Tabitha Zeigler hosts a fiery, truth-packed podcast filled with people doing the work in the trenches for autism and neurodiversity advocacy.
These everyday heroes are leading the way for the next generation. At a time when so much is at stake, ordinary individuals rise up to fill the inequalities in our society.
Join us in our struggles and triumphs while trying to provide resources, access, and programs for all.
We welcome you to the fight.
Learn more at https://staringdownthestorm.com
Tabitha Zeigler hosts a fiery, truth-packed podcast filled with people doing the work in the trenches for autism and neurodiversity advocacy.
These everyday heroes are leading the way for the next generation. At a time when so much is at stake, ordinary individuals rise up to fill the inequalities in our society.
Join us in our struggles and triumphs while trying to provide resources, access, and programs for all.
We welcome you to the fight.
Learn more at https://staringdownthestorm.com
The word gratitude gets thrown around a lot. But gratitude without action is just a performance. In this episode, I sat down with KT White and Brenda Killeen of Allies for Humanity to have an honest, necessary conversation about what real service actually looks like — especially when it comes to our unhoused neighbors. This isn’t a feel-good discussion. It’s a reality check.
We talk about trust, trauma, and the exhausting truth of showing up every day while watching institutions offer words instead of solutions. Why are grassroots organizations doing the deepest work constantly in crisis mode, while larger systems continue to get funded for surface-level efforts? Why do we keep criminalizing homelessness instead of confronting the systems that create and maintain it? And why is faith so often preached instead of practiced?
KT and Brenda challenge the idea that help should come with conditions — sermons for sandwiches, compliance for compassion. That isn’t love. That’s control. We get into trauma-informed care, indigenous wisdom, and the necessity of boundaries in service work. You don’t need a title, a building, or institutional approval to show up with dignity and integrity. You just need the willingness to do the work.
This episode is both a call-out and a check-in. Because homelessness isn’t unsolvable — we’re just avoiding responsibility. So I’ll ask you the same question I had to ask myself: if everyone has something to give, why aren’t we giving it? And what does gratitude really mean if it never turns into action?
Find more info on Allies For Humanity here:
To learn more about the Empowerment Plan, click here.
Chapters
00:00 Thanksgiving Reflections and Community Support
02:55 Pivoting for Community Needs
05:46 Building Trust with the Unhoused
08:35 Addressing Naysayers and Community Challenges
11:31 Volunteer Opportunities and Community Engagement
18:33 Personal Stories of Service
20:30 The Reality of Service Work
23:24 Grassroots Action vs. Surface-Level Work
26:05 Innovative Solutions for the Unhoused
29:09 Crisis Mode in Nonprofits
38:05 Empathy and Compassion in Advocacy
40:56 The Role of Media in Social Issues
43:41 Indigenous Wisdom and Community
46:59 Spiritual Warfare and Human Connection
56:30 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact
01:00:25 The Complexity of Healing and Support
01:07:53 The Role of Faith and Community in Service
01:15:07 Navigating Boundaries in Nonprofit Work
01:21:49 Call to Action: Community Support and Involvement
Contact Tabitha:
I grew up on a homestead, so I’ve always understood the value of growing your own food — not as a trend, but as a way of life. That’s why this conversation with Tad Streepey of Gypsy Rain Organics hit such a nerve for me. At its core, this episode isn’t just about organic farming. It’s about power, control, and who gets to decide what’s “safe” enough for our families.
Tad is doing everything right — growing nutrient-dense food, using careful processes, serving his community — and still found himself shut down by vague, inconsistently enforced new health “guidelines.” Not laws. Guidelines. Meanwhile, massive commercial farms ship produce across the country, outbreaks and all, and somehow that’s acceptable. Why is the burden of proof always on small farmers doing the work responsibly?
We also talk about food insecurity in a farming state — let that sink in — and how corporate consolidation, lobbying, and bureaucratic overreach are stripping communities of food choice, autonomy, and resilience. This isn’t theoretical. These policies affect school lunches, families with limited resources, and kids — including autistic kids — who benefit deeply from fresh, whole foods and hands-on learning environments like farms.
