Everything You Know About Disability Is Wrong

Easterseals
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Relationships
  • Updated Monthly

Everything You Know About Disability is Wrong is a podcast for the disability community by the disability community, hosted by two disabled women. But if you’re not disabled, listen in to learn about real issues, celebrations, and conversations disabled people are having in their communities. Powered by Easterseals.

  1. My Normal Is Not Your Normal: Confidence, Community, and Content Creation with Steffi Gonzalez

    May 28

    My Normal Is Not Your Normal: Confidence, Community, and Content Creation with Steffi Gonzalez

    In this episode, we’re joined by content creator, beauty influencer, and disability advocate Steffi Gonzalez for a conversation about representation, disability visibility, and what it means to take up space online unapologetically. Steffi shares how growing up around photography and beauty eventually led her into content creation, and how a simple moment with her husband changed the way she saw herself — and her wheelchair — on camera. From fashion and beauty influencing, to advocacy work and accessibility conversations with major brands, Steffi reflects on building a platform rooted in authenticity, confidence, and community. The conversation also explores mental health and boundaries as a creator, navigating online comments, internalized ableism, and the importance of disabled representation in beauty and fashion spaces. Steffi also discusses her Instagram series “My Normal is Not Your Normal,” where she highlights the different ways disabled people navigate everyday life while reminding audiences that different does not mean lesser. This episode is an honest, funny, and deeply thoughtful conversation about disability visibility, inclusion, and creating the kind of representation you wish you had growing up.

    1h 1m
  2. Mutual Support: Debunking the Caregiving Myth with Cole & Charisma Sydnor

    May 12

    Mutual Support: Debunking the Caregiving Myth with Cole & Charisma Sydnor

    Cole and Charisma Sydnor, known as “Roll with Cole & Charisma,” are digital creators with a global audience. Together, they share their lived experiences navigating life in an inter-abled relationship, challenging common misconceptions about disability, dependence, and support. From early relationship vulnerability to navigating public perceptions online, Cole and Charisma reflect on how caregiving has shaped (but not defined) their connection. They also discuss the realities of sharing their lives publicly, including boundaries, mental health, and the impact of online visibility. This episode unpacks how care exists in many forms—physical, emotional, and relational—and how it often flows both ways in relationships and communities. The conversation expands beyond romantic relationships to highlight a broader truth: caregiving is not limited to one role or identity. It is something we all give and receive throughout our lives, often in ways that go unseen. It is dynamic, reciprocal, and deeply rooted in connection. Easterseals is committed to meeting people where they are, with care that honors every role they hold. Learn more at easterseals.com.

    48 min
  3. Free to Be Me: Ron Funches on Autism and Meeting Yourself Where You Are

    Apr 16

    Free to Be Me: Ron Funches on Autism and Meeting Yourself Where You Are

    On this episode of Everything You Know About Disability Is Wrong, we’re joined by Ron Funches, a stand-up comedian, actor, and recent cast member on The Traitors. Ron shares his perspective as both an autistic adult and a parent of an autistic son, reflecting on how his recent diagnosis has deepened his understanding of himself, his family, and the power of self-acceptance.  Through humor and honesty, Ron discusses what autism acceptance looks like in real life—from recognizing shared traits with his son to navigating the transition to adulthood, caregiving challenges, and the importance of meeting people where they are. This conversation reinforces the importance of acceptance, accessible support, and empowering people with disabilities to thrive on their own terms. Easterseals is committed to supporting autistic individuals and caregivers with resources, services, and community.

    54 min
  4. Meeting People Where They Are: Dani Bowman on Autism Acceptance

    Apr 1

    Meeting People Where They Are: Dani Bowman on Autism Acceptance

    Dani Bowman is an autistic animator, entrepreneur, and educator who founded DaniMation Entertainment to help people on the autism spectrum develop creative and professional skills. Through her work and advocacy, she empowers neurodivergent individuals to pursue their passions and build meaningful careers. In this episode, Dani reflects on her journey in animation and business, her experience on Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum, and her company DaniMation. The episode highlights the many ways Dani creates learning and employment opportunities for neurodivergent adults. The conversation also explores relationships, self-advocacy, and what authentic autism acceptance looks like in everyday life. This episode is a kick-off to Autism Acceptance Month and our Understanding Disability campaign. At Easterseals, we know that disability looks different for every person, and support should be tailored to individual strengths, goals, and needs.

