Episodes

As disability rights face renewed challenges and workplace inclusion efforts come under increasing scrutiny, how can organizations continue creating environments where everyone belongs? In this powerful and candid conversation, Julie Sowash sits down with Dr. Victoria Verlezza, award-winning thought leader, neurodiversity advocate, and creator of the Cognitive Equity Leadership Model. Together, they explore the intersection of disability rights, psychological safety, neuroinclusion, and workplace culture during a time of significant social and political change. Drawing from her lived experience as an autistic and ADHD professional, Dr. Verlezza challenges organizations to move beyond performative inclusion and build systems that support people without requiring them to mask, disclose, or conform. The conversation tackles everything from the rollback of disability rights protections to the impact of AI in hiring, inclusive leadership practices, accountability in workplace culture…

What happens when thousands of qualified candidates are filtered out by the same AI system? In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, Julie Sowash sits down with workforce strategist and advocate Beverly Dines to unpack the growing impact of AI-driven hiring tools—and the real-world consequences for job seekers navigating today’s market. Grounded in a recent Stanford study on algorithmic bias, this conversation goes beyond the headlines to explore how “algorithmic monocultures” are shaping who gets seen, who gets filtered out, and how opportunity is distributed. Beverly brings a powerful mix of data, lived experience, and tactical guidance, offering both job seekers and employers a clearer path forward. From the emotional toll of repeated rejection to actionable strategies for bypassing automated systems, this episode centers on one key question: how do we build hiring practices that are both efficient and truly human?

What if the biggest barrier to opportunity isn’t intent, but the assumptions we never question? In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash sits down with educator, author, and founder of LightWork Equitable Solutions, Dr. ClauDean “Dr. K” Kizart, to unpack how bias shows up in ways we often don’t recognize—especially anchoring bias, or our tendency to rely on first impressions and incomplete information. Drawing from her own lived experience and years of research across education systems, Dr. K explores how early beliefs shape lifelong outcomes—from classrooms to careers—and why even well-intentioned people can unknowingly reinforce inequity. Together, they break down the connection between bias, blind spots, and structural inequality, offering practical strategies leaders, educators, and employers can use to make better, more inclusive decisions. If you’ve ever wondered why inequities persist, this conversation will change how you think about bi…

Chronic illness affects millions of people worldwide, yet support systems remain fragmented, difficult to navigate, and often inaccessible. For many, the journey is not just medical but also deeply isolating. In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, Julie Sowash sits down with Cyndii Sinex, public health practitioner and founder of the upcoming Chronic Illness Hotline, to explore how lived experience can drive meaningful change. After more than a decade navigating misdiagnosis, medical error, and systemic barriers, Cyndii is transforming her experience into a first-of-its-kind solution: a free, text-based, peer-support hotline designed for people living with chronic illness, pain, injury, and neurodivergence. This conversation is both eye-opening and hopeful—offering a powerful reminder that support doesn’t have to be complicated to be life-changing.

What does authentic leadership actually look like, and why does it matter more than ever for disability inclusion at work? In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash is joined by Megan Fuciarelli, Founder & Chief Empowerment Officer of US2 Consulting, to unpack one of the biggest workplace challenges in 2026: the growing gap between what employers say and what employees experience. Drawing on recent disability employment data and real-world examples—from federal accommodation policy rollbacks to employer lawsuits and shifting DEI commitments—this conversation explores why trust is breaking down in the workplace and what leaders can do to rebuild it.

In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash sits down with Myles Wallace, Disability Inclusion Partner at Peak Performers, to unpack what disability hiring really looks like in 2026. From outdated job descriptions and biased resume screening to interviews that unintentionally exclude neurodivergent and disabled candidates, Myles shares where employers continue to get it wrong—and what meaningful inclusion actually requires. The conversation also dives into the growing role of AI in hiring, exploring both its promise as an accessibility tool and its risks when bias is automated at scale. Drawing on lived experience, employer advising, and years in disability staffing, Myles offers practical insight for organizations that want to move beyond performative inclusion and build hiring processes that work for people.

In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash sits down with Davina Douthard—founder of Polishing the Professional and creator of The Able Show—to challenge one of the most persistent barriers in disability employment: the charity mindset. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in image management, workforce development, and inclusive entertainment, Davina shares powerful insights on authentic personal branding, transferable skills, and why disability inclusion must move beyond quotas and good intentions. Together, Julie and Davina explore how job seekers with disabilities can build careers rooted in confidence and capability—and how employers can create inclusive brands without reinforcing harmful stereotypes. This conversation is a must‑listen for disabled professionals, employers, and advocates committed to building workplaces that value contribution over charity.

