Two Disabled Dudes

In classic Two Disabled Dudes fashion, the episode opens with a hilariously painful recounting of bloodwork gone wrong. Kyle survives a multi-day ordeal involving broken systems, pre-dawn wake-ups, and a forgotten ID, while Sean’s appointment gets derailed by a national holiday his lab forgot existed. Moral of the story: get your labs done early—or prepare for a side quest no one asked for.

Things shift from comedy to clinical trial...

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we sit down with Erin, founder of the Rae of Hope Foundation, to talk about caregiving, community, and what it means to find joy even when life is hard.

Erin shares her family’s journey following her daughter Reagan’s epilepsy and cerebral palsy diagnoses, how caregiving shaped her 30s, and how she’s now carving out space for herself as Reagan becomes more stable. We dive into the real stuff—g...

In partnership with Jett Foundation, we roll into an inspiring conversation with a powerhouse panel of guests who prove that nothing—not even a ridiculously expensive adaptive wheelchair—can keep them from chasing their dreams. From power soccer to adaptive paragliding (yes, that’s a thing!), our guests share how nonprofits, grants, and a little creative Googling can help make adventure accessible.

But it's not just about the gear—i...

What happens when a teenager asks, “Why are you in a wheelchair?” at the bar... and it’s not weird at all? In this episode, Sean and Kyle reflect on what it means to be curious, considerate, and occasionally oblivious when it comes to disability—and why teens might just be winning in the empathy department. From cruise ship conversations to elevator etiquette, we explore how age, culture, and confidence shape the way people react (...

Ever feel like your energy levels are on a shoestring budget? In this episode, Sean and Kyle tackle the daily balancing act of managing energy, especially with a rare disease. From the science of sleep hygiene (which, by the way, Kyle has mastered like a bedtime ninja) to the mystery of why spoon theory uses, well, spoons as...

When it comes to wheelchair repairs, navigating the system shouldn’t be harder than the fix itself—but for Sean, that’s exactly what happened. In this episode, he shares the frustrating saga of dealing with a major medical equipment provider, exposing the inefficiencies, miscommunications, and outright absurdities of the process. From lost time to pointless bureaucracy, Sean’s experience highlights the challenges disabled individua...

This episode features an interview with Heidi Wallis, Executive Director of the Association for Creatine Deficiencies (ACD). Heidi discusses ACD’s efforts in advancing research, treatments, and newborn screening for creatine deficiency disorders. Heidi shares her personal journey as a mother of two children with creatine deficiencies, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. The conversation also explores the ch...

In this episode, we dive into a topic that hits close to home: the tension between hoping for a cure and fully embracing life as it is today. We explore how dreaming about a different future—whether through medical breakthroughs, financial success, or other changes—can be both motivating and, at times, limiting.

Kyle shares a frustrating parking lot experience that sparks a conversation about accessibility, awareness, and the small ...

This episode features a heartfelt conversation with Rivki, a mother of six, including her youngest son, Eli, who was diagnosed with CTNNB1 syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. She shares her journey of recognizing early developmental concerns, overcoming medical dismissals, and advocating for a proper diagnosis. She discusses the impact of Eli's condition on the family, the challenges and joys of raising a child with a challenging ra...

In this episode, Sean and Kyle dive into the evolving nature of independence, especially in the context of disability and life transitions. Kyle shares his journey toward hiring a personal care attendant (PCA) and how his perception of needing help has changed over time. The discussion explores the fine line between dependence and empowerment, emphasizing that asking for help can actually lead to greater freedom, not less. From nav...

This episode focuses on setting and maintaining goals beyond the traditional New Year's resolutions. The Dudes discuss the importance of checking in on progress, making adjustments, and recommitting to goals even after January. 

Kyle

• Hiring a personal care attendant for assistance with daily tasks 
• Staying engaged with rideATAXIA fundraising efforts
• Finding an enjoyable and sustainable exercise routine 

Sean

Season 13 kicks off with us catching up after a well-earned break, sharing our reflections on how time away can spark creativity and renew energy. Sean talks about surprising himself with a change to his daily Starbucks routine, leading to a conversation about the small adjustments we make for a healthier, more balanced life. The dudes reflect on travel challenges and accessibility, from Sean navigating Amtrak trains to Kyle celebr...

In this final episode of 2024, Sean and Kyle reflect on their evolving perceptions of living with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) and how their expectations and outlooks have shifted since their diagnoses. They dive into topics like adaptive technologies, changing friendships, and how urgency influences their goals and priorities. Wrapping up with heartfelt thank-you notes, the duo celebrates the impact of community and innovation.

Listene...

In this thought-provoking episode, Sean and Kyle discuss what laws they would institute if given ultimate power. They each introduce three laws that would benefit individuals with disabilities and promote greater understanding among all citizens.

These ideas spark a powerful reflection on the need for empathy, inclusivity, and social responsibility.

Listeners are encouraged to join the conversation by sharing their own "laws for a da...

In this candid and deeply personal episode, Sean and Kyle tackle the emotional and mental struggles that come with setbacks—whether from injury, burnout, or life's unexpected challenges. Sean opens up about his difficult recovery journey after a recent injury, where even though surgery wasn't required, the road to getting back on track has been much longer and tougher than expected. With vulnerability and honesty, they explore the ...

In this episode, we recount a challenging experience during our cycling trip in the Himalayas. Sean shares the story of his accident, where he was forced to brake hard on the trike, causing it to flip and throwing him to the ground. The impact left him with severe pain in his shoulder and hip, making it difficult to breathe initially and leaving him unable to continue the ride. Despite his initial hope that he might recover quickly...

This episode kicks off Season 12: An abbreviated season. After eight years of consistent publishing, the Dudes are scaling back for the rest of 2024 in order to fine tune the show, focus energy elsewhere, and just catch up on life. This season will consist of five episodes, one for each month through December. Regular, weekly episodes will resume in February 2025 with Season 13. 

The reflection of their trip to India will span ...

In the final episode of season 11, The Dudes discuss their major upcoming event: a challenging 200-mile bike ride in the Himalayas - to the top of the world’s highest paved road - over 19,000’. They talk about the logistics, the elevation challenges, and their preparation, including the use of altitude training masks. They also address concerns about food, accessibility, and health, highlighting the need to adapt to unforeseen circ...

This episode (254) features an interview with John Crowley, who shares his journey into the rare disease space. John's involvement started in 1998 when his daughter Megan was diagnosed with Pompe disease, a rare form of muscular dystrophy. Determined to find a cure, John and his family embarked on a journey of research and entrepreneurship, ultimately founding a biotech company that developed a life-saving enzyme therapy for Pompe ...