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Have you ever been told you couldn't do something? That's what happened to today's guest, Shelbi Davenport. Years ago, Shelbi was told she wouldn't be able to attend college due to her disability. However, she didn't take "NO" for an answer.  Shelbi Davenport is a disability advocate, podcaster, and speaker. After many struggles and victories, Shelbi graduated from Texas A&M. Being awarded the first Peer-to-Peer Training certification in Texas on February 5th, 2017, was one of her greatest achievements. Shelbi’s passion is to change lives by teaching individuals with disabilities to advocate for themselves and dream big. Shelbi played a big role in advocating for HB 2081 (a bill that would allow Universities to receive more funding for post-secondary programs), which passed not too long ago. Shelbi is currently attending school to get her Master’s Degree in Mental Health. You can check out her Shelbi Show on Facebook or Spotify. Check out her website at http://betterlivespcp.com. Her mom's book, "Thanks For Telling Her No" can be purchased here. Send us Fan Mail TEDx Talk, Disrupt HR Talk

In today’s episode, I’m sharing my milestones in Austin over the past several months. I share what it was like to give my second TEDx talk and step onto the DisruptHR stage. Both experiences pushed me, stretched me, and reminded me why I do this work. Then, I’m joined by Stefani Matott, the Special Needs Ministry Lead at Red Rocks Church in Austin. We dive into her heart for creating inclusive spaces, the realities individuals with disabilities face, and how churches can move from awareness to true belonging. It’s an episode about purpose, community, and what it means to show up, on a stage and in people’s lives. Stefani has a passion for removing social and physical barriers so that people of all abilities can know God, live on purpose, and go change the world! It was a joy to discuss all things church, disability, and inclusion for everyone. Check out Red Rocks Church in Austin at: https://www.redrockschurch.com/austin/ Contact me at www.travisdavis.net  Send us Fan Mail TEDx Talk, Disrupt HR Talk

Last episode, I had Michelle Cooper on the podcast—and today, we're switching things up. This time, she had the idea to host the show and put me in the hot seat. She asked me questions about how I network and build connections. Whether it’s business, podcasting, or everyday life—relationships matter. It's a fun one. Enjoy! Send us Fan Mail TEDx Talk, Disrupt HR Talk

In today's episode, we're diving into corporate America. Over the past several months, I’ve gained insight into corporations' operations—especially when hiring talent. Companies are taking meaningful steps by creating resources and systems that foster inclusion for employees with disabilities. My guest today is Michelle Cooper, who brings firsthand experience from the tech world. She’s been deeply involved in inclusion and has much to share about what’s working and what still needs to change. After a 33-year career in the Chemical and High-Tech industries, Michelle exited corporate America to embrace her purpose of helping others go further faster and achieve their full potential. Michelle closed her career at her former tech company as Vice President of Culture of Inclusion. Under her leadership, that company set the strategy and momentum for building a connected and courageous, inclusive culture for all. She developed a strong team and influenced many, leading inclusively and engaging everyone across the enterprise.   She amplified diverse voices throughout her career and spent significant time coaching executives, employees, and teams. She was the founding president of one of the former company’s first Women’s Professional Development Network and continued her involvement in Employee Resource Groups throughout her career. Her new firm, The Mapp Co., provides professional coaching services for all. This new work is aligned with her values of authenticity, gratitude, inclusive leadership, and sharing her wisdom. You can reach out to her at themappco.com Send us Fan Mail TEDx Talk, Disrupt HR Talk

In this episode of Off the Crutch, we’re talking all things adapted fitness—why it matters, how it builds community, and what accessible fitness really looks like. In 2014, Jake Weiner founded ZOOZ Fitness in Los Angeles with a mission to help individuals with disabilities thrive physically, mentally, and socially. With a background in psychology, marketing, Judo, and personal training, Jake recognized a need for more inclusive fitness opportunities and set out to fill that gap. What started as personal training sessions in local parks with just the basics quickly grew into something bigger. Today, ZOOZ offers private, semi-private, and group classes in Woodland Hills, CA, and throughout the greater LA area, with plans to expand across California and beyond.  On April 5th, there will be a Spartan Race at Dodger Stadium, so anyone in the LA area, please check it out. https://race.spartan.com/en/races/los-angeles-stadium Follow ZOOZ Fitness @zoozfitness or go to zoozfitness.com Send us Fan Mail TEDx Talk, Disrupt HR Talk

I had the honor to chat with SXSW President and Chief Programming Officer Hugh Forrest to explore how one of the world’s most influential festivals continues to lead with connection, resilience, and innovation. We discuss how SXSW has evolved, how accessibility and inclusion are prioritized, and what it takes to create space for diverse voices in tech, media, and culture. As someone who attended panels focused on happiness, resilience, and branding, this experience was very personal—and a reminder that when we show up with purpose, the right doors open. Check out http://sxsw.com to learn more about the festival. Send us Fan Mail TEDx Talk, Disrupt HR Talk

