Invisible Disabilities Network

Invisible Disabilities Association

The Invisible Disabilities® Network is hosted by the Invisible Disabilities® Association, a 501c3 non-profit charity founded in 1996 and whose mission is to encourage, educate and connect people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Join IDA on a journey as they highlight incredible stories of amazing courage, perseverance and inspiration via their InVisible InCourage Show, Learn from top experts via their IDEAS (Invisible Disabilities® | Education | Awareness | Support) Programs on the Brain, Love, Healthy Humor, Healthy Living and more!

  1. Aug 22

    John Cusimano | Finn the Forgetful Fish | InVisible InCourage | Invisible Disabilities Association

    On this episode of the InVisible InCourage Show, author John Cusimano shares how his adult ADHD diagnosis inspired his children's book, *Finn the Forgetful Fish*. He discusses how embracing his neurodiversity led him to launch a creative university internship program that translates complex life lessons into accessible stories. John discusses how a partnership with the Invisible Disabilities Association would be a great benefit, sharing how working together could advance their shared mission of education, trust, and open dialogue. Listen in to discover how storytelling and unique perspectives can turn personal struggles into powerful strengths. Learn more about John Cusimano InVisible InCourage SHOW - InVisibleInCourage.SHOW Check out more podcast shows at the ⁠InvisibleDisabilities.Network⁠ The ⁠Invisible Disabilities® Association⁠ (IDA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity. invisibledisabilities.org   IDA is changing the way the world sees disabilities. IDA is about believing. We believe you! The frequently invisible nature of illness and pain may lead to disbelief about that illness or pain by those surrounding the person who lives daily with invisible disabilities. This disbelief can lead to misunderstandings, rejection by friends, family and health care providers. It may also lead to accusations of laziness or faking an illness. We are passionate about providing awareness that invisible illness, pain and disabilities are very real! Our mission is to encourage, educate and connect people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Envision with us, a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be Invisible No More®.

    John Cusimano | Finn the Forgetful Fish | InVisible InCourage | Invisible Disabilities Association
  2. Aug 22

    Dr Jen Pfleghaar | IDA Board Member | InVisible InCourage | Invisible Disabilities Association

    In this inspiring episode of the InVisible InCourage Show host Jess Stainbrook sits down with double board-certified physician Dr. Jen Pfleghaar to explore how root-cause medicine and faith can transform the lives of those suffering from invisible disabilities like Hashimoto's, mold toxicity, and hormone imbalances. Drawing from her own personal health journey and ER experience, Dr. Jen reveals how conventional healthcare often misses invisible conditions and shares practical ways patients can break the stigma to reclaim their identity and hope. Tune in for an empowering, eye-opening conversation that will encourage you to advocate for your health and declare that you are "invisible no more"! Learn more about Dr Jen Pfleghaar InVisible InCourage SHOW - InVisibleInCourage.SHOW Check out more podcast shows at the ⁠InvisibleDisabilities.Network⁠ The ⁠Invisible Disabilities® Association⁠ (IDA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity. invisibledisabilities.org   IDA is changing the way the world sees disabilities. IDA is about believing. We believe you! The frequently invisible nature of illness and pain may lead to disbelief about that illness or pain by those surrounding the person who lives daily with invisible disabilities. This disbelief can lead to misunderstandings, rejection by friends, family and health care providers. It may also lead to accusations of laziness or faking an illness. We are passionate about providing awareness that invisible illness, pain and disabilities are very real! Our mission is to encourage, educate and connect people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Envision with us, a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be Invisible No More®.

    Dr Jen Pfleghaar | IDA Board Member | InVisible InCourage | Invisible Disabilities Association
  3. Aug 22

    Michelle Katz | Awakening in an Age of Metals | InVisible InCourage | Invisible Disabilities Association

    On this episode of the InVisible InCourage Show, host Jess Stainbrook sits down with author and former television executive Michelle O'Connell-Katz to discuss her harrowing 12-year journey through a mystery illness. After visiting 18 doctors for debilitating symptoms, Michelle discovered she was suffering from extreme mercury poisoning, setting off a remarkable path to recovery that bridged functional medicine, indigenous practices, and deep ancestral trauma. Tune in to hear how writing her book, Awakening in an Age of Metals, helped rewrite her health narrative and inspired a unique healing framework for others navigating invisible disabilities. Learn more about Michelle Katz InVisible InCourage SHOW - InVisibleInCourage.SHOW Check out more podcast shows at the ⁠InvisibleDisabilities.Network⁠ The ⁠Invisible Disabilities® Association⁠ (IDA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity. invisibledisabilities.org   IDA is changing the way the world sees disabilities. IDA is about believing. We believe you! The frequently invisible nature of illness and pain may lead to disbelief about that illness or pain by those surrounding the person who lives daily with invisible disabilities. This disbelief can lead to misunderstandings, rejection by friends, family and health care providers. It may also lead to accusations of laziness or faking an illness. We are passionate about providing awareness that invisible illness, pain and disabilities are very real! Our mission is to encourage, educate and connect people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Envision with us, a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be Invisible No More®.

