I have been on hiatus due to planning and dealing with the chaos of having my VP Shunt removed. In this episode I explain pre op what has been happening, I recorded the night before surgery and then followed by recording two weeks post op, explaining how everything went, how recovery is going and discussing recent events with Roe v Wade being overturned as the post op was recorded on 6/26. Episodes will start coming out again soon now that I have the energy to do so. We'll start with bi - weekly as this allows me time to edit and have less pressure. I am still having people come on, please know if you've already recorded with me I haven't forgotten about it, I am just having to slowly work through it. Please enjoy this journey and know I am here for you all during this overwhelming time.

We had a lovely time speaking with Nico Meyering about stats, community, and being diagnosed with rare disabilities. During the recording he provided us with some wonderful resources for not only those needing help, but also those wanting to become advocates themselves! Resources provided by Nico in regards to getting help, Diversability, Chronically Capable, U Matter, and CCHS Family Network. Resources in regards to mentoring/advocacy, National Disability Mentoring Coalition and Job Accommodation Network.

You can find Nico at @namestartswithn on Twitter and Instagram! Thank you so much for coming on here with me Nico!

The host talks about how being apart of disabled/chronic illness communities has helped create a supportive and educational environment for her and how it helps many others alike. We mention Brianne Benness and how she created #NEISvoid, as well as mentioning #Disabilitytwitter and how it has helped us find solidarity, as well as some of our guests for the show. Also apologies for the break last week, if you heard the last episode you know that I went through a rough time with a shunt adjustment. I will hopefully be uploading the first of 2-3 episodes with one of my guests next week.

Your host Bee, shares an update in regards to her shunt and the general journey of being a woman in her 20's with a rare brain disease that's pretty much invisible when in remission. She gets her shunt adjusted and updates you on how it went two days later. TW: Medical Abuse, and Suicidal Ideation.

We talk about how the internet has reacted to Victoria Secret signing on the first angel model with Downs Syndrome, how it opens a conversation about sex and sexuality within the disabled community, as well as how we need more diversity within the brands that openly sexualize abled bodies on the regular. Any questions about this topic or any others for that matter can be sent to dms and my email, I will answer them on the podcast unless requested otherwise.