Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast Alycia Anderson

Welcome, Steph Aiello!
In this inspiring episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast, Alycia Anderson sits down with Steph Aiello, a disability advocate and a trailblazing quadriplegic makeup artist, content creator with brands like Ulta, Maybelline, and Fenty. Steph's journey from a life-altering car accident on the eve of her cosmetology school dreams to becoming a celebrated beauty influencer is nothing short of extraordinary.
Steph shares how her occupational therapist reignited her passion for makeup during her darkest moments, teaching her to adapt and use her body in new ways. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, showcasing how makeup became more than a beauty tool—it became her therapy and a symbol of her identity.
Key Takeaways:
🎨 Steph's rise to fame, working with brands like Ulta, Maybelline, and Fenty
👐 How Tyra Banks inspired her to "make her hands her brand"
🌟 Her mission to transform the beauty industry's inclusivity
Steph Says
"True inclusion is when we don't go viral," emphasizing her goal to normalize disability representation in beauty. She advocates for accessible packaging and tools, working behind the scenes with major brands to ensure everyone can enjoy the transformative power of makeup.
To those facing adversity, Steph offers this advice: "Feel it. You're mourning something. It's a tragic event... Not everything needs to be ok." Her mantra, written before her accident, resonates deeply: "Think less of what you lost and more of what you still have."
Don't miss this empowering episode that redefines beauty, challenges norms, and shows that with an "I Can Attitude," all dreams are within reach.
Bonus content
Hear how Steph’s family, especially her twin sister, has been her rock throughout her journey. Her sister was instrumental in her initial recovery, even making crucial medical decisions on her behalf. This deep family bond has been a source of strength and motivation for Steph.

Connect with Steph Aiello: TikTok | Instagram | YouTube | Steph's picks at Amazon Shop

Connect with Alycia: Feedback | Instagram | LinkedIn | Book Alycia for Speaking | Book Alycia to Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Alycia’s DEI Micro Learning Video Series
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let's go.

Welcome Samuel Benifield-Chivore
In this episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast," Alycia Anderson speaks with Samuel Benifield-Chivore, a remarkable teenager living with Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM). Diagnosed at age three, Samuel has undergone numerous surgeries and therapies but continues to thrive academically and personally.
Samuel, an honor roll student and the creative mind behind Samuel's Bricks, shares his journey of adapting to his disability and finding new ways to excel. His mother, Benita Benifield, a Global Retention Marketing Manager at Etsy, joins the conversation to discuss her advocacy efforts and the importance of family support.
Key Takeaways:
✨ Overcoming AVM and adapting to new challenges
👪 The power of family support in achieving goals
🔧 Turning hobbies into successful ventures
🗣️ Advocating for oneself and pushing through doubts
Samuel says...
"No matter your disability, you can still achieve greatness if you set your mind to it." - Samuel Benifield-Chivore
Bonus content
Samuel highlights the importance of finding new interests after being unable to participate in physical sports. He describes the joy of being cast in the school play "Grease" and how he adapted his role to fit his abilities. Samuel also shares his future goals, including continuing his education, growing his business, and advocating for others with disabilities.

Connect with Samuel: Samuel's Bricks on Etsy | Follow Samuel on Instagram

Connect with Alycia: Feedback | Instagram | LinkedIn | Book Alycia for Speaking | Book Alycia to Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Alycia’s DEI Micro Learning Video Series
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let's go.

Welcome, Ryan Hudson-Peralta, founder of Look Mom, No Hands
Welcome back to "Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast," where we spotlight stories of resilience and triumph. In today’s episode, we welcome Ryan Hudson-Peralta, an accomplished designer, speaker, and advocate who has turned perceived limitations into avenues for innovation. Born without hands and with shortened arms and legs (congenital limb deficiency), Ryan has taken the words "motivation" and "unstoppable" to the next level!
Key Takeaways:
🎨 Harnessing Creativity: Ryan turned early life challenges into a powerful force for creative solutions, modifying everyday items to enhance his independence and later, the usability of digital platforms.
🗣 Power of Advocacy: With his son, Ryan founded Equal Accessibility, focusing on improving physical and digital spaces not only for those with disabilities but for everyone, advocating for truly inclusive environments.
🌐 Tech Innovator: Despite his physical differences, Ryan has excelled in the tech industry, designing apps and websites that prioritize accessibility and usability for all users.
🚀 Inspiring Future Generations: Through mentoring and sharing "cheat codes" with youth born with similar conditions, Ryan provides early solutions and support, fostering a more manageable path forward for the next generation.
🌟 Living Without Limits: Ryan emphasizes that the only limits in life are the ones we set for ourselves, a philosophy he lives by every day as he challenges societal norms and accessibility barriers.
Quote:
"Don’t be your own speed bump. The only thing that can stop you or slow you down is yourself." - Ryan Hudson-Peralta
On the horizon:
An upcoming product from Ryan, called "Door Nub," is designed to help people with disabilities close doors more easily. He is excited about its potential to improve independence and accessibility in everyday scenarios.
Ryan's story is not just about adapting to the world but reshaping it to welcome everyone without barriers. Join us in celebrating his achievements and learning from his relentless pursuit of equality and access.
Connect with Ryan: Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | YouTube
Learn about Congenital Limb Deficiency:
For more information on Ryan's condition and how it impacts individuals from birth, visit this resource on congenital limb deficiency.
Connect with Alycia:
Feedback | Instagram | LinkedIn | Book Alycia for Speaking | Book Alycia to Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Alycia’s DEI Micro Learning Video Series
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let's go.

