MDA Quest Podcast

In this Quest Podcast episode, we chat with world-renowned advocate, entrepreneur, TV personality and producer, Sophie Morgan. She devotes her time and expertise to create inclusive spaces for those with disabilities and deliver advice, inspire action, and make us feel closer together while sharing stories of resilience and positivity. Sophie is a co-founder of Making Space Media, a production company that focuses on increasing representation in TV and film, and a leader in the global disability rights campaign “Rights on Flights”. She joins us to share her experiences, expertise, and advice.
Transcript
Guests:
Sophie Morgan is a 38-year-old BAFTA nominated TV presenter, producer, writer, disability rights advocate, and artist. Paralyzed in an automobile accident when she was 18 years old, Sophie became one of the first female wheelchair users globally to host on television and is transforming the representation of disability on screen. Sophie can be seen anchoring live sports, including the Paralympics, fronting in her own prime-time travel series and hard-hitting current affairs documentaries, and as a regular panelist for ITV’s Loose Women. She recently co-founded Making Space Media with Keely Cat Wells. Making Space Media, a production company that focuses on increasing representation in TV and film, recently contracted with Reese Witherspoon’s media company Hello Sunshine. Named one of the top 10 influential disabled people in the UK, her advocacy work includes serving on the advisory boards for Human Rights Watch, speaking at the United Nations, spearheading the global disability rights campaign “Rights on Flights”, serving as a Can-Am global ambassador, writing a monthly column for Conde Nast Traveler, and much more.
Connect with Sophie:

• https://making-space.com/
• https://rightsonflights.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/sophlmorg/
• https://www.sophiemorgan.com/
• https://twitter.com/sophiemorgan96
• https://www.facebook.com/SophMorg/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-morgan-b05a0671/

Host:

Mindy Henderson is MDA’s Vice President of Disability Outreach & Empowerment & Editor-in-Chief of Quest Media, and the host of this podcast. She was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, type 2 when she was 15 months old and has been a life-long partner to MDA. Mindy is also a motivational speaker and a writer, and author of the book, The Truth About Things That Suck .
Connect with Mindy:

• LinkedIn:
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendersonmindy/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindyhendersonspeaks/

In this Quest Podcast episode, we chat with geneticist, Dr. Jeffrey Chamberlain and the Chief Research Officer of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Dr. Sharon Hesterlee. Both have devoted their time and expertise to create and move forward research and treatments for neuromuscular diseases. Their goal is to create successful treatments and eventually a cure for those effect by neuromuscular diseases. These specialists join us to share their experiences, expertise, and advice.
Transcript
Guests:
Dr. Jeffrey Chamberlain is a geneticist with expertise in the muscular dystrophies, and is currently a professor of neurology, medicine and biochemistry at the University of Washington School of Medicine, director of the Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, and the McCaw Endowed Chair in Muscular Dystrophy. He is also current president of the American Society for Gene and Cell Therapy. Research in the Chamberlain lab focuses on understanding the molecular basis of, and developing treatments for, the muscular dystrophies with a focus on gene therapy. His group invented ‘micro-dystrophin’ and discovered that vectors derived from AAV can be used for bodywide, systemic gene delivery to muscle. Several of his vector designs are being tested in human clinical trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Connect with Dr. Chamberlain:

• https://sites.uw.edu/chamblab/home/
• https://www.seattlemuscle.org

Dr. Hesterlee is Chief Research Officer of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. She has over 20 years of experience in neuromuscular research in both the nonprofit and industry space, where she has served variously as head of research, project lead and CEO. She has been involved in numerous efforts to remove barriers to therapy development for rare disease and foster interactions between patient advocacy groups and industry. She received her Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Arizona in 1999.
Connect with Dr. Hesterlee:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-hesterlee/

Host:

Mindy Henderson is MDA’s Vice President of Disability Outreach & Empowerment & Editor-in-Chief of Quest Media, and the host of this podcast. She was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, type 2 when she was 15 months old and has been a life-long partner to MDA. Mindy is also a motivational speaker and a writer, and author of the book, The Truth About Things That Suck .
Connect with Mindy:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendersonmindy/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindyhendersonspeaks/

In this Quest Podcast episode, we chat with the founders of Dateability, a dating app geared towards individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses. Alexa and Jacqueline Child have devoted their time to create a safe and accepting space that allows individuals to create meaningful connections. Their goal is to make love accessible for everyone. These ladies join us to share their experiences, expertise, and advice.
Transcript