So I’ll ask the uncomfortable question: when did convenience and profit become more important than health, nutrition, and community wellbeing? And why are we letting unelected systems quietly decide what we’re allowed to feed our families?
Food freedom isn’t radical. It’s fundamental.
Find more info on Gypsy Rain Organics here:
Website: Gypsy Rain Organics
Instagram: Gypsy Rain Organics
Facebook: Gypsy Rain Organics
YouTube: Gypsy Rain Organics
To Learn More about Harrison County’s Community Services, click here
Meet Herbalist Karen Burr - Materia Medica
Are PFAS forever chemicals in your water? Learn more here...
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Organic Farming and Advocacy
01:20 The Journey of Gypsy Rain Organics
05:15 Challenges with Health Regulations
12:52 The Importance of Fermentation and Food Safety
16:46 Nutritional Value and Local Farming Benefits
28:24 Engaging the Autistic Community with Farming
32:55 Political Advocacy for Small Farms
36:56 Community Support and Food Insecurity
42:57 The Impact of Corporate Farming
49:24 Future of Small Farms and Food Freedom
Contact Tabitha:
Growing up in a neurodivergent family doesn’t come with a manual — it comes with chaos, humor, grief, resilience, and a crash course in empathy. In this conversation, Charlie Biluck and I get honest about what it really means to live inside a “neurospicy” family system, where love is fierce, advocacy is non-negotiable, and emotional regulation is a daily practice, not a buzzword.
We talk about why society is so quick to romanticize autism while refusing to sit with the hard parts. What happens when disability isn’t visible? Why are parents judged instead of supported? And why do we still design public spaces that quietly exclude entire families? Charlie and I challenge the idea that inclusion means perfection — sometimes access looks like assisted vans, messy grocery trips, or simply being allowed to exist without apology.
Charlie also shares his deeply personal journey of self-discovery — navigating ADHD, emotional regulation, gender identity, and what it means to live an aligned life. We dig into masking, burnout, late diagnoses, and how stepping away from noise can finally help you hear yourself. Why do we push people to conform instead of teaching them how to regulate, adapt, and thrive?
And then we go further — into ancestry, genealogy, and heritage travel. Because knowing where you come from matters. Because history is complicated. Because truth is powerful. And because understanding our past might be one of the most radical tools we have for building our future - one of empathy, community and genuine connection.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Advocacy (and Punk Rock)
05:58 Childhood Experiences and Family Dynamics
12:04 Navigating Public Spaces with Neurodivergent Kids
17:59 Creating Inclusive Spaces for Families
25:18 Navigating Parental Advocacy and Community Support
30:26 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Identity
35:46 The Impact of Family Health History
40:46 Genealogy and Its Connection to Identity
51:14 Heritage Travel and Ancestral Connections
01:01:30 The Intersection of Genealogy and Personal History
01:07:47 RootsTech and the Future of Genealogy
01:17:14 Getting Started with Genealogy Research
Find more info on Ancestral Wanderlust here:
Website: Ancestral Wanderlust
email: info@ancestralwanderlust.com
Genealogy Resources
Click here to purchase your tickets to RootsTech 2026
Contact Tabitha:
In this episode of Staring Down the Storm, I sit down with the incredible team from JD Angel’s Family Care to talk about what it really means to support individuals with intellectual disabilities—and why so many systems keep failing them. We dig into the origin of the organization, which started simply to meet a pressing housing need, but quickly grew into something much bigger: a place where clients gain life skills, confidence, and dignity.
We talk about the daily realities—how structured programs, luxury living, and genuine care transform lives. But it’s not just about comfort; it’s about empowerment, advocacy, and teaching clients that their voices matter. From Medicaid challenges to voting, JD Angel’s pushes for community involvement and real agency. I keep asking: why are we still letting bureaucracy and politics decide who gets to live a full life?
This conversation doesn’t shy away from grief, loss, and resilience. Personal stories—like the tragic death of Latia's son - a young community leader—highlight the urgency of their mission. But through it all, the focus is on building generational wealth, fostering mentorship, and proving that empowerment is contagious.
