The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast

The Shining Beautiful Series

Listen to this podcast and discover the power of "Shining Beautiful" in life and in your community. Mikelle is perhaps the only non-verbal podcaster in the world. How does she do it? With technology. Meet Mikelle, who experiences cerebral palsy, her mother, Katherine Carol, and Gretchen Storm, speech therapist, and assistive technology guru. Together they talk about everyday life with a disability, how technology empowers people with disabilities to own their lives. This sassy team of coffee drinking techies interview technology and rehabilitation experts as they sit around the kitchen table at Mikelle's home.

  1. And, Still We Love. Love, Laughter, and a Little Bit of Nerves.

    1D AGO

    And, Still We Love. Love, Laughter, and a Little Bit of Nerves.

    In this special Valentine's Day episode of The Shining Beautiful Series, Katherine, Mikelle, and Maryann gather for a heartfelt conversation about what they truly love and appreciate — in their lives, in each other, and in the communities they're building together. This isn't a sugary sweet Valentine's episode. It's honest. It's grounded. It's real. Together, they reflect on: The friendships that have lasted decades The caregivers, colleagues, and quiet leaders who show up every day The small rituals — coffee time, creative work, shared laughter — that sustain them And yes… the subtle undercurrent of anxiety many of us are carrying in uncertain times In a year marked by policy shifts, funding questions, and a rapidly changing landscape for families and people with disabilities, love can feel both powerful and fragile. This conversation explores how gratitude and worry can coexist — and how choosing appreciation, even now, is an act of courage. Mikelle shares what she loves about her work and friendships. Maryann reflects on mentorship, inclusion, and the next generation of leadership. Katherine offers perspective from decades of advocacy — reminding us that even in seasons of change, we are more resilient than we think. This episode is a reminder that love is not naïve. It is strategic. It is sustaining. It is how communities survive. 💛 As you listen, we invite you to ask yourself: What do you love right now? Who do you appreciate but haven't told? What steady presence in your life deserves your gratitude? Still, we love. And that matters.

    20 min

  2. JAN 27

    The Quiet Leadership of Care: Honoring a Legacy That Lives On

    In this solo episode of Shining Beautiful, Katherine reflects on the legacy of nurse, mentor and caregiver Alex Pretti--and the profound, often unseen impact caregivers have on our lives, families, workplaces and communities.  Through personal insight and gentle storytelling, Katherine explores the quiet leadership of caregiving: the small acts of kindness, presence, and compassion that shape human connection and create lasting change.  From hosptial rooms to grocery store liens, this episode is a reminder that caregive is not only what we do--it is who we are. A thoughtful pause, an invitation to lead with humanity, and a tribute to those whose lives continue to ripple forward through the people they touch.

    25 min
  3. Still Working: Customized Employment in a Time of Change with Cary Griffin

    JAN 15

    Still Working: Customized Employment in a Time of Change with Cary Griffin

    There's a particular kind of laughter that shows up when people have lived through enough systems change to know two things at once: that the work matters deeply—and that taking ourselves too seriously won't get us very far. That spirit framed our recent conversation with Cary Griffin, a longtime leader and truth-teller in the field of customized employment. We came together to talk about what's shifting at the federal level, what those changes mean on the ground, and how individuals with disabilities and families can continue shaping meaningful employment journeys in an increasingly uncertain environment. The headlines can feel heavy. Policy priorities change. Funding structures wobble. Programs are renamed, restructured, or reduced. Families and self-advocates are often left translating vague language into very real, very personal decisions. And yet—this conversation wasn't rooted in fear. It was rooted in perspective. Cary reminded us that customized employment was never about fitting people into tidy systems. It has always been about creativity, alignment, relationships, and listening deeply—to individuals, to businesses, and to communities. Those fundamentals don't disappear when administrations change. In many ways, they become even more important. We talked about what it looks like to: Stay grounded when policy signals are confusing or discouraging Reframe employment as an evolving and meaningful journey rather than a fixed outcome Help individuals and families focus on strengths, contributions, and relationships instead of program limitations Keep joy, humor, and humanity at the center of serious work There was laughter—real, unfiltered laughter—because sometimes humor is how we tell the truth gently enough to hear it ourselves.

    58 min

  4. 12/31/2025

    And, Still, We Begin. New Year's 2026

    As a new year begins, Katherine reflects on the mixed emotions many of us are carrying—hope, fatigue, uncertainty, and cautious optimism. In this episode, she shares her honest thoughts about the changes ahead, including concerns about funding, policy shifts, and the stability of long-term supports for people with disabilities. Drawing on decades of lived experience as a parent, advocate, and community builder, Katherine reminds listeners that we are not entering this year unprepared. She explores how the skills developed over years—storytelling, resourcefulness, advocacy, and translation—equip individuals, families, and communities to navigate change without losing sight of what matters most: meaningful lives, inclusive communities, and shared responsibility. This episode is an invitation to begin the year grounded, nimble, and connected—trusting what we've already learned, and moving forward together.

