Two Disabled Dudes - Living with Urgency

119 - Are You Messy Like Kyle or Neat Like Sean?

Sean and Kyle are polar opposites in so many different ways.  But this is a strength rather than a weakness.  This week the Dudes discuss their differences and why they work well together.  

118 – Help Improve Voice Recognition Through Google’s Project Euphonia

Like it or not, communicating with smart devices has become a huge part of our lives.  For people with disabilities, this communication can be an essential part of making it through the day.  However these devices have a hard time understanding speech that is outside what they've heard before. Google has launched an effort called Project Euphonia to retrain our devices to understand people who have speech impairments.  Bob MacDonald is one of the leaders of the project and he joins The Dudes...

118 - How We Can Serve the Community Through Google's Project Euphonia - Bob MacDonald

Like it or not, communicating with smart devices has become a huge part of our lives.  For people with disabilities, this communication can be an essential part of making it through the day.  However these devices have a hard time understanding speech that is outside what they've heard before. Google has launched an effort called Project Euphonia to retrain our devices to understand people who have speech impairments.  Bob MacDonald is one of the leaders of the project and he joins The Dud...

117 – What Does Team Gleason Have In Common with Google?

Blair Casey is the Assistant Executive Director of Team Gleason - an organization founded by former NFL player Steve Gleason. The organization is committed to providing for and finding solutions for persons living with ALS. Team Gleason’s staff and volunteers work tirelessly every day to empower those living with ALS to live with continued purpose and as productively and independently as possible. Blair joins the Dudes to talk about their work to support Google's Project Euphonia and how we ...

117 - What does Team Gleason have in Common with Google?

Blair Casey is the Assistant Executive Director of Team Gleason - an organization founded by former NFL player Steve Gleason. The organization is committed to providing for and finding solutions for persons living with ALS. Team Gleason’s staff and volunteers work tirelessly every day to empower those living with ALS to live with continued purpose and as productively and independently as possible. Blair joins the Dudes to talk about their work to support Google's Project Euphonia and how w...

114 Bonus – A Conversation About Debra

BONUS episode! We received a lot of comments about Episode 114 (the encounter with Debra) so we invited a few friends to join us to talk about the sometimes awkward interactions with strangers who may be uncomfortable with disability. Friends who joined us are Shandra and Christian from Florida, Leona from Colorado, and Effie Parks (host of the Once Upon a Gene Podcast) from Seattle.   This bonus episode is unedited. Enjoy!

Bonus Conversation With Friends!

BONUS episode! We received a lot of comments about Episode 114 (the encounter with Debora) so we invited a few friends to join us to talk about the sometimes awkward interactions with strangers who may be uncomfortable with disability. Friends who joined us are Shandra and Christian from Florida, Leona from Colorado, and Effie Parks (host of the Once Upon a Gene Podcast) from Seattle.   This bonus episode is unedited. Enjoy!

116 – What would you change about yourself if you could?

If you could change something about yourself, what would it be?  In this episode, the dudes tackle this question as it relates to disability or as it relates to life in general. Listen and reach out if you have thoughts about this subject.

116 - What would you change about yourself if you could?

If you could change something about yourself, what would it be?  In this episode, the dudes tackle this question as it relates to disability or as it relates to life in general. Listen and reach out if you have thoughts about this subject.

115 – Leading the VEDS Movement – Katie Wright

How do we get moving again after a life threatening diagnosis?  Start a YouTube Channel of course!  That's what Katie did.  She started connecting with the Vascular Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (VEDS) community and now she leads the VEDS Movement for the The Marfan Foundation. Listen to hear her story. Find out more at thevedsmovement.org. And find out more about the people behind the movement at translucentone.blog.

115 - Leading the VEDS Movement - Katie Wright

Where do we start after a life threatening diagnosis.  Start a YouTube Channel of course!  That's what Katie did.  She started connecting with the Vascular Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (VEDS) community and now she leads the VEDS Movement for the The Marfan Foundation. Find out more at thevedsmovement.org. And find out more about the people behind the movement at translucentone.blog

114 – Don’t Judge a Dude by His Wheelchair

Curiosity about someone's disability often comes from a good place but depending on how it is delivered, it can create awkward or even offensive situations.  This week the dudes struggle with how to react in these awkward situations.  It's good for someone to ask questions but there is a line somewhere.  Listen for real life stories and honest conversation. More about how we judge others in Episode 113.

114 - Don't Judge a Dude by his Wheelchair

Curiosity about someone's disability often comes from a good place but depending on how it is delivered, it can create awkward or even offensive situations.  This week the dudes struggle with how to react in these awkward situations.  It's good for someone to ask questions but there is a line somewhere.  Listen for real life stories and honest conversation.

