Alycia Anderson interviews Chris Ruden, a powerlifting champion, motivational speaker, and disability advocate. Ruden shares his journey of overcoming societal and personal limitations due to his limb difference and diabetes. He recounts how hiding his disability shaped his life and how a moment with a young girl helped him embrace authenticity. Ruden also discusses his achievements in powerlifting, his book The Art of Changing Course, and his appearance on The Titan Games.
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.
Cassidy Huff, a disability advocate, began her journey accidentally by going viral on social media at 18. Born with a rare form of dwarfism, Cassidy has had over 40 surgeries. She uses her platform to share her experiences, educate others, and advocate for disability rights. Recently, she co-founded “Disabled Voters for Harris” to amplify disabled voices in politics, and she continues to advocate through content creation, public speaking, and her podcast.
In Episode 64 of Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast, Alycia Anderson interviews Cassidy Huff, a disability rights advocate diagnosed with congenital scoliosis and Goldenhar syndrome. Cassidy’s viral social media moment propelled her into advocacy, where she uses her platform to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion. With over 40 surgeries behind her, Cassidy shares her journey, insights on changing perceptions of disability, and her vision for a more inclusive future.
In Episode 63 of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” hosts Alycia and Marty Anderson share their experiences attending the 2024 Paris Paralympics. They discuss enjoying events like wheelchair tennis at Roland Garros and para-equestrian at Versailles while navigating accessibility challenges in Paris. Marty reflects on his lifelong dream of attending the Paralympics and their dedication to disability advocacy through their nonprofit, Adaptive Athletics Association. They also announce Alycia’s upcoming participation in New York Fashion Week.
In this episode of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” host Alycia Anderson and her husband Marty recount their experience at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. They discuss attending wheelchair tennis at Roland Garros, para-equestrian events at Versailles, and overcoming accessibility challenges in Paris. Marty shares insights as a former Team USA wheelchair tennis player, while Alycia emphasizes their commitment to disability advocacy and their upcoming participation in New York Fashion Week.
