Most of us want to be kind, but the moment we meet someone with a disability, we tense up and overthink every word. We sit down with Barrett to name that discomfort out loud and replace it with something better: simple, respectful curiosity. We talk about what it’s like when people approach a wheelchair user like they’re solving a problem instead of meeting a person, and why “just ask” is often the most inclusive move you can make.

Barrett shares stories from his first big break working at ScareWinds, including the behind the scenes reality of accommodations, safety, and the constant pressure to not be judged through the lens of disability. He explains how assistive technology can fail unexpectedly, what that fear feels like in public and at work, and why inclusive workplaces and communities have to plan for real life instead of ideal scenarios. We also get into everyday ableism that shows up as “help,” like being handed a to go cup without anyone asking what he prefers, and how small assumptions can quietly take away dignity.

From there, we zoom out to the bigger themes: the risk people imagine when they engage with disability, the power of role models, and the importance of a support system you can trust. Barrett talks about confidence, self acceptance, and his desire to connect people to resources while sharing his faith in Jesus Christ. The conversation comes full circle with podcasting, loss, and rebuilding, plus what becomes possible when the right people decide to care. If you’ve ever worried about saying the wrong thing, this one will help you say something real.

Subscribe, share this with someone who wants to be more inclusive, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What’s one assumption you’ve caught yourself making, and what question could you ask instead?