Host Alycia Anderson sits down with guest Kristina Watts to explore the powerful idea of “me vs. me” — the internal shift from drifting through life to living with discipline and intention. Designed to support accessibility for all audiences, this transcript allows readers, Deaf and hard-of-hearing listeners, and those who prefer text-based engagement to fully experience the conversation and insights shared throughout the episode.
Explore why organizations that prioritize accessibility, representation, and disability inclusion are better positioned for the future of work. Alycia Anderson challenges leaders to move beyond compliance and recognize disability as a strategic advantage that drives innovation, culture, and growth. By embracing disability-forward thinking, companies can unlock talent, strengthen belonging, and design workplaces that work better for everyone.
Alycia Anderson welcomes James Ian an award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, and Georgetown Law graduate living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. They reflect on meeting at Runway of Dreams during New York Fashion Week, navigating industry barriers, and using music and law to advocate for accessibility. James shares stories of performing, collaborating on songs like “Unconditional Love,” and finding purpose through creativity, resilience, and community.
In Episode 130: A Soulful Voice Bringing Change, Alycia Anderson sits down with singer-songwriter and advocate James Ian to explore how creativity, law, and representation intersect with disability identity. James shares his journey from performances and collaborations to navigating entertainment and legal worlds while living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Together they discuss the power of storytelling, inclusive artistry, and using one’s platform to create community, connection, and systemic change.
At the Disability Leadership Summit, Alycia Anderson joined global leaders advancing disability inclusion in the workplace. Sharing her OWN IT framework, Alycia explored how disabled professionals are shaping the future of work through leadership, storytelling, and innovation. The summit highlighted the growing influence of disability leaders driving accessibility, inclusive workplace culture, and stronger organizations across industries.
Alycia Anderson welcomes comedian Adam Keys, whose sharp wit, lived experience as a wheelchair user, and fearless humor flip assumptions on disability and everyday life. They talk about how comedy became a tool for connection, confidence, and challenging narratives. Adam shares his journey into stand-up, the power of laughter in advocacy, and why comedy can be a catalyst for change.
In Episode 129: Rolling in Laughter | Comedian Adam Keys, Alycia Anderson and Adam Keys dive into the world of disability, humor, and lived experience. Adam, a wheelchair user and stand-up comic, shares how comedy became his platform to challenge stereotypes, build connection, and find joy amid barriers. Their conversation blends heartfelt insight with sharp wit, exploring how laughter can disarm stigma and empower both performers and audiences alike.
Alycia Anderson returns to her roots in the multifamily housing industry, delivering back-to-back keynote speeches for the Nevada State Apartment Association’s first DE&I initiative events in Reno and Las Vegas. Through her signature keynote, The Heart of Inclusion, she inspired housing leaders to rethink accessibility, leadership, and belonging. This powerful two-day engagement highlights the business case and human impact of disability inclusion in multifamily.
Alycia Anderson interviews Rachel Shaw, award-winning HR strategist and ADA compliance expert. They discuss how HR can evolve beyond policies to center humanity, ADA understanding, and inclusive practices that empower employees and employers alike. Rachel shares insights on better communication, curiosity-led accommodation decisions, and why representation and empathy in HR drives lasting equity and belonging at work.
In Episode 128: Humanizing HR — Changing Workforce Dynamics & Creating Equitable Workplaces, Alycia Anderson talks with HR strategist Rachel Shaw about fostering truly inclusive work cultures. Rachel emphasizes shifting HR from transactional compliance to human-centered practices rooted in curiosity, empathy, and ADA awareness. They explore accessible hiring, better accommodation conversations, representation in decision-making, and how inclusive policies paired with authentic connection help create equitable workplaces where all employees feel valued and supported.
