25. Creating Spaces for Disabled Voices with Kelly + Avery of The Wheel Talk Podcast

25. Creating Spaces for Disabled Voices with Kelly + Avery of The Wheel Talk Podcast

In this episode, I am joined by Avery Roberts and Kelly Berger, the hosts of the Wheel Talk podcast. Together, they dive into the vital importance of building community and creating accessible spaces for disabled voices. Both Avery and Kelly, who live with an ultra-rare neuromuscular condition (congenital muscular dystrophy), share their personal experiences as advocates within the disability community. As podcast hosts themselves, and disability advocates, Kelly and Avery connect with groups from all over, online and  IRL to talk about the importance of creating space and advocating for disability and rare diseases.  The episode serves as an empowering call to action, reminding listeners that advocating for universal design benefits everyone and that authentic storytelling is essential for normalizing disability in everyday life. KEY TAKEAWAYS * The discussion emphasizes that accessibility is the bare minimum, while equity, ensuring that spaces and systems are designed for everyone from the start, is the goal. * The guests explore the nuances of identity, including person-first versus identity-first language, and the importance of respectful, accurate terminology. * They highlight the positive, albeit slow, shifts toward authentic disability representation in media, such as in Broadway productions and film, stressing that true inclusion involves having disabled individuals in writer's rooms and director's chairs, not just in front of the camera. * They discuss how technology and social media have been transformative tools for connecting people with rare conditions who are geographically scattered, allowing them to share resources and find mutual understanding. MEET THE COZY CREATORS: KELLY BERGER Kelly is a disability and rare disease advocate based in Ohio. Living with Congenital Muscular Dystrophy, she is passionate about using her platform to enact real change for the disability community and putting a face to the rare disease experience. Kelly is dedicated to normalizing disability and fostering equity, ensuring that the community's voice is heard in all spaces. * Find Kelly: @thekellyberger [https://www.instagram.com/thekellyberger/] AVERY ROBERTS Avery is a New York-based professional dancer and disability advocate. Also living with Congenital Muscular Dystrophy, she is deeply focused on the importance of disability representation and authentic inclusion—both in front of the camera and behind the scenes in writer's rooms and director's chairs. Her unique perspective as a performer allows her to bridge the gap between the disability community and the entertainment industry. * Find Avery: @avery.nicole916  [https://www.instagram.com/avery.nicole916/] ABOUT WHEEL TALK PODCAST Kelly and Avery co-host the Wheel Talk podcast, a space created to connect the community, share resources, and discuss the "good, the bad, and the wild" realities of life with a disability. They cover essential topics often ignored by mainstream media, from universal design to the nuances of identity and language. * Listen to Wheel Talk: Search for "Wheel Talk Podcast" on your favourite streaming platform or follow them on social media at @thewheeltalkpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thewheeltalkpodcast/]. Website: https://www.ladieslivingrare.com/ [https://www.ladieslivingrare.com/]

24. Finding the Audacity to Build a Business That Fits Your Life with Sarah Householder

In This Episode of Cozy Chats  In this episode of Cozy Chats, Sarah Householder (The Witty Ladybug) and I tear down the 'hustle culture' myth and get into why you need to channel the 'audacity of a mediocre white man' to override imposter syndrome.  We talk about the overall struggles of building a business with a chronic illness and neurodivergence and the common necessity of building a business that can pivot when your capacity fluctuates, and why building sustainable, imperfect systems is better than burning yourself out.  We want to acknowledge and normalize the idea that we aren't doing it wrong; the system is just broken. If you're a business owner struggling to find a sustainable path, stop forcing yourself into a box and start building on your own terms! KEY TAKEAWAYS * When imposter syndrome hits, adopt the "audacity of a mediocre white man." Stop asking for permission or waiting until you feel fully qualified. If people with less experience and skill can do it, you can too. * If traditional advice like "hustle culture," "post every day," or rigid business plans doesn't work for your brain or body, it’s not because you’re failing. Stop trying to force a disabled/neurodivergent reality into an able-bodied box. * You cannot rely on constant, high-energy output. Focus on building systems and automations that keep your business running during flares or when you’re unable to show up, rather than relying on manual labor. * Your brand should be specific enough to repel people who don’t "get" you. Alienating the wrong audience isn't a failure, it’s an energy-saving strategy that clears the way for the right customers. * Waiting for perfection is just a way to delay starting. Ship the work, see what happens, and iterate later. Done is better than perfect, especially when your capacity is unpredictable. * Forget the formal business plans unless you are seeking funding. Create simple, internal roadmaps to keep yourself focused and prevent you from chasing every "shiny new thing" or distraction. * Entrepreneurship is isolating, but it doesn't have to be. Connecting with other chronically ill and neurodivergent business owners normalizes the reality of fluctuating capacity and helps you realize you aren't the only one struggling. ABOUT THE COZY CREATOR  Sarah Householder is the founder of The Witty Ladybug, a shop built on the premise that you can—and should—navigate chronic illness and late-stage capitalism with a sense of humor. Three years after her own health took a sharp turn, Sarah ditched the traditional "hustle culture" myth to build a business that actually respects the reality of fluctuating capacity. Instead of conforming to standard business models that demand constant, high-energy output, Sarah prioritizes sustainable systems and dark humor to stay afloat. She is an advocate for dropping perfectionism and building a business that accommodates your needs rather than fighting them. Find Sarah online: * Website: thewittyladybug.com [http://thewittyladybug.com] * Socials: @thewittyladybug (Instagram, Facebook, and Threads) chronic illness, neurodivergence, small business, branding, audacity, pivoting, self-acceptance, entrepreneurship, mental health, community

