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It's another international episode of OTC! One of the things that I love about doing my podcast is interviewing people from all over the world. There are amazing people outside the US who are making their mark in the disability world. One man in particular is Martyn Sibley.

Martyn works at the intersection of business, technology and leadership to drive change for a fully inclusive world. Starting one of the first lived experience blogs in 2009, he's created high quality content, built online communities and started multiple businesses.

Growing up with a physical disability, he's faced many personal challenges, and successfully chased down many dreams! From working in London, to driving a car with his hands, scuba diving, and being married to his soul mate. His mantra is 'Everything is possible'!

After gaining a degree in economics and a master's in marketing, Martyn started his career at a charity for disability rights. Following his love of blogging and social media, he quickly became a disabled influencer (voted regularly in the UK's disability power 100 list), plus working in media and tourism for social change.

He's a published author (Everything is Possible - travel memoir), an international speaker, media spokesperson, appeared in the LinkedIn TV advert in 2021, and has published many blogs, vlogs and podcasts. In particular he livestreamed 'The Daily Sib' for 4 straight months in the first months of the pandemic, interviewing a wide range of disabled people and disability ally's.

Disability Horizons was the first disability magazine to utilise online content and social media. Created alongside his friend Srin Madipalli, its given a voice to disabled people like never before. For 12 amazing years it published educational and entertaining information by disabled people, for disabled people.

Accomable, also co founded with Srin, disrupted the accessible accommodation industry and was acquired by Airbnb in 2017.

Most recently in partnership with the Goat agency (global leaders in influencer marketing) Martyn started the already award winning Purple Goat agency. In just three years they're working with multinational companies and the best disabled content creators. Giving representation to disabled people in advertising like never before.

You can find Martyn at @martynsibley, https://www.purplegoatagency.com/

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It’s been a little while because I got sick again, darn! Thankfully, I’m all better. We’re right in the middle of Mental Health Awareness Month and thought it would be appropriate to have on a mental health expert, Melody Wilding.

Melody Wilding is the best-selling author of Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work and an executive and leadership coach for smart, sensitive high-achievers who are tired of getting in their own way.

Through her coaching programs, talks, small-group workshops, and articles, she can help you break free from self-doubt and overwhelm, master your emotions, and use your sensitivity as the superpower that it is.

Recently named one of Business Insider’s “Most Innovative Coaches,” Melody coined the groundbreaking idea of “sensitive striving.” She has helped CEOs, leaders, and top performers at the world’s most successful companies, including Google, Facebook, JP Morgan, Verizon, and more. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Oprah Magazine, NBC News, and dozens of other high-profile publications.

Melody is a Sensitive Striver herself, a licensed social worker with a Masters's degree from Columbia University, and a former researcher at Rutgers University. She is a professor of human behavior at Hunter College and a contributor to Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Business Insider.

In addition, she has over 7 LinkedIn Learning courses from “Overcome Overthinking” to “Making Hard Career Choices.

You can find more information about Melody at:
https://melodywilding.com/

Her TEDx Talk:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OTf35doZPM

Her LinkedIn Learning courses:
https://www.linkedin.com/learning/instructors/melody-wilding

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This week is pretty mighty! My guest today is Mike Porath, Founder and CEO of The Mighty.

The Mighty is powered by the shared experiences of 3.5 million members, whose stories have been shown by Harvard researchers to improve health outcomes as a first-of-its-kind bibliotherapy. Mike’s experience raising a daughter with a rare disease, Dup15q syndrome, taught him the impact of community and inspired him to create the company.

Mike has become a leading voice for patient-centered healthcare, speaking at events around the world and collaborating with healthcare leaders on a number of initiatives. He serves on the board of directors for the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and Dup15q Alliance, the non-profit that supports people with his daughter’s disease.

For his work leading The Mighty, Mike was named one of the Top 5 Consumer HealthTech Executives in 2021. He was also named one of the world’s top 50 philanthropists by Town & Country, which cited the impact The Mighty has had on millions of people.

Prior to launching the company, Mike was a journalist and digital media executive at ABC News, NBC News, The New York Times and AOL, where he served as editor in chief. His reporting in Kosovo was awarded with the top prize in online journalism. Mike graduated with honors from The College of William and Mary. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and four children.

Check out The Mighty at www.themighty.com

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It's March, which means it's Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month! Last April, I had the fortunate opportunity to speak at the United Cerebral Palsy Annual Conference in Las Vegas, NV. I shared my story of reslience and how I live my life with cerebral palsy. Because this month means so much to me, I thought it would be appropriate to have on CEO and President of United Cerebral Palsy, Armando Contreras to share about the organization and how it helps people with disabilities.

Armando has been the CEO for the past 7 years and under his leadership, the organization has seen the highest grown during its upcoming 75th year. Enjoy!

To learn more about United Cerebral Palsy, go to https://ucp.org/

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After a year-long hiatus, I am finally back! I talk about my 2023 entrepreneurial journey, launching a Rush Bowls franchise, and the insights gained from small business ownership Before talking to Rayne Clarkson, the Commodity Business Manager for Applied Materials in Austin, TX.

Rayne shared her path of resilience after a life-changing accident, emphasizing the role of yoga in her recovery and the importance of seeing abilities rather than disabilities. We delve into societal perceptions of disability, the value of independence, and the impact of societal norms on mental health. This conversation sheds light on overcoming adversity, embracing individual strengths, and the significance of genuine connections.

Reach out to me by e-mailing offthecrutch@gmail.com or on social media at @offthecrutchpod

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I'm back with another episode with my friend Alexandra Herold. If you haven't checked out Monday's episode with Jocelyn Cohen, I encourage you to do so.

Alexandra Herold (she/her) is the CEO and Founder of Patti + Ricky (PattiAndRicky.com), the Adaptive Fashion Marketplace for adults and kids with and without disabilities, chronic conditions, patients, aging seniors, and caregivers. Alex’s parents worked in the New York City fashion and accessories industry. Growing up in a house full of conversations about the next fashion trend or “it” color of the season led Alex to feel like she was born into retail and that it is in her blood. Her disabilities, her close relationship with her cousin Ricky who had a physical disability, and her mother’s battle with brain cancer fueled Alex’s determination to launch Patti + Ricky in 2017. Today, Patti + Ricky carries over 100 Adaptive Fashion designers with functional and fashionable products for everybody. Many designers whose products are featured on the site also have disabilities or a loved one with disabilities.

Follow Patti + Ricky on social media @pattiandrickycom

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This week and next week, you will find three episodes being released. I have a plethora of wonderful interviews that I want you to hear about before the end of 2022. Today's guest is Jocelyn Cohen.

Jocelyn is a writer and a storyteller at heart. She knows a compelling story when she sees one, so she’s excited to serve as Vice President of Communications and Engagement for Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation. She connects CPARF with the community and the community to each other, sharing our dynamic work as it unfolds — our advancements, our discoveries, and our breakthroughs.

Jocelyn has cerebral palsy, and she understands that people with CP each experience it differently — it’s personal. She’s energized by CPARF’s work and proud to use her voice and professional expertise to make a difference for others with CP.

Outside of work, Jocelyn often speaks with local physical therapy students about her life with CP, hoping to positively influence their perceptions and encourage their willingness to treat people with disabilities.

For more information about CPARF go to https://cparf.org/

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Happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Today aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.

In addition to celebrating the day, my guest is Isaac Harvey from across the pond! Some of Isaac's achievements and roles include:

President at Wheels and Wheelchairs
Power 100 Disabled People in the UK 2021
Project Coordinator at One Place East
Purple Tuesday Ambassador
NFTY Collective
LinkedIn Creator
Disability Advocate
Video Editor
Honorary Freeman of Redbridge

Born and raised in East London with a disability called limb pelvic hypo aplasia which, in short, means no arms and short legs. For the past ten years, he has used his feet to use the computer to edit videos, answer emails and be able to communicate with the broader world.

I hope you enjoy this wonderful conversation with Issac.

Follow Isaac at https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaacharvey-videoeditor/

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E-mail me at offthecrutch@gmail.com