The holidays aren’t joyful for everyone—and for many disabled people and caregivers, this season brings unique challenges that often go unseen. In this episode, we look beyond the glitter and celebration to talk honestly about access barriers, financial strain, family dynamics, ableism, and the emotional weight the season can carry. We also explore practical ways to create a more inclusive, compassionate holiday season—whether you’re disabled, a caregiver, an ally, or part of an organization planning seasonal programming. You’ll walk away with tools, tips, and resources to help make this time of year more supportive for everyone. Interested in being a guest on Season 2?I’m currently offering 45-minute screening calls for potential guests with lived experience, caregivers, allies, and leaders aligned with disability justice values. <a href="https://calendar.app.google/oCQxV9r6cj66AGjWA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book Now</a> Music Credit:"Basic Implosion" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The holidays aren’t joyful for everyone—and for many disabled people and caregivers, this season brings unique challenges that often go unseen. In this episode, we look beyond the glitter and celebration to talk honestly about access barriers, financial strain, family dynamics, ableism, and the emotional weight the season can carry.We also explore practical ways to create a more inclusive, compassionate holiday season—whether you’re disabled, a caregiver, an ally, or part of an organization planning seasonal programming. You’ll walk away with tools, tips, and resources to help make this time of year more supportive for everyone.Interested in being a guest on Season 2?I’m currently offering 45-minute screening calls for potential guests with lived experience, caregivers, allies, and leaders aligned with disability justice values. Book NowMusic Credit:"Basic Implosion" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Beyond Beautiful: Disability, Liberation, and Love

S1 Ep. 10: Beyond Holiday Joy

In this episode of Beyond Beautiful, we explore what poverty really is: a system created through the privatization and hoarding of resources God intended for everyone. Inspired by All Riches Come from Injustice by J. Stephen Morrison, I talk about how scripture calls out greed, gluttony, and stealing — and how hoarding wealth is actually taking more than our portion. As Christians, we often see charity as generosity. But through a justice lens, charity becomes something deeper: returning what was never ours in the first place. This connects directly to disability justice and the ways our systems keep disabled people in poverty. If you’ve wondered how faith, justice, and disability liberation intersect, this episode is for you. Please review, share, and consider joining the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/675029211865942" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Beyond Beautiful Collective</a> on Facebook! Music Credit:"Basic Implosion" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of Beyond Beautiful, we explore what poverty really is: a system created through the privatization and hoarding of resources God intended for everyone. Inspired by All Riches Come from Injustice by J. Stephen Morrison, I talk about how scripture calls out greed, gluttony, and stealing — and how hoarding wealth is actually taking more than our portion.As Christians, we often see charity as generosity. But through a justice lens, charity becomes something deeper: returning what was never ours in the first place. This connects directly to disability justice and the ways our systems keep disabled people in poverty.If you’ve wondered how faith, justice, and disability liberation intersect, this episode is for you. Please review, share, and consider joining the Beyond Beautiful Collective on Facebook!Music Credit:"Basic Implosion" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

S1 Ep. 9: Beyond Charity

In this episode of Beyond Beautiful, we’re going beyond the call for “a seat at the table” to explore what it really means to redistribute power and resources. Instead of waiting for inclusion, disabled people and other marginalized communities have long been building our own spaces — spaces rooted in access, care, and collective power. Mandi highlights inspiring examples like <a href="https://axisproject.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Axis Project</a>, a gym created by and for people with disabilities, and Independent Living Centers across the country that embody disability justice in action. Through these stories, we’ll reflect on how self-determination, creativity, and community are reshaping what equity looks like in practice. This episode challenges us to dream bigger — not just of being invited in, but of redesigning the room altogether. Music Credit:"Basic Implosion" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of Beyond Beautiful, we’re going beyond the call for “a seat at the table” to explore what it really means to redistribute power and resources. Instead of waiting for inclusion, disabled people and other marginalized communities have long been building our own spaces — spaces rooted in access, care, and collective power.Mandi highlights inspiring examples like The Axis Project, a gym created by and for people with disabilities, and Independent Living Centers across the country that embody disability justice in action. Through these stories, we’ll reflect on how self-determination, creativity, and community are reshaping what equity looks like in practice.This episode challenges us to dream bigger — not just of being invited in, but of redesigning the room altogether.Music Credit:"Basic Implosion" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