23. Chatting about Low Energy Social Media Strategies with Liz Cruz

IN THIS EPISODE... In this episode, I sit down with Liz Cruz to explore sustainable social media strategies for creators navigating chronic illness, neurodivergence and low-energy seasons. We deconstruct the "hustle" culture of content creation, offering a roadmap for building an authentic community without the burnout. Together, we cover actionable approaches to platform management, effective content pillars, and overcoming the mental barriers to showing up online—helping you find a rhythm that feels uniquely yours and genuinely cozy. KEY TAKEAWAYS  * Sustainable Strategy: Prioritize content creation that fits your capacity, especially when managing chronic illness or neurodivergence. * Platform Alignment: Choose platforms based on your energy and strengths; Facebook for community, Instagram for connection, and LinkedIn for lower-frequency, high-value posts. * Faceless Content: Showcase products, processes, or your space using text overlays and personal stories to connect without needing to be on camera. * Authenticity: Focus on building community through a clear message rather than chasing perfection. * Energy Management: Ditch outdated rules and "shiny object syndrome." Create content you genuinely enjoy, and batch-capture B-roll to save time. * Efficient Workflow: Use scheduling apps like Metricool to streamline planning, and focus on repurposing and reusing content to stay consistent without burnout. * Meaningful Analytics: Ignore vanity metrics. Focus on engagement that drives growth, such as shares, saves, and watch time. * Sustainable Consistency: Define a posting schedule that works for you, rather than feeling pressured to meet generic growth targets. CREATORS BIO  Liz Cruz is a Social Media Strategist and the founder of Cruz Social Co. She specializes in helping creators navigate the complexities of social media, particularly those managing chronic illness, neurodivergence, or low-energy seasons. With a focus on sustainable, authentic community building, Liz helps her clients create strategies that feel manageable and genuinely cozy. You can find her online at @cruzsocialco or visit her website at cruzsocial.co [http://cruzsocial.co]. Thanks For Listening!!  Work With Me - https://chronicallycozylife.com/work-with-me/ [https://chronicallycozylife.com/work-with-me/] Want to be our Next Guest? Fill out the Application - https://chronicallycozylife.com/cozy-chats-podcast-feature-request/ [https://chronicallycozylife.com/cozy-chats-podcast-feature-request/] Join the Cozy Creators Club  - subscribepage.io/jointhecreatorsclub [http://subscribepage.io/jointhecreatorsclub] Discover More Chronically Ill and Neurodivergent Owned Businesses - https://chronicallycozylife.com/business-directory-2-0/ [https://chronicallycozylife.com/business-directory-2-0/] Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/chronicallycozylife/ [https://www.instagram.com/chronicallycozylife/] Threads https://www.threads.com/@chronicallycozylife [https://www.threads.com/@chronicallycozylife] Podcasting software - https://riverside.sjv.io/jeoE7Z [https://riverside.sjv.io/jeoE7Z] (#Af)