Guests:
Alexa Child , co-founder of Dateability, graduated from Georgetown Law in 2015 and currently works as a public interest attorney. Through witnessing her sister’s experience with disability, Alexa has become an advocate and ally for the disability community. She is passionate about social justice, enjoys TV and film, and loves all things Halloween.
Jacqueline Child , co-founder of Dateability, has turned her experience with disability and chronic illness into a new venture. She created Dateability with her sister after years of discouraging ableist experiences on the mainstream dating apps. When she isn’t managing her health, Jacqueline enjoys playing the guitar, reading, and spending time with her family and dogs.
Connect with Dateability:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dateabilityapp/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dateability
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dateabilityapp
Info Page: https://info.dateabilityapp.com/
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dateability/id6443474660
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dateabilityapp&hl=en&gl=US
Web App: https://www.dateabilityapp.com/login
Host:

Mindy Henderson is MDA’s Vice President of Disability Outreach & Empowerment, Editor-in-Chief of Quest Media, and the host of this podcast. She was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, type 2 when she was 15 months old and has been a life-long partner to MDA. Mindy is also a motivational speaker and a writer, and author of the book, The Truth About Things That Suck .
Connect with Mindy:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendersonmindy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindyhendersonspeaks/

In this Quest Podcast episode, we chat with one of Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Ambassadors, Isaac Banks about finding fulfillment in our lives as we skyrocket into 2024. As a certified public speaker, author, and podcaster, he has devoted his career to providing equity and inclusion for others and finds personal fulfillment through his faith and mindfulness. He joins us to share his experiences, expertise, and advice.
Transcript
Guests:
Isaac Banks has many obstacles that could stop him, but muscular dystrophy isn’t one of them. At age 8, Isaac was misdiagnosed as having Duchenne muscular dystrophy by a family doctor. When he was 21, doctors noticed Isaac’s diagnosis wasn’t progressing as expected. After contacting MDA, he was tested and the results revealed that he was actually living with limb girdle muscular dystrophy.
Isaac has since found a successful career in corporate America. He is a talented public speaker and has designed a comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program, as well as a Servant Leadership for Management program. Over the years, Isaac participated in various programs provided by MDA, including Summer Camp and speaks about the profound ways that Summer camp set him up for success in life and molded him into the deeply fulfilled person he is today, spending as much time as he can giving back.
Connect with Isaac:

Facebook: IsaacDBanks
LinkedIn: isaac-d-banks
Apple Podcast: Man vs Wheelchair
PodBean: Man vs Wheelchair
Host:
Mindy Henderson is the Senior Director & Editor-in-Chief of Quest Media, and the host of this podcast. She was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, type 2 when she was 15 months old and has been a life-long partner to MDA. Mindy is also a motivational speaker and a writer, and author of the book, The Truth About Things That Suck .
Connect with Mindy:

LinkedIn: hendersonmindy
Instagram: mindyhendersonspeaks

In this Quest Podcast episode, we chat with Muscular Dystrophy Association’s National Ambassadors, Leah Z., and Amy Shinneman. Amy feels that connecting and sharing her story with others through MDA has been life changing. Leah is a dedicated advocate that feels it is important to advocate for yourself and stand up for those that are not able. These ladies join us to share their experiences, expertise, and advice.
Transcript

Guests:

Amy lives with a type of muscular dystrophy called Bethlem myopathy. She has had symptoms since birth but did not receive a diagnosis until she was 44 years old - thanks to genetic testing. She is the mom of two boys who are in college and high school. She enjoys painting with acrylics and oils, cooking, baking, reading and exercising. She also enjoys training for marathons with her husband, Jamie, who pushes her in her duo bike. They have competed in multiple marathons together.
Connect with Amy:

Facebook: amy.l.shinneman
Instagram: @ashinneman
Leah is 16 years old and was born with an ultra-rare form of neuromuscular disease. She is an accomplished actress, dancer, model and adaptive athlete. She has danced on the Lincoln Center stage, walked in New York Fashion Week... twice , and appeared in the Jennifer Lopez movie, Marry Me .
Connect with Leah:

Instagram: @leahj.zelaya
Host:

Mindy Henderson is the Senior Director & Editor-in-Chief of Quest Media, and the host of this podcast. She was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, type 2 when she was 15 months old and has been a life-long partner to MDA. Mindy is also a motivational speaker and a writer, and author of the book, The Truth About Things That Suck .
Connect with Mindy:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendersonmindy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindyhendersonspeaks/

In this Quest Podcast episode, we chat with the Director of Marketing and Communications at Idealist.org, President for New York Women in Communications (NYWICI) and host of the NYWICI WomenHeard Changemakers podcast. Georgia Galanoudis had devoted her career to deliver advice, inspire action, and make us feel closer together while sharing stories of resilience and positivity. She joins us to share her experiences, expertise, and advice.
Transcript
Guest:

Throughout her career Georgia Galanoudis has been exploring content’s ability to educate, inspire and build community. As the Director of Marketing and Communications at Idealist.org, Georgia and her team deliver the support and access needed to help individuals reach their full social-impact potential. She uncovers authentic and compelling stories that deliver advice, inspire action, and make us feel closer together.
During her career, Georgia has managed marketing solution agencies within large publishers, such as Time Inc. She ran the strategy practice for a full-service digital agency and led new business efforts for best-in-breed content agencies. At the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), as Head of Media and then as Chief Experience Officer, Georgia helped ensure the HIMSS member community had access to the tools and connections necessary to realize the mission of reforming the global health ecosystem.
As an experienced board director, Georgia currently serves as President for New York Women in Communications (NYWICI). She is the host of the NYWICI WomenHeard Changemakers podcast, where you can hear communications industry leaders share personal stories of resilience and positivity in the face of challenging transition.
Connect with Georgia:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiagalanoudis/
  https://www.linkedin.com/company/idealist.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Idealist
• X (formerly known as Twitter): https://twitter.com/idealist
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idealist_org/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@idealist_org

Mindy Henderson is the Senior Director & Editor-in-Chief of Quest Media, and the host of this podcast. She was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, type 2 when she was 15 months old and has been a life-long partner to MDA. Mindy is also a motivational speaker and a writer, and author of the book, The Truth About Things That Suck .
Connect with Mindy:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendersonmindy/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindyhendersonspeaks/

In this Quest Podcast episode, we chat with a distinguished business leader from the St. Louis area, who lives with physical disabilities. Lori Becker, CEO of Starkloff Disability Institute, has devoted her career to promoting diversity and inclusion both in the workplace and in the community. She joins us to share her experiences, expertise, and advice in recognition of National Disability Employment Month.
If you would like to get involved in advocating for policy issues related to employment for individuals with disabilities, please go to https://www.mda.org/get-involved/advocacy for information about the MDA Grassroots Advocacy Team.
Transcript
Guest:
Lori Becker joined the Starkloff Disability Institute in 2013 as Director of Development and Communications. With her influence, the Institute has grown by leaps and bounds. Lori was named to the 2020 class of Diverse Business Leaders by the St. Louis Business Journal. One of 20 leaders selected from a pool of more than 90 nominees, she was featured in a September issue of the Business Journal where she was recognized for her efforts to promote diversity and inclusion both in the workplace and in the community . The Board of Directors named LoriCEO in 2023. Like many Starkloff employees, Lori has a disability.She is legally blind due to a genetic disorder called Stargardt’s Disease.
Connect with Lori:

• https://www.facebook.com/StarkloffDisabilityInstitute/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
• https://twitter.com/SDI_Disability
• https://www.instagram.com/starkloffdisability/
• https://starkloff.org/

Mindy Henderson is the Senior Director & Editor-in-Chief of Quest Media, and the host of this podcast. She was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, type 2 when she was 15 months old and has been a life-long partner to MDA. Mindy is also a motivational speaker and a writer, and author of the book, The Truth About Things That Suck .
Connect with Mindy:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendersonmindy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindyhendersonspeaks/

In this Quest Podcast episode, we chat with a renowned journalist, model and disability rights activist, who lives with physical disabilities. Madison Lawson, who has been featured in publications including Vogue, Glamour, Teen Vogue, Allure and brands like Sephora, PrettyLittle Thing, and Olay, joins us to share her experiences, expertise, and advice when it comes to navigating life.
Transcript
Guests:

Madison Lawson is a journalist, model and disability rights activist. Her written works have been featured in publications including Vogue, Glamour, Teen Vogue, Allure and more. Lawson’s advocacy work has gotten her featured in campaigns with brands like Sephora, PrettyLittle Thing, and Olay. Her greatest inspiration is the work and legacy of her late friend and the mother of the disability rights movement Judy Heumann who laid the groundwork for disabled people around the world to be better integrated into society. Heumann’s work included organizing and carrying out the longest non-violent occupation of a federal building to get legislation like 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act passed, igniting the disability pride movement that has empowered generations of disabled people around the world. Lawson hopes to give representation to her younger self who never saw people who looked like her shown in a positive light in media, and to be one of the many voices pushing the needle of inclusion forward for people with disabilities.

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wheelchairbarbie/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wheelchairbarbie
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-lawson-978a63112/

Mindy Henderson is the Senior Director & Editor-in-Chief of Quest Media, and the host of this podcast. She was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, type 2 when she was 15 months old and has been a life-long partner to MDA. Mindy is also a motivational speaker and a writer, and author of the book, The Truth About Things That Suck .
Connect with Mindy:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendersonmindy/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindyhendersonspeaks/

• For Information About our Advocacy Efforts - https://www.mda.org/get-involved/advocacy
• Join the Grassroots Advocacy Team - https://www.votervoice.net/MDA/register

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendersonmindy/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindyhendersonspeaks/