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The Wheelchair Roundtable -Crushing Stigmas One Episode At A Time

Rico Segovia ATP, S.J. Cimijotti, DPT , & Jody Bennett WABC CEO.

Welcome to The Wheelchair Roundtable, where real talk meets real stories. Hosted by Rico Segovia ATP, SJ Cimijotti DPT, and Jody Bennet World Adaptive Boxing Council CEO. This is the podcast where lived experience and clinical expertise collide in the best way possible.

Each episode takes you into the world of people who have not only faced life-changing injuries but who now roll forward with purpose, power, and perspective. We shine a spotlight on wheelchair users, families, clinicians, case managers, and manufacturers — all the voices that make up this diverse and dynamic community.

From navigating independence and accessibility, to exploring the latest in assistive tech, to sharing raw, unfiltered conversations about the highs and lows of life on wheels — this isn’t just another podcast. It’s a movement, a mindset, and a roundtable where everyone has a seat.

Join us as we break barriers, challenge assumptions, and celebrate resilience — all with heart, humor, and a whole lot of humanity.

The Wheelchair Roundtable Podcast.-Crushing Stigmas One Episode At A Time

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S4 · E6
Tuesday · 59 min
Pain in the Butt Syndrome — with Thomas Moon
What happens when you stop trying to make disability look inspirational—and start calling out the BS? The Wheelchair Round Table, sits down with professional keynote speaker, author of The Squeaky Wheelchair, and disability advocate Thomas Moon for a conversation about self-advocacy, independence, and refusing to quietly accept barriers that shouldn’t exist in the first place. Living with cerebral palsy, Thomas brings a refreshingly unapologetic perspective to disability. He talks about his philosophy of “Pain in the Butt Syndrome,” why sometimes you have to make some noise to get heard, and the importance of challenging systems built around compliance rather than people. We dig into institutional barriers, accessibility, self-advocacy, and the problem with what Thomas calls “inspiration porn.” This isn't a conversation about feeling sorry for yourself—or pretending every challenge is a beautiful journey. It’s about speaking up, pushing back, demanding better, and knowing when being a pain in the butt is exactly what the situation requires. Because sometimes the squeaky wheel isn't broken. It just wants to be heard. 🎙️ The Wheelchair Round Table — Real People. Real Stories. Crushing Stigmas. One Episode at a Time. Facebook: TJ Moon IG: tj.wheelchair Youtube: @tjwheelchair www.disabilityspeaker.org
S4 · E5
Sunday · 1 hr 55 min
Don’t Mess With My Independence — A Conversation with Spencer Blomquist
Spencer Blomquist has spent nearly 18 years navigating life as a quadriplegic and he has learned that independence isn't something you simply receive. Sometimes, you have to fight for it. On this episode of The Wheelchair Round Table, Rico, SJ, Jody, and Spencer dive into the real-world battles that come with disability, from healthcare and caregiving to accessible travel and financial independence. Spencer opens up about his fight with Humana to protect the 24-hour care and caregivers he depends on, and why losing those services isn't simply an inconvenience—it can directly impact a person's ability to live independently. We also talk about ABLE United savings programs and how people with disabilities can use financial tools to plan for their futures without giving up the independence they've worked so hard to build. Then things take a turn toward adventure. Spencer is an accessible travel specialist and travel agent who helps people with disabilities navigate the complicated world of accessible cruising. With that expertise, Rico and Spencer start planning a Wheelchair Round Table cruise for Jody—because apparently putting a wheelchair user and a travel agent on a cruise ship sounded like a good idea. And of course, the conversation doesn't stop there. We get into disability advocacy, peer mentoring, accessible travel, independence, and the importance of making sure people with disabilities have a seat at the table when decisions affecting their lives are being made. Jody also opens up about the possibility of running for Congress, leading to a bigger conversation about disability representation, advocacy, and what it means when people with lived experience decide to step into the political arena. This is a conversation about fighting for your independence, knowing your rights, planning your next adventure—and having a damn good time along the way. Real people. Real stories. Real advocacy. Welcome to another conversation on The Wheelchair Round Table. Facebook: Spencer Blomquist Youtube: @WheelieAwesomeAdventures expediacrusises.com/en-US/SpencerBlomquist *******🎥 Technical Note: We lost Spencer and SJ’s video feeds halfway through the episode—but the conversation kept rolling! Technology happens. 😂*******
S4 · E4
September 8 · 1 hr 49 min
The Hardest Chapter Doesn’t Decide How Your Story Ends: The Karla Ruelas Story