A tribute to Peggy and Marsha
Welcome to a very special Mother's Day episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast," where we turn the spotlight to the exceptional women who shaped us—our mothers. In this heartfelt episode, Alycia and her husband, Marty, open up about the enduring influence of their late mothers and the profound lessons they imparted.
Marty reminisces about his mother, Peggy, who overcame life's sudden shifts to nurture a large family with unwavering strength and intelligence. From her early days as a valedictorian to her resilient motherhood against all odds, Peggy's story speaks to the power of love and dedication.
Alycia shares the precious few memories of her mother, Marsha, whose untimely departure left a lasting void. Marsha's legacy, enriched through stories passed down by family and friends, highlights her kindness, style, and the deep love she had for her family. Despite her brief time, her impact is profound and everlasting.
In their conversation, Alycia and Marty share lessons on resilience, love, and family their mothers left them. From overcoming adversity to prioritizing family above all else, this episode is a tribute to the women who not only gave them life but also taught them how to live it fully.
🌟 Episode Highlights:
🔹 The Journey of a Lifetime: Marty’s mother’s transition from young scholar to superhero mom of nine.
🔹 Marsha’s Legacy: How Alycia's mother's style and spirit continue to inspire her.
🔹 Family First: Both mothers' unshakeable belief in the power of family unity.
🔹 A Legacy of Love: Reflecting on the emotional letters left by Marsha, offering comfort beyond her years.
Quote from Alycia on her mother's lasting presence
"I just need to lay in bed and close my eyes and talk to her... I've never felt alone.
Quote from Marty on his mother's advice:
"Always think about what you promise you're going to do and be sure that you can fulfill that promise."
Connect with Alycia:
Feedback | Instagram | LinkedIn | Book Alycia for Speaking | Book Alycia to Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Alycia’s DEI Micro Learning Video Series
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let's go.
🎧 Join us in celebrating the indomitable spirits of Peggy and Marsha, whose teachings resonate through time. It’s a conversation about love, loss, and the eternal bonds that mothers forge. Tune in and hold your loved ones a little closer today.

Welcome Mason Branstrator!
In this episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast," Alycia Anderson sits down with Mason Branstrator, a content creator, public speaker and adaptive athlete.
At 17, Mason’s life was changed by a skiing accident that left him paralyzed. Through determination and a renewed outlook, Mason embraced optimism, earning hundreds of thousands of followers who are inspired by his journey.
Tune in to learn how the Firefly attachment opened new opportunities for Mason to explore rugged terrains and fulfill his adventurous spirit. Discover how Mason’s journey through rehabilitation and recovery led him to advocate for accessibility and inclusion while bringing smiles to his online audience daily.
Key Takeaways:
🌟 Redefining Disability: See how Mason continues to break stereotypes about disability through social media and personal advocacy.
❤️ Parental Love and Support: Celebrate the strength and encouragement Mason receives from his supportive parents.
🦽 Firefly Impact: Discover how the Firefly e-assist scooter attachment enhances mobility and changes lives.
💪 Overcoming Limitations: Hear how Mason embraces optimism and overcomes adversity with his positive outlook.
📹 Family Trip to Germany: Mason shares about the video where his dad carried him up three flights of stairs on his back during a family trip to Germany exemplified the unwavering support of his family.

Quote from Mason:
"It’s what makes us strong and special: Accepting those things we can’t change and realizing our potential."

Connect with Mason: Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok.
Connect with Alycia:
Feedback | Instagram | LinkedIn | Book Alycia for Speaking | Book Alycia to Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Alycia’s DEI Micro Learning Video Series
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let's go.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Welcome to another episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast," where we amplify voices from the disability community. This May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, Alycia is joined by her sister-in-law and personal hero, Peggy Sellery. Peggy, an MIT and Columbia graduate, opens up about her years long struggle with bipolar disorder, shedding light on both the challenges and triumphs of learning how to accept, manage and adapt to her newfound condition.
Peggy discusses growing up in a family where disability was already present due to her brother (Alycia's husband) Marty's accident, which occurred when she was very young. This early exposure played a significant role in shaping her perspectives on disability and mental health.
🌟 Peggy's Path to Empowerment:
📚 From academic excellence to mental health advocacy.
✍️ Finding her voice through writing and self-expression.
🧠 Understanding the swings of bipolar disorder—from deep lows to manic highs.
🌈 Embracing her creative spirit and confronting societal stigmas.
Personal quote from Peggy
"The mind is a powerful force, striving for survival. Learning to embrace my mental health journey has taught me resilience and self-acceptance."
Peggy opens and shares her inspiring story and offers advice on how everyone can contribute to breaking the mental health stigma. Community support and understanding can significantly impact each and everyone of our lives when we work toward better mental health and wellness together.
Through candid conversation and shared experiences, we aim to foster a more inclusive and understanding world.
Need Immediate Help?
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental wellness, help is available. Visit Mental Health Awareness Month and NAMI's Bipolar Disorder Guide.
Connect with Peggy:
To learn more about Peggy's SAT and ACT test preparation services, visit No Guess Work Prep or explore her personal journey and tutoring philosophy.
Connect with Alycia:
Feedback | Instagram | LinkedIn | Book Alycia for Speaking | Book Alycia to Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Buy Alycia’s DEI Micro Learning Video Series
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let's go.