Bad Attitudes Podcast

04/11/2024

It's another blast from my past as my friend Sharaye joins me this week to discuss a defining traumatic incident from our childhood. A real barrel of laughs! No, seriously, we had a good time!

Check out this week's episode on your favorite podcast platform or by visiting https://www.badattitudespod.com.

[image description: A black-and-white city scene with a white man pushing a manual wheelchair in the bottom-left corner. A teal rectangle at the top of the image contains black text reading, "Episode #127 Streaming Now." Underneath is a circular image of a white woman with big eyes making a duck face for the camera. White text beneath the circle reads, "Featuring Sharaye Lamothe Jenkins." In a blocky teal text at the bottom of the image is the episode title: "Unhappy Camper."]

28/10/2024

We're getting straight to the point in this week's episode: Disabled adults are ADULTS. Full stop. Yet, some non-disabled people insist on referring to certain disabled adults as "adult children." And that's a real problem.

Check out the newest episode on your favorite podcast platform or https://www.badattitudespod.com.

[image description: A black-and-white city scene with a white man pushing a manual wheelchair in the bottom-left corner. At the top of the image is a teal rectangle with black text that reads, "Episode #126 Streaming Now." In the middle of the image in a blocky teal text is the episode title, "Child At Heart."]

25/10/2024

I VOTED!

We're about a week out from the election, and I was very happy to fill out my mail-in ballot this week. I choose to use mail-in ballots because, unfortunately, early voting locations aren't as accessible as they should be because they're trying to move as many people through as quickly as possible. They cram as many voting machines in a room as possible, and don't think much about spacing them out to accommodate mobility devices like my wheelchair. To be fair, my registered polling location does a good job of this, but I prefer voting early so I know it's done.

It should be no surprise that I cast my ballot for VP Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz. Local to NC, I voted for Josh Stein and Jeff Jackson. I didn't just vote for these four individuals, but for the possibilities they represent. The possibility of codifying abortion rights into law. The possibility of selecting TWO Supreme Court justices. The possibility of preventing my local Republican legislature from continuing to gerrymander my state into oblivion.

If you follow me, you probably already know who you're voting for. Most people do. I can't believe anyone is undecided at this point. But, on the off chance you ARE an undecided voter, consider what responsibilities the person in the office will have to shoulder. What choices will they have to make? Is the person you're planning to vote for TRULY who you believe should be making those choices? Are they truly capable of making those choices?

"Your vote is your voice. And your voice is your power." ~ VP Harris

*cross-posted

[image description: A "I voted by mail" sticker held up on a finger.]

21/10/2024

Did you know websites can be accessible or inaccessible? This is evidently a surprise to some people. I spent many years designing and building websites, first for my own enjoyment, and then for fun and profit, and I experienced firsthand how quickly the industry can change. When I started, calling it website "design" might have been stretching the definition. Eventually, the principles of good design made an impact on the look and the accessibility of the web.

Check out this week's episode on your favorite podcast platform or by visiting https://www.badattitudespod.com.

[image description: A black-and-white city scene with a white man pushing a manual wheelchair in the bottom-left corner. A teal rectangle at the top of the image contains black text reading, "Episode #125 Streaming Now." In blocky teal text at the bottom of the image is the episode title, "Access on the Interwebs."]

14/10/2024

Let's get into FICTIONAL politics this week as I discuss a question raised by watching "The West Wing." I didn't watch TWW during it's original run, but I've been thoroughly enjoying it. It's intelligent and funny — even laugh-out-loud at times, which I did not expect. And the number of would-be stars who passed through is pretty impressive, as well.

Check out the episode on your favorite podcast platform or by visiting https://www.badattitudespod.com, then let me know what you think in the comments.

[image description: A black-and-white city scene with a white man pushing a manual wheelchair in the bottom-left corner. A teal rectangle at the top of the image contains black text reading, "Episode #124 Streaming Now." In blocky teal text at the bottom of the image is the episode title, "They Won't Know What We Know."]

