Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast

Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast

Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast Pushing Forward with Alycia is the weekly podcast that gives disability a voice and welcomes everyone—disabled people, allies, families, and inclusive employers—into a courageous, judgment‑free space to learn, ask questions, and advance access together. Launched June 29, 2023 and dropping new episodes every Thursday, host Alycia Anderson—disabled motivational speaker, DEI educator, entrepreneur, athlete, and storyteller—shares lived experience and amplifies voices across the global disability community. The show began as a safe, respectful space to talk honestly about difference, ableism, and belonging; that welcoming spirit remains its heartbeat today. What You’ll Hear From headline issues to everyday wins, we dig into DEI + disability, digital accessibility, workplace inclusion, disabling ableism, Disability Pride Month, intersectionality, airlines & disability discrimination, and so much more. If it shapes how disabled people live, learn, work, travel, play, create, love, and lead—we’re talking about it. Nearly 100 Episodes (and Counting!) In just two years we’ve published 98 full episodes (as of July 16, 2025) and are racing toward our 100th celebration. Recent conversations feature boundary‑breaking guests like Marsha Elle (bionic model, Billboard artist), Tiffany Yu (Diversability & The Anti‑Ableist Manifesto), Gigi Robinson (chronic illness creator & strategist), Kristen Anderson (global inclusive leadership champion), Isaac Harvey MBE (East London influencer & entrepreneur), and many more advocates, athletes, artists, policy shapers, siblings, caregivers, and allies you’ll love meeting. Who It’s For Whether you identify as disabled, are new to advocacy, support a disabled loved one, or lead teams striving to build a more inclusive workplace, you’ll leave each episode with insight, language, and actionable takeaways you can bring to classrooms, boardrooms, events, and everyday life. Our mission is to be a safe place to learn, share, ask “no wrong” questions, and transform awkwardness into connection. Listen & Support Follow, subscribe, share, rate, and review to help amplify disability inclusion. Sign up for release alerts, suggest a guest, and bring Alycia to speak or train your organization in disabling ableism. However you engage, you’re helping open hearts and clear paths for all of us. Open hearts, clear paths. Let’s go.

