Introducing Me

Katherine McCord has six invisible disabilities, including OCD, bipolar 1, and misophonia. Katherine doesn’t let any of her disabilities stop her and knows how to acclimate to situations around her. In her professional career in people operations, she invented the first anti-biased applicant tracking system. Katherine is an international speaker focusing on integrity, inclusion, and innovation. Connect with Katherine: https://www.kmccordspeaking.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-mccord-093bb343/ Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

At the point of nearly three years of podcast hosting, Sarah is back with just the microphone to share what has been happening in the past year. From adopting their second cat, Sox, and lots of travel it surely has been a busy year. I’m looking forward to changing up the podcast release schedule for Year 4. Connect with Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/slportal7/ https://www.tiktok.com/@introducingsarah Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Kent Weishaus had a twenty-five year career in television production, working on talk shows, game shows, tabloids, sitcoms, and other programming, before making a switch in 2006, going back to graduate school and eventually becoming a licensed clinical social worker. Since then he has worked in mental hospitals, community clinics, schools, and is now semi-retired, continuing a part-time private practice. Kent recently published his book Stop Breaking Down: How to avoid Overwhelm and Crack-Up - you can find it through his website, https://kentw.net. Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Clare Pritchard started traveling after university at the persistence of a close friend. She ended up falling in love with traveling, having spent many months abroad in dozens of countries. Originally from Manchester, England, Clare enjoys learning about new cultures and connecting with people around the world. Clare started her own business with program Back Yourself to coach others to increase their confidence skills. Connect with Clare: https://www.instagram.com/cpritch.coaching/ https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100089999626561 https://www.tiktok.com/@cpritch.coaching Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Tracy Whitmore embarked on a transformative journey from being a young mother to forging a career in social work. Her path led her to supporting LGBTQIA+ youth, where her impact extended beyond the young individuals themselves. An influx of parents seeking guidance and solace found their way to her as well. Relocating from Australia to Canada marked a pivotal moment, as she seized the opportunity to establish her own business, created around this very mission. Being a member of the queer community herself, she also extends her expertise to coaching and counseling LGBTQIA+ adults. Tracy has recently published her first book, titled "It’s About You Too: Reducing the Overwhelm for Parents of LGBTQ+ Kids." Connect with Tracy: https://indigojourney.co/book/ https://www.facebook.com/Tracy.IndigoJourney/ https://www.instagram.com/tracy.indigojourney/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-whitmore-69462845/ Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Ben Brown grew up on a Mormon polygamist compound and left for the “wicked world” in his early to mid-twenties. After six generations of his family being Mormons, he was not going to stand for the white supremacy and racism. After attending Burning Man, he was able to reconnect with his father, about 15 years after leaving. Ben is a part-time dad and has gotten into stand up comedy where he is known as The Fresh King Benjamin. Ben’s Website: https://www.thefreshkingbenjamin.com Comedy Special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBx5g6FOEaM Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Shellie Wilson was born and raised Christian, living her life for Jesus for roughly 60 years. When struggling with renal failure a few years ago, she had a come to Jesus moment which strengthened her connection to Jesus further. Shellie has been teaching the Bible for the past 40 years and in this episode she dives into her four spiritual disciplines: Bible study, prayer, memorization, and rest. Connect with Shellie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelliewilson/ https://www.facebook.com/shellie.huffmanwilson Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Christina Carlson (she/they) was raised in a high control religious group and didn’t know that bisexuality was an option. She’s now happily able to identify as queer after having left the church and was recently diagnosed with ADHD. They are a self relationship coach to help others find their true selves and hosts the podcast Bitches, Witches and Queers. Connect with Christina: https://www.christinamcarlson.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@christinaclifecoaching https://www.instagram.com/christinacarlsonlifecoach/ Bitches, Witches and Queers: https://www.christinamcarlson.com/podcast It’s Raining Tacos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npjF032TDDQ Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Daniel John Carey grew up in a difficult household, but he lives life knowing that his troubled life doesn’t define him. At sixteen he decided to hitchhike to California which ended up giving him hope for the future. He joined the Mormon Church to try and fix his life, but ultimately left religion altogether. John has written multiple books including Dream Another Dream and Dream Your World to motivate others to change their lives. Connect with John: www.twitter.com/JohnDijonCarey https://www.meetup.com/screenwriting-tribe/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/224849677934122/ Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Valena Beety is a former prosecutor who prosecuted cases with domestic and sexual violence. As a queer woman she noticed that convictions of people like her sometimes included no crime at all. She shares some of these stories in her book Manifesting Justice: Wrongly Convicted Women Reclaim Their Rights. She founded the West Virginia Innocence Project and is currently working to create the Innocence Project of Indiana in her home state where she is now a law professor. The Innocence Project Network: https://innocencenetwork.org/ Connect with Valena: www.valenabeety.com Buy her book: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/9780806541518/manifesting-justice/ Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Jyoti was born and raised in California and started to learn more about her Punjabi culture in college. When her therapist suggested she write as a way of healing trauma, Jyoti ended up turning to fiction novels where she brings in taboo topics in South Asian Communities. From her first book The Chaos Within Us to her upcoming book Finding Home, Jyoti loves sharing her stories. Connect with Jyoti: https://geetwrites.carrd.co/#about https://sincerelygeetmh.carrd.co/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22904762.Jyoti_Dhanota https://www.instagram.com/geetisbooked/ Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Lori Ann Wood was in good health when all of a sudden she had end-stage heart failure. Her heart was enlarged and functioning at 6% such that her doctors didn’t think she would survive. Heart failure is a progressive disease and continues to be something that Lori Ann has monitored. She started writing and recently published her book Divine Detour where she asks some tough faith-based questions. Connect with Lori Ann: https://loriannwood.com https://www.instagram.com/loriannwood/ https://www.facebook.com/DivinelyDetoured Buy her book: https://a.co/d/6sKILDN Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Michelle Shekhinah was living life as a mom married to a man that she thought was the one when things turned for the worse. After being together for 17 years, her ex showed her his secret world of drugs, alcohol, and sexual deviancy. With two special needs kids, she always made sure they were safe, and was eventually able to get out from her husband and divorced. Never able to say no to him, Michelle is now able to work through her traumas in therapy and advocate for other women to get out of similar situations. Connect with Michelle: https://fromthefloortothedoor.com Resources: https://www.womenindistress.org https://ncadv.org https://www.nsvrc.org Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

