The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
Listen to this podcast and discover the power of "Shining Beautiful" in life and in your community. Mikelle is perhaps the only non-verbal podcaster in the world. How does she do it? With technology. Meet Mikelle, who experiences cerebral palsy, her mother, Katherine Carol, and Gretchen Storm, speech therapist, and assistive technology guru. Together they talk about everyday life with a disability, how technology empowers people with disabilities to own their lives. This sassy team of coffee drinking techies interview technology and rehabilitation experts as they sit around the kitchen table at Mikelle's home.
- Update frequency
- every 19 days
- Average duration
- 25 minutes
- Episodes
- 143
- Years Active
- 2019 - 2025
The Calendar at the Center of Care
In this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine pull back the curtain on the heartbeat of life in Mikelle’s downtown Denver condo: the calendar.
What seems like a simple tool—paper…
Forged in Friendship: Saying Farewell to Shannon
In this heartfelt episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Mikelle and Katherine sit down with Shannon, the eldest member of Mikelle’s support team, as she prepares to head off on new adventu…
Summer, Support, and Self-Care: Notes from a Season of Change
In this heartfelt midsummer episode, Katherine reflects on a season full of sparkle, growth, and the power of a strong support team. From Mikelle’s night out at Film on the Rocks to the everyday vict…
Beaming with Pride: Mikelle’s Story Shines in the Beam+ Mini-Doc
In this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, we celebrate a milestone moment—Mikelle’s powerful story being featured in the Beam+ Mini-Doc, now streaming on BeamPlus.org.
Join Maryann, Ka…
Beautiful Spin, Brutal Reality: Medicaid and the Big Bill
In this powerful episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine shares her perspectives on the recently passed "Big Beautiful Bill"—legislation that slashes billions from Medicaid over th…
Zip Ties & Budget Lies: The Real Cost of the Big Beautiful Bill
In this urgent and emotional episode of The Shining Beautiful Series, Katherine dives into the devastating impact of the HB-1 “Big Beautiful Bill,” passed during the June 30th vote-a-rama. As the fed…
Living Lightly: Discipline, Improv, and the Everyday Reset
In this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine Carol explores what it really takes to stay positive in uncertain times. Spoiler alert—it’s not all sunshine and good vibes. It tak…
Stylin’ It: Mikelle and Maryann Light Up the Runway at Denver Fashion Week
In this joyful and fashion-forward episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Mikelle and Maryann take us behind the scenes of their unforgettable modeling moment at Denver Fashion Week. Learn …
Two Americas: Slashing Support vs. Building Belonging
In this powerful episode of The Shining Beautiful Series, we unpack the devastating implications of the federal HB-1 bill—an aggressive piece of legislation that slashes Medicaid funding and threa…
Bridging the Gap: Special Education Today and Tomorrow with Bob Barrows
In this insightful episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine and Mikelle sits down with longtime educator, administrator, and special education consultant Bob Barrows. Together, they…
From Page to Power: Brittany G’s Storytelling Spark
In this inspiring episode and inn honor of last month's celebration of Cerbral Palsy Awareness, we sit down with the multitalented Brittany "Lenny" Gilbert—an author, filmmaker, and lifelong entrepre…
From Denver to D.C.: Updates on Medicaid & Community Living Policies
In our upcoming episode, "From Denver to D.C.: Updates on Medicaid & Community Living Policies," Katherine delves into recent policy developments impacting Medicaid and community living services at b…
Medicaid at a Crossroads: Mid-March Legislative Watch
In this episode, Katherine breaks down the latest legislative updates impacting Medicaid in Colorado and across the nation. With potential budget cuts looming, we explore what these changes could me…
Welcoming Kiara to the Shining Beautiful Team
Here's an episode description you can use:
In this episode of the Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Mikelle and Katherine introduce one of the newest members of the team—Kiara!
Kiara, on the Autis…
The Huddle: Uniting for Inclusion – How We Come Together to Advocate for a More Inclusive World
Episode Title: The Huddle – Teaming Up for Inclusion
Inspired by Brad Pitt’s Huddle segment during the Super Bowl pre-game, Katherine recognized how a sports metaphor perfectly applies to person-cent…
Cuts, Freezes and the Importance of Advocacy Update.
We’ll explore the details behind the Medicaid freeze, how it has been affecting individuals and families, and the potential long-term effects of these policy decisions. Plus, we’ll discuss the role…
Dreams of Inclusion: A Call to Protect Medicaid and Home & Community-Based Services
In this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series, we explore the persistent dream of a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can live with dignity and access the care they need. We discuss the …
Brushstrokes of Expression: Mikelle and Maryann’s Artful Journey
In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Mikelle and Maryann as they explore the transformative power of art at Access Art Gallery. Join us as they share their experiences creating art…
"Shining Through: COVID, Christmas, and the Magic of Mikelle's Team"
This week on the Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine takes the lead as Mikelle rests up, recovering from COVID. Despite the challenges, the spirit of Christmas and the strength of Mikelle’s …
What Now? Your Guide to Panic, Prep, and Protest in the Post Election World.
In this episode of *What Now?*, Shining Beautiful Co-host Katherine Carol dives into the crucial choices we face in times of uncertainty post-election.
Should we respond with panic, prepare oursel…