11/10/2024

You can still grab pieces from the Inclusive Haunts collection in the Bad Attitudes Etsy shop in time for Halloween! Take a scroll through the images to see what's available.

The designs in the Bad Attitudes Etsy shop are exclusively tailored for the disabled and chronically ill communities. Some are cute and some are a little bit dark — just like me. This shop leans heavily on the dark humor disabled people favor. All the trauma makes us freakin' hilarious!

All designs are available in both Bella Canvas and Comfort Colors for adults. Certain designs are available for kids or as hoodies! If you need a kid size or hoodie in a design where it's not currently available, let me know!

[image descriptions:

Slide 1: An orange moon against a dark blue sky behind bare tree branches. White overlaid text reads, "Inclusive Haunts."

Slide 2: A young man with blond hair and a dark beard, missing his lower right arm, is wearing a navy t-shirt with the text, "Who stole my golden arm" in a drippy Halloween font.

Slide 3: A torso shot of a woman wearing a dark gray t-shirt with a ghost graphic over the text, "Ghosts don't scare me but your ableism does."

Slide 4: A woman with pink hair and extreme nails sitting in a wheelchair against a pink and purple background is wearing a white t-shirt with red text, "Disability is not a costume."

Slide 5: A young boy is wearing a dark green t-shirt with a vampire face graphic over text, "Vampires don't scare me but your ableism does."

Slide 6: A smiling woman with braids is pointing at her orange t-shirt with a Frankenstein's monster graphic over text, "Monsters don't scare me but your ableism does."

Slide 7: A folded black t-shirt has a graphic of a ghost with a dotted outline. White text underneath reads, "Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it isn't real." Gray text at the bottom reads, "Invisible disabilities exist."]

08/10/2024

The DOJ recently introduced a new rule to make state and local medical facilities more accessible for disabled patients. With the ADA being nearly 35 years old, you can't help but wonder, what took so long?

This week's episode is now available on your favorite podcast platforms or by visiting https://www.badattitudespod.com.

[image description: A black-and-white city scene with a white man pushing a manual wheelchair in the bottom-left-corner. A teal rectangle at the top of the image contains black text reading, "Episode #123 Streaming Now." In the middle of the image in a blocky teal text is the episode title, "Of All The Gin Joints."]

30/09/2024

Sorry guys. No new episode today. The week got away from me.

**Because of the multiple mentions of su***de, this post might get suppressed, so please share it!**

And, in the spirit of waiting until the last minute, a reminder that September is Su***de Prevention Month. As someone who has dealt with depression since my teenage years, I have struggled with thoughts of su***de over the years. I have thought that the people I love would be better off without me.

Our mental illnesses LIE to us. They tell us we are unloved and unlovable. They tell us no one wants us, that we are unworthy. THEY LIE.

The world is a better place because you are in it. Please stay. You belong here.

If you are struggling and need someone to talk to, my DMs are open.

You can also text or call 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Hotline 24/7. Or text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor through Crisis Text Line, a global not-for-profit. It's free, 24/7, and confidential.

[image description: A multi-colored graphic on a black background with white gridlines. The graphic looks like a heart monitor line, starting with a semi-colon and ending with a heart. White text beneath the graphic reads, "Still here still fighting."]

26/09/2024

Disabled people constantly use the Force.

Wholesome Star Wars Memes 👇👇👇

23/09/2024

It's so annoying when I can't come up with a pithy episode title.

People can find inspiring messages anywhere, and social media is no exception. Unfortunately, those "inspiring" messages aren't always what they seem, and the HIDDEN messages are just as important as the obvious ones.

Find this week's episode on your favorite podcast platform or by visiting https://www.badattitudespod.com. Don't forget to leave a rating or review!

[image description: A black-and-white city scene with a white man pushing a manual wheelchair in the bottom-left corner. A teal rectangle at the top of the image contains black text reading, "Episode #122 Streaming Now." In blocky teal text at the bottom of the image is the episode title, "Words Matter."]