The Hardest Chapter Doesn’t Decide How Your Story Ends: The Karla Ruelas Story In this powerful episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable, we sit down with Karla Ruelas to talk about the woman she was before the wheelchair, the battles nobody could see, and the journey that changed her life forever. Before her injury, Karla was a college graduate, interior designer, athlete, and independent young woman building her life in Houston TX. But behind that independence, she was also dealing with clinical depression. Then, on August 21, 2021, at just 28 years old, Karla was involved in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. She survived with a C5-C6 complete spinal cord injury. Karla takes us through the accident, the uncertainty of those first days, rehabilitation at Memorial Hermann, Kindred, and TIRR, and the difficult reality of coming home and becoming dependent on her parents again. But this isn't just a story about paralysis. It's about depression, identity, family, independence, and learning how to find yourself again. Karla opens up about rebuilding her relationship with her parents, redefining what independence means, confronting the emotional challenges of life after injury, and discovering the strength to keep moving forward. And we lighten things up with a rapid-fire showdown between the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Houston! This is a conversation about resilience, family, mental health, and the realization that the hardest chapter of your life doesn't get to decide how your story ends. 🎧 Listen, share, and join the conversation. The Wheelchair Roundtable — Crushing Stigmas, One Episode At A Time! Tik Tok: karlaarue IG: karlaarue Facebook: Karla Rue email the show at: host@wcroundtable.com
S4 · E3
August 28 · 2 hr 20 min
What’s Changing for Wheelchair Users? Medicare, Airlines, WABC & a Whole Lot of Laughs
In this episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable, it’s just the three of us — Rico, Jody, and S.J. — and we’re covering some big issues that could directly impact wheelchair users. We break down the new Medicare prior authorization changes being discussed for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs, what they could mean for people who rely on complex mobility equipment, and why these changes matter. Then we turn our attention to the Department of Transportation and the proposed changes affecting airlines and wheelchair users, including the growing discussion around airline liability and responsibility when a wheelchair is damaged, lost, or needs to be replaced. We also talk WABC, adaptive sports, and what’s happening in the world of wheelchair athletics. But this episode isn’t all policy and serious conversation. With no guest this week, you get the three of us doing what we do best — talking, debating, joking around, and having a few laughs. Rico and Jody get into a conversation that takes some unexpected turns, and it’s a reminder that sometimes the best podcast moments happen when we’re just being ourselves. Rico also takes a moment to reflect on the Quadfather’s injury, the impact it had on him personally, and how that experience helped inspire the creation of The Wheelchair Roundtable in the first place. Important information. Real conversations. A little controversy. A lot of personality. Just Rico, Jody, and S.J. — and an episode you’re going to want to hear. Email us: host@wcroundtable.com IG: wcroundtable2025
S4 · E2
August 23 · 1 hr 31 min
The Boy Who Had to Grow Up Overnight: The Donny Wright Story
Donny Wright’s story is a powerful reminder that life can change in a moment—but that moment doesn’t have to define the rest of your life. In 1978, Donny was just 15 years old. A motorcycle ride that happened because of a simple change of plans would forever change his life. Donny suffered a devastating spinal cord injury, underwent two open-heart surgeries, and faced the unimaginable loss of his friend Ricky Grammar that same day. But this episode isn’t just about the accident. It’s about what happened after. We take Donny from those early days of recovery and rehabilitation at Rancho Los Amigos, to the people who helped shape his mindset, to the spiritual experiences that stayed with him for decades. We hear the incredible story of his journey to Mazatlán and the experience that would give him a completely different perspective on the events of his life. And then… Donny becomes a sports badass. 💪 We all talk with Donny about adaptive sports, competition, becoming an athlete, becoming a mechanic, figuring out how to do things differently, and refusing to accept the words “you can’t.” Together, Jody, Rico, and SJ take Donny on a journey back to that 15-year-old kid who had no idea what his future would hold—and explore the incredible man he would become. This is a story about loss, survival, faith, resilience, reinvention, and ownership. Most importantly, it’s a story about understanding that your circumstances may change your path—but they don't get to decide where the road ends. Email: host@wcroundtable.com
S4 · E1
August 16 · 1 hr 27 min
The Las Vegas Era Begins: New City. New Host. Same Mission.