Episodes

January 1, 2026 38 mins
In this New Year's episode of '⁠Pushing Forward with Alycia⁠,' ⁠Alycia Anderson⁠ and ⁠Marty Anderson⁠ reflect on their journey through 2025, highlighting challenges, successes, and personal achievements. They discuss the importance of intention, community, and resilience as they look forward to 2026. Key topics include the development of ⁠the 'Own It' speech⁠, their vision for growing their podcast and business, and the importance ...
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In the final episode of the year on 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson reflects on the podcast's journey over the past two and a half years, expressing gratitude for the community they've built. She shares personal insights about overcoming challenges, the struggles faced in her business, and the lessons learned. Alycia also talks about the significance of the holiday season, family traditions, and her hopes for th...
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In this episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, host Alycia Anderson discusses various facets of disability advocacy with guest Lilly Grossman. Lilly shares her background, detailing her transition from USC classrooms to policy boardrooms, and her experiences navigating systemic barriers in education and employment. She talks about the challenges and joys of being in a dual disability relationship and the importance of interdepende...
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In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' Alycia Anderson welcomes Eric Harris, an accomplished former wheelchair basketball player and current disability rights advocate. Eric shares his inspiring journey from facing early medical challenges to excelling in sports, law school, and eventually policy advocacy. He discusses his roles in various organizations, including Disability Rights California (DRC), and explores key issu...
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In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' Alycia Anderson interviews Sean Larkin, a neurodivergent advocate, musician, and champion of disability inclusion. Sean shares his journey of discovering and embracing his disabilities, the importance of advocacy, and how finding community through his company's Employee Network Groups transformed his life. He also discusses his music with the hand pan and how it has become a form of...
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In today's episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' we delve into the vibrant world of adaptive fashion with Marilyn “Mari” Anderson, founder of Bee Human Design. We discuss the significance of adaptive fashion, Mari's journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a pioneer in the industry, and her inspirational story of resilience and creativity. Mari shares insights about her apparel line, her unique design process, and the c...
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In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' Alycia welcomes Winston Ben Clements, a global keynote speaker, YouTuber, and accessibility consultant with osteogenesis imperfecta. Winston shares his journey of overcoming perceived limitations, turning personal challenges into a powerful advocacy platform. The discussion explores the importance of consistency, redefining accessibility in the workplace, and the profound impact of ...
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In this episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, host Alycia Anderson welcomes Becky Curran, a dedicated disability advocate, speaker, and media consultant. Becky shares her powerful story of resilience, detailing her journey living with achondroplasia dwarfism, combating societal biases, and facing numerous health challenges. She opens up about the immense grief of losing her son Jackson, her experiences with motherhood, and her de...
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In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' Alycia is joined by her twin sister Regina to discuss their recent experience at the EmpowHer Conference in Austin. The conference, focused on women's empowerment and leadership, and a perfect opportunity to share about their new project, 'Own IT Mastery,' aimed at helping women scale their businesses and careers. They share insights on building long-lasting relationships, the impor...
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In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia', host Alycia welcomes Theo Braddy, a prominent disability rights advocate and executive director of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL). They discuss the significance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and the barriers people with disabilities face, often highlighting the importance of changing societal attitudes. Theo shares his journey from bein...
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In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' Alycia Anderson and her husband Marty celebrate the five-year anniversary of The Alycia Anderson Company. The podcast reflects on their journey of transitioning from corporate jobs to becoming successful entrepreneurs. They discuss the creation of their impactful keynote, 'The Heart of Inclusion,' which has been delivered globally and served as a cornerstone of their business. Alyci...
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In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson welcomes Shane Walsh, a passionate advocate and global ambassador for Best Buddies International. Shane shares his personal story of growing up with his younger brother Lucas, who has autism. He reflects on how this relationship shaped his worldview and motivated his advocacy for the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community. The conversation d...
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In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson shares an inspiring conversation with Melissa Salazar, a disability advocate and Netflix employee known for her resilience and ability to turn adversity into opportunity. Melissa recounts her journey from being labeled 'too much' due to her Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), surviving domestic violence, to teenage motherhood, and living in her car ...
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In this episode of ⁠Pushing Forward with Alycia⁠, I sit down with the Honorable ⁠Tony Coelho⁠, retired U.S. Congressman and the principal author of the ⁠Americans with Disabilities Act⁠, for a conversation that reaches far beyond disability policy. It’s a history lesson, a civics class, and a moral compass all in one thirty minute session. As a nation founded in defiance of oppression and animated by the promise of freedom, we nee...
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In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson sits down with Izzy Grimmer, a remarkable high school student and disability advocate in honor of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Izzy shares her inspiring journey, including her recent battle with cancer, her work establishing a disability advocacy and awareness week at her school, and her efforts with initiatives like Accommodate Me and Magical Bridge. As an...
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In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson welcomes Dr. Jessica Stavale, also known as Dr. Jes, a clinical trauma psychologist and founder of The Fascia Movement. Both a disabled vet and a survivor of significant trauma, Dr. Jes shares her healing journey and how it led her to integrate Fascia Medicine, psychology, and integrative practices. She discusses the importance of the fascia system in healing ph...
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In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson discusses the revolutionary concept of beauty with Zian Chavez, a Spanish indigenous, queer, non-binary neurodiverse artist and film producer. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Chavez shares insights from her groundbreaking documentary, 'We Are The Most Beautiful People,' which highlights the intrinsic beauty of adults with disabilities worldwide. Together, the...
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In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' Alycia Anderson welcomes Sarah Crawford, CEO of TLC and a North Carolina state representative, to discuss her extensive work in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Sarah shares her inspiring journey from a service-oriented family to her impactful roles in both nonprofit and government sectors. They delve into the services TLC provides, such...
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In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson welcomes Roderick Sewell, an inspirational figure who has shattered barriers and made history as an athlete representing Team USA. Roderick shares his journey from an early childhood marked by disability and living in shelters, to becoming the first bilateral above-knee amputee to compete in the IRONMAN World Championship. He discusses the impact of receiving su...
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In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson interviews Treasa Praino, a legally blind disability advocate, university instructor, and human rights and inclusion specialist. Treasa shares her journey from facing discrimination in her youth to becoming a scholar finishing her PhD at Syracuse University. The discussion covers her experiences working in federal probation, education inequities, and her transfo...
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