JD Angel’s Family Care isn’t just an organization—it’s a family. And in this episode, I hope you’ll be challenged to think about what “community” truly means, and what it takes to stand together, across race, class, and circumstance, to lift everyone up.
Find more info on JD Angel’s Family Care here:
Website: https://www.jdangelsfamilycare.com/
Facebook: JD Angels Family Care
email: jdangelfamilycare@gmail.com
Chapters
00:00 The Origin Story of JD Angel's Family Care
05:15 Transforming Lives: Daily Structure and Support
10:10 Client Success Stories: Progress and Independence
17:23 The Importance of Staff Training and Teamwork
24:07 Navigating Medicaid Changes and Advocacy
33:39 Empowerment Through Community Action
36:55 The Impact of Personal Loss and Advocacy
40:31 Building a Supportive Network
50:59 A Vision for Unity and Generational Wealth
Contact Tabitha:
I’ll be honest: the conversation we should be having about financial literacy is so much bigger than budgets and bank accounts.
It’s about values, agency, and the courage to question systems we treat as inevitable. That’s why I wanted to talk with David Delisle — because he’s not just teaching kids about money, he’s trying to reshape how families think about consumption, curiosity, and what actually makes a life meaningful.
And here’s what keeps nagging me: why do we act like our choices don’t shape markets and culture? We say we hate monopolies, but we worship convenience. We claim to value sustainability, yet reward the cheapest option every time. David and I dig straight into that tension — the gap between the values we profess and the habits we actually live by.
We also pull apart the cultural contrasts between Canada and the U.S. — healthcare, safety, community, political narratives — and what those differences expose about our beliefs around “freedom” and responsibility.
From youth activism to misogyny, from consumer patterns to the rhetoric creeping into policy conversations, we come back to the same question: Are we curious enough — and honest enough — to challenge the stories we’ve accepted?
Because the real question is simple: What do we truly value, and are we willing to act like it?
Find more info about David Delisle here:
Website: David Delisle
Instagram: David Delisle
Facebook:The Golden Quest | David Delisle
YouTube: David Delisle | TV Personality & Speaker - YouTube
Learn more about David’s financial literacy essentials kit here: The FUN way for Kids (and adults) to Learn about Money
Watch David’s latest Ted Talk: How to start spending, saving, and giving better | David Delisle | TEDxVictoria
Contact Tabitha:
I’m struck by how much of Caleb Banks and Amy Betzold’s journey began with one radical choice: taking Caleb’s ideas seriously. A single painted horse sparked The Gypsy King, and together they built an entire world from it. Why do we treat kids’ creative instincts as optional instead of worthy of real investment?
What moves me most is how committed they are to doing this right. Historical fiction demands honesty, even when the truth is uncomfortable. They refuse to sanitize the 1840s or gloss over culture, race, or power. Instead, they’re seeking peer reviewers, consulting community voices, and holding themselves accountable. Isn’t that what we should expect from storytellers—people willing to ask the hard questions?
Their process is just as powerful: setting goals, learning craft, surviving a complete rewrite of their opening chapters, and turning a social worker’s suggestion into a real deadline. Add the confidence that comes from speaking publicly and preparing for a book launch, and you see how momentum builds when someone believes in your story.
Imagine what we could unlock if more of us created those environments—where kids, adults, and disabled storytellers are supported simply because their ideas matter. How many worlds go unwritten because we never give them the chance?
