Alycia Anderson Blog

Episode 23 – Mike Box: Founder of Box Wheelchairs

Published: Thursday November 30, 2023
mike box founder of box wheelchairs shares his story on pushing forward with alycia episode twenty three

Alycia welcomes Mike Box, the mastermind behind Box Wheelchairs. Mike’s innovative, personalized wheelchair design approach has significantly improved lives. He advocates for personal need solutions over standard custom ones, emphasizing listening to people’s requirements. Mike’s work, particularly with extreme wheelchair athlete Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham, indicates his dedication to change lives through design and innovation. Mike’s main goal is to share and live by his mantra of, people helping people. Listen to Mike share his stroy in this latest episode of the “Pushing Forward with Alycia” podcast.

Episode 23 Transcript

Published: Thursday November 30, 2023
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Title:Mike Box: Founder of Box Wheelchairs Subtitle:Customizing Mobility with Heart: Mike Box Transcript: Alycia Anderson: Welcome to Pushing Forward with Alycia, a podcast that gives disability a voice. Each week we will explore topics like confidence, ambition, resilience and finding success against all odds. We are creating a collective community that believes that all things … read more… Episode 23 Transcript

Episode 22 – From Medical Malpractice to Champion Athlete: Dez Del Barba Shares His Incredible Story

Published: Thursday November 16, 2023
new episode pushing forward with alycia dez del barba talks about medical malpractice in the military to playing wheelchair tennis

In this episode, military veteran Dez Del Barba shares his story of surviving medical malpractice during basic training where he contracted streptococcus A that evolved into necrotizing fasciitis, leading to the amputation of his left leg. Despite enduring 43 surgeries and grueling therapy, Dez transformed his ordeal into a mission to advocate change in military healthcare and give back through his non-profit, Operation Dez Strong, aiding children facing amputations.

Episode 22 Transcript

Published: Thursday November 16, 2023
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Transcript of episode 22 of The Pushing Forward with Alycia podcast, featuring Dez Del Barba, a military veteran and survivor of army medical malpractice, who shared his harrowing tale of overcoming life-threatening infections and multiple surgeries. Dez’s medical nightmare originated from an untreated strep throat, which eventually led to a flesh-eating disease during his time at basic training. Since then, Dez has become an influential advocate against military medical malpractice and established a foundation called ‘Operation Dez Strong’ to support others, particularly children, facing similar situations. Additionally, Dez has excelled in wheelchair tennis and hopes to compete in the Paralympics.

Pushing Forward with Alycia Podcast Ratings

Published: Thursday November 9, 2023
a five star rating of alycia podcast next to a picture of alycia with her microphone

Discover the success of the Pushing Forward with Alycia podcast, where Alycia Anderson advocates for diversity, equity, inclusion, and disability awareness. With ratings of 5 stars, this motivational podcast explores DEI topics, digital accessibility, workplace inclusion, and stories of resilience. Join Alycia in this open, educational space to learn, share, and progress together.

Episode 21 – Adaptive Fitness and Nutrition with Nikki Walsh

Published: Thursday November 9, 2023
nikki walsh episode twenty one on pushing forward with alycia podcast about adaptive fitness

Alycia interviews personal trainer Nikki Walsh, a wheelchair user who promotes fitness and nutrition accessibility for everyone. Nikki underscores the importance of strength training for wheelchair users and dispels nutrition myths. Furthermore, she emphasizes the need for gym facilities to be adaptive and create an inclusive environment for the wheelchair community. Lastly, both highlight how a shift in perspective can spark significant change and help individuals achieve their fitness goals.

Episode 21 Transcript

Published: Thursday November 9, 2023
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Title:Adaptive Fitness and Nutrition with Nikki Walsh Subtitle:Empowering Wheelchair Users to Achieve Their Fitness Goals Transcript: Alycia Anderson: Welcome to Pushing Forward with Alycia, a podcast that gives disability a voice. Each week we will explore topics like confidence, ambition, resilience and finding success against all odds. We are creating a collective community that believes … read more… Episode 21 Transcript

Alycia’s Year of Yes

Published: Tuesday November 7, 2023
alycia sitting on a couch with her wheelchair next to her holding the book yes by shonda rhimes

In “Alycia’s Year of Yes,” Alycia reflects on her transformative journey, embracing opportunities and pushing boundaries. This year was about stepping out of her comfort zone to seize every possibility for growth. By embracing challenges, she encourages others to say “yes” to change, growth, and impactful experiences. This journey is about empowerment, creating inclusivity, and fostering a spirit of resilience and determination.

#PurpleTuesday

Published: Tuesday November 7, 2023
alycia checking out at a cashier wearing a rainbow halloween costume

Purple Tuesday highlights the importance of improving the shopping experience for disabled consumers. It’s a call for businesses to prioritize accessibility, from store designs to user-friendly websites and products that cater to the needs of people with disabilities. Purple Tuesday advocates for equal shopping experiences, ensuring that every consumer feels valued and included. Businesses are encouraged to adopt inclusive practices, making accessibility a standard practice rather than an afterthought.

Episode 20 – A Conversation on Disabilities, Mental Health and Workplace Well-being

Published: Thursday November 2, 2023

This week Brian McComak joins Alycia Anderson on her podcast, Pushing Forward with Alycia, to talk about disability in the workplace and finding a place of belonging in DEI. He is the CEO of Hummingbird Humanity, an expert in DEI, HR culture change and employee experience, and an openly gay man with a disability. Brian shares his experiences with mental health, depression, anxiety and the challenges of living with HIV, emphasizing the need to break free from outdated stigmas surrounding HIV, and how ultimately learning to live with his disabilities has enriched his ability to help corporations create workplace environments where all humans thrive.