Disability Reality Podcast

Episode 8 - Jillian Ilana Curwin, Take 2: Authentic Representation "For Good"

In episode 8, "oh what a celebration, we'll have today!" we're joined one of our favorite fellow disabled-Jersey-Girls", Jillian Ilana Curwin for another "clock tick" on the show. "Thank Goodness!" Breakdown: Jill joins host Melanie Rivera Waldman, as they explore themes of disability representation in media, personal journeys, and the dynamics of reality TV. They discuss the importance of authentic representation & portrayals of disabled individuals--in the media, the impact of mental health on their lives, and the significance of attending the (then) future premiere, of "Wicked:For Good". The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating social issues within the realm of entertainment, particularly in the context of what's called the "Bravoverse"/ Bravo's Network's reality TV programming, especially via "The Housewives" franchises. Chapters 00:00 Melanie's Intro: "(Flirting) Through Life" 02:54 Disability and Reality 05:29 Wicked Premiere: A Celebration of Representation 08:24 Media and Disability: Lifting the Veil 11:14 Reality TV: Where did the Disabled People Go? 14:10 The Impact of Representation in Film 16:57 Bravo and Below Deck: A Reality TV Revolution 19:40 Housewives and Social Commentary 30:42 Reality TV Dynamics and Personal Connections 33:09 Insults and Their Impact in Reality TV 36:10 More on Disability Representation in Reality Television 39:04 The Evolution of Reality TV and Authentic Representation 41:49 Cultural Commentary and Social Issues in Reality Shows 45:45 The Future of Reality TV and Representation disability, media representation, reality TV, Wicked, mental health, inspiration porn, Bravo, Olympic dreams, personal journeys, social issues

Episode 7 - Emily Ladau + a "Wicked(ly Brief)” Recap

FULL SHOW NOTES, COMING SOON - Please welcome my dear friend Emily Ladau, who honestly felt like a warm and cozy cup of activist self-care. I, who also happens to be a killer-advocate for Disability rights, as well as the author of one of my (non-biased but) absolute favorite books on the subject: "Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally." Our episode begins with a closer look and a bit of a story-time, of my very own "one short day" at the premiere of "Wicked: For Good".Rounding out my interview with Emily, I share my gratitude for all of you, sweet audience of ours! Content alert: If blubbering and happy-tears are at all a trigger to you, please keep scrolling and bless your sweet heart for getting thru today, alone! BELIEVE ME, that alone can be HEAVY some days, and big feelings are okay. Moments unacknowledged on-air: 1. Emily, thank you for loving my nub heart and for thinking “it’s way cuter!!!” 2. In my outro, I sadly forgot to mention and thank you to all of my OG’s & previous podcast guests, you know who you are from this podcast AND the last—you’re truly the real ones! 3. Shout out as always to NBC Universal — 4. All photos and images are and shall remain the property of Melanie Waldman LLC 5. Theme song courtesy of Artlist “Who’s That” Ty simon To purchase Emily’s work:“Demystifying Disability” by Emily Ladau on Audible, Kindle & paperback: ⁠https://amzn.to/4pTpeiY⁠ [https://amzn.to/4pTpeiY] #DisTeaPod #DisabilityReality #DisabilityRealityPodcast #DisabilityActivism #DemystifyingDisability

L'chaiam.. Literally! A Mini-sode Miracle Mitzvah

To make a generous donation in honor of my “Nub-Mitzvah-Project” 12th alive day, here are the links to the organizations that you can donate to: Lucky Fin Project [https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=l_FTChWGfw3FX4_7VKLOacCDZj085DBvihrS-QiTre-15qyOnaopPFhLlzVZu7Oj9IfyH7EupTR7aRe7] https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=l_FTChWGfw3FX4_7VKLOacCDZj085DBvihrS-QiTre-15qyOnaopPFhLlzVZu7Oj9IfyH7EupTR7aRe7 [https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=l_FTChWGfw3FX4_7VKLOacCDZj085DBvihrS-QiTre-15qyOnaopPFhLlzVZu7Oj9IfyH7EupTR7aRe7] AAPD American Association for Person with disabilities https://secure.everyaction.com/Yc3t1__vREStfq6WbSGV5w2 [https://secure.everyaction.com/Yc3t1__vREStfq6WbSGV5w2]

Episode 6 "Austin Halls, DISABLED" for Disability Pride Month

Rounding out July 2025's Disability Pride Month with an absolute BANG is the one and only Grammy Recording Academy member (and friend of the podcast) Austin Halls. TRUST that this episode is nothing but the most joyous of ALL joys.  Share in the laughter, love, and knowledge DROPPED along Austin’s incredible career journey and how both the one and only Lachi @rampd_up and even Gavin Degraw's music producer, all became involved, along the way! We adore you big time, king!!! The latest podcast episode, hosted by Melanie Rivera Waldman is out and streaming wherever you get your podcasts, NOW! For more on the podcast & our host: Host Melanie Rivera Waldman https://linktr.ee/onairmelaniewaldman [https://linktr.ee/onairmelaniewaldman] Disability Reality Podcast Linktree [https://linktr.ee/Disabilityrealitypod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=9077edcb-0884-490c-98ce-657767a79b34] https://linktr.ee/Disabilityrealitypod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=9077edcb-0884-490c-98ce-657767a79b34 [https://linktr.ee/Disabilityrealitypod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=9077edcb-0884-490c-98ce-657767a79b34] Interested in becoming a Substack Producer? Subscribe Here: https://substack.com/@disabilityreality [https://substack.com/@disabilityreality] #DisabilityPride #AustinHalls #Disabled #DisabledIcon #RAMPD #RAMPDup

Episode 5 "Good Bad Things" with Danny Kurtzman

Summary In this episode of the Disability Reality Podcast, host Melanie Waldman speaks with Danny Kurtzman about his feature film 'Good Bad Things.' They discuss the film's impact on the disability community, the importance of authentic representation in media, and the collaborative process of filmmaking. Danny shares his personal journey in the film industry, the significance of community support during challenging times, and the emotional aspects of processing disability grief. The conversation emphasizes the need for continued advocacy and involvement in creating more inclusive content. Link to donation spreadsheet of gofundme’s: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CJeOpQWsVCo6VYXAvChXVvoYzxVJiKPn3nMTCFVMUWc/edit?gid=0#gid=0 Takeaways * Community resilience shines in times of crisis. * Authentic representation in film is crucial. * Feelings should not be dictated by society. * The journey of filmmaking is collaborative and complex. * Disability grief is a significant emotional experience. * Support from the community can drive success in film. * The importance of processing emotions related to disability. * Advocacy for more inclusive content is essential. * The film industry needs authentic voices. * Future projects will continue to push boundaries. * Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Good Bad Things 03:00 Community Resilience and Support 05:52 The Meaning Behind Good Bad Things 08:58 Danny's Journey in Film and Acting 11:50 The Importance of Authentic Representation 14:52 The Collaborative Process of Filmmaking 17:45 Impact of Good Bad Things on the Community 21:01 Disability Grief and Processing Adversity 24:01 Future Aspirations and Community Involvement 27:06 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action