Disability Empowerment Now

In the final installment of our "Dating with Disabilities" miniseries, things go completely off the rails in the best way possible. Host Keith Murfee Deconini is joined by the "delightful" Liv Mamone and the legendary Andrew Gurza for a series finale that is equal parts vulnerable, hilarious, and chaotic. From Keith's questionable college fashion choices to a deep-dive into the logistics of Wicked, this episode proves that when it comes to disability and dating, sometimes you just have to laugh so you don't cry.In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers on:The Male Thong Incident: Keith recounts his "craziest college story" involving a songwriting project, a black closet, a cover of Mötley Crüe's "Kickstart My Heart”, and a very brave wardrobe choice that left his grandmother... well, confused.Wicked Controversies: The trio takes a massive "side-quest" into the new Wicked movie. Liv and Andrew discuss the chemistry (or lack thereof) between Elphaba and Fiero, and why Liv is officially a "Nessa Apologist."The Emotional Cost of Advocacy: A raw look behind the curtain. The group discusses the reality of recording a "fun" podcast while dealing with family loss, freelancer burnout, and the fatigue of being "on" when you only have enough spoons to walk the dog.The "No Advice" Policy: Liv explains why her best dating advice is actually just a joke about birth control and dogs, and why public marriage proposals are her literal nightmare.The Power of "Crip Humor": How humor serves as a defense mechanism and a bonding agent for the disabled community, and why able-bodied audiences often miss the punchline of the most "livable" jokes.Understanding the "Spoon Theory" in Relationships. Plus: A shout-out to Andrew’s 400+ episodes of advocacy, a preview of next season’s "Book Review" series featuring Liv’s poetry and Andrew’s memoir, and why being a "delightful" host is the highest honor.Ready to join the conversation?Follow Andrew Gurza and his podcast for more unfiltered takes on disability and sex.Grab a copy of Liv Mamone's Fire in the Waiting Room to prepare for next season!

In this high-energy installment of our "Dating with Disabilities" miniseries, co-host Keith Murfee-Deconcini and guest Liv Mamone take over the mic while Andrew Gerza takes a well-deserved week off. What follows is a rollercoaster conversation that connects the dots between physical disability emblems, the ethics of polyamory as an "access tool," and the frustrating societal assumptions placed on disabled men and their pets. n this episode, we’re peeling back the layers on:The Giraffe Emblem: Liv explains why the giraffe is her personal Cerebral Palsy mascot, specifically the hilarious (and relatable) struggle of a giraffe trying to drink water vs. a forearm crutch user trying to pick something up.Polyamory as an Access Tool: Liv opens up about her journey with polyamory, not just as a romantic preference, but as a way to manage chronic fatigue and pain. She discusses how having a "team effort" in a relationship helps dismantle the pressure to be a "perfect" partner.The "Chick Magnet" Myth: Keith addresses the offensive assumption that he used his late, beloved dog, Pepper, as a tool to get dates. He and Liv dive into the psychology of why society struggles to see pure, platonic bonds between men and animals without sexualizing the intent.Crip Time & Poetry: Celebrating the release of Liv’s new book, Fire in the Waiting Room, and discussing why "Crip Time" means a book launch can happen three months late and still be perfectly on schedule.The Small World of Queer/Disabled Dating: Why running into your ex at a comic convention is a universal experience and how Keith’s "superpower" is immediately forgetting the names of people who no longer serve his peace.Instructive Resource: Understanding Internalized AbleismDuring the episode, Keith and Liv touched on how "Internalized Ableism" often dictates how we feel we "should" show up in relationships. Plus: A look into the radical world of neopronouns for pets, the "Capricorn astrology" of over-extending yourself, and a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Pepper.Ready to join the conversation?Check out Liv’s poetry at GameOverbooks.com.Subscribe so you don't miss next week's episode when Andrew returns to the hot seat! Follow us on all social media platforms @disabilityempowermentnow for exclusive content from the podcast.

Welcome back to the third installment of our "Dating with Disabilities" miniseries on Disability Empowerment Now. Host Keith Murfee-Deconcini is joined by Liv Mamone and Andrew Gurza for a conversation that starts with names and identities but quickly descends into a hilarious and heartfelt deep-dive into the realities of sex, aging, and "celebrity crushes" for the disabled community. In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers on: The Naming Game: Liv explains why she transitioned from "Olivia" to "Liv" to carve out space in the New York slam scene and explore gender nonconformity.The Humphrey Bogart Affinity: Keith reveals his "man crush" and why he’s drawn to the unique speech patterns and identities of classic Hollywood icons.The Small World of Disability: How the "Disability Small World" means Liv already knows Keith’s exes, and why that dynamic is both a blessing and a "mind-f***."The "40 Crisis": Andrew warns Liv about the "crushing depression" of turning 40, while they discuss how disability can make you feel advanced in some areas of life and a "17-year-old girl" in others.Sexual Realities & Antidepressants: A candid (and funny) look at how Prozac affects libido, why a "pot of rice" is the secret to a successful queer date night, and why a "human connection" beats a "sexy fantasy" every time.Plus: A side-quest into the "Military-Industrial Complex" of crying over dog videos, the truth about Walton Goggins' prosthetics, and why being eye-level with everyone's "ass" as a wheelchair user is the ultimate New York experience. Follow us on all social media platforms @disabilityempowermentnow for exclusive content from the podcast.