In her memoir, Girl Hidden, Jesse René Gibbs, shares many heart wrenching details of her childhood. From a young age Jesse has experienced trauma and was able to escape her narcissistic mother and live with her grandparents until five-years-old. Moving back in with her mother and step-father, who treated Jesse like his girlfriend, her grandmother legally kidnapped her 18-months later. Unfortunately Jesse’s mother then illegally kidnapped her and Jesse wasn’t able to get out until leaving at 18 to Chicago and the Jesus People (JPUSA) which wasn’t the solution either. Jesse finally got out to Seattle with help from her best friend Jane and has since been able to safely reconnect with her younger siblings and find love with her husband and her step-kids. Connect with Jesse: https://www.girlhidden.com Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Shayne Halls was born in the US Virgin Islands, moved to South Carolina, and attended an HBCU. After graduating from Saint Augustine’s University, he got into the world of recruiting, a field he had known nothing about. Overtime he realized he needed to speak up about diversity, equity, and inclusion. He’s since started his own consulting firm, Manifested Dreams, which helps professionals be empowered with AI and inclusivity. Connect with Shayne: https://manifesteddreams.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdshalls/ https://twitter.com/mnifstddreams Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Shana Francesca is a speaker, writer, Founder and CEO of Concinnate. Her work centers around intentional leadership and life design. Shana believes our present and future are transformed when we infuse our lives with intention, design our lives, and realize the power in accepting ourselves as the author of our story. She recently authored a romance book, Under My Skin, under the pen name Maeve Marin. Concinnate: https://www.concinnate.world Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Carrie Gobble has been living past her original life expectancy with cystic fibrosis after receiving a bi-lateral lung transplant at age 27. She learned the importance of in-person mentorship for people with cystic fibrosis “CFers” from her now husband, Gary. In addition to mentoring, she is also passionate about organ donation and is grateful for the family she has found in her donor Andrew’s family. National Donor Registry: https://donatelife.net/ Andy Lipman, author of Alive at 25: https://www.cfwarriorproject.org/meet-andy/ Five Feet Apart on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80236271 Connect with Carrie: https://www.instagram.com/eyeceebeauty https://www.facebook.com/carrie.seratigobble/ Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Kathy Izard never saw herself as an author, speaker, or fundraiser, but she has excelled at all three. Her first book, The Hundred Story Home speaks to her help with getting the homeless into homes in Charlotte, NC, a process which included raising ten million dollars. Her latest book The Last Ordinary Hour was written about her husband’s struggle with rare disease and the possibility of being widowed. Connect with Kathy: https://www.kathyizard.com https://www.instagram.com/kathyizardclt/ https://www.womenfaithstory.com Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Colleen Faul is a mother to two rambunctious toddlers with a strong commitment to her Catholic faith. Not long after giving birth to her son, Sammy, she found herself pregnant with her daughter Grace. At nearly six months old they rushed Grace to the hospital and eventually learned that she had infantile spasms and tuberous sclerosis complex. Nearly two, Grace is doing well and inspired Colleen’s book, God’s Precious Gift: A Special Needs Child. Connect with Colleen: www.GodsPreciousGift.com https://www.instagram.com/colleenkeefefaul/ Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736504142/ Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Tiffany is a wife, mother of two, and became a doula after giving birth to her first child. She suffered with perinatal mental health after her second child and now specializes in this support and works with mothers and their grief. Growing up she had little support for her ADHD and has found neurodivergence in herself and her children. She homeschools or unschools her children and volunteers for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep and Postpartum Support International. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep: https://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net Connect with Tiffany: https://tiffanyengendoula.com https://www.instagram.com/tiffanye_fullspectrumdoula/ Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