S1 Ep. 8: Beyond the Table

Burnout isn’t just exhaustion — it’s a weapon. In this episode of Beyond Beautiful, we explore how systems of oppression use burnout to silence marginalized communities and maintain the status quo. From convoluted government paperwork to the impossible maze of healthcare and benefits, we look at how bureaucracy keeps people too tired to fight back. We also talk about compassion fatigue — how even our care for others can be exploited — and what the story of The Giving Tree can teach us about sustainable love and boundaries. You’ll hear how faith, community care, and disability justice offer us a path forward: one rooted in collective care, mutual aid, and the radical act of rest. Because we weren’t made to burn out — we were made to build together. Music in this episode credited to:Basic Implosion Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">incompetech.com</a>)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>

Burnout isn’t just exhaustion — it’s a weapon. In this episode of Beyond Beautiful, we explore how systems of oppression use burnout to silence marginalized communities and maintain the status quo.From convoluted government paperwork to the impossible maze of healthcare and benefits, we look at how bureaucracy keeps people too tired to fight back. We also talk about compassion fatigue — how even our care for others can be exploited — and what the story of The Giving Tree can teach us about sustainable love and boundaries.You’ll hear how faith, community care, and disability justice offer us a path forward: one rooted in collective care, mutual aid, and the radical act of rest.Because we weren’t made to burn out — we were made to build together.Music in this episode credited to:Basic Implosion Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

S1 Ep. 7: Beyond Burnout

In this powerful episode of Beyond Beautiful, Mandi explores the growing attempts to erase LGBTQ+ and disability communities — and how misinformation plants seeds of fear that silence truth. She unpacks the ways privilege and power amplify certain voices while trying to quiet others, reminding us that both communities have always existed. Through a lens of disability justice, Mandi offers practical and compassionate strategies for resisting erasure, confronting misinformation, and reclaiming our collective power. Music in this episode credited to:Basic Implosion Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this powerful episode of Beyond Beautiful, Mandi explores the growing attempts to erase LGBTQ+ and disability communities — and how misinformation plants seeds of fear that silence truth. She unpacks the ways privilege and power amplify certain voices while trying to quiet others, reminding us that both communities have always existed. Through a lens of disability justice, Mandi offers practical and compassionate strategies for resisting erasure, confronting misinformation, and reclaiming our collective power.Music in this episode credited to:Basic Implosion Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

S1 Ep. 6: Beyond Erasure

What does real allyship look like beyond social media posts and kind words? In this episode of Beyond Beautiful, Mandi explores the heart of true allyship — the kind that requires humility, sacrifice, and genuine love. Drawing inspiration from a powerful scene in Crip Camp and from Jesus’ own example of allyship and sacrifice, Mandi unpacks how uplifting marginalized communities often means giving something of ourselves. Through story and reflection, she shares her own journey of navigating faith and identity — holding both conservative values and inclusive beliefs — and how Mark 12:30–31 continues to guide her: to love God fully and love our neighbors as ourselves.Tune in to discover how allyship becomes a reflection of divine love — a love that uplifts, empowers, and liberates. Music in this episode credited to:Basic Implosion Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

What does real allyship look like beyond social media posts and kind words? In this episode of Beyond Beautiful, Mandi explores the heart of true allyship — the kind that requires humility, sacrifice, and genuine love. Drawing inspiration from a powerful scene in Crip Camp and from Jesus’ own example of allyship and sacrifice, Mandi unpacks how uplifting marginalized communities often means giving something of ourselves.Through story and reflection, she shares her own journey of navigating faith and identity — holding both conservative values and inclusive beliefs — and how Mark 12:30–31 continues to guide her: to love God fully and love our neighbors as ourselves.Tune in to discover how allyship becomes a reflection of divine love — a love that uplifts, empowers, and liberates.Music in this episode credited to:Basic Implosion Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