Season 4 Premiere — The Wheelchair Roundtable Podcast Season 4 is here, and we’re kicking things off with some big changes and even bigger conversations. In this episode, we talk about the Quad-Father taking a well-deserved break from the show and introduce our new in-person co-host, Jody Bennett — WABC Heavyweight Wheelchair Boxing Champion, CEO, and adaptive athlete. Jody takes us inside the world of adaptive football, sharing what it’s like playing for the NFL-approved Las Vegas Raiders Wheelchair Football team and what adaptive sports mean for athletes looking to compete, challenge themselves, and redefine what’s possible. SJ also brings the conversation back to the Rio Grande Valley, talking about the growth of adaptive sports and the opportunities being created for athletes in South Texas. And then we turn the microphone over to you. We close the episode by answering questions from our listeners — and these aren’t easy questions. They’re real, personal, and heavy, leading to some of the most honest conversations we’ve had on the show. New season. New co-host. New perspectives. Same mission: real people, real stories, and real conversations that drive change. Welcome to Season 4 of The Wheelchair Roundtable. Email us at: host@wcroundtable.com
S3 · E8
July 17 · 2 hr 30 min
Antonio "The Roller" – Your Past Doesn't Define Your Future
What happens when life gives you a second chance? In this powerful episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable, we sit down with Antonio "The Roller" for an honest conversation about redemption, resilience, and refusing to let your past define your future. Antonio shares his journey from going to prison at just 17 years old to sustaining a life-changing spinal cord injury and learning to navigate life with hand controls and a wheelchair. Along the way, he opens up about the people who helped shape his new perspective—including his beloved grandmother, "Grand Dog." Joining the conversation, Dr. San Juanita Cimijotti and The Quad Father break down what muscle spasms really are, why they happen after a spinal cord injury, and how they impact everyday life. Their clinical insight, combined with Antonio's lived experience, creates an educational discussion that's both informative and relatable. This episode is filled with laughter, hard truths, inspiration, and real conversations about accountability, forgiveness, perseverance, and finding purpose after life's biggest setbacks. No matter where you've been or what obstacles you're facing, this conversation is a reminder that your greatest chapters can still be ahead of you. Because your story isn't defined by your worst decision—it's defined by what you choose to do next. IG: holditdowntx IG: rollercycles ridewiththeroller@gmail.com management@holditdowntx.com IG: wcroundtable2025
S3 · E7
June 17 · 2 hr 14 min
From USS Saratoga to Spinal Cord Injury: Izzy’s Story of Survival
In this episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable, we sit down with Izzy for a powerful and deeply human conversation about survival, service, and rebuilding life after unimaginable turning points. Izzy shares his time in the United States Navy aboard the USS Saratoga (CV-60) during the era of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, reflecting on the intensity of military life and the experiences that shaped his early adulthood. He also recounts a life-altering moment at just 19 years old a split second decision to step out of a ferry line that ultimately saved his life when the ferry sank, claiming the lives of 21 sailors, some of them his friends. Years later, after building a full life and career, Izzy faced another defining moment: a spinal cord tumor at the T1 level that led to paralysis. A second MRI confirmed the diagnosis, forcing him to rebuild his understanding of identity, independence, and purpose from the ground up. This conversation explores survival, loss, faith, military service, and what it truly means to adapt when life changes without warning. Izzy’s story is one of resilience not just in surviving life’s hardest moments, but in continuing to move forward after them. Tune in for an episode that reminds us how quickly life can change, and how powerful it is when we choose to keep going. Facebook: Isidro Sanchez IG: izysanchez69 Custom Embroidery i.j.embroidery423@gmail,com Support Veteran Owned Business
