Épisodes

  • S2E3: WDF: "Veal Parmesan;" Sorry Not Sorry for Advocating

    S2E3: WDF: "Veal Parmesan;" Sorry Not Sorry for Advocating
    May 10 2026
    This episode explores the history and current challenges of disability rights, systemic inequities, and their impact on well-being. Join us as we discuss advocacy, policy, and personal stories to understand how societal structures affect marginalized communities. This episode features a deep discussion on the history of disability rights, intersectionality, and systemic ableism, highlighting key figures like Judy Heumann and Ed Roberts. It explores the evolution of accessible spaces, the impact of neoliberalism, and the ongoing fight for equity and inclusion. Email: WellnessDumpsterFire@gmail.com Music: "Master of the Feast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Extra Credit: Watch Crip Camp (free on Netflix YouTube) Judy Heumann on the Daily Show with Trevor Noah Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt All the Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything Barbie Fashionistas Doll #228, Blind Barbie Doll Wearing Pink Top And Ruffled Skirt With Cane And Sunglasses in Partnership With The American Foundation For The Blind Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Judith Heymann with Kristen Joiner Rolling Warrior: The Incredible, Sometimes Awkward, True Story of a Rebel Girl on Wheels Who Helped Spark a Revolution by Judith Heumann with Kristen Joiner The Ed Roberts’ Campus article The Ed Roberts’ Campus video Disabled in Action of New York Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution Upcoming Film : Being Heumann Polio The History of Polio Section 504 and ADA through the Wrights Law Website IDEA Introducing Disability Studies, 2nd Edition Mental illness, Civil Liberty, and Common Sense. Psychiatric Times. (2018) Senator Robert Kennedy’s Visit to Willowbrook (scroll down for the video with Senator Robert Kennedy) 1970 - Present : Close the Institutions - Video archive of Geraldo Rivera’s Expose on Willowbrook Special Olympics: Eunice Kennedy Shriver Special Olympics: Rosemary and Eunice Kennedy Starting Special Olympics Rosemary Kennedy Spread the Word Buzzfeed Accessible Design Fails Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki keywords disability rights, systemic inequity, advocacy, policy, well-being, history of disability, activism, accessibility, systemic change disability rights, ableism, Judy Heumann, Ed Roberts, accessibility, neoliberalism, systemic discrimination, disability history, inclusion, advocacy
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    1 h et 49 min
  • S2E2:WDF: Migraine, Microphones, and Our First Guest: Uncle Jay!

