Episodes

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.