Listening to podcasts can be a great way to explore new hobbies, content areas, and expand your knowledge on a plethora of topics. With so many podcasts out there, it can feel overwhelming trying to find the right one for YOU. To help you along your podcast journey, we’ve compiled a list of 5 great disability-focused podcasts that you can add to your playlists.
The Accessible Stall with Kyle and Emily
theaccessiblestall.com
“The Accessible Stall is a disability podcast hosted by Kyle Khachadurian and Emily Ladau that keeps it real about issues within the disability community.”
These two hosts have different disabilities and mobility levels, and use their unique experiences as a way to approach a subject from two distinct viewpoints. They are very honest, unafraid to speak their minds, challenge accepted norms in the disability community, and even argue with each other.
Their podcast focuses on the “why”, by breaking down and digging deeper into even the most difficult of topics. They confront their own biases on air, and listeners – disabled or not – can go on a journey of unpacking and truly understanding what life with a disability is like from many different perspectives. They encourage listeners to tweet and email into them for any feedback and to join in on the conversation. These two keep it very real, and their opinions are front and center.
Disarming Disability Podcast
disarmingdisability.com
“Deconstruct social stigma for people with disabilities to generate a more understanding and inclusive society.”
Hosts Nicole and Sarah just wrapped up the second season of their podcast, Disarming Disability. The podcast was founded in 2019 with goals to “educate, empower, voice, and build a more inclusive society.” By connecting listeners to history, policy, stories, and research on disability, they are able to be better advocates and hopefully inspire more people to become advocates, as well.
Their website states:
“The name Disarming Disability came as a pun (since Nicole and Sarah are missing a part of their arms) but also the word ‘Disarming’ is defined as ‘removing hostility through charm’. So ‘Disarming’ is used in the title to remove the hard, negative, and oppressive stigma on disability through charming, open, mindful conversations – all to socially re-define what it means to be disabled and to have a disability. “
The duo met in 2014 at Camp Winning Hands for limb-different children and developed a relationship based on a common life experiences and goals. Their episodes are incredibly powerful, and their expert guests are an added, and incredible, bonus.
Two Disabled Dudes
twodisableddudes.com
“There’s more to life than circumstance: Insightful, authentic and humorous conversations about living beyond our circumstances, no matter what those may be.”
Hosts Sean and Kyle defy all odds and push themselves to extreme physical limits as competitors in the Race Across America (RAAM). The podcast focuses on how to persevere and apply the skills and tips they use in their sport to everyday life.
Their website states:
“Sean and Kyle are both affected by a rare disease called Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). FA affects their balance and coordination, significantly limiting their physical abilities. However, both dudes have completed several long distance bike rides including “The World’s Toughest Bike Race” – Race Across America (RAAM). Their RAAM journey is the subject of an award winning documentary called The Ataxian.”
Guests on the podcast include Rare Disease experts, Paralympic athletes, psychologists, notable speakers, and authors. If you have big dreams, this podcast will inspire you to set a goal and follow through with everything you’ve got. Be ready for an emotional rollercoaster.
Empowering Ability
empoweringability.com
Empowering ability is hosted by Eric Goll, the founder of Empowering Ability – a course program for living an empowered life. Eric focuses on life for people with different abilities over the age of 18. His website shares a message of independence:
“Help your loved one (18+) with a developmental disability break free of the ‘special needs’ labels placed on them and build their own Awesome ‘Ordinary’ Life. Get the knowledge, support, and a community of like-minded families to help your loved one grow their independence, build friendships, create their own home, and more!”
Eric is an expert content creator, with several areas of knowledge and expertise in his courses, blogs, videos, and podcast. The podcast hosts a range of guests that share or educate the listener on their experience with a certain topic.
The Disability Download
thedisabilitydownload.com
“The Disability Download is brought to you by pan-disability charity Leonard Cheshire. We respond to current topics, share stories and open up conversations about disability.”
The podcast discusses a wide range of topics, from technological advances to help with disabilities, to options for combating ableism. It is widely listened to, and provides factual and research-based information on current events and the impact they have on the disability community.
BONUS CONTENT:
Disability Matters
A long-running radio show with a massive audience.
KPFA – Pushing Limits
A half-hour radio show providing critical coverage of disability issues and bringing the insight of the grassroots disability movement to the general public. The show alternates weekly and airs on odd weeks on Friday (2:30 PM).
Blog written and researched by Communications Associate, Lauren Maley