    S2E2:WDF: Migraine, Microphones, and Our First Guest: Uncle Jay!
    Mar 15 2026
    In this episode of Wellness Dumpster Fire, Sam and Kat have their first guest: Uncle Jay! Uncle Jay is a cartoon character from amaze.org that asks some questions about gender and trans allyship that many people are thinking but are afraid to ask. Join Sam as her cat messes with her microphone, Dr. Kat while she deals with a migraine, and Uncle Jay while he’s trying to figure out when did gender become more complicated than having “a hoo hoo or a hee hee.” Note: Content warning for trans youth suicide, trans discrimination. Also Note: Our ADHD is strong in this episode; So just in case this was never made verbally clear: LGBTQIA+: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and + 2SLGBTQIA+: 2 Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and +. Also, the name of the trans student who died by suicide in Oklahoma was Nex Benedict. Sam incorrectly said Nez. Our hearts are still with Nex and their family, as well as all of the trans folk harmed by discriminatory and genocidal legislation. On an editing note, Dr. Kat had to pause our recording to take care of her migraine and somewhere when that happened, my microphone switched to the computer mic. Sorry about that and thanks for sticking with us. Email us with your Petals of Power! Email: WellnessDumpsterFire@gmail.com Music: "Master of the Feast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)1 Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975…oops) Understanding the New Kansas Law Targeting Transgender People: The ACLU of Kansas Human Rights Campaign Foundation & Lamda Legal File Lawsuit to Block Trump Administation’s Transgender Military Service Ban David Ross Lawn: Facebook: “...But did you know that genocide actually happens in stages? In fact. Do you know which stage we are in for trans people? It’s 8.” Wikipedia: Ten stages of genocide Holocaust Memorial Day Trust: The Ten States of Genocide Joey (Oops, Chuck) Gets His Girlfriend Pregnant: A special 3 part series : “TV 101” Wikipedia: Molly Ivins Don Lemon: @TheDonLemonShow “Advocate Shares History of LGBT Acronym as Federal Websites Erase the “T” San Francisco's Gay Mens Chorus: LGBTQIA+ Meaning: Acronym Breakdown and Definitions Wikipedia: Two-spirit Tribal-Institute.Org (2014) “Walking in Two Worlds: Understanding the Two-Spirit & LGBTQ Community” 2SLGBTQ+ in print article: CBC Canada: “Nex Benedict full autopsy report released: What we non about the non-binary teen’s death” Human Rights Campaign: “U.S. Department of Education Finds Nex Benedict’s School District Accountable for Fostering Hostile Climate in Response to HRC Complaint” Nov. 13, 2024 LGBTQNation: Good News: “Joe Biden said “there are at least three” genders and shut down a conservative activist: “Don’t play games with me kid,” Biden told a rightwing activist who tried to get him to say there are only two genders. Jan. 13, 2021 amaze.org: What is Intersex? Paid Subscriber Episode: Podcast: “You’’re Wrong About”: Princess Diana, The Crown, and Responsible Storytelling Free article from Elle about Princess Diana and the AIDS crisis: The True Story of Princess Diana’s Groundbreaking AIDS Advocacy: The Princess of Wales helped to raise awareness and dismantle stigma around the disease. Black mold memes Uncle Jay’s Amaze.org video: Range of Gender Identities BridgeMI: Michigan adopts updated sex education standards after contentious meeting Michigan Dept of Education: Sex-Education Advisory Boards Commonly Asked Questions: 2012 SIECUS: Michigan State of Sex-Ed Amaze.org Sextortion: Online Coercion and Blackmail Dr. Kat’s Circles Shoulder Pad fave: Circles Curriculum Purchase Site John Oliver Slams Centrist Dems Who Think Trans People Cost Them The Election Sophie LaBelle: Trans Cartoonist and Activist:Wikipedia: Bluesky;: Patreon Gardens Of Peace Project (not Olive Oil): https://www.gardenofpeaceproject.org/ ACLU of Kansas ACLU USA Donation Page Lamda Legal Donation Page Podcast: Making Gay History Hosted by Eric Marcus Hoppers Trailer The 515 The Difference Between Trans and Drag: PETALS OF POWER! Sam’s Friend Juniper Moving to Thailand to Open a Duck and Pug Sanctuary/Cafe: GoFundMe Link Taylor Tomlinson: The Prodigal Daughter Alyssa Liu Skating
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    1 h et 10 min
  • S2E1: WDF: "Aunt Sam, This Car Smells Like Amsterdam." A "PETALS OF POWER!" Episode

