Access Denied

In this engaging conversation, Rachel Thomas and Jessica Ping discuss the whirlwind of summer activities, the unpredictability of the entertainment industry, and the journey of content creation. They explore the importance of authenticity, the challenges of rejection, and the significance of community. Rachel shares her experiences in college, decision fatigue, and the strategic choice of living in Chicago. The discussion culminate...

In this episode of Access Denied, Jessica Ping interviews Brian Acosta Arya, known as Brian the Motel Guy, who shares his unique journey from growing up in the motel business to becoming a successful content creator on TikTok. Brian discusses the importance of storytelling, the impact of his father's support, and how he uses his platform to bring humanity back to the motel industry. The conversation touches on the challenges of...

In this engaging conversation, Jorge Rivera-Herrans shares his journey from aspiring surgeon to successful songwriter and playwright, detailing his experiences in musical theater, the creative process behind his musical 'Epic', and the importance of community support. He discusses the challenges of writing, the influence of video games and anime on his work, and the mental hurdles he faced along the way. Jorge emphasizes the power ...

In today's episode, comedian and actor Jonah Saesan shares his journey from the Marine Corps to the world of acting and content creation. He discusses the emotional challenges of rejection in the entertainment industry, the unique experiences of living in Hawaii, and the impact of social media algorithms on creativity. Jonah emphasizes the importance of perseverance, celebrating achievements, and finding joy in the creative pro...

In this heartfelt conversation, Jessica and Cassidy explore the evolution of their friendship over nearly two decades. They discuss the challenges and changes they've faced together, the impact of caregiving on their bond, and the importance of emotional support. Cassidy shares her journey in engineering, highlighting the unique experiences of women in STEM and the advocacy needed in male-dominated fields. The conversation emph...

In this episode of Access Denied, Jessica Ping and Eliza Rain discuss the complexities of living with disabilities, particularly focusing on accessibility challenges in London and the US. They explore the nuances of public transit, the impact of ableism, and the importance of intersectionality in the disability community. Eliza shares her experiences as a content creator and the challenges she faces online, including skepticism abo...

In this episode of Access Denied, host Jessica Ping connects with Fay Kanevsky, a multifaceted artist who shares her journey into stand-up comedy and her advocacy for disability awareness. They discuss the importance of visibility in media, the healing power of humor, and the unique challenges faced by disabled individuals. Fay shares her experiences with misophonia and the impact of societal perceptions on disability. The conversa...

In this episode of Access Denied, Jessica Jordan Ping and Syanne Bloom discuss the complexities of navigating life as a disabled person and an activist. They explore themes of personal growth, the importance of unlearning ingrained beliefs, and the challenges of maintaining hope in a volatile political landscape. Syanne shares her journey through advocacy, mental health, and the healing power of art, particularly through creating r...

In this week's episode of Access Denied, Jessica Ping interviews Amanda Jarosik, a second-year medical student with a passion for music and mental health advocacy. They discuss Amanda's journey through medical school, the challenges of the application process, and the importance of finding joy and connection in life. Amanda shares her experiences with music, her creative pursuits, and the significance of self-advocacy in the medica...

In this engaging conversation, Ali Cameron, a disability advocate and founder of Seated Perspectives, shares her journey of navigating the challenges of ableism in the workplace, the importance of representation, and the empowerment that comes from entrepreneurship with host Jessica Jordan Ping. She discusses her experiences with accessibility, the burden of self-rejection, and the need to normalize accommodation requests. Ali emph...

In this episode of Access Denied, Jessica Ping and Anna Przy explore the pressures of content creation, the evolution of brand collaborations, and the importance of personal growth through comedy. Anna shares her journey of self-discovery, mental health struggles, and the impact of societal expectations on her life. They discuss the nuances of eating disorders and the misconceptions surrounding them, emphasizing the need for self-a...

In this solo season finale of Access Denied, host Jessica Ping reflects on her journey through the first season, emphasizing the importance of doing things imperfectly and the power of storytelling. She shares her personal experiences with fear, rejection, and the challenges of content creation, while also expressing gratitude for her guests and listeners. Jessica discusses her dream of becoming a talk show host and how Access Deni...

In this episode of Access Denied, Jessica Ping and Alison Van Dam dive into Alison's journey through the acting and podcasting world, discussing the challenges of auditioning, the pressures of living in LA, and the importance of self-worth versus self-esteem. They explore Alison's decision to move back to Minnesota, reflecting on personal growth and the significance of mental health. The conversation is filled with insights on resi...

In this conversation, Jessica Ping and Emma Butler reconnect after three years, reflecting on their past collaboration and discussing Emma's journey as a young female founder of Liberare, a brand focused on creating adaptive bras and underwear for women with disabilities. They explore the challenges of navigating the fashion industry, the importance of community support, and the impact of rejection on entrepreneurship. Emma shares ...

In this conversation, Jesse Crosson shares his transformative journey from incarceration to becoming a prominent voice for criminal justice reform. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the role of social media in his reinvention, and the challenges of navigating life after prison. Jesse emphasizes the significance of community, the impact of education, and the necessity of overcoming imposter syndrome. He also reflects on the...

In this conversation, Jessica and Brooke discuss the power of podcasting and storytelling, the importance of creating a safe space for vulnerable conversations, and the impact of internalized ableism on dating and self-worth. They emphasize the need for representation and diversity in media, challenge societal norms and stereotypes, and encourage individuals to be picky and go after what they want in relationships. The conversation...

In today's episode, Sarah Regensburger, a vegan fashion designer, shares her journey and the challenges she faced in the fashion industry. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to your values and breaking the norms in fashion. Sarah's brand focuses on inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability. She discusses the significance of rejection and redirection in her career. Moving to London without a plan, Sarah found her communi...

In today's episode, host Jessica Jordan Ping interviews Autumn Breon, a full-time artist based in Los Angeles. The conversation touches on the importance of access to abortion and reproductive health, the barriers faced by marginalized communities, and the power of storytelling and data in creating awareness and change. Autumn discusses how she utilized a negative experience of being told she couldn't pursue a career in STEM to emp...

On today's episode of Access Denied, I am joined by Rachel Bender. Rachel is a content creator who shares her life as a disabled and chronically ill nursing student.

In this engaging conversation, Rachel Bender and host, Jessica Jordan share their journeys as young advocates for the disability community. They both discuss what it was like growing up with a disability in the US Education System. The dialogue explores the importance...