Surpassing Labels

In this opening reflection, we step outside the pressure to fix, improve, or become something else — and instead turn toward what has already been quietly present. There’s a way of being that doesn’t come from effort. A way of listening that doesn’t come from trying. This episode introduces the space of Surpassing Labels — not as a method, but as an invitation. To slow down. To notice. To begin he...

Today's episode is unlike any other. It features the radiant Breanna Sprenger—a Good Life Ambassador, disability advocate, and beautiful soul who left a mark on everyone she met. Breanna lived with spina bifida, but that was never what defined her. What stood out was her warmth, her insight, her quiet strength, and the joy she carried into every room she entered. Her heart for advocacy and inclusi...

Today's guest is living proof that survival is just the beginning. Meet Karyssa Kestranek —a traumatic brain injury survivor, motivational speaker, and Good Life Ambassador with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities. After a devastating motorcycle crash left her in a month-long coma and given only a 1% chance to live , Karyssa didn't just recover—she rewrote her entire story. Now...

  Today on Surpassing Circles, we're celebrating unstoppable spirit, unapologetic advocacy, and the beauty of living life  on your own terms . Meet Shaye Taylor —Special Olympics Ohio athlete, LGBTQ+ advocate, cashier, sister, speaker, and all-around force of nature. Born and raised in Cleveland's West Park neighborhood, Shaye has never fit into a box—and she's never tried to. Whether she's glidin...

If choosing rest, setting boundaries, or saying no makes you "selfish"—then maybe selfish isn't such a bad thing. In this powerful episode of Surpassing Labels , we're reclaiming the word that's been used for too long to keep women small, overextended, and soul-tired. Felicia invites you to flip the script, speak your truth, and take up space—without apology. ✨ Inside this episode: Why "selfish"...

Welcome to Part 1 of The Good Life Voices! This is where we shine the light on voices that are shifting culture, breaking barriers, and  redefining what's possible. I'm so excited to introduce you to  Grace Blatt —an autistic self-advocate, educator, and all-around truth-teller who is living the good life on her own terms. Grace holds a Master's in Psychological Sciences and teaches upper-division...

Welcome to the  Surpassing Circles Spotlight Series —a sacred space within the Surpassing Labels Podcast devoted to honoring the voices, stories, and resources from the special needs and disability community. This isn't a pivot. It's a return. Because while this podcast has grown to include women's healing, identity, and emotional freedom… it was born from advocacy, caregiving, and the quiet stren...

They don't see the mental tabs you keep open. The reminders, the meal planning, the birthday cards, the calming down, the checking in. They don't see the emotional labor—because you make it look effortless. But just because it's invisible doesn't mean it isn't heavy. In this episode of Surpassing Labels , we're naming the unseen, unthanked, and often unshared load so many women carry quietly—every...

You're the strong one. The reliable one. The one who holds it all together. And the world praises you for it. But here's the truth no one talks about: The very roles we're applauded for are often the ones eroding us from the inside out. In this bold and deeply honest episode of Surpassing Labels , we're naming what so many high-functioning, soul-exhausted women feel but rarely say out loud: That s...

Welcome back to Surpassing Labels —the podcast for the woman who's done disappearing and is ready to come home to herself. In this reintroduction episode, I'm sharing the heart behind Season 2. Because while this space began with stories from the special needs and disability community, it's grown— because I've grown. If you're new here: I'm Felicia Sheline —Revelation Guide, Cycle Bfreaking Coach,...

In this must-listen episode, I sit down with Aaron DeVries, the powerhouse behind The Inclusive Dad , to dive into his inspiring journey as a father, advocate, and game-changer in the world of special needs parenting. With heartfelt honesty and practical wisdom, Aaron shares how his experiences are driving a movement for inclusion and awareness. 💥 What You'll Love in This Episode: The personal st...

In this inspiring episode, we're joined by Dina Lobo, a mother, a powerhouse corporate consultant, motivational speaker, and visionary evaluator. Dina shares her incredible journey of embracing motherhood while leading with unwavering passion and purpose. 💡❤️ Discover how Dina turned the challenges of balancing family, community, and professional life into a transformative leadership style that e...

