In Episode 113, Alycia sits down with living legend Theo Braddy, executive director of NCIL, to explore leadership, NDEAM, and the relay of advocacy across generations. Theo reflects on paralysis at fifteen, mentors like Justin Dart and Ed Roberts, and today’s urgent threats to disability rights. The conversation centers on confronting ableism, changing attitudes, building allyship, and passing the baton so the next generation leads with courage, unity, and action.
In this Episode 113 transcript, Alycia welcomes living legend Theo Braddy—Executive Director of NCIL and member of NCD—to explore NDEAM, ableism’s attitudinal barriers, and the relay of leadership across generations. Braddy reflects on paralysis at fifteen, mentorship from Justin Dart and Ed Roberts, and why real inclusion demands relationships, not just ramps. It’s a masterclass in courage, advocacy, and passing the baton so emerging leaders can carry the movement forward.
In Episode 112, Alycia and Marty celebrate five years of entrepreneurship and the rise of their global speaking brand, anchored by “The Heart of Inclusion.” They revisit a letter to Alycia’s future self, reflect on a million-dollar milestone, and share lessons on risk-taking, resilience, and building community. The episode also spotlights Jam Pro Web Design and the Adaptive Athletics Association, underscoring purpose-driven growth rooted in accessibility, belonging, and possibility together.
In this full transcript of Episode 112, Alycia and Marty look back on five years building The Alycia Anderson Company and the signature keynote, The Heart of Inclusion. From a 2020 “letter to future me” to the leap from corporate roles, layoff pivots, and mentoring a growing team, they unpack entrepreneurship’s risks, resilience, and milestones—including nearly a million dollars in speaking—while inviting listeners to dream audaciously and build with purpose.
In Episode 111 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, global Best Buddies ambassador Shane Walsh shares how growing up alongside his brother Lucas, who is autistic, sparked his advocacy for the IDD community. He unpacks empathy versus sympathy, campus leadership at James Madison University, and why inclusive employment matters. Hear actionable ways to get involved, challenge comfort zones, and build belonging—on campus and beyond. This moving conversation spotlights resilience and possibility.
Alycia sits down with Shane Walsh, a JMU student and Best Buddies ambassador, to explore how his brother’s IDD shaped his purpose. From early memories to campus advocacy, Shane shares a powerful lesson on empathy over sympathy, inclusion on college campuses, and building community. Hear candid reflections on family, resilience, and creating opportunities for people with IDD—plus the movement he’s leading to make Best Buddies a flagship presence at JMU.
From teenage motherhood and surviving domestic violence to leading talent at Netflix, Melissa Salazar rewrites what ADHD can mean. In this episode, she shares how self-ID opened doors, how homelessness became resilience, and why “live your box” is her mantra. We explore neurodiversity as a superpower, creating safe spaces at work, and building opportunity for marginalized communities—proof that embracing difference fuels careers, culture, and the courage to belong for all.
ADHD, domestic violence, teenage motherhood, even a season living in her car—Melissa Salazar turned every setback into purpose. On Pushing Forward with Alycia, she shares how self-identification, community, and relentless grit opened doors from Jubilee Village to Netflix, where she builds pathways for overlooked talent. This conversation reframes being “too much” as a superpower—and shows how opportunity plus support can change everything. Honest, hopeful, and actionable, it champions radical inclusion.
Alycia sits down with the Hon. Tony Coelho—principal author of the ADA—for a vivid lesson in courage, coalition-building, and enforcement. From epilepsy to Congress, Tony shows how lived experience became law—and why rights mean nothing without opportunity. Timed to NDEAM and today’s policy crossroads, this episode is a blueprint for renewing America’s promise: dignity, equal access, and the freedom to succeed—or fail—on our own terms. History, civics, and moral clarity.
Hon. Tony Coelho—principal author of the ADA—joins Alycia to trace his journey from stigma to statesman, share intimate stories with popes and presidents, and reveal what’s next for disability rights. With candor and conviction, Tony reframes advocacy as ministry, explains the strategy behind winning votes, and challenges America to choose inclusion—again. A living lesson in resilience, power, and policy shaping the future we deserve. History, hope, and hard-earned wisdom inside.
