July 22, 2025 • 37 mins
Sean Towgood is the creator, star, writer and co-executive producer of You’re My Hero.
If you’re not familiar with You’re My Hero, it’s a six-part CBC Gem comedy series about Ian Fletcher. The main character created and played by Sean Towgood.
Ian is an angsty 20-something wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, dealing with the pressures of adult life in a physical environment that’s not designed with accessibility in mind.
You’re My Hero is in its second season on CBC Gem. In addition to being an actor, writer and producer, Sean Towgood is also an award-winning radio documentary maker. And he’s funny, with a sharp wit.
In this feature interview, Sean talks about the importance of You’re My Hero; the challenges he faced getting the show on air; the state of disability inclusion in Canadian film and television; whether he thinks of himself as a disability “mythbuster,” and more.
Sean’s sense of humour and sharp wit makes this an entertaining, lively, engaging and insightful conversation you won’t want to miss.
SHOW NOTES
- Episode 35 transcript (PDF)
- Learn more Read about You’re My Hero and Sean Towgood on cbc.ca
- Sean’s Instagram: @seantowgood
- Sean’s press agent — Damien Nelson, Want and Able Arts Consulting: dnwantable@gmail.com
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Dean Askin (00:02):
This is You Can't Spell Inclusion Without a D, the
podcast that explores the powerof inclusion in business, in
employment, in education and inour communities, and why
disability is an important partof the diversity, equity,
inclusion and accessibilityconversation. With your hosts,
Amy Widdows and Dean Askin.
(00:28):
Hi there, and welcome to theshow. You know, it's hard to
believe we're halfway throughsummer and halfway through our
sixth season, or halfway throughwinter. I guess if you happen to
be tuned in from Down Under, Iknow we do have some listeners
in Australia. This is episode 35of you can't spell inclusion
without a D. Hello there. I'mDean Askin. You know, on this
(00:50):
show, we've had greatconversations with business
leaders, with world renowneddisability advocates, the
leaders of the valuable 500federal ministers, Canada's
Chief Accessibility Officer andsmall business owners making the
disability inclusive hiringjourney.
Amy Widdows (01:07):
Well, after all, Dean, as we build this show, we
explore disability inclusion inbusiness and in our communities
from all the angles. Hello, I'mAmy widdows with you at this
other mic. So it's not thatoften that we get a really neat
angle come up and we get to talkwith an actor for an episode.
It's only happened once before,back in 2023 episode 18,
Dean Askin (01:28):
That's right, Amy Jeanette Campbell and I talked
with a couple of Canadian actorswho have a disability about
disability representation andinclusion in Canada's film,
television and modelingindustry. I have to say it was a
great conversation that was parttwo in a series of a disability
in the media. Be sure to checkout that Series, Episode 17 and
18, and especially episode 18.If you haven't yet
Amy Widdows (01:52):
On this episode, we've got another Canadian actor
here with us. On You can't spellinclusion without a D. Sean
Towgood is the creator, star,writer and CO executive producer
of You're My Hero, the CBC Gemoriginal comedy series, series
in its second season. Season twolaunched in March in recognition
(02:12):
of Cerebral Palsy Month.
Dean Askin (02:14):
Sean is also an award winning radio documentary
maker. He received an emergeMedia Award for his short radio
documentary, stigma, and he'salso the creator and CO producer
of two audio documentaries,Independence Day and welcome to
the party. They were made forCBC, the doc project.
Amy Widdows (02:33):
If you're not familiar with You're My Hero.
It's a six part series about IanFletcher, the main character,
created and played by SeanTowgood.
Dean Askin (02:42):
Now he Ian, that is, is an angsty 20 something
wheelchair user with cerebralpalsy dealing with the pressures
of adult life in a physicalenvironment that's really not
designed with accessibility inmind.
Amy Widdows (02:54):
And Ian Fletcher, aka Sean Towgood, is here with
us. Great to have you on theshow. Sean, both Dean and I have
been really looking forward tothis conversation. Welcome to
You Can't Spell InclusionWithout a D.
Sean Towgood (03:06):
Thank you very much for having me. I'm very
happy to be here.
Amy Widdows (03:11):
We are so glad you're here. Let's jump right
into the first question. Sean,why is you are my hero, an
important series, both to youpersonally and in general.
Sean Towgood (03:23):
Hello. I think you're my hero. Is quite an
important series because itgives voice to a portion of the
population, especially inCanada, that is wildly
underrepresented in media, andit does it in a way that doesn't
(03:45):
necessarily make disability twoends of the same spectrum.
Oftentimes, with disability,there's either it's really
inspirational, like people arelike, Oh, that's so great that
he went outside on his own, orit's Oh, that's so tragic that
(04:14):
he is in the situation that he'sin. But for Arthur, I just
wanted to show a little bitsomething that was a little bit
more authentic to my experienceas a person with disability
Amy Widdows (04:32):
and with that typical perspective in mind from
from external sources. Howchallenging was it to pitch this
and sell the series.
Sean Towgood (04:44):
I have to say that CBC gem was very on board. They
loved the idea. However, I'lltell you a little story. So I I
pitched the series. Through theumbilical the resource for
(05:07):
disabled employees at CBC. So Igot in touch with the head of
that portion of the network, andI was like, hey, because I had
done some radio documentaries asmentioned before that, but I
(05:28):
knew I really wanted to tell thestory of you are my hero. So I
reached out to Jason Bucha atCBC, who's also disabled as
well, and he really liked theidea, so he set me up with a
(05:50):
meeting for CBC gem. And theyreally loved the idea, but they
were like, Hey, we can't greenlight it with our producer. So I
was like, Okay, I guess I'mgonna have to go get a producer.
That's great. I'll just get oneto zero. That's how it happens.
(06:13):
You just get a producer, right?Well, no, so apparently you're
not supposed to cold call andcall the email producers for
anyone listening. That'sapparently not how this is
supposed to work. So, yeah, alot of them were, were saying,
(06:39):
Who are you? Like? What is this?I've never heard of you before,
so I don't want to take a chanceon you. And then I connected
with a writing partner whoconnected me with long hope
media who produces the show forus now, and long hope was super
(07:05):
on board. They got back to usright away, and they were super
intrigued, because it'ssomething they hadn't seen on
television before.
