My Unexpected Life- Jennifer Gasner on Disability, Identity, and Belonging

Some stories stop you—not because of what happened, but because of how someone chooses to live through it.   Jennifer Gasner  is a disability advocate and author of the book, My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis. At 17, Jennifer was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia, and since then, she’s turned challenge into purpose through humor, grit, and visibility. We talk about rejecting low expectations, finding pride through the social model of disability, and the surprising friendship that shaped her journey—including a powerful moment with Dave Matthews.   Whether you're navigating disability or just want to show up better for others, this episode is a reminder that value isn’t tied to ability—it’s about being fully human.