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

August 7, 2025 31 mins
In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson welcomes Miracle Pelayo, a dynamic actor, model, and fashion content creator redefining disability representation. Miracle shares her incredible journey, from being born a 23-week preemie with cerebral palsy to becoming UCI Irvine's first preemie survivor. She discusses her groundbreaking work, including voicing the first American Girl Doll with cerebral palsy a...
Mark as Played
In this milestone 100th episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, hosts Alycia Anderson and Marty Anderson celebrate both their centennial episode and the culmination of Disability Pride Month. Reflecting on their journey, their impact within the disability community, and their personal growth, they share stories of past guests, listener feedback, and the mission behind their podcast. The episode is filled with heartfelt gratitude, p...
Mark as Played
In this episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, host Alycia Anderson welcomes Jonathan Kaufman, a business strategist, licensed psychotherapist, and disability advocate. Jonathan shares his journey of living with cerebral palsy, discussing key moments that have shaped his perspective on disability. He highlights his extensive academic background and work with influential figures like the Obamas and Mihály Csíkszentmihályi. Jonathan...
Mark as Played
In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson interviews Avery Roberts and Kelly Berger, two formidable advocates living with congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD). They discuss their journeys in advocacy, the challenges of living with CMD, and the significant role Medicaid plays in their lives. They also touch on the importance of disability representation in media and the arts, with Avery sharing her experi...
Mark as Played
In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson welcomes the radiant and unstoppable Marsha Elle, a bionic model, songwriter, actress, and disability advocate. They discuss the transformative power of turning adversity into artistry, the importance of self-acceptance, and the challenges of representation in fashion and entertainment. Marsha shares her journey of embracing her prosthetic leg, the viral success...
Mark as Played
In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson kicks off Disability Pride Month with guest Tiffany Yu, a prominent disability advocate and founder of Diversability. Tiffany shares her powerful journey from a car accident at age nine that left her with multiple disabilities to becoming a celebrated para-climber and author of 'The Anti-Ableist Manifesto' The conversation delves into the significance of disabil...
Mark as Played
In this heartfelt episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Alycia celebrates her and her twin sister Regina's monumental 50th birthday. They reflect on their magical trip to Playa Mujeres, Mexico, where they were joined by 22 close friends and family members for an all-inclusive celebration filled with laughter, dancing, and relaxation. The sisters discuss the significance of turning 50, the personal growth and confidence that comes...
Mark as Played
In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' Alycia welcomes Gigi Robinson, a creator, speaker, strategist, and chronic illness advocate. Gigi discusses her journey with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and endometriosis, highlighting her resilience and hope. She shares insights on navigating dynamic disabilities, balancing health and hustle, and the importance of self-advocacy. Gigi also details her path to becoming a published author ...
Mark as Played
In this episode of ‘Pushing Forward with Alycia,’ host Alycia engages in a powerful conversation with Kristen Anderson, an accomplished global leader and advocate for inclusive leadership, currently serving as a global advisor for How Women Lead. Kristen shares her extensive career journey across multiple countries and industries, emphasizing the importance of resilience, self-awareness, and learning from mistakes. She offers valua...
Mark as Played
Empowering Advocacy: A Deep Dive with Isaac Harvey In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson welcomes Isaac Harvey MBE, an influential disability advocate, entrepreneur, and content creator. Isaac shares his inspiring journey from East London, living with limb pelvic hypoplasia and other conditions, to becoming a leading voice in the disability community. The conversation explores Isaac's accomplishmen...
Mark as Played
Mental Health Advocacy and Embracing Authenticity: From Social Work to Sheep Farming In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia' for Mental Health Awareness Month, host Alycia Anderson welcomes Kellie Burke, a social worker and expert in trauma-informed leadership. Kellie shares her journey from aspiring nun to social work with a focus on mental health advocacy. She explains trauma-informed leadership, which acknowledges the ...
Mark as Played
Marty Anderson: A Journey of Resilience and Advocacy in Adaptive Sports In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' Alycia Anderson highlights the remarkable journey of her husband, Marty Anderson, in honor of National Tennis Month. Marty's story begins with a spinal cord injury at just 22 months old and evolves into a life dedicated to adaptive sports, particularly wheelchair tennis. He shares his experiences growing up wit...
Mark as Played
Navigating Chronic Illness and Advocacy with Kathryn Swaim In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson welcomes guest Kathryn Swaim, a PhD student from North Carolina State University focusing on lifespan development psychology. Kathryn shares her personal journey with chronic migraines and her unexpected diagnosis of a benign brain tumor. They discuss the challenges of self-advocacy in the healthcare sy...
Mark as Played
Celebrating WAWABILITY: A Journey of Transformation with Warren Wawa Snipe In this episode of '⁠⁠Pushing Forward with Alycia⁠⁠,' Alycia Anderson welcomes the award-winning hip hop artist and accessibility pioneer⁠ ⁠Warren “Wawa” Snipe⁠⁠. Wawa, who was born profoundly deaf, shares his inspirational journey in the entertainment industry and his profound impact on advocacy for the deaf and disability communities. The episode dives dee...
Mark as Played
Trailblazer Marisa Hamamoto: Breaking Barriers in Disability Inclusion Through Dance and Film In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' guest Marisa Hamamoto shares her incredible journey as a trailblazing keynote speaker, dancer, founder of 'Infinite Flow Dance,' and entrepreneur. A spinal stroke survivor and late-diagnosed autistic, Marisa discusses her intersectional identity as a fourth-generation Japanese American and...
Mark as Played
Bridging Cultures and Challenges: Christopher Tjajadi's Path In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia welcomes Christopher Tjajadi, a remarkable individual diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Christopher shares his life story, from his early years in Indonesia to moving to the U.S., highlighting the stark differences in accessibility and inclusion. They discuss pivotal moments of feeling seen, the cri...
Mark as Played
Vicki Loffelmann’s Disclaimer: The perspectives shared in this video/audio recording reflect my personal experiences and are offered in the spirit of open dialogue and reflection. They are not intended to serve as a political statement, nor to critique, generalize, or pass judgment on any individual, group, or institution. I acknowledge that experiences vary widely, and I share mine with respect for advocacy. Advocacy and Accessib...
Mark as Played
Empowering Women on Wheels: A Conversation with Lily Fox In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson welcomes Lily Fox, Executive Director of Women's World on Wheels (Women's WOW). They discuss the mission of Women's WOW, a nonprofit providing resources and support for women with disabilities. Highlights include Lily's personal connection to the disability community through her mother, the organization's...
Mark as Played
The Journey of Resilience: Bella Adlah's Triumph In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson welcomes 20-year-old wheelchair user and college student Bella Adlah. Bella recounts her incredible journey of transformation following an HPV vaccination injury that left her unable to see, talk, eat, or move. Through months of neuro-rehab, Bella regained a significant amount of her abilities and rediscovered he...
Mark as Played
Celebrating Women's History Month: Menstrual Equity and Inclusion with Holly Johnston and Carly Pistawka In this special episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, celebrating Women's History Month, Alycia Anderson discusses the importance of menstrual equity and inclusion with guests Holly Johnston and Carly Pistawka. Holly is the founder of 'Periods for All,' a nonprofit organization dedicated to making menstrual products accessibl...
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out!

    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.

    24/7 News: The Latest

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

    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 Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

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

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.