Amy Widdows (07:19):
When you came up with this idea. Did you ever
think you'd be doing interviewslike this with the show in its
second season?
Sean Towgood (07:24):
I mean, I hope this bunch because, you know,
that means that people want toknow about it, and it's it's
getting out there. And really,that's what we want. We want to
spread the awareness of the showthrough comedy, you know. So I
(07:48):
definitely have hopes for thatas well.
Dean Askin (07:53):
I want to, I want to jump in and sort of pick up on
that idea you said, you know,long hope was really on board
with this. I'm, you know, Imentioned this in the intro that
back in 2023 you know, we hadone of the other principal cast
members of you're my hero,George alevizos, on the show for
that episode 18. And we did havea great conversation about the
(08:14):
state of disability inclusionand representation in the
industry. That was two yearsago. And in that conversation,
George said disability inclusionin TV and film in this country
is severely lacking. You know,he said that it seems to
increase a bit when disabilityis talked about, but then it
drops off when things aren'ttalked about. What's your take
(08:36):
on the state of disabilityinclusion in the industry now,
two years later, in 2025
Sean Towgood (08:43):
Okay, well, I answer this question very
carefully. No, I think we'regetting there. I also think, you
know, we've gone through cycles,unfortunately, in the business
of in the arts, where there arecertain groups that are
(09:07):
highlighted, and then we kind ofmove on to a different
marginalized group,unfortunately. So I feel like,
you know, it comes in ways thatit comes and goes, but I hope we
can get to a point whereeverybody can just get rules for
(09:33):
like lawyers and doctors And andand like pharmacists and their
their their disability doesn'tenter into the equation
whatsoever. But right now,because representation for
people with disabilities is sonew, a lot of our stories are
(09:59):
centered around the. Disabilityitself, and so we're trying to
make it so that disability ispart of the story, but the real
story is about how three friendsnavigate life in their early 20s
(10:20):
with disability as an added obstacle.
Dean Askin (10:25):
You mean, your show is the second kind of
groundbreaking show of its kindin Canada. I mean, there was
push the Docu series about thewheelie peeps who became, you
know, an unlikely group offriends out in Edmonton. I mean,
that was a docu series. I mean,do you think things are
progressing? Do you think we'llsee more series like yours and
(10:46):
push in the years ahead?
Sean Towgood (10:48):
I hope so. That's that's really my hope. That's
why I why I wanted to make thisshow, also, though, because
there wasn't much work forpeople with disabilities, so in
the arts, so I knew that I, if Iwanted to work and make a
(11:13):
living, which I do, I was gonnahave to make it myself. You
know, you know what they say. Ifyou want to get something done,
do it yourself, right? So, but Ireally think that push and do
(11:34):
like hero are the beginning of awave that is definitely
happening, and I'm just honoredto be part of the beginning of
the way to knock that door downand open up the space for other
creators with disabilities.
Amy Widdows (11:53):
Well, we know there's a ton of myths and
misconceptions about disability.Do you think of yourself as a
myth buster with this show.
Sean Towgood (12:03):
That's an interesting way of putting it
honestly. I think, yeah, in someways I am. I think people do
have preconceived notions aboutdisability and what people are
capable of just by theirdisability. And I think a show
(12:27):
like this allows us to showpeople that, you know, we're
also living normal lives. Wehave romantic relationships, we
have work problems we havefriend problems, we have, like a
myriad of other issues, and sodisability is just a part of
(12:51):
that as well.
Amy Widdows (12:53):
So those of us who work in the disability sector
always citing studies and andreports and statistics that tend
to or help to break down thosedisability stereotypes. Does
using humor work better thanthat? Do you think
Sean Towgood (13:10):
I believe so? My My take on it is like with all
due respect, I would not want tobe lectured about, you know,
disabilities like, I don't wantto be beat over the head with a
(13:31):
bunch of stats and, you know,and also, comedy breaks down
barriers, and it allows peopleto feel like it's okay to laugh
like, you know, there's a lot ofstuff in our show that people
go, Oh, I didn't know I wasallowed to laugh at it. Well, if
(13:54):
I was laughing at it as thewriter, then you're also allowed
to laugh at it, and I thinkcomedies is a great vehicle to
kind of spread that awareness,because people are learning
about it without necessarilyknowing that they're learning
(14:16):
anything.
Dean Askin (14:18):
I'm curious. Where do you get your sense of humor
from? Because we were talkingbefore the show, and, you know,
I was saying it seems to be veryincisive and witty and sharply
poignant lines that make peoplelaugh. I mean, where does your
sense of humor come from?
Sean Towgood (14:37):
You know, I have to give it to it's really,
unfortunately, as weak as itsounds, I think it's really a
coping mechanism, because if Idon't laugh, then I have to look
at the systematic barriers thatI face every day. Right? And
(15:00):
like, you know, it can getpretty, pretty dark sometimes. I
think if you look at the truelack of accessibility, yeah,
sure, we're getting there. Butyou know, there's so long ago.
(15:21):
So I think if I didn't laugh,then, you know, I wouldn't go a
little bit mad.
Dean Askin (15:31):
Hmm, how much of the main character? I mean, how much
of Ian that you've created inYou're my hero. How much of Ian
is you? Are you drawing likeentirely, entirely on your own
experience, or is there acomposite of you and some other
people?
Sean Towgood (15:47):
Well, so with Ian, I wanted to make Ian a fallible
character, right? Becauseoftentimes we see disabled
people represented when they arein media, the rare times their
presented is being put on apedestal and like, look how
(16:11):
angelic they are. But that's allreal. It's like some people with
disabilities are not for peoplelike some people with
disabilities have things thatthey need to work on. So I think
that is another important thingto highlight. And as far as Ian
(16:37):
and how close he is to me, Ithink it is like I was when I
was in my teenage years, reallylike bitter and angry at the
world and angry at thebureaucracy. And so it's
(17:00):
actually quite a rewardingexperience as an actor, to be
able to go back to somethingthat you experience with a fresh
perspective.