We’re back for Part 2 of our "Dating with Disabilities" miniseries on Disability Empowerment Now. Host Keith is back in the hot seat with Liv Mamone and Andrew Gurza, and this time, we’re digging into the "lizard brain" of dating. In this episode, the trio tackles the uncomfortable truth about internalized ableism—why we sometimes reject our own community in search of an able-bodied "status symbol" partner. Keith opens up about the 20-year journey it took him to feel "man enough" to date other disabled women, while Andrew and Liv share their wild experiences with disability fetishists and the "smokescreen" of dating. Follow us on all social media platforms @disabilityempowermentnow for exclusive content from the podcast.

Welcome to the first installment of our multi-part "Many-Cheers" miniseries on dating with a disability. Host Keith is joined by poet Liv Mamone (Fire in the Waiting Room) and author/advocate Andrew Gurza (Disability After Dark) for a conversation that is as unfiltered as it is exhausted. All three hosts live with Cerebral Palsy, and they aren’t here to give you "inspirational" dating advice. Instead, they’re diving into the messy, hilarious, and sometimes painful reality of navigating romance when you’re already expending 4x the energy just to exist. Follow us on all social media platforms @disabilityempowermentnow for exclusive content from the podcast.

Is your smartphone a communication tool or a portable casino? AI consultant Peter Swim joins host Keith Murfee-DeConcini to expose the high cost of "Silicon Valley imagination." Peter breaks down his summer experiment where he consolidated 7,000 AI programs into just 42 megabytes, proving that we don’t need faster hardware—we need better stewardship. They discuss why AI struggles to recognize speech patterns that fall outside the "statistical mean," the environmental debt of every ChatGPT prompt, and the radical act of "downgrading" tech to regain control over your life. This is a must-listen for anyone tired of being the product and ready to start being the user again.

What happens when your doctor prescribes life-saving care, but your insurance says no? For retired Navy pilot and corporate executive Frank Lobb, the answer was a tragedy that sparked a twenty-year crusade. After his wife was denied care that he was barred from paying for out-of-pocket, Frank used his background in federal air compliance and law to deconstruct the "Big Lie" of the American healthcare insurance industry. In this episode of Disability Empowerment Now, Frank sits down with host Keith Murfee- DeConcini to expose the black-letter law provisions that exist in almost every in-network contract in the country. He explains how insurance companies "ration" care by contractually barring hospitals from accepting compensation once coverage is denied—leaving patients trapped. Frank shares the "magic words" he uses on hospital intake forms to protect his family and discusses why trillions of dollars in liability keep the legal and political systems silent. Whether you are fighting a bill or preparing for a procedure, this conversation is a masterclass in patient empowerment, legal standing, and reclaiming the power your doctor—and only your doctor—is supposed to have.

I’m coming for you like a junkie." Keith and Alaina aren't holding back as they break down the "Dirty Boy Bangers" of Depeche Mode’s later catalog. This episode covers the gritty, bluesy industrialism of Soothe My Soul, the "rushing beat" of So Much Love, and the complicated marriage of simple lyrics and complex sounds in Come Back. We also pause for a "neighborhood watch" report from a very specific crow before diving into the sweeping, haunting compositions of Memento Mori—the greatest concept album since Songs of Faith and Devotion.

After the near-destruction of the Devotional Tour, Depeche Mode returned with Ultra—an album Keith and Alaina describe as a "masterpiece of re-emergence." In this episode, we explore the raw, "stitched-together" vocals of a recovering Dave Gahan and the spiritual songwriting of Martin Gore. From the "sleazy swag" of It’s No Good to the breathtaking maturity of The Bottom Line, we discuss how the band turned their personal darkness into a "listenable" survival guide for the soulful listener.

In the second installment of our "Love and Devotion" mini-series, Keith Murfee-DeConcini and Alaina Morin dive into the dark, industrial heart of mid-80s Depeche Mode. From the "seedy" power dynamics of "Master and Servant" to the raw, naked vulnerability of "Somebody," we explore why Depeche Mode is the ultimate "guy band" for the emotionally complex. We discuss role reversals, the "fatherly" anxiety hidden in "A Question of Time," and why Martin Gore’s songwriting captures the thin line between romantic devotion and total obsession.

In this raw and essential conversation, host Keith Murfee- DeConcini sits down with poet and author Jessica MacLean. Jessica shares her lifelong journey navigating Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and spina bifida occulta—invisible conditions that affect every system in her body. From experiencing her first migraine at age seven to surviving a literal broken back caused by a simple change in position, Jessica details the profound physical toll of living with a tissue connectivity disorder. The discussion takes a harrowing turn as Jessica recounts her recent experience being "wrongfully Titled" (Title 36), a legal process that stripped her of her rights and placed her in a psychiatric facility ill-equipped to handle her complex medical needs. We explore the dangerous gap between mental health protocols and physical disability awareness, the trauma of medical institutionalization, and how the "positive vibes only" expectation from society ignores the reality of chronic suffering. Despite the systemic failures and constant pain, Jessica shares how she finds sanctuary in the creative community of Prescott, Arizona—using poetry, music, and the wildlife in her yard to find "wild care where there is no cure."