113 – How Do We Define Others?

In the opening episode of Season 4, Sean and Kyle admit to being a little lazy lately and then commit to getting back on the wagon.  That's the power of accountability.  And it's the power of their commitment to their listeners - one insightful episode per week for the next 4 months! The main idea of the episode is all about how we tend to define ourselves and each other by the immediate circumstances.  The Dudes postulate that perhaps we should be defined by the entirety of what we do rathe...

113 - How do we Define Each Other?

In the opening episode of Season 4, Sean and Kyle admit to being a little lazy lately and then commit to getting back on the wagon.  That's the power of accountability!  And it's the power of their commitment to their listeners - one insightful episode per week for the next 4 months! The meat of the episode is all about how we tend to define ourselves and each other by the immediate circumstances.  The Dudes postulate that perhaps we should be defined by the entirety of what we do rather t...

112 – Season 3 Finale – Different Reactions to Coronavirus

Why do we all react differently to a situation - especially when the stakes are high, such as the current situation with Coronavirus?  Sean and Kyle have a few thoughts to share but first we must hear about Sean's recent cluster at physical therapy, and Kyle explains how it is possible to lock yourself out of your own bathroom.  Season 4 starts in August but there are 111 other episodes to enjoy so check them out.  We hope you have a great summer!

112 - Season Finale - Different Reactions to Coronavirus

Why do we all react differently to a situation - especially when the stakes are high, such as the current situation with Coronavirus?  Sean and Kyle have a few thoughts to share but first we must hear about Sean's recent cluster at physical therapy, and Kyle explains how it is possible to lock yourself out of your own bathroom.  Season 4 starts in August but there are 111 other episodes to enjoy so check them out.  We hope you have a great summer!

111 – Coping in Times of Uncertainty with Team Amicus

We’ve had the privilege to work with Amicus Therapeutics on multiple occasions and each time we are moved by their commitment and consistent execution of their corporate mission. This virtual patient panel they facilitated is no exception! Three weeks into the company’s work-from-home arrangements due to COVID-19, Amicus wanted to continue connecting their team members with each other and the patient communities they work on behalf of. We were honored to moderate the conversation between Na...

111 - Copiing in Times of Uncertainty with Team Amicus

We’ve had the privilege to work with Amicus Therapeutics on multiple occasions and each time we are moved by their commitment and consistent execution of their corporate mission. This virtual patient panel they facilitated is no exception! Three weeks into the company’s work-from-home arrangements due to COVID-19, Amicus wanted to continue connecting their team members with each other and the patient communities they work on behalf of. We were honored to moderate the conversation betwe...

110 – How Rare Diseases Impact Carriers – Taylor Kane

After a brave fight, Taylor Kane lost her Dad to a rare disease called Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) when she was 3 years old.  She subsequently found out that she was a carrier of this X-linked disease. For a long time everyone believed that "carriers don't get symptoms."  However, that myth has been busted and Taylor Kane has a clear mission in life.  She started a non-profit called Remember the Girls that builds support and community for carriers of X-linked diseases.  What is X-linked?  The...

110 - How Rare Diseases Impact Carriers - Taylor Kane

After a brave fight, Taylor Kane lost her Dad to a rare disease called Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) when she was 3 years old.  She subsequently found out that she was a carrier of this X-linked disease. For a long time it was believed that "carriers don't get symptoms."  However, that myth has been busted and Taylor Kane has a clear mission in life.  She started a non-profit called Remember the Girls that builds support and community for carriers of X-linked diseases.  What is X-linked?  The...

109 – Hawk’s Eye View on Duchenne MD – Hawken Miller

Hawken Miller is an accomplished young journalist with a clear purpose in life.  He is an incredible representative for the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Community and he has a passion for the work of CureDuchenne. Writing is his chosen medium and he has a keen interest in the e-sports world.  He uses video games to connect with others in the Duchenne Community and he uses writing to explain video games to the every day person.  Hawken is a recent graduate of USC and his journalism experience ...

109 - Hawk's Eye View on Duchenne MD - Hawken Miller

Hawken Miller is an accomplished young writer with a clear purpose in life.  He is an incredible representative for the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Community and he has a passion for the work of CureDuchenne. Writing is his chosen medium and he has a keen interest in the e-sports world.  He uses video games to connect with others in the Duchenne Community and he uses writing to explain video games to the every day person.  Hawken is a recent graduate of USC and his journalism experience in...

