Disability Deep Dive
Society & Culture
About
Disability Deep Dive is a bi-weekly interview podcast hosted by Keith Casebonne and Jodi Beckstine. Each episode explores issues that matter to disabled people, including accessibility, identity, discrimination, rights protections, and voting. The show also features This Week's Deep Cut, a media pairing that helps listeners engage with each episode's theme. Formerly known as You First, the podcast relaunched in 2025 with a new name and co-host format.Please note that the opinions of our guests are not necessarily those of Disability Rights Florida.
Episodes
- Spencer West on Breaking Free, Self-Doubt, and Letting Go of Expectations
In Disability Deep Dive, Spencer West talks with hosts Keith and Jodi about his book "Breaking Free," exploring themes of self-doubt, authenticity, ableism, and navigating life with a disability. The conversation also touches on therapy, m…
- Season Three Trailer
The trailer for Season 3 of Disability Deep Dive, hosted by Jodi and Keith, announces the premiere date of May 7th and special guest Spencer West. The season will explore topics like digital accessibility, self-doubt, advocacy, and assiste…
- Interpreting the Beat: Making Music Visible with Amber Galloway
Amber Galloway, an ASL interpreter, joins hosts Keith and Jodi on Disability Deep Dive to discuss making music accessible for Deaf and hard of hearing audiences over her 25-year career. The episode covers concert accessibility, educational…
- Out Loud and Unapologetic: Squirmy & Grubs Take on Stigma and Storytelling
In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi converse with Shane and Hannah of Squirmy and Grubs about authentic online living, disability advocacy, mental health, and managing stigma.
- Rolling Across the World: Cory Lee on Adventure, Advocacy, and Access for All
Disability Deep Dive features an interview with Cory Lee, a travel writer and advocate who uses a power wheelchair. The discussion covers his extensive travels, insights on global accessibility, and the portrayal of autism in media, refere…
- Bridging the Gap: Charles Redding on Global Solutions for Assistive Technology
Charles Redding, Executive Director of Wheels for Humanity and leader of CLASP, details efforts to build sustainable systems for global assistive technology delivery, emphasizing reliable supply chains for accessible products in low- to mi…
- Breaking Sound Barriers: Lachi on Music, Advocacy, and the Future of Entertainment
In the 100th episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts interview recording artist and advocate Lachi. They explore her music career, advocacy work with RAMPD, insights from her upcoming book 'I Identify as Blind,' and discussions on the film…
- Enough Is Enough: Preventable Deaths in Intellectual Disabilities - with Sara Ryan
This episode of Disability Deep Dive features Professor Sara Ryan discussing the preventable deaths of individuals with intellectual disabilities. They explore systemic issues and inaction, using the concept of 'social murder'. The episode…
- Access, Not Applause: Sarah Todd Hammer on Moving Beyond Inspiration
Sarah Todd Hammer joins Disability Deep Dive to discuss moving beyond inspiration towards genuine access and inclusive design, sharing insights from her journey with Acute Flaccid Myelitis and exploring practical tools and challenging disa…
- Little Imperfections, Big Conversations: Peet Montzingo on Growing Up Different
Peet Montzingo joins Disability Deep Dive to discuss his book 'Little Imperfections' and his experiences growing up as the only average-height person in a family of little people. The conversation explores using humor and personal stories…
- Season Two Trailer
Jodi and Keith introduce Season Two of the Disability Deep Dive podcast, premiering November 6th. The show, from Disability Rights Florida, explores disability through lived experience, culture, and leadership. Season Two will be available…
- Docs with Disabilities: Rethinking Inclusion in Medical Education – with Dr. Lisa Meeks
Dr. Lisa Meeks joins Disability Deep Dive to discuss the Docs with Disabilities Initiative, focusing on creating inclusive medical education environments, addressing challenges for disabled learners, and the impact of representation on pat…
- Accessible Voices: Building Community Through Blind-Led Media – with Aaron Richmond
Aaron Richmond joins Disability Deep Dive to discuss the creation and impact of blind-led media, including his podcast 'Aaron's Opinion'. The conversation covers community building, challenges in content consistency, and the role of media…
- More Than a Mascot: Challenging Ableism in School Symbols – with Erin Elswood and Jillian Curwin
Disability Deep Dive features Erin Elswood and Jillian Curwin discussing the harm of ableist school mascots and their campaign to eliminate them. The episode also touches on embracing differences through the book "Little Imperfections."
- The Ethics of Innovation: Disability, Technology, and Reproductive Justice – with Katie Hasson
Disability Deep Dive explores the ethics of disability, technology, and reproductive justice with Katie Hasson. The episode examines genetic technologies, the medical vs. social model of disability, eugenics concerns, and the importance of…
- Disability, Pop Culture, and Higher Education – with Kyle Romano
The first episode of Disability Deep Dive features hosts Keith and Jodi with guest Kyle Romano discussing disability education via pop culture. They explore media representation, its impact on perception, and highlight the show Ramy for it…
- Disability Deep Dive - Rebranding Announcement!
