Finding Common Ground

By: ROC Vox Podcast Network
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  • Summary

  • Many families feel like they're treading water, especially those living with autism and other developmental differences. As your hosts, we get it, and we know this frustration all too well.

    In response, we've created tried-and-true strategies that help everyday people achieve extraordinary things. Even those who might have doubted themselves can borrow our confidence, follow one of our "blueprints," and with a supportive community cheering them on, make the impossible happen.

    Each success inspires those coming up behind us, creating a ripple effect of positive change—Which is why we'll never run out of content!Our podcast tackles tough issues head-on with unfiltered conversations focused on solutions.

    We won't avoid "the elephant in the room"—in fact, we'll invite it to dinner! Our unique format appeals to people from across the globe, offering strategies that turn efforts for one into advocacy for the greater good. We breakdown topics like innovative housing, effective self-advocacy, and healthcare complexities, guided by our audience on what to cover next.

    Each episode offers fresh perspectives, featuring many guests you won't find on mainstream platforms. We intentionally invite differing viewpoints because finding common ground with those we see as obstacles is the surest way to create new and innovative solutions.

    Join our Supporter's Club and check out our merch. Let’s ensure the A/I/DD community's voice is heard. If you want to dig deeper, schedule a session with us. We happily work one-on-one, develop trainings, and offer public speaking engagements to assist individuals and organizations in promoting things like inclusivity and equity.

    Join our community, plant seeds of positive change, and before you know it, you'll be moving mountains with us! Want to support our mission and access exclusive content? Join our Supporter's Club and check out our merch.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.
    Copyright ROC Vox Podcast Network
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Episodes
  • From Red Tape to Real Change: Vin Scalise's Approach to Community Service

    From Red Tape to Real Change: Vin Scalise's Approach to Community Service
    Nov 20 2024
    On this episode of Finding Common Ground, our guest Vincent Scalise, a decorated Marine veteran, shares his inspiring journey from serving on the battlefield to transforming his community. After returning from Iraq, Vin made it his mission to help his fellow veterans and neighbors by turning local challenges into opportunities.

    As Executive Director of the Utica Center for Development, Vin embodies the philosophy he shared on the podcast: "Hesitation is the worst thing you do. Whether it’s business, life, or the battlefield—make a decision and stick to it." That decisive mindset explains why he and co-host Steve work so well together. Steve recalls suggesting that the Center purchase a bus to help transport individuals with IDD, and Vin didn’t hesitate—he bought it the next day! Today, veterans regularly drive that bus to ensure community members can attend events and access opportunities they might otherwise miss.

    In this episode, Vin also emphasizes the importance of sustainability in nonprofit work: "A nonprofit cannot just stand there with their hand out open, thinking the government's going to pay them." His innovative revenue streams, like recycling old clothing, helps fund projects that include repurposing vacant buildings into vibrant housing and community spaces, as well as supporting veterans and individuals with disabilities.

    Steve brings his personal connection to the conversation, sharing how, when an advocacy board he was on disbanded, He refused to let it sit empty. Partnering with Vin, they reimagined the space into a thriving housing and respite project that will serve as a cornerstone for the community.This episode is packed with actionable insights, including:
    • How to turn obstacles into opportunities through decisive leadership.
    • Creative ways to fund sustainable community programs.
    • The power of collaboration in repurposing resources for maximum impact.
    This episode offers a fresh blueprint for advocacy equipped to move mountains. Tune in to hear some powerful stories, learn innovative strategies, and find inspiration to cut through red tape and bring real change to your own backyard!This podcast is completely grassroots—no big-name sponsors dictating our content. We’re investing in this because we believe that unfiltered conversations with changemakers like Vin can help move the needle on issues that matter to families like ours.Please support us by liking, commenting, and sharing this episode on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform.