Dean Askin (17:16):
I guess you know, looking at it from your
perspective, this shows aboutthe challenges and impressions
of navigating that environmentall around you that's not
accessible now, the federalgovernment has set a goal of,
you know, making this country,Canada, of ours, barrier free by
2040 How optimistic are you thatthat's going to happen?
Sean Towgood (17:40):
Well, you know, we've, we've heard a lot of that
before. You know, people arelike, Oh, we're gonna do the
Ontario with this, the theOntarians with Disabilities Act
by such and such as a like,we're, I think we're like close
(18:04):
to when, correctly, I thinkwe're close to when all
buildings were supposed to beaccessible in Ontario. And we're
not really even close to, Idon't believe we're close to
that happening. So I think thesorry, the the intention is
(18:34):
good, right, but intention onlygoes so far, so I'm gonna have
to see intention put into actionfor me to be able to be
confident that we will getthere.
Amy Widdows (18:52):
Okay, so you're an award winning radio documentary
maker, a successful actor,writer, creator and CO executive
producer with You're my hero. Sodeep down, do you think of
yourself as successful, or areyou still always reaching for
(19:13):
that next mile post?
Sean Towgood (19:17):
Yeah, I don't think that I see myself as
successful at all. I think it'spart of my, my nature. I think,
you know, I'm always terrifiedof what am I going to do next?
What if people don't like thenext thing? What if I can't find
(19:40):
any work. What if all thisdisability representation focus
kind of disappears like youknow, but that's my own
anxieties that I deal with on adaily basis. But I also. Also
(20:00):
think that's kind of similar toa lot of actors in general, if I
say so myself, I think that'skind of built in in the
industry. Is, where's my nextjob coming from? What am I going
to do next? How am I going togrow my career.
Amy Widdows (20:23):
I agree. That's probably not just that sector.
It's all sectors and all people.I think so. What do you enjoy
most about all the things, allthe list of things I just give
you that you do, what do youenjoy most about what you do?
Sean Towgood (20:39):
I think what I enjoy most is not, not the not
the glitz and the glamor. And Iuse that term loosely, because,
you know, it is the Canadianscreen industry, so glitz and
the glamor as far as that goes,but I think what I enjoy most is
(21:03):
building something together witha group of people pouring their
creative energy into it and thenreleasing it into the world for
people to see. You know, I usedto think, before I got into
this, that when people started,oh, like being on set is like
(21:25):
being with your family, I waslike, All right, well, calm down
a little bit like, let's, let'srelax on on that metaphor, But
truly with you, my hero, that'show I have felt throughout this
whole process. Local media hasreally made such an effort to
(21:52):
make sure that all disabled crewand cast feel safe and secure,
and they have everything thatthey need in order to do their
best work. And that's all weask. We don't ask for anything
(22:15):
else. All people withdisabilities who work are just
asking for some considerationsthat make it possible for them,
for us, sorry, to do our bestjob possible.
Dean Askin (22:36):
So what's the message? You know, you know
there's this, you know youmentioned comedy breaks down
barriers and gets peoplethinking, what's the most
important message that anyonewho watches You're my hero
should take away from the show?
Sean Towgood (22:53):
I think what people should take away is that,
hey, like we go through the samethings you do. We just have a
little bit of extra, extradifficulty sometimes. And also
it's okay to laugh. It's okay tobe like, Oh, that's, that's kind
(23:18):
of, that must be hard, you know,it's okay to approach a person
with a disability as you wouldan able bodied person, if I may,
I will tell you A quick story.I'll try to keep it quick. So I
(23:44):
was on my way back to Torontoafter voting in Whitby from the
provincial election thatrecently passed. And for those
who don't know, Union Station isthe artery for every
(24:12):
transportation method, really,in Toronto. So I was kind of
back. I took the train. I do itall the time, and then I was
waiting for, like, Uber andthen, so, you know, people wait
for their Ubers all the time,right? Like, it's not a big
(24:34):
deal. So certain people would belike, Hey, are you okay? And I
would be like, Yeah, I'm just,you know, waiting for an Uber.
And they'd be like, Oh, okay.And then they just move on,
because that is the normalcourse of events in that
(24:58):
conversation. What. Well, Ithought that's how this would
go. And then I saw this woman,she was a bit of my age, and she
seemed really nice, and sheseemed really approachable, and
she talked to me like a realperson. She was like, Hey,
(25:19):
buddy, are you okay? And I waslike, Yeah, I'm just waiting for
my Uber. She's like, Oh, does ithave enough space to fit the
chair? I was like, yeah, it's,it's a wheelchair Uber. And then
she told me her name, and thenshe proceeds to shook my face
(25:43):
with her hand and go bye baby,and I'm like, what is happening?
What is Ha like, what are welike? What world am I living in?
And I bring this story up tosuggest, I will suggest that I
(26:07):
don't think she would do thathad an able bodied I really
don't. I don't think she wouldfeel like she had the right to
do that to an able bodiedindividual. So really, I just,
I, I really want people to takeaway that we're we're just
(26:32):
trying to live our lives, andour lives are a lot like yours.
We just happen to deal with afew extra obstacles to get
through our day.
Amy Widdows (26:49):
So that kind of answers my next question, which
was to all the people listeningto this conversation right now,
wherever they are in the world,what would you like to say to
them? What would be the takeawayfrom this conversation?
Sean Towgood (27:03):
Yeah, the takeaway would be, listen like, I'm a
person. You're a person. Like wewe can all close we can all
close this. And that's sort ofhow how the world works
nowadays. Anyway, there's a lotof division and a lot of
(27:26):
infighting, and, like a lot it'sit's a tense time. So you know,
disability, on one level, it'sabout disabled people, and then
on the other level, it's justabout being a good person in
(27:46):
society. I don't mean to getpretty I really don't. I might
be, but yeah, that's really whatI think. And also I would want
to tell them, if possible. Ifyou have access to CBC gem on
(28:07):
March 14, please watch seasontwo of your light hero CVI,
season one is also available soyou can watch season one and
two? Back to back?