108 – #QuarantineLife

As everyday life continues to be dominated by coronavirus quarantine, The Dudes discuss the pros and cons of the situation. - they prognosticate about how things might change because of this pandemic.  Tune in and play along with the thought experiment.

108 - #QuarantineLife

As everyday life continues to be dominated by coronavirus Quarantine, The Dudes discuss the pros and cons of the situation.  They prognosticate about how things might change because of this pandemic.  Tune in and play along with the thought experiment.

107 – Patient Focused Drug Development – James Valentine

James Valentine's mission in life is to help people lead healthier, happier lives. He started learning his craft when he worked for the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) where he played a big role in developing the Patient Focused Drug Development Program. James now works as an attorney in Washington DC where he helps pharmaceutical companies and advocacy groups navigate the path toward approved therapies - which has become more involved in the age of Coronavirus. Listen for insights. ...

107 - Patient focused Drug Development - James Valentine

106 – No Arms, no Legs, no Problem – Gabe Adams

Gabe Adams was born without arms or legs due to HanHart Syndrome. He joins us and shares so much about being "different" from other kids, finding his independence, dating, his upbringing in the Mormon-Christian church and so much more. Gabe is no stranger to people pointing, staring or talking negatively in extreme and cruel ways. Still, he has defined and recognizes his own value and has built a platform to inspire and encourage others. Don't miss this interview! https://youtu.be/Ur8_IUldv-I

106 - No Arms, no Legs, no Problem - Gabe Adams

Gabe Adams was born without arms or legs due to HanHart Syndrome. He joins us and shares so much about being "different" from other kids, finding his independence, dating, his upbringing in the Mormon-Christian church and so much more. Gabe is no stranger to people pointing, staring or talking negatively in extreme and cruel ways. Still, he has defined and recognizes his own value and has built a platform to inspire and encourage others. Don't miss this interview!

105 – Quarantine Frustrations

Sometimes frustrations get the better of us.  And in quarantine, we are all on edge a little more than usual.  In this episode, the dudes put their focused conversation aside for a bit to vent. However they get back on track in the end with their Thank You Notes. Enjoy :-)

105 - The Dudes Vent

Sometimes frustrations get the better of us.  And in quarantine, we are all on edge a little more than usual.  In this episode, the dudes put their focused conversation aside for a bit to vent a few frustrations and ramble aimlessly. Enjoy :-)

104 – His Brain Injury Created a New Mindset

Jason Levy was working in Silicon Valley and living what he thought was a dream life when multiple accidents caused severe Traumatic Brain Injury.  Many things changed including physical abilities, income, relationships. His whole life changed and he found himself in much different circumstances than he had envisioned for his life. Through his struggles, he realized that he must let go of the old Jason and embrace the new one.  Once he realized this, he started to build a satisfying life on ...

104 - His Brain Injury Created a New Mindset

Jason Levy was a well-paid Silicon Valley executive when multiple accidents caused severe Traumatic Brain Injury.  His whole life changed and he found himself in much different circumstances than he had envisioned for his life.   Through his struggles, Jason realized that he must let go of the old Jason and embrace the new one.  Once he realized this, he started to build a satisfying life on his new path. Join us to learn lessons that anyone can apply to their own situation.

103 – Giving Back After Spinal Cord Injury – Beth Kolbe

Beth Kolbe was injured in a car accident and lost the use of her lower body.  Subsequently she went to Harvard, swam in the paralympics, received a law degree from Stanford, practices healthcare law in Washington DC, married the love of her life, and gives back to the disability community through pro-bono work.  She's kind of a big deal - listen to hear her perspective. You may remember that we interviewed Beth's mom, Cindy Kolbe in episode 79. We spoke to her when her book came out - it's...

103 - Giving Back After Spinal Cord Injury

Beth Kolbe was injured in a car accident and lost the use of her lower body.  Subsequently she went to Harvard, swam in the paralympics, received a law degree from Stanford, practices healthcare law in Washington DC, and gives back to the disability community through pro-bono work.  She's kind of a big deal - listen to hear her perspective.

102 – Four Tips for Making Decisions

We encounter decisions constantly.  Some are simple with clear answers like "Should I do the dishes today?" but some are complex and consequential like "Should I cancel upcoming travel due to coronavirus?"  The Two Disabled Dudes believe that Life is About How We React.  How we think when we are faced with decisions and how we weigh out the potential consequences can have an impact on how we react.  In this episode, the dudes discuss 4 simple tips to help us think about the decisions in our...