    Michelle Katz | Awakening in an Age of Metals | InVisible InCourage | Invisible Disabilities Association
  4. May 27

    Joe Womack | IDA Board Member | Integrated Health 2.0 | InVisible InCourage | Invisible Disabilities Association

    In this inspiring episode of *The InVisible InCourage Show*, host Jess Stainbrook sits down with IDA board member Joe Womack to explore his remarkable journey from a 1990s high-tech innovator to a passionate healthcare advocate. Joe discusses his groundbreaking work with Integrative Health 2.0 to combat obstructive sleep apnea—one of the most impactful invisible disabilities we face. Tune in to discover how Joe’s faith, entrepreneurial grit, and dedication to root-cause healing are helping to ensure that those living with invisible disabilities are "invisible no more". Learn more about Joe Womack InVisible InCourage SHOW - InVisibleInCourage.SHOW Check out more podcast shows at the ⁠InvisibleDisabilities.Network⁠ The ⁠Invisible Disabilities® Association⁠ (IDA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity. invisibledisabilities.org   IDA is changing the way the world sees disabilities. IDA is about believing. We believe you! The frequently invisible nature of illness and pain may lead to disbelief about that illness or pain by those surrounding the person who lives daily with invisible disabilities. This disbelief can lead to misunderstandings, rejection by friends, family and health care providers. It may also lead to accusations of laziness or faking an illness. We are passionate about providing awareness that invisible illness, pain and disabilities are very real! Our mission is to encourage, educate and connect people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Envision with us, a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be Invisible No More®.

    Joe Womack | IDA Board Member | Integrated Health 2.0 | InVisible InCourage | Invisible Disabilities Association
  5. Apr 7

    Sandy Halperin | Persevering with Dementia | InVisible InCourage Show | Invisible Disabilities Association

    This episode of the InVisible InCourage Show features Sandy Halperin, a former dentist who provides a moving look into his life with early-stage dementia. Sandy discusses the vital importance of advocacy and how the book But You Look Good validated his personal journey with invisible disabilities. Despite significant physical challenges, his story is a powerful example of perseverance and the strength found in a supportive community. Watch or listen to this inspiring conversation that challenges how the world perceives disability and highlights the impact of sharing one's personal journey. Learn more about Sandy Halperin InVisible InCourage SHOW - InVisibleInCourage.SHOW Check out more podcast shows at the ⁠InvisibleDisabilities.Network⁠ The ⁠Invisible Disabilities® Association⁠ (IDA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity. invisibledisabilities.org   IDA is changing the way the world sees disabilities. IDA is about believing. We believe you! The frequently invisible nature of illness and pain may lead to disbelief about that illness or pain by those surrounding the person who lives daily with invisible disabilities. This disbelief can lead to misunderstandings, rejection by friends, family and health care providers. It may also lead to accusations of laziness or faking an illness. We are passionate about providing awareness that invisible illness, pain and disabilities are very real! Our mission is to encourage, educate and connect people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Envision with us, a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be Invisible No More®.

    Sandy Halperin | Persevering with Dementia | InVisible InCourage Show | Invisible Disabilities Association
  6. Feb 22

    Patrick Williams | Purpose Driven Leader and Passion | InVisible InCourage | Invisible Disabilities Association

