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:

Reimagining Employment: Beyond Piece Rate and Sheltered Workspaces Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock welcomes Kodey Kreglow, who delves into his journey in disability services and advocacy. Kodey shares his personal connection to the field, challenges in employment for the disabled, and issues like sub-minimum wage. He highlights success stories and the impact on disability employment rates. The discussion emphasizes the role of public speaking, networking, and collaboration with organizations like Best Buddies. Kodey also reflects on his transition to Ohio State Mansfield and stresses the importance of self-advocacy and accommodations in college. He offers advice for students with disabilities entering college. Kodey Kreglow is an Accessibility Specialist at The Ohio State University at Mansfield, where he is dedicated to fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments for students with disabilities. Through collaboration with faculty and staff, Kodey works to ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their full academic potential and experience meaningful personal growth.

His professional background includes roles with the Richland County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Crawford County Children Services, and the National Youth Advocate Program—reflecting a career-long commitment to advocacy and support for diverse populations.

Kodey holds a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Findlay and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Mansfield, continuing his service to the community both inside and outside the classroom.

GET THE BOOK: Trailblazing and Transforming: Success Stories of Entrepreneurs with Disabilities https://amzn.to/4k0mNs4

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

This Video is Sponsored by Goodknight Podcasting Solutions If you want to ignite your podcasting journey! They specialize in helping new and existing podcasters with strategy, growth, and connecting with their ideal clients to grow their business.

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(0:00) Introduction to self-advocacy in college and guest Kodey Kreglow (1:03) Sponsor: Columbus Restorative Massage and Wellness Studio (2:31) Kodey Kreglow's background and journey to disability services (6:15) Kodey's personal connection to disability advocacy (9:28) Challenges and responsibilities in employment navigation for the disabled (14:43) Addressing sub minimum wage and sheltered workshops (16:14) Success stories from Kodey's career in employment navigation (20:13) The broader impact of employment navigation on disability employment rates (22:19) Leveraging public speaking and networking in advocacy (24:31) Overcoming frustrations in disability employment navigation (28:43) Reflections on advocacy panels and collaborations with Best Buddies (34:10) Inclusivity lessons and Kodey's transition to Ohio State Mansfield (36:20) Enhancing college experiences with accommodations and services (44:38) The critical role of self-advocacy in higher education (47:04) Addressing housing accommodations on campus (49:50) Final advice for students with disabilities entering college (50:44) Sponsor mention: Columbus Restorative Massage and Wellness Studio

Fitting In: The System Wasn’t Built for Me Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock shares his journey of feeling unemployable, discussing self-care and challenges with disability services. He talks about relocating for better benefits and living with a high-functioning disability, including caregiver neglect and advocacy frustrations. Nicolas reevaluates disability advocacy, perceptions of arrogance, and systemic change. The conversation touches on medical costs, sub-minimum wage issues, and future podcast directions. He also addresses emotional vulnerability, the Medicaid denial process, and community solutions. The episode concludes with closing remarks and a preview of the next episode. (0:00) Introduction and personal journey of being unemployable (1:15) Sponsor: Columbus Restorative Massage and Wellness Studio (3:49) Self-care and personal challenges with disability services (6:07) Relocating for better benefits and struggles with high-functioning disability (8:26) Experiences with caregiver neglect and state system advocacy (12:49) State hearings and the frustration with self-advocacy (17:32) Reevaluating disability advocacy and perceptions of arrogance (22:33) Podcast continuation and the need for systemic change (26:22) Advocating for different systems for diverse disabilities (29:40) Medical costs and challenges within the disabled system (32:42) Future podcast direction and sub minimum wage issues (35:37) Upcoming focus on community change and benefit concerns (39:20) Personal goals and misconceptions about political threats (41:22) Remote work opportunities and critique of state self-advocacy (43:14) Emotional vulnerability and the need for community solutions (45:22) Medicaid denial process and advocating for systemic change (46:44) Closing remarks and next episode preview

