Season 1

  • July 8, 2024

    Many families feel like they're treading water, especially those living with autism and other developmental differences. As your hosts, we get it, and we know this frustration all too well.

    In response, we've created tried-and-true strategies that help everyday people achieve extraordinary things. Even those who might have doubted themselves can borrow our confidence, follow one of our "blueprints," and with a supportive community cheering them on, make the impossible happen. Read more…

  • What Fuels Our Mission

    July 23, 2024

    Welcome to our first episode – This is your backstage pass into the lives of our hosts, Heather and Steve!

    Heather, a Rochester native, discovered her passion for advocacy through supporting her sister with autism. Now a mother of four children with varying disabilities, Heather is known for her compassionate, tenacious approach, and is affectionately referred to as the "polite, but effective badass next door." Serving as Director of Advocacy at AutismUp, Heather spearheads initiatives like their groundbreaking housing project for individuals with autism and other developmental differences.

    Steve, hailing from Utica, learned the value of hard work early on, starting his own business at just 12 years old, which grew into a thriving contracting firm employing over a dozen people. His advocacy journey began when he fought for and secured full custody of his children, including a son with autism. Steve’s unique backdoor approach to advocacy has profoundly impacted his son's life and countless others in his community, earning him the nickname, "The Godfather of Advocacy." His extensive experience providing respite and foster care for nearly 180 children has given him deep insights into systemic issues and inspired innovative solutions that unite communities. Read more…

  • July 23, 2024

    Welcome to our latest episode! Today, we introduce NYS Assembly Member Marianne Buttenschon from District 119. Before taking office, Dr. Buttenschon was the Dean of Public Service and Emergency Preparedness at Mohawk Valley Community College. She and her husband, Don, a retired school psychologist, have deep roots in their community.

    They have three grown children, six grandchildren, and for the past 30 years, have run the Buttenschon Christmas Tree Farm in Oneida County. Read more…

  • Teena's Journey From Institution to Independence

    August 6, 2024

    In this captivating episode, we sit down with Teena, an adult with Cerebral Palsy, who shares her journey of resilience and determination. Placed in an institution as a child, Teena did everything she could to get kicked out and succeeded. Listen to her powerful story of breaking free from institutionalization, navigating life with disabilities, and achieving milestones like marriage and motherhood. Read more…

  • Tristan's Journey Into Adulthood

    August 22, 2024

    In this powerful episode of Finding Common Ground, Steve and Heather sit down with Tristan, a young man whose journey through foster care is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Tristan opens up about the abuse he endured early in life, the struggles of being shuffled between family members, and the challenges of navigating the foster care system. He shares how he "admitted himself into foster care" and, by "owning" his experience, moved beyond the victim mentality, showing us all how he transformed a rough start into a promising future. Read more…

  • "Why Don't We Matter?"

    September 5, 2024

    This episode dives deep into the harsh realities facing home care in New York State while dispelling common misconceptions about those who need caregiving. You'll meet Jose, a resilient individual whose life changed forever just before his 15th birthday when a tragic swimming accident left him with a broken neck. His recovery was grueling, but the tougher lesson was discovering how people who need care are often treated as "less than"—even though any of us could find ourselves in that position one day. Read more…

  • Otto's Journey Beyond Words

    September 11, 2024

    Join us on an inspiring episode, where we explore the transformative power of presuming competence in nontraditional communicators. In this episode, we feature Otto Lana, an exceptional advocate, poet, entrepreneur, and award-winning self-advocate who considers himself a "multi-modal communicator." Read more…

  • September 11, 2024

    Jim spoke for many families across NYS who are worried about the challenges our systems face, but also about some promising ideas that resonate with many. Read more…

  • With Colgate Professor Regina Conti

    September 25, 2024

    In this must-see episode, we sit down with Regina Conti, a Colgate professor, renowned researcher, and proud mom to a neurodivergent child.

    Regina’s groundbreaking work in motivation, resilience, and social inclusion for individuals with IDD is deeply informed by her personal journey as a mother. She brings a wealth of expertise and heart to this conversation, making her a guest you won't want to miss. Read more…

  • October 3, 2024

    Tune in and hear why New Yorkers are upset that the usual safeguards were bypassed and a company with a poor track record was selected to manage this incredibly important program that keeps people out of institutions. Read more…

  • Overcoming Addiction & Finding Hope

    October 9, 2024

    Have you ever watched someone you care about spiral down a dark path, struggling with addiction and searching for a way out? If so, you will want to tune into this episode of Finding Common Ground.

    In this compelling episode, we delve into a reality that is often hidden behind closed doors with our guest, Theresa Bolos. She courageously shares her journey of hitting rock bottom when her drinking escalated to a crisis, culminating in an arrest. Now, every fourth of the month marks a celebration of her recovery—a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can find the strength to change our lives. Read more…

  • With Dr. Mai Pham

    October 23, 2024

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mai Pham, CEO and President of IEC, as she shares her personal and professional journey in transforming a healthcare system that often leaves people with disabilities behind. Despite years of medical experience, it wasn’t until her own child was diagnosed that Dr. Pham faced the frustrations families experience navigating a broken system. If she struggled, what about those without her inside knowledge? Read more…