Dean Askin (28:25):
I am doing that. Yeah, you know, any in these
turbulent times, you know you'reusing comedy to get get the
message across. So what's nextfor Sean till good? I mean, are
you doing another radio project,or are you working on season
three of your my hearing thatwhat's, what's up the spout?
Sean Towgood (28:45):
I mean, first of all, radio is it always will be
one of my loves us, along withacting, acting and radio are
really where I feel the most athome. So right now, currently,
(29:06):
I'm working on writing a stageplay. So I just had to get
myself in gear and get going onthat. And there are a bunch of
ideas floating around for seasonthree. So if everybody watches
(29:27):
it and likes it, please tag CBCDean on all your social media.
Tag me, because that's reallyhow we're going to get our third
season. You can follow me atSean toga on all platforms, or
(29:48):
if you don't like it, you cansend me angry voice notes about
how bad it is. You can do thattoo.
Amy Widdows (29:59):
I have. Have to ask, because you named the show
you're my hero. Do you have apersonal hero?
Sean Towgood (30:08):
Okay, so this might be the corniest answer in
the world. I just want topreface that, but I would say my
hero has to be my mother. My momis also an actor, but more than
(30:33):
that, she has taught me thatwhatever it is that I want to
do, there is a way to do it now.That does not mean that, you
know, if I want to be anastronaut, I can be an
astronaut, right? She tempersexpectations, but she always
(30:58):
says, if there's something youreally want to do and you really
work hard at, we will find a wayto make it happen. And she
really instilled in me thatsense of of independence in my
(31:19):
own in my own life and theconfidence in myself, and you
know that hard work really canpay off, and it doesn't really
matter if you're in a chair, ifyou Have the right resources
(31:40):
behind you. And she reallytaught me that I had to advocate
for myself from an early age.She really taught me that
advocating for oneself is key ifyou are living with a
disability. I think that was abit not true and a bit annoying
(32:04):
to do, but as I get older, youknow advocacy truly is the key
to living a life with adisability.
Dean Askin (32:16):
I don't think that's a corny answer at all. Do you
Amy? No,
Amy Widdows (32:20):
I love that answer. It was
Dean Askin (32:23):
just wonderful insight. I mean, it, I think
it's, you know. I think it'scool that you know, she's
instilled so much in you andthat drive and passion to, you
know, accomplish, you know,anything that you can set out to
do. I mean, you know, you've,you've given us so many insights
and and so many, you know,really, really good audio, sound
(32:43):
bites, and we've talked about alot. Is there anything that we
haven't talked about that youthink is important to mention
before we wrap up this conversation?
Sean Towgood (32:53):
Yeah, one thing I just want to mention is I want
to give kudos to the rest of mycast in both season one and two,
this cast, oh my goodness, thiscast is incredible, like when I
saw some of the people that Igot to work with in season one,
(33:19):
when I knew that I got to workwith terrorist veteran Ali is on
Tina John Kelsey flower, youknow, I, I was blown away that
they would want to Do somethingthat I wrote and on the on the
(33:40):
even more exciting side, we gotsome really exciting cameos that
I'm thrilled about this season.So I think people are going to
want to enjoy that.
Amy Widdows (33:57):
I agree and I love your sense of humor. Thank you
for making the time to come onthe show and take us behind the
scenes of things and of your myhero, with your perspectives.
We'll have a link to the seriesin the show notes for this
episode. I read that one of yourfavorite books is the stone
Angel by Margaret Lawrence, andwhat you said about the book
(34:19):
struck me because it's sorelevant to myths and
misconceptions of disability anddisability awareness, the whole
aspect of don't assume someonedoesn't have a disability just
because if you pass them on thestreet, they may not look like
they do. You said, and I'mquoting here from CBC Book
Article, we don't really knowwhat people have gone through
(34:40):
before. We've met them. Peoplehave lived entire, full lives
until the moment we meet them,and we have no idea what those
lives have looked like.
Dean Askin (34:48):
You know that really is a deep insight. And I have to
say, I'm almost ashamed to saythat I never gave the Stone
Angel that much, that much deepthought. But I mean, heck, I.
Was, you know, something like17, and that book was the book
we had to read that year in highschool English. And I remember
thinking like, Okay, I knowMargaret Lawrence is one of
(35:10):
Canada's most legendary authors,but this book is just so slow
and plodding. Can we please getit over with? You know, Sean,
thanks from me as well, forcoming on the show and sharing
your sense of humor and allthese wonderful insights. You
know, after we found out youwere coming on this show, I
started binge watching. You'remy hero, and I have to say, you
(35:33):
had me laughing and glued to myphone screen. I had it propped
on a on a stand right beside mymonitor. Here, you had me glued
to my phone screen right fromthe opening scene of season one,
episode one with Georgeellavisos. I mean, I'll, you
know, I'll fess up and say I waswatching the show while I was
writing this show, and it justreally helped me get in the groove.
Sean Towgood (35:56):
That's a good vote of confidence if you're watching
it while you're working, that'sa huge that's a huge endorsement.
Amy Widdows (36:08):
Well, speaking of extras, that's it for this
episode of You can't spellinclusion without a D, I'm Amy
widows, thanks again for joiningus, and be sure to tune in next
month, while we built we will bedelving into conversation about
psychological safety andbelonging in the workplace.
