68 Words

Episode 13 - Katie Maskey

Katie Maskey is a lot of things...a wonderful leader with the Girl Scouts, an author, a Mrs. crown winner, and so much more. 
And in all those things, Katie is challenged every minute of every day with chronic pain. A collapsed lung just weeks before her wedding in 2004 began this maddening odyssey for Katie, who just two years ago received an extremely rare diagnosis, which came with major spinal surgery last year. 
'Do what makes you happy, listen to your body, and find your joy.'
A great deal of that mindset came from Katie's discovery of the Invisible Disabilities Association, of which she was a keynote speaker for in 2015. 

Episode 12 - Culver’s Of Findlay

Thanks to spotting a story from WTOL's Tatiana Cash, we were able to get a tasty visit with Danielle Doxsey, co-owner of the Culver's in Findlay, and her employee Kris DePuy. Unlike many places, especially in the restaurant business, Danielle hasn't had any staffing issues in recent times. In fact, she has a waiting list of people she can tap into for employment. I assure you it has nothing to do with the renowned Culver's butter burgers. As you'll hear, it's more about her wide spectrum of who she's happy and excited to have on her team. 

Episode 11 - UT Wide Receiver Larry Stephens

It's not often NFL stars like Drew Brees, Mike Thomas and Stefon Diggs are part of a 68 Words conversation. But those are some of Larry Stephens favorite players. Actually, I should've asked Larry if he's his own favorite player!
We asked Larry to visit with us after we saw his story on WTOL this past spring. Larry was born with a hearing disability. He was essentially deaf by the time he was 3. It hasn't stopped him one bit from continuing his journey as an NFL hopeful. 
Perhaps you were like me and has always heard of and loosely knew what a cochlear implant was, but beyond that, nothing. Larry was encyclopedic about it as I fired off questions to him about the device. The technology he speaks of about them is fascinating! You'll find his story, and positivity, just that and inspiring as well!

Episode 10 - WLS SI Kadee Anstadt

NOTE! This episode was recorded during the most recent World Series. By now, Kadee and her family have likely gotten over the Phillies losing to Houston, but you never know!
Are you familiar with the expression 'I'd like to bottle that up and sell it.' Kadee's positivity and energy, if indeed was sold, would make us all very very rich! She has robust visions for Washington Local Schools in her position as Superintendent, many of which tie back to Toledo's endeavor to become the most accessibility city in the country. 
We thank Kadee for the time she was able to carve out for us in her extremely busy day. And I thank her for her passion to work failure into the process of education, teaching and learning. If that sentiment seems counterintuitive, it won't be after you hear our conversation.

Episode 9 - TFRD Chief Allison Armstrong

Chief Armstrong hasn't even been in the position a year, and it's likely, or possible, you've run into the die hard Walleye fan. If there's a large community event, you're likely to see the Chief. Sometimes I do wonder how she can manage it all, or even if there's a couple clones of her. 
As we've gotten to know the Chief through her much higher public profile, she's visiting with us because of one thing you most likely don't know about her. 
Her 14 year old son Nicholas was born with an extremely rare genetic defect called Cat Eye Syndrome. This conversation is about her juggling her career, being a wife, and the mom of child with what turned out to be an inordinate amount of unpredictable special needs. 

Episode 8 - WCMX Aaron Fotheringham

Aaron, who was born with Spina Bifida, is usually way up in the air, in his self created wheelchair. After some encouragement from his brother, who was into BMX, Aaron hit the ramps, and hasn't stopped since. A backflipping teenager, a love affair with his big black Dodge Ram, a recent America's Got Talent Golden Buzzer recipient, and a really chill, humble yet inspiring guest. 
I hope you enjoy getting to know Aaron as much as I did. For someone with millions and millions of social impressions, Aaron is just a down-to-earth (ironic?) dude who loves hitting the ramps with his friends. 

Episode 7 - Allie Leatherman

Allie was in an serious car accident that brought her immobility and immense darkness back in 2014. Now, with Taylor in tow, she's a dogged (LOL intended) and voracious spinal cord injury advocate, who's not afraid to raise her spunky and sarcastic voice that disability funding and accessibility are never overlooked by lawmakers in Ohio.
This episode is obviously FOR spinal cord injury advocates, but also for champions of Pearl Jam, Matchbox 20, and the lighter more sarcastic side of disability. 
 

Episode 6 - OOD’s NWO Rep. Jacob Karnes

Jacob could help you retire your NOW HIRING sign. 
In honor of National Disability Employee Awareness Month, we are highlighting Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD).
Among Jacob's many statistical nuggets is that some studies support the fact that retention levels for employees with disabilities are HIGHER than for those without. We will explain!
Connect with Jacob
Jacob Karnes, Northwest Ohio Business Relations Specialist