The Different Ability® Podcast

Katey Fortun

Why am I different? Why do things have to be so difficult? Am I dumb? Why am I scared? Will it be this hard forever? Will I ever find the help I need to succeed? When will being different be accepted? Welcome to The Different Ability® Podcast where we will answer all of these questions and a whole lot more! Each week host Katey Fortun brings you tips and tricks on how to navigate being different, along with inspiring stories of guests that are living an amazing life having Different Abilities of their own. Parents and Educators of kids with Different Abilities share their stories to encourage others that they are not alone and we can all get through this together! Katey, who has dyslexia, shares her personal Different Ability stories to show you that being different is a gift, being different is amazing and using your Different Abilities, you too can create and live the life you have always dreamed about! Katey believes that everyone has Different Abilities and it's time to let our Different Abilities shine bright! You are amazing, you are important, you are strong, you are smart and the world needs you just the way you were made! Are you ready to be inspired and encouraged to be the person you were made to be, Different Abilities and all? We know you're ready, so come along, we are all in this together! "You can do anything you put your mind to, with a lot of hard work, determination and never giving up! It's not your disability, it's your Different Ability®!" - Katey read less
EducationEducation
Kids & FamilyKids & Family
Education for KidsEducation for Kids
Self-ImprovementSelf-Improvement

Episodes

Learning about Autism and loving her family! with Wendy Whitcomb Marsh
Yesterday
Learning about Autism and loving her family! with Wendy Whitcomb Marsh
Send us a textWendy is such a breath of fresh air and we had such a great time talking on this episode! She brings a weath of education knoweledge from her 40+ years in the education world. She not only retired from the education world, but she has created a wonderful business in service of people with Autisum, she's written many books and even started a church community that accpects all people, just the way they are! She's an inspiration and a overall beautiful person!Wendy's BioWendela Whitcomb Marsh has three adult children, two of whom are transgender and autistic. Her late husband of 27 years was also autistic. Dr. Wendy holds a religious studies doctorate in pastoral counseling with specialization in autism. Since retiring from a 40 year career in special education and educational psychology, she moved from California to Oregon with her three children. Now she writes books about autism, has a nationwide group practice providing adult autism assessment and services, and has an online church, The SWAN Church: Scripture & Worship for All Neurotypes, to provide spiritual support for people who have felt marginalized, including those who are neurodivergent and/or on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.Connect with WendyRead about her books at https://WendelaWhitcombMarsh.comLearn about her practice at https://AdultAutismAssessment.comFind her church at https://theSWANchurch.orgThis episodes ad break: Join my email list to: get behind the scenes, special videos, book launch date, book tours, discounts, freebies and so much more!www.kateyfortun.com/thebookStay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!Sign Up Here!Shop new products here!Places you can reach me at:Website:https://kateyfortun.com/https://kateyfortun.com/podcastInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/
Diagnosed with Dyslexia to Children’s Book Author! with Sasha Saidman
Nov 13 2024
Diagnosed with Dyslexia to Children’s Book Author! with Sasha Saidman
Send us a textI had so much fun talking with Sasha on this episode! We discussed growing up struggling in school and being diagnoised with dyslexia in elementary school. It was so much fun talking to someone that has been through what I have been through, of course not exactly the same, but similar! Sasha has proven to herself and the world and dyslexia hasn't held her back! Listen in and share with everyone you know!Sasha's BioSasha is a dynamic children’s author from the Washington, D.C. area, where she lives with her supportive husband and two joyful children.Her stories, rich with themes of diverse family dynamics, are inspired by her own experiences of adoption and overcoming personal challenges, including dyslexia. With a philosophy that life should be filled with joy, Sasha’s narratives encourage young readers to embrace change and pursue happiness. At the heart of Sasha’s work is her belief in the power of stories to inspire and uplift, making her books a source of hope and excitement for the future.Connect with SashaWebsite: www.sashasaidman.comFacebookInstagramTiktokThank you to our partners this week:Showit! You can get one month free when signing up with the code: Katey http://kateyfortun.com/showitSign Up Here and get your first month free!Buzzsprout! You can get $20 credit to your account when you sign up!https://kateyfortun.com/buzzsproutSign Up Here and get $20 credit to your account!Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!Sign Up Here!Shop new products here!Places you can reach me at:Website:https://kateyfortun.com/https://kateyfortun.com/podcastInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/
