The Different Ability® Podcast

Katey Fortun

Why am I different? Why do things have to be so difficult? Am I dumb? Why am I scared? Will it be this hard forever? Will I ever find the help I need to succeed? When will being different be accepted? Welcome to The Different Ability® Podcast where we will answer all of these questions and a whole lot more! Each week host Katey Fortun brings you tips and tricks on how to navigate being different, along with inspiring stories of guests that are living an amazing life having Different Abilities of their own. Parents and Educators of kids with Different Abilities share their stories to encourage others that they are not alone and we can all get through this together! Katey, who has dyslexia, shares her personal Different Ability stories to show you that being different is a gift, being different is amazing and using your Different Abilities, you too can create and live the life you have always dreamed about! Katey believes that everyone has Different Abilities and it's time to let our Different Abilities shine bright! You are amazing, you are important, you are strong, you are smart and the world needs you just the way you were made! Are you ready to be inspired and encouraged to be the person you were made to be, Different Abilities and all? We know you're ready, so come along, we are all in this together! "You can do anything you put your mind to, with a lot of hard work, determination and never giving up! It's not your disability, it's your Different Ability®!" - Katey

  1. 12/24/2025

    Embracing What I Was Good At – An Audiobook Sneak Peek (Chapter 9)

    Send us a text Today’s episode is a little different and a little more personal. On this Christmas Eve, I’m sharing a short sneak peek from the audiobook of Embracing Your Different Ability®. This excerpt comes from Chapter 9, where I talk about learning to embrace what I was good at in school—even when it didn’t look like what everyone else celebrated. From book talks and The Boxcar Children to building a boxcar with my dad, this moment helped me realize that leaning into your strengths can change everything. If you’ve ever felt discouraged by the things you struggled with or wondered if your strengths “counted,” I hope this story reminds you that learning—and success—don’t look the same for everyone. More audiobook sneak peeks and conversations are coming soon. You can also join my book launch crew (if it's before the book launches) and you could get the first three audio book chapters as a bonus! Join Here! Here's the links talked about in the episode:  www.kateyfortun.com/thebook www.yourdifferentability.com Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching! Sign Up Here! Shop new products here! Places you can reach me at: Website: https://kateyfortun.com/ https://kateyfortun.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/ https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/

    7 min

  2. 12/17/2025

    Life, Loss, and Love: Raising Great, Even When… with Grace Berios

    Send us a text Grace Berios opens up about the emotional journey of discovering her youngest son, Teddy, has Down syndrome. From grief and uncertainty to life-changing travel and new perspectives, Grace shares how her family found hope, balance, and joy while raising kids of all abilities—and how it inspired her upcoming book, Raising Great, Even When… Grace's Bio Grace Berios is an author and mom of five—raising kids of all abilities—whose newest book, Raising Great, Even When…, was deeply shaped by her experience raising her youngest son, Teddy, who has Down syndrome. She teaches parents how small systems and intentional rhythms can bring calm to the chaos, especially for families navigating special-needs parenting. Her mission is simple: to help parents own their story, step confidently into their role as Guide, and feel seen, supported, and steady through the messy, beautiful, and unpredictable parts of raising great kids of all abilities. Connect with Grace Website Instagram Facebook Business Facebook Join her Newsletter Her Book (Link coming soon!) Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching! Sign Up Here! Shop new products here! Places you can reach me at: Website: https://kateyfortun.com/ https://kateyfortun.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/ https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/

    38 min

  3. 12/10/2025

    RE-RELEASE: The Diagnosis

    Send us a text We’re going way back to the early days of the podcast! I’m re-releasing Episode Three — an important chapter of my story and one of the most meaningful episodes from the beginning. In this throwback, I share what it was like to finally get my diagnosis and understand why I struggled for so long. It was a moment filled with relief, hope, and the feeling that I wasn’t “broken” — I just learned differently. You’ll also hear about my parents’ incredible fight for answers and support. Their belief in me helped me believe in myself, and I want this re-release to offer that same spark of hope to anyone who needs it. It’s not your disability… it’s your Different Ability®. Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching! Sign Up Here! Shop new products here! Places you can reach me at: Website: https://kateyfortun.com/ https://kateyfortun.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/ https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/

    9 min

  4. 12/03/2025

    RE-RELEASE: The Struggle

    Send us a text We’re taking it way back! I’m re-releasing Episode Two — one of the very first episodes I ever recorded and the beginning of my Different Ability® story. In this throwback episode, I open up about the tough early years: the moments when I felt “dumb,” couldn’t understand why things were harder for me, and didn’t yet know there was a reason behind the struggle. It’s honest, emotional, and such an important part of how my journey started. I’m bringing this episode back because I know so many people have felt this exact way. If you or someone you love is navigating similar challenges, I hope this re-release brings comfort, encouragement, and a reminder that you are not alone. It’s not your disability… it’s your Different Ability®. Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching! Sign Up Here! Shop new products here! Places you can reach me at: Website: https://kateyfortun.com/ https://kateyfortun.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/ https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/