As Director of Fit4Defense Ltd, Suzanne conceived and now operates PowerED, a unique anti-bullying program. The life-changing transformations she witnessed while teaching PowerED inspired her to write her powerful book, “Bullying Stops Here,” in which she shares the true stories of persons who converted fear into confidence, self-reliance, and positive action through the skills acquired in the program. Her extensive experience in social services and martial arts has given her the expertise to speak and train on violence prevention, conflict resolution and workplace harassment/bullying. Fit4Defense: https://www.fit4defense.ca/suzanne-jean/ Bullying Stops Here book: https://a.co/d/c8Lb0xd Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Brian Nietzel is a gay man committed to his faith and love for Jesus. He grew up in the Evangelical Church and struggled with his sexuality, then later in life found his peace with God. He is now happily married to his husband Dan and is a proud father. He founded the organization Making Things Right to invite Christians to reimagine their relationship with LGBTQ+ people. Connect with Brian’s Work: makingthingsright.org Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Susie Schwartz was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at nine-years-old and has been collecting additional illnesses since. Resilient through the countless appointments and treatments, Susie finds her profession of writing and music to be therapeutic outlets. A Canadian living in the UK, she recently published the book Help the Doctor Help You which can help anyone navigate through healthcare. Connect with Susie: https://linktr.ee/SusieSchwartz Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Lieutenant Colonel Jason Pike authored the book “A Soldier Against All Odds” to share how he thrived in the military for 31 years. He shares how is “not an intellectual guy,” but overcame many failures and fiascos in his army career. He joined the reserves at age 17, trying to find somewhere to belong knowing that academics weren’t the place for him. Connect with Jason: jasonpike.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-pike-7b6774137/ https://www.facebook.com/jasonpike.org/ https://www.instagram.com/jpike25711/ https://twitter.com/JasonPike9 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxrZDR6ANjBsBvf04G2Kglg Buy A Solider Against All Odds: https://www.amazon.com/A-Soldier-Against-All-Odds/dp/B0BT5R398W/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Arcadia Ewell is a third year PhD student and Miss Boston 2023. She is a local ambassador for the Miss America organization advocating for children and young adults to be able to identify the warning signs of domestic and dating violence that she wasn’t able to see at age fourteen. In June she will represent Boston in the Miss Massachusetts competition and potentially continue on to the Miss America stage. Arcadia has ADHD, is a published children’s book author, and is conducting ground-breaking research as a psychologist. Connect with Arcadia: www.arcadiaewell.com https://www.instagram.com/arcadiaewell/ https://www.instagram.com/missbostonorg/ https://www.tiktok.com/@arcadiaewell Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Michelle Steiner’s blog, Michelle’s Mission is a way for her to share stories about her disabilities and her nature photography. From a young age it was clear that she had difficulties with math and needed support for her learning disability which was later diagnosed as dyscalculia. Gym class also brought forth her visual impairment issues with perception, such that her sight is good, but her brain can’t properly process all visuals. Later on during Michelle’s continuing education was when she was diagnosed with limited hand dexterity. Connect with Michelle: https://michellesmission.blog/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Michelle-Steiner/100013356902200/ https://www.instagram.com/steiner7250/ Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

