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Alycia Anderson is Best Known as the Premier Leader in the Disability Inclusion Movement. A TEDx Speaker, disability inclusion champion, and corporate consultant, Alycia is on a mission to reshape perspectives on accessibility and inclusion. She captivates audiences with an electrifying blend of energy, humor, and real-world experiences helping individuals and organizations understand the inherent benefits of a diverse and inclusive society. Born with Sacral Agenesis, Alycia has transformed her lived experiences into a mission of empowerment, proving that disability is not a limitation but a source of strength and innovation. Alycia is the host of Pushing Forward with Alycia, a compelling podcast featuring influential thought leaders, business executives, and Paralympic athletes discussing topics such as workplace inclusion, invisible disabilities, leadership, and personal empowerment. In her latest episode Alycia interviews Best Buddies Founder and disability advocate Anthony Kennedy Shriver. A sought-after speaker and media contributor, Alycia has been featured in AT&T, NBC, Victoria’s Secret, eHarmony, and Hyatt as well as gracing the stages of corporate conferences, universities, and international summits. In addition, she is an appointed member of the California Insurance Diversity Task Force, championing inclusive business practices. Vents recently had the privilege of interviewing this amazing woman about her latest milestone.
1. Thank you for taking the time for this interview. You are the host of the podcast Pushing Forward with Alycia. How did the podcast come about? What was the inspiration behind it?
Thank you so much for having me!
The podcast was born from my desire to give disability a consistent and authentic voice in popular culture. Pushing Forward with Alycia was inspired by the need to create a welcoming and empowering space where real stories of resilience, advocacy, and personal triumph could be shared, especially from voices that are often underrepresented.
Growing up as a disabled woman, I often felt that the narratives surrounding disability were either missing or misunderstood. Over time, I’ve come to truly appreciate the transformative power of personal storytelling to open minds, shift perspectives, and spark meaningful change. This podcast is my way of celebrating the richness and diversity of the disability community. It’s about breaking down stereotypes, building bridges of understanding, and ensuring that disability is represented with the respect, accuracy, and dignity it deserves in today’s media landscape.
Pushing Forward naturally evolved from my work in public speaking and advocacy. I wanted to dig deeper, to shine a light on individuals who are boldly pushing boundaries, building businesses, achieving their dreams, and making a real impact across industries and communities. Whether we’re discussing disability rights, social issues, entrepreneurship, or the courage it takes to keep going, the podcast is a celebration of what’s possible when we fully embrace who we are and move forward with purpose.
At its core, it’s about learning through lived experience, lifting up underrepresented voices, and igniting hope and progress, one powerful conversation at a time.
2. Congratulations on the 100th episode! What does this mean to you to have reached this milestone achievement?
Thank you so much!
Reaching the 100th episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia is such an exciting mic drop moment and well-earned milestone. It’s been a true labor of love, so much heart, hard work, and dedication have gone into every single episode. Honestly, it feels like a dream come true!
When my husband Marty and I first came up with the idea for the podcast, we were just two passionate wheelchair users sitting at our kitchen table, imagining how we could create a space to amplify real stories, spark meaningful conversations, and give disability the consistent voice it deserves.
Marty, who’s not only my husband but also my business partner and the producer of the show through his company, Jam Pro Web Design, has been by my side every step of the way. This show is just as much his as it is mine. From late-night editing sessions to mapping out guests and themes, we’ve poured so much of ourselves into building something that truly reflects our values and serves our community.
Hitting 100 episodes is a powerful moment to pause and celebrate: the incredible guests who’ve shared their voices, the listeners who’ve supported us and grown with us, and the impact we’ve been able to make together. It’s proof that when you lead with purpose, passion, and partnership, amazing things really can happen.
So yes, we’re popping the bubbly, soaking it all in, and already dreaming about what the next 100 episodes will bring.
3. Why do you think the world needs your podcast right now?
Great question and one that really gets to the core of why Pushing Forward with Alycia exists.
I believe the world needs this podcast now more than ever because we’re living in a pivotal moment, one where people are yearning for authenticity, inclusion, and meaningful connection. But it’s also a time when those very values are being tested. Politically and socially, we’re seeing disability rights, access, and equity come under threat. Laws, resources, and basic freedoms that so many fought hard to secure are now up for debate again.
Disability and the broader conversations around social justice are still far too often pushed to the margins. But here’s the truth: disability is not a niche issue. It’s universal. Whether through aging, illness, injury, or the natural diversity of humanity, disability will touch all of us or someone we love at some point in our lives. These conversations aren’t just for the disability community, they’re for everyone. Because accessibility, equity, and inclusion benefit all of us.
That’s why it’s essential to create and protect spaces where lived experiences are not only heard, but truly valued.