S3 · E6
June 5 · 1 hr 20 min
Catching Up with Eric: Remembering Mom, Mental Health, and Moving Forward
Episode Description In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we reconnect with Eric as he shares life updates since his last appearance on the show, including the heartbreaking loss of his mother and the impact it has had on his mental health journey. Together, we have an honest conversation about grief, depression, resilience, and the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced within the disability community. Eric opens up about navigating life after spinal cord injury while coping with loss, the importance of seeking support, and why mental health deserves the same attention as physical health. This episode is a reminder that strength isn't just about overcoming physical obstacles—it's also about facing emotional struggles and continuing to move forward one day at a time. Whether you're living with a disability, supporting a loved one, or dealing with your own mental health challenges, Eric's story offers insight, encouragement, and hope. We wrap up the episode with a fun and engaging rapid-fire Q&A session featuring Eric and the Quad Father, covering everything from life lessons and personal reflections to a few laughs along the way. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about loss, healing, mental health, and the power of community. Facebook: Eric Rodriguez IG: wcroundtable2025
S3 · E5
May 26 · 1 hr 5 min
From Bedbound to Champion: Michael Divel’s Comeback Story
At 22 years old, Michael Divel experienced a life-changing spinal cord injury after a tragic accident at a Fourth of July party left him with a T-12 complete SCI. What followed was not only the challenge of paralysis, but a brutal years-long fight against a stage 4 pressure wound complicated by MRSA and bone infection — resulting in 10 skin flap surgeries, months confined to bed, and some of the darkest moments of his life. In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the realities of pressure relief, pressure wounds, wheelchair seating, and survival after spinal cord injury. Rico Segovia ATP/QRP also breaks down the insurance criteria surrounding pressure relief equipment and custom wheelchair cushions, explaining why proper seating technology can literally become lifesaving for wheelchair users. Despite years of setbacks, Michael refused to quit. Today, he’s back competing at the highest level of adaptive sports and helped lead the Arkansas Rolling Razorbacks to a 2025 NWBA Championship. We first met Michael at the Ocean Drive 3-on-3 Wheelchair Basketball Tournament in Corpus Christi, and after hearing his story, we knew this conversation needed to be shared. This episode is about resilience, pressure wound awareness, adaptive sports, mental toughness, and the relentless mindset required to keep moving forward when life changes forever. Please welcome Michael Divel. Facebook: Michael Divel IG: wcroundtable2025
S3 · E4
May 18 · 1 hr 33 min
“Get Up, Mom” – Alma Lee’s Fight for Survival
In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode, we sit down with Corpus Christi TX native Alma Lee Garcia, a disability advocate whose life changed forever at just 24 years old after surviving a violent home invasion. Alma was shot in the neck with a 9mm round that entered the left front side of her neck and exited through her right scapula, leaving her with a T6 incomplete spinal cord injury. Doctors at Memorial Hospital gave her only 18–24 hours to live as she remained in a coma for a week. But everything changed when she heard the voice of her son saying, “Get up, mom.” That moment sparked her fight for survival. Alma opens up about the physical and emotional challenges that followed, including living with autonomic dysreflexia, navigating mental health struggles, and learning to accept a completely new way of life. She shares the daily realities of living with a spinal cord injury while finding strength, purpose, and resilience through advocacy and community involvement. We also discuss her work with WAVE in Corpus Christi, where she continues to empower and advocate for individuals with disabilities throughout South Texas. As someone from our own backyard here in Corpus Christi, Alma brings an honest, raw, and uplifting conversation that will leave listeners inspired by her perseverance and determination. Facebook: Alma Lee IG: almalee_361
S3 · E3
May 10 · 1 hr 30 min
Real Talk About Physical Therapy Careers | PTA vs DPT with Henry Falcon PTA, CCI, MBA, CSCS
We are joined by Henry C. Falcon, JR., PTA, CCI, MBA, CSCS, and take a deep dive into the world of Physical Therapy — from the evolution of the profession in the 1990s to where it’s headed in today’s healthcare landscape. Henry shares his journey into PT, the lessons learned over decades in the field, and what it takes to build a long-lasting career in rehabilitation. The conversation breaks down the real differences between the PTA and DPT paths, including schooling, scope of practice, pay scales, burnout, and the realities clinicians face in today’s healthcare system. SJ brings valuable insight into the DPT perspective while Henry offers the experienced voice of someone who has worked across multiple settings and built his own practice. The crew also discusses the future growth of the Rio Grande Valley medical community, opportunities for young professionals entering healthcare, and what employers are really looking for in new graduates. The episode closes with a fun Q&A session where Rico opens up about what inspired him to start The Wheelchair Roundtable Podcast and the mission behind giving healthcare professionals, patients, and advocates a platform to share real stories and real experiences. Whether you’re a student considering Physical Therapy, a clinician navigating the profession, or someone passionate about the future of healthcare in the RGV, this episode delivers honest insight, education, and laughs along the way. Henrycfalcon@msn.com IG: wcroundtable2025
S3 · E2
May 1 · 1 hr 38 min
When It’s Personal: Education, Epilepsy, and a Mother’s Voice with Yvette Barrera-Molina
In this episode, we sit down with Yvette Barrera-Molina, an educational diagnostician with over 20 years of experience supporting students with disabilities and their families. Yvette began her career as a special education teacher and has since dedicated her work to evaluation, eligibility, and developing meaningful instructional plans that truly support student success. We take a deep dive into the critical role diagnosticians play within the education system—helping identify student needs, guiding families, and collaborating with educators to create pathways for growth. Yvette also breaks down key insights on dyslexia and ADHD, offering clarity on how these challenges present in the classroom and why early identification matters. A big part of our conversation focuses on the role teachers play in recognizing early signs of developmental and learning differences, and how those observations can change the trajectory of a child’s education. What makes this conversation especially powerful is Yvette’s personal journey. As a mother, she shares the story of her son Ethan, who was diagnosed with epilepsy as an infant and has undergone multiple brain surgeries due to severe seizures. Through that experience, Yvette brings a deeply personal perspective to her work—one that goes beyond professional expertise and into true advocacy. She also discusses her involvement with the Epilepsy Foundation of Central South Texas and how she continues to be a voice for families here in the Rio Grande Valley. This is a conversation about education, advocacy, resilience, and the power of understanding every child’s unique journey. Yvette, thank you for being here and for sharing your story with us. IG: @youniquediag Facebook: Yvette Barrerra-Molina TikTok: Yvette B. Molina YvetteBMolina@gmail.com
