Welcome back to Unfiltered Resilience.
Today, I want to talk about something universal yet rarely explored — aging, and what it means to age with a disability. For many of us, independence isn’t just a goal; it’s part of who we are. But as our bodies change, that definition begins to shift.
In this episode, I reflect on how assistive devices — like walkers and wheelchairs — are often misunderstood as symbols of limitation, when in truth, they can be tools of freedom. I share stories from my own life, from my days at the Ann Carlson School to the quiet rebellions that shaped how I see mobility and independence today.
We’ll explore what happens when parents, caregivers, and even we ourselves equate “doing it alone” with strength — and how letting go of that idea can actually open the door to more control, confidence, and peace.
Aging isn’t a step backward. It’s a step toward wisdom, toward grace, and toward redefining what freedom looks like. Because real independence isn’t about doing everything on your own — it’s about knowing when to ask for help and having the courage to embrace change.
If you have stories or reflections about aging with a disability, I’d love to hear from you. Write to me at unfilteredresiliencepodcast@gmail.com.
Welcome back to Unfiltered Resilience.
Today’s episode is deeply personal — and yet, it’s one that many families will recognise. We’re talking about diagnosis day — that pivotal moment when a label is given, and everything you thought you knew about the future suddenly shifts.
This episode was inspired by a classroom story from a parent — and by my own mother’s experience when she first learned about my disability. Through her voice, I discovered feelings and details I had never known before — the sadness, the guilt, the fierce love that carried us through.
We’ll talk about:
What families really go through on diagnosis day
How hope and uncertainty can coexist
The quiet strength of parents learning to adapt
Why “never” is a word that deserves to be challenged
And the beauty of seeing life not as a detour, but a different destination
Whether you’re a parent, a child, or simply someone learning to live in a changed world, this episode is about finding grace and resilience in unexpected places — and remembering that a diagnosis is not an ending, but a beginning.
If you have questions, thoughts, or topic suggestions for future episodes, I’d love to hear from you. Email me at unfilteredresiliencepodcast@gmail.com or connect on Instagram at @unfilteredresiliencepodcast.
Until next time, this is Unfiltered Resilience — where every story reminds us that difference isn’t a limitation, it’s another way of being whole.
In this episode of Unfiltered Resilience, I share the hard truths and unexpected lessons from my employment journey as a person with a disability. Starting with the stark reality that in 2024, only 22.7% of people with disabilities were employed compared to 65.5% without, I walk you through my own experiences navigating those numbers.
From rejection after graduation to landing my first role with the U.S. Forest Service, from the highs of advancement at the IRS through the Schedule A Hiring Authority to the lows of being downgraded and let go, my path has been full of both setbacks and surprising breakthroughs.
I reflect on the sting of humiliation, the relief of fair accommodations, and the dignity found in meaningful work. You’ll also hear how teaching Disability Studies and contributing to trauma-focused grants at the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities brought me healing and purpose.
This isn’t just a story about jobs—it’s a story about courage, persistence, and finding hope even when the system feels stacked against you. If you’re in the middle of a difficult season at work or searching for the right opportunity, I hope my story reminds you that your worth isn’t defined by rejection or quotas.
I’d love to hear your own employment stories—victories, frustrations, or even the funny moments. Email me at UnfilteredResilience@gmail.com, and your story might be just the encouragement someone else needs today.
This episode is a milestone — Episode 10. Looking back over the journey so far, I can honestly say that telling my story hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been worth it. Each time I step out of my comfort zone, I can feel myself growing.
In this episode, I reflect on what the past nine episodes have meant for me — from sharing about my early life and independence, to navigating healthcare and travel, to opening up about relationships and faith. Some parts were hard, some were scary, but each time I’ve told my story, I’ve felt healing and connection.
Podcasting wasn’t my original plan — it felt terrifying at first, like jumping out of a plane with a parachute. But with the right support and a little courage, I’ve discovered the power of having a platform. Stories really do matter more than statistics, because they change hearts and minds.
So today, I want to encourage you to tell your story too. Find your platform, step out of your comfort zone, and keep growing.
If anything in this episode resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment on Apple or Spotify, or email me at unfilteredresiliencepodcast@gmail.com.
Until next time — this is Unfiltered Resilience.
Faith can be fragile, but for me, it has always been my anchor. In this episode, I take you deeper into my personal faith journey—the doubts I carried as a young girl, the songs I sang in chapel, and the questions I never dared to ask out loud. I share the pivotal moments that led me to the missionaries, the struggle between honoring my parents and following my heart, and the life-changing decision I made at 18 to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Through prayers that seemed unanswered, family opposition, and moments of clarity that felt heaven-sent, I discovered what it means to hold onto faith even when life doesn’t unfold as planned. This is a story of seeking truth, wrestling with doubt, and finding strength in the promises of God.
Until next time—keep asking, keep seeking, and hold on to what makes you stronger.
In this episode of Unfiltered Resilience, I’m taking you on a journey through the many “they said I couldn’t, so I did it anyway” moments of my life. From a stubborn fight for contact lenses, to the bumpy road of learning to drive, to barely scraping by in college but still walking away with my degree—every step taught me that determination isn’t about speed, it’s about never losing sight of the finish line.
I share the detours, the flops, the little victories, and even the deeply personal decision that shaped my faith. My story isn’t everyone’s story—but maybe it will remind you that it’s okay to take the long way around… as long as you keep going.
This episode is one of the most personal and vulnerable I’ve ever recorded. Today, I open up about the complex and often painful experiences of navigating dating, friendships, and family dynamics while living with a disability.
I share what it was like to date in high school, why online dating often left me feeling misunderstood, and how the message “I’ll take care of you”—though well-intentioned—never sat right with me. What I want, what many of us want, is to be loved for who we are, not seen as a burden or a project.
I also talk candidly about my family—about sibling distance, the unspoken tension between caregiving and favouritism, and the moment I realised my sisters were more supportive than I ever gave them credit for. From Christmas in July traditions to weekend barriers caused by lack of accessible vans, I examine how environment—not just diagnosis—shapes disability.
Finally, I highlight the friendships that have carried me through: the women who’ve become like sisters and shown up for me in some of my hardest moments. Their reflections on why our friendship works say more than I ever could.
Topics Covered:
What dating with a disability taught me about self-worth
Navigating sibling resentment and family favouritism
Why accessible transportation changes everything
The power of long-term, judgment-free friendships
How humour, honesty, and asking for what you need creates real connection
Key Message:
You deserve to be loved — not managed, not pitied, not fixed. Just loved.
Contact and Feedback:
Have a story or reflection to share? I’d love to hear it. Reach out via my website or email, and don’t forget to subscribe to Unfiltered Resilience for more honest conversations about life, access, and identity.
In this episode, I share what happened during my recent trip to Washington, DC — a trip meant to present important research but marked by frustrating and painful travel experiences. From inaccessible seating to equipment failures, I break down what went wrong, what worked, and what needs to change.
I walk through my experience of being transferred down a narrow airplane aisle, the challenges of being placed in row 27, and how bruised hips and delayed boarding were the result of poor planning and lack of accessibility. I also explain how I advocated for myself on the return flight and how that made all the difference.
I share my personal advocacy approach: don’t ask — state. Say what you need clearly, directly, and respectfully. I also talk about the risks of renting mobility equipment and what happened when I ended up with a chair that didn’t meet my needs. Despite the setbacks, I highlight what worked in Washington — accessible metros, accessible cabs, and a community that made getting around possible.
This episode is more than just a travel story. It’s a call to recognize how inaccessible systems block people with disabilities from professional, personal, and life-changing opportunities. I offer real-world strategies and practical takeaways for anyone navigating these same challenges.
Topics Covered:
Unsafe airline practices for wheelchair users
The importance of proper seat assignments
My advocacy method for air travel and beyond
The risk of broken or inadequate rental chairs
The value of accessible public transportation and cabs
The need for structural changes like tie-down systems on planes
Key Message:
Traveling with a disability should not require this much sacrifice. When we speak up clearly and consistently, change becomes possible.
Contact and Feedback:
If you have a travel story, advice, or feedback, I’d like to hear from you. You can reach me through my website or email. Subscribe to Unfiltered Resilience for more conversations on access, dignity, and advocacy.
Hi everyone – welcome back. It’s Dawn here.
This episode is especially close to my heart because today, I’m talking about something that has played a huge role in my daily life: Personal Care Assistants (PCAs). These are the amazing people who come into our homes and help us live with dignity, safety, and independence. But as important as they are, navigating this relationship can be complicated.
In this episode, I walk you through the full journey of finding and hiring a PCA—starting with how to write a job description that really reflects your needs. We’ll talk about important questions to ask during interviews, the value of soft skills (like being able to hold a conversation!), and how to be clear and transparent about your expectations.
I also open up about the difference between hiring independently versus working through an agency—what’s worked for me, what hasn’t, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. We’ll also get real about some of the emotional stuff: setting healthy boundaries, navigating friendship versus professionalism, and recognising PCA burnout before it affects your care.
If you’re receiving care, providing it, or supporting someone who is, I hope this episode makes you feel seen. These relationships are never simple—but they’re incredibly important.
In this episode, I talk about:
How I would write a PCA job description and why every detail matters
The pros and cons of hiring independently vs going through an agency
Setting boundaries when lines between care and friendship start to blur
What it’s like dealing with high turnover and having to retrain new carers
Spotting signs of burnout in your PCA and having those tough conversations
Whether you're just starting to look for a PCA or you’ve had one for years, I hope my story helps you feel a little more prepared—and a little less alone.
If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations like this.
Until next time, take care.
In this episode of Unfiltered Resilience, I’m sharing some deeply personal — and frankly, frustrating — experiences navigating a healthcare system that often overlooks, delays, or outright dismisses the concerns of people with disabilities. From a shoulder injury ignored for years, to a gallbladder issue no one wanted to take seriously, I talk about what it took to finally get the care I needed. Spoiler alert: ableism shows up more than you think.
I reflect on the subtle and not-so-subtle ways bias creeps into exam rooms, how it wears you down over time, and why self-advocacy — even when it’s exhausting — can’t be optional. This isn’t just about me. It’s about the very real barriers many of us face just trying to stay healthy.
If you've ever had to fight just to be heard in a doctor’s office, this one’s for you.
In this episode, Dawn Olson reflects on what “independence” truly means for someone living with a disability. Speaking from her own lived experience, she acknowledges the complexities of the term—recognizing how different levels of support and ability shape what independence looks like from person to person.
She shares candid moments from her life—from her 30s to now—highlighting how her routine, mindset, and support systems have evolved. Dawn also explores the challenge of accepting help while maintaining a sense of agency, especially as aging intersects with disability.
Through stories, practical tools, and a nod to the Independent Living Movement led by Ed Roberts, Dawn offers listeners both encouragement and direction—especially for those navigating similar paths or supporting loved ones with disabilities.
In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode, host Dawn Olson unpacks the financial challenges that come with living with a disability—what she calls the “disability tax.” From hidden costs like time and transportation to overwhelming medical expenses and restrictive government program rules, Dawn shares how these realities have shaped her life and career.
She also opens up about her work history, her current Medicaid situation, and the frustrating financial bind she’s found herself in after turning 65. Dawn offers practical advice for listeners navigating similar situations and issues a powerful call to action for policy change and advocacy.
What the “disability tax” really means—beyond money
How time becomes a hidden cost for people with disabilities
The challenges of transportation, paratransit systems, and daily planning
Medical expenses, personal care assistance, and utility costs
Dawn’s employment journey before and after the ADA
Why turning 65 changed everything in her access to support
The Medicaid “catch-22” and client share system
Planning ahead: Trusts, financial planners, and ABLE accounts
State-by-state differences in disability support programs
Calls to action for listeners, advocates, and lawmakers
Find your state’s UCEDD (University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities)
Connect with local advocacy groups in your area for guidance and support
If you are a person with a disability or a caregiver, now is the time to start planning financially. Advocate for inclusive policies, get educated about your state’s programs, and support legislation that eliminates barriers and expands opportunities for the disability community.
"Disability is a universal human experience—if we live long enough, it touches all of us." – Dawn Olson
You know, there's this moment that happens sometimes. When you're facing what seems like an impossible barrier, and everything in you wants to turn around and walk away.
I've been there. More times than I can count. In hospitals, in workplaces, in government offices with mountains of paperwork... Just trying to live my life with dignity and independence.
I'm Dawn Olson, and I've spent my life navigating systems and spaces that weren't designed with people like me in mind. I've felt the frustration, the isolation, and yes, sometimes the defeat.
But I've also experienced the power of finding my voice. The community that emerges when we share our stories. And the change that's possible when we refuse to accept the world as it is.
That's what this podcast is about. It's about the hard conversations and the honest truths. It's about acknowledging the struggle while celebrating the strength. And it's about creating a future where disability doesn't mean difficulty—it just means difference.
Each week on “Unfiltered Resilience:" I'll explore the practical challenges of navigating systems not built for us. We'll dive into the emotional impact of living with disability in an ableist world. And we'll celebrate the small victories and the big breakthroughs that make it all worthwhile.
This isn't just another inspirational podcast. This is real talk about real life—the struggles and the successes, the fears and the triumphs.
Whether you're living with a disability, supporting someone who is, or simply want to be part of creating a more inclusive world, this podcast is an invitation. An invitation to learn, to grow, and to join a community that believes in the power of both vulnerability and resilience.
You know, there's this moment that happens sometimes. When you're facing what seems like an impossible barrier, and everything in you wants to turn around and walk away.
I've been there. More times than I can count. In hospitals, in workplaces, in government offices with mountains of paperwork... Just trying to live my life with dignity and independence.
I'm Dawn Olson, and I've spent my life navigating systems and spaces that weren't designed with people like me in mind. I've felt the frustration, the isolation, and yes, sometimes the defeat.
But I've also experienced the power of finding my voice. The community that emerges when we share our stories. And the change that's possible when we refuse to accept the world as it is.
That's what this podcast is about. It's about the hard conversations and the honest truths. It's about acknowledging the struggle while celebrating the strength. And it's about creating a future where disability doesn't mean difficulty—it just means difference.
Each week on “Unfiltered Resilience:" I'll explore the practical challenges of navigating systems not built for us. We'll dive into the emotional impact of living with disability in an ableist world. And we'll celebrate the small victories and the big breakthroughs that make it all worthwhile.
This isn't just another inspirational podcast. This is real talk about real life—the struggles and the successes, the fears and the triumphs.
Whether you're living with a disability, supporting someone who is, or simply want to be part of creating a more inclusive world, this podcast is an invitation. An invitation to learn, to grow, and to join a community that believes in the power of both vulnerability and resilience.
This is "Unfiltered Resilience:" New episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.