More info on Caleb and Amy here:
Facebook: Caleb Banks and Amy Betzold - Authors
Email: BanksandBetzold@yahoo.com
Buy your copy of The Gypsy King via:
To learn more about the places Caleb & Amy visited, click below:
Indiana State Museum & Historic Sites
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Gypsy King
03:03 The Origin Story of the Book
05:51 Researching Historical Accuracy
09:02 Scouting Trips and Inspiration
12:05 The Writing Process/Overcoming Challenges
14:49 Feedback and Editing Journey
18:09 Cultural Sensitivity in Storytelling
21:01 The Levi Coffin House and Historical Context
24:04 Character Development and Imaginary Friends
27:00 Encouragement for Aspiring Writers
33:40 Choosing the Right Publishing Path
35:34 Costumes and Creative Processes
38:46 Traveling for Inspiration
42:48 The Artistic Process/Idea Generation
48:34 Inspiring Stories of Success
52:36 The Journey of Becoming an Author
55:57 Advocacy and Encouragement for Others
57:34 The Importance of Reading/Sharing Stories
01:02:38 The Joy of Books and Community
01:04:09 Exploring Historical Literature for Young Readers
01:06:00 The Importance of Museums/Historical Education
01:07:55 Influential Authors and Their Impact on Writing
01:12:02 Community Engagement/Character Development
01:15:05 Cultural Heritage and Local History
01:20:09 Planning a Thematic Book Launch Party
01:24:02 Marketing Strategies for Self-Published Authors
Contact Tabitha:
In this episode, I sit down with Erin Geddes to explore the emotional and often overlooked experience of growing up neurodivergent without a diagnosis. She shares what it feels like to move through childhood and adulthood believing you’re “not trying hard enough,” when the real issue is that the world isn’t built to recognize or support different ways of thinking. And I have to ask—how many kids are still silently living that reality today?
For Erin, writing her book wasn’t just a creative outlet—it was a process of self-understanding. She has lived her life navigating two different worlds: the neurotypical systems she was expected to fit into, and the neurodivergent identity that finally makes sense of her challenges and strengths. That dual perspective allows her to translate between experiences in a way most people can’t. And it raises an uncomfortable question: why do we keep asking individuals to adapt while our systems stay exactly the same?
When we turn to education, the urgency becomes impossible to ignore. Teachers are overworked and under-supported. Parents are left to advocate alone. Kids are evaluated against standards that ignore the full spectrum of ability, learning styles, and human development. And we still pretend the problem is effort or discipline. Where is the baseline everyone should be guaranteed—food, safety, education, dignity?
Erin argues that neurodivergent voices reveal weaknesses in our systems early and clearly. When we listen, we improve. When we don’t, everyone loses. Inclusion isn’t a favor—it’s how society evolves.
---
Find more info on Erin Geddes here:
Get In Touch/School Speaker Requests: andthatsokayinfo@gmail.com
Instagram: and_thats_okay_book
Facebook: And That's OKAY
YouTube: And That's Okay
Where to buy And That’s Okay: I’m Wired Differently:
Direct from the publisher Redemption Press AmazonWalmart
I reference a video about Martin Luther King discussing the Civil Rights Movement. You can watch that here:
Eloquent Civil Rights Leaders Dialogue 1963
---
Contact Tabitha:
staringdownthestorm@gmail.com
We continue our conversation with TK & KT of Allies for Humanity, focusing on the importance of advocacy for autism and the need for community engagement to create meaningful change.
We explore the impact of foster care on children, particularly those with autism, and emphasize the collective responsibility of humanity to support vulnerable populations.
We also look at the role of music and community in healing and fostering hope, as well as the challenges posed by political systems in effecting change, especially in this day and age. We know that we can't rely on the status quo and powers that be to do much. But what kind of revolution will it take?
Ultimately, TK, KT and I call for a shift in narrative and a commitment to action in order to create a better future for all.
Allies For Humanity stands for:
Dignified Housing - "Every person deserves a place to feel safe, supported, and free to be who they are. We co-create sustainable, empowering solutions with our neighbors—honoring housing as a fundamental human right and a foundation for healing."
You can learn more about Allies For Humanity here:
Website: alliesforhumanity.org
Share your story: https://www.alliesforhumanity.org/way-to-engage/share-your-story
Facebook: @allies-for-humanity
Contact Tabitha:
staringdownthestorm@gmail.com
In the first of a two-part episode, I am so pleased to welcome my friends TK and KT to the podcast. They are the co-founders of Allies For Humanity in Indianapolis, an organization dedicated not just to housing those in need but to building strong, healthy communities.
In part one, we explore the themes of autism advocacy, humanity, and the importance of creating safe spaces for individuals, particularly those who are unhoused. We discuss the significance of sovereignty, how small acts of kindness can have a significant impact, and how community support is essential for unhoused individuals.
