Disability Episodes

The Human Beauty Movement welcomes Nikki Smit, a neurodivergent occupational therapist, to deepen our understanding of neurodiversity, sensory experiences, and nervous system health. Through heartfelt conversation with Jennifer Norman, we explore the importance of curiosity, compassion, and creating inclusive spaces where every individual feels seen and supported. By celebrating our differences and reframing what it means to be well, we honor the unique beauty in every human experience.Th...

Viscount Rochdale Jonathan Kemp shares his profound upbringing into privilege while secretly struggling with bipolar disorder, addiction, and dyslexia. His bravery in telling his story spotlights the power of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and getting the right support. Jonathan's upcoming memoir, 'Finding Peace of Mind,' serves as both a personal narrative and a guide for others facing similar challenges. He also introduces 'Smart Wisdom,' a note-taking technique designed to enha...

Jocelyn Dettloff shares her inspiring journey of resiliencefollowing a life-altering sledding accident that left her paralyzed. She discusses the challenges of adapting to a new reality, the importance of community support, and the role of recreational therapy in rehabilitation. Through her experiences, Jocelyn emphasizes the significance of mindset, acceptance, and the value of every life, regardless of physical limitations. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit's ability ...

Ellen Busch shares her empowering self-esteem journey living with dyslexia. Ellen discusses the significant challenges and triumphs of her educational experience, the critical role her supportive parents played, and the transformative impact of self-care and mental resilience. Her story emphasizes the importance of recognizing neurodiversity as a gift and encourages a reframed, positive approach to dyslexia for both individuals and their loved ones.This podcast episode is sponsored by*:Human...

What does it take to achieve your dreams in the face of fear and adversity? Fiona Demark has a lot to say on the subject. After all, she's a legally blind adventure coach and inspirational speaker who helps people gain focus and step into their own power.Having a disability since birth taught her to meet challenges head-on, step outside her comfort zone, build resilience, and plow fearlessly through obstacles.This podcast episode is sponsored by*:Billie - A female-first body brand built on...

Nichole Hamilton, aka The Kidz Coach, breaks the mold of your traditional pediatric therapist. Through intuitive modalities such as hypnotherapy, energy work, games, and active play, Nichole dives into enhancing kids' well-being so they feel loved, safe, and heard. In this episode, Nichole shares her own story of being an openly gay mum of three who has overcome addiction, self-sabotage, depression, and trauma. She reveals how she works with families to improve bonds of communication, and she of...

Marisa Hamamoto is a stroke survivor who had a passion for dancing since she was a little girl. Time and time again, the rejection she faced stifled her dream of becoming a professional dancer, so she decided to create her own unique dance company. Infinite Flow Dance was born from Marisa's belief that dance is for everyone — not just those with elite abilities. She sat down with Jennifer Norman to discuss her experiences of overcoming trauma and the lessons of resiliency she has learned as an i...

People with disabilities and those undergoing gender transition have often been overlooked by the beauty industry, but Trishna Daswaney wanted to change all that. She founded the non-profit Kohl Kares to provide free inclusive makeup workshops worldwide to people with unique needs, and her brand Kohl Kreatives sells adaptive beauty tools that help fund her workshops. In this episode, Trish reveals how and why she started her business, what people learn in Kohl Kares workshops, and the mindfulnes...

Meet Rach Wilson, founder of Divine Relating and a relationship coach for couples with autistic and/or special needs kids. Rach is a mum of 4. Her two youngest are both autistic and non-verbal, with diet limitations and sensory challenges. Rach’s own life experience has inspired her to focus on supporting couples who have the highest breakup rate – couples with special needs kids. In this episode, we talk about being a special needs parent, what self-care looks like when things get rough, and th...

Meet Alfredo Borowdowski! Alfredo is also known as “The Bipolar Rabbi.” In June 2013, Rabbi Alfredo was arrested for impersonating a police officer. Shortly after that, he was fired from his job and ridiculed in the press as “the Road Rage Rabbi.” It took some time, but things eventually turned around when Rabbi Alfredo discovered the power of Positive Psychology. In his upcoming interactive book, “The Wisdom of Mental Illness: Finding strength in your struggles,” Rabbi Alfredo teaches us all ho...

Meet Sarah Todd Hammer! Sarah Todd is a 21 years old three-time published author, dancer, and speaker. In 2010, she acquired Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), which left her paralyzed from the neck down. She regained the ability to walk but has paralysis in her arms and hands. Now, a junior in college, she is studying Psychology and Communication Studies, and she’s built a remarkable presence on social media with over 115,000 followers by educating others on disability and advocating for accessibili...

