Episode 11: She Was Always There with Katherine Stinson

💜🎙️In this week’s episode, Katherine Stinson shares her essay, “She Was Always There” reflecting on her journey of self-acceptance, and how it led her to get hearing aids and finally feel heard. 

During our conversation, Katherine shared her experience living with hearing loss and how it shaped her upbringing and adult life. She opened up about the stigma surrounding disabilities and being “othered,” which made her resistant to owning her hearing loss. We also chatted about the challenges faced during social interactions, attending concerts, or going out to bars and restaurants, and the crucial need for better design.

Over the past few years, writing has become a therapeutic outlet for Kate, but it was the experience of getting hearing aids that expanded her sense of self. Her hearing aids brought unexpected moments of delight—listening to musical instruments, taking in the sounds of nature, and realizing the joy that comes from hearing others’ laughter. With newfound access to the world, Kate developed a stronger sense of self, learned to communicate her hearing needs, and found the confidence to advocate for herself. We touch on the need for conversations about our differences rather than making assumptions, the importance of self-advocacy, and the value of keeping an open mind when it comes to our health and the needs of others.

Katherine Stinson is a 35-year-old author of Deserted Plateau, a poetry collection. As a published poet, she’s been featured in various magazines, including Clementine Zine, Pink Disco Magazine, Curio Cabinet, Letters to Lovers, and Honey Fair Magazine. In her free time, she enjoys writing and traveling. Professionally, she works as a Direct Service Professional at a nonprofit organization. 

Experience this Episode: Listeners can watch the full interview or read the essay.

Connect with Katherine:

• Instagram @ k8b0ne

• Purchase her book, Deserted Plateau on Bookshop or Amazon

• Purchase the book, Shouting Won’t Help  on Amazon 

Follow Her Own Words:

• Instagram @ ⁠Herownwords.podcast⁠

• LinkedIn @ ⁠Her Own Words⁠

• Website: ⁠⁠https://herownwords.club/⁠⁠
• Do you have a story? ⁠Share a personal essay here⁠
• Sponsor the show: If you're enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting here.

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Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

• Show Theme: ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sk