Empowering Independence: Advocacy, Nutrition, and Disability Representation: with Dr. Julia

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock examines the government's role in the financial well-being of individuals with disabilities. Joined by Dr. Julia Bramwell, they discuss the benefits of supplements, dietary sources of zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D, and the importance of gut health. Dr. Bramwell shares her experience as a parent of a disabled child, discussing advocacy, overcoming invisibility, and independent living challenges. They also cover managing care for siblings, financial hurdles, and empowering special needs children. The episode ends with a call to action for more disability-focused medical professionals.

Redefining Independence: Parenting, Community Support, and Disability Perspectives

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock tackles the myth of independence with Sarah Davies, who shares her experience in disability support. They discuss Evangeline's early life, medical challenges, and the crucial role of community support. Key topics include the importance of direct support professionals, coping strategies, emotional validation for parents, and communication and feeding challenges. They also explore quality of life, social acceptance, sibling dynamics, co-parenting, and future planning for disabled children. The episode wraps up with insights on community perceptions, building supportive care teams, and involving children in decision-making.

Advancing Accessibility: Advocacy, Innovations, and the Universal Changing Table Map

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock introduces the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, sponsored by Goodnight Podcasting Solutions. Guest Kim Kirkwood shares her journey into advocacy after her son's birth injury. They discuss overcoming obstacles in disability advocacy, focusing on bathroom accessibility and the need for adult changing tables and lifts. They explore the emotional toll on families, challenges in advocacy, support from Governor DeWine, budget considerations, and using federal grants. Innovations like mobile changing stations and the Universal Changing Table Map are highlighted. The episode concludes with contact information and a call for listener engagement in advocacy.

Exploring DSP Roles, Cultural Dynamics, and Emotional Impact in Caregiving

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock begins with an introduction and a shoutout to Goodnight Podcasting Solutions. He covers housekeeping details and makes calls to action before diving into the role of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and the importance of nurturing client relationships. Nicolas discusses cultural dynamics in caregiving and the significance of individualized service plans. He recaps the authority clients hold in caregiving, emphasizing its emotional impact and quality. The episode explores entrepreneurship and maintaining work-life balance in caregiving. Nicolas concludes with final thoughts, an invitation for feedback, and closing remarks, fostering a deeper understanding of caregiving dynamics.

Addressing Loneliness and Challenges as a Disabled Christian

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock opens by addressing the challenge of loneliness and introduces the episode's sponsor, Goodnight Podcasting Solutions. He delves into the unique challenges and feelings of bitterness experienced as a disabled Christian, critiquing religious narratives surrounding disability. Nicolas expresses frustration with the use of non-consensual sermon illustrations and their impact. He encourages fellow disabled Christians to voice their feelings and share their experiences. The episode concludes with birthday reflections and closing remarks, fostering a sense of connection and understanding within the community.

Navigating Vocational Rehabilitation and Building a Career with Disabilities

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock celebrates reaching the 30th episode milestone and shares insights on podcasting with Kyle Goodnight. He reflects on his vocational rehabilitation experiences and the challenges of self-employment, recounting the journey of starting "Nick Speaks." Nicolas critiques the inefficacies of vocational rehabilitation and discusses case closure issues. He talks about TikTok monetization and his expanding public speaking career, addressing financial struggles and low employment rates for disabled individuals. The episode includes a call for better media coverage, recognition of disability awareness months, and a message to vocational rehabilitation agencies, emphasizing the need for improved support and resources.

Dating with a Disability: Challenges, Safety, and Finding Love

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock opens with personal updates and reflections on past relationship experiences. He delves into the power dynamics and challenges faced when dating with a disability, providing insights on navigating these complexities. The discussion shifts to online dating, where Nicolas shares advice on avoiding scams and offers safety tips for individuals with disabilities. He explores the intersection of sexuality, faith, and the roles of caregiving in relationships. Nicolas extends an invitation for listeners to share their own stories of successful relationships, fostering a sense of community and support.

