We just wrapped our first season of the Stronger Together Podcast! Hosted by Matt Castellucio, Interim CEO of United Spinal and a quadriplegic, and Marc Fucarile, founder of the MARC Network and an amputee, the podcast delivered honest, empowering conversations with prominent voices from across the disability community.
Here’s a recap of our 12 episodes.
Episode 1: Jesi Stracham and Nikki Walsh
Jesi and Nikki joined forces to create the Wheel With Me Adapt Fit app, which offers a collection of adaptive workouts to help wheelchair users improve their fitness, independence and confidence. “Collaboration is the most important thing in this community. It’s often overlooked. We’re in such a small niche community that we’ve got to stop competing against each other. We have to collaborate more so we’re able to actually get the change we’re after,” says Jesi.
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Episode 2: Theo Braddy
“Living well independently is more than survival. It is about living with purpose, making an impact and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to do the same,” says Theo Braddy, Executive Director of the National Council on Independent Living.
Episode 3: Adam Keys
Adam got his start in comedy with Armed Services Arts Partnership back in 2018 and has been on stages across the country ever since. He is a triple amputee after serving in the US Army and has endless jokes about his #ComedyLegs.
Episode 4: Zach Anner
You probably recognize Zach Anner for his viral video which documented his solo adventure in NYC to get a rainbow bagel for his friend despite accessibility challenges.
Born with cerebral palsy, Anner uses humor to challenge perceptions of disability through shows like Rollin’ With Zach and his memoir, If at Birth You Don’t Succeed. He’s also a writer for TV shows including Speechless and Best Foot Forward.
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Episode 5: Thomas Quiter
Thomas, who has Osteogenesis Imperfecta, was denied an adequate wheelchair despite having coverage from both Medicaid and the best private insurance available in NY. It was only through a crowdfunded used wheelchair provided by his supportive community that he found a functional solution.
His personal experiences, including being trapped in his own home for over five years due to lack of access to necessary mobility equipment, inspired him to establish Mobility Independence Fund in 2022.
Episode 6: Annie Heathcote
Annie, a wheelchair user with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, is an advocate and speaker sharing messages on disability, dignity and destiny. Through storytelling and faith, Annie empowers people to define their dreams, defeat doubt, and discover purpose despite any disadvantage. She was also Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin 2023 and is a Graphic Designer.
Episode 7: Earl Granville
Earl Granville, was two weeks into basic training at Ft Benning, GA with his twin brother Joe, when 9/11 happened. He went on to serve nine years in the Army National Guard and on his final tour, he lost his left leg to a roadside bomb while on patrol.
Earl now spends most of his time traveling the country as a public speaker. He shares healthy ways to battle adversity through the positivity in his messaging and real life solutions from his own experiences.
Episode 8: Torsten Gross
Torsten is the world’s only quadriplegic that is a Rescue Scuba Diver, has completed 12 marathons in 12 months, and his latest adventure is becoming a race car driver and founder of the Just Hands Foundation. Torsten is the star of the show Just Hands: For The Love Of Racing on Amazon Prime, which follows his journey into elite motorsports racing.
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Episode 9: Seth McBride
Seth handles content strategy, writing, editing and video production for United Spinal’s members and New Mobility Magazine. He played Wheelchair Rugby for Team USA and lives with his wife and two young children in White Salmon, Washington.
Episode 10: Earl Brown
Earl provides an in-depth look at the American Red Cross’s crucial work, from disaster relief and blood services to community-wide preparedness training like “Be Red Cross Ready” and “Hands-Only CPR.”
Episode 11: Edward Funches
Edward is the president of Inclusion Marketing and Advertisement Group, a community-driven enterprise that creates meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities and those who were formerly incarcerated.
As a wheelchair user who was born and raised in Harlem, NYC, Edward understands firsthand the challenges faced by underserved communities. Through Inclusion, he continues to open doors for others, proving that with the right support and determination, success is achievable for everyone.
Episode 12: Charlie Croteau
He’s built an array of adaptive devices — from hand cycles and sail-powered tandems to power beach chairs, four-wheel-drive and high-speed wheelchairs — all crafted from recycled materials, most costing less than $1,000.