22. How to See The Wonder in the World to Avoid Burnout With Chronic Illness with Tiffany Leader

ON THIS EPISODE OF COZY CHATS I talk to Tiffany Leader to discuss the challenges of burnout, especially for chronically ill and neurodivergent entrepreneurs.  After commiserating together and sharing our own experiences, tiffany share  various strategies for managing energy, the importance of self-compassion, and the role of support systems in preventing burnout.  We explore the ways hustle culture has gotten its hold on us and how the culture is changing, especially with the increase of more chronically ill and neurodivergent entrepreneurs in the workforce.  Tiffany also shares her experiences with RV life as a means of avoiding burnout and emphasizes the significance of creating micro moments of wellness.  MEET THE COZY CREATOR Tiffany Leader is the CEO and Licensed Clinical Social Worker of See the Wonder, a mental health and wellness company focused on helping chronically ill and neurodivergent entrepreneurs and service providers recover from burnout and compassion fatigue. Her approach emphasizes observing awe and wonder in the world to facilitate healing. Tiffany offers a variety of services, including virtual therapy in Florida and Nevada, specialized coaching, and training for organizations and nonprofits. You can find more of her work at seethewonder.net [http://seethewonder.net]. THANKS FOR LISTENING!!  Cozy Chats is a podcast normalizing a cozier way to do business for chronically exhausted entrepreneurs.  My name is Randi - and I am a Cozy Content Strategist helping Chronically ill and neurodivergent entrepreneurs, grow their business in a way that works with their capacity.  Work With Me - https://chronicallycozylife.com/work-with-me/ [https://chronicallycozylife.com/work-with-me/] Looking for More Episode - https://chronicallycozylife.com/blogs-cozy-chats-podcast/ [https://chronicallycozylife.com/blogs-cozy-chats-podcast/] Want to be our Next Guest? Fill out the Application - https://chronicallycozylife.com/cozy-chats-podcast-feature-request/ [https://chronicallycozylife.com/cozy-chats-podcast-feature-request/] Join the Cozy Creators Club  - subscribepage.io/jointhecreatorsclub [http://subscribepage.io/jointhecreatorsclub] Discover More Chronically Ill and Neurodivergent Owned Businesses - https://chronicallycozylife.com/business-directory-2-0/ [https://chronicallycozylife.com/business-directory-2-0/]

21. How to Start a Podcast for Chronically Ill Business Owners with Abigail Alvarez

ON THIS EPISODE OF COZY CHATS I talked to Abigail Alvarez - a podcast manager and content repurposing specialist - and together we explored the world of podcasting, discussing its anti-capitalistic nature, the importance of community, and strategies for content creation and SEO.  She also shares her personal experiences as a chronically ill entrepreneur, and emphasizes the flexibility and adaptability of podcasting as a medium.  We covered practical tips for starting a podcast, including hosting options, marketing strategies, and the significance of finding the right guests. Overall, the conversation highlights the empowering aspects of podcasting and the importance of creating a supportive community. Meet the Cozy Creator Abigail Alvarez is a podcast manager and content repurposing specialist who advocates for an anti-capitalistic approach to business through community building and sharing expertise.  As a chronically ill, neurodivergent entrepreneur, she focuses on flexible content strategies that allow creators to reach multiple platforms without burnout. Abigail specializes in helping business owners launch and manage podcasts, turning long-form audio into sustainable marketing assets through SEO and strategic repurposing. Threads: @abigailralvrez Email: sproutsolutions.abigail@gmail.com [sproutsolutions.abigail@gmail.com] Schedule a Strategy Session [https://calendly.com/sproutsolutions-abigail/support-solutions] (mention this episode for $30 off!) Social Media Solutions Etsy Store [https://www.etsy.com/shop/SocialMediaByAbigail] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Podcasting and Connection 01:50 Navigating the Freelance World 04:19 The Anti-Capitalistic Nature of Podcasting 07:55 Content Creation and Repurposing Strategies 11:59 Understanding Podcast Hosting and Distribution 16:06 SEO Basics for Podcasters 23:58 Overcoming Marketing Challenges 31:16 Flexibility and Freedom in Podcasting 37:56 Finding Balance with Chronic Illness 44:20 Connecting with Guests and Building Community THANKS AGAIN FOR LISTENING! Learn More about the Chronically Cozy Creators Community - https://chronicallycozylife.com [https://chronicallycozylife.com] If you enjoyed this episode, you can support the podcast by leaving a tip - https://buy.stripe.com/aFaeVede58pu9DYe7L9sk04 [https://buy.stripe.com/aFaeVede58pu9DYe7L9sk04]  Want to be our Next Guest? Fill out the Application - https://chronicallycozylife.com/cozy-chats-podcast-feature-request/ [https://chronicallycozylife.com/cozy-chats-podcast-feature-request/] Podcasts are filmed and edited using Riverside.com [http://Riverside.com] Podcasting software - https://riverside.sjv.io/jeoE7Z [https://riverside.sjv.io/jeoE7Z] (#Affiliate)