Pushing Forward is that space. It’s a platform where we have honest, necessary conversations about disability, identity, intersectionality, resilience, and purpose. It’s where we uplift the voices of those doing the work, breaking down barriers, and shaping a more inclusive world, often without the recognition they deserve.
Right now, we need stories that humanize. That connect us. That remind us of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to make the world better, more just, and more inclusive for everyone. We need hope. We need inspiration. That’s why this podcast matters. And that’s why we keep showing up because our voices belong at every table, in every room, and in every conversation.
4. What do you hope the listeners take away from the podcast?
I hope listeners walk away from Pushing Forward with Alycia feeling seen, inspired, and empowered, no matter who they are or where they come from.
At its heart, this podcast is about connection, courage, and possibility. I want people to hear these stories and know they’re not alone. That their lived experiences matter. That disability isn’t something to be pushed aside, but a powerful and beautiful part of being alive.
I also hope the show challenges perspectives especially for those outside the disability community. I want it to open minds, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire reflection on how each of us can show up and participate.
I want more disabled people to be hired. More friendships to flourish. More adventures to be lived. More love to grow. And more hope to be dreamed up.
Ultimately, I want every episode to leave listeners feeling motivated to chase their own dreams, to live fully and authentically, and to believe that progress is always possible and that we can create lasting, transformative change, one story at a time.
5. What has been your favorite episode so far?
That’s such a tough question, like choosing a favorite song on a playlist that defines your life! Every episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia holds a special place in my heart for different reasons.
We’ve had an incredible lineup of guests, Hall of Famers, influencers, content creators, advocates, speakers, authors, Paralympians, the list goes on. Each has brought something unique and powerful to the conversation, and I feel so honored to share their stories with the world.
But one episode that truly stands out and gave me a total pinch me moment was my conversation with Anthony Kennedy Shriver. I mean… a Kennedy! I was honestly a little starstruck sitting down with someone from such a legendary American family. The Kennedy name carries so much history, especially in public service, civil rights, and disability advocacy.
What made it even more special was how down-to-earth, kind, and passionate Anthony was. He’s not just impressive because of his name, he’s impressive because of who he is. As the founder of Best Buddies International, he’s built a global movement supporting friendship, employment, and leadership for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Advocacy is in his DNA. His mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founded the Special Olympics, another game-changing global initiative that redefined inclusion for people with disabilities. That legacy clearly lives on in Anthony.
It was such an honor to share space with him and have a conversation rooted in impact, purpose, and inclusion. I’ll never forget it, not just because I was sitting with a Kennedy, but because of the heart and vision he brings to this work.
6. If you could interview anyone living or dead who would it be and why?
Wow, that’s a big question… and honestly, it’s hard to choose just one. But if I could interview anyone, one from the past and one from today, it would be Helen Keller and Michael J. Fox.
Helen Keller is someone I’ve always admired deeply. She was a true trailblazer, not just in disability advocacy, but in women’s rights and social justice. Deafblind and yet incredibly outspoken, educated, and politically active at a time when society tried to silence disabled voices, she pushed boundaries most people never dared to approach. I’d love to ask her what fueled her passion, how she stayed grounded and determined in a world that constantly underestimated her, and what she would think of the progress and challenges of the disability rights movement today. Her boldness and intellect continue to challenge conventional thinking, even now.
As for someone living, I would absolutely love to interview Michael J. Fox. I adored him growing up, he was so charismatic and full of life on screen. Watching his journey with Parkinson’s disease unfold so publicly and seeing how he’s led with grace, humor, and purpose has left a lasting impact. He’s used his platform to raise awareness and drive research, but he’s also modeled what it means to live openly, with both joy and struggle. I’d love to talk to him about how his identity has evolved, how he keeps moving forward, and what keeps him grounded.
Both Helen Keller and Michael J. Fox represent courage, advocacy, and meaningful change. And honestly? I think those conversations would be unforgettable.
7. Do you have any other upcoming projects you can share?
Looking ahead, my vision is bold: speaking to stadium-sized audiences, publishing a book that sparks global change, and expanding my e-learning programs to empower both businesses and disabled individuals. My mission is clear, make disability inclusion instinctive, not optional.
I’m back on the road, keynoting for Disability Pride Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and private corporate events and conferences, amazing opportunities to connect with changemakers committed to equity.
So if you’re looking to book a speaker, call me! Let’s create an impact together.
Join me on this journey. Visit https://alyciaanderson.com/ to explore speaking, training, and more. And don’t forget to tune in & subscribe to Pushing Forward with Alycia, where real stories meet real change.
8. Where can we follow you on social media?
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alyciaspeaking/
