Jul 30 2024 60 mins
In this episode, we talk to Kendall Ciesemier, a writer, producer, reporter, and health and disability advocate. Nora celebrated the launch event of So, Life Wants You Dead during Disability Pride Month last July when we recorded this conversation. We're so excited to launch our second season with this conversation.
Kendall discusses her experience with liver transplant, navigating disability disclosure, and the societal stigmas associated with the term 'disability.' Both Nora and Kendall share personal stories about their health experiences, the empowerment found in disability identity, and the importance of community engagement. We touch on the challenges of navigating systemic ableism, the value of visibility, and the need for deeper cultural understanding and legislative change to support disabled individuals.
Artwork by Ronaé Fagon; Music by Milo Segal
00:00 Introduction to 'So, Life Wants You Dead'
00:36 Meet Kendall Ciesemier: Writer, Producer, and Advocate
00:53 Celebrating Disability Pride Month
02:17 Kendall's Story and Advocacy
04:51 Navigating Disability Disclosure
07:10 Empowerment Through Disability Identity
15:02 Kendall's Early Advocacy Work
17:58 Challenges and Community in Disability
20:03 The Stigma and Reality of Disability
29:05 Connecting Mental Health and Disability Rights
32:39 Workplace Accommodations and Advocacy
36:08 Media Representation of Disabilities
41:30 Organ Transplant System Issues
43:28 Remembering Tonya Ingram
45:07 Disability Pride Month Reflections
50:48 Personal Experiences with Disclosure
56:19 Audience Q&A
59:57 Closing Remarks and Gratitude
Kendall's Website
Kendall's Instagram
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