In episode 130, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Andrew Cherico from Orlando, Florida. Andrew is a sophomore at the University of Central Florida and is studying sports journalism. He talks about growing up with SMA, shifting his mindset as a teenager, and connecting with others in the SMA community.

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#130: Andrew Cherico, College Student With SMA

In episode 131, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Candis Welch from Los Angeles, California. A disability advocate, DEI practitioner, and consultant, Candis won the 2023 Ms. Wheelchair California competition. She talks about growing up with SMA, the importance of representation, and how she’s cultivated an independent life.

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#131: Candis Welch, Disability Advocate and Ms. Wheelchair California

In episode 132, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Collin Pollock from Garden Grove, California. Collin and his wife, Kyla, run a barbeque sauce business called WheelyQ. He discusses becoming a business owner, growing up with SMA, and being a husband and father.

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Collin’s website: https://wheelyq.com/

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#132: Collin Pollock, Business Owner With SMA

In episode 133, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Rebecca Mulhall from Cleveland, Ohio. Rebecca has three kids, and her youngest two are twins with SMA. Her son with SMA also has Down syndrome. Rebecca talks about the intersection of these disabilities, her family’s daily life, and her advice for other parents in the SMA community.

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#133: Rebecca Mulhall, Parent of Twins With SMA

In episode 134, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Dr. Edward Smith from Hillsborough, North Carolina. Dr. Smith spent the majority of his career as a clinical neurologist, and Kevin was one of his longtime patients. They talk about the state of SMA research and the work Dr. Smith is doing now. SMA News Today contributor Michael Morale also joins to talk with Dr. Smith about his treatment experiences.

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#134: Dr. Edward Smith, Neurologist and SMA Specialist

In episode 135, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Ryan Kinnear from Glendale, Arizona. An avid fisherman and outdoor enthusiast, he uses assistive technology to pursue his passions. Ryan talks about using this technology, growing up with SMA, and managing daily life.

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To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit www.smanewstoday.com/forums

#135: Ryan Kinnear, Fisherman and Hunter With SMA

In episode 136, host Kevin Schaefer talks with returning guest Shaniqua Granby as she shares life updates and discusses how she navigates struggles and embraces community.

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#136: Shaniqua Granby Discusses Identity and Community

In episode 137, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Jared Wayland from Ontario. Jared discusses growing up with SMA type 3 and becoming a husband and father. He also talks about his passion for music and graphic design and shares advice about building confidence with SMA.

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#137: Jared Wayland: Graphic Designer and Music Connoisseur

In episode 138, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Nolan, who lives with SMA, and Blake Shofner from Princeton, Illinois. 

The brothers discuss their dynamic as siblings and business partners, as they are the founders of Mullet Bros Co. They also discuss the importance of humor in their lives and how Nolan’s SMA has impacted them.

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#138: Nolan and Blake Shofner, Brother Entrepreneurs

In episode 139, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Dianna Warren from Canton, Ohio. Dianna is an ambassador for Ms. Wheelchair USA, and for 32 years she ran a disability bowling league. She discusses these experiences, living with SMA Type 3, and her marriage of 44 years.

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To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit www.smanewstoday.com/forums

#139: Dianna Warren, Ms. Wheelchair USA Ambassador

In episode 141, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Quinn Bucher (he/they) from Athens, Ohio. A student at Earlham College studying theater, he talks about growing up in an arts-oriented household, making theater inclusive for disabled students, and the intersectionality of being trans and having SMA.

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To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit www.smanewstoday.com/forums.

#141: Quinn Bucher, Theater Student With SMA

In episode 142, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Savannah and Will Huff from Thomasville, Georgia. Savannah, who has SMA type 3, met Will in 2018. Listen in as they discuss their marriage, careers, and the intersection of married life and caregiving.

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To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit http://www.smanewstoday.com/forums

#142: Savannah and Will Huff, Interabled Couple

In episode 143, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Cory Lee from Lafayette, Georgia. A renowned expert on disabled traveling, he has visited all seven continents from his wheelchair. He runs the Curb Free With Cory Lee blog and takes part in speaking engagements around the world. Join the two as they discuss growing up with SMA, Cory’s travel origins, and his hopes for the future of accessible travel.

Cory’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curbfreecorylee/
Cory’s website: https://curbfreewithcorylee.com/

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To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit www.smanewstoday.com/forums.

#143: Cory Lee, Travel Blogger and Influencer With SMA

In episode 144, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Doug McCullough from central New Jersey. The author of “A Billion People in the Shadows,” a new book about understanding disability, Doug previously worked at Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceuticals and has a background in public speaking. He talks about growing up with SMA type 3, navigating employment with a disability, and advocating for an inclusive society.

Doug’s book: https://publishyourpurpose.com/books/a-billion-people-in-the-shadows-the-ultimate-1-hour-guide-to-understanding-disability/

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To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit http://www.smanewstoday.com/forums

#144: Doug McCullough, Advocate and Author With SMA

In episode 145, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Carrie Manriquez from Sacramento, CA. Carrie is an elementary school principal, and her 24-year-old son Ryan has SMA type 2. She talks about her experiences as a parent and caregiver, connecting with the SMA community, and helping Ryan transition to adulthood.

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To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit www.smanewstoday.com/forums

#145: Carrie Manriquez, Mother of adult son with SMA

In episode 146, host Kevin Schaefer talks with TJ Wall from Texarkana, Texas. TJ is working on his master’s in education at Texas A&M University, and he hopes to become a high school football coach. He talks about growing up with SMA, his love of sports, and his future aspirations.

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To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit www.smanewstoday.com/forums

#146: TJ Wall, graduate student with SMA

In episode 147, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Brandi Lewis from Birmingham, Alabama. A blood disorder awareness educator, TEDx speaker, writer, and nonprofit founder, Brandi is passionate about helping others diagnosed with chronic illnesses. She herself has been diagnosed with aplastic anemia and PNH, the symptoms of which began in 2009. Her nonprofit, Brandi’s Blessings, was created to spread awareness and support blood disorder patients. She notes that her greatest accomplishment is having saved three lives by encouraging people to register to become bone marrow donors. Brandi is a dog lover of a labradoodle, Milo, and thinks laughter is the best medicine. 

Follow Brandi on Instagram at @_brandilewis_!

Brandi’s website: www.brandilewis.com
Brandi’s column: https://pnhnews.com/category/columns/from-fear-to-fighter-a-column-by-brandi-lewis/

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To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit www.smanewstoday.com/forums.

#147: Brandi Lewis, rare disease advocate and speaker

In episode 148, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Ashley Fox and Madeline Engel from California. Ashley has SMA, and Madeline became her best friend and caregiver when they were in college. They discuss the nuances of friendship and caregiving, plus touch on confronting internalized ableism and navigating graduate school and careers.

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To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit www.smanewstoday.com/forums

#148: Ashley Fox and Madeline Engel discuss friendship and caregiving

In episode 149, host Kevin Schaefer talks with Dr. Jessica Keogh from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. An educator, disability advocate, and certified life coach, she discusses growing up with SMA, living independently, navigating relationships, and becoming an advocate.

Jessica’s website: https://www.faithabovemyability.org/

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To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit www.smanewstoday.com/forums

#149: Jessica Keogh, Ed. D., Educator and Life Coach With SMA

Daily, digital coverage of the latest SMA news and perspectives.

New tracks tagged #spinal muscular atrophy