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Nick Speaks

Nick Speaks is a podcast dedicated to empowering adults and young people with disabilities. Join me as I share insights and experiences from my own journey of self-discovery and advocacy. Tune in and find your voice!

Latest Episodes:

Sometimes I Wonder If Being Mentally Enabled Is Worth It Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

Navigating life while physically disabled requires mental strength. I share the unique challenges of being mentally enabled when your body is limited. This episode explores the reality of living with physical limitations while maintaining an active, capable mind. It is intended for anyone currently struggling to balance their internal drive against external systemic barriers. We address the friction that occurs when your cognitive abilities do not align with your physical capacity to interact with the world. I share my personal reflections on past negative experiences with the system and the shady dealings that often complicate support for the physically disabled. While I cannot disclose specific names or legal details to protect our future, understanding these disability challenges is essential for anyone trying to advocate for themselves effectively. My goal is to provide perspective on maintaining your mental health awareness while fighting for the resources you deserve. (0:00) Opening reflections and episode introduction (1:11) Weekend recap: Grandparents' 70th wedding anniversary (3:16) Reflecting on grandfather's health and celebration (3:50) Transition to disability advocacy (4:37) Challenges of being mentally enabled (6:07) Perceptions of capability and being treated differently (10:18) Family dynamics and being overlooked (13:16) Caregiving challenges and expectations (16:00) Balancing kindness, assertiveness, and system backlash (24:21) Challenges in dating and relationships (28:21) Final thoughts on being mentally enabled (28:51) Encouragement for listener feedback (30:22) Frustrations with caregivers and honesty about issues (33:57) Sponsor: Rekindle Living (34:40) Frustrations of being mentally enabled but physically disabled (36:46) Misunderstandings from family and friends (37:26) Balancing mental acuity and physical limitations (37:39) Dating with a disability (38:09) Learning compassion and gratitude through disability (40:04) Being assertive versus being sweet (41:01) Seeking community feedback and mental health struggles (42:30) Teasing next week's episode and producer's role (43:32) Closing remarks and engagement reminders (43:58) Outro and call to action

Imagining Life Beyond the Wheelchair: Disability Doesn't Define Me, But This Does Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock explores life without a wheelchair, sharing personal reflections on America's 200th birthday and a weekend savoring African cuisine. He delves into the emotional and spiritual aspects of embracing a miracle, addressing concerns about independence and daily tasks. Nicolas imagines driving, dreams of a first car, and compares life with and without a wheelchair. He discusses anxiety, sexuality, relationships, physical adjustments, and financial considerations. Offering a personal perspective on societal norms and support, the episode concludes with gratitude, a call to action, and encouragement for social media engagement. (0:00) Life without a wheelchair and introduction (1:16) Celebrating America's 200th birthday (1:45) Weekend experience with African food (3:41) International Delicious Kitchen restaurant review (5:55) Thoughts on healing and life outside the wheelchair (6:41) Embracing a miracle and spiritual transformation (10:10) Concerns about independence and daily tasks (13:17) Imagining driving and first car dreams (17:42) Comparing life struggles with and without a wheelchair (23:16) Anxiety and fears of life post-disability (27:19) Questions about sexuality and relationships (29:16) Activities to try and avoid post-wheelchair (32:27) Reflections on physical adjustments and future plans (35:03) Financial considerations and uncertainties (35:42) Eye-opening experiences and societal norms (36:05) Concerns about independence and support (36:23) Life outside of a wheelchair: A personal reflection (36:39) Closing remarks and podcast mission statement (37:21) Gratitude and call to action (37:26) Outro and social media engagement

You Don’t Have to Sow a Seed to Meet Your Need Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

“Sow a seed to meet your need.” That phrase inspired this week’s episode. I recently watched a Facebook Live broadcast hosted by Richard Roberts during an episode of A Place for Miracles. During the broadcast, Richard had a stack of prayer requests in his hand and was going through them one by one. Then he stopped and said that if you need a miracle, call the Abundant Life Prayer Group, something I have personally done in the past. He then made the statement, “Sow a seed to meet your need.” As someone who has been fascinated by Christian television my entire life and have genuinely been blessed by many television ministries over the years, something I discuss in this episode, this marketing tactic frustrates the hell out of me. I also make it clear at the beginning of this episode that I wasn’t planning to do an episode about tithing or whether it’s still biblical for Christians today. That’s simply where the conversation ended up going.

There are many Christians who believe that if they don’t give 10% right off the top of their paycheck, they’re under a curse and are robbing God because that’s what they’ve been taught Malachi teaches. I was taught that my entire life. Because of that, some believers think that if their washer breaks down, their car won’t start, or something goes wrong financially, it’s because they didn’t give that 10% to the church.

From the research I did while preparing for this episode, I came to the conclusion that you do not have to sow a seed to meet your need. I discuss Malachi 3 and explain why I believe it is referring to the Mosaic Covenant, the law God gave to the nation of Israel through Moses to support the priests and care for the poor. I also explain why I do not believe born-again Christians are under a curse because they don’t give financially to the church.

I reference several Scriptures throughout the episode and may repeat myself a few times, and that’s because I don’t record with a script in front of me due to my legal blindness. Sometimes I repeat myself simply to emphasize a point and make sure I’m communicating my heart clearly.

Whether you agree with my conclusions or not, my hope is that this episode encourages you to search the Scriptures for yourself and think about what the Bible really teaches concerning giving, grace, and God’s provision.

(0:00) Introduction and welcome (1:32) Upcoming holidays, sales, and episode overview (2:34) Manipulation in religious broadcasts (3:26) Richard Roberts' message and personal reaction (4:01) Detailed account of Richard Roberts' broadcast (6:05) Critique: Sowing financial seeds for miracles (8:09) Biblical references to faith and giving (10:19) Faith and miracles: Personal perspective (11:13) Testimony on Christian television's role (15:02) Malachi chapter 3 and tithing (18:52) Giving with a cheerful heart (20:18) Prayer cloths and religious items: Critical view (24:19) Ethical practices in religious broadcasting (28:19) Summary and key points on giving (35:49) Continued summary and reinforcement (41:43) When to sow a seed: Divine direction (44:30) Misconceptions about tithing and giving (45:00) Abundant life as worship (46:06) Faith and meeting needs (46:47) Closing thoughts on discerning giving (47:32) Outro and next episode preview (47:52) Call to action for listeners

Navigating Conspiracies, Politics, and Advocacy with Daniel Rivera Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock welcomes back Daniel Rivera for a lively discussion that spans friendship, travel plans, and conspiracy theories. They delve into topics ranging from Trump's spray tan and absence at Biden's inauguration to election fraud claims and Obama's rumored third term. The conversation touches on Biden's health and leadership, the impact of podcasts on elections, and whether Kamala Harris could have won. Trump’s foreign policy, government shutdowns, and the national deficit are explored, alongside a hypothetical scenario of Democrats in power during a crisis. The episode wraps up with humorous remarks on politics and fast food, an announcement of a new era for Nick Speaks, and a lighthearted end with Daniel's Charlie horse. (0:00) Introduction, episode number, and opening remarks (2:10) Daniel Rivera returns (2:26) Setting "Do Not Disturb" and starting conversation (3:56) Friendship and travel plans (5:11) Conspiracy theories discussion (7:02) Sponsor: LegalShield (10:19) Past episodes and guest reflections (14:26) Grandmother's conspiracy theories (17:02) Trump's appearance and spray tan (19:12) Trump's absence at Biden's inauguration (21:06) Election fraud claims and court cases (23:34) Obama's third term rumors (24:06) Biden's health and leadership (26:01) Biden's health and leadership continuation (28:27) Impact of podcasts on elections (30:22) Key figures in Trump's election (31:46) Could Kamala Harris have won? (36:35) Trump's foreign policy and America first (39:19) Trump's approach to Iran (42:00) Protecting America discussion (44:38) Politicians and empty promises (48:14) Congressional approval and bypassing laws (50:28) Government shutdowns and filibuster debate (52:09) Trump’s foreign policy focus and approval ratings (54:16) National deficit and government spending (57:06) US and Israel’s conflicts with Iran (58:24) Hypothetical: Democrats in power during crisis (1:03:33) Charlie Kirk assassination conspiracy theories (1:09:30) Criticism of Candace Owens’ response (1:13:31) Mental health and youth violence (1:15:27) Republican Party dynamics and future elections (1:17:11) Humorous closing remarks on politics and fast food (1:21:12) Announcement of new era for Nick Speaks (1:21:29) Personal views on politics and disability advocacy (1:22:30) ADA commentary and political parties (1:23:07) Humorous end with Daniel's Charlie horse (1:23:28) Nick's

