A tribute to Peggy and Marsha Welcome to a very special Mother's Day episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast," where we turn the spotlight to the exceptional women who shaped us—our mothers. In this heartfelt episode, Alycia and her husband, Marty, open up about the enduring influence of their late mothers and the profound lessons they imparted. Marty reminisces about his mother, Peggy, who overcame life's sudden shifts to nurture a large family with unwavering strength...

Welcome Mason Branstrator! In this episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast," Alycia Anderson sits down with Mason Branstrator, a content creator, public speaker and adaptive athlete. At 17, Mason’s life was changed by a skiing accident that left him paralyzed. Through determination and a renewed outlook, Mason embraced optimism, earning hundreds of thousands of followers who are inspired by his journey. Tune in to learn how the Firefly attachment opened new...

Understanding Bipolar Disorder Welcome to another episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast," where we amplify voices from the disability community. This May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, Alycia is joined by her sister-in-law and personal hero, Peggy Sellery. Peggy, an MIT and Columbia graduate, opens up about her years long struggle with bipolar disorder, shedding light on both the challenges and triumphs of learning how to accept, manage and adapt to her...

Welcome Kimberly Elliott, belikejosh founder Welcome back to Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast, where we celebrate the voices reshaping our understanding of disability. This episode features Kimberly Elliott, the heart and soul behind the Be Like Josh Foundation, a dedicated advocate for dogs with neurological disabilities. The Foundation's Mission Kimberly Elliott, inspired by her dog Josh, has transformed her compassion into a dynamic advocacy platform. Josh, a delightful...

AI's Neurodiverse Edge What if the key to the next AI breakthrough lies within the neurodiverse mind? In this episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast," we're joined by Yan Vishnepolsky. Yan, diagnosed with ADHD and on the autism spectrum, shares how these "superpowers" fuel his passion and success in AI and UX design. Yan's synergy between neurodiversity and artificial intelligence is setting the tech world ablaze. Key Moments: 🧠 Yan's Introduction to Neurodiversity:...

Welcome Joci Scott, actor, singer, dancer, content creator, and disability representation advocate In this episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast, meet Joci Scott an actress whose life took an unexpected turn following a plane crash which lead to paralysis. From early theater days to her empowering performances with the Rollettes and groundbreaking roles and creations in films (including The Disability Film Challenge), hear how Joci is carving out a new path for...

Welcome Joanne Lopez, VP Market Manager/Women in Business Ambassador at Valley Bank Alycia Anderson welcomes Joanne Lopez to Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast. Joanne shares journey from her early beginnings in Trinidad and Tobago to her notable ascent as a VP Market Manager and Women in Business Ambassador. Her story is more than just professional success; it pulls back the layers into overcoming life's obstacles with determination and a deep commitment to financial literacy...

Welcome Catarina Rivera "Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast," welcomes Catarina Rivera, a leader of inspiration in disability awareness, inclusion, and accessibility. As a disabled Latina woman, Catarina has navigated a complex journey from the quiet acceptance of her hearing and vision disabilities to becoming a vocal advocate and change-maker. Through her story, we see the power of community, the pivotal moments that define our paths, and how embracing one's truth can ignite...

Welcome Lindsay Ulrey to Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast Join Alycia Anderson as she welcomes Dr. Lindsay Ulrey, a clinical psychologist with a heartfelt dedication to supporting individuals during the perinatal stages and beyond. Dr. Ulrey's professional focus on this area intersects with her personal experiences and advocacy work. Dr. Ulrey boldly shares her personal narrative of adapting to motherhood as a wheelchair user sharing both challenges and triumphs of...

Welcome Jillian (Ilana) Curwin! Alycia Anderson sits down with the vibrant Jillian Curwin, known in the digital sphere as Jillian Ilana, for another episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast. As an advocate, podcaster, and storyteller, Jillian uses her platforms to challenge perceptions and standup for the dwarfism community. From the streets of New York to the airwaves of her podcast "Always Looking Up," Jillian is a powerful voice of inclusivity, visibility, and...

Welcome, Dr. Donna Walton This heartwarming episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast" shines a spotlight on the incredible Dr. Donna Walton, founder of the Divas With Disabilities Project. Dr. Walton's journey is nothing short of inspirational, evolving from a dream of dancing on the big stage to becoming a formidable voice for women with disabilities. After facing a pivotal life change at 18 due to bone cancer, Dr. Walton didn't just adapt; she soared, dedicating her...

Welcome Jonathan Goodwin In this moving episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia," Alycia Anderson welcomes Jonathan Goodwin, a retired stunt performer whose life took a dramatic turn following a near-fatal accident on the set of "America's Got Talent Extreme." Known for his death-defying stunts and escapology, Jonathan's world was transformed in an instant, leading him down a path of unimaginable challenges. Join Alycia Anderson as she delves into Jonathan's journey from the dazzling heights...

