Have you ever been told you couldn't do something? That's what happened to today's guest, Shelbi Davenport. Years ago, Shelbi was told she wouldn't be able to attend college due to her disability. However, she didn't take "NO" for an answer.

Shelbi Davenport is a disability advocate, podcaster, and speaker. After many struggles and victories, Shelbi graduated from Texas A&M. Being awarded the first Peer-to-Peer Training certification in Texas on February 5th, 2017, was one of her greatest achievements. Shelbi’s passion is to change lives by teaching individuals with disabilities to advocate for themselves and dream big. Shelbi played a big role in advocating for HB 2081 (a bill that would allow Universities to receive more funding for post-secondary programs), which passed not too long ago. Shelbi is currently attending school to get her Master’s Degree in Mental Health.

You can check out her Shelbi Show on Facebook or Spotify. Check out her website at http://betterlivespcp.com.

Her mom's book, "Thanks For Telling Her No" can be purchased here.

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TEDx Talk, Disrupt HR Talk

In today’s episode, I’m sharing my milestones in Austin over the past several months. I share what it was like to give my second TEDx talk and step onto the DisruptHR stage. Both experiences pushed me, stretched me, and reminded me why I do this work.

Then, I’m joined by Stefani Matott, the Special Needs Ministry Lead at Red Rocks Church in Austin. We dive into her heart for creating inclusive spaces, the realities individuals with disabilities face, and how churches can move from awareness to true belonging.

It’s an episode about purpose, community, and what it means to show up, on a stage and in people’s lives.

Stefani has a passion for removing social and physical barriers so that people of all abilities can know God, live on purpose, and go change the world! It was a joy to discuss all things church, disability, and inclusion for everyone.

Check out Red Rocks Church in Austin at: https://www.redrockschurch.com/austin/

Contact me at www.travisdavis.net

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TEDx Talk, Disrupt HR Talk

Last episode, I had Michelle Cooper on the podcast—and today, we're switching things up. This time, she had the idea to host the show and put me in the hot seat. She asked me questions about how I network and build connections. Whether it’s business, podcasting, or everyday life—relationships matter. It's a fun one. Enjoy!

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TEDx Talk, Disrupt HR Talk

In today's episode, we're diving into corporate America. Over the past several months, I’ve gained insight into corporations' operations—especially when hiring talent. Companies are taking meaningful steps by creating resources and systems that foster inclusion for employees with disabilities.

My guest today is Michelle Cooper, who brings firsthand experience from the tech world. She’s been deeply involved in inclusion and has much to share about what’s working and what still needs to change.

After a 33-year career in the Chemical and High-Tech industries, Michelle exited corporate America to embrace her purpose of helping others go further faster and achieve their full potential.

Michelle closed her career at her former tech company as Vice President of Culture of Inclusion. Under her leadership, that company set the strategy and momentum for building a connected and courageous, inclusive culture for all. She developed a strong team and influenced many, leading inclusively and engaging everyone across the enterprise.

She amplified diverse voices throughout her career and spent significant time coaching executives, employees, and teams. She was the founding president of one of the former company’s first Women’s Professional Development Network and continued her involvement in Employee Resource Groups throughout her career.

Her new firm, The Mapp Co., provides professional coaching services for all. This new work is aligned with her values of authenticity, gratitude, inclusive leadership, and sharing her wisdom. You can reach out to her at themappco.com

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TEDx Talk, Disrupt HR Talk

In this episode of Off the Crutch, we’re talking all things adapted fitness—why it matters, how it builds community, and what accessible fitness really looks like.

In 2014, Jake Weiner founded ZOOZ Fitness in Los Angeles with a mission to help individuals with disabilities thrive physically, mentally, and socially. With a background in psychology, marketing, Judo, and personal training, Jake recognized a need for more inclusive fitness opportunities and set out to fill that gap.

What started as personal training sessions in local parks with just the basics quickly grew into something bigger. Today, ZOOZ offers private, semi-private, and group classes in Woodland Hills, CA, and throughout the greater LA area, with plans to expand across California and beyond.

On April 5th, there will be a Spartan Race at Dodger Stadium, so anyone in the LA area, please check it out. https://race.spartan.com/en/races/los-angeles-stadium

Follow ZOOZ Fitness @zoozfitness or go to zoozfitness.com

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I had the honor to chat with SXSW President and Chief Programming Officer Hugh Forrest to explore how one of the world’s most influential festivals continues to lead with connection, resilience, and innovation.

We discuss how SXSW has evolved, how accessibility and inclusion are prioritized, and what it takes to create space for diverse voices in tech, media, and culture.

As someone who attended panels focused on happiness, resilience, and branding, this experience was very personal—and a reminder that when we show up with purpose, the right doors open.

Check out http://sxsw.com to learn more about the festival.

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In today’s episode, I dive into the excitement of being selected for my second TEDx talk, reflect on my recent return to Austin, and share a powerful conversation with Emma Faye Rudkin—an absolute powerhouse and amazing human being.

Emma Faye went profoundly deaf at the age of three and has spent her life turning a disability into an ability. Emma Faye is an internationally known role model and public speaker for the (D) deaf and hard-of-hearing (HOH) community and Founder and Executive Director of Aid the Silent. Emma Faye travels around the country with her service dog, Hank, sharing and encouraging others to live their fullest life possible, no matter what the obstacles to always follow your dreams by never giving up. Emma Faye was named San Antonio’s Woman of the Year in the 2018 class of 40 Under 40 honorees celebrating the city’s rising stars.

You can follow Emma on social media @emmafayerudkin

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It's the last podcast episode of 2024 and I'm ending it on a "high" note. My guests are Erika Bogan and Allison Norlian who was on last month sharing about her short film, Thirteen. This time, it's about Meandering Scars, a documentary that documents Erika’s journey to climb the tallest free standing mountain in the world to spread awareness about suicide and mental health struggles in the disability community.

Meandering Scars was co-directed and co-produced by Allison and Kody Leibowitz, cofounders of BirdMine.

Erika Bogan is a Spartan athlete, Motivator, Certified Master Mindset/ Mental Health Coach, recognized National Disability Advocate & lover of life, who is dedicated to motivating others to find their purpose through sharing her remarkable story of redefining her life after becoming paralyzed following a traumatic injury.

Our conversation highlights the filmmaking process and also the ups and downs of living with a physical disability.

This episoide is the perfect represenation of all of themes that were talked about this year and I couldn't be prouder of how this one turned out.

Follow @birdminestories for all the updates on when the documentary will be released.

See you in 2025!

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