The podcast You First has rebranded to Disability Deep Dive, introducing a new co-host, Keith Casebonne and Jodi Beckstine from Disability Rights Florida. New episodes are forthcoming.
- Encore Episode: By and For People with Disabilities - with Elizabeth Wright and Jennifer Price
This encore episode features Elizabeth Wright and Jennifer Price discussing content creation by people with disabilities, narrative control, and the development of platforms for sharing their stories.
- Encore Episode: Paving a Way Disabled in STEM - with Dr. Anita Marshall
This episode features Dr. Anita Marshall discussing her efforts to improve STEM accessibility for students with disabilities. She shares information about her GeoSPACE program and her role as Executive Director of The International Associa…
- Encore Episode: The Intersection of Disability and Reproductive Justice - with Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, Rebecca Cokley, Keith Jones, and Heather Watkins
This encore episode of Disability Deep Dive features host Maddie in conversation with activists Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, Rebecca Cokley, Keith Jones, and Heather Watkins. They discuss the effects of the Roe v. Wade overturn on the disability…
- Encore Episode: Disability Media Representation - with Beth Haller and Jeff Preston
This encore episode features university professors and authors Beth Haller and Jeff Preston discussing media representation of people with disabilities. They analyze the portrayal of disabilities in film and television, covering both posit…
- 2024 Elections & the Disability Vote - with Michelle Bishop, Monica Wiley, and Jack Rosen
In this episode of You First , hosts Maddie and Keith dive into disability voting rights and the upcoming 2024 election with experts Michelle Bishop, Monica Wiley, and Jack Rosen from the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN). The disc…
- Data & Disability - with Matthew Cortland
In this episode of You First , hosts Keith and Maddie interview Matthew Cortland, a Senior Resident Fellow at Data for Progress. Matthew shares insights about their work in public opinion research and advocacy focused on disability issues…
- Disability & Gender Equity - with Marissa Ditkowsky
In this episode of the You First Podcast, hosts Maddie and Keith talk with disabled activist and attorney Marissa Ditkowsky about the challenges and inequities faced by disabled women in healthcare, employment, and financial freedom. Maris…
- Disabled Journalism - with Cara Reedy
In this episode of the You First Podcast, hosts Keith and Maddie interview Cara Reedy, founder and director of the Disabled Journalists Association. Cara shares her journey from political science and theater to journalism, spending ten yea…
- Not Dead Yet, Assisted Suicide, and Ongoing Disability Fights - Part 2 with Anita Cameron
Content warning: mentions of suicide, assisted suicide, and medical violence against people with disabilities. In this compelling episode of the You First podcast, hosts Maddie and Keith continue their in-depth interview with Anita Cameron…
- The History of ADAPT, Atlantis Community, and Disability Disobedience - Part 1 with Anita Cameron
On this episode of You First , we talk with the fantastic disability rights activist Anita Cameron. Anita was, and still is, a core reason why we have disability rights today. They were an early adopter of disability rights and justice adv…
- Long Covid & Grilled Cheese
In this unique episode of You First, hosts Maddie and Keith share a personal and insightful discussion about Long Covid and its effects on everyday life. Initially delayed due to Maddie's Long Covid flare-up, this episode takes a candid an…
- Disability & Artificial Intelligence - with Lawrence Weru, Ariana Aboulafia, and Jennifer Gray
Today's episode features disability and artificial intelligence (AI) experts Larry Weru, Ariana Aboulafia, and Jennifer Gray. AI has been around for years, but things changed when OpenAI released ChatGPT. Since then, the news around AI has…
- #CripTheVote and Voting Advocacy - with Andrew Pulrang and Gregg Beratan
This podcast episode features Andrew Pulrang and Gregg Beratan, prominent figures in disability advocacy and social change. Their pioneering initiative, #CripTheVote, created alongside Alice Wong, has been important in raising awareness ab…
- History of the Mad Movement - with Vesper Moore
In this episode of You First , co-hosts Keith and Maddie speak with Indigenous activist and disability rights leader Vesper Moore about the Mad Movement, psychiatric survivorship, and envisioning a future of collective care. Vesper, deeply…
- Global Disability Progress - with Rosangela Berman Bieler and Patricia Almeida
In today's episode, we are joined by two international disability advocates, Rosangela Berman Bieler and Patricia Almeida. During our conversation, we discuss the importance and impact of global disability policy and rights work, including…
- Inclusive Disaster & Emergency Strategies - with Shaylin Sluzalis & Germán Parodi
In this week's episode, co-hosts Keith and Maddie talk with The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies' Co-Directors Shaylin Sluzalis & Germán Parodi. The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies (The Partnership) is the only U…