In today’s episode, I dive into the excitement of being selected for my second TEDx talk, reflect on my recent return to Austin, and share a powerful conversation with Emma Faye Rudkin—an absolute powerhouse and amazing human being. Emma Faye went profoundly deaf at the age of three and has spent her life turning a disability into an ability. Emma Faye is an internationally known role model and public speaker for the (D) deaf and hard-of-hearing (HOH) community and Founder and Executive Director of Aid the Silent. Emma Faye travels around the country with her service dog, Hank, sharing and encouraging others to live their fullest life possible, no matter what the obstacles to always follow your dreams by never giving up. Emma Faye was named San Antonio’s Woman of the Year in the 2018 class of 40 Under 40 honorees celebrating the city’s rising stars.  You can follow Emma on social media @emmafayerudkin Send us Fan Mail TEDx Talk, Disrupt HR Talk

It's the last podcast episode of 2024 and I'm ending it on a "high" note. My guests are Erika Bogan and Allison Norlian who was on last month sharing about her short film, Thirteen. This time, it's about Meandering Scars, a documentary that documents Erika’s journey to climb the tallest free standing mountain in the world to spread awareness about suicide and mental health struggles in the disability community.  Meandering Scars was co-directed and co-produced by Allison and Kody Leibowitz, cofounders of BirdMine.  Erika Bogan is a Spartan athlete, Motivator, Certified Master Mindset/ Mental Health Coach, recognized National Disability Advocate & lover of life, who is dedicated to motivating others to find their purpose through sharing her remarkable story of redefining her life after becoming paralyzed following a traumatic injury. Our conversation highlights the filmmaking process and also the ups and downs of living with a physical disability.  This episoide is the perfect represenation of all of themes that were talked about this year and I couldn't be prouder of how this one turned out. Follow @birdminestories for all the updates on when the documentary will be released. See you in 2025! Send us Fan Mail TEDx Talk, Disrupt HR Talk

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! This is right up there with my favorite interviews of the year. I learned so much from Emma Withrow, investigative journalist for The National News Desk on today's episode. We discussed her background covering disability related stories, Autism, Love on the Spectrum, and what it's like working for a national news channel. It's worth your time as you drive around returning Christmas gifts! Emma Withrow is a National Investigative Journalist for The National News Desk and lives in Washington D.C. In this role, Emma covers a wide variety of topics and stories, including politics, the economy, foreign affairs,. Previously, Emma was the Chief Political Correspondent at FOX Charlotte, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Emma grew up in California and went to college at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Follow her @emmawithrow Send us Fan Mail TEDx Talk, Disrupt HR Talk

I recently received my 2024 podcast stats. I'm immensely grateful I had over 1k downloads and listened in 21 countries. You guys rock. More great stuff is on the way in 2025. In addition, I highlighted the top 5 episodes of the year in the pod. If you're relatively new, please go back and listen to them. I'll list them at the bottom. Today, I have Kathryn Goetzke on the podcast. I was on her Hope Matrix Podcast last month and she graciously accepted the invitation to be on mine! Kathryn Goetzke, MBA, is CEO & Chief Hope Officer of The Shine Hope Company, the Author of ‘The Biggest Little Book About Hope‘, podcast host of The Hope Matrix, Creator of award winning Hopeful Minds, Hopeful Cities, and Hopeful Mindsets, Social Entrepreneur, Chief Mood Officer, and Business Strategist. In 2004, launched Mood-lites™, a brand that achieved over 35 million dollars in retail sales and ran the first cause marketing campaign for mental health. She was recently appointed to represent the World Federation for Mental Health at the United Nations, representing the almost 1 billion people around the world with mental health disorders, and is working to get a resolution passed at the United Nations for an International Day of Hope, to ensure all around the world know you can measure and teach hope. The list goes on and on..Kathryn is simply an amazing human being. Our conversation about how we can learn to hope, the relationship it plays with a disability, and her struggles with mental health was eye-opening, to say the least. You will get a lot out of this one. Enjoy! Resilience, Connections, and Breaking Boundaries with Rayne Clarkson Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month with UCP CEO and President Armando Contreras Disney's Out of My Mind with Director Amber Sealey The Mighty with CEO and Founder Mike Porath Real Talk on CP: Insights from Future Physical Therapists Send us Fan Mail TEDx Talk, Disrupt HR Talk

