In this heartfelt and urgent episode, I reflect on a long-standing goal I've held since the launch of this podcast: to speak with a gun violence prevention advocate about the devastating impact of mass shootings, particularly in schools. As a classroom teacher, this issue is deeply personal. The statistics are staggering—but behind them are real people, real families, and far too many children lost.

That goal led me to Moms Demand Action, a grassroots movement founded by Shannon Watts in the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy. What began as a Facebook group created by one mother has evolved into a nationwide force advocating for stronger gun laws and safer communities.

In 2024, I attended my first meeting. But it wasn’t until I got on an "action bus" to Albany, New York—a place where I earned my undergraduate education—that I truly felt the power of community activism. I joined fellow advocates to meet with lawmakers and push for three essential bills that address:

• The ban of semi-automatic handguns that can be converted into machine guns using illegal Glock switches,
• The codification and expansion of New York’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention,
• A simplified and strengthened firearm storage law.

These aren't radical ideas—they're common-sense measures to save lives.

This episode isn't just about one person's journey into advocacy—it's about what happens when we move from storytelling to action. I found inspiration, purpose, and a network of passionate people who believe we can and must do better.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What can I do?”—this episode is your invitation to find out.

• Moms Demand Action: https://momsdemandaction.org
• Everytown for Gun Safety: https://everytown.org
• Shannon Watts on Twitter: @shannonrwatts
• “In the Battle Against Gun Violence, Shannon Watts Fights Like a Mother” – Glamour Article

Attend a local Moms Demand Action meeting. Speak up. Vote smart. And when the “action bus” rolls into your town—get on.

https://momsdemandaction.org/

🎧 Subscribe, share, and stay tuned for my upcoming interview with a gun prevention advocate.

In this conversation, Kristie Raymond discusses her revolutionary approach to modeling and casting, focusing on inclusivity and representation for individuals with disabilities. She emphasizes the importance of building a talent pool of adaptive talent to ensure authentic representation in media. Kristie shares her journey in founding Humankind Casting, her experiences in the industry, and the impact of inclusive casting on individuals and society. The conversation highlights the need for education, awareness, and collaboration to create opportunities for underrepresented communities in the modeling world.

takeaways

• Creating a talent pool of adaptive talent is essential for inclusive casting.
• Representation matters in advertising and media.
• Building confidence in individuals with disabilities can change their lives.
• The modeling industry needs to evolve to include diverse talent.
• Education and awareness are crucial for industry professionals.
• Inclusive casting can lead to authentic representation in media.
• The journey of Humankind Casting is about empowering individuals.
• Collaboration with organizations can enhance opportunities for talent.
• The impact of advertising on the disability community is significant.
• Creating a supportive environment fosters growth and confidence.

titles

• Revolutionizing Representation in Modeling
• Building a Talent Pool for Inclusive Casting

Sound Bites

• "It's about the human connection."
• "Representation matters, right?"
• "It's okay to go for inclusive casting."

Chapters

00:00

Technical Difficulties and Introduction

02:50

The Importance of Inclusive Casting

05:56

Authenticity in Representation

09:12

Building Confidence Through Modeling

11:57

The Journey of Kristie Raymond

15:54

Founding Humankind Casting

19:04

Challenges in the Industry

21:55

Creating a Talent Pool

25:09

The Future of Inclusive Casting

31:15

Scaling Opportunities in Secondary Markets

34:40

Building a Diverse Talent Pool

37:18

The Importance of Representation

39:12

Authenticity in Advertising

42:04

Impact of DEI Policies

44:42

The Casting Process Explained

46:18

Expanding Clinics and Opportunities

51:14

Educating the Industry

55:12

Empowering Creatives

58:14

Navigating the Hiring Process

https://www.youarehumankind.com/

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

In this conversation, Erica shares her journey as a late diagnosed autistic ADHD female and the insights gained from parenting her neurodivergent child. She discusses the emotional challenges faced due to societal norms and the importance of self-acceptance. The dialogue emphasizes the value of different perspectives, the significance of asking for help, and the need to challenge societal expectations regarding disability and worth. In this conversation, Erica and Mark explore the themes of compassion, acceptance, and the interconnectedness of social justice issues, particularly focusing on autism and animal rights. Erica shares her personal journey, the importance of communication in relationships, and how her experiences shape her advocacy work. They discuss the need for understanding and validating diverse experiences, the significance of amplifying marginalized voices, and the privilege of being able to express oneself freely. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collective liberation and the responsibility to advocate for all living beings.

takeaways

• Erica's journey began as a late diagnosed autistic ADHD female.
• Understanding her child's perspective helped Erica appreciate her own neurodivergence.
• Receiving a professional diagnosis was validating for Erica.
• Emotional wounds stemmed from societal narratives about autism.
• Erica felt alienated despite being socially active.
• The concept of 'normal' is problematic and often harmful.
• Society often overlooks the value of neurodivergent individuals.
• Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Elders in society are often marginalized and undervalued.
• Parenting a neurodivergent child can lead to profound self-discovery. Compassion allows individuals to navigate their experiences authentically.
• Communication and trust are essential in relationships, especially in understanding diverse perspectives.
• Erica's journey highlights the importance of finding supportive environments for personal growth.
• Advocacy for animals and social justice is interconnected and essential for collective liberation.
• Understanding autism requires recognizing the unique experiences of each individual.
• The narrative around autism and disability needs to shift towards acceptance and validation.
• Amplifying marginalized voices is crucial in the fight for social justice.
• Privilege plays a significant role in how individuals navigate their identities and experiences.
• Education should come from lived experiences to foster understanding and empathy.
• Collective care is necessary for the well-being of all living beings.

Sound Bites

• "I began to see myself through that same lens."
• "I felt like I was constantly comparing myself."
• "Our worth really comes down to productivity."
• "It's not a sign of weakness to ask for help."
• "We have to give people more credit."
• "You just need to be willing to say, I believe you."
• "It's about collective care and collective liberation."
• "We can expand that to include everybody."
• "Animals are always the bottom of the rung."
• "This message needs to get out there."
• "We need to educate from lived experiences."
• "Showing up as ourselves is a privilege."
• "It's important to recognize our privilege."

Chapters00:00

Introduction and Background

02:56

Understanding Neurodivergence

06:10

Personal Experiences with Autism and ADHD

08:56

The Impact of Diagnosis

12:01

Navigating Social Norms and Expectations

15:03

The Value of Different Perspectives

17:56

Disability and Worth in Society

20:49

Asking for Help and Support

24:05

The Role of...