Forged in Friendship: Saying Farewell to Shannon
The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
Release Date: 08/20/2025
The Calendar at the Center of Care
The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
In this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine pull back the curtain on the heartbeat of life in Mikelle’s downtown Denver condo: the calendar. What seems like a simple tool—paper and ink, squares and notes—becomes a lighthouse guiding continuity of care and protecting Mikelle’s privacy. With ConnectTeam supporting scheduling and reminders beyond the condo walls, the balance of paper and digital creates both structure and freedom. But the real story unfolds around the kitchen table, where the team gathers over watermelon, pizza, and laughter. Here, Mikelle’s voice...
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Forged in Friendship: Saying Farewell to Shannon
The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
In this heartfelt episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Mikelle and Katherine sit down with Shannon, the eldest member of Mikelle’s support team, as she prepares to head off on new adventures. Over the past year, Shannon has brought boundless energy, sharp organizational skills, and her unique background as a blacksmith and metal artist to the team. Together, we reflect on what drew her to the job, what she’s learned about working with someone with cerebral palsy, the challenges she’s faced, and the unexpected gifts along the way. Mikelle leads the conversation with thoughtful...
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Summer, Support, and Self-Care: Notes from a Season of Change
The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
In this heartfelt midsummer episode, Katherine reflects on a season full of sparkle, growth, and the power of a strong support team. From Mikelle’s night out at Film on the Rocks to the everyday victories made possible by a dedicated crew of caregivers, The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast celebrates the joy that comes when everyone has space to shine. Katherine also shares a timely update on the ongoing impact of the Big Beautiful Bill (BBB), and why staying connected—and taking care of ourselves—is more important than ever. With warmth and honesty, this episode offers a glimpse into...
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Beaming with Pride: Mikelle’s Story Shines in the Beam+ Mini-Doc
The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
In this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, we celebrate a milestone moment—Mikelle’s powerful story being featured in the Beam+ Mini-Doc, now streaming on . Join Maryann, Katherine, and Mikelle as they reflect on the filming process, the energy on set, and what it meant to stand alongside eight other fierce self-advocates whose lives challenge stereotypes and ignite conversations. From wardrobe choices to what made Mikelle laugh during production, we take you behind the scenes of this empowering experience. More than a documentary, Beam+ is a movement—and Mikelle’s voice...
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Beautiful Spin, Brutal Reality: Medicaid and the Big Bill
The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
In this powerful episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine shares her perspectives on the recently passed "Big Beautiful Bill"—legislation that slashes billions from Medicaid over the next few years. While politicians celebrate budget cuts, people like Mikelle face an uncertain future. What happens when the supports that make independence, employment, and dignity possible are suddenly on the chopping block? Through honest storytelling, lived experience, and advocacy, this episode challenges the narrative surrounding this bill and invites listeners to stand up, speak out, and...
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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...
info_outlineIn this heartfelt episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Mikelle and Katherine sit down with Shannon, the eldest member of Mikelle’s support team, as she prepares to head off on new adventures.
Over the past year, Shannon has brought boundless energy, sharp organizational skills, and her unique background as a blacksmith and metal artist to the team. Together, we reflect on what drew her to the job, what she’s learned about working with someone with cerebral palsy, the challenges she’s faced, and the unexpected gifts along the way.
Mikelle leads the conversation with thoughtful and fun questions, including a lighthearted rapid-fire round that will make you smile. While we’ll miss Shannon, this episode celebrates the friendships and connections that last far beyond the job.