James Roberts has put athletics above all else throughout most of his life. He started competing at a young age and excelled in able-bodied swimming until age 16. Born with a disability called femoral dysplasia, when he was first approached about disabled sports, he was hesitant, but quickly became a top competitor. He competed in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics in adaptive rowing and in the 2012 London Summer Paralympics in sitting volleyball. He went to school for sports and exercise and now has his own coaching business which includes speaking engagements and hosting The Mindset Athlete Podcast. Connect with James: https://jamesowenroberts.com https://www.instagram.com/jamesowenroberts/ https://www.facebook.com/jamesoroberts11/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesowenroberts/ Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Michael Hingson has been blind since birth and got his can-do attitude from his parents. A successful career had him working in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 and escaping from the 78th floor with his guide dog, Roselle. Their story is shared in the book “Thunder dog” and Mike shares more of his story in his second book “running with Roselle, A story for Our Youth.” In this episode, Mike shares more about working with Guide Dogs for the Blind, accesiBe, the importance of braille for blind and low vision people, and becoming a public speaker. accesiBe: https://accessibe.com Connect with Mike: www.michaelhingson.com https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelHingsonmichaelhingson https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Cynthia Brix is the co-founder (with her husband, William Keepin) of Gender Equity and Reconciliation International (GERI). Their work creates a unique forum for people to speak deep truth around their gender and sexuality experiences, and it also brings together people of diverse spiritual paths and beliefs. Cynthia found purpose in this work after a powerful incident of sexual harassment in her health and wellness career path. Eyes on the Prize Documentary: https://www.amazon.com/Eyes-on-the-Prize/dp/B00EE2W00I Connect with GERI: www.GRworld.org https://www.facebook.com/groups/143371675763639/ https://www.instagram.com/grworldorg https://twitter.com/grworldorg Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

William A. Adams is a software engineer who worked for Microsoft for 24 years and is passionate about furthering women and minorities to have an equitable share in tech. He co-founded the LEAP apprenticeship program at Microsoft which helps the hiring of women and minorities into technical roles. In this episode, William also talks about biases in artificial intelligence. William’s Website: https://www.william-a-adams.com Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

At twenty years old, Dan MacQueen was living a healthy, active life in London when his headaches sent him to emergency brain surgery. For four weeks he was in a coma, and recovery has been a long road since 2014 relating how to walk, talk, and smile. Living in Vancouver, today he still suffers from double vision, but has turned his story into inspiration through motivational speaking. Connect with Dan: www.macqueendan.com https://twitter.com/macqueendan https://www.instagram.com/macqueendan/ Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

