On today's episode of Access Denied, I am joined by Haley Lickstein. Haley is a democratic strategist and political influencer focused on empowering young people, especially young women, to use their voices and educate young people on the fight for reproductive justice.

In this conversation, Jessica Ping and Haley Lickstein discuss the intersection of politics, personal experiences, and the role of creators in advocating for social issues. They explore the importance of understanding local elections, the impact of reproductive rights, and the power of community in fostering hope amidst political challenges. Haley shares her journey as a civic influencer and emphasizes the need for individuals to use their voices in the political landscape.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleylickstein/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haleylickstein

Follow Access Denied on socials! Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/accessdeniedpod/⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@accessdeniedpod⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AccessDeniedPod Follow Jessica Jordan on socials! Website - ⁠⁠https://therollingexplorer.com/⁠⁠ Instagram - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therollingexplorer/⁠⁠ TikTok - ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@therollingexplorer⁠⁠ YouTube - ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@therollingexplorer Intro and Outro Music Production by JP Warner Sound: Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://jpwarnersound.com/⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jpwarnersound/

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Background

02:54 - The Political Landscape and Personal Impact

05:58 - The Role of Creators in Politics

09:00 - The DNC Experience and Media Evolution

11:46 - The Importance of Local Elections

15:09 - Haley's Journey to Becoming a Civic Influencer

19:47 - Finding Hope Amidst Political Challenges

24:04 - Reproductive Rights and Personal Growth

29:56 - The Power of Community and Local Politics

33:55 - Navigating Rejection in Politics

37:53 - Final Thoughts and Advice

takeaways

• Everyone's life is inherently political.
• Using your voice is essential in advocacy.
• Politics impacts daily life, from local to national levels.
• Creators can communicate political issues in relatable ways.
• Local elections significantly affect day-to-day life.
• Reproductive rights are a critical issue for women's health.
• Community support is vital for fostering hope.
• Rejection in politics can lead to new opportunities.
• Understanding local politics can empower individuals.
• Hope drives activism more than fear.

A Disabled Icon - also known as Samantha Jade Duran, joins host Jessica Jordan Ping in today's episode of Access Denied.

In this conversation, Sam and Jessica discuss their journeys of self-acceptance and empowerment. They share their experience of growing up with disabilities and the challenges they faced, including bullying and the pressure to hide their differences. Samantha also talks about her passion for fashion and how it has become a form of self-expression and a way to challenge societal norms. She highlights the intersection between her disability and her Hispanic/Latina culture, and the importance of representation and self-love. The conversation also touches on the healthcare system, the impact of advocacy, and the online hate that disabled individuals often face.

Samantha Jade Durán, known online as @adisabledicon, is a disabled fashion and beauty influencer, content creator, and advocate for disability rights. With a combined following of over 155,000 across all platforms, Samantha uses her platform to champion accessibility in fashion, beauty, and beyond. She creates adaptive clothing, shares her experiences with chronic illness and disability, and advocates for true inclusivity. Recently, she launched the @Access2AllNow movement, pushing for more accessibility in all areas of life. Samantha is also a maximalist dresser, makeup enthusiast, and a proud Latina who believes that everyone deserves to feel empowered and stylish.

Follow Samantha:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adisabledicon/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adisabledicon/ Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/adisabledicon Threads: https://www.threads.net/@adisabledicon YouTube: https://youtube.com/@adisabledicon Join the Access2AllNow movement: https://www.instagram.com/access2allnow

Follow Access Denied on socials! Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/accessdeniedpod/⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@accessdeniedpod⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AccessDeniedPod Follow Jessica Jordan on socials! Website - ⁠⁠https://therollingexplorer.com/⁠⁠ Instagram - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therollingexplorer/⁠⁠ TikTok - ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@therollingexplorer⁠⁠ YouTube - ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@therollingexplorer Intro and Outro Music Production by JP Warner Sound: Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://jpwarnersound.com/⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jpwarnersound/

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Excitement00:31Samantha's Journey and Disability Advocacy

03:11 - Passion for Fashion and Self-Expression

08:33 - Intersection of Disability and Cultural Identity

09:07 - Childhood Experiences and Bullying

19:47 - Advocacy and Navigating the Healthcare System

32:27 - Confronting Online Hate and Promoting Education

37:34 - Samantha's Journey in Content Creation

41:15 - Spreading Disability Awareness and Pride

44:12 - Barcelona: A Model of Accessibility and Integration

49:35 - The Need for a Complementary Act to the ADA⁠

The Flirt Coach, Benjamin Camras, joins Jessica in today's episode of Access Denied.

Jessica and Benjamin discuss the importance of connection and relationships, both with others and with oneself. Benjamin emphasizes the role of fear in pursuing one's passions and the need to transcend it. He also addresses the external barriers, such as comparison and tech challenges, that can hinder personal growth. The conversation explores the power of rejection and the importance of standing in one's power when ending a relationship. Benjamin's vulnerability and relatability make him a unique and inspiring figure in the online space. Rejection plays a significant role in flirting and dating, often leading to self-rejection and missed opportunities for connection. Reframing rejection as choice can help shift the perspective and empower individuals to make their own choices. Connection is essential for a fulfilling life, and rejection can clarify and redirect individuals toward the people and experiences that align with their values. Practicing self-compassion and reminding oneself of one's worth can help navigate rejection and maintain a positive mindset.

Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy, with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun! As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic and romantic connection - to take center stage and transform lives for greater healing and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self. You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast, and find out more about working together 1:1 here. Happy flirting!

Follow Benjamin!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjamincamras/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benjamincamras

Flirtations Podcast: https://benjamincamras.podbean.com/

Jessica's Interview on Flirtations: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5eVxKlPZMXPfkakvzv9YdL?si=199a63c380cc483e

Follow Access Denied on socials! Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/accessdeniedpod/⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@accessdeniedpod⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AccessDeniedPod Follow Jessica Jordan on socials! Website - ⁠⁠https://therollingexplorer.com/⁠⁠ Instagram - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therollingexplorer/⁠⁠ TikTok - ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@therollingexplorer⁠⁠ YouTube - ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@therollingexplorer Intro and Outro Music Production by JP Warner Sound: Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://jpwarnersound.com/⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jpwarnersound/⁠

Takeaways:

• Connection and relationships are essential in life, both with others and with oneself.
• Fear is a universal human experience, but it can be transcended by turning it into excitement and motivation.
• External barriers, such as comparison and tech challenges, can hinder personal growth and success.
• Rejection is a part of dating and flirting, and it's important to approach it with kindness and consideration.
• Standing in one's power and being authentic are crucial when ending a relationship. Rejection in flirting and dating often leads to self-rejection and missed opportunities for connection.
• Reframing rejection as choice empowers individuals to make their own choices and maintain agency.
• Connection is essential for a fulfilling life, and rejection can provide clarity and redirect individuals towards the people and experiences that align with their values.
• Practicing self-compassion and reminding oneself of their worth can help navigate rejection and maintain a positive mindset.
• Music can be a powerful tool to boost mood and provide comfort during challenging times.