The Advocacy Life Podcast & Blog

Tag: podcast episodes

  • Hill Visits

    Hill Visits

    Podcast Episode

    Disability doesn’t have political parties; it only has champions.” 🏛️✨In this episode of The Advocacy Life, Kevin Nuñez dives into the “real stuff” of legislative advocacy. If you’ve ever wondered how to actually get a meeting with your representative or why non-partisanship is the secret weapon for disability rights, this episode is for you.In this episode, we discuss:The “First Kiss” Fun Fact: A lighthearted look back at young love and summer vibes. ☀️❤️Champions vs. Parties: Why disability rights must transcend the aisle to succeed.The Legislative Visit Roadmap: Practical steps to schedule, prepare for, and execute a meeting with your elected officials.Accountability: Why complaining about Congress isn’t enough—and what you should do instead.Don’t just watch—participate. It’s time to bridge the gap between the “Limbo” and the halls of power.

    Chapters:0:00 – Intro: Disability and Death1:15 – Fun Fact: My First Kiss 💋3:30 – Why Non-Partisanship Matters7:45 – How to Plan a Legislative Visit12:20 – Holding Officials Accountable15:00 – Final Thoughts: Stop Scrolling, Start Acting.

    Show Notes Moments I Was Made For episode:https://youtu.be/82f6cLbb1Xw?si=

    EpisodeTranscripthttps://docs.google.com/document/d/18o7jpJ2eZx3NdIxxsfG7xizl3btw2nn47OM8hFuI5rc/edit?usp=drivesdk

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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
  • Values

    Values

    Podcast Episode

    Description:What exactly makes people uncomfortable about disability? Often, it’s because society only sees the “cute and cuddly” version of our lives. In this episode of The Advocacy Life Podcast, we’re breaking that mold.I’m talking about the power of full exposure. To bridge the gap in understanding, people need to see the raw, unfiltered reality of disability—not just the triumphs, but the struggles, the financial hurdles, and the everyday resilience required to navigate a world that wasn’t built for us.In this episode, we discuss:New Year’s Resolutions: I’m sharing an update on my goal to finish my next book draft by March and have it out by December 2026! How are your resolutions holding up in mid-February?The Exposure Method: Why showing the “uncomfortable” parts of disability is the only way to create true empathy and change.Existence vs. A Full Life: There is a massive difference between just “experiencing” life and actually living it. We explore how to find value in every moment.The Price of Advocacy: Why being a leader means being willing to be the first one to step into the fire.Universal Truths: Disability and death are the only two certainties in life. It’s time we stop hiding from them and start talking about them.We are all part of the same human story. Let’s stop wasting time and start living with purpose.📍

    TIMESTAMPS:0:00 – Introduction: What makes people uncomfortable?1:50 – New Year’s Resolution Update (Book 2026!)4:10 – Why we need to “Expose” Disability9:30 – Moving past the “After-School Special” version of our lives14:00 – The burden and beauty of being an Advocate19:45 – Living a Full Life vs. Just Existing24:00 – Final thoughts: Don’t waste your life.

    Show Notes None for this episode

    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sjRHwzK5lMXPdYPIzxvr_P9DtwRyiap8/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=111303226198366895898&rtpof=true&sd=true

  • Pizza & Politics

    Pizza & Politics

    Podcast Episode

    Description: Have you ever said, “I hate politics,” or felt like the government is just too complicated to understand? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Advocacy Life Podcast, I’m doing something a little “insane”—I’m going to oversimplify government and politics so you can get involved without losing your mind. Using nothing but a few imaginary pizza pies, we’ll break down:The “Kevin Definition” of Politics: Why it’s actually just the art of politely arguing over resources.The Majority Rule Myth: Why a direct democracy doesn’t always work and how our representative system actually gives you a voice.The Disability History Gap: Why advocates must know their own history and how it ties into the greater American story.Accountability: Why “eternal vigilance” is the price of freedom and how you can hold elected officials accountable.As disability advocates, we have a role to play. If we sit back and stay silent, we won’t get the resources or rights we need. Let’s bridge those gaps together in a fun, conversational style

    : 0:00 – Welcome to The Advocacy Life 1:30 – Fun Fact: My thoughts on the Stranger Things finale 4:15 – The Pizza Analogy: How politics and resources work 9:00 – Choice vs. Control: Socialism, Group Homes, and Prisons 15:30 – Democracy vs. Representative Republic 20:00 – The Constitution & Why Education Matters 25:00 – A Call to Action for Disability Advocates

    Show Notes Free Civics Course: https://www.khanacademy.orgFind Your Representatives: https://www.congress.gov

    Transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pMA0B1UG8BH8GlhnN51PbcxhIC7RmJfm/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=111303226198366895898&rtpof=true&sd=

  • 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

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  • 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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  • 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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