In this powerful Season 3 kickoff of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash sits down with sisters and co‑founders of Dateability, Jacqueline and Alexa Child, to explore how lived experience, legal insight, and pure sister‑energy transformed a shared frustration into the world's leading dating app for disabled and chronically ill people. From navigating ableism on mainstream dating platforms to building an inclusive alternative from scratch—with no tech background and plenty of obstacles along the way—Jacqueline and Alexa share the emotional, logistical, and deeply human story behind Dateability's creation. Listeners will hear about the app's innovative features, the importance of safe and normalized disclosure, the role of disability‑centered community in dating, and the real‑life love stories proving the platform's impact, including Dateability's first wedding. The episode also dives into safety, funding challenges, press wins, and the sisters' unwavering commitment to b…

Join us for a special year-end episode of "Changing Minds, Changing Lives" as host Julie Sowash sits down with Keith Meadows, Executive Director of Disability Solutions, for an honest and insightful conversation about the future of disability employment. Keith shares his journey from restaurant management to leading a national nonprofit, revealing how customer service skills and operational know-how translate into driving real change for job seekers with disabilities. Discover how Disability Solutions has evolved from a scrappy consulting startup to a scalable, data-driven organization helping employers optimize their hiring processes and create truly inclusive workplaces. Keith and Julie discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the disability community in 2025, including the impact of AI on hiring, the importance of accessible remote work, and why companies committed to disability inclusion are gaining a competitive edge. Whether you're an HR leader, a job seeker, or sim…

In this episode of Changing Minds and Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash, CEO of Catch 22 Group and the Job Board Doctor, and founder of Disability Solutions, sits down with Tara Turk-Haynes — strategist, storyteller, equity activator, and founding member of Hacking HR — for a candid, no-nonsense conversation about the state of DEI in today’s workplaces and the growing controversy surrounding SHRM’s shift away from diversity, equity, and inclusion. Together, Julie and Tara unpack how SHRM’s recent decisions — including its rebranding of DEI, the leadership of CEO Johnny C. Taylor, and the 2025 SHRM Blueprint Conference featuring keynote panelists Van Jones and Robby Starbuck — signal deeper issues about values, leadership, and the future of human resources. Tara shares her personal journey from administrative assistant to executive leader, the lessons she’s learned about data-driven inclusion, and why equity — not just diversity or inclusion — is what truly transforms workplaces.…

In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, Julie Sowash welcomes Chris Ruden, a world record-holding powerlifter, motivational speaker, inclusion advocate, and finalist on NBC’s Titan Games. Born with a disability and later diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, Chris shares how years of hiding his hand shaped his understanding of self-acceptance, resilience, and ultimately, his purpose. Julie and Chris delve into the complexities of psychological safety at work, examining why it cannot be reduced to a simple yes-or-no question and how leaders can foster cultures of trust and belonging through consistency, active listening, and authenticity. Chris also discusses the impact of internalized ableism, offering candid insight into his own journey from self-doubt to empowerment, and the pivotal moments that helped him stop hiding and step fully into his identity. Together, they examine the difference between showing up for employees versus speaking on their behalf, the risks compani…

In this compelling episode, Brandy Schantz—Army veteran, former intelligence professional, and chronic illness advocate—joins Julie Sowash to share how her life was upended by severe Crohn’s disease, drug-induced lupus, and dysautonomia. Brandy opens up about navigating a healthcare system that offered little support and a workforce that wasn’t built for people with chronic illness. Her story challenges common assumptions about who gets sick and how they’re treated—and why so many women in their prime working years are being left behind. Together, Brandy and Julie discuss: - What chronic illness really means - How it intersects with disability and employment - The real-life barriers to staying employed with an “invisible” illness—and what needs to change - What employers can do to support those with chronic illnesses in their workforce Brandy calls attention to a community often left out of the disability conversation, despite their growing numbers. Her advocacy reminds u…

In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, Julie Sowash talks with Jennifer Dewees, Executive Director of MCCEI, about how the construction industry is evolving to meet a critical workforce shortage—and why it’s becoming a powerful, inclusive pathway for Gen Z, women, and people with disabilities. Jennifer shares how Maryland is leading the way with apprenticeship programs that offer debt-free, hands-on careers in the built environment. They dive into how neurodiverse individuals are thriving in construction, and how MCCEI’s partnership with Kennedy Krieger Institute is helping organizations better support alternative learning styles and accessible workplaces. Highlights include: 40% of the construction workforce is retiring—who will replace them? Earn-and-learn apprenticeships with no student debt Breaking down barriers for women and people with disabilities Why construction is ideal for neurodiverse workers Gen Z’s rise as the “Toolbelt Generation” Changing …