S3 · E1
April 29 · 1 hr 27 min
From Life-Changing Accident to Life-Changing Mindset: With Mason Branstrator
On this episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable, we’re joined by Mason Branstrator —an athlete, creator, and powerful voice for resilience whose life changed in an instant, but whose purpose only grew stronger. At just 17 years old, Mason sustained a spinal cord injury in a skiing accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. But what followed wasn’t the end of his story — it was the beginning of a new one. From intensive rehab to rediscovering independence through his wheelchair, Mason leaned into challenge, adaptation, and ultimately, transformation. Today, Mason is not only thriving — he’s pushing limits. From adaptive sports like hand cycling and surfing to completing a marathon in a racing chair, he’s redefining what’s possible and showing the world that a wheelchair is not a limitation, but a gateway to freedom. Through his growing social media presence, Mason shares the real, unfiltered moments of life with a disability — from daily routines to outdoor adventures — inspiring hundreds of thousands of people across the globe. His mission is simple but powerful: help others see possibility, no matter their circumstances. Mason’s story isn’t just about overcoming — it’s about evolving, adapting, and leading from the front. link.me/mason_branstrator mason@kannco.com IG: Mason_branstrator FB: Mason Branstrator
S2 · E15
April 19 · 1 hr 23 min
Unbreakable: The Peter Berry story
Today’s episode is a powerful reminder of what resilience truly looks like—and we’re joined by guest host S.J. Cimijotti, DPT, bringing clinical insight and perspective to the conversation. At just 10 years old, Peter Berry’s life was forever changed by a tragic car accident that left him and his brother paralyzed, injured his sister, and took the lives of both of his parents. It’s the kind of moment that could define a life—but for Peter, it became the beginning of a new one. Now 24, Peter is a professional wheelchair basketball player competing in Germany, driven by a relentless mindset and a clear goal: representing Team USA at the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles. In this episode, we dive into Peter’s journey through recovery, the role of family and support systems, and how discovering wheelchair basketball gave him not just purpose—but direction. Alongside S.J.’s expertise in rehabilitation, we explore the physical and mental resilience required to rebuild after trauma, the discipline behind competing at an elite level, and what it truly means to keep moving forward. This isn’t just a story about sports—it’s about perspective, growth, and the decision to rise, no matter the circumstances. Let’s get into it. IG: p_dawg31
S2 · E14
April 14 · 1 hr 14 min
Behind the Scenes of Recovery: A Case Manager’s Perspective with Esmer Perez LBSW, MSW, CART
In this episode, we sit down with Esmer Perez LBSW, MSW, CART, a dedicated case manager at a Health Rehabilitation Hospital, to break down what really happens after a life-changing injury or illness. Esmer gives us an inside look at the critical role of a case manager—often acting as the “in-house attorney”—guiding patients and families through one of the most complex and emotional healthcare journeys. From the moment a patient is admitted, she helps coordinate care, navigate funding sources, and ensure every piece of the recovery plan is aligned. We dive into the importance of therapy in regaining independence and how physicians, therapists, and caregivers work together behind the scenes to support each patient’s progress. Esmer also sheds light on the difficult realities of healthcare—what happens when a patient doesn’t have insurance, and how funding directly impacts the equipment and services that can be provided. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone wanting a clear, honest look at the rehab process and the road to recovery after a life-altering event.
