Unfiltered Resilience: Dawn Olson's Journey

Dawn Olson
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"Unfiltered Resilience: Dawn Olson's Journey is a deeply personal and educational podcast that explores the intersection of disability rights, personal growth, and societal change. Hosted by advocate and storyteller Dawn Olson, this podcast creates a space where vulnerability meets strength, where difficult conversations become opportunities for connection, and where listeners are invited to reimagine what's possible. Each episode weaves together Dawn's lived experiences with thoughtful reflection and practical insights to challenge perceptions, provide valuable knowledge, and inspire action.

  1. 12H AGO

    What Happens After Awareness Month Ends

    “Awareness Isn’t Enough: What Disability Employment Really Looks Like” Disability Employment Awareness Month may be over, but the work isn’t. In this episode of Unfiltered Resilience, Dawn Olson gets real about what “awareness” actually means—and why it’s not enough. From outdated laws to the fear of losing benefits, Dawn shares her own experiences navigating employment as a person with a disability and how the system still fails to make real inclusion possible. This isn’t about inspiration—it’s about action. Dawn breaks down the misconceptions employers still hold, the everyday barriers people with disabilities face, and why systemic change—not just celebration—is what’s truly needed. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes for someone with a disability to not just get a job, but keep it and thrive, this conversation will open your eyes. Let’s talk about real solutions, not just awareness.

    12 min

  2. OCT 22

    Not a Step Backward: Redefining Independence as We Age

    Welcome back to Unfiltered Resilience. Today, I want to talk about something universal yet rarely explored — aging, and what it means to age with a disability. For many of us, independence isn’t just a goal; it’s part of who we are. But as our bodies change, that definition begins to shift. In this episode, I reflect on how assistive devices — like walkers and wheelchairs — are often misunderstood as symbols of limitation, when in truth, they can be tools of freedom. I share stories from my own life, from my days at the Ann Carlson School to the quiet rebellions that shaped how I see mobility and independence today. We’ll explore what happens when parents, caregivers, and even we ourselves equate “doing it alone” with strength — and how letting go of that idea can actually open the door to more control, confidence, and peace. Aging isn’t a step backward. It’s a step toward wisdom, toward grace, and toward redefining what freedom looks like. Because real independence isn’t about doing everything on your own — it’s about knowing when to ask for help and having the courage to embrace change. If you have stories or reflections about aging with a disability, I’d love to hear from you. Write to me at unfilteredresiliencepodcast@gmail.com.

    13 min

  3. OCT 8

    Diagnosis Day: What Families Feel but Rarely Say

    Welcome back to Unfiltered Resilience.Today’s episode is deeply personal — and yet, it’s one that many families will recognise. We’re talking about diagnosis day — that pivotal moment when a label is given, and everything you thought you knew about the future suddenly shifts. This episode was inspired by a classroom story from a parent — and by my own mother’s experience when she first learned about my disability. Through her voice, I discovered feelings and details I had never known before — the sadness, the guilt, the fierce love that carried us through. We’ll talk about: What families really go through on diagnosis day How hope and uncertainty can coexist The quiet strength of parents learning to adapt Why “never” is a word that deserves to be challenged And the beauty of seeing life not as a detour, but a different destination Whether you’re a parent, a child, or simply someone learning to live in a changed world, this episode is about finding grace and resilience in unexpected places — and remembering that a diagnosis is not an ending, but a beginning. If you have questions, thoughts, or topic suggestions for future episodes, I’d love to hear from you. Email me at unfilteredresiliencepodcast@gmail.com or connect on Instagram at @unfilteredresiliencepodcast. Until next time, this is Unfiltered Resilience — where every story reminds us that difference isn’t a limitation, it’s another way of being whole.

    14 min

  4. SEP 24

    Workplace Rights & Realities: My Road Through Setbacks, Accommodation, and Resilience

    In this episode of Unfiltered Resilience, I share the hard truths and unexpected lessons from my employment journey as a person with a disability. Starting with the stark reality that in 2024, only 22.7% of people with disabilities were employed compared to 65.5% without, I walk you through my own experiences navigating those numbers. From rejection after graduation to landing my first role with the U.S. Forest Service, from the highs of advancement at the IRS through the Schedule A Hiring Authority to the lows of being downgraded and let go, my path has been full of both setbacks and surprising breakthroughs. I reflect on the sting of humiliation, the relief of fair accommodations, and the dignity found in meaningful work. You’ll also hear how teaching Disability Studies and contributing to trauma-focused grants at the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities brought me healing and purpose. This isn’t just a story about jobs—it’s a story about courage, persistence, and finding hope even when the system feels stacked against you. If you’re in the middle of a difficult season at work or searching for the right opportunity, I hope my story reminds you that your worth isn’t defined by rejection or quotas. I’d love to hear your own employment stories—victories, frustrations, or even the funny moments. Email me at UnfilteredResilience@gmail.com, and your story might be just the encouragement someone else needs today.

