PWD Allies

What is Structural Ableism? Alison Hayes is author of Thriving While Disabled series: "Navigating Disability Finances" + "Recognizing Bias". Hayes resides in the US, but her lived experience with disability is transferable anywhere. In this episode, Alison Hayes will focus on structural ableism and classism. Alison's mantra is: "The system is broken, but you can thrive despite that." PWD Allies po...

Canada Disability Benefit: FALLOUT! We've been getting a lot of comments, questions and feedback from our podcast listeners about the CDB. After completing an online application process, many seemingly-eligible disabled folks are finding out they've been disqualified from receiving any Canada Disability Benefit. It's Brent Frain's first episode back after an almost month-long summe...

How to pay for Basic Income. Susan Abells, a founding member of both Basic Income BC and Coalition Canada, joins as special guest for an in-depth chat about everything UBI. PWD Allies podcast airs LIVE! every week on YouTube, hosted by Brent Frain. This episode livestreamed on July 4, 2025.

In this episode, our special guest Peter Cunnington talks about travelling with autism. PWD Allies podcast airs LIVE! every week on YouTube, hosted by Brent Frain. This episode livestreamed on June 30, 2025.

As food inflation continues to soar, many are struggling to make ends meet, but for individuals with disabilities, the impact can be even more devastating. In this video, we explore the ways in which food inflation is hitting persons with disabilities the hardest, and what can be done to mitigate its effects. From limited access to healthy food options to the added burden of medical expenses, we d...

Are you living with a disability and struggling to afford the high rent prices in your province? In this episode, we'll dive into the reality of living on provincial disability income assistance, and explore the challenges of finding affordable housing. Eve Daigle is Brent's special guest. PWD Allies podcast airs LIVE! every week on YouTube, hosted by Brent Frain. This episode livestreamed...

Turning Disability Medical Supplements Into PWD Income Assistance. Why can't Sheila Malcolmson and our BC government just trust that persons with disabilities know best how to look after their own health conditions? Why are crucial medical supplements locked behind provincial Ministry gate keepers that want us all to beg for extra support monies? PWD Allies podcast airs LIVE! every week on You...

For Persons With Disabilities, there's an urgent need for more shelter spaces. This includes additional housing via Rent-Geared-To-Income units, expanding rental subsidy programs...or simply raising provincial income assistance rates to ensure that people with disabilities can be adequately (and equitably!) housed. Breanna Bandet joins host Brent Frain as special guest. PWD Allies podcast airs...

Disability Advocacy 101: What NOT to do. PWD advocacy can be a tough grind, sometimes. Especially when there are a few so-called advocates out there who make it their ambition to gaslight and tear down the hard work of others. Originally aired LIVE! on YouTube: June 13, 2025.

What's next for Mike Morrice? After the disappointment of Canada's last election and losing his parliamentary seat for Kitchener Centre Ontario, Mike Morrice is re-energized & focused on continuing to advocate for people in his local community. The former Green Party MP also wonders what's next for people with disabilities and a soon-to-be-released Canada Disability Benefit. Originally aired L...

David Eby rammed through Bill 15, a highly controversial piece of legislation that has sparked intense debate in the BC Legislature. Originally aired LIVE! on YouTube: June 6, 2025.

Transportation planner Eric Doherty talks accessibility with Bike & Roll Routes. Originally aired LIVE! on YouTube: June 2, 2025.

Highlights from "No More PWD Poverty Rally" at BC Legislature in Victoria, British Columbia. The introduction for this episode was pre-recorded on May 29, 2025 and the full video contents published as a premiere on May 30, 2025.

Canada is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, yet millions of Canadians with disabilities live in poverty. It's a staggering reality that's often overlooked and underreported. In this episode, our guest Jeff Leggat talks about the "No More PWD Poverty Rally" on Thursday, May 29 at the BC Legislature in Victoria. Originally aired LIVE! on YouTube: May 26, 2025.

Discover the shocking truth about BC's rat infestation crisis that has spiraled out of control since 2022. Join us as we reveal the biggest reason behind an alarming rise of rat populations in British Columbia. Welcome to BC premier David Eby's rat apocalypse! Originally aired LIVE! on YouTube: May 23, 2025.

AccessFest is a celebration of inclusion. Set in the heart of downtown Toronto, this one-day festival is where accessibility meets culture. On May 31st, David Pecaut Square will transform into a barrier-free hub of activity. Maayan Ziv, the founder & CEO of AccessNow talks all about AccessFest in this episode of PWD Allies podcast. Originally aired LIVE! on YouTube: May 20, 2025.

PWD Allies podcast celebrates our 200th episode! Former MP Cheryl Hardcastle joins as our special guest to talk about the Canada Disability Benefit and provincial clawbacks. Originally aired LIVE! on YouTube: May 16, 2025.

In this episode, we take a look at the Canada Disability Benefit and other empty promises. Namely Canada's lack of commitment to the Convention on the Rights for Persons With Disabilities (CRPD)...as well as the long overlooked issue of provincial clawbacks. Originally aired LIVE! on YouTube: May 12, 2025.

Are you ready to share your disability story with the world? Writing a powerful disability memoir can be a therapeutic experience, but getting started can be daunting. In this video, Neil Matheson (author of Daddy Bent Legs) will share 7 essential tips you need to know to write a disability memoir that inspires and educates. Originally aired LIVE! on YouTube: May 5, 2025.

Mark Carney, the former Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, has officially won the trust of Canadian voters. Dan Trayes and MJ Phillips return to discuss last night's federal election results. Originally aired LIVE! on YouTube: April 29, 2025.

On this episode, Dan Trayes and MJ Phillips join a LIVE! discussion as we explore the possibility of Pierre Poilievre becoming our next Prime Minister of Canada. With his rising popularity, could he take down Mark Carney and become the country's top leader? What big policy changes could be coming that might affect Persons With Disabilities? Originally aired LIVE! on YouTube: April 25, 2025.

On this episode, we ponder the following question: How many times is our provincial and federal governments allowed to say, "Oops!" ...whether it be for very recent political blunders or more egregious mistakes from decades ago? Host Brent Frain and editor-producer Neil Matheson are counting down their Top 10 List, all featuring moments of the truly spectacular, "WHOOPS, sorry!&quot...

For this episode, we're exploring the under-appreciated or unseen innovations that change the game for persons with disabilities. From assistive devices to inclusive infrastructure, we're diving into the ways that true accessibility empowers people of all abilities. Originally aired LIVE! on YouTube: April 14, 2025.

Are you tired of feeling trapped by the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)? Are you frustrated with the lack of financial stability and the constant stress of making ends meet? You're not alone! In this episode, we're joined by Minnie St. Claire and she explores the common struggle faced by ODSP recipients and will provide practical tips and strategies to help you break free from th...

Did you know that poverty in British Columbia comes with a staggering price tag? From decreased economic productivity to increased healthcare costs, the impacts of poverty are far-reaching and devastating. Rowan Burdge, the Provincial Director at BC Poverty Reduction Coalition, joins PWD Allies podcast as our special guest. Originally aired LIVE! on YouTube: April 7, 2025.