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.
In this episode, Isabella “Izzy” Grimmer shares a path from high school disability advocate to cancer survivor and influencer. Guided by her nonverbal brother, Eli, she launched advocacy week, built Accommodate Me tools, and partners with Magical Bridge. Izzy reframes challenges as privileges, embraces stress as a blessing, and shows how allyship begins with learning. Honoring Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, her story amplifies resilience, community, and action for inclusive access.
On Pushing Forward with Alycia, Isabella “Izzy” Grimmer shares her journey—from launching a high school disability advocacy week to surviving cancer, founding clubs, and building tools for neurodivergent students. She spotlights allyship, community, and Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, proving youth leadership drives real change. Hear how Izzy turns hardship into action, inspires campuses to include everyone, and partners with organizations to broaden access and dignity. Practical hope in motion. Everywhere.
On Pushing Forward with Alycia, Dr. Jessica “Jes” Stavale shares how Fascia Medicine transforms lingering trauma into peace and balance. She explains fascia as the body’s largest sensory, emotional network, bridging Eastern energy wisdom and Western science. Hear her journey through accidents, disability, and resilience; the integrative tools she created; and practical ways to release pain, clear stagnation, and reconnect body, mind, and spirit for sustainable healing and everyday empowerment.
Alycia Anderson welcomes Dr. Jessica Stavale—clinical trauma psychologist and founder of The Fascia Movement—to explore how fascia medicine helps release pain, process trauma, and restore balance. A disabled veteran and survivor, Dr. Jess shares her healing journey, an innovative fascia-release device, and insights from her forthcoming book, The Fascia Blueprint. They spotlight growth mindset, self-advocacy, and trusting the body’s intelligence to transform hardship into hope. Connection, community, and everyday practices.
