Reimagining Employment: Beyond Piece Rate and Sheltered Workspaces

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock welcomes Kodey Kreglow, who delves into his journey in disability services and advocacy. Kodey shares his personal connection to the field, challenges in employment for the disabled, and issues like sub-minimum wage. He highlights success stories and the impact on disability employment rates. The discussion emphasizes the role of public speaking, networking, and collaboration with organizations like Best Buddies. Kodey also reflects on his transition to Ohio State Mansfield and stresses the importance of self-advocacy and accommodations in college. He offers advice for students with disabilities entering college.

Fitting In: The System Wasn’t Built for Me

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock shares his journey of feeling unemployable, discussing self-care and challenges with disability services. He talks about relocating for better benefits and living with a high-functioning disability, including caregiver neglect and advocacy frustrations. Nicolas reevaluates disability advocacy, perceptions of arrogance, and systemic change. The conversation touches on medical costs, sub-minimum wage issues, and future podcast directions. He also addresses emotional vulnerability, the Medicaid denial process, and community solutions. The episode concludes with closing remarks and a preview of the next episode.

Advocacy, Community Inclusion, and Transition Planning with Elizabeth Wietmarschen and Alex Corwin

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock chats with Elizabeth Wietmarschen and Alex Corwin about community inclusion and insights from a keynote address. Elizabeth discusses her advocacy at OCALI, and both share their paths to the organization. They explore transition planning and skills building for disabled youth, comparing public and private education. The conversation highlights OCALI's early transition initiatives and life skills framework, emphasizing supportive communities for families with disabilities, provider encouragement, and workforce integration. They also advocate for fair wages and inclusivity, focusing on efforts in Cincinnati, and promote OCALI resources and sponsors.

Navigating Disability Benefits, Employment, and Advocacy with Paizha Grigsby

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock welcomes TikTok personality Paizha Grigsby to discuss disability benefits and special education challenges. Paizha critiques special education programs, shares job search struggles, and explores employer perceptions. They discuss resources for people with disabilities in California, touching on cost of living and natural disasters. Paizha shares her worst date and social security benefit challenges, highlighting limitations and alternatives. Influencer Chelsea Abert's disability journey and independent living challenges are also discussed. Paizha offers inspiration on community and perseverance, while Nicolas emphasizes fulfillment. The episode ends with thanks, sponsor acknowledgment, and contact info.

Navigating Advocacy, Emotional Health, and Humor with Sarah Davies

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock welcomes guest Sarah Davies and discusses her new business and experiences navigating the system. They explore communication, boundaries in advocacy, and tackle issues of inconsistent information and burnout. Sarah shares her personal struggles, hopes for change, and thoughts on emotional health. They discuss conflict resolution, trauma-informed care, and the value of Davies Consulting services, highlighting the importance of non-system relationships. Fiscal responsibility and support options are examined, and the role of humor in advocacy is celebrated. The episode concludes with encouragement for Sarah's podcast, sponsorship from Restorative Massage and Wellness Studio, and closing remarks.

Church Inclusion, Mental Health Stigma, and SNAP Benefits with Roy Jones

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock and guest Roy Jones celebrate 700 YouTube subscribers and discuss Roy's background. They explore physical vs. mental disabilities, focusing on mental health stigma in families and churches. The conversation highlights the need for mental health training for church leaders and experiences of exclusion. Nicolas shares his journey with church and disability, advocating for greater inclusion. They also discuss Medicaid, affordable housing, SNAP rules, and strategies for vulnerable groups. The episode wraps up with social media, sleep issues, sponsorship from Columbus Restorative Massage, and a promotion of Nicolas' book chapter.

Navigating Friendship, Boundaries, and Mental Health Reflections

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock reflects on the complexities of friendship, sharing insights from his personal mental health journey and encouraging listener engagement. He discusses navigating friendships and setting personal boundaries, along with coping with stress and hospital experiences. Nicolas highlights the importance of tackling loneliness and building a support network, sharing personal stories of overcoming challenges. He examines church experiences and offers critiques, concluding with thoughts on community support. The episode features sponsorships from Columbus Restorative Massage and Wellness Studio and wraps up with a book promotion and closing remarks.