- Disability Activism Through Art - with Jen White-Johnson
In this episode of You First , we talk with Jen White-Johnson (she/they), a renowned artist, educator, and disability activist who uses the arts as a medium to champion the life, joy, and experiences of the disabled and neurodivergent comm…
- The ABCs of IEPs - with April Katine and Daysi Ortiz
Two Disability Rights Florida education advocates, April Katine and Daysi Ortiz, join Keith in education planning for students with disabilities. The three discuss the importance of individual education plans (IEPs) and transition planning…
- Disability Inclusive Campaigning - with Neal Carter, Jess Moore Matthews, Sarah Blahovec, and Dom Kelly
In this episode of You First , hosts Keith and Maddie talk with guests Neal Carter, Jess Moore Matthews, Sarah Blahovec, and Dom Kelly about disability-inclusive campaigning, strategies to reach disabled voters, and the significance of acc…
- Say the Word: Disability - with Lawrence Carter-Long, Damian Gregory, and Laura-Lee Minutello
In this episode of You First , hosts Keith and Maddie discuss the impact of language on disability rights and inclusion with advocates Lawrence Carter-Long, Damian Gregory, and Laura-Lee Minutello. The conversation highlights the #SayTheWo…
- Disability and LGBTQ+ History, Law, and Solidarity - Webinar Audio
In this bonus episode, You First Podcast host Maddie talks with 5 guests about various legal and medical precedents that have led to the division between the disability and LGBTQ+ communities. The history between the LGBTQ+ community and t…
- Against Technoableism - with Ashley Shew and Mallory Kay Nelson
In this episode, guests Ashley Shew and Mallory Kay Nelson discuss the concept of technoableism, the history of disability and technology, and the importance of involving disabled people when developing new technologies. They highlight the…
- Willowbrook and the Future of Disability Rights - with Dr. William Bronston and Marlene Sallo
In this episode, co-hosts Maddie and Keith talk with Dr. William Bronston and Marlene Sallo about Willowbrook State School, its exposé, and its impact on the disability rights movement. The episode starts with our conversation with Dr. Bro…
- Neurodiversity in the Legal Field - with AJ Link, Jalyn Radziminski, and Haley Moss
You First podcast co-hosts Keith and Maddie are joined by disability activists and legal scholars AJ Link, Jalyn Radziminski, and Haley Moss, who identify as neurodiverse and disabled. They shared their personal stories and insights about…
- Building Disabled & LGBTQ+ Community - with Beck DeTrempe
In this episode of You First, we chat with our friend Beck DeTrempe who is doing some awesome peer led community building in Florida. They founded Basically Wonderful, which is a grassroots organization run by Queer + Disabled folks in Orl…
- Disability Is Not Scary!
With one of their favorite holidays just around the corner, co-hosts Maddie and Keith delve into a serious discussion on using disability as a tool for instilling fear in others, all in the name of Halloween fun. From dressing up in offens…
- Podcasting with a Disability - with Emily Ladau and Kyle Khachadurian
On today's episode, we chat with the co-hosts of The Accessible Stall podcast, Emily Ladau and Kyle Khachadurian! These two disabled podcasting stars were some of the first podcasters with disabilities when they got their start in 2016. Th…
- Our Toolkit to Tackle Life's Milestones - with Ann Siegel
As we head back to school in a few weeks, we wanted to highlight our new Transition Toolkit. Transition is a term to describe when youth are moving into a new phase of life. Think about big transitioning moments in your life growing up: go…
- Paving a Way Disabled in STEM - with Dr. Anita Marshall
Guest Dr. Anita Marshall joins hosts Keith and Maddie to talk about her work to make STEM more accessible for students with disabilities. As someone who acquired a disability later in life, she realized how ableist and inaccessible higher…
- Who's Missing in Florida's New Youth Survey - with Dr. Norín Dollard, Nadine Smith, and Caitlyn Clibbon
A little over one year ago, Florida decided to stop participating in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) voluntary Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). Since 1991, Florida participated in the YRBS. It is widely given to…
- Frida: Disability, Sexuality, and Art
In honor of Pride Month, upcoming Disability Pride Month, and the opportunity to always highlight cool disabled people, let's talk about Frida Kahlo. Many are aware of the legendary artist, Frida Kahlo: her famous artwork, impact on cultur…
- Disability and Indigenous Identity - with Jen Deerinwater
Guest Jen Deerinwater joins host Maddie Crowley to talk about the intersection of disability and Indigenous identities. Jen is a disabled Two Spirit Indigenous individual who is an award-winning journalist, organizer, and leader within the…
- Hurricane Season and Disaster Preparedness - with Bryan Russell
June 1st is the beginning of hurricane season. As Floridians know, it can be a mixed bag as to what storms we're going to get. But hurricanes impact other states around the country, and it's important to be prepared and safe. On the show t…