Small acts of kindness can make such a difference in this world, even when at the same time we fight for the necessity of systemic change to address homelessness and mental health issues. Everyone has the power to contribute to positive change.
Allies For Humanity stands for:
Dignified Housing - "Every person deserves a place to feel safe, supported, and free to be who they are. We co-create sustainable, empowering solutions with our neighbors—honoring housing as a fundamental human right and a foundation for healing."
You can learn more about Allies For Humanity here:
Website: alliesforhumanity.org
Share your story: https://www.alliesforhumanity.org/way-to-engage/share-your-story
Facebook: @allies-for-humanity
Contact Tabitha:
staringdownthestorm@gmail.com
Kari Sheward of the Tangram organization in Indianapolis joins me today to talk about their coaching and support work for people with disabilities, but also her perspective on advocacy and choosing the battles that are necessary.
We get pulled in many directions, but this is what brings us back to the collective responsibility to defend rights and advocate for those less able to do so themselves.
We talk about how advocacy requires courage and a willingness to take risks, and how people are watching our actions and responses. Speaking out reduces fear and encourages others, it is collective action that creates that ripple effect.
Community engagement can lead to positive societal change, whether in micro-actions or as an organizer or leader. Everyone's contribution is valued.
This podcast is an effort to encourage that action, no matter where you live, and to bring people and ideas together. In this time of crisis and threat, it is so important to remember that you, I, we: We Are Not Alone.
You can learn more about Kari and Tangram here:
Website: thetangramway.org
Instagram: @thetangramway
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/tangram-business-resourcing
Facebook: @thetangramway
Contact Tabitha:
staringdownthestorm@gmail.com
In this week's episode, I travel to Oklahoma to meet N'Kiyla Jasmine Thomas, candidate for US Senate, who shares her journey as an autism mom, nurse, and military spouse.
Jasmine and I discuss the importance of indigenous rights, environmental stewardship, and the role of matriarchy in her culture. She also opens up about her personal experiences with motherhood, navigating healthcare systems, and the challenges of being a single mother.
Jasmine's advocacy for autism awareness and the need for resources highlights the struggles faced by families in similar situations.
This was such a wide-ranging discussion, and I'm thankful to Jasmine for her time. I think in turn she was appreciative of having the opportunity and the platform to dive deeper into these topics, to go past the sound bite and short clip. We explore the challenges faced by millennials and younger generations, including the impact of capitalism on mental health, the importance of empathy and community responsibility, and the role of young leaders in politics.
We talk about the need for a more equitable society, the influence of money on social dynamics, and the complexities of racial identity.
Ultimately, this conversation is a message about the importance of working together to build a better America for future generations. We need to be thinking not just 12 months or 2 years ahead, but what kind of society do we want to build, or dare I say: rebuild?
You can learn more about Jasmine and her campaign here:
Website: https://www.jasmineforok.com
Instagram: @nkiylaforoklahoma
TikTok: @jasmineforok
Facebook: N’Kiyla 'Jasmine' Thomas: U.S. Senate 2026
Contact Tabitha:
staringdownthestorm@gmail.com
Jennifer Wiese joins me to talk about the importance of including people with disabilities in the workforce, addressing the stigma and barriers that still exist.
Jen is well placed to have a keen perspective on this, as she is the owner with her husband of BeeFree, producers of gluten-free snacks and a true Indiana success story.
Through their non-profit arm, BeeFree Bakes, they provide jobs and resources for adults with autism and other disabilities, empowering them to thrive in a supportive environment. Their oldest son was diagnosed with autism when he was 8 years old, and in their search for resources and support they ultimately took their own initiative to provide these things to others in similar situations.
Jen expresses hope for a future where employers recognize the value of diverse abilities, and see individuals with disabilities as valuable contributors to the workforce. Visibility and representation of people with disabilities is crucial, and we explore how the stigmas surrounding disabilities can be dismantled through awareness.
Find Jen and BeeFree's info here:
Website: http://beefreegf.com/
Instagram: @beefreeglutenfree
TikTok: @beefreeglutenfree, @hifromjen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeeFreegf
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-wiese-7b98392a
Contact Tabitha:
staringdownthestorm@gmail.com
My friend Phoenyx Powell joins me to share her journey as an advocate for accessible travel, discussing her personal experiences with chronic illness, neurodivergence, and the impact of a traumatic brain injury.