Don't be afraid to try! with Sarah Bruce
Nov 6 2024
Don't be afraid to try! with Sarah Bruce
Send us a textOhhh this episode is so good! Sarah was an amazing guest sharing her story and sharing all about her being a driving instructor for students with disabilties along with being a counsellor and life coach! She talks about how she totally changed her life in her early 40s and she's just down right inspiring! I also learn a lot more about Australia! Listen in and share this episode with others in your life!  Sarah's BioSarah Bruce is a woman in her 50s, born and raised in Melbourne, Australia who has lived a life with many different roles over her adult life. From an insurance clerk at the ripe old age of 18, to various other roles, including a stay at home Mum through to running two successful businesses, Sarah has worn many badges over the decades. It was when she hit her early 40s and ended an unhappy marriage, then lost her home, lost her job, she shit herself! How was she going to create a bright and happy future for her two daughters who were only 8 and 11 at the time. With hard work, further study and diligence to change her life, she eventually started her first business back in 2014 as a driving instructor, which made her one of the most successful trainers in her region, supporting clients with intellectual and physical disabilities, until Covid struck. She then had to pivot and rather than sit at home and eat chocolate and watch Netflix, she gained further studies to become a counsellor and then a year later, completed her life coach certification, in which she found her calling. Sarah is a Reinvention Life Coach, who loves supporting women 40+ who have reached the stage in their life where they don’t just need change; they want it!By working together, Sarah supports women to find their courage, freedom and strength to create goals, which helps them transform the way they think, feel and act, so they WILL feel seen, heard and valued in all aspects of their life.Connect with SarahWebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInThank you to our partners this week:Showit! You can get one month free when signing up with the code: Katey http://kateyfortun.com/showitSign Up Here and get your first month free!Buzzsprout! You can get $20 credit to your account when you sign up!https://kateyfortun.com/buzzsproutSign Up Here and get $20 credit to your account!Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!Sign Up Here!Shop new products here!Places you can reach me at:Website:https://kateyfortun.com/https://kateyfortun.com/podcastInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/
Advocacy and Leadership with Kylee Leota
Oct 23 2024
Advocacy and Leadership with Kylee Leota
Send us a textWe had an amazing conversation on today episode! Kylee has so many mic drop moments in this episode she is just incredible! From her time being a teacher, in the classroom, to working in school leadership and what shes doing now, she brings so much knowledge, kindess and compassion for kids with disabilities, it was beautiful being a part of this conversation with her! Listen in and share with everyone you know!Kylee's BioKylee Leota is the founder of Elements 4 Success - a global organisation deliveringtransformational experiences to individuals, teams, and businesses. Earl Nightingale defines success as “the progressive realisation of a worthy goal or ideal”. Kylee wishes to empower people of all ages so that they can develop the confidence, skills, and tools they require to live a life of their design and purpose. She believes that you have the knowledge within yourself to create success andgives you the right tools in your toolbox to help you make these goals and ideals, reality!As a life long learner and educator I have taught all ages and stage and sectors of schooling including guest lecturing at tertiary level. I consult to and work collaboratively with, Psychiatrists, and Psychologists to create sustainable behaviour change in my coaching roles. I’m here to accompany you on this journey, providing support, inspiration, and guidance as you strive towards your most meaningful goals. Join me on this transformative journey together, celebrating every step forward as a testament to our shared commitment to personal and professional excellence.Connect with KyleeFacebookInstagramLinkedInThank you to our partners this week:Flodesk! You can get 50% off your first year when signing up with the code: KATEY1https://kateyfortun.com/flodeskSign Up Here and get 50% off your first year!Buzzsprout! You can get $20 credit to your account when you sign up!https://kateyfortun.com/buzzsproutSign Up Here and get $20 credit to your account!Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!Sign Up Here!Shop new products here!Places you can reach me at:Website:https://kateyfortun.com/https://kateyfortun.com/podcastInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/