Welcome, Aiesha Robinson! "Pushing Forward with Alycia," honors Black History Month by welcoming Aiesha Robinson, whose life took an unexpected turn with a vitiligo diagnosis at 18. Aiesha's story is a testament to the strength of human spirit, leading her to establish Born To Rise, where she champions self-love, resilience, and the beauty of embracing one's true self. 🖤 Black History Month Highlights: 🌟 Aiesha's personal voyage from vitiligo diagnosis to empowerment 🌱 The seeds of Born To...

Happy Valentine's Day! Join the playful side of love this Valentine's week on "Pushing Forward with Alycia," as Alycia Anderson and her husband, Marty, share the rollercoaster ride of their romance. With a spark that ignited in their youth and a lifetime filled with mischievous camp memories, their love story is anything but ordinary. Highlights: 💌 Marty recounts the pivotal moments that drew them closer, from letters exchanged during times of separation to heartfelt proposals. 💖 Alycia and...

Welcome twin sister Regina and her husband Shane In this episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia," Alycia Anderson invites her twin sister, Regina Weinstein, and brother-in-law, Shane, to share their poignant journey with their daughter Ella, who was born with Congenital Heart Defect (CHD). As we observe American Heart Month and Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week (CHD), their story serves as an offering of hope, boundless strength, and the unbreakable love of family in the face of life's...

Welcome Nick Klingensmith In this episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, we're joined by the incredible Nick Klingensmith, a four-time cancer survivor, type one diabetic, esteemed obstacle course athlete, and bestselling author. Nick shares his remarkable journey from battling grave health challenges to conquering obstacle courses and everything in between. His story isn't just about survival; it's a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of community, and finding purpose in...

2024, Here We Come! Welcome to a special episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia," where host Alycia Anderson welcomes her husband, Marty, as they dive into an inspiring and heartfelt discussion about their journey and goals for the year 2024. This episode is a blend of personal insights, professional ambitions, and a shared passion for advocacy and inclusion. Alycia and Marty's Vision for 2024 🌟 The duo reflects on their experiences and achievements, setting the stage for what lies ahead in...

Welcome Josh Basile! In this stirring episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia," we welcome Josh Basile, a determined C4-5 quadriplegic who turned a life-altering beach accident into a path of relentless advocacy and innovation. As a trial attorney, inventor, and doting father, Josh challenges our views on disability and showcases the incredible feats achievable with grit and determination. His work with Determined2Heal and SPINALpedia.com exemplifies his commitment to empowering others....

Meredith Sadoulet's Vision for an Inclusive Future Join Alycia Anderson in this episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia," where Meredith Sadoulet, founder of ProFound, shares her transition from a successful corporate career to championing disability leadership in the workforce. Meredith opens up about her personal journey with OCD and anxiety, the motivations behind founding Profound, and her vision for an inclusive professional environment. Meredith's Story: 🌟 Meredith Sadoulet's...

Welcome Chelsie Hill In this episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia," Alycia Anderson sits down with Chelsie Hill, the trailblazing founder of the Rollettes wheelchair dance team. With over 728K TikTok followers, 300K+ on Instagram, and 25K+ on YouTube, Chelsie is not just a dancer but a catalyst for change. She discusses her transformative journey from an unexpected tragedy to leading a global movement in wheelchair dance. Channelling passion Chelsie's shares her early aspirations, the...

In this episode Join Alycia Anderson and her husband Marty in this special year-end episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia," as they take a heartfelt stroll down memory lane, reflecting on the remarkable journey of 2023. Highlights of this episode include: 🎙️ Launching the podcast and favorite moments so far. 🌟 Memorable speaking events and the impact of their advocacy work. 🎾 Marty's contributions to adaptive sports and Alycia's groundbreaking presence on stages like Victoria's Secret. 🌍...

A blended families tale Join us in a truly heartwarming episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia," as Alycia Anderson, along with her stepmom Lisa and sister Corinna, opens the doors to the journey of their blended family, rich in love and understanding. Memorable moments: 🌷 Alycia reminisces about her childhood experiences, highlighting the love and guidance she received in the wake of personal loss. 🌟 Lisa's role as a beacon of strength and wisdom, helping Alycia navigate her journey with...

Bill Krebs Lights the Way for Disability Advocacy Get ready for a conversation that will ignite your own inner advocate! In this episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia," Alycia Anderson welcomes Bill Krebs, a Philadelphia powerhouse who's been fighting for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities for over two and a half decades. Bill's story isn't just one of personal triumph over challenges, it's a roadmap for systemic change paved with passion, grit, and a whole lot of...

Weaving Accessibility into Style Join us in this heartfelt episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia," where Alycia Anderson welcomes Mindy Scheier, the heart and soul behind Runway of Dreams. Mindy's personal mission, ignited by her son's simple wish, has evolved into a fashion revolution for inclusivity. Crafting a More Inclusive Fashion World 🌈 Mindy's leap from fashion designer to a champion of change, inspired by her son’s everyday challenges. 🎨 The pivotal transformation,...