What happens when a teenager asks, “Why are you in a wheelchair?” at the bar... and it’s not weird at all? In this episode, Sean and Kyle reflect on what it means to be curious, considerate, and occasionally oblivious when it comes to disability—and why teens might just be winning in the empathy department. From cruise ship conversations to elevator etiquette, we explore how age, culture, and confidence shape the way people react (or don’t react) to disability.Then we catch up with our good friend Matt Lafleur—writer, rare disease advocate, and now children’s book author! Matt shares how he turned a lonely diagnosis into a meaningful calling, why vulnerability is hard but necessary, and how a red panda named Professor Hong is helping kids understand life with Friedreich's Ataxia. Whether you're in the tunnel or finally seeing the light, this episode is packed with honesty, encouragement, and a few laughs about mystery garbage collectors.Links & Resources<ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Prof-Explores-Friedreichs-Ataxia-Journey/dp/B0DSJP5JBV/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gaeNk7w6PRCZgnpzCMJoFF3YomKrv_qgyfLrb_EmsLCfGuR8vMoQ8uypFHZA4GnbHKn_mk5UD4LwnYR8Sj35knfklHJlEQImpjh_9Nn_Kc4.wXiK_EFjiz6ochGsavvdn0-ag-_xM-yGKQPGQIoA8A0&dib_tag=se&qid=1742142009&refinements=p_27%3AMatt+LaFleur&s=books&sr=1-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Matt’s Childrens Book</a></li><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/paidpost/biogen/reinventing-life-after-a-rare-diagnosis.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Matt’s NYT Article</a></li><li><a href="https://friedreichsataxianews.com/little-victories-matthew-lafleur/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Matt’s Column</a></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/What-Do-You-Idea/dp/1938298071" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">What Do You Do With An Idea?</a></li></ul>

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269 - Red Pandas, Wheelchairs, and the Courage to Say “This Sucks”

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