Overcoming Challenges: Advocacy, Technology, and Caregiving in the Disability Community Oct 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock shares his journey with vocational testing and his engagement with ViQuest. He discusses overcoming challenges related to blindness, low expectations, and stereotypes, and how these experiences led him to discover public speaking and launch the Nick Speaks podcast. Nicolas reflects on his favorite podcast episodes and the significant impact of technology in his life. The episode also delves into the importance of caregiving, posing thoughtful questions for caregivers to consider, and highlights the supportive role of Rekindle Living. It concludes with encouraging words for caregivers and contact information for further resources. (0:00) Nicolas Comstock's experience with vocational testing and introduction to ViQuest engagement (0:44) Sponsor: Columbus Restorative Massage and Wellness Studio (3:33) Overcoming blindness, low expectations, and stereotypes (5:01) Discovering public speaking and starting Nick Speaks podcast (9:34) Favorite podcast episodes and impact of technology (17:47) The importance of caregiving and questions to consider (24:47) The role of Rekindle Living and encouragement for caregivers (32:14) Closing words and contact information

Advocacy, Community Inclusion, and Transition Planning with Elizabeth Wietmarschen and Alex Corwin Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock chats with Elizabeth Wietmarschen and Alex Corwin about community inclusion and insights from a keynote address. Elizabeth discusses her advocacy at OCALI, and both share their paths to the organization. They explore transition planning and skills building for disabled youth, comparing public and private education. The conversation highlights OCALI's early transition initiatives and life skills framework, emphasizing supportive communities for families with disabilities, provider encouragement, and workforce integration. They also advocate for fair wages and inclusivity, focusing on efforts in Cincinnati, and promote OCALI resources and sponsors.

Alex Corwin, M.A., is the Program Director at OCALI's Lifespan Transitions Center where he leads statewide technical assistance and professional development for transition professionals from schools, County Boards of DD, OOD counselors, and more. His Center also develops tools and resources for Ohio's Employment First website and OOD's new Pre-Employment Transitions Services curriculum. Alex has been a professional in the developmental disability field as a residential aid, job coach, adult day services manager, service and support administrator (SSA), SSA supervisor, and previously oversaw the Ohio Transition Support Partnership for Ohio's Department of Education and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, which promotes transition planning for students with disabilities as early as 14 years old. He received his Master's in Public Policy and Administration from Ohio State University.

Elizabeth Wietmarschen, MEd, is a transition to adulthood consultant at the OCALI Lifespan Transitions Center. She has worked with youth and young adults with disabilities in various capacities from providing direct care to supervising and training professionals in the field. She has extensive experience in developing programs that help promote successful post school outcomes for youth with disabilities and has a deep working knowledge of developing transition plans by using age-appropriate transition assessments. Wietmarschen is a licensed intervention specialist with her transition to work endorsement and a Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador.

(0:00) Introduction by Nicolas Comstock and Guests (2:03) Sponsor: Columbus Restorative Massage and Wellness Studio (5:36) Community Inclusion and Keynote Speaker Insights (9:52) Elizabeth Wietmarschen's Advocacy Role at OCALI (14:01) Journeys to OCALI: Elizabeth and Alex's Stories (22:13) Transition Planning and Skills Building for Disabled Youth (24:39) Comparing Public and Private Education for Disabled Students (28:43) OCALI's Early Transition Initiatives and Life Skills Framework (36:27) Building Supportive Communities for Families with Disabilities (40:28) Provider Encouragement and Integrating Disabilities in Workforce (44:39) Advocacy for Fair Wages and Inclusivity in Group Settings (50:43) Inclusivity Efforts and Legacy Aspirations in Cincinnati (57:20) Closing Remarks and Promoting OCALI Resources (59:08) Sponsor: Columbus Restorative Massage and Wellness Studio (59:31) Episode Sign-off