In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Adam Chalom and Rabbi Jodi Kornfeld, editors of Contemporary Humanistic Judaism. We explore the bold concept of identifying as "secular and Jewish" at the same time—proving that heritage is about more than just dogma. The Rabbis pull back the curtain on how this movement empowers individuals to take ownership of their culture. From using "Bimitzvah" as a gender-neutral rite of passage to modifying traditional ceremonies for those with mobility and sensory challenges, we discuss how the humanistic lens turns obstacles into solutions. It’s a conversation about saying what you mean, meaning what you say, and making sure everyone has a seat at the table—literally.

In this episode, host Keith Murfee Deconcini welcomes the "dynamic duo of children's health care," Jared Perkins and Gemma Thomitz, from the Children's Clinics in Tucson, Arizona. Jared and Gemma detail the clinic's evolution from a 1940s polio clinic into a cutting-edge Multi-Specialty Interdisciplinary Clinic (MSIC)—a rare model where comprehensive care, primary care, and Arizona's largest pediatric rehab program are all offered under one roof.

Anita Hollander, veteran performer and disability advocate, joins the show to share the profound philosophy that guides her life and work. She discusses the honor of receiving the Harold Russell Award, reflecting on a lifetime dedicated to representation and 'pushing the needle forward' for the disability community. Hear her wonderful stories about being presented the award by Sean Astin and the inspiration she drew from her late father. Plus, Anita offers a sneak peek into her exciting upcoming projects, including her involvement with the powerful new musical The Rise, set to premiere in Paris.

Season 4 Bonus Episode 6 Jasmine Singh is the Bestselling Author of “Saved By Depeche Mode: An Epic Journey of Healing & Remission Through Music.” After spending over 20 fulfilling years in a successful sales career—and living with a disability for more than 40 years— she shifted her focus to healing in all areas of her life: physical, emotional and spiritual. This is the second time she has required the support of Social Security Disability to give her body the time and space it needed to recover and rebuild. She has undergone 36 surgeries in the last 30 years, each […]

Season 4 Bonus Episode with Alaina Morin Part 3 Keith is a huge fan of Depeche Mode and along with superfan Alaina Morin, they discuss the genius that is their music and the geniuses behind their music. They go through the band’s albums and discuss the cultural importance of their work. Alaina Morin works with adults with intellectual disabilities through Community Case Management and as an Ed Technology in special education. In her spare time Alaina enjoys puzzling, concerts, traveling, creating ideas for stories and long discussions about anything. Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright. Season 4 […]

Season 4 Bonus Episode with Alaina Morin Part 2 Keith is a huge fan of Depeche Mode and along with superfan Alaina Morin, they discuss the genius that is their music and the geniuses behind their music. They go through the band’s albums and discuss the cultural importance of their work. Alaina Morin works with adults with intellectual disabilities through Community Case Management and as an Ed Technology in special education. In her spare time Alaina enjoys puzzling, concerts, traveling, creating ideas for stories and long discussions about anything. Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright. Season 4 […]

Season 4 Bonus Episode with Alaina Morin Keith is a huge fan of Depeche Mode and along with superfan Alaina Morin, they discuss the genius that is their music and the geniuses behind their music. They go through the band’s albums and discuss the cultural importance of their work. Alaina Morin works with adults with intellectual disabilities through Community Case Management and as an Ed Technology in special education. In her spare time Alaina enjoys puzzling, concerts, traveling, creating ideas for stories and long discussions about anything. Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright. Season 4 is dedicated to […]

Season 4 Bonus episode 2 Part 2 Dr. Yvette Pegues is renowned for her captivating and insightful presentations that resonate with diverse audiences. Her ability to connect with audiences through authentic storytelling and evidence-based insights makes her a sought-after speaker at conferences, corporate events, and community gatherings. As a keynote speaker, she addresses critical topics such as: Inclusive Innovation and Accessibility, Exploring how technology and innovative solutions can bridge gaps and enhance the lives of people with disabilities, Disability Advocacy in the Workplace, Navigating Life Post-Rehabilitation and Empowering Disabled Communities through Technology. Keith and Dr. Pegues talk about her journey […]

Season 4 Bonus episode 2 Part 1 Dr. Yvette Pegues is renowned for her captivating and insightful presentations that resonate with diverse audiences. Her ability to connect with audiences through authentic storytelling and evidence-based insights makes her a sought-after speaker at conferences, corporate events, and community gatherings. As a keynote speaker, she addresses critical topics such as: Inclusive Innovation and Accessibility, Exploring how technology and innovative solutions can bridge gaps and enhance the lives of people with disabilities, Disability Advocacy in the Workplace, Navigating Life Post-Rehabilitation and Empowering Disabled Communities through Technology. Keith and Dr. Pegues talk about her journey […]