19/09/2024

This isn't aimed at anyone or anything. Just seemed like general good advice. Don't be an ableist bitch.

[image description: A pink background with cutout magazine letters spelling out the message: Maybe try not to be such an ableist b*tch. "Berlin Buyers Club" is going down the right edge in black sans serif text.]

18/09/2024

This is one of the posts I refer to in this week's episode. Not using the word "inspiring" when talking about disabled athletes doesn't seem like a huge ask. The negative aspect of "inspiring" when referencing disabled people is well-known. "Inspiration p**n" is a thing. So when someone in the disabled community makes a point about using "inspiring" when talking about Paralympians versus the language used when talking about Olympians, maybe we should take their thoughts into consideration.

[image description: A screenshot of a post from Julia Metraux that reads, "You can write articles about the Paralympics without using the word 'inspiring,' I promise. A trick is if you're not going to describe an Olympian without a known disability as inspiring, don't describe a Paralympian that way."]

17/09/2024

Ghosts don't scare me, but your ABLEISM does!

Here's another Halloween design available in the new Bad Attitudes shop! Ableism is one of the scariest things out there because it prevents disabled people from achieving the care and access they need and deserve. Ableism is isolating. Ableism is dehumanizing. Give me ghosts any day.

This design is available in kids' AND adult sizes! Grab one for yourself, your friends, your kid, and your kid's friends! Follow the link in my bio or visit badattitudesshop.etsy.com. Use code INSTA15 for 15% off your order!

[Image descriptions:

Slide 1: A young Black girl with braids and a pink flower over her ear posing with one hand against her cheek and smiling big. She is wearing a navy blue t-shirt with a ghost graphic and the text, "Ghosts don't scare me but your ableism does," in white and orange.

Slide 2: A photo of a white person from shoulders to hips. The person is wearing a dark gray t-shirt with a ghost graphic and the text, "Ghosts don't scare me but your ableism does," in white and orange.]

16/09/2024

A series of Threads posts had me scratching my head and inspired this week's episode. The posts came from a Paralympic athlete whose attitudes often contradict the wider disabled community. They left me asking a lot of questions.

Listen to the episode on your favorite podcast platform, by following the link in the bio, or by visiting https://www.badattitudespod.com. I look forward to hearing what you think about this one.

[image description: A black-and-white city scene with a white man pushing a manual wheelchair in the bottom-left corner. A teal rectangle at the top of the image contains black text reading, "Episode #121 Streaming Now." In the middle of the image in blocky teal text is the episode title, "Whose side are you on?"]

12/09/2024

Let's start with the basics.

The Podcast Collection in the new Bad Attitudes shop is full of merch for the avid Bad Attitudes listener, like this shirt with the podcast logo and title. Whether you’re tuning in for the latest episode or just showing off your support, wear it proudly and spread the word about our unapologetic conversations on disability.

This design is available on soft, lightweight Bella Canvas tees, structured Comfort Colors tees, or as a cozy hoodie! I'm having a hard time deciding which one to get for myself.

Use code INSTA15 through the end of the month for 15 percent off your order! Follow the link in the bio or visit badattitudesshop.etsy.com.

[image descriptions:

Slide 1: A dark gray Bella Canvas t-shirt laid flat surrounded by jeans and a pair of sneakers. The shirt features a graphic design of the Bad Attitudes podcast logo and title.

Slide 2: A folded black Comfort Colors t-shirt surrounded by a hat, a pair of sneakers, and plants. The shirt features a graphic design of the Bad Attitudes podcast logo and title.

Slide 3: A black hoodie laid flat with a pair of jeans and a pair of sneakers. The hoodie features a graphic design of the Bad Attitudes podcast logo and title.

Slide 4: A young woman sitting in a wheelchair listening to pink headphones and wearing a yellow cardigan over a black t-shirt with the Bad Attitudes logo and title design.]