Dean Askin (36:25):
That'sright, Amy, and that episode is coming
August, 19. I'm Dean Askin,thanks again for listening
wherever, whenever and onwhatever podcast app you're
listening from. Join us eachepisode as we have insightful
conversations like this one withSean toegood and explore
disability inclusion in businessand in our communities from all
(36:46):
the angles you can't spellinclusion without a D, as
produced in Toronto, Canada bythe Ontario Disability
Employment Network. Our podcastproduction team, executive
producer and co host. Amywiddows, our producer is Sue
Defoe, associate producer and cohost Dean Askin. Audio editing
and production is by Dean Askin.Our podcast theme is last summer
(37:09):
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w, O, R, k.com, join us eachepisode for insights from expert
guests as we explore the powerof inclusion, the business
benefits of inclusive hiring andfostering an inclusive culture,
and why disability is animportant part of the diversity,
(37:33):
equity, inclusion andaccessibility conversation. Tune
into You Can't Spell InclusionWithout a D on Podbean or
wherever you find your favorite podcasts.
This is You Can't Spell Inclusion Without a D, the
podcast that explores the powerof inclusion in business, in
employment, in education and inour communities, and why
disability is an important partof the diversity, equity,
inclusion and accessibilityconversation. With your hosts,
Amy Widdows and Dean Askin.
(00:28):
Hi there, and welcome to theshow. You know, it's hard to
believe we're halfway throughsummer and halfway through our
sixth season, or halfway throughwinter. I guess if you happen to
be tuned in from Down Under, Iknow we do have some listeners
in Australia. This is episode 35of you can't spell inclusion
without a D. Hello there. I'mDean Askin. You know, on this
(00:50):
show, we've had greatconversations with business
leaders, with world renowneddisability advocates, the
leaders of the valuable 500federal ministers, Canada's
Chief Accessibility Officer andsmall business owners making the
disability inclusive hiringjourney.
Amy Widdows (01:07):
Well, after all, Dean, as we build this show, we
explore disability inclusion inbusiness and in our communities
from all the angles. Hello, I'mAmy widdows with you at this
other mic. So it's not thatoften that we get a really neat
angle come up and we get to talkwith an actor for an episode.
It's only happened once before,back in 2023 episode 18,
Dean Askin (01:28):
That's right, Amy Jeanette Campbell and I talked
with a couple of Canadian actorswho have a disability about
disability representation andinclusion in Canada's film,
television and modelingindustry. I have to say it was a
great conversation that was parttwo in a series of a disability
in the media. Be sure to checkout that Series, Episode 17 and
18, and especially episode 18.If you haven't yet
Amy Widdows (01:52):
On this episode, we've got another Canadian actor
here with us. On You can't spellinclusion without a D. Sean
Towgood is the creator, star,writer and CO executive producer
of You're My Hero, the CBC Gemoriginal comedy series, series
in its second season. Season twolaunched in March in recognition
(02:12):
of Cerebral Palsy Month.
Dean Askin (02:14):
Sean is also an award winning radio documentary
maker. He received an emergeMedia Award for his short radio
documentary, stigma, and he'salso the creator and CO producer
of two audio documentaries,Independence Day and welcome to
the party. They were made forCBC, the doc project.
Amy Widdows (02:33):
If you're not familiar with You're My Hero.
It's a six part series about IanFletcher, the main character,
created and played by SeanTowgood.
Dean Askin (02:42):
Now he Ian, that is, is an angsty 20 something
wheelchair user with cerebralpalsy dealing with the pressures
of adult life in a physicalenvironment that's really not
designed with accessibility inmind.
Amy Widdows (02:54):
And Ian Fletcher, aka Sean Towgood, is here with
us. Great to have you on theshow. Sean, both Dean and I have
been really looking forward tothis conversation. Welcome to
You Can't Spell InclusionWithout a D.
Sean Towgood (03:06):
Thank you very much for having me. I'm very
happy to be here.
Amy Widdows (03:11):
We are so glad you're here. Let's jump right
into the first question. Sean,why is you are my hero, an
important series, both to youpersonally and in general.
Sean Towgood (03:23):
Hello. I think you're my hero. Is quite an
important series because itgives voice to a portion of the
population, especially inCanada, that is wildly
underrepresented in media, andit does it in a way that doesn't
(03:45):
necessarily make disability twoends of the same spectrum.
Oftentimes, with disability,there's either it's really
inspirational, like people arelike, Oh, that's so great that
he went outside on his own, orit's Oh, that's so tragic that
(04:14):
he is in the situation that he'sin. But for Arthur, I just
wanted to show a little bitsomething that was a little bit
more authentic to my experienceas a person with disability
Amy Widdows (04:32):
and with that typical perspective in mind from
from external sources. Howchallenging was it to pitch this
and sell the series.
Sean Towgood (04:44):
I have to say that CBC gem was very on board. They
loved the idea. However, I'lltell you a little story. So I I
pitched the series. Through theumbilical the resource for
(05:07):
disabled employees at CBC. So Igot in touch with the head of
that portion of the network, andI was like, hey, because I had
done some radio documentaries asmentioned before that, but I
(05:28):
knew I really wanted to tell thestory of you are my hero. So I
reached out to Jason Bucha atCBC, who's also disabled as
well, and he really liked theidea, so he set me up with a
(05:50):
meeting for CBC gem. And theyreally loved the idea, but they
were like, Hey, we can't greenlight it with our producer. So I
was like, Okay, I guess I'mgonna have to go get a producer.
That's great. I'll just get oneto zero. That's how it happens.
(06:13):
You just get a producer, right?Well, no, so apparently you're
not supposed to cold call andcall the email producers for
anyone listening. That'sapparently not how this is
supposed to work. So, yeah, alot of them were, were saying,
(06:39):
Who are you? Like? What is this?I've never heard of you before,
so I don't want to take a chanceon you. And then I connected
with a writing partner whoconnected me with long hope
media who produces the show forus now, and long hope was super
(07:05):
on board. They got back to usright away, and they were super
intrigued, because it'ssomething they hadn't seen on
television before.
Amy Widdows (07:19):
When you came up with this idea. Did you ever
think you'd be doing interviewslike this with the show in its
second season?
Sean Towgood (07:24):
I mean, I hope this bunch because, you know,
that means that people want toknow about it, and it's it's
getting out there. And really,that's what we want. We want to
spread the awareness of the showthrough comedy, you know. So I
(07:48):
definitely have hopes for thatas well.
