Season 4
-
With Bethany Wendt, Kathy Caruso & Kim Karcic
September 19, 2025
In this episode, we sit down with three incredible women—Bethany Wendt, Kathy Caruso, and Kim Karcic—to talk about Pathways for Success: Together We Thrive, a powerful event happening in Utica, NY.
Each guest shared why they felt called to be part of this initiative and how families of individuals with disabilities often feel lonely, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn. Their stories highlight the importance of coming together, building community, and making sure no one walks this journey alone. Read more…
-
With Assembly Member Brian Miller
October 1, 2025
What if the fastest way to protect disability services this year isn’t a viral post—but scheduling a meeting now, before legislators head back to Albany? In this episode, AM Brian Miller gives straight answers and a playbook you can use now—from timing your outreach to crafting testimony that actually moves votes.
Why listen: Unlike many politicians, Miller doesn’t dodge the tough stuff. He leans in. Listen as he dives into the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), looming Medicaid reforms (including the CDPAP rollout), DSP wages, the red tape that blocks common-sense partnerships, and how to make your voice count before this legislative session begins. Read more…
-
With Kurt Roskopf
October 20, 2025
What happens when we stop patting ourselves on the back for “special” inclusion—and start building communities where accommodations are normal, and leadership is shared?
In this episode, Heather and Steve talk with Kurt Roskopf, disability ally and founder of the Everybody Skis program. When a skier who needed some accommodations was sent home dry, Kurt felt awful—and that moment reframed how he approached every day after that. It set in motion a movement that redefined inclusion across Wisconsin and beyond. Read More…
-
Pathways for Success
October 9, 2025
Steve and Guest Host Alexandra Fernandez speak with Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, Parent advocate and founder of Better Together Kathy Caruso, and others about the Pathways for Success event which brought experts and advocates from across New York State to Utica.
Check out the full video of the event on our YouTube Channel:
-
The Unfiltered Catch-Up
October 23, 2025
What happens when two advocates hit pause on the chaos and just talk it out?
Heather and Steve take a breather from the headlines and just talk.
In this unfiltered catch-up, they open up about juggling life, advocacy, and everything in between — from Heather’s upcoming trip to the First Place Global Symposium to Steve’s work with the National Council on Severe Autism. Read More…
-
Prep for Emergencies
October 30, 2025
How many times have you had to educate the people trying to help your child with autism?
In this episode of Finding Common Ground, Steve talks with Matt Yelton, a paramedic, flight medic, and autism dad who lives and breathes this reality every day. When emergencies happen, Matt has been on both sides — the parent advocating for his child, and the first responder called to help. Read More…
-
TNYS Assembly’s Hearing on Housing
November 3, 2025
NYS Assembly’s Disability Committee asked 20 people from across the state to testify on the housing barriers for the IDD community. Read More…
-
No More Listening Mode for Steve!
November 14, 2025
What happens when a former guest takes the mic and flips the script?
In this hilarious and heartfelt episode, Kathy Caruso returns to Finding Common Ground — but this time, she’s running the show.
Host Steve Gonyea finds himself in the hot seat as Kathy digs deep into his story, his “why,” and what drives his advocacy as a dad. Read More…
-
VLAWsity Breaks Down Estate Planning for Our Families
November 19, 2025
Only one in four adults has a will, and for families in the disability community, that gap can change everything. We may not know who will take over when we’re gone, but if we never start the plan, how will anyone know what mattered most about the people we love?
In this DadAbility episode, Steve goes solo to talk straight with dads about stepping up at home and beyond Read More…
-
With Tim Goldstein
December 11, 2025
“Our brains process the sounds for emotion before we process the words for understanding.”
In this episode, Heather and Steve sit down with Google technologist and autistic advocate Tim Goldstein, whose late-in-life diagnosis rewired how he sees communication, work, and autism itself. Tim shares how he went from being “the kid who kept getting fired” to someone who now coaches others on using voice, story, and language to actually get results in a neurotypical world—without selling themselves out. Read More…
-
With Coach Phil Vetrano
December 18, 2025
When school ends, support doesn’t just pause. For many families, it vanishes.
“There are 25 skills students need to make an informed decision about what comes after 12th grade,” says college and career coach Phil Vetrano. “And we’re not teaching them. Not at school. Not at home. Not anywhere.” Read More…
-
Life After Mom and Dad
January 7, 2026
Planning isn’t just paperwork. What happens when families do everything they can, but without guidance, the plan unravels at the exact moment it matters most?
In this episode of Finding Common Ground, Heather and Steve are joined by Samantha Harrison, founder of Momentum Family Strategies and a disability support strategist who works with families navigating what she calls life after mom and dad. Read More…