In this episode of Beyond Beautiful, we’re going beyond the call for “a seat at the table” to explore what it really means to redistribute power and resources. Instead of waiting for inclusion, disabled people and other marginalized communities have long been building our own spaces — spaces rooted in access, care, and collective power.

Mandi highlights inspiring examples like The Axis Project, a gym created by and for people with disabilities, and Independent Living Centers across the country that embody disability justice in action. Through these stories, we’ll reflect on how self-determination, creativity, and community are reshaping what equity looks like in practice.

This episode challenges us to dream bigger — not just of being invited in, but of redesigning the room altogether.

Music Credit:

"Basic Implosion" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Burnout isn’t just exhaustion — it’s a weapon. In this episode of Beyond Beautiful, we explore how systems of oppression use burnout to silence marginalized communities and maintain the status quo.

From convoluted government paperwork to the impossible maze of healthcare and benefits, we look at how bureaucracy keeps people too tired to fight back. We also talk about compassion fatigue — how even our care for others can be exploited — and what the story of The Giving Tree can teach us about sustainable love and boundaries.

You’ll hear how faith, community care, and disability justice offer us a path forward: one rooted in collective care, mutual aid, and the radical act of rest.

Because we weren’t made to burn out — we were made to build together.

Music in this episode credited to:

Basic Implosion Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this powerful episode of Beyond Beautiful, Mandi explores the growing attempts to erase LGBTQ+ and disability communities — and how misinformation plants seeds of fear that silence truth. She unpacks the ways privilege and power amplify certain voices while trying to quiet others, reminding us that both communities have always existed. Through a lens of disability justice, Mandi offers practical and compassionate strategies for resisting erasure, confronting misinformation, and reclaiming our collective power.

Music in this episode credited to:

Basic Implosion Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

What does real allyship look like beyond social media posts and kind words? In this episode of Beyond Beautiful, Mandi explores the heart of true allyship — the kind that requires humility, sacrifice, and genuine love. Drawing inspiration from a powerful scene in Crip Camp and from Jesus’ own example of allyship and sacrifice, Mandi unpacks how uplifting marginalized communities often means giving something of ourselves.

Through story and reflection, she shares her own journey of navigating faith and identity — holding both conservative values and inclusive beliefs — and how Mark 12:30–31 continues to guide her: to love God fully and love our neighbors as ourselves.

Tune in to discover how allyship becomes a reflection of divine love — a love that uplifts, empowers, and liberates.

Music in this episode credited to:

Basic Implosion Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of Beyond Beautiful: Disability, Liberation, Love, Mandi shares how love in action goes beyond accommodation to create true liberation. Through personal stories and practical steps for both individuals and organizations, discover how justice-driven access transforms communities.

Music in this episode credited to:

Basic Implosion Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Ableism is more than individual prejudice—it’s a system built into our society, often disguised as “neutral” or even well-intentioned. In this episode, we’ll break down what ableism really is, how it shows up in everyday life, and why neutrality isn’t enough. True anti-ableism requires positive, intentional action toward justice and liberation.

Music in this episode credited to:

Basic Implosion Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode, Mandi dives into the subtle but powerful ways ableism shows up in our daily lives — from workplaces and churches to friendships and love. She explores how ableism harms not only the disabled community but everyone, shaping how we view worth, productivity, and rest. Through honest reflection and her signature interrupter — “I do not accept that” — Mandi invites listeners to recognize, challenge, and transform everyday ableism into opportunities for liberation, connection, and grace.

Music in this episode credited to:

Basic Implosion Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this first episode of Beyond Beautiful: Disability, Liberation, Love, I share the journey that led me here—from my early podcasting days, through faith deconstruction, to embracing a deeper love that outshines fear. Join me as I reflect on why Beyond Beautiful was born, and what you can expect from this space as we explore disability justice, liberation, and the power of love in action.

Music in this episode credited to:

Basic Implosion Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/