Dean Askin (07:53):
I want to, I want to jump in and sort of pick up on
that idea you said, you know,long hope was really on board
with this. I'm, you know, Imentioned this in the intro that
back in 2023 you know, we hadone of the other principal cast
members of you're my hero,George alevizos, on the show for
that episode 18. And we did havea great conversation about the
(08:14):
state of disability inclusionand representation in the
industry. That was two yearsago. And in that conversation,
George said disability inclusionin TV and film in this country
is severely lacking. You know,he said that it seems to
increase a bit when disabilityis talked about, but then it
drops off when things aren'ttalked about. What's your take
(08:36):
on the state of disabilityinclusion in the industry now,
two years later, in 2025
Sean Towgood (08:43):
Okay, well, I answer this question very
carefully. No, I think we'regetting there. I also think, you
know, we've gone through cycles,unfortunately, in the business
of in the arts, where there arecertain groups that are
(09:07):
highlighted, and then we kind ofmove on to a different
marginalized group,unfortunately. So I feel like,
you know, it comes in ways thatit comes and goes, but I hope we
can get to a point whereeverybody can just get rules for
(09:33):
like lawyers and doctors And andand like pharmacists and their
their their disability doesn'tenter into the equation
whatsoever. But right now,because representation for
people with disabilities is sonew, a lot of our stories are
(09:59):
centered around the. Disabilityitself, and so we're trying to
make it so that disability ispart of the story, but the real
story is about how three friendsnavigate life in their early 20s
(10:20):
with disability as an added obstacle.
Dean Askin (10:25):
You mean, your show is the second kind of
groundbreaking show of its kindin Canada. I mean, there was
push the Docu series about thewheelie peeps who became, you
know, an unlikely group offriends out in Edmonton. I mean,
that was a docu series. I mean,do you think things are
progressing? Do you think we'llsee more series like yours and
(10:46):
push in the years ahead?
Sean Towgood (10:48):
I hope so. That's that's really my hope. That's
why I why I wanted to make thisshow, also, though, because
there wasn't much work forpeople with disabilities, so in
the arts, so I knew that I, if Iwanted to work and make a
(11:13):
living, which I do, I was gonnahave to make it myself. You
know, you know what they say. Ifyou want to get something done,
do it yourself, right? So, but Ireally think that push and do
(11:34):
like hero are the beginning of awave that is definitely
happening, and I'm just honoredto be part of the beginning of
the way to knock that door downand open up the space for other
creators with disabilities.
Amy Widdows (11:53):
Well, we know there's a ton of myths and
misconceptions about disability.Do you think of yourself as a
myth buster with this show.
Sean Towgood (12:03):
That's an interesting way of putting it
honestly. I think, yeah, in someways I am. I think people do
have preconceived notions aboutdisability and what people are
capable of just by theirdisability. And I think a show
(12:27):
like this allows us to showpeople that, you know, we're
also living normal lives. Wehave romantic relationships, we
have work problems we havefriend problems, we have, like a
myriad of other issues, and sodisability is just a part of
(12:51):
that as well.
Amy Widdows (12:53):
So those of us who work in the disability sector
always citing studies and andreports and statistics that tend
to or help to break down thosedisability stereotypes. Does
using humor work better thanthat? Do you think
Sean Towgood (13:10):
I believe so? My My take on it is like with all
due respect, I would not want tobe lectured about, you know,
disabilities like, I don't wantto be beat over the head with a
(13:31):
bunch of stats and, you know,and also, comedy breaks down
barriers, and it allows peopleto feel like it's okay to laugh
like, you know, there's a lot ofstuff in our show that people
go, Oh, I didn't know I wasallowed to laugh at it. Well, if
(13:54):
I was laughing at it as thewriter, then you're also allowed
to laugh at it, and I thinkcomedies is a great vehicle to
kind of spread that awareness,because people are learning
about it without necessarilyknowing that they're learning
(14:16):
anything.
Dean Askin (14:18):
I'm curious. Where do you get your sense of humor
from? Because we were talkingbefore the show, and, you know,
I was saying it seems to be veryincisive and witty and sharply
poignant lines that make peoplelaugh. I mean, where does your
sense of humor come from?
Sean Towgood (14:37):
You know, I have to give it to it's really,
unfortunately, as weak as itsounds, I think it's really a
coping mechanism, because if Idon't laugh, then I have to look
at the systematic barriers thatI face every day. Right? And
(15:00):
like, you know, it can getpretty, pretty dark sometimes. I
think if you look at the truelack of accessibility, yeah,
sure, we're getting there. Butyou know, there's so long ago.
(15:21):
So I think if I didn't laugh,then, you know, I wouldn't go a
little bit mad.
Dean Askin (15:31):
Hmm, how much of the main character? I mean, how much
of Ian that you've created inYou're my hero. How much of Ian
is you? Are you drawing likeentirely, entirely on your own
experience, or is there acomposite of you and some other
people?
Sean Towgood (15:47):
Well, so with Ian, I wanted to make Ian a fallible
character, right? Becauseoftentimes we see disabled
people represented when they arein media, the rare times their
presented is being put on apedestal and like, look how
(16:11):
angelic they are. But that's allreal. It's like some people with
disabilities are not for peoplelike some people with
disabilities have things thatthey need to work on. So I think
that is another important thingto highlight. And as far as Ian
(16:37):
and how close he is to me, Ithink it is like I was when I
was in my teenage years, reallylike bitter and angry at the
world and angry at thebureaucracy. And so it's
(17:00):
actually quite a rewardingexperience as an actor, to be
able to go back to somethingthat you experience with a fresh
perspective.