From Disability Advocacy to Media Aspirations: Lessons from Oprah and Judge Judy Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock discusses the evolving focus of the podcast, reflecting on his personal journey with disability and the decision to expand the podcast's topics. Diving into celebrity and pop culture, Nicolas draws inspiration from Oprah Winfrey and Judge Judy, highlighting their achievements and the obstacles they've overcome. He shares admiration for Tyler Perry and explores Judge Judy's career, media ventures, and negotiation tactics. Nicolas relates these stories to his own aspirations in media and entertainment, discussing coping mechanisms, rewiring thinking, and setting personal goals. He invites entrepreneurs to engage and shares excitement about reaching 1,000 YouTube subscribers. (0:00) Introduction and welcome (1:23) Changes in the podcast's focus (2:22) Nicolas's personal journey with disability (3:04) Expanding the podcast's topics (3:57) Today's topic: Celebrity and pop culture (5:11) Inspiration from Oprah Winfrey and Judge Judy (8:28) Oprah Winfrey's journey and achievements (10:30) Oprah's challenges with the OWN network (13:03) Personal reflections on overcoming obstacles (15:41) Admiration for Tyler Perry (19:07) Judge Judy's career and media ventures (23:25) Judge Judy's negotiation tactics and success (27:06) Judge Judy's various TV shows (30:29) Nicolas's aspirations in media and entertainment (33:02) Reflections on overcoming life challenges (35:10) Coping mechanisms of celebrities (37:20) Rewiring your thinking (39:52) Personal goals and overcoming obstacles (42:08) Invitation to entrepreneurs (45:59) Reaching 1,000 YouTube subscribers (47:19) Closing remarks and future plans

Are Your Actions Defining Your Faith? | Nick Speaks Ep 94 Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

In this week’s episode, Nick shares stories from a visit with his parents, including a church carnival for the kids and a lighthearted conversation about something many Christians don’t talk about enough: it’s okay to season your food. Seriously, a little flavor never hurt anybody. Nick also reflects on church culture, faith, family traditions, and the difference between having a relationship with Jesus versus feeling like you have to earn God’s approval through performance. Along the way, he shares some personal thoughts about his own struggles, the importance of community, and what he’s learning as he continues to grow in his faith. You’ll also hear a few funny moments, some Christmas talk, and a reminder of just how far in advance these episodes are recorded. When Nick originally recorded this episode, Christmas was still 213 days away. Now it’s a whole lot closer. 😂 As always, thank you for listening, supporting the podcast, and being part of the Nick Speaks community. (0:00) Introductions, podcast welcome, and host reflections (1:05) Christmas shopping and smart speaker interaction (3:10) Host's healing journey and podcast's future direction (5:11) Belief in life outside of disability and future healing (6:24) Visiting parents and church experiences (9:14) Church contests, motivations, and potluck food (15:37) Importance of seasoning and family cooking stories (24:54) Guest preacher's sermon and church attendance debate (32:03) Church attendance and family struggles (34:04) Relationship with Jesus versus religion (35:17) Critique of performance-based faith (39:19) Personal struggle with homosexuality (40:22) Church potlucks, seasoning, and community (41:42) Personal testimony of faith (44:24) Leading a prayer for salvation (46:26) Importance of church community (49:07) Listener engagement and feedback (50:28) Commitment to disability content and closing remarks

I Believe This Is the Beginning of My Healing Journey Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

In this week’s episode, Nick shares a life-changing event that took place in his room on Monday night, May 18, 2026, while watching The Gospel Truth with Andrew Wommack on the Daystar Television Network. During the broadcast, Andrew taught that one reason many people continue to struggle with sickness, disease, and disability is because they have embraced those conditions as their complete identity and have come to believe that their sickness or disability was given to them by God. When Andrew made this statement, Nick says his mouth stayed on the floor for the rest of the broadcast. What made the moment even more powerful was that this was not the first time he had heard these ideas. Over the past two to three years, Nick and his good friend Lance have had many conversations about healing, faith, and the danger of allowing sickness or disability to define a person’s identity. As Nick listened to Andrew speak, it felt almost as if Lance had sent him a transcript of their conversations. (0:00) The will of God, acceptance of disability, and episode introduction (1:56) Remembering Nick's mom and financial reflections (3:09) Nick's love for Tim Hortons and Sponsor: Tim Hortons (3:39) MOLEV 150 portable patient electric lift update and advocacy (7:04) Encouragement to never give up (8:00) Turning point in Nick's disability journey (9:16) Reflections on church culture, healing, and upbringing (13:16) Watching Andrew Womack and his message on healing (20:40) Conversations with best friend Lance (23:58) Nick's belief in his healing journey (25:08) Challenges of living with a disability (27:26) Beginning of Nick's healing journey (29:06) Contracting CMV and personal reflections (31:17) Faith, belief, and improvements in healing (35:24) Personal spiritual journey and beliefs (37:13) Divine healing and faith (39:00) Faith and healing in biblical stories (44:20) Apostle Paul and the thorn in his flesh (45:45) Overcoming doubt and embracing faith (51:25) Future direction of Nick Speaks podcast (53:27) Financial support appeal and podcast sustainability (55:22) Reflections on disability and faith (59:09) Closing remarks and encouragement