In this episode of Changing Minds, Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash sits down with Travis Davis, a speaker, entrepreneur, and disability advocate living with cerebral palsy. Travis shares his journey of advocating for disabilities, from his college days to becoming a TEDx speaker and host of the podcast *Off the Crutch*. Travis discusses the motivation behind his brand, which aims to help others overcome their mental “crutches,” and his involvement with the Rush Bowls franchise, designed to create job opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Join us for this inspiring conversation that highlights the importance of inclusivity and self-advocacy. Tune in to be empowered and informed! Changing Minds & Changing Lives is produced by Disability Solutions, a nonprofit consulting firm and job board that partners with global brands to drive inclusive hiring and disability-inclusive talent strategies.

What does it mean to be seen, but not truly heard? When the color of your skin speaks louder than your voice, and your neurodivergence is misread as defiance, disinterest, or something to be corrected? In this powerful episode, guest host Grant Harris sits down with two thought-provoking guests whose lives and work sit at the intersection of race, disability, and identity. Ian Gibbs-Hall is the creator of Curiosity Architecture and the founder of Sonder, a social enterprise that rehumanizes how we perceive ourselves and the systems in which we live. His work blends systems thinking, empathy, and spiritual insight to challenge how institutions define value and behavior. Ian explores how metrics, language, and culture often obscure neurodivergent brilliance—and how reimagining these structures starts with the questions we ask. Natasha Grant Holmberg offers both a personal and generational lens, grounded in her lived experience as a neurodivergent professional with ADHD. As the …

In this compelling episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash sits down with disability advocate, policy leader, and employment innovator David Rice for a conversation that spans personal resilience, systemic change, and the future of disability inclusion. David shares his powerful journey from being the only Deaf student in his community to leading transformational work at the National Institutes of Health and advising organizations through the CEO Commission on Disability Employment. Together, Julie and David explore the intersection of disability and healthcare, workplace accessibility, and what it truly takes to build inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. David also offers practical advice for employers, including how to support employees with disabilities, the business case for accessibility, and why believing in people with disabilities can make a significant difference. As they discuss, designing inclusive workplaces for people with disabili…

Holly O’Hern returns to Changing Minds & Changing Lives for a candid and compassionate conversation with host Julie Sowash about grief in the workplace. Together, they explore the many forms grief can take—from losing a loved one to the quiet mourning of fading DEI commitments. Holly offers thoughtful guidance on how to show up for colleagues who are grieving and why creating space for grief at work is essential for truly inclusive cultures. This episode is a must-listen for leaders, coworkers, and anyone seeking to incorporate empathy into their daily work.

RFK Jr.'s recent comments about autism have drawn stark criticism from the autism community. He inaccurately claimed autistic individuals "will never pay taxes, hold a job, or write a poem..." This week's guest, autism advocate and college junior, Kadin McElwain, is proving RFK Jr. wrong on every front. Julie and Kadin discuss politics and government policy, including cuts to the Department of Education and Health and Human Services. They also dive into the influence of conspiracy theories on public perception of autism.

Julie sits down with Senior Director of Global Talent Acquisitions, Ron Fish, to explore his approach to fostering inclusive hiring practices within his organization. Ron shares his vision for building a diverse workforce and highlights the strategies and initiatives being implemented to create an equitable hiring process. Discover how this talent acquisition leader is promoting and supporting inclusive hiring in a global organization.

In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, Grant Harris opens up to Julie about his late-life autism diagnosis, sharing his journey of understanding and accepting his neurodistinct behaviors. He discusses the impact of his diagnosis on both his personal life and professional endeavors, particularly through his consulting firm, GTH Consulting. The conversation also explores the importance of neurodiversity in the workplace and how fostering an inclusive environment can benefit organizations. Grant’s candid insights offer valuable perspectives on embracing differences and the challenges and rewards that come with neurodiversity.

Julie meets with Dr. Lucy Reynolds, the Managing Director of We Are All Disabled, to discuss the Affirmative Model of Disability. Dr. Lucy shares her efforts to change societal perceptions of disability through her PhD research and personal experiences. She also shares some exciting personal news contributing to her community and mission.

Julie talks with Holly O’Hern of Regime Change (a corporate learning and development company) about courageous leadership, creating safe spaces, trauma-informed workplaces, recent DEI backlash, and more.

Julie sits down with Hollywood talent manager, Elle Potruch to break down what goes into managing and advocating for talent with disabilities in the current entertainment industry landscape.

Disability Inclusion Consultant and Public Speaker Calum Grevers shares his personal experiences navigating the social housing systems and accessibility barriers in Scotland throughout his quest to live independently as a person with a disability and a full-time wheelchair user.