    47 min
  5. Love, Humor, and Real Life: Shane & Hannah Burcaw on Relationships and Disability

    Jan 8

    Love, Humor, and Real Life: Shane & Hannah Burcaw on Relationships and Disability

    Shane and Hannah Burcaw, creators of the YouTube channel Squirmy and Grubs, join Lily and Erin for a wide-ranging conversation about relationships, content creation, and what people consistently misunderstand about disability. As a married couple whose lives are highly visible online, Shane and Hannah share how public assumptions, especially about love, worth, and caregiving, show up in comment sections far more than in real life. They reflect on how a viral interview shifted their channel from casual vlogs to a platform that sparks deeper conversations, and how they learned to balance humor with heavier topics without losing their audience. From navigating internet cruelty to deciding how much of their lived experience to share on camera, Shane and Hannah speak candidly about pressure, boundaries, and staying grounded. The episode also explores how caregiving fits naturally into their relationship, why long-form storytelling still matters, and how shared routines, sarcasm, and trust keep their partnership strong. Throughout the conversation, Shane and Hannah emphasize curiosity, patience, and showing up honestly, online and offline. Key Moments 03:34 What’s wrong about disability, worth, and relationships 05:39 Why cruelty shows up online but never in real life 07:58 Going viral and suddenly becoming public educators 10:45 Shifting from fun vlogs to purpose-driven storytelling 13:40 Mixing humor with hard conversations so people keep listening 16:01 The pressure to always create disability-focused content 19:20 Why “normal” couple trends never stay neutral online 22:51 Long-form content as a space for nuance and depth 25:57 Caregiving, autonomy, and public misunderstanding 30:04 Writing books to show the range of disabled relationships 39:36 Rituals, routines, and what actually keeps their relationship strong Connect with Shane & Hannah Shane's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaneburcaw/# Hannah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahayl/# YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/squirmyandgrubs Squirmy and Grubs Website: https://www.squirmyandgrubs.com/

    1h 1m
  6. The Power of Purpose: Heather Mills on Business, Courage, and Kindness

    12/22/2025

    The Power of Purpose: Heather Mills on Business, Courage, and Kindness

    Heather Mills, world-record-breaking Paralympic skier and founder of VBites Foods, joins Lily and Erin for a conversation that spans business, resilience, and the power of purpose. From surviving a life-changing accident to building one of the largest plant-based food companies in the world, Heather shares how every setback became a reason to innovate. She recalls turning personal tragedy into global advocacy, developing new prosthetics, founding support networks for amputees, and creating opportunities for others to regain independence. With humor and insight, Heather reflects on what true confidence looks like, the importance of empathy in leadership, and why helping others is the most rewarding kind of “selfishness.” Heather also discusses entrepreneurship through a values-driven lens, balancing profit with purpose, leading with compassion, and using success to make a difference. Her message is bold yet simple: face challenges head-on, stay curious, and use your energy to build solutions instead of problems. Key Moments 03:22 Airport misassumptions and using humor to reset the moment 05:48 Why comfort with yourself helps others feel at ease 07:51 How confidence and comedy reshape public reactions 11:33 Switching from “the problem is” to “the solution is” 13:26 Building better prosthetics when the market failed to deliver 15:42 Creating the Amputee Forum and a global peer-support network 19:20 Healing after injury and the path to launching VBites 22:50 Turning setbacks into purpose across sport and business 25:39 Becoming a world-record Paralympic skier at 42 30:27 The power of boundaries and choosing who gets your energy Connect with Heather Mills LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/msheathermills Heather Mills Official Site: https://heathermills.org/ VBites: https://www.vbites.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.mills.official/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/heatherofficial/status/1755615616638341264 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathermillsofficial/?hl=en

    1h 5m
  7. Rewriting the System: Dr. Destiny Huff on Parenting, Practice, and Advocacy