Charity or Business? The Financial Critique of March of Dimes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock shares updates on his journey, announces a new book, and a GoFundMe campaign. He discusses misuse of funds by disability organizations with guest Julia Bramwell MD. Julia critiques March of Dimes' support and finances, proposing fixes and highlighting government disability funding issues. They emphasize the need for transparency in Medicaid and examine March of Dimes' spending and website challenges. The episode invites March of Dimes for a response, explores advocacy challenges, and calls for fiscal responsibility in budget allocation. Listeners are encouraged to engage and March of Dimes is invited to respond.

Caregiver Relationships Tiffany Bowen on Caregiving Advocacy, DSP Challenges

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock chats with Tiffany Bowen about her caregiving journey, covering DSP documentation, leadership's role, and state requirements affecting Medicaid budgets. They discuss DD Awareness Day, self-advocacy, and engaging with local officials for better support. Tiffany emphasizes DSP training, empathy, and the balance between caregiver-client needs. They also explore cultural diversity, financial limitations, and the importance of boundaries and consent. The episode wraps up with strategies for caregiver appreciation, retention, and advocacy, focusing on financial responsibilities for caregivers and clients.

Christine Olson on TIFF: Advocating for Families Through Tragedy and Community Support

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock is joined by Christine Olson, who shares her journey to Florida and the inception of To Inform Families First (TIFF). Christine discusses the notification issues that led to the creation of TIFF and its significance for the special needs community. They delve into how TIFF operates and its policy impact, highlighting the role of faith in overcoming tragedy and expanding TIFF's reach to various vulnerable groups. Personal anecdotes underscore the initiative's importance, and they conclude with a call to action and a preview of upcoming episodes.

Building Community and Future Goals of The Nick Speaks Podcast

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock is joined by Kyle Goodknight, who brings a playful twist as he hijacks the show. They discuss the podcast's origins and expansion, touching on Nick's speaking opportunities and appearances on other podcasts. They emphasize the importance of building a community and seek assistance for guest bookings. A heartwarming encounter with a podcast listener and gratitude to medical staff are shared. The conversation delves into service animals and Nick's unique voice, future goals, collaborations, and the aspiration to interview notable guests. They also explore planning a live podcast event, addressing skepticism, and supporting the podcast. The episode concludes with a special announcement and closing remarks.

Megan Metzger on Capernaum: Inclusion, Belonging, and Empowering Communities

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock chats with Megan Metzger about Capernaum, a ministry dedicated to inclusion for people with disabilities. Megan shares her journey from Young Life to Capernaum, discussing its training, inclusive approach, and global impact. They explore the unique aspects of Columbus Metro Capernaum and a leadership program for adults with disabilities. The conversation also touches on parenting a child with autism and the difference between inclusion and belonging. They highlight the importance of teaching boundaries and community involvement. The episode wraps up with insights on future topics and encouraging listener engagement.

Caregiving Insights with Deritus: Challenges, Rewards, and Building Strong Relationships

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock welcomes Deritus, a primary caregiver and founder of Rekindle Living. Deritus shares his background and the personalized, client-centered approach of his caregiving service. They discuss the challenges and rewards of caregiving, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and personal care plans. The conversation explores staffing challenges, contrasting American and foreign workers, and the cultural differences that impact caregiving. They highlight the significance of passion, flexibility, and effective communication in caregiving roles. Deritus offers insights and advice for caregivers, touching on advocacy and community engagement. The episode concludes with a book recommendation and a teaser for the next episode.

