Author: alycia

Episode 89 – Kathryn Swaim: A Tribute to Brain Tumor Awareness Month


Published: Thursday May 15, 2025
episode eighty nine of pushing forward with alycia a disability podcast features kathryn swaim

In this moving episode, Alycia Anderson sits down with Kathryn Swaim, a dedicated PhD student and advocate, to share her courageous journey of being diagnosed with a brain mass. Through candid conversation, they explore the emotional toll, the power of self-advocacy in healthcare, and what Brain Tumor Awareness Month means to Kathryn. Her story is a beacon of hope, resilience, and strength for anyone facing life-altering diagnoses.

Episode 89 Transcript


Published: Thursday May 15, 2025
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In this powerful episode, Alycia Anderson speaks with Kathryn Swaim, a PhD student at North Carolina State University, about her journey with chronic migraines and the unexpected discovery of a brain mass. Kathryn shares her experiences navigating the healthcare system, the emotional impact of her diagnosis, and how she finds strength through research and advocacy. Their conversation sheds light on resilience, identity, and the importance of self-trust in facing health challenges.

Episode 88 – Bridging Communities: WAWABILITY Celebrating 35 Years of the ADA


Published: Thursday May 8, 2025
warren wawa snipe joins pushing forward with alycia a disability podcast for episode eighty eighty talking about wawability

In this inspiring episode, Alycia Anderson highlight the upcoming celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the impactful work of WAWABILITY. Through heartfelt conversations, the episode delves into the significance of community, advocacy, and the ongoing journey toward inclusivity. Listeners will gain insights into the progress made since the ADA’s inception and the collective efforts required to continue building accessible spaces for all.

Episode 88 Transcript


Published: Thursday May 8, 2025
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In this compelling episode, Alycia Anderson engages with Warren “Wawa” Snipe—an award-winning hip hop artist and accessibility pioneer—to lift up the upcoming celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Wawa shares his transformative journey from discovering Deaf culture in college to becoming a trailblazer in inclusive entertainment. The conversation highlights the significance of community, advocacy, and the ongoing pursuit of accessibility and representation in the arts.

Episode 87: Marisa Hamamoto on Infinite Flow Dance, the Disability Film Challenge and Autism


Published: Thursday May 1, 2025
marisa hamamoto on pushing forward with alycia a disability podcast episode eighty seven listen now

In this empowering episode, Alycia welcomes Marisa Hamamoto—founder of Infinite Flow Dance—to discuss disability inclusion, autism acceptance, and her groundbreaking entry in the Disability Film Challenge. Marisa shares her personal journey, how dance became her advocacy platform, and why representation matters. Don’t miss this vibrant conversation that challenges norms, celebrates diversity, and invites us all to move together toward a more inclusive future.

Episode 87 Transcript


Published: Thursday May 1, 2025
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Dive into the full transcript of Episode 87 where Alycia Anderson and Marisa Hamamoto explore disability inclusion, the transformative power of dance, and Marisa’s vision behind Infinite Flow and her submission to the Disability Film Challenge. This powerful dialogue unpacks personal journeys, social impact, and the importance of visibility for the disability and neurodivergent communities. Perfect for readers seeking inspiration, advocacy, and authentic storytelling.

Episode 86 – From Indonesia to Netflix: Christopher Tjajadi an American Dream


Published: Thursday April 17, 2025
christopher tjajadi joins pushing forward with alycia a disability podcast as a guest on episode eighty six

From humble beginnings in Indonesia to making waves at Netflix, Christopher Tjajadi’s story is a powerful narrative of resilience, representation, and the pursuit of the American Dream. In this inspiring episode, Christopher shares how his disability shaped his journey, the cultural shifts he faced, and how technology and storytelling helped him rise above barriers. A must-listen for anyone passionate about inclusion, accessibility, and embracing identity in a global world.

Episode 86 Transcript


Published: Thursday April 17, 2025
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Dive into the full transcript of Episode 86 featuring Christopher Tjajadi, as he shares his inspiring journey from Indonesia to working at Netflix. This detailed conversation explores cultural perspectives on disability, the power of technology, and the importance of authentic storytelling. Read every empowering moment and discover how Christopher is redefining what it means to chase—and achieve—the American Dream with purpose and passion.

When Students See Disability as a Superpower – This School District Got It Right


Published: Wednesday April 16, 2025
Alycia speaking to a large group of kids

What an unforgettable speaking experience this week! I had the incredible honor of speaking to 450 students and delivering a keynote to the dedicated staff and faculty of Winters Joint Unified School District a community that truly gets the Heart of Inclusion. Together, we explored what makes each of us different and how those very … read more… When Students See Disability as a Superpower – This School District Got It Right

Alycia’s Interview on Pop Size UK | Highlights the Global Interest in the Disability Movement


Published: Friday April 11, 2025
alycia anderson turning challenges into empowerment and inclusion an article on pop size uk lifestyle blog

Being featured in PopSize UK marks a powerful milestone in my mission to normalize disability inclusion worldwide. From personal loss to public advocacy, my journey is about transforming challenges into empowerment. I’m excited to see these important conversations gaining global visibility. Through my podcast, speaking, and partnerships, I remain committed to making inclusion a mainstream priority where every person, regardless of ability, is celebrated and represented authentically.