Phoenyx emphasizes the importance of pacing oneself while traveling, the need for disability awareness, and the significance of educating children about acceptance and differences. Through her story, Phoenix highlights the challenges but also the triumphs of living with a disability, the role of humor in coping, and the importance of open-mindedness in parenting.
We both feel that there is a responsibility of the current generation to produce good in a complex world, and that travel and cultural immersion go a long way in fostering understanding and connection.
This is a conversation about resilience and joy in navigating life's challenges, and paying it forward through advocacy.
Find Phoenyx's info here:
Website: https://phoenyxtravels.com/
YouTube: @phoenyxtravels
Instagram: @phoenyxtravels
Facebook: @phoenyxtravels
TikTok: @phoenyxtravels
Pinterest: @phoenyxtravels
LinkedIn: @phoenyxpowell
New article: "Phoenyx Powell of Greenville, NC on Life, Lessons & Legacy" (Oct. 15, 2025)
Contact Tabitha:
staringdownthestorm@gmail.com
I have a bonus episode for you this week (in addition to my upcoming conversation with my friend Phoenyx), which features my friend Moulay Hicham Aamalki and his wife Kenia, who lead wellness retreats to Morocco.
In fact, they have an upcoming trip that runs from October 26-31 and there is one spot left! If you think you can jump on it, visit the site here and let them know! https://easehealingretreats.com/
Our chat today not just goes over their trip and back story running retreats, but why they want to make these trips available to the community, because they have a daughter with ADHD.
Moulay Hicham and Kenia share their personal experiences with grief and healing, the importance of mindfulness, and the cultural richness of Morocco as a backdrop for their retreats. We talk about the significance of community, accessibility of healing practices like hammams, and the importance of family travel, cultural exposure for children, and the challenges of parenting, especially for those with children with disabilities.
Healing is a journey that involves multiple stages, and retreats can provide healing and self-reflection opportunities. So whether it's right now, or in the future, consider looking after yourself, which helps empower you to look after the others in your life.
Find more info on Ease Healing Retreats here:
Website: easehealingretreats.com
Instagram: @easehealingretreats
Facebook: Ease Healing Retreats
email: hello at easehealingretreats.com
Contact Tabitha:
staringdownthestorm@gmail.com
With the unfortunate and completely unnecessary "announcements" over the past couple weeks, trying to link Tylenol with autism, scaring mothers and pregnant women, and perhaps worst of all, dragging the stigma of shame and doubt back into families with autism - we need to talk.
And that's what this podcast is for, to be able to respond and react to these kinds of events, and encourage our community to speak out. You are not alone, we do not each live in an island unto ourselves.
I invited Sarah McCorkle (Episodes 6, 7 & 8) to join me again, so we could share our reactions and perspectives on how to respond to the so-called "directives."
Our health care is far, far too politicized - is there anything these days that isn't? And it's having real, distressing impact on our every day lives. Again, something just completely unnecessary.
Why are we so quick to abandon science and reason for some supposed short-term political gain?
We need to emphasize critical thinking, community involvement, and the value of lived experiences in advocacy.
Do you ever feel that these politicians are just treating all this as a game? Do they not understand the real impacts of their actions? Do they just not care?
We can have a better society, one of compassion and humanity, and I know that authentic conversations are a big step to building one.
Contact Tabitha:
staringdownthestorm@gmail.com
My friend Christina McGairk joins me to share her the multifaceted journey of autism advocacy, and we focus focusing on our personal experiences as single mothers of autistic children.
As always, there's so much to think about, things that people often forget, and the scale of it is immense. Hair care, dietary preferences, potty training, communication devices, educational experiences and school dynamics, navigating the challenges of autism and bullying, and that just scratches the surface.
But we're here to highlight the significance of community support, mentorship, and advocacy in navigating the complexities of raising autistic children.
Christina also shares insights from her journey of writing a devotional aimed at supporting single mothers of children with exceptional needs, and the need for awareness and action in the autism community.
