181: What Happens After 18? Navigating Adulthood on the Autism Spectrum

EP 182: Reinvention and Telling the Truth About a Meaningful Life with Cinda Gault

In this thought-provoking episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with writer Cinda Gault to explore her journey from a career in social services to becoming a storyteller dedicated to capturing the depth and complexity of women’s lives. What began as a search for meaningful work evolved into a deeper realization: sometimes the “right” path on paper isn’t the one that fulfills you. Cinda shares how honesty became the turning point in her life—learning to listen to her inner voice rather than societal expectations. Through her writing, she brings to life the struggles, courage, and resilience of women across generations, with a particular focus on the transformative era of the 1970s—a time that reshaped conversations around identity, autonomy, and opportunity. The conversation explores the ongoing challenges women face today in balancing ambition, motherhood, and personal fulfillment, and how those themes echo across time. Cinda emphasizes that storytelling is not just about entertainment—it’s about truth, connection, and honoring the experiences that shape who we are. This episode is a powerful reminder that living a meaningful life requires courage, honesty, and a willingness to step outside convention—and that the stories we tell can inspire others to do the same. #PodMatch 00:00 Finding purpose through storytelling 02:07 The journey to writing 06:13 The courage to change paths 09:54 The evolution of storytelling 13:56 Women breaking conventions 18:12 Lessons from the 1970s 18:53 Embracing honesty for a meaningful life Subscribe to the Flying Upstream newsletter and join a growing community of visionary souls, healers, and creatives https://flying-upstream.kit.com/5a525057c4 [https://flying-upstream.kit.com/5a525057c4] Watch this episode on the Flying Upstream YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCru9Sle2Ms_tmgEL_Bo8ZaA [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCru9Sle2Ms_tmgEL_Bo8ZaA] Explore the Flying Upstream Blog https://flyingupstreamblog.com/blog/ [https://flyingupstreamblog.com/blog/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563051165826 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563051165826] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyingupstreampodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/flyingupstreampodcast/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flying-upstream-podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/flying-upstream-podcast] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flyingupstream [https://www.tiktok.com/@flyingupstream]_ women's stories, writing journey, courage, historical fiction, breaking conventions, meaningful life, storytelling, personal growth, women's history, 1970s

181: What Happens After 18? Navigating Adulthood on the Autism Spectrum

In this insightful episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with April Ratchford, an occupational therapist and advocate for autistic adults, to explore a critical and often overlooked transition: life after high school. While many systems provide structure and support during childhood, April highlights the significant gap that exists once individuals enter adulthood. Drawing from both her professional experience and her personal journey of discovering her own autism, April shares a unique and compassionate perspective on what autistic individuals truly need as they move toward independence. She discusses the challenges families face navigating limited resources, the importance of meeting individuals where they are, and why the timeline to independence may look different—and that’s okay. The conversation also explores the role of technology as both a powerful tool and a potential challenge, depending on how it’s guided. April emphasizes the importance of community, connection, and helping individuals pursue their passions as a pathway to purpose and fulfillment. This episode is a valuable resource for parents, caregivers, and anyone seeking to better understand how to support autistic individuals beyond traditional milestones—and a reminder that growth and direction are not bound by age. #PodMatch 00:00 Introduction to Flying Upstream 00:57 April Ratchford’s journey and insights 04:08 The challenges of transitioning to adulthood 10:13 The importance of support systems 14:06 The role of podcasting in advocacy 19:55 Technology and its impact on learning 23:00 Advice for parents and future directions Subscribe to the Flying Upstream newsletter and join a growing community of visionary souls, healers, and creatives https://flying-upstream.kit.com/5a525057c4 [https://flying-upstream.kit.com/5a525057c4] Watch this episode on the Flying Upstream YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCru9Sle2Ms_tmgEL_Bo8ZaA [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCru9Sle2Ms_tmgEL_Bo8ZaA] Explore the Flying Upstream Blog https://flyingupstreamblog.com/blog/ [https://flyingupstreamblog.com/blog/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563051165826 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563051165826] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyingupstreampodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/flyingupstreampodcast/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flying-upstream-podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/flying-upstream-podcast] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flyingupstream [https://www.tiktok.com/@flyingupstream]_ autism, adulthood, podcasting, support systems, transition, occupational therapy, community, technology, independence, parenting