11/09/2024

The day after I first shared the "Who stole my golden arm" shirt from the NEW Bad Attitudes Etsy shop, shared this post.⁠
⁠
THIS IS THE BOOK!⁠
⁠
Specifically the one on the left. I DISTINCTLY remember this book cover from my elementary school days. Please tell me I'm not the only one.⁠
⁠
I'm kind of surprised I read this book because I'm not a big fan of scary stuff. Well...that's not true. I read scary books a lot. But, still, I'm surprised I picked this up as an elementary schooler. 🤷🏻‍♀️⁠
⁠
Did you read one or both of these? Which one?⁠
⁠
Don't forget to check out the Bad Attitudes shop at the link in the bio or badattitudesshop.etsy.com. Use code INSTA15 through the end of September for 15% off your order!⁠
⁠
[image descriptions:⁠
⁠
Slide 1: A screenshot of a tweet that reads: "What maniac was like, 'Yeah, go ahead and just toss this in the elementary school library. They'll love it.'" Underneath the text is two images of book covers from "Scary Stories to Tell In the Dark."⁠
⁠
Slide 2: A young man with blond hair and a dark beard who is missing his right arm is wearing a navy blue t-shirt with the words, "Who stole my golden arm" in a drippy Halloween-style font.]⁠
⁠

11/09/2024

The day after I first shared the "Who stole my golden arm" shirt from the NEW Bad Attitudes Etsy shop, shared this post.

THIS IS THE BOOK!

Specifically the one on the left. I DISTINCTLY remember this book cover from my elementary school days. Please tell me I'm not the only one.

I'm kind of surprised I read this book because I'm not a big fan of scary stuff. Well...that's not true. I read scary books a lot. But, still, I'm surprised I picked this up at an elementary school age. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Did you read one or both of these? Which one?

Don't forget to check out the Bad Attitudes shop at the link in the bio or badattitudesshop.etsy.com. Use code INSTA15 through the end of September for 15% off your order!

[image descriptions:

Slide 1: A screenshot of a tweet that reads: "What maniac was like, 'Yeah, go ahead and just toss this in the elementary school library. They'll love it.'" Underneath the text is two images of book covers from "Scary Stories to Tell In the Dark."

Slide 2: A young man with blond hair and a dark beard who is missing his right arm is wearing a navy blue t-shirt with the words, "Who stole my golden arm" in a drippy Halloween-style font.]

10/09/2024

This is the current Paralympic logo, the agitos. "Agito" comes from the Latin for, "I move." The three colors, red, blue, and green, represent the three most common colors of flags around the world.

Just like the rings represent the Olympics, the agitos are the representative symbol of the Paralympics. This is an example of how the Paralympics are a SEPARATE entity from the Olympics and should be treated as such, instead of treating the Paralympics as something underneath the Olympic umbrella.

[image description: A photo of the Paralympic agitos sign, a symbol featuring 3 crescent shapes in red, blue, and green, set on a concrete block. Engraved into the block is, "Paris 2024."]

10/09/2024

We will not be contained!

Wheelchair Users Defending Their Space 👇👇👇

09/09/2024

Have you been watching the Paralympics? I've been trying, but it takes way more effort than it did to catch any Olympic coverage. Despite para meaning "alongside," the Paralympics simply aren't equal to the Olympics. From the Opening Ceremonies to the media coverage to the name recognition of the athletes, the Paralympics are basically an afterthought.

Check out this week's episode on your favorite podcast platform or by visiting https://www.badattitudespod.com.

[image description: A black-and-white city scene with a white man pushing a manual wheelchair in the bottom-left corner. At the top of the image, a teal rectangle contains black text reading, "Episode #120 Streaming Now." In a blocky teal text at the bottom of the image is the episode title, "Para, Can You Hear Me?"]

06/09/2024

If this doesn't make you laugh, I don't know if we can be friends.