    On this episode of the InVisible InCourage Show, Patrick Williams, CEO of PRK Williams Companies, shares how growing up with a mother who had an invisible disability inspired his lifelong mission to improve the quality of life for others. He discusses how his personal experiences led him to move beyond the corporate world to create "To The Rescue" and innovative "healthy spaces" that empower individuals with chronic illnesses to thrive. Patrick highlights his partnership with the Invisible Disabilities Association as a vital, purpose-driven collaboration focused on creating a healthier, more inclusive world. Listen in to discover how holistic design and compassionate leadership are transforming the lives of those living with disabilities. Learn more about PRK Williams Companies PRK Williams Building Group To The Rescue Healthy Living Today Healthy Spaces InVisible InCourage SHOW - InVisibleInCourage.SHOW Check out more podcast shows at the ⁠InvisibleDisabilities.Network⁠ The ⁠Invisible Disabilities® Association⁠ (IDA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity. invisibledisabilities.org   IDA is changing the way the world sees disabilities. IDA is about believing. We believe you! The frequently invisible nature of illness and pain may lead to disbelief about that illness or pain by those surrounding the person who lives daily with invisible disabilities. This disbelief can lead to misunderstandings, rejection by friends, family and health care providers. It may also lead to accusations of laziness or faking an illness. We are passionate about providing awareness that invisible illness, pain and disabilities are very real! Our mission is to encourage, educate and connect people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Envision with us, a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be Invisible No More®.

    Patrick Williams | Purpose Driven Leader and Passion | InVisible InCourage | Invisible Disabilities Association
  7. Feb 1

    Dr Saundra Russell-Smith | Limitless Leader | InVisible InCourage | Invisible Disabilities Association

    On this InVisible InCourage SHOW episode, Dr. Saundra Russell-Smith joins the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) to share her powerful journey of leading as a person who stutters. She details how she transformed her "struggles" into a superpower, moving from a place of shame to becoming a confident educator, author, and public speaker. Dr. Russell-Smith and host Jess Stainbrook explore the profound impact of owning your identity and using your personal story to empower others to be their "perfectly imperfect" selves. Tune in for an inspiring overview of how to lead without limits and embrace the purpose behind your unique journey. Learn more about Dr Saundra Russell-Smith InVisible InCourage SHOW - InVisibleInCourage.SHOW Check out more podcast shows at the IDA.FM The ⁠Invisible Disabilities® Association⁠ (IDA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity. invisibledisabilities.org   IDA is changing the way the world sees disabilities. IDA is about believing. We believe you! The frequently invisible nature of illness and pain may lead to disbelief about that illness or pain by those surrounding the person who lives daily with invisible disabilities. This disbelief can lead to misunderstandings, rejection by friends, family and health care providers. It may also lead to accusations of laziness or faking an illness. We are passionate about providing awareness that invisible illness, pain and disabilities are very real! Our mission is to encourage, educate and connect people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Envision with us, a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be Invisible No More®.

    Dr Saundra Russell-Smith | Limitless Leader | InVisible InCourage | Invisible Disabilities Association
  8. 10/10/2025

    Allsup | SSDI Social Security and VA Help | InVisible InCourage SHOW | Invisible Disabilities Association

    Catch this essential episode of the InVisible InCourage Show featuring experts from Allsup, a leader in disability benefits. They discuss navigating disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSDI) and VA, specifically for people with invisible disabilities. Learn about the unique challenges invisible disabilities face in the application process and the resources available, including Allsup's 97% success rate. Plus, discover the Ticket to Work program for SSDI recipients who want to return to work and how veterans can appeal VA disability claims. Tune in to understand these complex systems and find the help you need. Learn more about Allsup InVisible InCourage SHOW - InVisibleInCourage.SHOW Check out more podcast shows at the ⁠InvisibleDisabilities.Network⁠ The ⁠Invisible Disabilities® Association⁠ (IDA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity. invisibledisabilities.org   IDA is changing the way the world sees disabilities. IDA is about believing. We believe you! The frequently invisible nature of illness and pain may lead to disbelief about that illness or pain by those surrounding the person who lives daily with invisible disabilities. This disbelief can lead to misunderstandings, rejection by friends, family and health care providers. It may also lead to accusations of laziness or faking an illness. We are passionate about providing awareness that invisible illness, pain and disabilities are very real! Our mission is to encourage, educate and connect people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Envision with us, a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be Invisible No More®.

    Allsup | SSDI Social Security and VA Help | InVisible InCourage SHOW | Invisible Disabilities Association

About

The Invisible Disabilities® Network is hosted by the Invisible Disabilities® Association, a 501c3 non-profit charity founded in 1996 and whose mission is to encourage, educate and connect people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Join IDA on a journey as they highlight incredible stories of amazing courage, perseverance and inspiration via their InVisible InCourage Show, Learn from top experts via their IDEAS (Invisible Disabilities® | Education | Awareness | Support) Programs on the Brain, Love, Healthy Humor, Healthy Living and more!