102 - Four Tips for Making Decisions

We encounter decisions constantly.  Some are simple with clear answers like "Should I do the dishes today?" but some are complex and consequential like "Should I cancel upcoming travel due to coronavirus?".  The Two Disabled Dudes believe that Life is about How We React.  How we think when we are faced with decisions and how we weigh out the potential consequences can have an impact on how we react.  In this episode, the dudes discuss 4 simple tips to help us think about the decisions in...

101 – Funding Research One Cookie at a Time

Cookies 4 Cures bakes cookies to fund research into rare childhood diseases. Dana's love for her friends launched her into a mission to help all kids who are affected by rare disease. Listen to this episode to find out what happened. Connect with Cookies 4 Cures: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookies4cures_kids/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cookies4Cures Twitter: https://twitter.com/cookies4cures Support the latest project - Cookies4SMA: https://www.gofundme.com/f/cookies4sma

101 - Funding Research One Cookie at a Time

Cookies 4 Cures bakes and sells cookies to fund research for rare pediatric diseases. 

100 – All Things Are Possible – Jeremy Cowart

Jeremy Cowart was named the “Most Influential Photographer on the Internet” by Huffington Post, Forbes and Yahoo in 2014. He is an award-winning photographer, artist, and entrepreneur whose mission in life is to "explore the intersection of creativity and empathy." Jeremy has published four books and is a sought-after speaker, having presented at TEDx, the United Nations, and creative conferences across the country. Listen to this episode to win a copy of Jeremy's book! His latest endeavor...

100 - Jeremy Cowart

099 – The Scarcity Mindset

Find out how the scarcity mindset can limit your thinking. John Maxwell on the scarcity mindset: https://www.success.com/john-c-maxwell-6-tips-to-develop-and-model-an-abundance-mindset/

099 - The Scarcity Mindset

Find out how the scarcity mindset can limit your thinking. John Maxwell on the scarcity mindset: https://www.success.com/john-c-maxwell-6-tips-to-develop-and-model-an-abundance-mindset/

098 – Lipodystrophy and the Pharma/Patient Relationship -Andra Stratton

Andra Stratton was diagnosed with a rare disease called Lipodystrophy that makes her look very athletic and fit due to her lack of adipose tissue. Appearance is deceiving in this case because Lipodystrophy often causes organ failure and sudden death. The diagnosis was tough but when Andra met others living with Lipodystrophy she felt at home and never looked back.  She soon found the greater rare disease community and has become a leader in Lipodystrophy and in the rare disease community. ...

The Pharma/Patient Relationship - Opportunities to Improve - Andra Stratton

Andra Stratton was diagnosed with a rare disease called Lipodystrophy that makes her look very athletic and fit due to her lack of adipose tissue. Appearance is deceiving in this case because Lipodystrophy often causes organ failure and sudden death.

098 - The Pharma/Patient Relationship - Opportunities to Improve - Andra Stratton

Andra Stratton was diagnosed with a rare disease called Lipodystrophy that makes her look very athletic and fit due to her lack of adipose tissue. Appearance is deceiving in this case because Lipodystrophy often causes organ failure and sudden death.

097 – A life of Ehlers-Danlos Advocacy – Lara Bloom

We are often surprised by the twists and turns of life - especially when confronted with disability or a rare disease like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).   Lara Bloom was surprised when she was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome - a disease that causes complications with her connective tissue.  She was even more surprised to meet a man who helped her find her purpose - launching The Ehlers-Danlos Society. Lara is president and CEO of The Ehlers Danlos Society and she is a global leader in...

097 - A life of Ehlers Danlos Advocacy - Lara Bloom

We are often surprised by the twists and turns of life - especially when confronted with disability.   Lara Bloom was surprised when she was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.  She was even more surprised to meet a man who helped her find her purpose - launching The Ehlers Danlos Society. Lara is president and CEO of The Ehlers Danlos Society and she is a global leader in the rare disease community. Lara has taken life's twists and surprises and turned them into a beautiful life of...

096 – Don’t Be THAT Person

Welcome back! This is Season 3! When we get annoyed or mad at others it is important to do a little self-assessment to let the situation teach us how not to act in the future.  If someone is doing something you don't like, perhaps it is important to avoid doing that same thing to others. With a few real-life examples, Sean and Kyle explore this topic in the hopes of improving themselves an giving the listeners (you!) something to think about.

096 - Owning up to your shortcomings

Welcome back! This Season 3! When we get annoyed or mad at others it is important to do a little self-assessment to let the situation teach us how not to act in the future.  If someone is doing something you don't like, perhaps it is important to avoid doing that same thing to others. With a few real-life examples, Sean and Kyle explore this topic in the hopes of improving themselves an giving the listeners (you!) something to think about.