The Advocacy Life Podcast & Blog

Category: Podcast Episode

  • Good in the Bad

    Good in the Bad

    Podcast Episode

    Is disability a punishment? A blessing? An inspiration? Or a detriment to society? These are heavy questions that many people are too afraid to ask, but on The Advocacy Life, we don’t do “comfortable.”In this episode, Kevin Nunez explores the complex duality of living with a disability. Moving past the “sanitized” versions of advocacy, Kevin discusses the “Good in the Bad”—the idea that you cannot have success without struggle, and you cannot have the “good” without accepting the “bad.” From Star Trek science officers to the deep theological questions of why disability exists, this episode is a call to find balance, ignore the noise of negativity, and accept your full self.In this episode, we discuss:The Nerd Minute: Kevin’s secret time-waster and his new captaincy on the USS New Jersey in Star Trek Online.The Spectrum of Perspective: Is disability a curse, a benefit, or a moral resource?The Balance of Life: Why accepting the “bad” is the only way to truly experience the “good.”Survival vs. Success: Breaking down the mindset required to move from a state of “regressing” to a state of “progressing.”The Power of God’s Grace: How faith plays a role in finding positivity amidst life’s hardest certainties.“You’re not going to have the good without the bad. You’ve got to learn to accept both. Find the balance. Find success.

    Show Notes None for this episode.Episode Transcripthttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1WUagj4u6dhH5ovD0IYK1K05IVjywgjMQ/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=111303226198366895898&rtpof=true&sd=true

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  • Television’s Portrayal of Disability

    Television’s Portrayal of Disability

    Podcast Episode

    Description:

    Why is it that in the movies we watch and the reality TV we consume, disability is only portrayed in a handful of ways? Why are we always the “inspiration” or the “tragedy,” but never just the person?

    In this episode of The Advocacy Life, Kevin Nunez delves into the “Exposure Method” to explore how American media sanitizes the disability experience. From the “cute” portrayals on TV to the harsh reality of “survival math” and the lack of “days off” from a diagnosis, Kevin bridges the gap between how the world sees us and how we actually live.

    Show Notes 

    None for this episode.

    Episode Transcript

    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aHVJO0FY-t5MWVXC0KYNN_wmff1Ur9kL/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111303226198366895898&rtpof=true&sd=true
  • The Wheelchair Tool

    The Wheelchair Tool

    Podcast Episode

    Welcome back to The Advocacy Life Podcast! In this crucial episode, “The Wheelchair Tool,” we are bridging the gap of understanding between the public and mobility devices. Host Kevin Nunez addresses common misconceptions and misunderstandings about wheelchairs, clarifying the difference between an electric wheelchair and a scooter. Key Takeaways in this episode:Tool, Not a Toy: A wheelchair is an expensive, customized life tool, not an accessory, handbag, or luxury item. Kevin’s new chair, for which he’s been fitted, costs between \$50,000 and \$60,000. The New Chair Goal: Kevin shares his goal of getting a new wheelchair with a rise function to allow him to speak and interact at eye level, and to reach higher shelves. Wheelchair Etiquette 101: Learn the dos and don’ts of interacting with someone in a wheelchair: Never hang off the back or push the chair without permission. Never grab the joystick. Stop the overused, disrespectful jokes like, “How fast does that thing go?”. Defense Mechanism: Kevin discusses how the wheelchair serves as his only defense in public, even during an active shooter drill. Maintenance & Health: The importance of regular servicing, and how being vigilant (like Kevin) can help prevent pressure sores (which are preventable, unlike what happened to Christopher Reeve). Be respectful, be kind, and realize the person in the chair is just trying to live their life the best way they can.Episode Transcripthttps://turboscribe.ai/transcript/share/8457760100267752062/wmlNVLD4RKnq15t6xT7_ZC8Fqyt3qGD_oniImTCAIPI/tal-s4-e2-the-wheelchair-tool