    S2E1: WDF: "Aunt Sam, This Car Smells Like Amsterdam." A "PETALS OF POWER!" Episode
    Feb 22 2026
    When life feels like a dumpster fire, Dr. Kat and Sam deliver a hilarious, unapologetic dose of joy, memes, and real talk to lighten your load and remind you that you're not alone. In this episode, these educator-sisters take you on a mild ride through their favorite memes, unexpected Benito Bowl moments, and their own saga of spine surgery and a rental car that smells like Amsterdam. They share their favorite PETALS OF POWER! and reveal how humor and community can cut through the doom scrolling gloom. Email: WellnessDumpsterFire@gmail.com Music: "Master of the Feast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) Regina George in a neck brace Tenor gif; Mean Girls “PETALS OF POWER” inspirational jingle: 1980’s She-Ra Princess of Power commercials Meme: Godzilla with a photocopier: [ID: Godzilla using a photocopier with a dissociated expression on his face. Text reads "I'm under a lot of pressure to finish this report it's bullshit I don't even work here"] source text: GeekySteven Facebook page Meme: Godzilla baking cookies Mr. Williams PreK Pause: Jesus interviewing Aunt Karen “We all got that one aunt…” Mr. Williams PreK Pause: Satan Interviewing Jeffrey Epstein Satan does NOT like what he’s reading . Meme: “When my FBI agent realizes she looks forward to my memes…” Bad Bunny “Benito Bowl Potluck” (SuperBowl Half Time Show) Bad Bunny 2026 Halftime show Grass People Walking and Grass People Highlights Bad Bunny and Pedro Pascal: Protective Mom 2: SNL link GoodBunnyFoundation.org Bad Bunny: Domingo Vow Renewal SNL link Bad Bunny: Couples At the Bar SNL link Marcello Hernandez: Spanish Class (not referenced in the podcast…but should have been): SNL link Meme: So brave: Getting Married in front of Bad Bunny Meme: Conservatives in the Corner; vs Bunny Monty Python and the Holy Grail: Killer Rabbit Reading Rainbow Reboot with Mychal the Librarian Maple Layne Market Bestselling Stickers We Rate Dogs: Golden Puppy Jumps in the Bushes We Rate Dogs: “Tell Your Dog I said Hi” and the 15/10 Foundation Ryker…Epic Service Dog Training Failure The Onion: Kid Rock and CheeseBalls RIP: The Great Catherine O’Hara Link: Erstwilder Brooches to decorate your neckbrace Happy Gilmore 2 Marcello Hernandez Netflix Special “American Boy” (not mentioned in the podcast but totally a good time if you aren’t in the mood for Happy Gilmore 2). What was Columbia House? Dazed and Confused: Matthew McConaughey’s Breakout Role Office Space: “Just remember, if you hang in there long enough…” Book: “Becoming the Teacher I Needed: Lessons in Radical Kindness and Resilience”: by Jere Chang: link to webpage with book purchase links: MsChangGifted: Ms White Celebrates Ramadan Book: “Get It In Writing: The Ultimate Guide to Your Rights at Work”: by Ryan Stygar: link to webpage with book purchase links: AttorneyRyan: Costco Suing the Trump Administration over Tariffs
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    59 min
  • S1E2: Dr. Kat Goes To Washington

