This is the final episode of the Spontaneous Mutation podcast, where the story wraps…for now!

Halley shares that throughout the podcast she was searching for a story she could relate to about a dysfunctional family to discuss the extra layers of grief that get mixed into self-perception. So she shares more of her own struggles to better understand why it took her so long to reflect on the impact her condition and facial difference has had on her socially.

She segues into the origin story of the song, “The Raven and the Ponderosa Pine,” and ties it to one of the most enduring American tropes, that of the lone cowboy, and how easy it is to fall into isolation and despair when you believe yourself to be alone.

In the 6th episode of Spontaneous Mutation podcast, Halley recalls a turning point in her healing when she began to remember the good memories in her life, and specifically the love she experienced from her community, friendships, and family.

Her guest, author and humorist, David Roche shares stories from his life, reflections on activism, and if you listen closely, a guidebook to following your heart.

The song you hear on this episode is called "Love Is."

Bio: David Roche is an inspirational humorist and motivational speaker. In addition to appearing internationally as a guest speaker and headliner, he has been in multiple films and documentaries. In 2022 he was awarded the Order of Canada for his contributions to the field of disability art.

His first book, The Church of 80% Sincerity, is based on his signature one-man show of the same title. David was born in Hammond, Indiana, the eldest of seven children. His sixteen years of Roman Catholic education included four years studying to be a priest at Saint Lawrence Seminary in Wisconsin. And as you’ll hear throughout the interview, David’s life did not go as planned. Lucky for us, he has generously and hilariously shared so much of what he has learned along the way in his recently published book, Standing at the Back Door of Happiness: And How I Unlocked It

Links:

David's Website

"Love at Second Sight"

Church of 80% Sincerity

Standing at the Back Door of Happiness: And How I Unlocked It

Face Equality International

"Hollywood Must Face Up to the Way It Uses Disfigurements like Mine as a Metaphor for Fear"

Temporary: The Only Constant is Change

In episode 5 of the Spontaneous Mutation podcast, we welcome researcher and disability advocate Rasheera Dopson.

Halley opens the episode describing a particularly hard day she had after a check up at the hospital while she was taking what was being called the “miracle drug” for neurofibromatosis, which ultimately didn’t work for her. She talks about the hardship of putting your hopes in something that ultimately makes you really sick, and the decision to stop treatment to take care of yourself.

Rasheera shares about her Beauty with a Twist brand and discusses different kinds of beauty, walks us through applying a disability lens to intersectionality, and her experience working through the aftermath of a surgery she had on “Botched”, a plastic surgery reality show.

The music for this episode is called “Temporary.”

Bio: Rasheera Dopson (she/her) is a disability advocate, researcher, and digital storyteller dedicated to advancing equity for women and girls with disabilities. She is a PhD student at Northern Arizona University and the founder of the Womanhood and Disability podcast, where she amplifies stories at the intersection of disability and womanhood.

Links:

Rasheera's Facebook

Rasheera's Instagram

Goldenhar Syndrome: Learning to Embrace My 'Beauty with a Twist'

Rasheera Dopson: Black Women Leaders and Disability Justice

WomanHood and Disability Podcast