From Origins to Impact The Story of Disability Pride Month

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock and Daniel Rivera discuss Disability Pride Month, its origins, and critiques. They explore equality, political views, and Daniel's personal experiences with bullying and caregivers. The conversation touches on disability pride in relation to other social movements, media representation, and balancing acceptance with the desire for change. They also discuss the influence of family and society, and separating identity from disability. The episode highlights community support and concludes with a call to action for listeners to share their disability acceptance stories.

Aspen Sage's Journey: Advocacy, Accessibility, and Life Beyond Paralysis

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock speaks with Aspen Sage, who shares their journey through early life trauma and experiences with paralysis. Aspen discusses adapting to life after paralysis, facing mental health challenges, and navigating stigma in healthcare. They talk about founding Accessibility with Aspen Sage and the transition from hospital to home. Aspen explores topics like advocacy, social security disability, and the influence of social media on disability language. The conversation covers educating children about disabilities, friendships, and dating. Aspen shares insights into their project of creating a fully accessible tiny home. The episode concludes with ways to connect with Aspen Sage and information on how to be featured on Nick Speaks.

Two reasons the Nick Speaks podcast exist

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock shares insights into his journey of advocacy and public speaking, addressing employment and financial challenges faced by the disabled community. He discusses the significance of ABLE accounts and GoFundMe support, offering expectations for his role as a speaker. Nicolas critiques current disability policies and the ADA, stressing the need for improved opportunities. He encourages self-advocacy and reflects on personal struggles, faith, and building a fulfilling life. The episode includes calls to action for support and donations, highlights upcoming guests, and concludes with empowering messages for the disabled community.

How Tech Empowers Disabled Lives: Carly Dauch on Need for Assistive Tech in Disability Services

Join Nicolas Comstock and Carly Dauch as they delve into the transformative impact of assistive technology in Ohio. Carly shares her journey and work with Wood County's services, discussing challenges in transportation, health support, and innovative solutions like virtual tours and remote support. They explore medication management, wearable tech, safety sensors, adaptive cooking, and smart home devices. Carly also touches on the assistive tech lending library, privacy concerns, and community involvement. The episode concludes with career advice for those entering the disability sector and reflections on job satisfaction within the Technology First initiative.

Empowering Communities: Kelly Schuck on Advocacy and Ohio's Developmental Disability Services

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock talks with Kelly Shuck about her role as a Community Life Engagement Project Manager and her impact on disability advocacy. Kelly shares her career journey, highlighting achievements and challenges in the field. They discuss Ohio's Technology First initiative, family support, and teaching children about disability work. Topics include inclusivity in education, career aspirations, leadership changes, and the importance of advocacy. Kelly offers advice for those entering disability services, emphasizing passion and Ohio's supportive environment. The episode wraps up with closing remarks and promotions.

Empowering Voices: Phillip Bramwell on Self-Advocacy, Medicaid, and Overcoming Government Neglect

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock and Phillip Bramwell delve into the challenges facing disabled adults, focusing on the victim mentality and lack of investment. They discuss the implications of Medicaid cuts, the importance of stable caregiving, and inconsistencies in the healthcare system. The conversation touches on advocacy for Medicaid improvements, physical therapy, and gym memberships. They explore vocational rehabilitation, employment challenges, and the value of early education. Personal experiences with Medicaid, the fear of losing benefits due to employment, and self-advocacy are shared. The episode also covers dating, Phillip's comedy career, and concludes with advice, comedy show details, and contact information.

We all have basic needs, not special needs: Breaking Barriers Kelsey Weaver Redefining Disability

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock is joined by Kelsey Weaver, who shares her personal journey and insights on living with a disability. Kelsey discusses her background, hobbies, and diagnosis, offering personal stories about her schooling experience and accessibility challenges. The conversation explores faith perspectives, the importance of safe spaces, and overcoming stereotypes. Kelsey highlights her inspirational blogging and advocacy for disability rights, while addressing the impact of inspiration labels. They also discuss terminology, romantic relationships, and Kelsey's interaction with Governor Mike DeWine. The episode concludes with tips for aspiring advocates and Kelsey's final encouragements.