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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:

Our Politicians are Making Disability Decisions Without Disabled People, WTH! May 05, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock and Nicole Jorwic discuss the importance of centering disabled people in decision-making. Nicole shares her advocacy journey for her brother and insights from the "In Sickness" podcast. They cover topics like state rankings in disability services, special education law, and the impact of not receiving a high school diploma. Nicole highlights her experiences as a care worker and policy advocate, stressing bipartisan support and the effects of Medicaid cuts. They also explore media influence, community-based care benefits, and financial implications of downsizing state institutions. The episode concludes with a call to action and gratitude to listeners. (0:00) Centering disabled people in decision-making and podcast introduction (1:22) Introduction of guest Nicole Jorwic and her background (2:05) Discussion on "In Sickness" podcast and guest invitation (3:55) Nicole's journey and advocacy for her brother (5:20) State rankings and differences in disability services (8:18) Nicole's advocacy for disabled voices (10:18) Nicole’s experience with special education law (13:09) Comparing private and public school special education (17:15) Impact of not receiving a high school diploma (18:27) Nicole's experience as a care worker and bipartisan support (20:53) Nicole's policy work and Medicaid cuts (25:05) Explanation and continuation of Medicaid's impact on services (29:15) Media's role in shaping public perception and fraud narrative (32:22) Invitation to policymakers and bipartisan collaboration (36:01) Institutional care vs. community-based services (39:41) Financial implications of downsizing state institutions (41:33) State institutions vs. private care facilities (44:15) State initiatives to reduce waiting lists and Ohio's county-based services (50:05) Encouragement to focus on quality services and advocacy for disability housing (54:13) Final encouragement, call to action, and closing remarks (55:55) Thanking listeners, preview of next episode, and call to engage

Why Most Disability Support Systems Focus on Control Instead of Respecting Human Rights Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock is joined by Jeanne Stuntz to explore the significance of terminology and active listening within the disability community. Jean shares her journey from babysitting to becoming an advocate, detailing her work with Dynamic Pathways and her career in music therapy. They discuss the role of Human Rights Committees, the impact of COVID-19 on control measures, and the importance of updating the ADA. The conversation delves into systemic challenges, the intersection of the criminal justice system with DD services, and the balance of service provision. Jean emphasizes meaningful activities, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurship, while also addressing power dynamics in caregiving and the value of self-direction. Website https://www.dpioh.com/ (0:00) Introduction and importance of terminology and listening in the disability community (1:03) Nicolas welcomes guest Jean Stuntz (1:22) Jean Stuntz's background, family, and work with Dynamic Pathways (3:32) Jean's early experience and transition from babysitting to disability advocacy (9:56) Early challenges and misconceptions about disabilities (14:25) Jean's career in music therapy (21:05) Founding of Dynamic Pathways (22:52) Human Rights Committees: role, importance, and engaging activities (28:26) Concerns about systemic control over people with disabilities (30:25) Impact of COVID-19 on control measures (32:11) Discussion on the term differently abled (35:20) Addressing the concept of inspiration porn (39:42) Revisiting Human Rights Committee and Prader-Willi syndrome (45:38) Determining the necessity of rights restrictions (49:08) Concerns over potential elimination of property tax and its impact on services (55:01) Updating the ADA to strengthen its effectiveness (57:27) Financial implications of institutions vs. community living (1:00:15) Intersection of the criminal justice system and DD services (1:04:52) Balancing over serving and under serving in DD services (1:09:42) Partnering with other community systems for support (1:12:24) Importance of meaningful activities and personal goals (1:13:36) Increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities (1:16:14) Challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship with a disability (1:18:16) Role of faith in personal and professional life (1:22:01) Advice for newcomers in the caregiving field (1:23:11) Importance of understanding the person beyond the care plan (1:24:39) Addressing power dynamics in caregiving (1:25:20) Self-direction and supported decision making (1:26:54) Personal experiences with domineering family

The Injustice Disabled Americans Face Every Day, It's Worse Than You Think Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock addresses the challenges and frustrations surrounding healthcare and medical equipment access, particularly focusing on the Smart Mode 150 portable patient lift. He discusses issues with Medicaid reimbursement and difficulties with DME providers, sharing personal experiences and safety concerns. Nicolas emphasizes the need for government disability reform and advocacy, continuing the conversation on ADA reform and a disability revolution. He provides personal updates and outlines future plans, while also encouraging listeners to share their stories. The episode closes with a call to action and gratitude, highlighting the importance of community involvement and change. (0:00) Introduction and frustrations with healthcare and medical equipment (3:40) Smart Mode 150 portable patient lift (5:06) Issues with Medicaid reimbursement and DME providers (10:30) Challenges with medical equipment access (14:31) Personal experiences and safety concerns (18:26) Government disability reform and advocacy (34:43) Government disability reform and advocacy continued (37:02) Sponsor: Smart 150 portable patient lift (38:07) Personal updates and future plans (39:34) Call to action for community stories (40:37) Disability revolution and ADA reform (41:56) Closing remarks and show sign-off

The Surprising Reason This Disabled Veteran Won the Battle Against Addiction Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock chats with Jeremy Moore about his journey from military service to overcoming personal challenges after a life-changing accident in Afghanistan. Jeremy discusses his experiences with disability camps, the impact of military service, and his rehabilitation journey. He highlights the role of swimming in recovery, transitioning to civilian life, and battling substance abuse. The conversation explores the importance of a support system, the path to sobriety, and how childhood builds self-esteem. Jeremy shares insights on self-improvement, relationships, emotional work, and therapy, concluding with words of encouragement and the importance of changing perspectives. (0:00) Opening remarks, introduction, and guest introduction (1:57) Jeremy Moore discusses military service and branch rivalry (4:15) Early experiences with disability camps (7:09) Impact of service and decision to join the military (10:19) Reflections on training, deployment, and accident in Afghanistan (14:58) Jeremy's accident, recovery, and rehabilitation (21:36) Swimming in rehabilitation (24:19) Transitioning back to civilian life and challenges faced (28:42) Coping mechanisms, substance abuse, and finding purpose through coaching (33:04) Influence of childhood and building self-esteem (36:16) Journey to sobriety and the 12-step program (40:14) Importance of a support system (45:14) Regrets, lessons from physical therapy, and impact on relationships (54:33) Continuous self-improvement, Buddhism, and overcoming relationship fears (57:15) Importance of therapy, emotional work, and therapeutic programs (1:00:20) Power of relationships and personal growth (1:04:09) Coping with injury, isolation, and community support (1:06:26) Final words of encouragement (1:07:01) Breaking out of the snow globe: Changing perspectives (1:08:22) Episode conclusion and gratitude to Jeremy Moore

Championing Resilience: Jody Bennett's Journey from Tragedy to Adaptive Boxing Victory Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock welcomes Jody Bennett, a wheelchair boxing champion, to discuss overcoming obstacles and building community. Jody shares his background, including a motorcycle accident and near-death experience, and how he found purpose through adaptive boxing. They explore everyday challenges after becoming paralyzed, managing relationships, and caregiving boundaries. Jody highlights his journey in adaptive sports, displaying his championship belt and encouraging others to get involved. The conversation extends to disability advocacy, employment barriers, and political involvement. Nicolas and Jody share humor, gratitude, and a message of faith, concluding with a call to action and invitation to know Jesus. (0:58) Overcoming obstacles and building community in a wheelchair (1:38) Introduction to Nick Speaks podcast (2:14) Welcoming Jody Bennett, wheelchair boxing champion (3:02) Jody Bennett's background and Las Vegas weather (4:56) Shout out to Wheelchair Roundtable podcast (6:48) Jody's motorcycle accident and near-death experience (10:27) Seeing angels and sharing afterlife messages (24:30) Coping with anger and finding purpose (30:29) Everyday challenges after becoming paralyzed (35:22) Relationships and caregiving boundaries (38:55) Adjusting to life post-accident (42:28) Entering and excelling in adaptive boxing (44:41) Showing off the championship belt (45:48) How to get involved in adaptive boxing and other sports (50:08) Dealing with pain and discussing adaptive sports (52:38) The art and technique of adaptive boxing (53:15) Managing anger and dealing with bureaucracy (56:02) Contemplating a political career and critiquing politicians (59:16) Challenges in disability advocacy and employment (1:01:08) Dependency on government assistance (1:06:38) Barriers to employment for people with disabilities (1:09:41) Encouraging political involvement (1:14:20) Government shutdowns and their impact (1:16:49) Taking control of our own destiny (1:17:21) Humor about TSA agents (1:18:40) Social media and contact information (1:20:37) Message to the audience (1:22:32) Call for sponsors (1:22:39) Believing in yourself and the importance of faith (1:24:02) Invitation to know Jesus (1:25:19) Closing remarks and gratitude (1:25:54) Outro and call to action

Our Polititians are Making Disability Decisions Without Disabled People, WTH! Apr 05, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Nick Speaks, Nicolas Comstock and Nicole Jorwic discuss the importance of centering disabled individuals in decision-making and funding. Nicole, inspired by her brother Chris, shares her advocacy journey and compares disability services across states like Illinois. They explore presuming competence in IEPs, differences between private and public special education, and the impact of Medicaid cuts. Nicole highlights the need for bipartisan support and public funds for community-based services, encourages local advocacy, and addresses Medicaid fraud. The episode ends with a call to action for listener engagement.

Nicole Jorwic is an experienced policy professional supporting advancements in disability, aging and direct care workforce policy and mobilization. Nicole is the Chief Program Officer for Caring Across Generations. Prior to her current roles, Nicole was Senior Director of Public Policy and Senior Executive Officer of State Advocacy at The Arc of the United States. Before coming to DC to work on Federal Advocacy, Nicole served as Senior Policy Advisor and Manager of the Employment First Initiative in Illinois. Prior to that appointment, Nicole was the CEO/President of the Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities. Nicole is also an accomplished special education attorney.

Nicole leads and supports many coalitions to advance the priorities of the care movement, including strengthening and expanding access to Medicaid, home and community-based care and better pay for direct care workers. Nicole is a member of the President's Committee on People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Nicole is most importantly a sibling to her brother Chris who is 35 and has autism, a former direct care worker, and on the care team for her three grandparents in their 90s.

(0:00) Centering disabled people in decision-making and funding (0:39) Podcast and host introduction (1:22) Introducing and welcoming Nicole Jorwic (3:07) Deciding to invite Nicole and her advocacy background (5:20) Comparing disability services in Illinois and other states (7:41) Disability services in larger cities like Chicago (8:18) Nicole's brother Chris and her advocacy journey (10:54) Presuming competence and IEP history (13:09) Representing families in special education law (14:35) Private vs. public school special education differences (17:36) Personal and direct care work experiences (19:43) Meaningful work in disability services (20:29) Bipartisan support in disability policy (23:36) Medicaid cuts and impact on disability services (25:05) Medicaid funding structure and home/community-based services (29:15) Media portrayal and narratives around Medicaid fraud (33:24) Meeting Dr. Oz: Addressing Medicaid fraud (36:01) Importance of bipartisan dialogue and cost comparisons (39:41) Impact of downsizing state institutions on Medicaid (41:33) State institutions, nursing homes, and ICFs explained (45:05) Ohio's "Fix the List" initiative (50:48) Importance of public funds for community-based services (52:02) Encouragement for local and state advocacy (54:13) Final words and encouragement from Nicole Jorwic (55:18) Thanking Nicole, podcast mission, and preview of next episode (56:06) Call to action: Like, subscribe, and follow Nick Speaks

Advocacy in Action: Testifying for Disability Rights and Political Involvement Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock delves into his experience of testifying before the Ohio legislature, focusing on the significance of House Bill 585. He discusses the Community Capital Assistance Fund and the benefits of testifying, offering insights into handling nervousness and audience reactions. Nicolas emphasizes the urgency of the bill and the importance of independent living, advocating for fiscal responsibility on a case-by-case basis. He reflects on his political aspirations, sharing humor and personal anecdotes about political figures. The episode highlights community involvement, the risks of political engagement, and the critique of government programs. Nicolas concludes with encouragement to make a difference and vote based on values. (0:00) Introduction and Welcome (1:45) Testifying Before the Ohio Legislature (2:20) Promotion of Nick's Website (3:08) Significance and Experience of Testifying (4:53) Community Capital Assistance Fund (7:31) The Process and Benefits of Testifying (9:13) Handling Nervousness and Audience Reactions (11:29) The Urgency of House Bill 585 (12:37) Independent Living: Case-by-Case and Fiscal Responsibility (16:03) Advocacy, Politics, and Aspirations (21:26) Humor and Personal Approach in Politics (25:13) Reflections on Political Figures (28:10) Committee Feedback and Managing Testimony (33:21) Living Independently & Critique of Government Programs (35:11) Community Involvement and Political Risks (38:14) Encouragement to Make a Difference (39:42) Voting Values, Conclusion, and Call to Action (41:47) Outro

Resilience and Advocacy: Daniel Flores on Overcoming Barriers and Finding Hope Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock is joined by Daniel Flores to explore Daniel's transformative journey after a life-altering injury. Daniel shares his life before the accident, the challenges of surgeries, and pain management. He discusses how faith, hope, and support from loved ones helped him adapt, celebrating small victories. The conversation covers overcoming barriers to independence, social challenges, and misconceptions about disability, especially in dating. Daniel also talks about coping with depression, the importance of mental activity, advocacy efforts, and teaching. Nicolas concludes with reflections and a call to action for listeners.

Dan is 46 years old. I have a master's in biology, am a biology professor, and have been a teacher for 10 years. Interests involve reading, working out, playing the harmonica, learning magic tricks, and improving my memory. I love live music, barbecues, and learning to cook. If there’s anything else, please feel free to ask.

ATP/QRP https://rss.com/podcasts/podcast-pod31/

Social Media TikTok: @WheelchairRoundtable

(0:00) Introduction to Nick Speaks and Daniel Flores' story (4:14) Daniel's life before the injury and the accident (13:35) Immediate aftermath, surgeries, and pain management (21:37) Understanding the new reality and changes in personal life (27:17) Support from loved ones and adapting to disability (30:49) Faith, hope, and resilience post-injury (38:44) Family reactions and early days in rehabilitation (48:09) Gaining perspective and celebrating small victories (52:55) Transition to caregiving and living arrangements post-accident (57:43) Overcoming barriers to independence and social challenges (1:01:28) Aspirations for companionship and family life (1:03:09) Dating dynamics and misconceptions about disability (1:07:01) Coping with depression and the importance of mental activity (1:16:13) Learning strategies and advocacy efforts (1:22:31) Dealing with differing treatment and easing social tensions (1:26:46) Teaching experiences and navigating public perception (1:37:08) Handling uncomfortable interactions and personal boundaries (1:44:17) Daniel's nickname and concluding thoughts (1:47:23) Nicholas reflects on his own journey and future plans (1:53:19) Closing remarks, advocacy reflection, and birthday celebration (1:55:53) Call to action and outro

Innovative Housing: Megan Thompson on Bittersweet Farms and Disability Advocacy Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock and Megan Thompson discuss the innovative approaches of Bittersweet Farms in disability housing. Megan shares her background in autism services and how Bittersweet Farms provides unique living arrangements and programs. They address housing challenges, legislative advocacy, and the importance of person-centered planning. The conversation debunks misconceptions about disability housing and explores funding issues affecting services. Community engagement, transportation, and Bittersweet Farms' culinary ventures are highlighted, along with their aspirations for Shark Tank. The episode concludes with contact information and a teaser for upcoming episodes. (0:00) Introduction and Background on Disability Housing (1:33) Introduction of Megan Thompson and Bittersweet Farms (3:52) Megan Thompson's Background in Autism Services (8:16) Bittersweet Farms' Unique Approach and Programs (14:12) Living Arrangements and Housing Challenges at Bittersweet Farms (19:16) Legislative Advocacy and Importance of Housing Choices (24:22) Person-Centered Planning in Disability Housing (27:35) Debunking Misconceptions about Disability Housing (29:46) Funding and Property Tax Issues Affecting Disability Services (33:18) Community Engagement and Transportation at Bittersweet Farms (37:02) Bittersweet Farms Contact Information and Final Thoughts (40:08) Bittersweet Farms' Culinary Ventures and Shark Tank Aspirations (41:05) Closing Remarks and Teaser for Upcoming Episodes

Advocacy and Assistive Technology: Rico Segovia on Challenges and Empowerment Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock welcomes Rico Segovia to discuss his journey in the disability world and his passion for assistive technology. Rico shares experiences and challenges, shedding light on navigating insurance, Medicaid, and equipment approval. They delve into the significance of self-advocacy and effective communication in securing proper equipment fit. The discussion highlights Rico's advocacy work in nursing homes and his personal growth through faith. Emphasizing the importance of support networks, the conversation turns to Rico's Wheelchair Roundtable Podcast. The episode concludes with contact information and closing remarks, encouraging listeners to engage and connect.

Rico Segovia ATP/QRP https://rss.com/podcasts/podcast-pod31/

Social Media Facebook: Rico Segova ATp IG: segoviarico75 TikTok: @WheelchairRoundtable Ricardosegoviajr@gmail.com

(0:00) Introduction to Rico Segovia and podcast overview (1:13) Rico Segovia's background and assistive technology (4:05) Experiences and challenges in the disability world (10:34) Passion for the profession and misconceptions about disability (13:06) Navigating insurance, Medicaid, and equipment approval (27:38) Self-advocacy and the importance of communication (30:02) Knowledge and advocacy for proper equipment fit (35:16) Overcoming insurance customer service challenges (40:49) Advocacy in nursing homes and quality of life improvements (54:16) Rico's personal journey and the Wheelchair Roundtable Podcast (1:02:12) Faith's role in advocacy and personal growth (1:06:09) Building support networks and proactive advocacy (1:13:16) Inspiration and promoting the Wheelchair Roundtable podcast (1:17:05) Contact information, show notes, and closing remarks

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