The Heart of Caregiving: Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Dedication

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock shares updates on housekeeping, the website launch, and YouTube channel support. Nicolas delves into caregiver burnout, discussing motivation and the right reasons for caregiving. He explores the impact, responsibilities, and emotional weight carried by caregivers, emphasizing the importance of empowering clients and decision-making. The episode highlights caregiving as a calling, advocating for better pay and client engagement. Nicolas addresses handling difficult situations, family dynamics, and the caregiver-client relationship. He offers advice on burnout and invites caregivers to share their stories, closing with gratitude and farewell.

Breaking Barriers: Challenges and Advocacy in Government Support for Disabled Individuals

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock begins with a shoutout to Goodnight Podcasting Solutions before delving into the episode's focus on personal benefits analysis. He shares his experiences with the challenges and frustrations of navigating government support systems. The discussion covers employment and business restrictions for those on SSI, highlighting employment statistics and issues with the Social Security savings cap. Nicolas advocates for improved resources and better employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The episode concludes with Nicolas's final thoughts and reflections on the need for systemic change.

Finding Humor in Disability A Conversation with Phillip Bramwell

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock welcomes Phillip Bramwell, who shares his journey with spastic quadriplegia. Sponsored by Goodnight Podcasting Solutions, they delve into Phillip's background, the role of therapy, and fostering independence. They discuss challenges in DEI programs, employment in acting and customer service, and disability prioritization. Phillip offers insights on social security, financial independence, and his comedy involvement. They touch on ABLE accounts, romantic relationships, and embracing discomfort. Phillip provides advice for disabled individuals and caregivers, emphasizing the medical community's impact on employment success. The episode concludes with gratitude.

DEI, the DOWNFALL of Empowerment for Disabled Individuals

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock delves into the intricacies of DEI hiring, sharing personal insights and experiences. Nicolas offers observations on political changes and the reactions of the disabled community. He recounts his own DEI hire story and participation on a county board, highlighting public perception and board limitations. The discussion shifts to financial independence and the importance of self-advocacy, addressing social program limitations and the costs of private caregiving. Nicolas tackles political scare tactics and social security concerns, emphasizing the need for calm and community empowerment. The episode concludes with contact information and closing remarks.

Empowering Independence: Advocacy, Community, and Overcoming Challenges with Tracee Lydia Garner

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock chats with Tracee Lydia Garner about her journey, starting with her first power wheelchair and its impact on her writing career. Sponsored by Goodnight Podcasting Solutions, they discuss support systems, advocacy challenges, and wheelchair safety. Tracee offers insights on vocational rehabilitation, advocacy, and the emotional aspects of her work. They explore disability perceptions, social security issues, and financial hurdles, then shift to future advocacy, legislative changes, and employment. Tracee introduces her new book and stresses empowering youth towards independence. The episode wraps up with supportive communities' importance, Tracee's advice, and contact info.

Empowerment Through Self-Advocacy: Speak life into your situation

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock provides an overview of the podcast's mission to empower individuals with disabilities. Sponsored by Goodnight Podcasting Solutions, the episode begins with housekeeping notes and a call to action. Nicolas delves into self-advocacy and personal empowerment, offering practical mindset shifts to aid in overcoming doubt and setting goals. He shares strategies for achieving personal goals and explores the role of faith in personal development. Nicolas emphasizes the importance of using positive speech and draws inspiration from role models to overcome negativity and maintain faith. The episode concludes with final thoughts on mindset and living with disabilities, wrapping up with encouragement for listeners.

Normalizing Romance: Navigating Love and Intimacy in the Disabled Community

Nicolas Comstock explores sexual desires within the disabled community in this candid episode. Sponsored by Goodnight Podcasting Solutions, Nicolas addresses misconceptions and personal struggles faced by disabled individuals. Topics include dating, relationships, caregiver perspectives, family concerns, and societal pressures. Discussions cover fetish relationships, intimacy, and acceptance, with Nicolas sharing personal anecdotes. He examines the dangers and faith perspectives on intimacy, emphasizing the importance of romance and commitment. The episode encourages overcoming misconceptions and fostering open-mindedness, aiming to normalize romance for disabled individuals.

