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. Aug 7

    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.

  2. Jul 31

    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

  3. Jul 24

    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

  4. Jul 3

    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.

  5. Jun 26

    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

  6. Jun 19

    We Keep Asking Families to Do the Impossible. With Tiffany Neal

    For years, we've been told that autism advocacy is about awareness. But what if awareness isn't enough anymore? What if the real challenge is building communities that actually support families, caregivers, and autistic individuals where they live—especially in places that often get overlooked? In this conversation, I sit down with Tiffany Neal, who brings more than two decades of experience in autism advocacy, to discuss the realities families face in rural Indiana and beyond. We explore the overlap between autism and the trans community, the barriers that exist in healthcare and education, and why so many parents are left feeling isolated while trying to navigate systems that were never designed with them in mind. We also tackle a bigger question: why are families still forced to fight so hard for basic support? From universal healthcare to better training for medical professionals, Tiffany challenges us to rethink what meaningful advocacy actually looks like. Are we creating systems that help people thrive, or are we asking families to carry impossible burdens on their own? Most importantly, we discuss the human side of advocacy. Real change doesn't happen through slogans or social media posts—it happens through relationships, vulnerability, teamwork, and showing up for one another. Because the truth is, disability touches every family eventually. The question isn't whether we'll need community. The question is whether we're willing to build it before we do. Learn more about Hands In Autism here:  Website: HANDS In Autism  Email: hands@iu.edu  LinkedIn Chapters 00:00 Tiffany’s Journey into Autism Advocacy 05:08 Navigating the Trans Community and Autism 14:16 Universal Healthcare and Its Impact 21:17 Challenges in Rural Education for Autism 28:10 Realities of Parenting with Autism 32:57 Empowering Voices in Advocacy 36:48 The Role of Caregivers and Community 49:10 Building a Supportive Team 01:00:05 Emotional Connections and Genuine Care Contact Tabitha: staringdownthestorm@gmail.com https://tabithazeigler.com/

    We Keep Asking Families to Do the Impossible. With Tiffany Neal

  7. Jun 12

    Building a More Inclusive Georgia. With Bella Bautista

    What does it mean to truly represent a community that has been pushed to the margins? That's the focus of my conversation with Bella Bautista, the Democratic nominee for Georgia House District 14. Bella shared her journey into politics, her experiences as a trans woman in the South, and her commitment to bringing a new generation of leadership to the Georgia State Capitol. We discussed why representation matters and the importance of having leaders with lived experience shaping public policy. Bella spoke about the challenges facing LGBTQ+ communities across the country, including her advocacy against anti-trans legislation and her fight for greater equality and inclusion. We explored environmental concerns, particularly the impact of expanding data centers on local communities, and the need for policies that prioritize people over corporate interests. Why do so many communities feel unheard while powerful industries continue to influence decision-making? Beyond her campaign, Bella discussed her nonprofit work supporting marginalized individuals, including those experiencing homelessness. We touched on healthcare access, disability rights, expanded Medicaid, and the importance of building stronger, more supportive communities. Throughout the conversation, Bella emphasized a core belief: real change happens when ordinary people step up, get involved, and fight to ensure that our government works for everyone—not just the powerful. Find more info on Bella Bautista here:  Website: Bella For GA Email: bellaforga@gmail.com Instagram Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bella Bautista 03:09 Bella's Political Journey and Community Representation 06:04 Challenges Facing the LGBTQ+ Community in Georgia 08:54 Environmental Concerns and Data Centers 15:01 Advocacy for the Unhoused and Marginalized 18:02 Bella's Nonprofit Work and Community Impact 23:57 Disability Rights and Advocacy 26:54 Campaign Goals Contact Tabitha: staringdownthestorm@gmail.com https://tabithazeigler.com/

    Building a More Inclusive Georgia. With Bella Bautista

  8. Jun 5

    The Working Class Has No Party. With Andrew Rice

    What happens when the people who claim to represent us stop listening to the people they're supposed to serve? That's the question at the heart of my conversation with Andrew Rice, who is challenging a long-time incumbent and taking aim at what he sees as a Democratic Party more interested in maintaining control than creating real change. We talked about political disillusionment, corporate influence, and why so many working-class Americans feel abandoned by both major parties. Andrew didn't hold back. We discussed healthcare as a human right, the growing power of corporations, and the ways technology and AI are reshaping work while leaving ordinary people behind. Why are we expected to celebrate endless hustle, burnout, and exploitation as signs of success? Why do we accept a system that creates extreme wealth for a few while millions struggle to afford basic necessities? We also explored representation beyond slogans and campaign talking points. What does authentic representation actually look like? Is diversity meaningful if working-class voices are still shut out of the room? From LGBTQ rights to economic justice, Andrew argues that many of our biggest challenges are interconnected—and that addressing symptoms without confronting root causes will never be enough. Most importantly, we talked about the future. Real change requires community, collaboration, and people willing to challenge the status quo. It also requires something we don't talk about nearly enough: joy. Self-love, connection, nature, and even having fun can be radical acts in a culture designed to keep us exhausted, isolated, and doubting our own worth. What kind of future could we build if we stopped accepting less than we deserve? Find more info on Andrew Rice here:  Website: Rice For CT Email: andrewrice.ct3@riceforct.com  YouTube Facebook Instagram BlueSky Chapters 00:00 Challenging the Status Quo 02:59 Personal Background and Identity 06:09 Disillusionment with Political Parties 09:02 The Role of Corporations in Politics 12:10 Healthcare and Socialism 14:56 The Impact of AI and Technology 18:10 The Struggles of the Working Class 20:58 Human Rights and Global Perspectives 23:56 The Need for Authentic Representation 45:42 The Struggle Against Systemic Injustice 51:01 The Illusion of Political Representation 56:31 The Need for Diverse Voices in Congress 01:01:51 The Importance of Collaboration and Community 01:18:01 A Vision for a Better Future Contact Tabitha: staringdownthestorm@gmail.com https://tabithazeigler.com/

    The Working Class Has No Party. With Andrew Rice
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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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