  • Goals & Gratitude

    Goals & Gratitude

    Podcast Episodes

    Welcome back to The Advocacy Life Podcast and Vlog! We are kicking off 2026 with a brand new season of episodes, focusing on what truly matters: Gratitude and Goals! Host Kevin Nunez is back after missing November and December (life happened, including a kitchen remodel and he’s bringing quality over quantity by switching to two high-quality episodes a month.In this episode, Kevin gets personal, sharing what he’s deeply thankful for:Family and Friends: A huge shout out to the family (Dad, Mom, Stepdad, etc.) who help set up the podcast equipment, and to friends—the initial reason he started podcasting. Growth: Being thankful for the podcast evolving from sketchy cell phone recordings to a fully-developed show, and for hitting 200 subscribers on theadvocacylife.com alone! Health Victories: Celebrating a major victory in 2025: the first year in about five years without any surgeries or major hospitalizations. Small Connections: Sharing a major connection made at a state function that led to sending in a resume for a potential staff position with Governor-Elect Mikey Sherrill. Then, he lays out his ambitious goals for 2026:Writing: Finishing his third book, the conclusion to the Living Beyond Disability series, which focuses on Disability Policy 101 for self-advocates. Personal Victory: Buying new clothes and new accessible Billy Shoes—a huge deal after losing weight and dealing with the constant battle of finding shoes that fit orthotics.

    Social Life: The deeply personal goal of making a real, close friend to talk to more regularly.

    Episode Transcripts

    https://turboscribe.ai/transcript/share/4836865999870251777/-RSP64PDdqblEDJmK-nf3q09PHSVtyz6ZQFpKGTXb4w/tal-s4-e1-goals-and-gratitude

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  • Disability & Parenting Podcast

    Disability & Parenting Podcast

    False hope can be a comforting lie, but it often leads to greater disappointment. In this powerful and incredibly honest episode, Kevin Nuñez tackles the sensitive topic of false hope within the disability community, sharing his personal experiences and why he believes brutal honesty, paired with empathy, is essential.

    Evin recounts his own childhood experiences with doctors and therapists who gave his family false expectations about “walking again,” only to face repeated letdowns He argues that this practice, often well-intentioned, can be more damaging than helpful, especially for children who internalize these unfulfilled promises as personal failures This isn’t just about physical rehabilitation; it extends to broader societal interactions where people offer empty reassurances about things they don’t understand

    This episode challenges us to rethink how we support and communicate with individuals with disabilities[cite: Kevin advocates for a balance of empathy and realism, pushing for genuine understanding over platitudes He asks why we celebrate minimal progress instead of recognizing the full, complex lives people with disabilities lead, and stresses the importance of fostering self-love and self-respect in a world that often measures worth by physical ability.

    Show Notes

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  • Open Doors Podcast Episode

    Open Doors Podcast Episode

    We all have them, don’t we? Those big, audacious dreams we’ve held onto since childhood. For me, it was a dream of civic engagement, of being a voice for change. From a young age, I pictured myself in politics, influencing policy, and making a difference. That dream evolved into a very specific goal: to serve on a national advocacy board, to contribute at the highest level to the very movement that defines my life.

    I poured my heart into the application process. I spent countless hours writing, refining, and preparing. I felt confident, invigorated by the thought of this “dream job.” When the rejection email landed in my inbox, it was a punch to the gut. The dream, the vision I had held for so long, seemed to evaporate. It was a stark reminder that even with passion and purpose, some doors just don’t open the way we expect.

    But here’s where the story takes an unexpected turn, a turn that became the inspiration for my latest podcast episode. Just two hours after receiving that devastating “no,” my phone rang. It was an offer to serve on a different national board—an opportunity I hadn’t even considered, a door I didn’t even know existed.

    This experience brought a profound realization: advocacy isn’t about the title, the recognition, or the specific platform. It’s about being a voice for the voiceless. It’s about “planting the seed for a tree that someone else will sit under.” It’s about the relentless pursuit of a more just and inclusive world, regardless of the path we take to get there.

    This episode is a raw, honest look at the emotional rollercoaster of pursuing a dream, facing rejection, and finding unexpected redirection. It’s a vital reminder for all of us to be aware of the “windows and doors that are open,” even when they’re not the ones we initially envisioned. A “no” isn’t always a dead end; sometimes, it’s the universe nudging you toward an even better, more impactful journey.

    So, if you’ve ever felt the sting of a dream deferred, if you’re wondering what your next step should be, or if you simply need a dose of inspiration to keep fighting for what you believe in, this episode is for you.

    Are you ready to see how a “no” can lead to your next “yes”?

    Episode Transcript

    TAL S3 E 15 Open Doors (1)Download

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  • Pop Your Bobble Podcast Episode

    Pop Your Bobble Podcast Episode

    I’ve been thinking a lot about a question that has been on my mind lately: when did we, as a society, give up our conscience for comfort? It’s a question I’m exploring in my latest podcast episode, and it’s a topic that feels more urgent than ever.