Dean Askin (17:16):
I guess you know, looking at it from your
perspective, this shows aboutthe challenges and impressions
of navigating that environmentall around you that's not
accessible now, the federalgovernment has set a goal of,
you know, making this country,Canada, of ours, barrier free by
2040 How optimistic are you thatthat's going to happen?
Sean Towgood (17:40):
Well, you know, we've, we've heard a lot of that
before. You know, people arelike, Oh, we're gonna do the
Ontario with this, the theOntarians with Disabilities Act
by such and such as a like,we're, I think we're like close
(18:04):
to when, correctly, I thinkwe're close to when all
buildings were supposed to beaccessible in Ontario. And we're
not really even close to, Idon't believe we're close to
that happening. So I think thesorry, the the intention is
(18:34):
good, right, but intention onlygoes so far, so I'm gonna have
to see intention put into actionfor me to be able to be
confident that we will getthere.
Amy Widdows (18:52):
Okay, so you're an award winning radio documentary
maker, a successful actor,writer, creator and CO executive
producer with You're my hero. Sodeep down, do you think of
yourself as successful, or areyou still always reaching for
(19:13):
that next mile post?
Sean Towgood (19:17):
Yeah, I don't think that I see myself as
successful at all. I think it'spart of my, my nature. I think,
you know, I'm always terrifiedof what am I going to do next?
What if people don't like thenext thing? What if I can't find
(19:40):
any work. What if all thisdisability representation focus
kind of disappears like youknow, but that's my own
anxieties that I deal with on adaily basis. But I also. Also
(20:00):
think that's kind of similar toa lot of actors in general, if I
say so myself, I think that'skind of built in in the
industry. Is, where's my nextjob coming from? What am I going
to do next? How am I going togrow my career.
Amy Widdows (20:23):
I agree. That's probably not just that sector.
It's all sectors and all people.I think so. What do you enjoy
most about all the things, allthe list of things I just give
you that you do, what do youenjoy most about what you do?
Sean Towgood (20:39):
I think what I enjoy most is not, not the not
the glitz and the glamor. And Iuse that term loosely, because,
you know, it is the Canadianscreen industry, so glitz and
the glamor as far as that goes,but I think what I enjoy most is
(21:03):
building something together witha group of people pouring their
creative energy into it and thenreleasing it into the world for
people to see. You know, I usedto think, before I got into
this, that when people started,oh, like being on set is like
(21:25):
being with your family, I waslike, All right, well, calm down
a little bit like, let's, let'srelax on on that metaphor, But
truly with you, my hero, that'show I have felt throughout this
whole process. Local media hasreally made such an effort to
(21:52):
make sure that all disabled crewand cast feel safe and secure,
and they have everything thatthey need in order to do their
best work. And that's all weask. We don't ask for anything
(22:15):
else. All people withdisabilities who work are just
asking for some considerationsthat make it possible for them,
for us, sorry, to do our bestjob possible.
Dean Askin (22:36):
So what's the message? You know, you know
there's this, you know youmentioned comedy breaks down
barriers and gets peoplethinking, what's the most
important message that anyonewho watches You're my hero
should take away from the show?
Sean Towgood (22:53):
I think what people should take away is that,
hey, like we go through the samethings you do. We just have a
little bit of extra, extradifficulty sometimes. And also
it's okay to laugh. It's okay tobe like, Oh, that's, that's kind
(23:18):
of, that must be hard, you know,it's okay to approach a person
with a disability as you wouldan able bodied person, if I may,
I will tell you A quick story.I'll try to keep it quick. So I
(23:44):
was on my way back to Torontoafter voting in Whitby from the
provincial election thatrecently passed. And for those
who don't know, Union Station isthe artery for every
(24:12):
transportation method, really,in Toronto. So I was kind of
back. I took the train. I do itall the time, and then I was
waiting for, like, Uber andthen, so, you know, people wait
for their Ubers all the time,right? Like, it's not a big
(24:34):
deal. So certain people would belike, Hey, are you okay? And I
would be like, Yeah, I'm just,you know, waiting for an Uber.
And they'd be like, Oh, okay.And then they just move on,
because that is the normalcourse of events in that
(24:58):
conversation. What. Well, Ithought that's how this would
go. And then I saw this woman,she was a bit of my age, and she
seemed really nice, and sheseemed really approachable, and
she talked to me like a realperson. She was like, Hey,
(25:19):
buddy, are you okay? And I waslike, Yeah, I'm just waiting for
my Uber. She's like, Oh, does ithave enough space to fit the
chair? I was like, yeah, it's,it's a wheelchair Uber. And then
she told me her name, and thenshe proceeds to shook my face
(25:43):
with her hand and go bye baby,and I'm like, what is happening?
What is Ha like, what are welike? What world am I living in?
And I bring this story up tosuggest, I will suggest that I
(26:07):
don't think she would do thathad an able bodied I really
don't. I don't think she wouldfeel like she had the right to
do that to an able bodiedindividual. So really, I just,
I, I really want people to takeaway that we're we're just
(26:32):
trying to live our lives, andour lives are a lot like yours.
We just happen to deal with afew extra obstacles to get
through our day.
Amy Widdows (26:49):
So that kind of answers my next question, which
was to all the people listeningto this conversation right now,
wherever they are in the world,what would you like to say to
them? What would be the takeawayfrom this conversation?
Sean Towgood (27:03):
Yeah, the takeaway would be, listen like, I'm a
person. You're a person. Like wewe can all close we can all
close this. And that's sort ofhow how the world works
nowadays. Anyway, there's a lotof division and a lot of
(27:26):
infighting, and, like a lot it'sit's a tense time. So you know,
disability, on one level, it'sabout disabled people, and then
on the other level, it's justabout being a good person in
(27:46):
society. I don't mean to getpretty I really don't. I might
be, but yeah, that's really whatI think. And also I would want
to tell them, if possible. Ifyou have access to CBC gem on
(28:07):
March 14, please watch seasontwo of your light hero CVI,
season one is also available soyou can watch season one and
two? Back to back?
Dean Askin (28:25):
I am doing that. Yeah, you know, any in these
turbulent times, you know you'reusing comedy to get get the
message across. So what's nextfor Sean till good? I mean, are
you doing another radio project,or are you working on season
three of your my hearing thatwhat's, what's up the spout?
