Off The Crutch Podcast

Have you ever been told you couldn't do something? That's what happened to today's guest, Shelbi Davenport. Years ago, Shelbi was told she wouldn't be able to attend college due to her disability. However, she didn't take "NO" for an answer.  Shelbi Davenport is a disability advocate, podcaster, and speaker. After many struggles and victories, Shelbi graduated fr...

In today’s episode, I’m sharing my milestones in Austin over the past several months. I share what it was like to give my second TEDx talk and step onto the DisruptHR stage. Both experiences pushed me, stretched me, and reminded me why I do this work. Then, I’m joined by Stefani Matott, the Special Needs Ministry Lead at Red Rocks Church in Austin. We dive into her heart for creating inclusive spa...

Last episode, I had Michelle Cooper on the podcast—and today, we're switching things up. This time, she had the idea to host the show and put me in the hot seat. She asked me questions about how I network and build connections. Whether it’s business, podcasting, or everyday life—relationships matter. It's a fun one. Enjoy! Send us Fan Mail TEDx Talk ,  Disrupt HR Talk

In today's episode, we're diving into corporate America. Over the past several months, I’ve gained insight into corporations' operations—especially when hiring talent. Companies are taking meaningful steps by creating resources and systems that foster inclusion for employees with disabilities. My guest today is Michelle Cooper, who brings firsthand experience from the tech world. Sh...

In this episode of Off the Crutch , we’re talking all things adapted fitness —why it matters, how it builds community, and what accessible fitness really looks like. In 2014, Jake Weiner founded ZOOZ Fitness in Los Angeles with a mission to help individuals with disabilities thrive physically, mentally, and socially. With a background in psychology, marketing, Judo, and personal training, Jake rec...

I had the honor to chat with SXSW President and Chief Programming Officer Hugh Forrest to explore how one of the world’s most influential festivals continues to lead with connection, resilience, and innovation. We discuss how SXSW has evolved, how accessibility and inclusion are prioritized, and what it takes to create space for diverse voices in tech, media, and culture. As someone who attended p...

In today’s episode, I dive into the excitement of being selected for my second TEDx talk, reflect on my recent return to Austin, and share a powerful conversation with Emma Faye Rudkin—an absolute powerhouse and amazing human being. Emma Faye went profoundly deaf at the age of three and has spent her life turning a disability into an ability. Emma Faye is an internationally known role model and pu...

It's the last podcast episode of 2024 and I'm ending it on a "high" note. My guests are Erika Bogan and Allison Norlian who was on last month sharing about her short film, Thirteen. This time, it's about Meandering Scars, a documentary that documents Erika’s journey to climb the tallest free standing mountain in the world to spread awareness about suicide and mental health...

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! This is right up there with my favorite interviews of the year. I learned so much from Emma Withrow, investigative journalist for The National News Desk on today's episode. We discussed her background covering disability related stories, Autism, Love on the Spectrum, and what it's like working for a national news channel. It'...

I recently received my 2024 podcast stats. I'm immensely grateful I had over 1k downloads and listened in 21 countries. You guys rock. More great stuff is on the way in 2025. In addition, I highlighted the top 5 episodes of the year in the pod. If you're relatively new, please go back and listen to them. I'll list them at the bottom. Today, I have Kathryn Goetzke on the podcast. I w...

It’s here! In this episode, I break down my favorite parts of Out of My Mind and explore how Melody’s story resonates with my own journey. This powerful film is more than just a movie to me—it’s a celebration of resilience, inclusion, and the beauty of finding your voice. Enjoy! Send us Fan Mail TEDx Talk ,  Disrupt HR Talk

Disney's Out of My Mind will be released on Disney+ tomorrow, and I had the opportunity to interview the director, Amber Sealey, on today's podcast. The film is about a sixth grader, Melody Brooks, who has cerebral palsy, is nonverbal, and uses a wheelchair. As Melody navigates the ups and downs of being in the classroom, she eventually shows that what she has to say is more important th...

I can't get enough of Austin! Last month I went back and visited, but this time, it was for the Austin Film Festival. My guest today is Allison Norlian, who I met at the festival. Allison Norlian is a three-time Emmy-nominated journalist, filmmaker, and co-founder of BirdMine, a production company dedicated to amplifying the voices and stories of people with disabilities and other underrepres...

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, my guest is Myles Wallace, Disability Inclusion Partner for Peak Performers, a disability staffing agnecy in Austin, TX. Are you disabled and looking for employment? Peak Performers can help. They help anyone with a disability regardless of location. From Administraion roles, to C-Suite, their aim is to place people with disabilities in h...

I recently came back from an eight day solo travel trip to Austin, Texas. Anyone who uses a wheelchair knows that traveling is hard. It was a learning experience and I decided to share the top five disability experiences I had on my journey. Big shout out to all the people I met and who made the experience so memorable. This episode is about growth, connection, and learning from your past. Follow...

Something I enjoy regularly is giving talks to physical therapy students about cerebral palsy. In today's episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing three physical therapy students in a class I spoke in last year.  This episode is unique because all four of us, Aly West, Cameron Samrai, and Dillon Werner, were together in one room. We had an hour-long conversation that included their reflect...

You can now send me fan mail! Right above 👆 is the link to send me a text message. You won't be spammed or put on a list. Let me know how I'm doing! I would love your feedback. It's another international episode of OTC! One of the things that I love about doing my podcast is interviewing people from all over the world. There are amazing people outside the US who are making their ma...

It’s been a little while because I got sick again, darn! Thankfully, I’m all better. We’re right in the middle of Mental Health Awareness Month and thought it would be appropriate to have on a mental health expert, Melody Wilding.  Melody Wilding is the best-selling author of Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work and an executive and leadership coach for s...

This week is pretty mighty! My guest today is Mike Porath, Founder and CEO of The Mighty.  The Mighty is powered by the shared experiences of 3.5 million members, whose stories have been shown by Harvard researchers to improve health outcomes as a first-of-its-kind bibliotherapy. Mike’s experience raising a daughter with a rare disease, Dup15q syndrome, taught him the impact of community and inspi...

It's March, which means it's Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month! Last April, I had the fortunate  opportunity to speak at the United Cerebral Palsy Annual Conference in Las Vegas, NV. I shared my story of reslience and how I live my life with cerebral palsy.  Because this month means so much to me, I thought it would be appropriate to have on CEO and President of United Cerebral Palsy, Arman...

After a year-long hiatus, I am finally back! I talk about my 2023 entrepreneurial journey, launching a Rush Bowls franchise, and the insights gained from small business ownership Before talking to Rayne Clarkson, the Commodity Business Manager for Applied Materials in Austin, TX.  Rayne shared her path of resilience after a life-changing accident, emphasizing the role of yoga in her recovery and t...

I'm back with another episode with my friend Alexandra Herold. If you haven't checked out Monday's episode with Jocelyn Cohen, I encourage you to do so. Alexandra Herold (she/her) is the CEO and Founder of Patti + Ricky ( PattiAndRicky.com ), the Adaptive Fashion Marketplace for adults and kids with and without disabilities, chronic conditions, patients, aging seniors, and caregiver...

This week and next week, you will find three episodes being released. I have a plethora of wonderful interviews that I want you to hear about before the end of 2022. Today's guest is Jocelyn Cohen. Jocelyn is a writer and a storyteller at heart. She knows a compelling story when she sees one, so she’s excited to serve as Vice President of Communications and Engagement for Cerebral Palsy Allia...

Happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Today aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. In addition to celebrating the day,  my guest is Isaac Harvey from across the pond! Some of Isaac's achievements and roles include: President at Wheels and Wheelchairs Power 100 Disabled Peo...

Today is a special day in the CP community because it is World CP Day! Created by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance in 2012, the mission is to bring together people living with cerebral palsy, their families, allies, supporters, and organizations across more than 100 countries. All to ensure a future in which children and adults with cerebral palsy have the same rights, access, and opportunities as anyo...