    I was recently reflecting on the world as it is now and the disturbing events we see on the news. There are tragedies that unfold in front of our eyes, like a person being stabbed to death on a train, and people just stand by and watch. This is something that would have been unthinkable not too long ago. It feels like we’ve become disconnected, isolated in our own worlds, our own bubbles.

    I’ve learned a lot about getting out of my comfort zone because of my disability. My life is a constant series of adaptations, and I’ve been forced to grow and learn every single day. I’ve realized that many people who are able to walk and move around freely aren’t really going anywhere. They might be physically moving, but they have no purpose behind their steps. They’re stuck in a place of apathy and indifference.

    This episode is my direct call to action to all of us. We’ve forgotten how to compromise and grow. It’s so easy to sit on the sidelines and cheer when something bad happens to a person we disagree with. But that’s not what we’re called to do. We should be praying for their families and remembering that we’re all a part of this together.

    It’s time for us to pop our bubbles, America. We need to remember that our conscience is more important than our comfort. We need to be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.

    This is a powerful episode that will challenge you. Are you ready to hear what’s on my heart?

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  • Laughing with Your Disability Podcast Episode

    Laughing with Your Disability Podcast Episode

    Laughter is powerful. It can disarm uncomfortable situations and help us connect with one another on a deeper, more human level. In this episode of The Advocacy Life, I explore how embracing humor, even in the most embarrassing moments, can be an incredible tool for living with a disability.

    I share three personal stories where laughter became my saving grace. The first involves a spectacular fall at a Boston Market, a moment where my poor depth perception led to an unexpected tumble. My staff and I couldn’t help but laugh, and it became a family joke. The lesson? When you fall—physically, mentally, or spiritually—laugh, learn, and get up.

    My second story is more personal, a lesson in unexpected growth during an intimate moment with a new caregiver. It was uncomfortable, but by teaching and growing together, we built a lasting friendship.

    Finally, I recount a time when I was angry and isolated, purposely hiding from my peers with disabilities. The staff and clients at my day program played a prank on me with a speaker that made fart sounds, and it was that ridiculous, joyous moment that made me feel truly welcome. It taught me that kindness and acceptance are key to overcoming ableism, a lesson that everyone, with or without a disability, needs to learn.

    This episode is about more than just a few laughs. It’s a reminder to find the joy in the unexpected, to embrace awkward moments, and to welcome others with open arms.

    Podcast Transcript

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  • The Power of Disabled Siblings Podcast Episode

    The Power of Disabled Siblings Podcast Episode

    A sibling is more than just a family member; they are often your first advocate, your best advocate, and in some cases, your only advocate. The bond between a disabled individual and their sibling is a powerful and life-saving one, a truth I know all too well.

    I was born a twin. My brother, who is also disabled, is the wisest, most empathetic person I know, and even though he might need the most physical support, he is the one we all go to for advice and guidance. In this episode, I share a perfect memory of us as kids, passing a bottle of soda back and forth in a car on a hot day in Puerto Rico . It was a simple, unspoken moment of, “I got you, you got me”.

    But this episode is not just about him. It is also a love letter to my other sibling, my sister, who I was not blood-related to but who was “literally the best sister in the world”. She and my brother both held up my own light for me to see it and showed me that I was not weak or helpless. They both saved my life.

    Our parents will love and protect us, but they will be reminded every day that they have a disabled child. A brother or sister, however, will see you simply as their sibling.

    This episode is a tribute to that unbreakable bond, a raw and emotional look at the power of siblings.

    Episode Transcript

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  • Man Talk Podcast Episode

    Man Talk Podcast Episode

    This episode is for the guys. In “Man Talk,” Kevin gets real about the unique and often unaddressed challenges of being a disabled man in America today. 


    In a society that holds a narrow view of masculinity, many disabled men feel emasculated by simple acts, like having a door opened for them. The conversation goes beyond the superficial, diving into deeper fears that are rarely discussed openly—fears about being helpless around a partner, and the anxieties that come with financial disparities in a relationship

    Kevin also tackles the ableist idea that people with disabilities should only date other people with disabilities, comparing it to an “ableistic” version of racial segregation

    He offers an honest perspective on how dating a non-disabled person means your “honeymoon phase” as a couple will be burst almost immediately when you are in public and have to face the world together.

    This episode is a confidence boost for all men with disabilities, a reminder that you are valuable and you can go after what you want. 
    Listen to the full episode!
    Ready for a raw, honest conversation that doesn’t shy away from the hard questions?

    TAL S3 E10 Man Talk TranscriptDownload