working to change the systems behind them. About Our Guest Ferne Brandt is a licensed social worker and disability advocate with a background in direct services, housing, behavioral health, and community engagement. Ferne recently served as an Independent Living Specialist with LINC, supporting people with disabilities through independent living skills training, advocacy, systems navigation, and connections to community resources. Her community involvement has included work with the Region 3 Behavioral Health Board, Region 3 Housing Coalition, and other initiatives addressing housing, behavioral health, and social justice. She also gained nonprofit fundraising experience through an internship with the Nampa Family Justice Center and has developed strong relationships with organizations and community stakeholders throughout the Treasure Valley. Ferne brings these experiences together in her continued work advocating for stronger, more accessible communities.
Aug 31

Creating Career Pathways for Everyone with Jennifer Pope

Episode Description For a lot of people, "career technical education" still brings to mind shop class or learning a trade in high school. But today's CTE system is much broader—and can provide students with pathways into everything from healthcare and technology to public safety, business, advanced manufacturing, and the skilled trades. In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with Jennifer Pope from the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education to talk about what CTE looks like in Idaho and the role it can play in helping students connect education with meaningful employment. Jennifer explains how CTE programs are developed and supported, how federal funding helps Idaho schools and technical colleges strengthen career pathways, and why access to these opportunities matters. Jeremy and Jennifer also explore who participates in CTE, some of the barriers that can keep students from fully participating, and the importance of making sure students with disabilities and other populations have meaningful opportunities to explore careers, gain skills, and prepare for employment. It's a conversation about education, employment, opportunity, and why there shouldn't be only one definition of what a successful path after high school looks like. About Our Guest Jennifer Pope is the Program Director of Perkins and Methods of Administration for the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education. Jennifer was born and raised in eastern Idaho before moving to Boise to attend Boise State University. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and began her career working in the private sector. Her interest in education and public service eventually brought her back to school, where she earned a Master of Public Administration and transitioned into the public sector. Today, Jennifer oversees Idaho's administration of federal Perkins V funding and the Methods of Administration program, which includes responsibilities related to civil-rights compliance within career technical education. Her work also includes monitoring organizations receiving federal CTE funds and helping ensure those resources support strong career technical education programs throughout Idaho. Jennifer describes herself as having a passion for public administration and particularly enjoys the collaborative nature of public-sector work.
Aug 24

Beyond the Trail with Joe Stone

Episode Description What does meaningful access to the outdoors actually look like? In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with adaptive athlete, adventurer, and accessibility consultant Joe Stone for a conversation about disability, outdoor recreation, risk, and the difference between something being called accessible and actually being usable. Jeremy and Joe talk about returning to outdoor adventure after acquiring a disability, adaptive mountain biking and paragliding, and the equipment and creativity that can make seemingly inaccessible activities possible. They also explore an important question: Does making outdoor recreation more accessible mean making it less challenging? Joe shares his work through Unified Dirt, which brings people with disabilities, land managers, trail builders, and communities together to improve access to trails and public lands. The conversation looks at what gets in the way, what good accessible trail design can look like, and why people with disabilities need to be part of the process from the beginning. They also dig into independence and dignity of risk—the idea that people with disabilities should have the same opportunity as anyone else to decide which challenges and risks they're willing to take. It's a conversation about getting outside, pushing boundaries, removing unnecessary barriers, and creating more opportunities for people with disabilities to experience adventure on their own terms. About Our Guest Joe Stone is an adaptive athlete, accessibility consultant, speaker, and founder of Unified Dirt. Originally from Minnesota, Joe developed a love for outdoor adventure that eventually brought him west. In 2010, a speed flying accident resulted in a C7 spinal cord injury and quadriplegia, dramatically changing how he interacted with the outdoor world. Joe went on to become the first C7 quadriplegic to attempt an IRONMAN triathlon and has competed internationally in adaptive cross-country paragliding. His experiences have also been featured in documentary, television, and outdoor media, including HBO's Real Sports. Today, Joe brings his lived experience, technical knowledge, and years in adaptive recreation to his work with communities and organizations seeking to improve outdoor access. He is also a nationally recognized speaker who uses his experiences to explore resilience, problem-solving, inclusion, and the importance of creating opportunities for people to discover what's possible.
Aug 17

