When Life Gives You Lemons

Send us Fan Mail Methylene blue might be the most intriguing medical compound you've never heard of—unless you've been scrolling through TikTok lately. Kevin and Colmie dive deep into this fascinating substance that began life as a simple cloth dye in 1876 before finding its way into medicine. The contrast between scientific reality and social media hype creates a compelling narrative. W...

Send us Fan Mail The mystery of autism becomes deeply personal in this intimate conversation with Jessica, a mother whose journey with her autistic son ultimately inspired her own career in special education. Jessica takes us through the pivotal moment when her toddler son seemed to change overnight around his second birthday – suddenly struggling with motor skills despite previously reaching deve...

Send us Fan Mail What does it really mean to be on the autism spectrum? Beyond stereotypes and misconceptions, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a fascinating variation in how human brains develop and function. We dive deep into understanding autism as a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people interact, communicate, and experience the world around them. The spectrum nature of...

Send us Fan Mail Breathing is something most of us take for granted—until it becomes difficult. In this deep dive into Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Kevin and Palmy explore the complex reality of living with compromised lungs. The hosts break down COPD's telltale signs: shortness of breath during physical activity, persistent coughing with mucus production, wheezing, chest tig...

Send us Fan Mail Cancer treatments have evolved dramatically from automatic death sentences in the 1970s to manageable conditions where patients can live for additional years or even decades with proper care. • Ruth's experience with her oncology team demonstrates the importance of having specialists who collaborate effectively with primary care physicians • Different types of cancer treatmen...

Send us Fan Mail Cancer has evolved from a terrifying death sentence to a manageable condition for many patients, thanks to remarkable advances in treatment approaches. This transformation lies at the heart of our latest episode, featuring a candid conversation with Ruth Henry about her personal journey with biliary cancer. Ruth shares how her diagnosis began with severe abdominal pain that led to...

Send us Fan Mail Kevin and Palmi explore the complexities of diabetes management through a disability perspective, sharing personal experiences and discussing the newly recognized Type 5 diabetes linked to malnutrition. • Different types of diabetes explained, including the rarely discussed pre-diabetic condition • Managing diabetes through diet, especially increasing fiber intake to help regulate...

Send us Fan Mail Money matters can be overwhelming for everyone, but for those navigating life with a disability, financial markets often seem doubly intimidating. What happens to your benefits if you start investing? Is trading even accessible? Can you practice without risking real money? Today we tackle these questions head-on with practical, straightforward advice from disability advocates who...

Send us Fan Mail Financial independence while living with disability might seem like an impossible dream, but this episode shatters that misconception. Our guest Paul, a self-taught investor, breaks down realistic investment strategies that work even on limited disability incomes. Starting with just $15-20 per month, Paul explains how platforms like Robinhood make investing accessible to beginners...

Send us Fan Mail Disability bias doesn't always announce itself with slurs or obvious discrimination—sometimes it lurks in the assumptions of those meant to protect us. Maria's powerful story of being detained by campus police after a late-night study session reveals how quickly cerebral palsy can be misinterpreted as intoxication by untrained eyes. Following an exhausting midterm study...

Send us Fan Mail Maria's first breath came 15 minutes after she was born. In those critical moments, as a midwife performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation in rural Missouri, the trajectory of her life was forever altered. What followed was an emergency helicopter evacuation to a distant hospital, while her parents were left wondering if they'd ever see their newborn daughter alive again. T...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for a captivating journey through the historical landscape of veterans in America, from their initial battles during the Revolutionary War to the establishment of the Veterans Administration. This episode uncovers the often-overlooked stories of our veterans, exploring how they transitioned from unsung heroes to recipients of national care and benefits.  We delve into sign...