In this powerful episode, we go B eyond Words with Jay Silverman, the acclaimed Director and Producer of the Movie Camera . This inspiring film tells the touching story of a young boy with mutism who finds his voice through the lens of an old camera. With the support of a wise mentor, this boy learns to capture his unique view of the world in ways that words can't express, showing us the transform...

In this heartfelt episode of Surpassing Labels , we sit down with Dr. Wisniewski, a compassionate and resilient doctor of chiropractic who has faced a profound life change: the loss of her vision due to a rare eye disease. Dr. Wisniewski shares her journey through the unexpected, from the initial challenges of adjusting to her new reality to finding a renewed purpose and a redefined vision for her...

In this we dive into the often-overlooked power of  intuition in navigating life's unique challenges. 💖🌟 You're constantly making decisions—some big, some small—but what happens when you start trusting your inner voice ? Intuition, that quiet knowing within, can be a powerful guide through the emotional ups and downs, helping you find clarity when you feel overwhelmed. 🌿 We'll discuss how to mo...

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of self-acceptance.  So often, we get caught in the cycle of comparison, self-criticism, and striving for perfection, forgetting that true growth begins when we embrace who we are, flaws and all. We'll explore how self-acceptance isn't about perfection—it's about acknowledging our inherent worth and treating ourselves with kindness and compass...

In this episode, I sit down with Brandon Rodgers an inspiring young man living with cerebral palsy, who is on a mission to raise awareness and spark meaningful conversations. With a powerful voice and a passion for change, he shares his personal experiences, challenges, and victories. Together, we delve into the questions that matter—and what it truly means to live with cerebral palsy. Join us as...

In part two of the series of The Power of Choice, we continue our exploration of how asking empowering questions can impact our choices. This episode delves into how reframing questions can shift focus from limitations to possibilities, offering fresh perspectives and solutions. Join me as I explore how flipping the script on the questions we ask ourselves can lead to a more empowered mindset and...

In this episode, we're diving into The Power of Choice and how the decisions we make – big or small – shape our reality. It's easy to feel like life just happens to us, especially when we're navigating challenges, but the truth is, we hold more power than we realize. From how we respond to setbacks to the way we talk to ourselves, every choice is an opportunity to take control and create a more em...

In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Mangum, founder of Hank's Friends and father of a son with autism. Aaron shares his personal journey of navigating the world of autism as a parent, and how his experiences led him to create Hanks Friends, an organization dedicated to supporting families with special needs.  Hank's Friends is a groundbreaking organization of collaborative partnerships of busi...

In this episode, I dive into the art of embracing uncertainty, a challenge that many of us face but rarely discuss openly. Life's unpredictability can often feel overwhelming, especially when we're used to planning every detail. But what if, instead of resisting the unknown, we learned to lean into it? We'll explore how accepting uncertainty can lead to unexpected growth, deeper self-awareness, an...

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome a very special guest, Calley Mitchell,  the owner of Talk On Speech Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy. She is also a dedicated and experienced Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in the DIRFloortime model. For those who may not be familiar, DIRFloortime is a developmental, relationship-based approach that promotes emotional and developmental growth in ch...

In this episode, we dive into the unique journey of life and motherhood while living with cerebral palsy. Our guest Jennifer Centers shares her heartfelt experiences, offering insight into the daily triumphs and challenges she faces. From navigating medical appointments, healthcare systems and advocating for your child's needs. To finding joy in the small victories and cultivating resilience, we e...

In this episode we talk about getting honest, honest with yourself. Being honest with yourself is one of the most challenging yet liberating practices you can adopt.  It requires a deep level of introspection and the courage to face uncomfortable truths. By acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses, you open the door to genuine growth and self-improvement. Honesty with oneself means recognizing...

In this episode, I am thrilled to welcome Kristy Cook, a remarkable medical mom, blogger, and the brilliant mind behind "Accessible Adventures." Kristy shares her insights on creating inclusive and accessible experiences for families with special needs, and her passion for advocacy through social media and her blog striving to create change one post at a time. She shares accessible destinations, a...