Laura, a young woman with Down syndrome talks about her life and goals. She graduated from general education program, went on to become an advocate, an athlethe, an activist for the disabled community and educator.

In this episode, we meet Josh Burch, a 48-year-old man who was born with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia. Josh talks about the challenges of growing up blind and shares how he navigates a world built for sighted people with the help of technology and his guide dog, Lou. We also hear more from Josh’s stepmother, Julie Burch, and learn how they inspired and learned from each other, and how their relationship has changed over time. 

In this episode, we meet Josh Burch, a 48-year-old man who was born with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia. Josh talks about the challenges of growing up blind and shares how he navigates a world built for sighted people with the help of technology and his guide dog, Lou. We also hear more from Josh’s stepmother, Julie Burch, and learn how they inspired and learned from each other, and how their relationship has changed over time. 

In  this episode  Jillian and Audrey, mother and daughter, share their perspectives about dwarfism  and offer helpful advice and wisdom along the way. They  speak about topics ranging from the “sport” of dwarf-tossing to some very enlightening and evolved perspectives on disability, advocacy, decision-making, overcoming challenges, and thriving in a world that does not make it easy to live without being stared at and  photographed without consent. Dwarfism is relatively rare so most of us have never met a little person. In this episode, you will gain a new appreciation for the challenges, gifts, and wisdom of one little person and her mom.

Jillian Curwin, an advocate for dwarfism and disability awareness, is the host of the podcast, “Always Looking Up.”  She was born with achondroplasia—a form of dwarfism. On the previous episode of Wisdom Shared, I spoke with her mother, Audrey. You can listen to that episode here: https://wisdom-shared.simplecast.com/episodes/audrey.

Audrey Curwin is the mother of two adult children, Jillian and Benjamin. Audrey was the Assistant Prosecutor in Gloucester County, New Jersey, supervising the domestic violence and sexual assault unit until her retirement in 2006. She was married for 23 years to Michael Curwin, and together, they were the only husband and wife team of first assistant prosecutors in New Jersey.

In this 14th episode of Wisdom Shared, Dr. Carole Blueweiss shares her own wisdom in an interview by Kathy Cocks for her podcast, Knowledge for Caregivers. In the episode, Carole brings her expertise as a Doctor of Physical Therapy to offer thoughts on movement, exercise, and wellness for older patients discharged from the hospital  who are being cared for by family or home health aides. Carole also shares about life with her mother who has experienced challenges as she ages. As her daughter, Carole says that she has witnessed many changes, “and yet she inspires me every day.” Dr. Blueweiss reframes growing older as a blessing, despite the unpredictable challenges that often arise. And she believes that there is more we can control as we age than we are led to believe. In this episode, learn why we owe it to ourselves to become more aware of the changing bodies every day and we learn from Kathy, in her amazing podcast, Knowledge for Caregivers, how encouragement and support can go a long way to helping our loved ones as they age with compassion and dignity.

Dr. Blueweiss speaks with Nafiz Cekirge, a father in central New Jersey who  speaks candidly about the impact that anorexia has had on his oldest daughter and on the family. There are a lot of unknowns to do with eating disorders and Nafiz helps us to understand the complexity of anorexia  and the importance of listening to your instincts if you suspect your child is struggling.

Ivana Gadient is a poet, activist, and mother of three grown daugthers: Makena, Raven and Jewel. She is an Anat Baniel NeuroMovement®(ABM) practitioner who lives in Hawaii. In this episode, Dr. Carole Blueweiss is joined by Ivana and her eldest daughter Makena.

In this Anniversary Mini-Episode, Dr. Carole Blueweiss reflects on her first year of producingith u her podcast, Wisdom Shared. Thank for being with us on this ride. Thank you to all guests, and listeners and to those of you who have helped to make it possible.

JoAnne Robb is a psychotherapist from Oakland, California, who counsels adults and parents of children with Type 1 Diabetes. She is a mother of three. Her oldest and youngest have diabetes and her middle child does not, although as you’ll learn through our conversation, he is still very much impacted by the disease. In this episode, JoAnne shares first-hand knowledge and personal stories. We learn why managing  Type 1 Diabetes is as much an art as a science; why children and  teenagers have their own dynamics, how technology can be a double-edged sword when it comes to managing the disorder, and how support is available if you know where to look.

Ariana Speyer is an experienced editor, writer, and copywriter turned Anat Baniel Method NeuroMovement® (ABMN®) practitioner. She lives in New York City with her husband Pat and their nine-year-old daughter, Calliope. In this episode, Ariana shares about life with Calliope, who has a rare genetic syndrome called Sturge Weber Syndrome, and how ABMN® has made a difference in their health and well-being. Ariana underscores that people are more multidimensional than their diagnosis, and reminds us how isolating it can be to live outside of society’s so-called norms. When you break it all down, we’re all seeking to belong and to be part of a welcoming community. Learn more about Ariana and her work at arianaspeyer.com.