Send us Fan Mail Travel can be a rewarding experience, but it also presents significant challenges for those with disabilities. We share our personal stories, practical tips, and valuable resources that have made our travels more manageable.  • The importance of understanding true accessibility  • Challenges faced with Airbnb rentals  • Issues encountered at hotels and how to advocate  • The effec...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the vibrant world of deaf culture and challenge your perceptions of cochlear implants. Join us as we explore the fascinating dynamics of deaf communities, where sign languages like ASL and BSL are not just tools for communication but integral parts of identity and culture. Discover the empowering concept of "deaf gain"—a perspective that highlights the unique bene...

Send us Fan Mail Imagine a world where cerebral palsy is not a barrier but a stepping stone to personal growth and empowerment. Join us on an inspiring journey as Kevin and Pommy Henry share their transformative experiences living with spinal cell viral ataxia and shine a spotlight on the remarkable Alexis Johnson. With dreams of becoming a zookeeper and a passion for nursing, Alexis defies limita...

Send us Fan Mail What if the media landscapes we consume daily held the power to redefine societal norms about disabilities? We're your hosts, Kevin and Pommy Henry, and we're here to explore how the Barbie movie sparked a renewed dialogue on the representation of disabled individuals in movies and TV. From the renewed interest in previously discontinued disabled Barbie characters to the...

Send us Fan Mail What if a mysterious compulsion drove people to dance for days, leading some to their deaths? In this episode, we unravel the enigmatic events of the dancing plague of 1518 in Strasbourg, probing the theories of ergot-induced hysteria and mass psychogenic illness. We juxtapose this historical conundrum with the Salem witch trials, highlighting how fear and limited medical knowledg...

Send us Fan Mail What if we told you the wheelchair has a history as rich and intricate as any invention? Join us as we uncover its evolution, from King Philip II's custom chair in 1595 to the birth of the first generic wheelchair. Discover the challenges we've faced firsthand while finding the perfect mobility solutions for ourselves and our loved ones, like custom designs for Pommy’s f...

Send us Fan Mail Uncover the transformational journey of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, one of America's most influential leaders, who turned his personal struggles into a powerful force for change in disability advocacy. Kevin and Palmi Henry, your hosts, promise you'll gain an intimate understanding of how FDR's journey from a polio diagnosis to the presidency shaped public perception...

Send us Fan Mail Prepare to uncover groundbreaking insights and personal stories as we, Kevin and Palmi Henry, reflect on an extraordinary year of advocating for the disabled community on the When Life Gives You Lemons podcast. Join us as we share the emotional and transformative journey of navigating Kevin's battle with spinal cerebellar ataxia, while also exploring the advancements in brain...

Send us Fan Mail What if a tiny implant could unlock the mysteries of the mind and transform the lives of those with neurological disorders?" Join us as we, Kevin and Palmi Henry, take you on a journey through the cutting-edge realm of Neuralink technology. Having lived with spinal cell viral ataxia for over two decades, we share our unique perspective on how brain-computer interfaces could o...

Send us Fan Mail Can love withstand the test of a life-altering diagnosis? Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Kevin and Pommy Henry as they share their journey navigating marriage with spinal cell viral ataxia in the mix. Their story is a testament to the power of communication, flexibility, and humor in the face of adversity. Kevin and Pommy invite us into their world, where they tackle ev...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder what it takes to revolutionize an industry and change lives for the better? Ralph Braun, the visionary behind BraunAbility, did just that. Join us as we explore his incredible journey and lasting legacy in the world of mobility solutions. From adaptive vehicles like our own customized 2022 Chrysler Pacifica to the innovation BraunAbility continues to deliver, we weigh...

Send us Fan Mail In episode Kevin & Palmi discuss how to access some programs to assist families with disabilities. ABLE Account Accessible Go Department of Vocational Development - This is a state run program we thought it was Federal, sorry.  The Link is to a website that allows one to locate a state program near you.  This website is courtesy of Career Onestop. Deshae Lott Quality of Life G...

Send us Fan Mail On the average, American families with a disabled person must earn 28% more than those with the same status.  There is only one source for this episode. the google AI (Bard), or google "disability Upcharge" on the search engine for more on this topic. Support the show