Navigating Disability Benefits, Employment, and Advocacy with Paizha Grigsby Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock welcomes TikTok personality Paizha Grigsby to discuss disability benefits and special education challenges. Paizha critiques special education programs, shares job search struggles, and explores employer perceptions. They discuss resources for people with disabilities in California, touching on cost of living and natural disasters. Paizha shares her worst date and social security benefit challenges, highlighting limitations and alternatives. Influencer Chelsea Abert's disability journey and independent living challenges are also discussed. Paizha offers inspiration on community and perseverance, while Nicolas emphasizes fulfillment. The episode ends with thanks, sponsor acknowledgment, and contact info.

My name is Paizha Grigsby, I have Cerebral Palsy, and I would love to spread awareness and create a safe space for people to speak about their challenges with their disability. I ultimately want to work in the entertainment industry specifically in the music world! I would love to show others that having a disability should not stop anyone from pursuing their dreams.

Sponsor: Columbus Restorative and Wellness Studio https://www.vagaro.com/cbusrestorativemassage

(0:00) Introduction to Paizha Grigsby and disability benefits application (0:53) Introduction by Nicolas Comstock (1:25) Sponsor: Columbus Restorative Massage and Wellness Studio (2:57) TikTok following and introduction of guest Paizha Grigsby (5:19) Paizha Grigsby's background and special education challenges (10:43) Critique of special ed programs and job search struggles (29:42) Interview challenges and employer perceptions (34:48) Job aspirations, work experience, and being a seat filler at award shows (38:33) Resources for people with disabilities in California (41:47) Cost of living and natural disasters in California (47:47) Paizha Grigsby's worst date and social security benefits struggles (54:19) Limitations and alternatives to social security benefits (58:33) Influencer Chelsea Abert's disability journey (59:15) Independent living aspirations and challenges (1:00:16) Inspirational closing remarks from Paizha Grigsby (1:02:20) Encouragement to find community and persist (1:04:16) Nicolas' message on perseverance and fulfillment (1:05:14) Thanking the guest and sponsor shoutout (1:06:07) Closing remarks and contact information

Navigating Advocacy, Emotional Health, and Humor with Sarah Davies Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock welcomes guest Sarah Davies and discusses her new business and experiences navigating the system. They explore communication, boundaries in advocacy, and tackle issues of inconsistent information and burnout. Sarah shares her personal struggles, hopes for change, and thoughts on emotional health. They discuss conflict resolution, trauma-informed care, and the value of Davies Consulting services, highlighting the importance of non-system relationships. Fiscal responsibility and support options are examined, and the role of humor in advocacy is celebrated. The episode concludes with encouragement for Sarah's podcast, sponsorship from Restorative Massage and Wellness Studio, and closing remarks. (0:00) Introduction and welcome (0:45) Sponsor: Restorative Massage and Wellness Studio (1:45) Guest introduction and catch-up with Sarah Davies (3:33) Sarah's new business and navigating the system (8:30) Communication and boundaries in advocacy (12:23) Addressing inconsistent information and burnout (20:27) Personal struggles, hopes for change, and emotional health (33:24) Conflict resolution and trauma-informed care (39:20) Overview of Davies Consulting services and value of non-system relationships (50:27) Fiscal responsibility and exploring support options (58:03) Role of humor in advocacy and behind the scenes (59:51) Encouraging Sarah's podcast and wrapping up (1:01:24) Sponsor message: Restorative Massage and Wellness Studio (1:02:12) Closing remarks and sign-off

Church Inclusion, Mental Health Stigma, and SNAP Benefits with Roy Jones Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock and guest Roy Jones celebrate 700 YouTube subscribers and discuss Roy's background. They explore physical vs. mental disabilities, focusing on mental health stigma in families and churches. The conversation highlights the need for mental health training for church leaders and experiences of exclusion. Nicolas shares his journey with church and disability, advocating for greater inclusion. They also discuss Medicaid, affordable housing, SNAP rules, and strategies for vulnerable groups. The episode wraps up with social media, sleep issues, sponsorship from Columbus Restorative Massage, and a promotion of Nicolas' book chapter.

Roy Jones Disability Advocate/YouTube Content Creator

CONNECT WITH ME: Email: RoyMorockAdvocate@gmail.com MY WEBSITE: https://www.royjonesonwheels.com/

(0:00) Introduction and guest welcome (1:38) Celebrating 700 YouTube subscribers and Roy Jones' background (5:44) Understanding physical vs. mental disabilities (7:27) Support and stigma for mental health in the family and church (16:08) Mental health training for church leaders (21:26) Experiences of exclusion from church due to mental health (29:01) Moving forward after negative church experiences (33:10) Host's personal journey with church and disability (38:25) Including people with disabilities in church life (41:22) Disability, identity, and avoiding political conflicts (43:00) Medicaid concerns and affordable housing challenges (48:00) Strategies for improving housing for vulnerable groups (56:18) New SNAP rules and cultural food exploration (1:03:24) SNAP benefits: Limiting junk food and advocating for cooked meals (1:13:44) SNAP benefits on DoorDash and Amazon Prime discounts (1:14:43) Conclusion of the conversation with Roy Jones (1:16:50) Social media presence and sleep issues (1:17:22) Sponsor: Columbus Restorative Massage and Wellness Studio (1:17:54) Promotion of Nicolas' book chapter (1:18:16) Closing remarks and podcast mission

Navigating Friendship, Boundaries, and Mental Health Reflections Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock reflects on the complexities of friendship, sharing insights from his personal mental health journey and encouraging listener engagement. He discusses navigating friendships and setting personal boundaries, along with coping with stress and hospital experiences. Nicolas highlights the importance of tackling loneliness and building a support network, sharing personal stories of overcoming challenges. He examines church experiences and offers critiques, concluding with thoughts on community support. The episode features sponsorships from Columbus Restorative Massage and Wellness Studio and wraps up with a book promotion and closing remarks.

This Week's New Sponsor Columbus Restorative and Wellness Studio https://www.vagaro.com/cbusrestorativemassage

(0:00) Introduction and reflections on friendship (1:30) Sponsor: Columbus Restorative Massage and Wellness Studio (4:32) Personal mental health journey and listener engagement (10:27) Navigating friendships and personal boundaries (17:10) Coping with stress and hospital experiences (19:28) Tackling loneliness and building a support network (25:21) Sharing personal stories and overcoming challenges (28:07) Examining church experiences and critiques (29:44) Concluding thoughts and community support (34:58) Sponsor: Columbus Restorative Massage and Wellness Studio (35:21) Book promotion and closing remarks

Charity or Business? The Financial Critique of March of Dimes Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock shares updates on his journey, announces a new book, and a GoFundMe campaign. He discusses misuse of funds by disability organizations with guest Julia Bramwell MD. Julia critiques March of Dimes' support and finances, proposing fixes and highlighting government disability funding issues. They emphasize the need for transparency in Medicaid and examine March of Dimes' spending and website challenges. The episode invites March of Dimes for a response, explores advocacy challenges, and calls for fiscal responsibility in budget allocation. Listeners are encouraged to engage and March of Dimes is invited to respond.

https://investinmyhealth.com/

(0:00) Introduction and updates on Nick's journey (0:49) Sponsor: Columbus Restorative Massage and Wellness Studio (1:51) Book announcement and GoFundMe support (4:11) Misuse of funds by disability organizations (5:11) Guest: Julia Bramwell MD and Disability Doge (7:06) Julia's motivation and Gina Shu's influence (9:32) Julia's experience with March of Dimes (10:03) Critique of March of Dimes' support and finances (17:29) Proposed fixes for March of Dimes (27:10) Government disability funding issues (28:18) Need for transparency in Medicaid (37:02) March of Dimes' spending and website issues (45:50) Medicaid budget struggles and case management (55:20) Open invitation to March of Dimes for a response (59:49) Advocacy and challenges in Medicaid services (1:03:21) Medicaid system reform discussion (1:04:18) March of Dimes' effectiveness and historical impact (1:06:16) Financial transparency in disability services (1:08:06) Ohio disability services engagement (1:09:09) Fiscal responsibility in budget allocation (1:11:04) Closing remarks and invitation for response