This shirt is one of my favorites from the Inclusive Haunts collection in the brand-new Bad Attitudes Etsy shop. Perfect for Halloween.

I've found that this reference is kind of hit-or-miss depending on your age and how/where you grew up, but this is one of the stories from the book, "Scary Stories to Tell in The Dark." The book also includes a story about a woman with a ribbon around her neck, and I bet you all know how that one ends.

If I saw someone with an upper limb difference wearing this shirt, it would certainly make me giggle. And I'm not saying that just because it's one I designed. I find it genuinely funny.

Available in both Bella Canvas and Comfort Colors styles in the Bad Attitudes Etsy store. badattitudesshop.etsy.com

Don't forget to use code INSTA15 for 15 percent off your order!

[image descriptions:

Slide 1: A young man with blond hair and a dark beard and missing his right arm is wearing a dark blue t-shirt with the words, "Who stole my golden arm" in a drippy, Halloween-style font.

Slide 2: A folded gray t-shirt pictured with a brown hair and purple plants. The shirt features the words, "Who stole my golden arm" in a drippy, Halloween-style font.]

05/09/2024

The men in these photos (Madison Cawthorn, slide 1, and Greg Abbott, slide 2) are prime examples of why disabled people should not be "protected" from criticism and negative comments.

Keep in mind, what happened with Gus Walz isn't criticism, it's bullying. Those who backtracked on their statements after learning Walz is disabled made it worse. That behavior is its own kind of ableism. Listen to episode 119 for more on what I mean by that.

Listen on your favorite podcast platform or by visiting https://www.badattitudespod.com.

[image description:

Slide 1: Madison Cawthorn, a young white man, wearing a blue suit and sitting in a wheelchair on the floor of Congress.

Slide 2: Greg Abbott, an older white man, wearing a blue suit and wheeling his manual wheelchair through an office.]

04/09/2024

Well, we finally made it! The Bad Attitudes Etsy shop is LIIIIIVE!⁠
⁠
The shop is launching with two collections: the Podcast Collection and Inclusive Haunts. As you might guess, the Podcast Collection is for longtime listeners and features logo merchandise and a few familiar phrases.⁠
⁠
Inclusive Haunts is my first Halloween collection, and each item is designed with the disabled community in mind.⁠
⁠
I'll be highlighting individual designs here over several upcoming posts, so stay tuned for that. AND as a thank you to my loyal social media followers, I have a code just for you! Just code INSTA15 for 15 percent off your first order in the Bad Attitudes shop! The code expires at the end of the month, so don't wait too long! The link is in the bio or badattitudesshop.etsy.com⁠
⁠
[image descriptions:⁠
⁠
Slide 1: A blue image with a microphone in the center, overlaid with white text reading, Podcast Collection.⁠
⁠
Slide 2: A photograph of the moon looking orange behind some bare trees. The image is overlaid with transparent white text reading, "Inclusive Haunts."]

03/09/2024

A son showing love and pride in his father isn't weird.

This isn't weird.

Gus Walz isn't weird.

The weird ones are the ones who think it's weird.

Check out this week's episode on your favorite podcast platform or by visiting https://www.badattitudespod.com.

[image description: A photo of Gus Walz from the Democratic National Convention.]

02/09/2024

Can you guess what inspired this week's episode from the title alone? You probably can.

Here's the deal: If you're not okay with bullying a disabled kid, but bullying a disabled kid is fine, that's a problem. Though it might seem confusing to say so, it's also ableist. It's okay to criticize disabled people, but it's not okay to BULLY anyone.

Listen to the episode on your favorite podcast platform, or by visiting https://www.badattitudespod.com.

[image description: A black-and-white city scene with a white man using a manual wheelchair in the bottom-left corner. At the top of the image black text in a teal rectangle reads, "Episode #119 Streaming Now." In blocky teal text in the middle of the image is the episode title, "Balls to the Walz."]