    20 min

  5. SEP 10

    Leaps of Faith and Finding My Voice

    This episode is a milestone — Episode 10. Looking back over the journey so far, I can honestly say that telling my story hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been worth it. Each time I step out of my comfort zone, I can feel myself growing. In this episode, I reflect on what the past nine episodes have meant for me — from sharing about my early life and independence, to navigating healthcare and travel, to opening up about relationships and faith. Some parts were hard, some were scary, but each time I’ve told my story, I’ve felt healing and connection. Podcasting wasn’t my original plan — it felt terrifying at first, like jumping out of a plane with a parachute. But with the right support and a little courage, I’ve discovered the power of having a platform. Stories really do matter more than statistics, because they change hearts and minds. So today, I want to encourage you to tell your story too. Find your platform, step out of your comfort zone, and keep growing. If anything in this episode resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment on Apple or Spotify, or email me at unfilteredresiliencepodcast@gmail.com. Until next time — this is Unfiltered Resilience.

    8 min

  6. AUG 27

    Anchored in Faith: Questions, Doubts, and the Journey to Belief

    Faith can be fragile, but for me, it has always been my anchor. In this episode, I take you deeper into my personal faith journey—the doubts I carried as a young girl, the songs I sang in chapel, and the questions I never dared to ask out loud. I share the pivotal moments that led me to the missionaries, the struggle between honoring my parents and following my heart, and the life-changing decision I made at 18 to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through prayers that seemed unanswered, family opposition, and moments of clarity that felt heaven-sent, I discovered what it means to hold onto faith even when life doesn’t unfold as planned. This is a story of seeking truth, wrestling with doubt, and finding strength in the promises of God. Until next time—keep asking, keep seeking, and hold on to what makes you stronger.

    17 min

  7. AUG 14

    Faith, Stubbornness, and a Little Bit of Grit

    In this episode of Unfiltered Resilience, I’m taking you on a journey through the many “they said I couldn’t, so I did it anyway” moments of my life. From a stubborn fight for contact lenses, to the bumpy road of learning to drive, to barely scraping by in college but still walking away with my degree—every step taught me that determination isn’t about speed, it’s about never losing sight of the finish line. I share the detours, the flops, the little victories, and even the deeply personal decision that shaped my faith. My story isn’t everyone’s story—but maybe it will remind you that it’s okay to take the long way around… as long as you keep going.

    17 min

  8. JUL 30

    Loved, Not Managed: Dating, Family, and Friendship with a Disability

    This episode is one of the most personal and vulnerable I’ve ever recorded. Today, I open up about the complex and often painful experiences of navigating dating, friendships, and family dynamics while living with a disability. I share what it was like to date in high school, why online dating often left me feeling misunderstood, and how the message “I’ll take care of you”—though well-intentioned—never sat right with me. What I want, what many of us want, is to be loved for who we are, not seen as a burden or a project. I also talk candidly about my family—about sibling distance, the unspoken tension between caregiving and favouritism, and the moment I realised my sisters were more supportive than I ever gave them credit for. From Christmas in July traditions to weekend barriers caused by lack of accessible vans, I examine how environment—not just diagnosis—shapes disability. Finally, I highlight the friendships that have carried me through: the women who’ve become like sisters and shown up for me in some of my hardest moments. Their reflections on why our friendship works say more than I ever could. Topics Covered: What dating with a disability taught me about self-worth Navigating sibling resentment and family favouritism Why accessible transportation changes everything The power of long-term, judgment-free friendships How humour, honesty, and asking for what you need creates real connection Key Message:You deserve to be loved — not managed, not pitied, not fixed. Just loved. Contact and Feedback:Have a story or reflection to share? I’d love to hear it. Reach out via my website or email, and don’t forget to subscribe to Unfiltered Resilience for more honest conversations about life, access, and identity.

    14 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
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2 Ratings

About

"Unfiltered Resilience: Dawn Olson's Journey is a deeply personal and educational podcast that explores the intersection of disability rights, personal growth, and societal change. Hosted by advocate and storyteller Dawn Olson, this podcast creates a space where vulnerability meets strength, where difficult conversations become opportunities for connection, and where listeners are invited to reimagine what's possible. Each episode weaves together Dawn's lived experiences with thoughtful reflection and practical insights to challenge perceptions, provide valuable knowledge, and inspire action.

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