It’s here! In this episode, I break down my favorite parts of Out of My Mind and explore how Melody’s story resonates with my own journey. This powerful film is more than just a movie to me—it’s a celebration of resilience, inclusion, and the beauty of finding your voice. Enjoy! Send us Fan Mail TEDx Talk, Disrupt HR Talk

Disney's Out of My Mind will be released on Disney+ tomorrow, and I had the opportunity to interview the director, Amber Sealey, on today's podcast. The film is about a sixth grader, Melody Brooks, who has cerebral palsy, is nonverbal, and uses a wheelchair. As Melody navigates the ups and downs of being in the classroom, she eventually shows that what she has to say is more important than how she says it. Amber Sealey is an award-winning filmmaker whose most recent film, Out of My Mind (Disney/ Participant/Big Beach), premiered at Sundance 2024 to multiple standing ovations. Based on the best-selling YA novel of the same name, it stars Rosemarie DeWitt, Luke Kirby, and Judith Light, with Jennifer Aniston voicing the lead's inner life. Projects she has in development include two of her original scripts — the comedy feature COMING OF AGE and the romantic comedy BODICE RIPPER. Her feature NO MAN OF GOD (SpectreVision/Company X/XYZ Films/RLJ Entertainment), starring Elijah Wood and Luke Kirby, was theatrically released in 2021 to rave reviews. She has been supported by Sundance, Film Independent, and Women in Film. She is a fellow of the AFI Directing Workshop for Women and has written scripts for Duplass Brothers/Donut Productions. She was selected for Ryan Murphy’s Half Initiative, the NBCUniversal Directors Initiative, the WeForShe DirectHer program, Film Independent’s Directing Lab, and their Fast Track program. Her short film, HOW DOES IT START, world premiered at Sundance and (among other awards) won Best Narrative Short at Sarasota FF, and is being turned into a feature film. Her feature NO LIGHT & NO LAND ANYWHERE was theatrically released by Factory 25 and won a Special Jury Award at the LA Film Festival. Her second feature, HOW TO CHEAT, won Best Performance at LAFF, and won both Best Narrative and Best Acting at BendFilm. Her first film, A PLUS D, was released by IndiePix. Sealey has a BA in Theatre Arts and Modern Dance from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and an MA from The Central School of Speech and Drama in London. She studied Shakespeare at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. She was born in England and lives in Los Angeles with her family. Be sure to check out the movie Friday! Send us Fan Mail TEDx Talk, Disrupt HR Talk

I can't get enough of Austin! Last month I went back and visited, but this time, it was for the Austin Film Festival. My guest today is Allison Norlian, who I met at the festival. Allison Norlian is a three-time Emmy-nominated journalist, filmmaker, and co-founder of BirdMine, a production company dedicated to amplifying the voices and stories of people with disabilities and other underrepresented communities. Through BirdMine, Allison writes, directs, and produces short- and long-form documentaries and narrative films that aim to shift perceptions and inspire social change. Currently, Allison is in post-production for Meandering Scars, a documentary she co-filmed, wrote, and produced. She also wrote and co-directed Thirteen, a short film that has screened internationally and was an official selection at festivals including the Austin Film Festival, Austin Jewish Film Festival, California Women's Film Festival, and Independent Shorts Awards. Allison's career as a journalist and filmmaker has always been fueled by a desire to champion the voices of those too often unheard, including her profoundly disabled sister. Her work has consistently highlighted critical issues affecting people with disabilities and other vulnerable communities. Recognized for her impact, Allison received a Catalyst for Change award from the ARC of Virginia and earned an Emmy nomination for an investigation that exposed abuse in an assisted living facility. With each project, Allison’s goal remains the same: to shift the way the world views disability, bringing dignity, depth, and humanity to these stories. You can check Allison's work out at https://www.birdmine.com/ Send us Fan Mail TEDx Talk, Disrupt HR Talk

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, my guest is Myles Wallace, Disability Inclusion Partner for Peak Performers, a disability staffing agnecy in Austin, TX. Are you disabled and looking for employment? Peak Performers can help. They help anyone with a disability regardless of location. From Administraion roles, to C-Suite, their aim is to place people with disabilities in high level positons. To learn more, go to https://www.peakperformers.org/ or e-mail Myles at [email protected] Send us Fan Mail TEDx Talk, Disrupt HR Talk

I recently came back from an eight day solo travel trip to Austin, Texas. Anyone who uses a wheelchair knows that traveling is hard. It was a learning experience and I decided to share the top five disability experiences I had on my journey. Big shout out to all the people I met and who made the experience so memorable. This episode is about growth, connection, and learning from your past. Follow me on social media at @offthecrutchpod or e-mail me at [email protected] Send us Fan Mail TEDx Talk, Disrupt HR Talk