Advocating for Change: DSPs, Disability Policy, and Building Bridges in Washington, DC May 26, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock chats with Bethany Toledo and Aaron Mendoza about their roles with Lighthouse COBE and Open Door Columbus. Bethany and Aaron discuss their paths into disability advocacy and balancing duties as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and theater coordinators. They share insights from a recent disability policy seminar in Washington, DC, including meetings with lawmakers, using one-page policy briefs, and technology's role in advocacy. The episode also covers the importance of fair DSP compensation, Bethany's podcast "The Direct Line," and leadership programs for empowering DSPs, concluding with reflections on advocacy and gratitude. (0:00) Opening reflections and podcast introduction (1:54) Guest introductions: Bethany Toledo and Aaron Mendoza (3:07) Overview of Lighthouse COBE and Open Door Columbus (4:04) Bethany's background in the field (6:11) Aaron's entry into disability advocacy (8:01) Aaron's initial experience with Opendoor (10:49) Balancing DSP duties and theater coordination (12:11) Trip to Washington, DC: Purpose and highlights (13:13) Disability policy seminar overview (17:29) Meetings with lawmakers and aides (22:58) Building relationships with legislators (24:27) Aaron's feelings before advocacy meetings (26:14) Sharing experiences from meeting locations (27:50) The one-page policy brief: Advocacy tool (30:30) Role of technology in advocacy (31:38) Reflections after advocacy meetings (34:13) Assessing meeting outcomes (36:40) The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) explained (39:14) DSPs vs. other caregiving roles (42:37) The need for fair DSP compensation (43:14) Bethany's podcast: The Direct Line (46:06) Empowering DSPs through leadership programs (53:08) Culinary experiences in Washington, DC (57:20) Final thoughts on advocacy and getting involved (1:00:13) Closing remarks and gratitude (1:02:27) Sign-off and outro

Nobody Told Disabled Kids They Could Succeed | The Real Problem May 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock is joined by Philip Bramwell for a candid conversation on independence and employment for people with disabilities. They delve into the concept of sheltered workshops, discussing personal experiences, challenges with sub-minimum wage, and the ethics involved. The discussion expands to education's role in employment opportunities and accessibility issues, including bathroom breaks and airplane transfers. The episode also touches on the complexities of job accommodations, vocational rehabilitation, and the financial limitations posed by ABLE accounts. They conclude with reflections on pride in fast food jobs and the internal drive for independence, wrapping up with guest promotion. (0:00) Visualizing independence and podcast introduction (1:04) Guest introduction and casual conversation (2:34) Reflecting on the podcast's journey (3:05) Sheltered workshops and employment for people with disabilities (5:01) Defining sheltered workshops (7:31) Personal experiences in day programs (9:07) Employment challenges and sub-minimum wage (11:41) The ethics of sub-minimum wage in sheltered workshops (14:16) Education and its impact on employment opportunities (18:07) Personal schooling experiences (23:18) Guest's current employment (27:45) Accessibility and bathroom breaks at work (29:36) Transferring on airplanes and related challenges (32:17) Staying in wheelchairs on planes (33:36) Employment experiences and fairness (36:52) Challenges of firing disabled employees (40:19) Issues with job accommodations (43:06) Ineffectiveness of vocational rehabilitation (47:11) Internal desire for independence (51:23) ABLE accounts and financial limitations (55:12) Fast food jobs and pride (56:23) Wrap-up and guest promotion

Politicians Ignore Disability Rights So Let's Stop Fighting Each Other to Make the Change!! May 12, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock updates listeners on the podcast's purpose, recent developments, and expresses gratitude to guests. He discusses the importance of advocacy, reactions to a Facebook post, and an open letter to Donald Trump, calling for bipartisan cooperation on disability issues. Nicolas shares personal experiences with employability assessments, financial struggles, and food stamps, emphasizing political unity. He also touches on Nicole Jorwick's podcast, disability services in Texas, and upcoming guests. The episode concludes with voting experiences and a call for financial support for the podcast.

Nicks LinkTree https://linktr.ee/comstock33?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=b8ad5d4a-6c5b-4134-ad36-fb09a7caf2e2

(0:00) Introduction, podcast purpose, and updates (3:13) Thanks to recent guests and patient lift update (6:33) Advocacy, persistence, and not giving up (9:43) Facebook post discussion and community reactions (12:07) Open letter to Donald Trump (14:03) Need for bipartisan cooperation (19:03) Political inaction on disability issues (21:45) Personal experiences with employability assessments (24:07) Frustration with both political parties (26:27) Engaging with all political sides (29:12) Food stamps, financial struggles, and self-supporting efforts (34:24) Addressing congressional priorities (36:36) Calling for political unity (39:01) Nicole Jorick's podcast on institutions (42:07) Disability services in Texas and the forgotten community (45:20) Upcoming guests (46:13) Voting experiences and frustrations (48:51) Disability policy and politics (50:18) Supporting the podcast financially

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