    31 min
  5. Where Friendship Shines Bright

    12/25/2025

    Where Friendship Shines Bright

    In this festive and heart-warming episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Mikelle leads us into the spirit of the season as she celebrates Secret Santa with the Shining Beautiful team and hosts a joyful holiday brunch with longtime friends — including Ian, the former barista who helped inspire the very concept of Shining Beautiful by ensuring she was fully included as part of the Starbucks community over 20 years ago. We're joined by team member Torie, who shares her perspective on finding belonging in a new role and discovering how inclusion is lived — not just talked about. Together, we explore what makes friendships endure, how everyday acts of kindness shape a lifetime of connection, and the power of showing up for one another over time. Filled with laughter, gratitude, and reminders that the smallest gestures can become the biggest gifts, this episode is a celebration of what truly matters during the holidays: the friendships that stay, the communities we build, and the love that continues to grow. Happy holidays from all of us at Shining Beautiful — may your season shine bright with kindness and connection.

    19 min

  6. 12/02/2025

    Aging, Disability, and the Courage to Keep Moving Forward

    In this heartfelt episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Mikelle sits down with her longtime friend and fellow podcaster, Win Charles, for a candid conversation about aging, disability, and navigating life's next significant transitions. Win—who also has cerebral palsy—is preparing for an upcoming hip replacement surgery. While it's a routine procedure for many, it becomes a very different experience when disability shapes your daily life, communication, and recovery. Together, Mikelle, Win, and Katherine explore how the medical system responds to "typical" surgeries in not-so-typical bodies, and what it means to advocate for yourself at every step. The trio opens up about the realities of getting older with a disability—from shifting physical needs to rethinking living arrangements, strengthening support teams, and building communities that adapt with you. Their conversation is honest, hopeful, and full of lived wisdom. This episode is a reminder that aging isn't something to fear—it's another chapter to write with courage, creativity, and connection. Whether you're a family caregiver, a person with a disability, or simply someone navigating change, you'll find insight, humor, and heart in this powerful exchange between two remarkable women who have spent a lifetime redefining independence.

    51 min

  7. 11/18/2025

    Behind the Care: Families, Employment & the Budget Ripples

    This month — as we honour National Family Caregivers Month — we turn our attention to the 63 million Americans who provide unpaid care for loved ones with disabilities or chronic health needs. That staggering number is nearly one in every four adults. (AARP) Here in Colorado, roughly 600,000 family caregivers contribute 560 million hours of unpaid care annually — a value of about $11.2 billion. (AARP States) On this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, host Katherine sits down with Cary Griffin to explore how caregivers are at the heart of employment and inclusion systems — yet often overlooked in policy, funding and workforce narratives. We'll dig into: How the caregiving role intersects with paid employment, training and economic security What budget-pressures in Colorado, including recent cuts to critical programs like the Family Provider rates within the DD waiver and the Community Connector services, mean for caregivers and the people they support Survey findings from Our Back Office research: how caregivers are juggling employment, support teams, aging, and systems change Actionable ideas for families, providers and employment professionals to re-frame caregivers as part of the solution—not just recipients of support Whether you are a caregiver, a support professional, an employer, or someone who wants to understand the invisible backbone of community inclusion models better — this conversation is for you. Join us and discover how supporting caregivers isn't a side conversation — it's central to sustaining employment, inclusion and dignity for people with disabilities and their families. Additonal Data Resources: Administration for Community Living. (n.d.). 2022 National strategy to support family caregivers. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://acl.gov/CaregiverStrategy Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services. (n.d.). Colorado aging and adult services. https://aging.colorado.gov/ National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities. (n.d.). Bridging aging and disability networks. https://nacdd.org/bridging-aging-disability/#1709588308515-08fd8ab9-5944

    44 min
  8. Employment Shines Bright: Mikelle's Story for NDEAM

    11/04/2025

    Employment Shines Bright: Mikelle's Story for NDEAM

    In this inspiring episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine and Torie join Mikelle in celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) by sharing the heart and hustle behind Mikelle's entrepreneurial journey. Mikelle opens up about why she loves making and selling her handmade bracelets — from the joy of choosing colors to the pride she feels when someone buys a piece of her art. Katherine reflects on how meaningful work builds purpose and independence, while Torie adds a fresh Gen Z perspective on teamwork, inclusion, and the power of believing in your own creativity. Together, they show that employment isn't just about a paycheck — it's about belonging, confidence, and shining bright in the work you love.

    14 min
See All (156)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Listen to this podcast and discover the power of "Shining Beautiful" in life and in your community. Mikelle is perhaps the only non-verbal podcaster in the world. How does she do it? With technology. Meet Mikelle, who experiences cerebral palsy, her mother, Katherine Carol, and Gretchen Storm, speech therapist, and assistive technology guru. Together they talk about everyday life with a disability, how technology empowers people with disabilities to own their lives. This sassy team of coffee drinking techies interview technology and rehabilitation experts as they sit around the kitchen table at Mikelle's home.

Information