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Steve and Chris talk to Liz Hunter, a Community Librarian at the New Westminster Public Library in New Westminster, British Columbia. We talk to Liz, because she helped teach us in learning about Podcasting. This is an initiative Liz started at the library, including procuring equipment and a space that library card holders can use to facilitate their own podcast. Liz also talks about some of the other library initiatives and how libraries have changed in her 16 years on the job.

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In this episode, Steve talks to Joey Hsieh – who has a son who is disabled. Her son Matthew has a rare disease, is nonverbal, blind, and in a wheelchair. As a child, he was misdiagnosed with Autism. Joey is truly a loving mother full of positivity and acceptance. She gets her strength from Matthew, and she prefers the term different ability over disability. Joey also talks about the challenges in getting the right caregiving help for Matthew.

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In this episode, Steve talks to the listeners about his experience with depression. He shares intimate details of some of his experiences and what led up to his depression. He also shares some of his coping strategies and what worked for him to try and cope with some of the negative thoughts he had using positive strategies. Steve does not claim to be the expert in this topic but rather shares some of his own personal accounts that other people might be able to relate to.

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In this episode, Steve talks to Lelainia Lloyd who was diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) in 2012, after initially being misdiagnosed with MS in 2007. As Lelainia describes it, her immune system has gone rogue. This disability can lead to blindness and paralyses. In spite of her physical struggles, Lelainia is a passionate advocate who writes, did a podcast, travels, does public speaking and volunteering. But her hobby of wheelchair curling is what brings her immense joy. She practices advocacy out of necessity.

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In this episode, Steve and Chris talk to Bonita Zarrillo, who was elected as the Member of Parliament for Port Moody-Coquitlam in 2021. She is currently the NDP Critic for Infrastructure and Communities; Disability Inclusion; and the Deputy Health Critic. They have an informative and thought-provoking discussion, including such topics as advocacy, accessibility, infrastructure, policies, and initiatives. 28% of British Columbians aged 15 years and older live with a disability. Nationally, 41% live below the poverty line. We are glad to have Bonita on our team. Visit her website: https://bonitazarrillo.ndp.ca/

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In this episode, Steve has a conversation with Innocent Ali; one of Steve’s caregivers. Innocent tells the story of moving to Canada from Africa and how he came to be one of Steve’s caregivers. They also discuss caregiving tips and strategies for a disabled person and share personal stories about working together for the last year, as well as Innocent’s own personal journey and future aspirations.

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In this episode, Steve talks to his family doctor, Dr. Gurdeep Manhas, also known as Dr. Rick.

Dr. Rick and Steve talk a lot about Rick’s background, his medical practice, and many other philosophies Rick lives by and practices as he helps people who visit him at his 2 medical clinics in Coquitlam and New Westminster, BC. Steve and Dr. Rick have a very special relationship that goes beyond patient/doctor, which shows how important that is for physical and mental well-being.

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In this episode, Steve talks with his friend Robert Pascal. Robert has been a quadriplegic for over 36 years, due to a devastating car accident where Robert was a passenger. Robert gives an honest account of his transition to relearning most aspects of his daily activities. Robert Pascal is an example to anyone who is living a full-abled life that a sudden, severe disability can truly happen to anybody. He is truly a perfect example of someone who has accepted his disability and tries to live each day the best way that he can.