Connecting Communities to Care with Keith Mason

Episode Description What does a health plan really do beyond paying medical bills? For Keith Mason, healthcare is about helping people stay healthy, remain independent, and connect with the services and supports they need to live their best lives. As CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Idaho, Keith leads a team focused on improving health outcomes for some of Idaho's most vulnerable residents, including older adults and people with disabilities. In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with Keith to discuss his journey from Indiana to Idaho, what drew him to a career centered on advocacy and community health, and how managed care is evolving to address the whole person—not just their medical needs. Together, they explore the importance of community partnerships, person-centered care, and why healthcare works best when it extends beyond the walls of a doctor's office. Along the way, Keith shares his perspective on the unique challenges facing Idaho's rural communities, the role of prevention in improving quality of life, and why investing in housing, transportation, and other social supports can have just as much impact on health as clinical care. Whether you're a person with a disability, a caregiver, a healthcare professional, or simply curious about how healthcare is changing, this conversation offers an inside look at how collaboration and innovation are helping build healthier, more connected communities across Idaho. Keith Mason is the Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Idaho, where he leads a team committed to connecting people and communities to care. The health plan serves Idahoans who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid through Idaho Medicaid Plus (IMPlus) and the Medicare Medicaid Coordinated Plan (MMCP). Keith has spent nearly a decade with UnitedHealthcare, serving in leadership roles focused on advocacy, strategy, and community engagement before becoming CEO of the Idaho market. Prior to UnitedHealthcare, he held leadership positions with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and Eli Lilly and Company, building partnerships that advanced public health and patient advocacy. Keith earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Wabash College and a Master of Science in Secondary Education from Indiana University Bloomington. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking and spending time with his family. Learn more about UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Idaho and the programs available to eligible Idahoans through Idaho Medicaid Plus (IMPlus) and the Medicare Medicaid Coordinated Plan (MMCP). About Our Guest Keith Mason is the Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Idaho, where he leads a team committed to connecting people and communities to care. The health plan serves Idahoans who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid through Idaho Medicaid Plus (IMPlus) and the Medicare Medicaid Coordinated Plan (MMCP). Keith has spent nearly a decade with UnitedHealthcare, serving in leadership roles focused on advocacy, strategy, and community engagement before becoming CEO of the Idaho market. Prior to UnitedHealthcare, he held leadership positions with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and Eli Lilly and Company, building partnerships that advanced public health and patient advocacy. Keith earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Wabash College and a Master of Science in Secondary Education from Indiana University Bloomington. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking and spending time with his family. Learn more about UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Idaho and the programs available to eligible Idahoans through Idaho Medicaid Plus (IMPlus) and the Medicare Medicaid Coordinated Plan (MMCP).
Aug 10

The Infrastructure of Inclusion with Sean Kelly

Episode Description What does it take to make a community truly accessible? In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with Sean Kelly, Accessibility and Mobility Specialist and Certified ADA Coordinator for the Ada County Highway District (ACHD). Sean's path to accessibility has been anything but ordinary—from serving in the U.S. Army as a counterterrorism and intelligence professional to studying philosophy, sociology, and community planning, and ultimately helping shape the way people move safely and independently throughout Ada County. Sean explains how accessibility extends far beyond curb ramps and sidewalks. The conversation explores how thoughtful planning, engineering, and community engagement create public spaces that work better for everyone—including people with disabilities, older adults, parents with strollers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Jeremy and Sean also discuss the role of ACHD's ADA Program, the importance of listening to community members, and how accessibility is increasingly becoming a core part of transportation planning rather than an afterthought. They also touch on the work of ACHD's ADA Advisory Committee, how residents can help identify barriers, and the progress being made to improve access throughout the region. Whether you're interested in transportation, city planning, disability rights, or simply creating communities where everyone can participate, this episode offers an inside look at the work of building a more accessible Idaho. About Our Guest Sean Kelly serves as the Accessibility and Mobility Specialist and Certified ADA Coordinator for the Ada County Highway District (ACHD), where he works to ensure that streets, sidewalks, intersections, and other elements of the public right of way are accessible to everyone. Sean grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago before joining the U.S. Army in 1995. Although he began his military career as an artilleryman, he spent most of his service as a counterterrorism and intelligence professional, deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. After retiring from the Army, he attended Boise State University, earning degrees in Philosophy and Sociology before completing a Master of Community and Regional Planning. Before joining ACHD in 2023, Sean administered a Community Development Block Grant program for the City of Meridian, worked for a nonprofit supporting veterans' mental health, traveled internationally as a video game content creator, and even spent a year as a stay-at-home father after adopting his young son. Today, Sean combines his diverse experiences in public service, planning, and leadership to help build transportation systems that are safer, more inclusive, and accessible for everyone. Learn more about ACHD and share your feedback through ACHD Connect.
Aug 3

Every Swing Counts with Mike Barnett

Episode Description What happens when the biggest obstacles aren't on the golf course—but in gaining access to the game itself? In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with Mike Barnett, a Navy veteran, adaptive golfer, actor, and creator of the YouTube channel Golfing with a Disability. Mike shares his journey into adaptive golf, the barriers he encountered along the way, and the determination it took to help make the sport more accessible in Idaho. The conversation explores the realities of advocating for inclusion in recreation and why access to sports matters for people with disabilities. Whether you're a golfer, an advocate, or simply someone who believes everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in the activities they love, this episode is a conversation about perseverance, inclusion, and the power of refusing to accept unnecessary barriers. About Our Guest Mike Barnett grew up in a military family and spent much of his childhood in Mountain Home, Idaho. After serving four years in the U.S. Navy, he worked in a variety of roles before finishing his career at the VA Medical Center in Boise. Today, Mike is an advocate for adaptive sports and the creator of the YouTube channel Golfing with a Disability, where he shares his experiences, promotes adaptive golf, and works to increase awareness and inclusion for golfers with disabilities. Through his videos and community outreach, Mike is helping break down barriers and demonstrate that disability should never prevent someone from enjoying the game of golf. When he's not on the golf course, Mike enjoys acting and continuing to advocate for greater accessibility and opportunities for people with disabilities. Check out Mike's YouTube Channel, Golfing with a Disability, to learn more.

Independent Idaho is a podcast dedicated to the exploration of all things disability in the Gem State and beyond. Independent Idaho is a production of the Living Independence Network Corporation, one of Idaho's three Centers for Independent Living. Our mission is to empower Idahoans with disabilities across the lifespan to achieve our desired level of independence.

Creator

Living Independence Network Corporation
Years Active

2023 - 2026
Episodes

50
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Living Independence Network Corporation
Show Website

Independent Idaho