In Episode 67 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Alycia Anderson interviews Chris Ruden, a powerlifting champion, motivational speaker, and disability advocate. Born with a congenital limb difference and Type 1 diabetes, Chris shares his journey of overcoming adversity, breaking world records, and advocating for disability rights. He discusses self-acceptance, dismantling ableist stereotypes, and inspiring others to embrace their strengths. Chris emphasizes that disability is an opportunity to thrive and claim visibility.

In this episode of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Kam Redlawsk, a self-taught artist, discusses her journey living with GNE myopathy, a rare degenerative muscle disease. She shares how her art, particularly her “Monster and Me” illustrations, helps her express the emotional complexities of disability and connect with others. Kam’s work emphasizes empathy, visibility, and acceptance of disability. She also highlights her advocacy for inclusive design and her passion for creative projects, including her upcoming children’s book and potential TV series “Chair Devils.”

In Episode 66 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, artist and disability advocate Kam Redlawsk shares her journey living with dystonia and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Kam discusses how her monster-themed art symbolizes her personal challenges and her fight against ableism. A life-changing Google search connected her with a supportive community, inspiring her to use art as a platform for advocacy, raising awareness about disability and fostering connection.

In Episode 65 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Jess Gregory discusses her journey with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and how poetry became a powerful outlet for healing from medical gaslighting. Despite years of misdiagnosis, Gregory channeled her frustrations into advocacy and writing, particularly through her 2023 book Burn’s Unit. Gregory emphasizes self-trust, the importance of disability-informed therapy, and hopes her work empowers patients to find strength amidst chronic illness and trauma.

In Episode 65 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Jess Gregory, a poet and advocate with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), shares her journey from medical gaslighting to empowerment. Through her poetry, particularly in Burns Unit, she channels frustration into advocacy, offering hope and healing. Jess discusses challenges with misdiagnosis, the importance of disability-informed therapy, and advice for both patients and medical professionals. Her story inspires others facing similar struggles with chronic illness.