    12/11/2025

    Rewriting the System: Dr. Destiny Huff on Parenting, Practice, and Advocacy

    Dr. Destiny Huff, a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD military spouse, therapist, and special education advocate, joins Lily and Erin for a powerful conversation on parenthood, identity, and reimagining advocacy. As the founder of Destiny Huff Consulting, she works with families across the U.S. to make education systems more responsive, compassionate, and effective for neurodivergent learners. In this episode, Destiny shares how her own diagnosis transformed the way she supports families and children. She explains what it means to build neuroaffirming practices, from presuming competence and honoring autonomy to designing goals that match real learner needs. Destiny also breaks down what an IEP really is; a program, not a plan, and how parents can ask for meetings, request changes, and find collaboration instead of conflict. The discussion explores bias in diagnosis, barriers faced by Black and Brown families, and how educators can check their assumptions to better support every student. Key Moments 00:00 Tribute to Alice Wong 08:13 "Advocacy and Neurodivergence Insights" 15:24 "Neuroaffirming Special Education Handbook" 19:17 Centering Voices in Autism Advocacy 22:37 "Advocating for Diverse Learners" 30:17 "Focus, Educate, and Understand Intentions" 34:06 "Parenting Autism: Struggles and Strengths" 41:46 "Building Bridges, Not Burning Them" 48:30 Hesitation in Disclosing Diagnoses 50:43 "Embracing Accurate Labels and Support" 55:36 Bias in Disability Labels Explained 01:02:21 "Lessons on Rest and Renewal" Connect with Dr. Destiny Huff LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/destiny-huff-lpc-iep/ Destiny Huff Consulting: https://www.destinyhuffconsulting.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinyhuff_iep_advocate/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/destinyhuffconsulting/  HRG Counseling: https://www.hrgcounseling.com/

    59 min
  8. Gaming with Purpose: ChiChi White on Soft Content, Mental Health, and Connection

    11/28/2025

    Gaming with Purpose: ChiChi White on Soft Content, Mental Health, and Connection

    ChiChi White, a content creator, therapist, and social advocate, joins Lily and Erin to explore the world of cozy gaming, mindful streaming, and collective care. Known online as HummingMints, ChiChi plays games like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing, combining sensory-friendly gameplay with open conversations about neurodiversity, mental health, and authentic connection. In this episode, ChiChi breaks down the meaning of soft content from creating relaxing, sensory-friendly gaming experiences that prioritize comfort, accessibility, and community over competition. They share how mindfulness shows up in gaming, how cozy spaces allow for meaningful conversation, and why it’s okay to play for joy rather than mastery. ChiChi also opens up about founding the Disabled Content Creators Collective (DC3), a growing hub for disabled streamers and creators. Through DC3, he organizes raid trains, charity events, and collaborative streams that help disabled creators connect, share resources, and grow their audiences. From discussions on masking and authenticity to harm reduction and self-acceptance, this conversation offers a grounded look at how online spaces can become real sources of healing, joy, and purpose. Key Moments 03:05 What people get wrong about direct communication and tone 04:46 Balancing authenticity and “masking” in streaming 10:05 What soft content means and why sensory-friendly gaming matters 11:55 How cozy games create calm for both players and viewers 19:24 Creating safe spaces for teens in streaming and mental health 24:17 Founding the Disabled Content Creators Collective (DC3) 28:26 What a raid train is and why it matters for disabled creators 41:57 Understanding harm reduction in therapy and daily life 44:01 Why self-acceptance is a lifelong cycle, not a finish line 49:51 Collective wellness: how community helps us thrive Connect with ChiChi White LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chichi-white-929350297 Twitch: twitch.tv/HummingMints YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hummingmints TikTok: tiktok.com/@HummingMints Instagram: instagram.com/HummingMints

    57 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Everything You Know About Disability is Wrong is a podcast for the disability community by the disability community, hosted by two disabled women. But if you’re not disabled, listen in to learn about real issues, celebrations, and conversations disabled people are having in their communities. Powered by Easterseals.

Information

  • Creator
    Easterseals
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Everything You Know About Disability Is Wrong Erin and Lily

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