S2 · E13
April 5 · 1 hr 11 min
Building an Empire: Music, Mindset & The Tin Foil Hat Factory with Paul C Caesar II
Recording Artist Paul C Cesar II brings a powerful and unfiltered conversation you don’t want to miss. After surviving a life-altering car accident at a young age and later facing a tumor attached to his spine that left him in a wheelchair, Paul shares his journey through adversity with raw honesty. He opens up about his injury, resilience, and the mindset it took to rebuild his life. We dive into Arc X Therapy, a cutting-edge treatment that’s pushing boundaries and offering new hope, and how it’s playing a role in his journey today. Beyond his recovery, Paul talks about carving out a path as an international music artist, building his brand, and launching his company, The Tin Foil Hat Factory. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as we explore conspiracy theories, challenging perspectives, and the deeper questions that shape how we see the world. Paul also shares a profound spiritual experience that helped guide him to where he is today grounded, driven, and focused on his purpose. We wrap up with a look at his upcoming album and what’s next in his evolving career. It’s real talk, real perspective, and a story of transformation you’ll feel long after the episode ends. Facebook: Paul C Caesar II IG: p.seize www.thetinfolifactory.com 25% off promo code: IKeepItReal
S2 · E12
March 30 · 1 hr 4 min
Rolling Through It All: The Mike Garrison Story
In this episode of The Wheelchair Round Table, we sit down with Mike Garrison — a stand-up comedian, husband, and proud dad of twins who’s redefining what it means to roll through life with purpose and humor. After a life-changing motocross accident left him paralyzed, Mike faced a completely new reality. But instead of backing down, he leaned in — building a family, embracing fatherhood from a wheelchair, and finding his voice in comedy. Mike shares the raw truth about his injury, what it took to start a family post-accident, and the real-life moments of being a “wheelchair dad.” He opens up about how comedy became his outlet, his therapy, and ultimately his platform to connect, inspire, and make people laugh. And in a full-circle moment, Mike talks about getting back on a motorcycle — exactly 15 years to the date of his injury — proving that fear doesn’t get the final say. This episode is real, unfiltered, and full of perspective — with plenty of laughs along the way. Facebook: Mike Garrison IG: mikegarrison247
S2 · E11
March 11 · 1 hr 30 min
When a Mother Finds Her Voice: Nancy Lemus’ Fight for Her Son Christopher
Nancy shares the powerful story of raising her son Christopher, now 20, who was born with cerebral palsy. In the early years, Nancy struggled to understand what was happening. Like many parents, she didn’t have the knowledge or guidance to recognize the resources available for children with disabilities. In her own words, she was “ignorant”—not from a lack of love, but from a lack of direction. Everything changed after a chance conversation with another mother at a doctor’s appointment. That moment opened Nancy’s eyes to a world of support, advocacy, and possibility. Determined to fight for her son, she chose education over fear—earning her CNA certification to learn medical terminology and how to better care for people with complex needs. Nancy went on to work for Ms. Lillian, a woman with significant disabilities who taught her what true advocacy looks like. That experience helped shape Nancy into the voice she is today. Now, Nancy is helping influence disability policy in Delaware, serving on a Medical Complex Task Force and advocating for legislation that supports families like hers. This conversation is about faith in action, the power of knowledge, and how one mother turned uncertainty into purpose. Nancy’s journey reminds us that when parents find their voice, they can change not only their child’s future—but the system itself. Facebook: Nancy Lemus
S2 · E10
March 6 · 1 hr 23 min
They Said He Wouldn’t Survive on His Own: with Nicolas Comstock
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Nicolas Comstock — host of the Nick Speaks Podcast — for an honest and deeply personal conversation about resilience, independence, and finding purpose. Nicolas shares what it was like growing up with an identical twin brother who was not born with a disability, and how that dynamic shaped his childhood and identity. He opens up about the challenges he faced in school and how the education system ultimately failed to provide the support he needed to succeed. In a bold step toward independence, Nicolas made the difficult decision to move out and live on his own — despite his parents’ fears that he would not survive without their support. He talks candidly about the obstacles he faced trying to build a life independently, including being labeled “unemployable” and the broader lack of employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Our conversation also touches on Nicolas’s time attending First Baptist Church of Hammond, which was later featured in the documentary Let Us Prey: A Ministry of Scandals. Nicolas shares his personal perspective and experiences during that time. But Nicolas’s story is ultimately one of determination and purpose. Through his podcast, Nick Speaks Podcast, he has found a platform to speak openly about disability, life, and advocacy. After a TikTok Reel unexpectedly went viral, Nicolas gained over 77,000 followers — proving that authentic voices still resonate. We close the episode with a candid discussion about dating, relationships, and the often unspoken challenges people with disabilities face when it comes to connection and companionship. This is a real, raw conversation about independence, identity, faith, opportunity, and the everyday realities of living with a disability. A powerful story you won’t want to miss. youtube.com/nicolascomstock

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