Boldly Challenging Ableism

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Boldly Challenging Ableism exposes ableism and dismantles myths that marginalize people with disabilities. Host Katrina Simons uses her life-long disability and her experiences in advocacy at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration to boldly, irreverently go where everyone has gone before — to issues like employment, housing, justice, education and culture — but she brings along enough humor and an approachable style that you’ll be thinking anew about what community inclusion really means.

  1. 4D AGO

    Boldly Challenging Ableism – S2 E5: The Red Tape of Accessible Living with Nick Wilkie (Pt 1 of 2)

    Katrina Simons welcomes Nick Wilkie to the podcast to bond over their shared experiences with disability and life in St. Paul. They explore Nick’s role at the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living and the importance of helping others remove barriers to independence. This conversation kicks off a two-part series highlighting Nick’s journey from an employment… The post Boldly Challenging Ableism – S2 E5: The Red Tape of Accessible Living with Nick Wilkie (Pt 1 of 2) first appeared on AM 950.

    26 min

  2. MAR 23

    Boldly Challenging Ableism – S2 E4: Navigating Neurodiversity and Self Advocacy with Adam Ruff

    Katrina Simon sits down with Adam Ruff from Advocating Change Together to talk about his journey and work in the disability community. They dive into the personal side of being neurodivergent and the unique hurdles of living with a non-apparent disability. It is an insightful look at how self-advocacy and community leadership are making a… The post Boldly Challenging Ableism – S2 E4: Navigating Neurodiversity and Self Advocacy with Adam Ruff first appeared on AM 950.

    26 min

  3. MAR 16

    Boldly Challenging Ableism – S2 E3: Faith, Mental Health, and Finding Your Voice with Guest Joe Carr

    Katrina is joined by disability advocate Joe Carr. Joe gets real about the often-overlooked connection between mental health and disability. He opens up about his personal journey, from the challenges of feeling misunderstood to finding deep support in his faith and the people who truly see him. It’s a powerful conversation about the importance of… The post Boldly Challenging Ableism – S2 E3: Faith, Mental Health, and Finding Your Voice with Guest Joe Carr first appeared on AM 950.

    24 min

  4. MAR 9

    Boldly Challenging Ableism – S2 E2: Fighting for Better Air Travel Standards with Rob Wudlick

    This week we feature Rob Wudlick, an industrial engineer and dedicated advocate for spinal cord injury research. Rob joins Katrina Simon to share the frustrating reality of air travel for wheelchair users, from the nightmare of having a custom chair mangled by an airline to the constant battle for better accessibility standards. It’s a candid… The post Boldly Challenging Ableism – S2 E2: Fighting for Better Air Travel Standards with Rob Wudlick first appeared on AM 950.

    26 min

  5. MAR 2

    Boldly Challenging Ableism – S2 E1: Raising Team Felix with Haley Brunelle and the Magic of AAC

    Starting off season two, Katrina chats with her friend Haley Brunelle about her journey as a “medical mom” to her incredible eight-year-old son, Felix. They dive into the world of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), the daily hurdles of navigating healthcare systems, and why Haley is so passionate about giving Felix the best shot at… The post Boldly Challenging Ableism – S2 E1: Raising Team Felix with Haley Brunelle and the Magic of AAC first appeared on AM 950.

    26 min

  6. 10/13/2025

    Boldly Challenging Ableism – S1 E18: Michael Sack on Keeping the Twin Cities Accessible and Disability Advocate Ed Bartz

    Michael Sack talks to us about his work with the city of Minneapolis in getting and keeping the community accessible. Then a conversation with disability advocate Ed Bartz. The post Boldly Challenging Ableism – S1 E18: Michael Sack on Keeping the Twin Cities Accessible and Disability Advocate Ed Bartz first appeared on AM 950.

    26 min

  7. 10/06/2025

    Boldly Challenging Ableism – S1 E17: Artist and Self-Advocate Thomas Robinson

    On this episode of Boldly Challenging Ableism, host Katrina Simons speaks with artist and self-advocate Thomas Robinson. Thomas shares his journey as a leader in disability advocacy and how art plays a role in amplifying his voice. Their conversation highlights the power of self-advocacy and the importance of challenging ableism in everyday life. The post Boldly Challenging Ableism – S1 E17: Artist and Self-Advocate Thomas Robinson first appeared on AM 950.

    26 min

  8. 09/29/2025

    Boldly Challenging Ableism – S1 E16: Renata Ticha, Research Associate, ICI at the U of MN

    Renata Ticha is a research associate at the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota. Renata talks with Katrina about her research work around transitioning to adult services from the pediatric space. The post Boldly Challenging Ableism – S1 E16: Renata Ticha, Research Associate, ICI at the U of MN first appeared on AM 950.

    28 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Boldly Challenging Ableism exposes ableism and dismantles myths that marginalize people with disabilities. Host Katrina Simons uses her life-long disability and her experiences in advocacy at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration to boldly, irreverently go where everyone has gone before — to issues like employment, housing, justice, education and culture — but she brings along enough humor and an approachable style that you’ll be thinking anew about what community inclusion really means.

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