So many disabled people still lack practical access to the information, ideas, and culture shared by more connected members of the disability community. And until fairly recently, disabled people with something to share had few outlets to do so on any kind of meaningful scale.
The internet has changed things for both groups —those looking for a disability community and those who want to help create it. Podcasting offers a unique and particularly enriching way for disabled people get information, emotional enrichment, and a more personal sense of connection, all from their own homes and devices.
The following podcasts are recommended by Andrew Pulrang, a freelance writer with lifelong disabilities and 22 years experience as a service provider and executive in nonprofit disability services and advocacy.
Disability Podcast Recommendations
The Accessible Stall
Website: The Accessible Stall
- Hosted by Emily Ladau and Kyle Khachadurian – @emily_ladau and @ImNotKardashian
- 95 episodes, the first in April 2016, the latest in May 2021.
- Casual conversations and friendly arguments about both light and heavy everyday disability topics, with two good disabled friends who often have different takes on disability issues.
- Good episode to start with: Episode 87: Disability Etiquette
- Transcripts included.
The Disability Visibility Podcast
Website: Disability Visibility Project
- Hosted by Alice Wong – @DisVisability
- 100 episodes, the first in September 2017, the last in April 2021.
- In-depth interviews and discussions with disability community leaders and creators, on disability identity, culture, activism and politics, with an emphasis on intersections of disability and race, gender, sexuality, and other marginalized identities.
- Good episode to start with: Episode 21: Disabled Comedians
- Transcripts included.
Barrier Free Futures Podcast
Website: KSFR Santa Fe Public Radio
- Hosted by Bob Kafka
- Over 300 weekly episodes, the first in February 2015, the latest in June 2021.
- Interviews with disability activists and other disabled people in the disability community, on current disability issues, history and experiences.
- Good episode to start with: April 11, 2020 Crip Camp
- Shows posted after December 2020 have transcripts.
Down to the Struts
Website: Down to the Struts
- Hosted by Qudsiya Naqui
- 15 episodes, the first in October 2020, the latest in June 2021.
- A look at accessible design, both physical and cultural, from a wide variety of angles and voices.
- Good episode to start with: Episode 1: Getting Wise About Disability with Dr. Arielle Silverman
- Transcripts included.
Power Not Pity
Website: Power Not Pity
- Hosted by Bri M. – @powernotpity
- 12 episodes, the first in October 2017, the latest in March 2021.
- Exploring the full range of disability experience, particularly through the stories and work of disabled people of color.
- Good episode to start with: Episode 8: “Our Companion Animals, Our Selves” feat. Kay Ulanday Barrett
- Transcripts included.
Included: The Disability Equity Podcast
Website: Johns Hopkins Disability Health Research Center
- Hosted by Bonnielin Swenor, Ph.D. and Nick Reed – @BonnieSwenorPhD and @NickSReed
- Discussions and interviews aimed at fighting ableist stereotypes and more fully understanding trends in disability issues and policy.
- Good episode to start with: Episode 13: Disability Data
- Transcripts included.
Disability After Dark
Website: Wheels on The Ground Productions and Andrew Gurza
- Hosted by Andrew Gurza – @andrewgurza
- Frank discussions about sex, sexuality, relationships, and other aspects of the disability experience. Note: contains explicit language.
- Good episode to start with: Episode 247: Is Zach of The Try Guys Disabled? w/Zach Kornfeld
- No transcripts.
Ouch! … the cabin fever podcast
Website: BBC Radio
- Hosted by Beth Rose, Emma Tracey, Keiligh Baker and Kate Monaghan
- Hundreds of episodes going back to at least April, 2015 in the current format, and similar content from years before that, are available on the BBC website. The most recent episode is from June 2021.
- The BBC’s “Ouch!” Podcast in some form may be the first true disability podcast. It covers a wide range of disability issues, often more than one topic in each episode. It’s scope is global, but with a focus on the United Kingdom.
- Good episode to start with: May 2, 2019: ‘I realised not everyone has to be a Paralympian’
- Transcripts included.
Excerpted from “8 Disability Podcasts That Are Well Worth A Listen” in Forbes Magazine. Read the full article online.
Source: Forbes Magazine | 8 Disability Podcasts That Are Well Worth A Listen, https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewpulrang/2021/06/26/8-disability-podcasts-that-are-well-worth-a-listen/?sh=7ba2d7c45f4b | © 2022 Forbes Media LLC. Vector image designed by Freepik
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