Teaching English with an Aussie with Adriana Cefala
Oct 9 2024
Teaching English with an Aussie with Adriana Cefala
Send us a textOh, this episode makes me smile when listening to it! Adriana and I are like sisters from another mister for sure! She's like the very long distant friend I didn't know I needed! We have so much fun chatting and learning all about Adriana, her life in Italy and her life growing up in Australia! She is so fun, funny and wonderful to listen to... You don't want to miss this episode! Message from AdrianaHi guys! My name is Adriana, a qualified teacher from Down Under. Over the last 10 years I've worked with a range of diverse individuals. From students with learning disorders and trauma, to English as a Second Language, you name it - I've taught them! In 2022, I moved to the other side of the world - Italy. Since then, I have been teaching English at an International School and created a podcast spoken in 100% slow English to use as a resource in your language development. So if you're a fan of Education, Languages or my beautiful country of Australia - let's connect!Connect with Adriana Her Podcast English with an AussieHer Podcast on SpotifyYoutubeTikTokThank you to our partners this week:Showit! You can get one month free when signing up with the code: Katey http://kateyfortun.com/showitSign Up Here and get your first month free!Buzzsprout! You can get $20 credit to your account when you sign up!https://kateyfortun.com/buzzsproutSign Up Here and get $20 credit to your account!Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!Sign Up Here!Shop new products here!Places you can reach me at:Website:https://kateyfortun.com/https://kateyfortun.com/podcastInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/
From struggling with LD in childhood to Author, Speaker and Coach, with Patrick Richard Garcia
Sep 18 2024
From struggling with LD in childhood to Author, Speaker and Coach, with Patrick Richard Garcia
Send us a textPatrick Richard Garcia shares his story of growing up as a child with LD, in Canada. He moved around a lot throughout his younger years. He shares his struggles, his wins, what he has learned through the years and the teachers that impacted him greatly. Going from a struggling child with LD to now an Author, Speaker and Coach, it's for sure an inspiring story! Listen in and share this episode.Patrick's Bio:Patrick Richard Garcia is a 1x international best selling author, professional executive coach, learning disability champion, and owner of Hustle Revival Enterprises. He helps entrepreneurs and executives to revive their hustle instincts through result-producing and intensive self-development activities simultaneously by aiming to accomplish life and business together.He is also an inspirational speaker, starting his first on-stage appearance on June 2017 at Speaker Slam: So You Think You Can Speak? Thereon, he started his journey in further developing his craft in storytelling and competing in competitions on and offline sharing his powerful story regarding his learning disability and the adversity involved to be presently where he is today.Patrick has been recognized by Your Success Magazine for his extraordinary commitment to the business, entrepreneurship, and personal development space.He currently resides in Toronto, ON, Canada.Video of Patrick sharing his 5 minute story: YouTube Link HereConnect with Patrick:FacebookThank you to our partner this week:Showit! You can get one month free when signing up with the code: Katey http://kateyfortun.com/showitSign Up Here and get your first month free!Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!Sign Up Here!Shop new products here!Places you can reach me at:Website:https://kateyfortun.com/https://kateyfortun.com/podcastInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/
It's the journey up with Kari Berridge
Sep 10 2024
It's the journey up with Kari Berridge
Send us a textKari Berridge is an amazing guest with an incredible story! She vulnerability shares her story and all of the amazing things she's doing with her life now. This episode has so much wonderful information and stories, you don't want to miss it!Kari's Bio:Kari Berridge, a resilient and triumphant individual, is a devoted mother, proud grandmother, accomplished fitness coach, successful business owner, and inspiring author. In her powerful book, "Cut the Anchor," Kari shares her courageous journey of confronting limiting self-beliefs, battling Anorexia, and depression, surviving sexual assault, enduring toxic relationships, and facing multiple challenges while living with neurodiversitys like Tourette syndrome ADHD, and OCD. Her unwavering spirit led her through heartache to transformation, breaking free from self-doubt's grip. Kari, a speaker, fearlessly discusses her neurodiversity, providing hope to those facing similar challenges. Her message resonates with those who've walked a similar path, illustrating the possibility of rising above adversity. Kari Berridge's enduring story serves as a testament to the unconquerable nature of the human spirit, and her advocacy for neurodiversity inspires and empowers others on their journeys.Connect with Kari:WebsiteFacebookInstagramYoutubeThank you to our partner this week:Buzzsprout! You can get $20 credit to your account when you sign up!https://kateyfortun.com/buzzsproutSign Up Here and get $20 credit to your account!Showit! You can get one month free when signing up with the code: Katey http://kateyfortun.com/showitSign Up Here and get your first month free!Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!Sign Up Here!Shop new products here!Places you can reach me at:Website:https://kateyfortun.com/https://kateyfortun.com/podcastInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/