    11 min

  5. 11/26/2025

    A Journey of Pivots, Purpose, and Peace with Serena Sevits

    Send us a text In this episode, I sit down with Serena — a woman whose winding path shaped her into the strong, grounded, inspiring person she is today. She grew up attending a one-room schoolhouse, moved through different schools, and eventually headed to Pacific Union College to study interior design before returning to Oregon and changing direction completely. Serena married young, raised kids, worked a wide variety of jobs, experienced a marriage that didn’t last, and learned more about herself through each chapter. Today, she’s a life coach and financial professional with a mission to make the world 1% better every day. We talk about her childhood, her many career pivots, the business she runs now, and the joy of her beautiful blended family. It’s an honest, heartfelt conversation about growth, resilience, and embracing every part of your journey. Serena's Bio Meet Serena, an authentically real adult with a passion for life and learning. An opportunity to refocus her career led to life coaching, and a desire to learn finance for her small business led to working on a team with other financial professionals that share a heart for making a difference in financial education and peace of mind. Her mission is to make the world 1% better every day by focusing on deep, transformative work in herself and with others. When she's not coaching or educating, you can find her in the kitchen trying new recipes or baking treats for her family. Her adventurous spirit also leads her to the gym and into the great outdoors, where she enjoys camping, backpacking, and hiking. Connect with Serena Website Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching! Sign Up Here! Shop new products here! Places you can reach me at: Website: https://kateyfortun.com/ https://kateyfortun.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/ https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/

    59 min

  6. 11/20/2025

    Creating Ripples of INPact & Positivity with Janet Mackay

    Send us a text Janet Mackay—high-energy speaker, founder of INPact Academy, and creator of the legendary “Drip That Rips”—returns to the show! We catch up on what she’s been building over the last few years, the powerful stories fueling her mission, and how the Drip That Rips movement continues to inspire students and adults around the world. Get ready for big energy, big heart, and big reminders that your choices can create a ripple effect of kindness, compassion, and INPact… one drip at a time. Check out Janet's first episode HERE!  Connect with Janet Website  Facebook Instagram Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching! Sign Up Here! Shop new products here! Places you can reach me at: Website: https://kateyfortun.com/ https://kateyfortun.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/ https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/

    35 min

  7. 11/12/2025

    Stop the Overwhelm: Grow Smarter, Not Harder with Hailey Rowe

    Send us a text In this episode, Katey sits down with Marketing & Sales Strategist Hailey Rowe to talk about what it really takes to grow your business without burning out. Hailey shares her F.A.S.T. Framework and practical marketing tips that help coaches and entrepreneurs make more sales, save time, and stay consistent. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale, this conversation will help you shift your mindset from hobby to business success. Hailey's Bio Hailey Rowe is a Marketing & Sales Strategist, Coach, & Linkedin Lead Generation Service Provider. She helps coaches, podcast hosts, & wellness professionals make more sales, get more time back, and overcome social media overwhelm.  She shares her F.A.S.T. framework, marketing, and business tips in her Health Coach Nation Podcast (Top 1.5% on ListenNotes) & in the free Marketing Hub Facebook Group. She’s been named as one of the Top 25 Coaches in Chicago (Chicago Entrepreneur Magazine) & one of the Top 6 business podcasts for health coaches (Primal Health Coach Institute). Since 2010, Hailey has worked in the coaching world & in business development/marketing for startups.  Hailey’s philosophy: You can have an amazing service and impact to make, but without a strong mindset, and sales and marketing plan, your business will remain a hobby. Connect with Hailey Website Instagram Podcast LinkedIn Free Goal & Time Management Planning System: Get it here! Book your FREE Business Growth Audit HERE! Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching! Sign Up Here! Shop new products here! Places you can reach me at: Website: https://kateyfortun.com/ https://kateyfortun.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/ https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/

    51 min

  8. 11/05/2025

    Creativity as Healing: Turning Art Into Empowerment with Susan Day

    Send us a text In this episode, Susan Day takes us on a powerful journey from her childhood in the UK to starting over on the other side of the world in Australia. She opens up about the challenges of adapting to a new culture, finding her footing through education, and discovering the role art would ultimately play in her life’s purpose. Today, Susan blends creativity and mindfulness to support emotional well-being, helping others express themselves and heal through the arts. Her story is a beautiful reminder that creativity isn’t about talent — it’s about connection, courage, and finding yourself along the way. Susan's Bio: Susan Day is a Mindful Arts Coach, author, and app developer with a visionary approach to creative healing. Through her carefully designed art therapy activities, she empowers individuals and healthcare professionals to harness the transformative power of creativity in their practice. Susan believes that art—regardless of skill level—serves as a profound tool for navigating life’s challenges, fostering emotional resilience, and reconnecting with one's true self. Connect with Susan: Website Instagram Instagram Resources Hub Facebook Books Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching! Sign Up Here! Shop new products here! Places you can reach me at: Website: https://kateyfortun.com/ https://kateyfortun.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/ https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/

    48 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Why am I different? Why do things have to be so difficult? Am I dumb? Why am I scared? Will it be this hard forever? Will I ever find the help I need to succeed? When will being different be accepted? Welcome to The Different Ability® Podcast where we will answer all of these questions and a whole lot more! Each week host Katey Fortun brings you tips and tricks on how to navigate being different, along with inspiring stories of guests that are living an amazing life having Different Abilities of their own. Parents and Educators of kids with Different Abilities share their stories to encourage others that they are not alone and we can all get through this together! Katey, who has dyslexia, shares her personal Different Ability stories to show you that being different is a gift, being different is amazing and using your Different Abilities, you too can create and live the life you have always dreamed about! Katey believes that everyone has Different Abilities and it's time to let our Different Abilities shine bright! You are amazing, you are important, you are strong, you are smart and the world needs you just the way you were made! Are you ready to be inspired and encouraged to be the person you were made to be, Different Abilities and all? We know you're ready, so come along, we are all in this together! "You can do anything you put your mind to, with a lot of hard work, determination and never giving up! It's not your disability, it's your Different Ability®!" - Katey

Information

  • Creator
    Katey Fortun
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    245
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Different Ability® Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Different Ability® Podcast