Shutdown, Stress, and the Strength of Families
The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
Release Date: 10/24/2025
Behind the Care: Families, Employment & the Budget Ripples
The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
This month — as we honour National Family Caregivers Month — we turn our attention to the 63 million Americans who provide unpaid care for loved ones with disabilities or chronic health needs. That staggering number is nearly one in every four adults. () Here in Colorado, roughly 600,000 family caregivers contribute 560 million hours of unpaid care annually — a value of about $11.2 billion. () On this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, host Katherine sits down with Cary Griffin to explore how caregivers are at the heart of employment and inclusion systems — yet often...
info_outline
Employment Shines Bright: Mikelle’s Story for NDEAM
The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
In this inspiring episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine and Torie join Mikelle in celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) by sharing the heart and hustle behind Mikelle’s entrepreneurial journey. Mikelle opens up about why she loves making and selling her handmade bracelets — from the joy of choosing colors to the pride she feels when someone buys a piece of her art. Katherine reflects on how meaningful work builds purpose and independence, while Torie adds a fresh Gen Z perspective on teamwork, inclusion, and the power of believing in your...
info_outline
Shutdown, Stress, and the Strength of Families
The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
The October 2025 government shutdown isn’t just a headline — it’s a story unfolding in kitchens, care teams, and communities across the country. Katherine reflects on the real-life impact for people with disabilities and aging caregivers who keep going even when government doesn’t. This mid-month update calls for action, awareness, and compassion — reminding us that the nation’s care infrastructure depends on the families who hold it together every day.
info_outline
Meet Torie: The Joy and Drive of Gen Z on the Shining Beautiful Team
The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
In this lively episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Mikelle and Katherine sit down with Torie — the newest member of the Shining Beautiful team. At just 21, Torie brings a fresh Gen Z perspective, a fearless spirit, and a contagious laugh that fills the room. Together, they talk about learning the ropes of supported employment, finding rhythm in teamwork, and discovering joy in meaningful work. Torie shares what drew her to this role, what she’s learned so far, and how she’s building connections with Mikelle and the rest of the team. It’s a conversation full of laughter,...
info_outline
Transitions: Seasons, Systems, and Speaking Up
The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
On this rainy first day of fall, Katherine reflect on transitions—both seasonal and systemic. Just as summer turns to autumn, Colorado is shifting from long-standing waiver programs to Community First Choice. What does this mean for individuals with disabilities, families, and support teams? In this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine explore the importance of advocacy during times of change—listening first, defining the problem, showing the impact, asking questions, and making clear what we want for the future. We also connect these themes to September’s Emergency...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outlineThe October 2025 government shutdown isn’t just a headline — it’s a story unfolding in kitchens, care teams, and communities across the country. Katherine reflects on the real-life impact for people with disabilities and aging caregivers who keep going even when government doesn’t. This mid-month update calls for action, awareness, and compassion — reminding us that the nation’s care infrastructure depends on the families who hold it together every day.