Spiritual Healer and Astrology with Sarah Boss
Aug 28 2024
Spiritual Healer and Astrology with Sarah Boss
Send us a textOh my gosh, this episode got real... really fast! Sarah has an amazing soul and you're going to love her just as much as I do! She shared about her childhood growing up as a younger sister to her older brother that was Autistic and then we dove into what she's doing now! She's a spiritual healer and we talked about astrology! She pine pointed my sign and she shared very eye opening things with me that honestly blew my mind! Enjoy this episode!Oh and go check out her website below so you can work with her like I will be!Sarah's Bio:Sarah is a Healer who combines Astrology with different Healing modalities to help people reconnect to their soul’s innate gifts, activate their inner power and transform through major life transitions. She offers 1:1 sessions and containers, group workshops and wellness parties. Sessions are offered in English, French and Spanish.Connect with Sarah:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTiktokThank you to our partner this week:Buzzsprout! You can get $20 credit to your account when you sign up!https://kateyfortun.com/buzzsproutSign Up Here and get $20 credit to your account!Flodesk! You can get 50% off your first year when signing up with the code: KATEY1https://kateyfortun.com/flodeskSign Up Here and get 50% off your first year!Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!Sign Up Here!Shop new products here!Places you can reach me at:Website:https://kateyfortun.com/https://kateyfortun.com/podcastInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/
Beautifuly gifted and diagnosed with autisum at 39 with Rebecca Finch Vitsmun
Aug 21 2024
Beautifuly gifted and diagnosed with autisum at 39 with Rebecca Finch Vitsmun
Send us a textRebecca is such a wonderful guest! I had so much fun learning from her and hearing part of her story! She's doing incredable things and it's so inspring to learn how she sees the world and learning more about her Different Abilities! You don't want to miss this episode, that's for sure! Rebecca's Bio:Rebecca Finch Vitsmun is an autistic night-blind author with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Rebecca is a humanist, embracing people of all religious and cultural backgrounds, who is known for coming out as an atheist on CNN after a tornado destroyed her home in 2013. As a member of the Nones, also known as the not religiously affiliated, Rebecca has been at the forefront of a cultural shift that has led this group to emerge as the largest identified religious group in America. She has a degree in Arts and Humanities from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and lives in Tacoma, WA with her spouse and five kids.Connect with Rebecca:InstagramFacebookWebsite Thank you to our partner this week:Buzzsprout! You can get $20 credit to your account when you sign up!https://kateyfortun.com/buzzsproutSign Up Here and get $20 credit to your account!Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!Sign Up Here!Shop new products here!Places you can reach me at:Website:https://kateyfortun.com/https://kateyfortun.com/podcastInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/
Loving Mother & Down Syndrome Advocate with Wendy Hooton
Jul 31 2024
Loving Mother & Down Syndrome Advocate with Wendy Hooton
Send us a textThis is the best interview for our last episode of season 4! Wendy shares her incredible journy of becoming a monther at 23 and when she gave birth to her son, she found out 3 hours after the birth that he has Down Syndrome. It turned her world upside down in that moment, but she made him promises in the hospital that day and she has continued to keep those promises throughout his wonderful life! She's a mom on a mission to advocate for her son and others that have Down Syndrome! Enjoy the episode! Wendy's BioWendy is an Author, Speaker, and Down Syndrome Advocate. In October 2023, Wendy released her book Big People Don’t Pee in the Park- A Mother and Son’s Journey with Down Syndrome. Through healing, hope, and humor, Wendy shares her journey of her son’s unexpected Down syndrome diagnosis when she gave birth at the age of twenty-three. Motivated to share their story, she hopes to help parents move beyond the shock and fear they might experience after learning of their newborns' unexpected prognosis while offering them a window into the incredible life they will have. Her goal: by sharing her thirty-three years of lived expertise, she