Further links and research related to this episode:
Strength for the Weary Heart: A Devotional for Single Moms of Children With Exceptional Needs
Warm Edits Editing, email Christina at christina.mcgairk at gmail.com
Christina's column, "Single Mamas Seen"
Uniquely You, Special Needs Monthly Magazine
Brittany Allen, Hair Stylist in Fishers!
Contact Tabitha:
staringdownthestorm@gmail.com
In Part 2 with Ellerie, we address the importance of multiculturalism and diversity in the United States, reflecting on her personal experiences from military service to higher education.
Ellerie is a deep believer in the power of curiosity. She puts a passionate emphasis on the value of being curious about others' lived experiences, and the need to address unconscious biases.
We also share our thoughts on having difficult conversations, the obligation to stand against what is wrong, and the significance of a person's individual contributions in creating a positive impact. This all done through the lens of our current societal issues, such as the impact of transphobia in the military, and the responsibility of standing up for what is right.
If Ellerie's spirit and energy speaks to you, she would love to hear from you.
You can reach her via Instagram @courageous_whisper
and LinkedIn.
Contact Tabitha:
staringdownthestorm@gmail.com
My friend Ellerie Rollins joins me for a conversation about autism, the neurodiverse community, diversity, empathy, and curiosity, all from a lens of a recently retired United States Air Force Reservist. Ellerie spent years in the reserve as an airplane mechanic, and so can speak to the experience of being a different or unique person within a larger group or community.
We chat about the historical and social aspects of American military service, including multi-generational service, the diversity of the military, and its impact on civilian life. Ellerie discusses the overlap between the military and the LGBTQ+ community, reflecting on recent developments concerning the trans community in the Air Force.
Most of all, we underscore the importance of open conversations, curiosity, and embracing a multicultural approach to strengthen America. Especially in response to the example that our so-called 'leaders' are setting at the moment.
Ellerie is a life coach who focuses on helping ex-military women transition to civilian life, taking those strengths and experiences to forge the life they want to live, on their own terms.
You can reach her via Instagram @courageous_whisper
and LinkedIn.
Contact Tabitha:
staringdownthestorm@gmail.com
In the final part of my conversation with College Internship Program (CIP) Program Director Ed Roe, we look at different practical situations where our children with autism can function and thrive, and Ed shares his experience observing the "autistic burnout" - when newly-arrived college students face too many life tasks all at once, and after about six weeks start to shut down.
CIP's focus goes beyond just the concept of independence, but to recognizing "interdependence," how people of all backgrounds need to live and work together, and how neurodivergent students fit in to our world.
Whether it's in the workplace or through travelling, we can create welcoming and comfortable environments for everyone involved.
It just takes a bit of education and understanding.
As Ed points out, the problem is that, "People are not incentivized to care."
Yes, it's a question of money, funding, training and responsibility, legal or otherwise.
But it's also about fostering a society as a whole that cares. Where people recognize that there are others less fortunate, who just need some extra support and understanding.
Not only could one day that be us, or someone we care about, but empathy for others is a meaningful, genuine and very human trait to have.
My thanks to Ed Roe for his time in this series, and for his wonderful work at CIP in Bloomington, Indiana and beyond.
Further links and research related to this episode:
The College Internship Program (CIP) in Bloomington, Indiana
Contact Tabitha:
staringdownthestorm@gmail.com
Ed and I talk in part 3 about the emotional release of parents and caregivers arriving at CIP, and realizing that there are indeed others who care about their kid just as much as they do, and in the same way.
Because they get it, the understand. You are no longer on an island unto yourself, support is here.
We chat about understanding the "rules and norms" of society and how most of the CIP students are either rule followers or rule breakers.
But what are those rules anyway? Could it be that our children are showing us a different way to approach functioning in society, not to mention how we work, how we communicate and how we interact with others?
"Whatever your kid's thing is, especially if they have autism, find it, embrace it. Just let them do it. Let them do their thing and watch them light up."
Further links and research related to this episode:
The College Internship Program (CIP) in Bloomington, Indiana
Contact Tabitha:
staringdownthestorm@gmail.com