S1 Ep. 5: Beyond Allyship

In this episode, Mandi dives into the subtle but powerful ways ableism shows up in our daily lives — from workplaces and churches to friendships and love. She explores how ableism harms not only the disabled community but everyone, shaping how we view worth, productivity, and rest. Through honest reflection and her signature interrupter — “I do not accept that” — Mandi invites listeners to recognize, challenge, and transform everyday ableism into opportunities for liberation, connection, and grace. Music in this episode credited to:Basic Implosion Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode, Mandi dives into the subtle but powerful ways ableism shows up in our daily lives — from workplaces and churches to friendships and love. She explores how ableism harms not only the disabled community but everyone, shaping how we view worth, productivity, and rest. Through honest reflection and her signature interrupter — “I do not accept that” — Mandi invites listeners to recognize, challenge, and transform everyday ableism into opportunities for liberation, connection, and grace.Music in this episode credited to:Basic Implosion Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

S1 Ep. 4: Beyond Everyday Ableism

Ableism is more than individual prejudice—it’s a system built into our society, often disguised as “neutral” or even well-intentioned. In this episode, we’ll break down what ableism really is, how it shows up in everyday life, and why neutrality isn’t enough. True anti-ableism requires positive, intentional action toward justice and liberation. Music in this episode credited to:Basic Implosion Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Ableism is more than individual prejudice—it’s a system built into our society, often disguised as “neutral” or even well-intentioned. In this episode, we’ll break down what ableism really is, how it shows up in everyday life, and why neutrality isn’t enough. True anti-ableism requires positive, intentional action toward justice and liberation.Music in this episode credited to:Basic Implosion Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

S1 Ep. 3: Beyond Neutral: Defining Ableism

In this episode of Beyond Beautiful: Disability, Liberation, Love, Mandi shares how love in action goes beyond accommodation to create true liberation. Through personal stories and practical steps for both individuals and organizations, discover how justice-driven access transforms communities. Music in this episode credited to:Basic Implosion Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of Beyond Beautiful: Disability, Liberation, Love, Mandi shares how love in action goes beyond accommodation to create true liberation. Through personal stories and practical steps for both individuals and organizations, discover how justice-driven access transforms communities.Music in this episode credited to:Basic Implosion Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

S1 Ep. 2: Beyond Accommodation: Love as Liberation

In this first episode of Beyond Beautiful: Disability, Liberation, Love, I share the journey that led me here—from my early podcasting days, through faith deconstruction, to embracing a deeper love that outshines fear. Join me as I reflect on why Beyond Beautiful was born, and what you can expect from this space as we explore disability justice, liberation, and the power of love in action. Music in this episode credited to:Basic Implosion Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this first episode of Beyond Beautiful: Disability, Liberation, Love, I share the journey that led me here—from my early podcasting days, through faith deconstruction, to embracing a deeper love that outshines fear. Join me as I reflect on why Beyond Beautiful was born, and what you can expect from this space as we explore disability justice, liberation, and the power of love in action.Music in this episode credited to:Basic Implosion Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

S1 Ep. 1: Why Beyond Beautiful?

Beyond Beautiful: Disability, Liberation, Love is a podcast where personal story meets collective action. Hosted by an openly Queer Christian Disabled woman, this series expands on Mandi's original podcast, Find Your Beautiful with a fresh lens—bringing lived experience, advocacy, and vision for change to the forefront. Each episode explores how disability justice and anti-ableist practices can be woven into our daily lives, workplaces, and communities. Whether you’re an individual seeking to unlearn ableism or an organization ready to create meaningful access, Beyond Beautiful offers insights, tools, and love-rooted strategies to build a more liberated and inclusive world.

Beyond Beautiful: Disability, Liberation, Love is a podcast where personal story meets collective action. Hosted by an openly Queer Christian Disabled woman, this series expands on Mandi's original podcast, Find Your Beautiful with a fresh lens—bringing lived experience, advocacy, and vision for change to the forefront. Each episode explores how disability justice and anti-ableist practices can be woven into our daily lives, workplaces, and communities. Whether you’re an individual seeking to unlearn ableism or an organization ready to create meaningful access, Beyond Beautiful offers insights, tools, and love-rooted strategies to build a more liberated and inclusive world.

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