hopes to create a dynamic space of connection and provide resources to help others.Wendy is also committed to helping society see the worth of differently-abled people. The day Wendy became a mom, she became a teacher, student, and warrior. She’s fun, motivated, dedicated, and fearless, which may be what qualified her for the position. When she is not lost in her writing, or soaking up words written by other authors, Wendy enjoys spending time with her family and friends on adventurous road trips, at a beach, or driving through the majestic Utah mountains. Her favorite activity, though, is being entertained by her hilarious son. Connect with WendyWebsiteFacebookLinkedInInstagramMatt's Instagram Buy Wendy's Book here!Thank you to our partner this week:Showit! You can get one month free when signing up with the code: Katey http://kateyfortun.com/showitSign Up Here and get your first month free!Flodesk! You can get 50% off your first year when signing up with the code: KATEY1https://kateyfortun.com/flodeskSign Up Here and get 50% off your first year!Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!Sign Up Here!Shop new products here!Places you can reach me at:Website:https://kateyfortun.com/https://kateyfortun.com/podcastInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/
A father’s loss and grief with Jason Tuttle
Jul 17 2024
A father’s loss and grief with Jason Tuttle
Send us a textLoss and grief is different for everyone but on this podcast episode Jason bravely and vulnerably shares his story. Jason’s story is beautiful and also heartbreaking, but needs to be shared! He has created a safe space for people who are going through loss and grief and he’s straight forward and honest about it all!Please listen to this episode on your favorite app or the link is in my bio! Also, share this episode with others!If you’re needing a safe space to talk about your loss and grief, connect Jason and all he’s doing in his community, links below!Jason's BioI am a married father of two kids with multiple physical and cognitive special needs. I lost my 15 year old special needs son and 01/28/22 suddenly and unexpectedly. On that day, my "Letters to Zachary" Facebook blog was born. I decided then to help out others (especially men) deal with the devastating loss of losing a child, the lifelong journey of grief, the emotions associated with it, the mental health aspects of grief, helping to show men that it is OK to open up about grief, and to help women understand how men deal with their emotions associated with grief.Connect with JasonLetters To Zachary (Facebook):https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552174684952Letters 2 Zachary (Twitter/X):https://twitter.com/Letters2ZacharyLetters 2 Zachary (Instagram):https://www.instagram.com/letters2zacharyLetters 2 Zachary (TikTok):https://www.tiktok.com/@letters2zacharyThank you to our partner this week:Showit! You can get one month free when signing up with the code: Katey http://kateyfortun.com/showitSign Up Here and get your first month free!Flodesk! You can get 50% off your first year when signing up with the code: KATEY1https://kateyfortun.com/flodeskSign Up Here and get 50% off your first year!Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!Sign Up Here!Shop new products here!Places you can reach me at:Website:https://kateyfortun.com/https://kateyfortun.com/podcastInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/
Diagnoised with ADHD after her daughter was diagnosed - with Andrea Atherton
Jul 10 2024
Diagnoised with ADHD after her daughter was diagnosed - with Andrea Atherton
Send us a textAndrea was such pleasure to have on the podcast in todays episode! She told me it was her first time talking about her own story publically and I'm so grateful she did! Her life growing up wasn't as easy as one may think, but her boldness to never give up and be who she wanted to be is inspiring! Listen in and hear all about her incredible story! Andrea's BioAndrea Atherton has 28 years of experience as a psychotherapist, spiritual counselor, and mindful love expert helping individuals and couples cultivate loving, intimate, passionate relationships by first grounding into self-love.Her experience With equal parts spirituality and science, she holds an M.S. in art therapy, is a certified yoga instructor, and is a gifted intuitive/healer. Andrea is the host of the Love Anarchy Podcast, helping others create love on their own terms!Connect with AndreaAndrea's WebsiteAndrea's FacebookLove Anarchy WebsiteLove Anarchy FacebookGo check out the episode I was a guest on Andrea's Podcast here!Thank you to our partner this week:Showit! You can get one month free when signing up with the code: Katey http://kateyfortun.com/showitSign Up Here and get your first month free!Flodesk! You can get 50% off your first year when signing up with the code: KATEY1https://kateyfortun.com/flodeskSign Up Here and get 50% off your first year!Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!Sign Up Here!Shop new products here!Places you can reach me at:Website:https://kateyfortun.com/https://kateyfortun.com/podcastInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/