The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast

In this heartfelt episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Mikelle sits down with her longtime friend and fellow podcaster, Win Charles, for a candid conversation about aging, disability, and navigating life's next significant transitions. Win—who also has cerebral palsy—is preparing for an upcoming hip replacement surgery. While it's a routine procedure for many, it becomes a very different experience when disability shapes your daily life, communication, and recovery. Together, Mikelle, Win, and Katherine explore how the medical system responds to "typical" surgeries in not-so-typical bodies, and what it means to advocate for yourself at every step. The trio opens up about the realities of getting older with a disability—from shifting physical needs to rethinking living arrangements, strengthening support teams, and building communities that adapt with you. Their conversation is honest, hopeful, and full of lived wisdom. This episode is a reminder that aging isn't something to fear—it's another chapter to write with courage, creativity, and connection. Whether you're a family caregiver, a person with a disability, or simply someone navigating change, you'll find insight, humor, and heart in this powerful exchange between two remarkable women who have spent a lifetime redefining independence.

This month — as we honour National Family Caregivers Month — we turn our attention to the 63 million Americans who provide unpaid care for loved ones with disabilities or chronic health needs. That staggering number is nearly one in every four adults. (AARP) Here in Colorado, roughly 600,000 family caregivers contribute 560 million hours of unpaid care annually — a value of about $11.2 billion. (AARP States) On this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, host Katherine sits down with Cary Griffin to explore how caregivers are at the heart of employment and inclusion systems — yet often overlooked in policy, funding and workforce narratives. We'll dig into: How the caregiving role intersects with paid employment, training and economic security What budget-pressures in Colorado, including recent cuts to critical programs like the Family Provider rates within the DD waiver and the Community Connector services, mean for caregivers and the people they support Survey findings from Our Back Office research: how caregivers are juggling employment, support teams, aging, and systems change Actionable ideas for families, providers and employment professionals to re-frame caregivers as part of the solution—not just recipients of support Whether you are a caregiver, a support professional, an employer, or someone who wants to understand the invisible backbone of community inclusion models better — this conversation is for you. Join us and discover how supporting caregivers isn't a side conversation — it's central to sustaining employment, inclusion and dignity for people with disabilities and their families. Additonal Data Resources: Administration for Community Living. (n.d.). 2022 National strategy to support family caregivers. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://acl.gov/CaregiverStrategy Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services. (n.d.). Colorado aging and adult services. https://aging.colorado.gov/ National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities. (n.d.). Bridging aging and disability networks. https://nacdd.org/bridging-aging-disability/#1709588308515-08fd8ab9-5944

In this inspiring episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine and Torie join Mikelle in celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) by sharing the heart and hustle behind Mikelle's entrepreneurial journey. Mikelle opens up about why she loves making and selling her handmade bracelets — from the joy of choosing colors to the pride she feels when someone buys a piece of her art. Katherine reflects on how meaningful work builds purpose and independence, while Torie adds a fresh Gen Z perspective on teamwork, inclusion, and the power of believing in your own creativity. Together, they show that employment isn't just about a paycheck — it's about belonging, confidence, and shining bright in the work you love.

The October 2025 government shutdown isn't just a headline — it's a story unfolding in kitchens, care teams, and communities across the country. Katherine reflects on the real-life impact for people with disabilities and aging caregivers who keep going even when government doesn't. This mid-month update calls for action, awareness, and compassion — reminding us that the nation's care infrastructure depends on the families who hold it together every day.

In this lively episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Mikelle and Katherine sit down with Torie — the newest member of the Shining Beautiful team. At just 21, Torie brings a fresh Gen Z perspective, a fearless spirit, and a contagious laugh that fills the room. Together, they talk about learning the ropes of supported employment, finding rhythm in teamwork, and discovering joy in meaningful work. Torie shares what drew her to this role, what she's learned so far, and how she's building connections with Mikelle and the rest of the team. It's a conversation full of laughter, insight, and heart — a reminder that every generation has something beautiful to bring to the table.