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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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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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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I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! This is right up there with my favorite interviews of the year. I learned so much from Emma Withrow, investigative journalist for The National News Desk on today's episode. We discussed her background covering disability related stories, Autism, Love on the Spectrum, and what it's like working for a national news channel. It's worth your time as you drive around returning Christmas gifts!

Emma Withrow is a National Investigative Journalist for The National News Desk and lives in Washington D.C. In this role, Emma covers a wide variety of topics and stories, including politics, the economy, foreign affairs,. Previously, Emma was the Chief Political Correspondent at FOX Charlotte, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Emma grew up in California and went to college at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Follow her @emmawithrow

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I recently received my 2024 podcast stats. I'm immensely grateful I had over 1k downloads and listened in 21 countries. You guys rock. More great stuff is on the way in 2025.

In addition, I highlighted the top 5 episodes of the year in the pod. If you're relatively new, please go back and listen to them. I'll list them at the bottom.

Today, I have Kathryn Goetzke on the podcast. I was on her Hope Matrix Podcast last month and she graciously accepted the invitation to be on mine!

Kathryn Goetzke, MBA, is CEO & Chief Hope Officer of The Shine Hope Company, the Author of ‘The Biggest Little Book About Hope‘, podcast host of The Hope Matrix, Creator of award winning Hopeful Minds, Hopeful Cities, and Hopeful Mindsets, Social Entrepreneur, Chief Mood Officer, and Business Strategist. In 2004, launched Mood-lites™, a brand that achieved over 35 million dollars in retail sales and ran the first cause marketing campaign for mental health. She was recently appointed to represent the World Federation for Mental Health at the United Nations, representing the almost 1 billion people around the world with mental health disorders, and is working to get a resolution passed at the United Nations for an International Day of Hope, to ensure all around the world know you can measure and teach hope. The list goes on and on..Kathryn is simply an amazing human being.

Our conversation about how we can learn to hope, the relationship it plays with a disability, and her struggles with mental health was eye-opening, to say the least. You will get a lot out of this one.

Enjoy!

Resilience, Connections, and Breaking Boundaries with Rayne Clarkson

Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month with UCP CEO and President Armando Contreras

Disney's Out of My Mind with Director Amber Sealey

The Mighty with CEO and Founder Mike Porath

Real Talk on CP: Insights from Future Physical Therapists

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