    S1E2: Dr. Kat Goes To Washington
    Sep 7 2025
    Join Dr. Kat and Sam as they delve into the intricate connections between personal well-being and political landscapes. In this episode, they explore how individual health and education intersect with broader societal issues, offering insights from their extensive backgrounds in pedagogy. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges the boundaries between personal experiences and political realities...with swearing, peri-menopause brain, and an amazing cousin story. Email: WellnessDumpsterFire@gmail.com Music: "Master of the Feast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Mr. Smith Goes To Washington https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Smith_Goes_to_Washington Dr. Martin Luther King Jr; Thoughts on Telling the Bootless Man to Pull Himself up by his Bootstraps https://www.reddit.com/r/Damnthatsinteresting/comments/14dinrg/dr_martin_luther_king_jr_speaks_about_perspective/ Or https://www.instagram.com/addisnola/reel/DFD8jQsRZQh/?locale=de&hl=am-et The Personal is Political by Carol Hanisch https://www.carolhanisch.org/CHwritings/PIP.html 1st ever “I dissent” shout-out: To Cousin Katie on Mom’s side! Way to tell Arnie Duncan that his ideas were sh** in real time! Ruth Bader Ginsburg https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Bader_Ginsburg Dr. Jen Rafferty https://empowerededucator.com/ Rebecca Solnit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebecca_Solnit Robert Reich https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Reich 5 Calls App https://5calls.org/ Find My Rep at USA.gov https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) https://action.aclu.org/give/now NAACP https://naacp.org/donate Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence https://www.teachersunify.org/ The Onion: “No way to prevent this” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%27No_Way_to_Prevent_This,%27_Says_Only_Nation_Where_This_Regularly_Happens Boredwalk Grievance Journal: https://www.boredwalk.com/products/grievance-journal?_pos=1&_sid=05d072746&_ss=r The Personal Is Political Tee: https://www.boredwalk.com/search?type=product&q=the+personal+is+political Video: Repel Jerks: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1124273432964308 Tik Tok: I don’t follow politics: https://www.tiktok.com/@boredwalk.lol/video/7502230930187128094 Red Stockings’ Speakout at the United Nations - 2007 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E14iJym0MpA The Pay Teacher’s Act & The ParaEducators Act https://www.aft.org/news/aft-rallies-pay-teachers-act-capitol-hill-town-hall https://www.help.senate.gov/dem/newsroom/press/news-sanders-introduces-legislation-to-address-americas-teacher-pay-crisis-holds-town-hall-with-public-school-educators https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-introduces-legislation-to-increase-wages-nationwide-for-paraprofessionals-and-education-support-staff Why Cousin Katie on Mom’s Side was Right about Arne Duncan Source on Arne Duncan’s comments about Hurricane Katrina (he was not the secretary of education during Katrina, but made insensitive and uninformed comments about the tragedy). https://la.aft.org/news/lft-duncans-apology-demonstrates-why-silence-golden Find my Representatives in Congress Your representatives include 2 senators per state and a different number of representatives depending on the population in your area. Your house representative will be assigned by the district where you live and zip code. https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member Heather Cox Richardson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heather_Cox_Richardson https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/ The Daily Beans: News. With Swearing. https://www.dailybeanspod.com/ PoliticsGirl https://www.politicsgirl.com/ Learning to ZOOM, memories from COVID lockdown “I’m not a cat”: https://youtu.be/lGOofzZOyl8?si=D3Puh49sUIa9MOGb “Potato boss” https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/laurenstrapagiel/potato-boss-video-call Cat bowties just because https://catinberlin.com/collections/bow-ties Sunflowers clean up nuclear waste https://www.iflscience.com/why-scientists-plant-sunflowers-after-nuclear-disasters-60380
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    56 min
  • S1E1: WDF: Bootstraps, SUP Boards, and Burnout

    S1E1: WDF: Bootstraps, SUP Boards, and Burnout
    Jul 20 2025

    Welcome to Wellness Dumpster Fire or WDF! Hosts Dr. Kat and Sam are sisters who delve into the complex world of wellness and its weaponization in modern society. They explore how societal pressures and neoliberal ideology have turned wellness into a tool of blame, pushing individuals to balance impossible demands. Through personal anecdotes and insightful discussions, they challenge the notion of work-life balance and highlight the systemic issues that make true well-being elusive. Join them as they navigate the intersection of wellness, neoliberalism, and the quest for genuine self-care. WE SEEK THE WELLNESS!

    Music: "Master of the Feast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975…oops)

    A Christmas Story

    Love Actually

    What is a SUP Board?

    Sam Vimes “Boot” Theory of Socio-Economic Unfairness

    Archies: ergonomic flip flops (not sponsored)

    Nick Couldry: Why Voice Matters

    Noam Chomsky: Profit Over People

    “The Goonies” Generation

    Xennials or Oregon Trail Generation

    Can Our Schools Run on Duncan?

    Sam’s old wellness blog with meal plans

    F*ck that: An Honest Meditation (ooh, there’s an app now!)

    Podcasts we love:

    “You’re Wrong About”

    Maintenance Phase

    Feminist Survival Project

    Kenneth Saltman: The Gift of Education - Public Education and Venture Philanthropy

    Wellne$$ Wallet Action: Community Builders of the Month

    (Groups you can donate to if you’ve got some money to spare)

    Native Tribal Designation for Oakland County, MI

    PBS

    NPR
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    55 min