The Power of Emotions: Navigating Self-Advocacy and Emotional Expression

Nicolas Comstock introduces the episode with a focus on self-advocacy and emotional expression, highlighting their importance for individuals with disabilities. He acknowledges the episode's sponsor, Goodnight Podcasting Solutions, before delving into the topic of emotions. Nicolas discusses the concept of emotional suppression and its detrimental impact, emphasizing the need for individuals to express their emotions freely. He explores the themes of dependency and the significance of listening and validating negative emotions. The conversation touches on overcoming emotional abuse and finding balance in emotional expression. Nicolas concludes with thoughts on engaging with the podcast and encourages continued dialogue on these vital issues.

Not Just a Desk Job: How I’m Expanding My Influence Through Personal Connections

Nicolas Comstock kicks off the episode with New Year greetings, setting a hopeful tone for the year ahead. He delves into the ongoing employment challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and emphasizes the importance of community inclusion. Nicolas offers insights into global accessibility, exploring how different countries address these issues. The conversation shifts to the impact of COVID-19 on the lives of people with disabilities, highlighting both challenges and resilience. Nicolas discusses government policies that affect disability advocacy, stressing the need for continued efforts in this area. The episode concludes with thoughtful closing remarks, encouraging listeners to remain engaged in advocacy efforts.

Merit-Based Hiring for People with Disabilities: Angela Fowler on Overcoming Stigma

Angela Fowler joins Nicolas Comstock to discuss her journey in starting Real Life Access, sharing inspirations and challenges she faced. They delve into employment statistics for people with disabilities and address issues with government-funded job programs, incorporating the working genius theory. The conversation shifts to language sensitivity, specifically the use of the word "retard," and the importance of clear communication in advocacy. Angela discusses prayer, intentional impairment, and offers support advice for parents of children with disabilities. They explore the impact of negative medical opinions and tease an upcoming project. The episode emphasizes empowerment, personal growth, taking initiative, and handling empty promises.

From Stage Debuts to Choir Snipers: Nicolas and Daniel Reflect on High School Memories and Music

Nicolas Comstock welcomes back Daniel Rivera for a discussion on trauma bonding and the role of humor in disability advocacy. They explore the impact of social media on advocacy efforts and share how they met, reflecting on school experiences and challenges within the special education system. The episode delves into friendship dynamics, therapy insights, and forming a singing group, recounting school lunch experiences and government policies. Nicolas and Daniel share performance memories, teacher influences, and Sharon's impact, addressing bullying and the rise of social media. They discuss pastoral roles, church singing experiences, the sniper incident's effects, and adding David to the choir. The episode concludes with holiday greetings and farewells.

Home Healthcare: My Frustrations, Advocacy, and the Need for Reform

Nicolas Comstock welcomes listeners and shares a milestone from his YouTube channel, providing contact information for further engagement. He opens up about living with CMV and his personal need for 24/7 care, discussing the challenges faced with caregivers, including language barriers, cooking skills, and professionalism. Nicolas addresses the casual approach some caregivers have towards their roles, highlighting issues like misuse of time and lack of professionalism. He emphasizes the importance of punctuality, commitment, and proper training to protect clients and address their vulnerability. The episode explores the dynamics of friendship and advocacy in caregiving, concluding with thoughts on home healthcare reforms and encouraging listener engagement.

Empowering Parenthood: Aaron DeVries on Inclusivity, Advocacy, and Independent Living

Nicolas Comstock introduces Aaron DeVries, who shares his personal journey as the Inclusive Dad. Aaron discusses discovering his daughter's condition and the importance of ensuring inclusivity for children with disabilities. He offers valuable insights on advocating for children in various settings and reflects on parenting lessons learned. Aaron emphasizes the strength found in community and hobbies, and discusses planning for a child's future, addressing concerns about independent living. He shares efforts in fostering independence and starting an inclusion-focused podcast, highlighting the role of social media advocacy. The episode concludes with final thoughts on supporting inclusivity.