180: Are You Stuck in the “Fine Zone”? Break Free and Live an Extraordinary Life

In this powerful episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with Susan Hall to explore a life-altering journey through adversity, resilience, and personal transformation. After being diagnosed with a rare bone cancer while navigating multiple personal challenges, Susan was forced to confront not only her circumstances—but the way she had been living her life.At the heart of this conversation is the concept of the “fine zone”—a place where life feels comfortable, acceptable, and predictable… but ultimately unfulfilled. Susan shares how staying in “fine” can quietly keep people stuck, preventing them from stepping into the extraordinary life they’re truly capable of living.Through vulnerability and hard-earned wisdom, Susan emphasizes that adversity does not have to define you—it can refine you. She invites listeners to ask a powerful question: How can I use this experience to help others? From there, she breaks down how small, intentional actions, paired with gratitude and self-awareness, can create meaningful change.This episode is a call to stop settling, to embrace your unique journey, and to recognize that you always have a choice in how you respond to life. Because growth doesn’t come from staying comfortable—it comes from stepping forward, one decision at a time.#PodMatch00:00 Introduction to the journey of self-discovery01:52 The year that changed everything11:13 Finding strength in adversity19:36 Breaking free from the fine zone24:49 Embracing your unique journeySubscribe to the Flying Upstream newsletter and join a growing community of visionary souls, healers, and creativeshttps://flying-upstream.kit.com/5a525057c4Watch this episode on the Flying Upstream YouTube channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCru9Sle2Ms_tmgEL_Bo8ZaAExplore the Flying Upstream Bloghttps://flyingupstreamblog.com/blog/Susan Hall's Site: https://www.decidehappy.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563051165826Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyingupstreampodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flying-upstream-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flyingupstream_self-discovery, personal growth, overcoming adversity, fine zone, gratitude, vulnerability, extraordinary life, mental health, resilience, empowerment

EP 179: Find Your Voice: From Fear to Confident Public Speaking

In this empowering episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros sits down with Debbie Fay to explore her inspiring journey from personal adversity to becoming a successful public speaking coach. Debbie shares how a pivotal moment in her life led her to pursue her passion for helping others communicate with confidence and clarity.Together, they unpack one of the most common fears people face—public speaking—and why it holds so many back from sharing their ideas, stories, and expertise. Debbie offers practical insights on how to shift your mindset, manage nerves, and step into your voice with confidence. One of her most powerful messages is simple but transformative: when you focus on serving your audience, your fear begins to fade.Debbie also dives into the art of storytelling, the importance of rehearsing out loud, and how to craft presentations that truly resonate. She encourages listeners to see their message as a gift—something that could impact, inspire, or even change someone else’s life.This conversation is a powerful reminder that confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build. And your voice is meant to be heard.#PodMatch00:00 The journey to public speaking coaching12:06 Overcoming fear and building confidence17:46 Creating impactful presentations21:55 Encouragement to share your voiceSubscribe to the Flying Upstream newsletter and join a growing community of visionary souls, healers, and creativeshttps://flying-upstream.kit.com/5a525057c4Watch this episode on the Flying Upstream YouTube channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCru9Sle2Ms_tmgEL_Bo8ZaAExplore the Flying Upstream Bloghttps://flyingupstreamblog.com/blog/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563051165826Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyingupstreampodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flying-upstream-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flyingupstream_public speaking, coaching, confidence, presentations, fear, storytelling, personal growth, communication, audience engagement, career change

178: MLB to Motivational Speaker: Michael Bugary’s Journey of Identity, Addiction, and Recovery

In this powerful episode of Flying Upstream, host Kristyn Medeiros speaks with Michael Bugary, whose life journey is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the power of rebuilding from rock bottom. Once a promising athlete, Michael’s identity was deeply tied to baseball—until a devastating arm injury abruptly ended his career and left him questioning who he was without the game.What followed was a difficult descent into addiction, compounded by a life-altering brain tumor diagnosis. Michael shares the raw reality of losing his sense of self-worth, numbing pain through substance use, and feeling like he was merely surviving rather than truly living. But within those darkest moments, a path toward recovery began to emerge.A turning point in Michael’s journey came through unexpected healing—particularly through his therapy dog, Lingo, who helped him reconnect with presence, purpose, and emotional awareness. Through resilience, acceptance, and a commitment to growth, Michael began rebuilding his life, eventually stepping into a new role as a motivational speaker and author dedicated to helping others.This episode is a reminder that identity is not defined by achievements, that even the deepest struggles can lead to meaningful transformation, and that no matter how far you’ve fallen, you are still worthy of a new beginning.#PodMatch00:00 The journey of identity and loss09:48 Facing adversity: cancer and addiction19:56 Finding purpose and redemptionSubscribe to the Flying Upstream newsletter and join a growing community of visionary souls, healers, and creativeshttps://flying-upstream.kit.com/5a525057c4Watch this episode on the Flying Upstream YouTube channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCru9Sle2Ms_tmgEL_Bo8ZaAExplore the Flying Upstream Bloghttps://flyingupstreamblog.com/blog/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563051165826Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyingupstreampodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flying-upstream-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flyingupstream_identity, addiction, recovery, resilience, motivation, mental health, personal growth, baseball, cancer, transformation