    Other ways to help us grow our audience:
    Subscribe to our YouTube channel (it’s free!) Follow us on podcast platforms Join our Facebook group
    For just $2/month, join our Supporters’ Club and help us cover studio costs, which keeps this podcast going!
    As a thank you, those helping us get this off the ground will get access to exclusive content and discounts.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.
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    45 mins
  • Breaking down Trauma and Inspiring Empowered Advocacy with Carrie Corby & Dr. John Keesler

    Breaking down Trauma and Inspiring Empowered Advocacy with Carrie Corby & Dr. John Keesler
    Nov 8 2024
    Join hosts Heather and Steve on Finding Common Ground as they sit down with two powerful voices for the IDD community: dedicated social worker Carrie Corby and university expert Dr. John Keesler. Despite not having a personal connection to IDD, both have chosen to devote their careers to supporting those with autism and other developmental differences, bringing fresh perspectives on systemic gaps that often go unnoticed.

    This candid discussion takes surprising turns as they break down a real-life scenario one of our listeners is navigating right now—offering insights, strategies, and a framework you can apply when you face similar challenges.

    With a career spanning state services, nonprofits, and now private practice, Carrie brings unique insights into trauma-informed care and the transformative impact of giving neurodivergent individuals a platform: “When we give individuals a voice, we give them dignity—and that can transform lives.” Dr. Keesler, drawing on extensive research and a commitment to systemic reform, highlights the vital transition from school to adult services, emphasizing, “Trauma-informed care isn’t just a method; it’s a necessary mindset that acknowledges the whole person beyond their diagnosis.”

    In this episode, explore the real challenges families encounter in navigating complex service systems, discover practical advocacy insights, and gain a deeper understanding of the power of community-driven support. If you’ve ever felt like the systems meant to help might be holding us back, this episode is for you.

    This podcast is completely grassroots—no big-name sponsors dictating our content. We’re investing in this because we believe that unfiltered conversations with changemakers like Carrie and John can move the needle on issues that matter to families like ours.

    Please support us by liking, commenting, and sharing this episode on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. Other ways to help us grow our audience:

    Subscribe to our YouTube channel (it’s free!)Follow us on podcast platforms

    Join our Facebook group

    For just $2/month, join our Supporters’ Club

    Your Supporters’ Club Membership goes directly to studio costs and helps keep this podcast going. Those helping us get this off the ground will get access to exclusive content and discounts in our soon-to-launch merch store. We prefer to keep this “amongst friends” and create a podcast with purpose, by families, for families. Your support means everything!

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.
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    52 mins
  • Changing Healthcare through Lived Wisdom with Dr. Mai Pham

    Changing Healthcare through Lived Wisdom with Dr. Mai Pham
    Oct 23 2024
    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mai Pham, CEO and President of IEC, as she shares her personal and professional journey in transforming a healthcare system that often leaves people with disabilities behind. Despite years of medical experience, it wasn’t until her own child was diagnosed that Dr. Pham faced the frustrations families experience navigating a broken system. If she struggled, what about those without her inside knowledge?
    Dr. Pham takes us behind the scenes of IEC's mission to reshape healthcare by leveraging lived experiences. From creating an affordable app that helps doctors better understand patients to encouraging systemic reforms like Delta Dental’s new billing codes and the Heads Up Act, which seeks to define the I/DD population as medically underserved, IEC's approach is groundbreaking.Dr. Pham believes real change starts locally—proving concepts in familiar systems before scaling them nationwide. And sometimes, as she puts it, “You don’t always want to announce the revolution; you want it to sneak up on the powers that be.” IEC focuses on trialing solutions, refining them with data to ensure they resonate with the medical field. Tune in to hear how this quiet revolution is reshaping healthcare, empowering families across the country, and giving self-advocates the power to lead change. An inspiring, practical conversation you won’t want to miss!

    Learn more about IEC: https://www.ie-care.org/our-approach/This podcast is completely grassroots with no big-name sponsors dictating our content. We’re investing in this because we believe that unfiltered conversations with change-makers like Dr. Pham can move the needle on issues that matter to families like ours. Please support us by liking, commenting, and sharing this episode on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform.

    Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (it's free)
    Follow us on your favorite Podcast Platforms
    Join our Facebook group
    For just $2/month, join our Supporters Club and help cover studio costs and keep this podcast going!

    Those helping us get this off the ground will get access to exclusive content and discounts in our soon-to-launch merch store. We prefer to keep this “amongst friends” and create a podcast with purpose, by families, for families. Your support means everything!



    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.
    Show more Show less
    52 mins

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