Sean Towgood (28:45):
I mean, first of all, radio is it always will be
one of my loves us, along withacting, acting and radio are
really where I feel the most athome. So right now, currently,
(29:06):
I'm working on writing a stageplay. So I just had to get
myself in gear and get going onthat. And there are a bunch of
ideas floating around for seasonthree. So if everybody watches
(29:27):
it and likes it, please tag CBCDean on all your social media.
Tag me, because that's reallyhow we're going to get our third
season. You can follow me atSean toga on all platforms, or
(29:48):
if you don't like it, you cansend me angry voice notes about
how bad it is. You can do thattoo.
Amy Widdows (29:59):
I have. Have to ask, because you named the show
you're my hero. Do you have apersonal hero?
Sean Towgood (30:08):
Okay, so this might be the corniest answer in
the world. I just want topreface that, but I would say my
hero has to be my mother. My momis also an actor, but more than
(30:33):
that, she has taught me thatwhatever it is that I want to
do, there is a way to do it now.That does not mean that, you
know, if I want to be anastronaut, I can be an
astronaut, right? She tempersexpectations, but she always
(30:58):
says, if there's something youreally want to do and you really
work hard at, we will find a wayto make it happen. And she
really instilled in me thatsense of of independence in my
(31:19):
own in my own life and theconfidence in myself, and you
know that hard work really canpay off, and it doesn't really
matter if you're in a chair, ifyou Have the right resources
(31:40):
behind you. And she reallytaught me that I had to advocate
for myself from an early age.She really taught me that
advocating for oneself is key ifyou are living with a
disability. I think that was abit not true and a bit annoying
(32:04):
to do, but as I get older, youknow advocacy truly is the key
to living a life with adisability.
Dean Askin (32:16):
I don't think that's a corny answer at all. Do you
Amy? No,
Amy Widdows (32:20):
I love that answer. It was
Dean Askin (32:23):
just wonderful insight. I mean, it, I think
it's, you know. I think it'scool that you know, she's
instilled so much in you andthat drive and passion to, you
know, accomplish, you know,anything that you can set out to
do. I mean, you know, you've,you've given us so many insights
and and so many, you know,really, really good audio, sound
(32:43):
bites, and we've talked about alot. Is there anything that we
haven't talked about that youthink is important to mention
before we wrap up this conversation?
Sean Towgood (32:53):
Yeah, one thing I just want to mention is I want
to give kudos to the rest of mycast in both season one and two,
this cast, oh my goodness, thiscast is incredible, like when I
saw some of the people that Igot to work with in season one,
(33:19):
when I knew that I got to workwith terrorist veteran Ali is on
Tina John Kelsey flower, youknow, I, I was blown away that
they would want to Do somethingthat I wrote and on the on the
(33:40):
even more exciting side, we gotsome really exciting cameos that
I'm thrilled about this season.So I think people are going to
want to enjoy that.
Amy Widdows (33:57):
I agree and I love your sense of humor. Thank you
for making the time to come onthe show and take us behind the
scenes of things and of your myhero, with your perspectives.
We'll have a link to the seriesin the show notes for this
episode. I read that one of yourfavorite books is the stone
Angel by Margaret Lawrence, andwhat you said about the book
(34:19):
struck me because it's sorelevant to myths and
misconceptions of disability anddisability awareness, the whole
aspect of don't assume someonedoesn't have a disability just
because if you pass them on thestreet, they may not look like
they do. You said, and I'mquoting here from CBC Book
Article, we don't really knowwhat people have gone through
(34:40):
before. We've met them. Peoplehave lived entire, full lives
until the moment we meet them,and we have no idea what those
lives have looked like.
Dean Askin (34:48):
You know that really is a deep insight. And I have to
say, I'm almost ashamed to saythat I never gave the Stone
Angel that much, that much deepthought. But I mean, heck, I.
Was, you know, something like17, and that book was the book
we had to read that year in highschool English. And I remember
thinking like, Okay, I knowMargaret Lawrence is one of
(35:10):
Canada's most legendary authors,but this book is just so slow
and plodding. Can we please getit over with? You know, Sean,
thanks from me as well, forcoming on the show and sharing
your sense of humor and allthese wonderful insights. You
know, after we found out youwere coming on this show, I
started binge watching. You'remy hero, and I have to say, you
(35:33):
had me laughing and glued to myphone screen. I had it propped
on a on a stand right beside mymonitor. Here, you had me glued
to my phone screen right fromthe opening scene of season one,
episode one with Georgeellavisos. I mean, I'll, you
know, I'll fess up and say I waswatching the show while I was
writing this show, and it justreally helped me get in the groove.
Sean Towgood (35:56):
That's a good vote of confidence if you're watching
it while you're working, that'sa huge that's a huge endorsement.
Amy Widdows (36:08):
Well, speaking of extras, that's it for this
episode of You can't spellinclusion without a D, I'm Amy
widows, thanks again for joiningus, and be sure to tune in next
month, while we built we will bedelving into conversation about
psychological safety andbelonging in the workplace.
Dean Askin (36:25):
That'sright, Amy, and that episode is coming
August, 19. I'm Dean Askin,thanks again for listening
wherever, whenever and onwhatever podcast app you're
listening from. Join us eachepisode as we have insightful
conversations like this one withSean toegood and explore
disability inclusion in businessand in our communities from all
(36:46):
the angles you can't spellinclusion without a D, as
produced in Toronto, Canada bythe Ontario Disability
Employment Network. Our podcastproduction team, executive
producer and co host. Amywiddows, our producer is Sue
Defoe, associate producer and cohost Dean Askin. Audio editing
and production is by Dean Askin.Our podcast theme is last summer
(37:09):
by ixin. If you have feedback orcomments about an episode, email
us at info at oda network.comthat's info at o d, e, n, e, t,
w, O, R, k.com, join us eachepisode for insights from expert
guests as we explore the powerof inclusion, the business
benefits of inclusive hiring andfostering an inclusive culture,
and why disability is animportant part of the diversity,
(37:33):
equity, inclusion andaccessibility conversation. Tune
into You Can't Spell InclusionWithout a D on Podbean or
wherever you find your favorite podcasts.
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