Meet Chamiah Dewey! Chamiah is the CEO and founder of Chamiah Dewey Fashion, the UK’s first clothing brand for people of short stature, under 4’10”. She started the line in 2021 when she was only 22 as a Student at the London College of Fashion. Given that Chamiah is a woman of average height, she tends to get questions as to why she would be interested in starting a fashion line for little people, so that's what this episode is all about. We discuss Chamiah's inspiration for her clothing line, ...

Meet Liv Stone! Liv is a surfer, model, disability advocate, and 4x USA Para Surf Gold Medalist. Having been born with a congenital limb difference, Liv has shorter arms with two fingers on each arm. But despite her differences, Liv has been able to maintain an optimistic view on life. Her success reflects her faith. She knows that happiness is not based on our circumstances, it comes from within and overflows throughout. In this episode, Liv shares how life was back in the early days, how she g...

Meet Tim Mason! Tim is an amazing human who was born with no legs and one arm. He was adopted into a loving family, which he feels was an incredible gift. Tim has an amazing sense of humor, our favorite quote of his being "I may be half-baked but I'm still delicious!" He shatters myths and defies all the stereotypes about living with one limb. In fact, Tim is thriving in his independence as an openly gay disabled man, because he’s learned to focus on self-love. Enjoy the listen!Tim's Links:T...

Meet Claire Sisk! Claire is a top beauty-lifestyle influencer from the UK who goes by the handle @canseecantsee. Claire is registered blind, yet she is helping to educate the world on her disability as well as her passion for beauty. In this episode, Claire helps shatter myths like people living with visual impairment wouldn’t or shouldn’t be interested in fashion or makeup. Her advocacy and helpful videos have garnered her massive followings on TikTok and Instagram as well as the win for Best S...

Meet Kaelynn Partlow! As a woman living with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia, Kaelynn is lighting up the world with massive awareness for life on the spectrum and learning disabilities. Kaelynn is a Registered Behavior Technician with Project Hope Foundation where she works with autistic individuals teaching communication, social and self-advocacy skills. She also starred in the Netflix series Love On The Spectrum U.S. where she tried her hand at speed dating. Her Facebook pa...

Meet Kanya Sesser! Kanya is a skater, surfer, skier, activist, motivational speaker, model and actress! Born without legs in Thailand, Kanya was found at 3 months old and brought to a local hospital where she lived until entering foster care in Bangkok. She was adopted through Holt International Children's Services at the age of five and brought to the United States. With the motto ‘No legs, no limits, anything is possible,’ Kanya tries everything and does anything she sets her mind and body to....

Meet Lolo Spencer! Lolo is an actress who currently stars as Jocelyn in HBO Max’s Sex Lives of College Girls executive-produced by Mindy Kaling, and has a YouTube channel called Lolo Sitting Pretty where she showcases her lifestyle as a wheelchair user. Lolo was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – a rare neurological disease that affects the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement. But despite her disability, this is a fearless gal who lives her life, d...

Meet Avigail Gimpel! Neurodivergence is so common among families and sometimes the condition can feel overwhelming to yourself and your loved ones. Avigail has immersed herself in studying and developing treatment options for ADHD for her own six kids and others. She developed a hands-on parent training program and teacher’s training program that can help. She works in private practice, training parents to become ADHD coaches to their children, and spouses to learn a new love language to communi...

Meet Joe Templin! Joe is the ultimate human Swiss Army Knife…he’s a startup founder, author, physicist, financial planner, autodidactic polymath, ultramarathoner, special needs father of boys with autism, and martial artist. Diagnosed with severe asthma and ADHD, Joe actually flatlined at 10 years old and was rescusitated back to life. Since then, he has harnessed his energetic superpowers to helping others reach their full potential. Enjoy the listen!Joe’s Links:WebsiteFacebookTwitterTh...

Meet Nitika Chopra! After living with severely debilitating psoriasis that covered her entire body and painful psoriatic arthritis, Nitika found wellness and the life-changing power of support to help her on her own self-love journey. Now, she is doing the same for thousands of others. Nitika is the founder and CEO of Chronicon, an inclusive conference and community focused on uplifting people who are living with chronic illness. Chronicon features inspiration, advocacy, and empowerment for chro...

Meet Elizabeth Mavros, @elizabethsydney! Elizabeth is a teen who has already garnered hundreds of thousands of followers on TikTok for her creative makeup artistry. During high school, Elizabeth was diagnosed with both ADHD and OCD, so makeup became a soothing outlet for expressing how her mental illnesses make her feel. Today, her goal is to help break the stigma surrounding mental disorders to create a more accepting society. Enjoy the listen!Elizabeth's Links:TikTokInstagramThe Human B...