Zip Ties & Budget Lies: The Real Cost of the Big Beautiful Bill
The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
In this urgent and emotional episode of The Shining Beautiful Series, Katherine dives into the devastating impact of the HB-1 “Big Beautiful Bill,” passed during the June 30th vote-a-rama. As the federal government moves to gut Medicaid and unravel decades of disability rights progress, people with disabilities were zip-tied in the U.S. Capitol simply for demanding their right to live with dignity. Katherine contrasts this cruelty with a brighter vision from Colorado, where Governor Polis is set to sign three powerful bills—HB25-1239, HB25-1017, and HB25-1154—that protect civil...
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Living Lightly: Discipline, Improv, and the Everyday Reset
The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
In this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine Carol explores what it really takes to stay positive in uncertain times. Spoiler alert—it’s not all sunshine and good vibes. It takes discipline, intentional resets, and a willingness to live life like improv: one unexpected moment at a time. Drawing from her own experience as a lifelong caregiver, advocate, and mother, Katherine shares how she and Mikelle navigate daily challenges with humor, creativity, and just enough structure to keep going. Whether it’s tuning out the chaos, starting the day with gratitude, or...
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Stylin’ It: Mikelle and Maryann Light Up the Runway at Denver Fashion Week
The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
In this joyful and fashion-forward episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Mikelle and Maryann take us behind the scenes of their unforgettable modeling moment at Denver Fashion Week. Learn how this dynamic duo created the opportunity, from networking and bold visioning to connecting with inclusive fashion leaders. They share what it was like backstage—the energy, the nerves, the laughter—and the powerful experience of strutting down the runway in bold red looks. More than just a moment in the spotlight, this episode highlights how Mikelle and Maryann, with the support of...
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Two Americas: Slashing Support vs. Building Belonging
The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
In this powerful episode of The Shining Beautiful Series, we unpack the devastating implications of the federal HB-1 bill—an aggressive piece of legislation that slashes Medicaid funding and threatens the stability of home- and community-based services for people with disabilities. While Washington proposes deep cuts, Colorado offers a different path forward. We highlight three landmark bills soon to be signed by Governor Jared Polis: HB25-1239 expanding the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, HB25-1017 establishing a strong Community Integration Plan, and HB25-1154 launching a...
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Bridging the Gap: Special Education Today and Tomorrow with Bob Barrows
The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
In this insightful episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine and Mikelle sits down with longtime educator, administrator, and special education consultant Bob Barrows. Together, they explore the evolving relationship between general and special education—and compare services and supports in both urban and rural settings. Drawing on his decades of experience, Bob shares what’s working, what’s not, and where innovation is taking us. T he conversation also dives into how artificial intelligence might support—or complicate—the role of special educators. Tune in as we...
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From Page to Power: Brittany G’s Storytelling Spark
The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
In this inspiring episode and inn honor of last month's celebration of Cerbral Palsy Awareness, we sit down with the multitalented Brittany "Lenny" Gilbert—an author, filmmaker, and lifelong entrepreneur who’s been dreaming big since the age of sixteen. With a notebook in one hand and a pencil in the other, Lenny began crafting the stories that would shape her future. Mikelle and I dive into the making of her 2018 self-published book Rudy & Me, a heartfelt story that later blossomed into her first short film in 2022. Brittany shares her creative process, what it’s like turning...
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From Denver to D.C.: Updates on Medicaid & Community Living Policies
The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
In our upcoming episode, "From Denver to D.C.: Updates on Medicaid & Community Living Policies," Katherine delves into recent policy developments impacting Medicaid and community living services at both the state and federal levels. She discusses Colorado's proposed 1.6% increase in Medicaid provider reimbursement rates amid a $1.2 billion budget shortfall, and the federal government's plan to dismantle the Administration for Community Living (ACL), which could affect programs like Meals on Wheels. Tune in to understand how these changes may influence services for older adults and...
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Medicaid at a Crossroads: Mid-March Legislative Watch
The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
In this episode, Katherine breaks down the latest legislative updates impacting Medicaid in Colorado and across the nation. With potential budget cuts looming, we explore what these changes could mean for individuals who rely on Medicaid for essential services — including people with disabilities, caregivers, and families. Join Katherine as she discusses the key issues, shares personal insights, and highlights ways you can stay informed and get involved. Don't miss this crucial conversation about how policy decisions today could shape the future of healthcare access.
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Welcoming Kiara to the Shining Beautiful Team
The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
Here's an episode description you can use: In this episode of the Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Mikelle and Katherine introduce one of the newest members of the team—Kiara! Kiara, on the Autism Spectrum, was drawn to this role because of her mutual love of coffee and checking out the neighborhood as well as its flexibility, inclusivity, and focus on individual strengths. Mikelle and Katherine discuss what makes this job an excellent fit for Kiara, the support to help her thrive, and why inclusive employment benefits everyone. Tune in to hear how Shining Beautiful continues...
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The Huddle: Uniting for Inclusion – How We Come Together to Advocate for a More Inclusive World
The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
Episode Title: The Huddle – Teaming Up for Inclusion Inspired by Brad Pitt’s Huddle segment during the Super Bowl pre-game, Katherine recognized how a sports metaphor perfectly applies to person-centered planning, teamwork, and the foundation of the inclusion movement. In this episode, we break down the strategies that brought us together to build inclusion, why unity is more critical than ever to protect it, and how we can support each other as teammates. Just like any great team, we need to stay strong, train for the challenges ahead, and rally together to ensure that inclusion remains a...
info_outlineOn this show we dive deep into inspiring stories and conversations that matter. Today, we are incredibly honored to have a special guest with us. She's a passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion in the gaming world, significantly impacting the lives of gamers with disabilities. Cheryl Mitchell, the Director of User Research at AbleGamers.
AbleGamers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking down the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from enjoying video games providing custom gaming setups, equipment, and support to gamers with disabilities, ensuring they can play games comfortably and competitively. We love a good tech talk! Join us in learning more about 21st Century opportunities for people with disabilities.