Caregiver Relationships Tiffany Bowen on Caregiving Advocacy, DSP Challenges Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock chats with Tiffany Bowen about her caregiving journey, covering DSP documentation, leadership's role, and state requirements affecting Medicaid budgets. They discuss DD Awareness Day, self-advocacy, and engaging with local officials for better support. Tiffany emphasizes DSP training, empathy, and the balance between caregiver-client needs. They also explore cultural diversity, financial limitations, and the importance of boundaries and consent. The episode wraps up with strategies for caregiver appreciation, retention, and advocacy, focusing on financial responsibilities for caregivers and clients.

Tiffany Bowen is an authenticity coach, leadership strategist, and tireless advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With over two decades of leadership experience in non-profit, social services, and retail, Tiff has worn every hat from front-line support to executive director—often while reimagining what’s possible along the way.

As the founder of The Pursuit Coaching and creator of programs like Inspiring Leaders and Real Talk: Relationships & Respect, Tiff equips emerging leaders, direct support professionals, and organizations to build trust, foster dignity, and lead with humanity. She’s known for blending practical strategy with candid conversation, a dash of humor, and a deep belief that curiosity changes everything.

When she’s not coaching or speaking, you’ll find her championing athletes as a Special Olympics coordinator, creating thought-provoking content for her blog and podcast Almost Makes Sense, or dreaming up the next big idea over a rather large energy drink.

More Information:

The Pursuit Coaching - https://pursuitof.life/ Almost Makes Sense - https://tiffbowen.substack.com/

GET THE BOOK: Trailblazing and Transforming: Success Stories of Entrepreneurs with Disabilities https://amzn.to/4k0mNs4

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

Schedule your FREE Podcast Strategy Call today at: https://pages.kylegoodknight.com/podcast-strategy-call

(0:00) Introduction and Welcome to Nick Speaks (2:03) How to support the podcast (2:35) Guest Introduction: Tiffany Bowen (5:18) Tiffany's caregiving journey and background (9:33) DSP documentation and leadership's impact (21:15) State requirements, ISP documentation, and Medicaid budget cuts (31:14) DD Awareness Day and self-advocacy strategies (35:22) State support and local official engagement for advocacy (39:22) Caregiver engagement and DSP training and communication (44:33) Inclusion and expectations of DSPs (51:02) Personal care reluctance and empathy in caregiving (57:59) Healthcare value, compensation, and caregiver-client matching (1:00:29) Accountability in caregiver roles and client feedback (1:16:00) Balancing personal comfort and client needs (1:17:47) Medicaid funding for activities and SNAP benefits (1:21:09) Cultural diversity and financial limitations in caregiving (1:29:09) Addressing cultural differences and sex discussions (1:31:09) Tiffany's coaching business, consent, and sexual assistance in caregiving (1:38:49) Importance of discussing sex and boundaries with clients (1:41:14) Caregiver-client relationships and inappropriate situations (1:45:13) Caregiver appreciation and retention strategies (1:49:38) Tiered system and acts of appreciation for DSPs (1:53:00) Utilizing caregiver strengths and encouraging agency podcasts (1:57:08) Financial responsibilities of home healthcare agencies (2:00:08) Caregiver frustrations with agency leadership (2:03:26) Financial struggles of people with disabilities and caregiver burnout (2:07:04) Director support for staff and caregiver advocacy (2:11:34) Closing remarks and gratitude (2:13:32) Episode sign-off

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