keywords

gun violence, advocacy, Moms Demand Action, gun control, mental health, community engagement, legislation, Second Amendment, education, safety

takeaways

• Gun violence is a pressing issue that affects communities nationwide.
• Advocacy efforts are crucial in addressing gun violence and promoting responsible gun ownership.
• Community engagement and education are key to changing perceptions about gun laws.
• Mental health is a significant factor in gun violence, but access to firearms is a critical issue.
• The Second Amendment is often misinterpreted in the context of gun rights and ownership.
• Comparative analysis of gun laws in other countries can provide insights for reform.
• Building relationships within communities is essential for effective advocacy.
• Moms Demand Action operates as a grassroots organization with volunteer support.
• There are various ways for individuals to get involved in advocacy efforts.
• Trauma-informed approaches are necessary for addressing the impact of gun violence on youth.

summary

This conversation delves into the pressing issue of gun violence in America, exploring the role of advocacy, community engagement, and legislation in addressing this crisis. Janet Goldstein, a leader in Moms Demand Action, shares her personal journey and the organization's mission to promote responsible gun ownership and common-sense legislation. The discussion highlights the importance of mental health, the misinterpretation of the Second Amendment, and the need for trauma-informed approaches in schools. Listeners are encouraged to get involved in advocacy efforts and understand the impact of gun violence on communities, particularly among youth.

titles

• Confronting Gun Violence: A Call to Action
• Understanding the Role of Advocacy in Gun Control

Sound Bites

• "Gun violence is a pressing issue."
• "The Second Amendment is often misinterpreted."
• "Education is vital in promoting gun safety."

NOTE: CCM means Concealed Carry Mandate; https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/38

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Event Reflection

01:28

Janet's Journey with Moms Demand Action

04:19

Understanding Gun Ownership and Safety

06:46

The Assault Weapons Ban and Its Impact

08:58

Motivations Behind Gun Legislation Advocacy

11:42

The Role of Community in Gun Violence Prevention

14:15

Misinterpretation of the Second Amendment

16:51

America's Fascination with Guns

19:44

Engaging Communities Affected by Gun Violence

25:03

Supporting Communities Through Basic Needs

26:37

Listening to the Voices of the Affected

31:08

The Role of Moms Demand Action

33:57

Initiatives for Gun Safety Education

37:55

Addressing Trauma in Schools

43:51

How to Get Involved with Moms Demand Action

https://specialedrising.com/

Ray's Respite Care GoFundMe link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

“Progress isn’t always a straight line, and sometimes it doesn’t look anything like what the school charts say. But that doesn’t mean it’s not real. If you’ve ever been told your child is ‘behind,’ or felt crushed sitting in an IEP meeting while graphs told a story that didn’t match your kid—this episode is for you.”

In this episode of Special Ed Rising, we explore why small victories matter, how to recognize progress that standardized tests miss, and tools to track your child’s real growth. From tying shoes to making a first friend, these everyday wins are building independence, confidence, and lifelong skills.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why milestones and test scores don’t tell the full story of your child’s growth.
• Research-backed ways to capture progress that traditional assessments miss (Curriculum-Based Measurement, Goal Attainment Scaling, and more).
• How to celebrate small wins that often fly under the radar, like social courage, problem-solving, and self-expression.
• Strategies for shifting your mindset—and your child’s—from “behind” to “growing on their own timeline.”
• Practical tools you can start today: one-line journals, photo notes, creating individualized ladders, and sharing victories with your community.
• An introduction to alternative assessments and how they empower children to show what they really know and can do.

Resources & Links:

• Explore tips, tools, and parent coaching: specialedrising.com
• Watch interviews and extra content: Special Ed Rising YouTube Channel
• Support Ray’s Respite Care: [GoFundMe Link in Show Notes]

Reflection Prompt:

Before you go, take a moment to jot down one small victory your child achieved this week. Celebrate it, claim it, and remember—every step counts.

Join the Movement:

Special Ed Rising is a space for inclusion, supporting individuals with disabilities across education, access, and health. If this episode resonated, please rate, review, subscribe, and share—it helps more families find this support and join the mission.

Quote to Remember:

“Progress isn’t always a straight line, and sometimes it doesn’t look anything like what the school charts say. But that doesn’t mean it’s not real.”

💻 Resources & Support: specialedrising.com

🎥 Watch more: Special Ed Rising YouTube

❤️ Support families: Ray’s Respite Care GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

Ray's Respite Care: https://www.raysrespitecare.org/

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many states allowed parents of children with significant disabilities to be paid caregivers under Medicaid—offering dignity, recognition, and financial support for the work they were already doing. But now, as emergency waivers expire, those programs are vanishing. Quietly. Quickly. And families are once again being left behind.

In this PURGE 47 Edition, host Mark Ingrassia examines how states are handling (or mishandling) the rollback of parent caregiver pay, the devastating effects on families, and why this is about more than just money—it’s about equity, justice, and respect.

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Which states are continuing caregiver pay and which are not
• The policy arguments on both sides—including federal pushback
• How families are scrambling to fill care gaps
• Real-world stories from Idaho, Indiana, New York, and beyond
• What options remain for families after caregiver pay is cut
• How you can advocate for change at the state and federal levels

📝 Resources & References:

• “Medicaid cutbacks will affect unpaid family caregivers” – Wisconsin Examiner, Erik Gunn
• Disability Scoop and Idaho Statesman reporting on Idaho caregiver program cuts
• Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD) caregiver survey (Wisconsin)
• New York CDPAP and Medicaid Waiver info – NY Post, Times Union, NYS DOH
• Complex Care Act advocacy updates
• Legislative tracking via SpecialEdRising.com

🧾 Full bibliography available

New York State Department of Health. (n.d.). Care at Home waiver program for developmentally disabled children. Retrieved from https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/0548/care_at_home_dev_disabled.htm

New York State Department of Health. (2014, July 7). 1115 Waiver special terms and conditions. Retrieved from https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/redesign/2016/2014-07-07_waiver_authority_stcs.htm

Campbell, C. (2024, May 7). Parents push N.Y. to support care of medically fragile children. Times Union. Retrieved from https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/parents-push-n-y-support-care-medically-fragile-19986153.php

Colón, J. (2024, July 4). Commentary: PPL is failing caregivers and the people they care for. Times Union. Retrieved from https://www.timesunion.com/opinion/article/commentary-ppl-failing-caregivers-people-care-20323023.php

Times Union Editorial Board. (2024, May 23). Another problem with New York’s CDPAP overhaul. Times Union. Retrieved from https://www.timesunion.com/opinion/article/another-problem-new-york-s-cdpap-overhaul-20053619.php

New York Post Editorial Board. (2024, October 8). Opinion: Hochul bows to nursing unions in $12B senior care power play. New York Post. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2024/10/08/opinion/hochul-bows-to-nursing-unions-12b-senior-care-power-play/

Campanile, C. (2024, December 1). Home care agency exec accuses Hochul team of bid-rigging. New York Post. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2024/12/01/us-news/home-care-agency-exec-accuses-gov-hochul-team-of-rigging-bid-process-for-9m-program/

Campanile, C. (2024, December 2). Rep. Ritchie Torres calls for bid-rigging probe of Hochul’s $9B home care contract. New York Post. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2024/12/02/us-news/ritchie-torres-calls-for-bid-rigging-probe-of-hochuls-9b-home-care-contract/

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. Wikipedia. Retrieved from...

In this compelling and heartfelt episode, Mark explores the deep-rooted issue of ableism and how the labels we place on individuals—particularly those with disabilities—often do more harm than good. With personal stories, powerful analogies, and critical insights, he challenges the idea that difference equals deficiency.

You’ll hear about:

• The cultural conditioning that teaches us to value conformity over authenticity
• How inclusive education is a justice-driven response to outdated, medicalized views of disability
• The hidden cost of labels in schools and society
• Real-world examples of how systemic ableism sidelines incredible people
• Why our shared humanity is strengthened—not threatened—by neurodiversity and physical difference

From childhood classrooms to adult workplaces, Mark reveals how rethinking ability, identity, and inclusion can create richer, more equitable communities.

• Difference is typical. Every human being is different—that’s the one thing we all have in common.
• Labels have utility—but also weight. They can open doors to services, but they can also box people in.
• Ableism is real, and often invisible. It thrives on unspoken assumptions and systemic design flaws.
• Inclusive education shifts the burden. It moves from “fixing the child” to “adapting the system.”
• Personhood over diagnosis. We must stop seeing people as their labels and start seeing them beyond them.

• “Labels are for jars.” — Dr. Danielle Farrel
• “I’m not your inspiration, thank you very much.” — Stella Young
• “Different is not broken.” — Mark Ingrassia
• From the National Library of Medicine: The need to shift from disability-as-deficit to disability-as-difference
• From ScienceDirect: Inclusive education as a response to the medical model of disability
• From Access Living: The definition and impact of ableism in society

🌐 Visit: specialedrising.com

🛠️ Explore coaching, tools, and family resources

📺 Watch Interviews: Special Ed Rising YouTube Channel

💛 Contribute to Change:

Help bring Ray’s Respite Care to life—a vital new service for families of exceptional children.

🎁 Support the GoFundMe (Insert Link)

• Rate & Review: It helps others find the podcast
• Subscribe: Never miss an episode
• Share: Spread the word to friends, families, and allies
• Follow on Social: (Insert relevant platforms or handles)

When we stop dividing the world into “normal” and “different,” we can finally see people as they are—valuable, worthy, whole. Because difference is not a deficit. It’s a reflection of what makes us human.

Peace, and Keep Rising.

— Mark Ingrassia

specialedrising.com

Ray's Respite Care GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

In this conversation, Frank Lobb shares his extensive background in law and healthcare, discussing his personal experiences with the healthcare system and the challenges he faced. He emphasizes the importance of understanding insurance contracts and patient rights, advocating for individuals to take control of their healthcare decisions. Frank also addresses the systemic issues within the healthcare industry, including the impact of insurance companies on patient care and the recent cuts to Medicaid. His insights aim to empower patients to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system effectively.

takeaways

• Frank Lobb has a diverse background, including being a Navy pilot and a consultant on the Clean Air Act.
• Personal experiences with healthcare shaped Frank's understanding of the system's flaws.
• Insurance companies often have the power to deny necessary care, impacting patients' health.
• State laws govern healthcare, and patients have rights that can be asserted.
• Patients can challenge medical bills and demand proof of accuracy from providers.
• Doctors often feel powerless within the current healthcare system due to insurance constraints.
• Frank's book, 'The Big Lie of My Healthcare Bill,' aims to educate patients on their rights.
• Empowering patients involves understanding contracts and advocating for necessary care.
• The recent cuts to Medicaid threaten access to healthcare for vulnerable populations.
• Frank encourages individuals to take an active role in their healthcare decisions.

titles

• Navigating the Healthcare Maze with Frank Lobb
• Understanding Your Rights in the Healthcare System

Sound Bites

• "I have a right in a free market to go get it."
• "The healthcare system is broken."
• "You need to understand the system we have."

Chapters

00:00

Navigating Complexity in Modern Life

01:48

Frank Lobb's Background and Career

03:42

The Impact of Insurance on Healthcare

06:21

Understanding Healthcare Contracts

09:01

The Role of Doctors in the Insurance System

11:34

The Ethics of Healthcare

14:20

The Limitations of the Current Healthcare System

17:01

The Importance of Patient Advocacy

19:26

The Big Lie of Healthcare Insurance

21:51

Strategies for Navigating Healthcare Costs

24:54

Understanding Medical Billing Accuracy

27:38

Navigating Insurance and Legal Rights

30:31

Practical Steps for Patients

34:08

Challenging Medical Bills Effectively

38:04

Empowering Patients in Healthcare Decisions

42:58

The Future of Healthcare Coverage

47:38

Taking Control of Your Healthcare Journey

Reach Frank at https://thebiglieinmyhealthcarebill.com/

specialedrising.com

🔊 Episode Summary:

On July 4th, 2025, Donald Trump signed what he calls the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBBA) into law. While it’s being touted as a historic win, the truth beneath the headlines reveals a devastating reality—especially for disabled individuals, caregivers, and working-class families. This episode breaks down what’s actually in the bill, who gets hurt, and who profits.

From over $900 billion in Medicaid cuts to $285 billion in food assistance reductions, we expose how the bill’s “reforms” are designed to strip away the very programs that help people live independently, with dignity. We cover expanded work requirements, punishing paperwork traps, the illusion of “no tax on tips,” and the permanent tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy—all while disabled people are pushed toward poverty, hunger, and institutionalization.

🔍 Key Topics Covered:

• 💔 Medicaid Cuts: Over $900B in cuts that will devastate access to healthcare, HCBS, and force many into institutions.
• 📄 Punishing Paperwork: Monthly documentation traps for people with cognitive or mental health disabilities.
• 💼 Work Requirements: Disabled people not officially classified as “permanently disabled” now forced to meet impossible standards.
• 🍽️ SNAP Cuts: $285B slashed from food assistance, with new work rules threatening the food security of disabled individuals and caregivers.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Caregivers Penalized: Parents of disabled children and family caregivers risk losing benefits if they can't meet work requirements.
• 🏥 Rural Hospital Closures: Medicaid cuts mean less coverage, more uncompensated care, and a death spiral for rural healthcare access.
• 🏡 Housing Crisis Deepens: Medicaid waivers help fund accessible housing—cutting them pushes people toward homelessness or institutions.
• to remove taxation on tips.
• 💸 Who Wins?: Permanent tax cuts for the top 1%, corporations, and billionaire heirs.
• 📉 Who Loses?: Disabled people, rural communities, low-income families, and working-class Americans.
• 🧠 Mental Health Impact: Disrupted access to medication, therapy, and community care leads to higher costs, crisis, and suffering.
• 🌍 Environmental Justice & Accessibility Grants: Eliminated in OBBBA—programs supporting inclusive employment and green jobs are gone.

🗣️ Expert Voices Featured:

• Zoe Gross (ASAN): “These cuts could kill people.”
• Michelle Robbins-Garcia (Access Living): “If Medicaid or home healthcare services are cut, [disabled people] won’t be able to go to work.”
• Kelly PeLong (Disability Network Mid-Michigan): “A responsible budget shouldn’t come at the expense of people with disabilities.”
• Nancy Gardiner (CT Insider): “Almost 279,000 CT residents could lose health insurance. This isn’t reform—it’s a betrayal.”

📢 Call to Action:

This is not just another policy shift—it’s a moral line in the sand.

✅ Call your representatives.

✅ Share this episode.

✅ Sign petitions from groups like The Arc, ADAPT, NDRN, and DREDF.

✅ Speak out—online and in your community.

🧠 Because silence is complicity. And we rise together—or not at all.

🔗 Resources & Links:

• The Arc – Take Action
• ADAPT

*My apologies to any early listeners of this episode for the editing mishap regarding music playing over the first several minutes of the interview. It's fixed!

In this conversation, Mark and Lauren Henry Brehm delve into the complexities of mental illness, particularly how it affects families across generations. Lauren shares her personal experiences with her grandmother's OCD and the impact it had on her family dynamics. They discuss the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness, the need for open conversations, and the role of therapy in healing. The discussion also touches on the legacy of mental illness and the compassion needed to understand those who suffer from it.

takeaways

• Lauren's background as a special ed teacher informs her perspective on mental illness.
• Generational trauma can perpetuate untreated mental illness.
• The importance of recognizing mental illness as a family issue.
• Coping mechanisms often include humor and shared experiences.
• Self-identification of mental health issues can lead to seeking help.
• Compassion for those with mental illness is crucial for understanding.
• Open conversations about mental health should be normalized.
• The impact of childhood experiences shapes adult mental health.
• Therapy can provide tools for managing mental illness.
• Storytelling can help others relate and find hope.

titles

• Breaking the Silence on Mental Illness
• Generational Echoes of Mental Health

Sound Bites

• "She ruled with an iron hand."
• "Nobody ever treated anything in 1946."
• "The power of storytelling is so important."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Personal Connections

01:03

Background and Career Journey

03:40

Generational Impact of Mental Illness

06:30

Family Dynamics and Delusions

08:51

The Role of Treatment and Acceptance

11:27

Personal Experiences with OCD

13:55

Rituals and Compulsions in Family

16:24

Coping Mechanisms and Humor

19:07

Understanding Autism and Identity

21:44

Mother's Rebellion Against Cleanliness

24:13

Exploring Grandmother's Past

25:21

Conclusions and Reflections

26:14

The Symbolism of Gloves

29:28

Exploring Family History and Incest

32:16

Understanding Generational Trauma

35:06

Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness

37:37

The Role of Family in Mental Health

42:07

The Impact of Mental Illness on Identity

43:41

Finding Peace in Senility

47:58

The Importance of Authentic Storytelling

Lauren Henry Brehm's website: https://laurenhenrybrehm.com/

specialedrising.com

In this conversation, Albert discusses his unique journey from aspiring psychologist to talent agent, emphasizing the importance of mental health in the acting industry. He explores the challenges actors face, including self-sabotage and the need for diversity in casting. Albert shares strategies for actors to manage their mindset, the role of AI in the industry, and the significance of parental support for young actors. The discussion highlights the emotional toll of acting and the necessity for authenticity in storytelling.

takeaways

• Albert's journey from psychology to talent agent highlights the intersection of mental health and the arts.
• Self-sabotage is a common issue among actors, often stemming from fear of rejection.
• Diversity in casting is essential for authentic storytelling and representation.
• The importance of having diverse voices behind the camera to tell accurate stories.
• Actors should view auditions as opportunities to perform rather than tests of worth.
• Mindset strategies, such as reframing auditions, can help actors manage self-doubt.
• AI can assist in the creative process but should not replace the actor's voice.
• Parents should support their children's aspirations in acting while maintaining realistic expectations.
• The emotional toll of acting can be significant, requiring strategies for mental health management.
• Creating a supportive environment for neurodiverse actors is crucial for their success.

titles

• Navigating the Acting Industry: Insights from a Talent Agent
• The Psychology Behind Acting: Understanding Self-Sabotage

Sound Bites

• "It's really a head game."
• "AI can be a great assistant."
• "Don't take the nos personally."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Background

00:28

The Journey to Becoming an Agent

04:20

Understanding Self-Sabotage in Actors

07:09

Research on Self-Defeating Behavior

08:25

The Importance of Diversity in Acting

11:46

Facilitating Inclusion and Visibility

15:44

Scouting and Representing Diverse Talent

19:39

Mindset and Overcoming Self-Doubt in Actors

25:08

Harnessing the 30%: The Actor's Mindset

28:05

Visualization and Affirmations: Tools for Success

31:01

The Dark Side of Method Acting

35:48

AI in the Creative Process: A New Frontier

39:20

Supporting Young Actors: The Role of Parents

43:01

Diversity and Inclusion in the Acting Industry

45:45

Reframing the Artist's Identity

47:35

Final Thoughts: Embracing Self-Worth

https://bramanteartists.com/

https://www.facebook.com/albertcbramante/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertbramante/

specialedrising.com

gofundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission