Shubha Balabaer and Joyner Emerick

Unbound Futures

Society EN ↓ 3 episodes

Unbound Futures is a conversation between Joyner and Shubha—two parents raising autistic kids with high/complex support needs—that explores a life where parenting becomes a site of innovation, community becomes a strategy, and liberation is something we learn to practice together. Grounded in their own lived experiences across race, class, gender, queerness, and disability, Shubha and Joyner invite additional practical wisdom and political analysis through conversations with guests with lived experience in disability justice. By intentionally centering the legacies and priorities of non-speaki...

Author

Shubha Balabaer and Joyner Emerick

Episodes

My Access Need Is a Paradigm Shift 08.03.2026 1:20:35

Joyner and Shubha discuss what it looks like to parent from a place of accepting that our kids, and ourselves, have needs. Not trying to question them or change them. And we share examples of what that really looks like. Even when it's HARD. Even when it means our non-speaking kid needs to stay in the kitchen 24/7, even for showering. And we talk about how often the need we and our kids have...

Introductions And Life Under MN Occupation 08.02.2026 1:19:23

Joyner and Shubha introduce themselves, their identities, and their kids, exploring risks, systemic power, and disabled family life under occupation in Minneapolis. The discussion about Minneapolis begins about 40 minutes from the end. Referenced in this episode: Talila A. Lewis' definition of ableism Disability Justice

Bonus Episode: Theme Songs 06.02.2026 9:19

Shubha cries, sharing 3 clips of songs that are so meaningful in their liberated parenting. That remind them of their kid. That could have been the perfect theme songs if we had the rights.