Boldly Challenging Ableism

Boldly Challenging Ableism

Boldly Challenging Ableism exposes ableism and dismantles myths that marginalize people with disabilities. Host Katrina Simons uses her life-long disability and her experiences in advocacy at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration to boldly, irreverently go where everyone has gone before — to issues like employment, housing, justice, education and culture — but she brings along enough humor and an approachable style that you’ll be thinking anew about what community inclusion really means.

Episodes

December 1, 2025 28 mins
This episode originally aired August 2, 2025: Nikki Villavicencio, Disability Culture and Leadership Specialist, Advocating Change Together.  Activist and City Council member Nikki talks about what it’s like living with a disability as a parent and how she’s raising her child. Nick Wilke from MCIL joins us as guest co-host.
Mark as Played
This episode originally aired July 20, 2025: Kathy joins us to continue our discussion on Ableism in systems meant to help and protect people living with disabilities.
Mark as Played
This episode originally aired July 13, 2025: Kathy Ware introduces us to herself and her adult child. Kathy and Katrina talk about how systems and disabilities interact- for good and for NOT so good. This is the first part of a two part series.
Mark as Played
This episode originally aired June 22, 2025: Katrina is joined by Matt McClean who talks about identity and the intersectionality of living as a disabled transgender man. We talk a little bit about the fears that trans people must contend with during these difficult times.
Mark as Played
This episode originally aired June 1, 2025: This week host Katrina Simon speaks with Graduating student Joe Carr, who shares with us his “etiquette rules.” Joe talks about his advocacy work and his plans moving forward as he finishes his transition program and life as a student living with a disability. That’s Boldly Challenging Ableism…
Mark as Played
This episode originally aired June 8, 2025: Mary Hauff, Director, Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium, Institute on Community Integration, and Dupree Edwards, Lead State Advisor on Systems Change, Institute on Community Integration. Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium director Mary Hauff and Lead State Advisor on Systems Change Dupree Edwards talk about the Minnesota Inclusive Higher…
Mark as Played
This episode originally aired July 27, 2025: Katrina is joined by Chris Farrell, Senior Economics Contributor for MPR News and Marketplace. Chris talks with Katrina about limitations around disability and money. We also talk a little bit about working when you live with a disability.
Mark as Played
Michael Sack talks to us about his work with the city of Minneapolis in getting and keeping the community accessible. Then a conversation with disability advocate Ed Bartz.
Mark as Played
On this episode of Boldly Challenging Ableism, host Katrina Simons speaks with artist and self-advocate Thomas Robinson. Thomas shares his journey as a leader in disability advocacy and how art plays a role in amplifying his voice. Their conversation highlights the power of self-advocacy and the importance of challenging ableism in everyday life.
Mark as Played
Renata Ticha is a research associate at the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota. Renata talks with Katrina about her research work around transitioning to adult services from the pediatric space.
Mark as Played
Episode Description: BJ Stasio, Advocate for the New York Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. Activist BJ talks to us about his life of advocacy work- and about being a rebel.
Mark as Played
Amy Hewitt joins us to discuss the direct support care crisis and why it’s an “everyone” problem.
Mark as Played
This episode originally aired June 15, 2025: Host Katrina Simons is joined by Brian Begin for a conversation about Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act—a provision that allows employers to pay subminimum wages to workers with disabilities under specific federal certification. Brian breaks down how this law impacts workers today and shares insight…
Mark as Played
Katrina is joined by Jen Sommerness, a research associate at the TIES Center at the Institute on Community Integration. She discusses ableism in schools and making education meaningful for every student.
Mark as Played
Katherine McLaughlin joins us to talk about sex and disability. She also shares why involving people living with disabilities in Sex Education is important.
Mark as Played
Jake Hamilton joins Katrina to talk about his family, growing up, what he does for work and what he does in his leisure time.
Mark as Played
Nikki Villavicencio, Disability Culture and Leadership Specialist, Advocating Change Together.  Activist and City Council member Nikki talks about what it’s like living with a disability as a parent and how she’s raising her child. Nick Wilke from MCIL joins us as guest co-host.
Mark as Played
Katrina is joined by Chris Farrell, Senior Economics Contributor for MPR News and Marketplace. Chris talks with Katrina about limitations around disability and money. We also talk a little bit about working when you live with a disability.
Mark as Played
Kathy joins us to continue our discussion on Ableism in systems meant to help and protect people living with disabilities.
Mark as Played
Kathy Ware introduces us to herself and her adult child. Kathy and Katrina talk about how systems and disabilities interact- for good and for NOT so good. This is the first part of a two part series.
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    Are You A Charlotte?

    In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.