John Davis served multiple trips as a combat veteran in Afghanistan. He originally sought out the military looking for adventure and after retiring from service, he thrived in college, including graduating from Harvard. Inspired to help other veterans with transition to civilian life, he authored Combat to College and continues to support veteran advocacy from the Dominican Republic. Connect with John: www.johnhdaviswriter.com https://www.instagram.com/john.h.davis.writer/ Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Mark Chartier started showing symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome at age seven, but wasn’t diagnosed until he was seventeen. He graduated high school with a GPA of 1.9, but succeeded in further education and Mr. C. has been a special education teacher for more than fifteen years. In addition to teaching, Mark is a motivational speaker and author. In this episode he shares two poems from his books. Mark’s Website: www.teacherwithtourettes.com Vance’s GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/a0c3abac Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Karah Gonstead is a licensed psychotherapist, wife, mom, and business owner. At 16 she begrudgingly went to therapy at her parent’s insistence and found that it was a beautiful place that could be powerful if the connection was right. She had always wanted to help others; her first job out of graduate school was in hospice care. Now she has her own private practice and she’s able to help teenagers and families with various mental health concerns and difficult dynamics. Karah is also a mom of a four-year-old and is working alongside other local community members to open a charter school, with an emphasis on mental health. Find Karah's Work: https://genuinewayfamilytherapy.com https://intentionalgrowthnow.com Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Barb Higgins is a mom of four, two in heaven, who had her youngest child via IVF at age 57 after battling a brain tumor. Her daughter Molly had died suddenly a few years earlier and fitness was a place that Barb always felt okay. She now helps others support grief through athletics, has a blog, hosts the podcast A Thousand Tiny Steps, and raises her 21-year-old daughter Gracie and her infant son Jack with her husband Ken. Connect with Barb: https://athousandtinysteps.com https://mollybfoundation.org https://www.facebook.com/barb.higgins.96/ https://www.instagram.com/barb_444/ Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Christopher Scott Wyatt is a self described advocate for the disabled community, especially neurodiversity out of necessity. He has physical and neurological differences, is from a lower socioeconomic background, and there weren’t many advocates for people like him. He originally went to school for journalism, has a PhD, and has had the privilege of working in the university setting. When Scott and his wife couldn’t have kids naturally, they fostered two neurodiverse girls and adopted them four years later. Follow Scott’s Work: https://www.tameri.com/autisticme/ https://autisticme.libsyn.com/ Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

John and Mark X. Cronin are the founders of John’s Crazy Socks. John was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at birth and when his last year of high school was coming to a close, he approached his father about wanting to go into business with him. Through many ideas they landed on what is now the largest sock business with over 4,000 designs. The business has a mission to spread happiness where over half the employees have differing abilities, 5% of earnings go towards the Special Olympics, and the business is always personal. Connect with John & Mark: https://johnscrazysocks.com https://www.facebook.com/johnscrazysocks/ https://www.instagram.com/johnscrazysocks/ https://www.tiktok.com/@johnscrazysocks Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Lori Sweetman is a life coach, teacher, artist, and mom to two young neurodiverse children. They are a polyamorous non-binary sexually fluid human who strives for inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ people. Lori came out later in life and first struggled to identify as a lesbian and is now helping their community in Northern New Jersey become more inclusive. Connect with Lori: https://includelgbtq.com https://www.facebook.com/includelgbtqconsulting https://thesequeerstories.com Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

When Emma Haslam discovered she was infertile, seeking IVF treatment in the UK where she lives didn't feel right, it was super expensive and inaccessible based on her BMI and she felt like just a number. Emma successfully had private treatment in Europe and conceived their son after her third round of IVF. She suffered from postnatal depression and on her healing journey started the company Your IVF abroad with her husband Adam to help others to find a safe, best fit fertility clinic and to plan and have treatment in Europe with unbiased support. Connect with Emma: https://www.instagram.com/YourIVFabroad/ https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/podcast https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/step-by-step-guide-to-having-fertility-treatment-in-europe Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Andrea Carow started having body image issues at eight years old which snowballed into anxiety and depression. At fourteen she started losing weight by restricting food. When God brought her now husband, Adam, into her life, she had someone who would listen and helped her start recovering. Now she aims to serve and help others with similar struggles with her podcast, Good Vanilla. Connect with Andrea: https://linktr.ee/andrea_carow Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Zane Landin identifies as Hispanic, queer, disabled, and plus size. In middle school, Zane was able to find the words for his sexuality, and it wasn’t until college he was able to define his disability. Zane shares that vulnerability helps drive change when it comes to advocacy, which he is most vocal about in the disabled and mental health communities. He launched the PositiveVibes Magazine in 2020 which led to attending the Mental Health Youth Action Forum in DC. Connect with Zane: https://www.instagram.com/zanelandin/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/zane-landin-b2417a187/ Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Grady Throneberry has known he was gay since childhood, but didn’t start presenting as his true self until more recently. He was married to his now ex-wife for 40 years and is a father to their two daughters. They remain good friends, and he is now engaged to his fiancé Devin. Grady was asked to resign from being a bi-vocational pastor at his former church and he is the first openly gay police chief in Kentucky. He has authored the book “Gay and Gray” to share his story. Connect with Grady: www.gayandgray.net https://www.facebook.com/DrGradyT https://twitter.com/DrGradyT Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

During the pandemic, Melissa DaSilva decided to move to Puerto Rico for a few weeks and now plans to live there indefinitely. She is able to run her Rhode Island mental health agency remotely, which has a primary focus on helping LGBTQ+ folks. Melissa would not be a complete person without her art, and she has successfully brought her physical art into NFTs. Connect with Melissa: https://www.melissadasilva.com https://www.instagram.com/realmelissadasilva/ Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Dawson has known he was trans since he was a young child, but didn’t start coming out until his twenties. He’s been taking testosterone for about a decade now and has had to navigate discrimination in the healthcare system. Through IVF, his partner is currently pregnant and they are expecting a baby in early 2023, whom Dawson will legally adopt. Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Griffin is the Founder and CEO of the Foreseeable Future Foundation which he started after graduating from Susquehanna University. He found out while playing sports as a young teenager that he was losing his vision and got diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa. He continued to play sports up until college when he turned to being active in the community and sharing more about his diagnosis. Still athletic, Griffin has finished marathons and competes in tandem cycling. Connect with the Foreseeable Future Foundation: https://foreseeablefuture.org https://www.instagram.com/foreseeable.future Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Magical Girl Melanie applied for a face character role at Disney World twelve times before being hired by Disney. When she was a teenager she had the chance to visit Disneyland and from there, her dream and hyper fixation to become a Disney cast member was born. She finally got accepted into an attraction role at Disneyland and one chance at a face character audition in California landed her a role as Drizella. Nowadays Melanie knows she has autism and does online content creation, focusing on TikTok, Twitch, and maybe someday on YouTube. Connect with Melanie: https://www.tiktok.com/@magicalgirlmelanie https://www.twitch.tv/magicalgirlmelanie Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Markus (he/they) is an author, a watercolor artist, and pursuing his PhD in Gender Studies at Queens University. He shares about his day to day life on TikTok. Markus knew he was a queer, trans man at the age of 16 but was not accepted by his parents. At 17, he was taken in by his grandparents. Now in his 30s, Markus has recently married his longtime partner, Andrew. Together with their platonic co-parent, Hannah, they are raising a child. The trio practices Gender Neutral Parenting, using they/them pronouns for baby River (age 9 months) until they are of an age to share their own gender identity and pronoun preference. Connect with Markus: https://www.mharwoodjones.com http://www.tiktok.com/@markusbones Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Brett Moyer grew up in Watsontown, Pennsylvania, graduated from Susquehanna University in 2013, and went into the corporate world of finance. Now living in Jersey City along the Hudson River, he’s found ways to give back by volunteering as a tour guide for Ellis Island, giving running tours in lower Manhattan, and helping rescue geese. In the past couple of years he has authored two history books and is about to release a second children’s book encouraging historical and environmental sustainability. Brett’s Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Brett-Moyer/e/B099T4CV9M%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Chuck Petrizzi first knew he wanted to be a boy at age five, even requesting to be called Jimmy by his babysitters. He never questioned his core faith and love for the bible, and earned a degree in Biblical Studies. After marrying his husband, Josh, he continued to struggle presenting as a female and didn’t want to to identify as trans. Josh continued to support him through depression and since coming out publicly as trans last year at 28 years old. Book Recommendation: Trans-Gender: Theology, Ministry, and Communities of Faith by Justin Sabia-Tanis Connect with Chuck: https://www.tiktok.com/@chuckpetrizzi https://www.instagram.com/chuckpetrizzi/ Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Angel Pretot is a Frenchman who chose to become a French teacher for foreigners because of his love for English. Angel’s teaching model focuses on each student’s personal goals and their specific needs. He currently resides in Austria and has learned an additional five languages to fluency. In this episode, Angel shares about his gender transition. Learn from Angel: frenchfluency.net frenchfluency.net/starter-kit/ Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: [email protected] Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett