Telling It Our Way

WGTE Public Media · wgte.org

Touchstone Award Winner - Podcast 2024 AAIDD Winner - Media Award 2025 In this podcast, we host stories written and performed by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, tackling topics that range from romantic relationships to work life, childhood to grief. These are real stories from the complex, rich lives of real people. Have Questions? Email Us with any questions you may have. We're here to help!

33 episodes

2mo ago latest

monthly cadence

English language

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Episodes 33

My Best Qualities
2mo ago
We're here at the end of another season! Hear from all of our Season 3 guests about what they love most about themselves and their lives. Also catch some important updates from past storytellers and Ally and Becca. Here's to celebrating all our best qualities!!
Travel
3mo ago
Pack your bags, listeners! Matthew and Ellison share stories about their travels and encourage listeners to explore the world around them. Becca and Ally chat challenges and benefits of traveling and tourism for people with IDD.
Dating and Difficult Experiences
4mo ago
Content warning: This episode features discussion about unwanted sexual contact and sexual violence. On this episode, we hear from a single anonymous storyteller, who shares about a difficult dating experience in her past. She explains how that experience shaped how she views dating and herself now. Ally and Becca talk about barriers to dating with an intellectual or developmental disability and statistics around sexual assault and sexual violence.
Finding Your Voice
5mo ago
In this episode, Ally and Becca hear from two fierce women about finding their voice. Alicia shares her experience in statewide advocacy in Ohio while Melissa tells of her unlikely (in her estimation) rise to become an advisory board member for a local organization where she began as a part-time employee. Both women serve as just two examples of how one can advocate for policy change and become an impactful leader in their community.
Animals
6mo ago
Today's episode is all about our animal companions. Chrystal shares how her special connection to animals led to her adopting the dogs other people overlook. Jordan talks about grief and coping with the loss of pets and other beloved animals. Ally and Becca talk service and emotional support animals and share their own pet stories.
Staff
7mo ago
Today's episode is all about navigating relationships with paid caregivers and providers. Raymil and Matt share stories about the importance of building the right team, speaking up, and taking accountability. Ally and Becca share research and stats on the direct support provider crisis.
Building Community
8mo ago
Today’s episode is all about what our storytellers do to find, build, and maintain community. Paul, our very first international guest, shares his lifelong drive to protect others from bullying. Marco talks about taking a risk by going to a new dance class, which leads him to some unexpected discoveries about himself. Ally and Becca chat statistics around bullying, LGBTQ+ people with I/DD, and flipping the script that assumes folks with I/DD can’t be community leaders.
People Who Matter
9mo ago
In this episode, we hear stories from Nick and Brandon about people they've lost who have made a huge impact on their lives. Ally and Becca talk grief for people with I/DD and the many kinds of relationships we all have.
Professional Artists
10mo ago
What does it take to become a professional creator with a developmental disability? Susann shares her journey as a visual artist, and Jeromy tells us about becoming a DJ. Becca and Ally talk about what people get wrong about artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities and where disabled artists can find support.
Moving Out
11mo ago
Telling It Our Way is back for Season 3 with a big episode on leaving home for the first time! Kristina shares about all the skills she needed to learn, from bill-paying to cooking her grandmother's macaroni and cheese. Jisele talks about learning to be independent when the people around her doubt she can be. Becca and Ally share the numbers on where people with developmental disabilities live and what barriers prevent them from being in their communities.
Advice
1y ago
In the final episode of Season 2, we invite back all of our storytellers to share their best piece of advice for our audience. After listening, you’ll be ready to take on the world! Full Episode Transcript
Behind-the-Scenes with Former Guests
1y ago
In this special episode, we talk with returning guests and fan-favorites Cassandra and Jordan! They tell us why it matters to share their stories as self-advocates, the process of being on the show, and their hopes for what they'd like to hear (and tell!) in future seasons. Full Episode Transcript
Work
1y ago
Today we hear from Sarah, whose story about her job takes an unexpected turn. In an interview with Becca and Ally, she shares both the joys and frustrations of finding and keeping meaningful employment in her community. Full Episode Transcript
Making Change
1y ago
In this episode, we hear from two returning storytellers, Jordan and Cassandra, about how and why they fight for change in their lives and communities. Becca and Ally chat about the origins of the self-advocacy movement among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Full Episode Transcript
Confidence
1y ago
This next on Telling It Our Way, Heidi talks about the confidence she feels when her employer trusts her. Ellison shares the transformation she experienced after a catastrophic illness. Becca and guest host JoRita Fox talk about how JoRita built her confidence in herself as a self-advocate. Full Episode Transcript
Bringing Storytelling to the Public
1y ago
We’re breaking our format this week! In this special episode, we take you inside a public storytelling event that took place for Disability Pride Month at the Toledo Museum of Art this summer. We hear from audience members and storytellers about why sharing our stories matters, especially for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We also get an interview with our awesome intern Ava Gottschalk. Full Episode Transcript
Dreams
1y ago
In this episode, we have two stories of two different kinds of dreams. Nick tells us about his love of acting and his desire to share more kinds of stories. Darius talks about his dream to play a role in making a more peaceful world. Full Episode Transcript
Expectations
1y ago
This week, we’re talking about the expectations other people have for us. Eric talks about moving out of his parents’ house and the sacrifices he makes to live independently. Kai contrasts two bosses he’s had – one who makes assumptions about autistic people, and one who values his ideas and contributions. Ally and Becca talk high and low expectations and the dignity of risk. Full Episode Transcript
Benefits
2y ago
In this standalone episode, our storyteller Tom shares his experience balancing work and receiving government benefits. Ally and Becca provide statistics exploring how the system can be both beneficial and challenging for someone with disabilities. Full Episode Transcript
Connection
2y ago
We have two stories about connecting with our communities today. Phillis, a social butterfly, shares about the challenges of moving everything online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Matthew talks about how mastering the bus system has opened up his world. Ally and Becca chat stats about loneliness, isolation, and transportation disparities for people with developmental disabilities. Full Episode Transcript
Family, Pt 2
2y ago
In this new episode of Telling It Our Way, we revisit the theme of family as guest MJ recounts her journey through an unexpected pregnancy and the decision to place her child for adoption. Ally and Becca talk research and statistics on disabled parents, pregnancy, and reproductive care. Full Episode Transcript
Creativity
2y ago
Telling It Our Way is back with an episode all about creativity! Eric, a multi-talented artist with a passion for acting and playwrighting, tells us about the musical he is writing, even giving us a sneak peak of an original song. Next, Yahya shares about his unique writing journey as a published author on the autism spectrum. Ally and Becca welcome the audience back and talk representation in the arts. Full Episode Transcript
Resolutions
2y ago
In this episode, Ally and Becca chat with Associate Producer Connor Smenner about the behind-the-scenes process of getting Telling It Our Way on air, from story brainstorms to final transcripts. In between, we hear New Year's Resolutions from all the episode contributors and look forward to Season 2! Full Episode Transcript
Holidays
2y ago
It’s the holidays here at Telling It Our Way! First, we hear from Molly about the best Christmas present she ever received. Then Jen tells us about being thoroughly unimpressed with basketball player Charles Barkley during a particularly memorable holiday in the hospital when she was a teenager. Full Episode Transcript
Food
2y ago
This episode is all about food! Diana describes how a regular lunch on the way to the doctor's office became a lifelong favorite. JoRita tells us how her mother's cooking growing up was an expression of love. Becca and Ally chat about their favorite foods and the privilege of choosing to eat what you like. Full Episode Transcript