Best Qudsiya Naqui Podcasts (2025)

1
Disability Justice and Accessibility for All with Qudsiya Naqui 56:05

21d ago56:05

56:05

Think disability doesn’t affect you? Think again. The reality is that disability touches us all, and any one of us can become disabled at any time. In this powerful episode, disability rights advocate, activist, and Down to the Struts podcast host Qudisya Naqui joins Dr. Payal Beri to radically reframe how we understand disability. In this episode:…

1
The Dangers of Losing Empathy: Disconnection & Apathy in Modern Society 40:49

7d ago40:49

40:49

In this powerful debut solo episode, Dr. Payal Beri explores a growing crisis that’s often ignored: the quiet unraveling of empathy in our modern world. From casual disengagement to emotional burnout, she unpacks how societal apathy and hyper-individualism are not just dividing us — they’re dismantling the very fabric of human connection. Through d…

1
Disability and Journalism in India with Priti Salian 32:31

8d ago32:31

32:31

For our season finale, we'll travel across continents for Qudsiya’s conversation with Priti Salian, a journalist, media consultant, and trainer based in Bengaluru, India. Priti’s work focuses on gender equality, disability, and inclusion through the lens of human rights and solutions based journalism. She is the creator of the acclaimed newsletter …

1
Beyond the Bars: Carlos Vasquez on Redemption and Purpose 51:59

14d ago51:59

51:59

Carlos Vasquez spent 17 years in prison, 3 of them in solitary confinement. In this episode, he joins Dr. Payal Beri for an empowering conversation on accountability, redemption, and purpose. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 01:20 One decision that changed everything 06:30 Life in solitary confinement and breaking point 14:45 Rebuilding identity…

1
Disability Cultural Centers with Dagny Brown and Mika Weissbuch 22:10

22d ago22:10

22:10

Over the last few episodes, we've talked about disability rights, history, the law, and intersectional movement building. Today we're going to dive into another important aspect of the disability experience—disability culture. We'll listen in on Qudsiya’s conversation with Dagny Brown and Mika Weissbuch, two of the three co-directors of the San Fra…

1
Reframing Money: From Scarcity to Abundance with Rhea Wong 57:06

28d ago57:06

57:06

Why do so many of us feel stuck when it comes to money—especially in mission-driven work? In this episode, nonprofit leadership coach Rhea Wong breaks down the hidden narratives we carry about wealth, value, and hustle culture, especially as women, people of color, and children of immigrants. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 01:07 Meet Rhea Wong…

1
Lessons from a Quitter: Goli Kalkhoran's Journey to Fulfillment 52:44

1M ago52:44

52:44

Sometimes, walking away from perceived success is the best option for finding true fulfillment. In this powerful conversation, Goli Kalkhoran, host of Lessons from a Quitter, shares how quitting her legal career became the first step in reclaiming her identity, values, and joy. In this episode: 00:54 Introducing Goli 01:42 Goli's Journey to Helping…

1
Disability Justice Is Trans Justice 30:21

1M ago30:21

30:21

This episode explores how disability justice relates to the ongoing pursuit of justice for transgender communities, who are increasingly under threat in the US and many other countries. We'll listen in on Qudsiya’s conversation with Ericka Dixon and Sebastian Margaret of the Transgender Law Center's Disability Project. They discuss how we can build…

1
Overcoming Burnout Through Somatic Healing with Cait Ross Murphy 43:14

1M ago43:14

43:14

Is the drive to change the world quietly burning you out? In this episode, Cait Ross Murphy joins Dr. Payal Beri to unpack why traditional mindset hacks often fall short for mission-driven leaders, and how somatic work can be the answer to healing. In this episode: 00:00 Why mindset alone isn’t enough for deep healing 02:00 The myth of productivity…

1
Coding for Change: How Brianne Caplan’s Nonprofit is Creating Opportunity in Tech 48:35

2M ago48:35

48:35

In this powerful episode, Brianne Caplan, founder of Code Your Dreams, joins Dr. Payal Beri to share how her nonprofit is using computer science education to level the playing field in tech. Together they discuss how equitable access to tech education is transforming communities, from kindergartners building apps to grandmothers launching websites …

1
Disability and Punishment with Professor Jamelia Morgan 28:37

2M ago28:37

28:37

This week, Qudsiya speaks with Professor Jamelia Morgan, an award-winning and acclaimed scholar and teacher at the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, where she also directs the Center for Racial and Disability Justice. Professor Morgan's work focuses on the intersection of race, gender, disability, and criminal law and punishment. Qudsiya and Jam…

1
Why Joy Is Radical: Trauma, Healing & Cultural Shame with Dr. Tanmeet Sethi 58:06

2M ago58:06

58:06

What if reclaiming joy is the most radical act of resistance? In this powerful episode, Dr. Payal Beri sits down with Dr. Tanmeet Sethi — integrative and psychedelic medicine physician, activist, and author of Joy Is My Justice — to explore how joy can coexist with grief, trauma, and systemic oppression. In this episode: 00:00 The Power of Joy Amid…

1
We Are For Good: Jon McCoy & Becky Endicott on Reimagining Community & Impact 1:00:17

2M ago1:00:17

1:00:17

Can a podcast spark a global movement rooted in empathy, equity, and impact? Jon McCoy and Becky Endicott, co-founders of the “We Are For Good” movement and podcast, join Dr. Payal Beri to share how they've challenged the status quo of philanthropy and turned heart, humility, and purpose into a worldwide community of change-makers. In this episode:…

1
Reporting the Disability Civil Rights Movement with Joe Shapiro 25:51

2M ago25:51

25:51

Qudsiya sits down with Joe Shapiro, investigative correspondent for National Public Radio. Joe was one of the first journalists to cover the disability civil rights movement and the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In this episode, Qudsiya and Joe talk about how Joe came to cover disability issues, his observations about how the move…

1
Home as Sanctuary: Designing Safe Spaces with Jazmyne Simmons 43:10

2M ago43:10

43:10

In this episode, interior designer Jazmyne Simmons joins Dr. Payal Beri to explore the power of intentional design and how Jazmyne supports her clients in creating emotional safety and peace within their homes. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction: The Emotional Impact of Interior Design 01:34 Creating a Sanctuary: The Role of an Interior Designer 0…

1
From Life Sentence to Second Chances: Adam Procell’s Journey of Reform 1:00:06

3M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

What happens when a 15-year-old is sentenced to life in prison — and decides to change everything? In this powerful conversation, Adam Procell shares his journey from a life sentence in supermax to becoming a beacon of restorative justice and reform. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Anticipation 00:46 Sentencing and Initial Reactions 03:49 L…

1
Making the ADA with Chai Feldblum 28:16

3M ago28:16

28:16

Welcome to Season 10 of Down to the Struts! To kick things off, Qudsiya sits down with the indomitable Chai Feldblum. Chai is a civil rights advocate and scholar. For nearly four decades, Chai has fought for the rights of LGBTQ and disability communities through legislative advocacy, teaching, scholarship, government service, and much more. She pla…

1
Holistic Health & Functional Healing with Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino 53:48

3M ago53:48

53:48

In this transformative episode, Dr. Payal Beri sits down with Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino, breast cancer survivor and Board-Certified Family Physician practicing holistic and whole-body medicine. Together, they discuss the future of functional medicine and healing the whole body from the inside out. In this episode: 00:00 Understanding Inflammation and Ch…

1
Scapegoats in Society: Blame, Power & Identity with Amina AlTai and Samantha Stilwell 1:08:53

3M ago1:08:53

1:08:53

Why do we scapegoat others—and who usually ends up carrying the blame? In this episode, Dr. Payal is joined by holistic business and career coach Amina AlTai and cultural anthropologist Samantha Stilwell for a deep dive into the psychological, historical, and societal roots of scapegoating. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction to Scapegoating 01:20 …

1
Trailer: Season 10 coming soon 3:11

3M ago3:11

3:11

Season 10 of Down to the Struts is headed your way. Qudsiya give listeners a sneak peek at the voices of the journalists, activists, scholars, and creators who will lead us in a deep dive into disability history and culture this season. We’re in double digits y’all! Make sure you’re subscribed and tuned in on April 29 for our first episode. Visit o…

1
Polarized & Divided? Here's Why Understanding Matters Most ft. Kai Stowers 50:48

3M ago50:48

50:48

In a polarized world, how can we truly bridge the gaps between us? In this episode, Dr. Payal Beri sits down with Kai Stowers to explore the power of understanding as a practical tool for breaking down barriers, fostering empathy, and creating real connection. As a white, queer, transgender man, Kai brings a unique perspective on gender dynamics an…

1
Kvon Tucker on Freedom, Masculinity, and Learning to Dream 56:45

4M ago56:45

56:45

What happens when you check all the boxes of success—degrees, a six-figure job, stability—only to wake up feeling completely unfulfilled? In this episode of Reframing Perspectives, host Dr. Payal Beri sits down with Kvon Tucker, founder of Consciously, to explore his personal journey of self-discovery and pursuit of true freedom. In this episode: 0…

1
Recast: When Driving Is Not an Option (Season 9) 24:19

4M ago24:19

24:19

We’ve reached the end of the road—no pun intended—with our final listener favorite from season 9, featuring Anna Zivarts, author of the exceptional book, “When Driving Is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency.” This one resonated with many of you who, like Qudsiya, cannot drive a car. As we shockingly learned from Anna in this episode, t…

1
Generation WHY: Angela R. Howard on Capitalism, Culture, and the Workplace Revolution 53:28

4M ago53:28

53:28

How are organizations keeping up with a workforce that demands better? In this episode, host Dr. Payal Beri sits down with Angela R. Howard, an organizational psychologist and founder of the Culture Impact Lab, to explore the need for responsive organizations in today’s rapidly evolving workplace. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction to Angela and H…

1
Recast: Access: a Love Story (Season 8) 34:45

4M ago34:45

34:45

We’ve arrived at our penultimate listener favorite from season 8. We called this one “Access: A love Story.” It was magical for Qudsiya to revisit the unforgettable day that she and her partner, also a Down to the Struts alum, Sean Collins, promised to love each other for the rest of their lives. They’ve been married for nearly two years now, and t…

1
Power of Play: How Creativity & Fun Increases Productivity with Gary Ware 53:51

4M ago53:51

53:51

Play might seem childish, but it can also be the secret to overcoming burnout and fostering growth in the workplace and beyond. In this episode, Dr. Payal Beri sits down with Gary Ware, founder of Breakthrough Play, TEDx speaker, and the self-proclaimed "King of Play." Gary shares his powerful journey from burnout to breakthrough, revealing how red…

1
Recast: In the Country of the Blind (Season 7) 30:09

4M ago30:09

30:09

Here’s your favorite from Season 7. Qudsiya is a huge history nerd, and she had a blast unpacking blind history with Andrew Leland, author of the award-winning memoir, The Country of the Blind. Andrew and Qudsiya explored blind culture, blind politics, and their own relationships with blindness. It was a great conversation—thanks to all of you for …

1
Rethinking Success: The Truth About Hustle, Healing and Self-Discovery with Amanda Kolbye 1:05:22

4M ago1:05:22

1:05:22

Success doesn't always mean happiness, and sometimes it can actually be the thing getting in the way of your well-being. In this raw and powerful episode, Amanda Kolbye shares her journey of building a multi-seven-figure business — and the moment she chose to walk away from it all. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Initial Conversation 00:14 …

1
Recast: Empowered interdependence with Haben Girma (Season 6) 33:28

4M ago33:28

33:28

We’re recasting this listener favorite from Season 6. Qudsiya loves this conversation with human rights lawyer and disability justice champion, Haben Girma—author of the acclaimed memoir, “Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law.” Haben and Qudsiya talked about the concept of empowered interdependence. This is the idea that we all dese…

1
Lis Best on Climate Action, Emotional Resilience & Change-Making 54:22

4M ago54:22

54:22

If we want lasting change, we need to make impact work more sustainable. In this episode, Dr. Payal Beri is joined by impact leader Lis Best to explore the emotional toll of change-making and how to sustain yourself in the fight for a better world. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction to Lis Best and Setting the Stage 00:30 The Reality of Impact Wor…

1
Recast: All Our Families (Season 5) 47:03

4M ago47:03

47:03

Welcome back to our series highlighting listener favorites over the last nine seasons. We’re on to your favorite from season 5. Qudsiya spoke to Jennifer Natalya Fink, author of the incredible bookAll Our Families: Disability Lineage and the Future of Kinship. The book opened up a fascinating conversation about how we think about disability within …

1
From Burnout to Embodiment: Kelly Campbell on Healing & Leadership 58:09

5M ago58:09

58:09

What if burnout isn’t a sign of failure, but an invitation to heal and lead differently? In this episode of Reframing Perspectives, Dr. Payal Beri sits down with leadership coach and healing facilitator Kelly Campbell to discuss her experience with burnout and the power of embracing embodiment, energy work, and healing. In this episode: 00:00 Intro…

1
Unlocking Leadership Potential Through Art & Music with Adam Rosendahl of Late Nite Art 53:21

5M ago53:21

53:21

What if art and music could transform the way we lead, connect, and engage with others? In this episode, Adam Rosendahl, founder of Late Nite Art®, joins Dr. Payal Beri to share how creative expression can break down barriers, foster deeper connections, and reshape leadership in the workplace. In the episode: 00:00 Introduction and First Impression…

1
Bridging Divides with Kindness: Shola Richards on Civil Unity 50:17

5M ago50:17

50:17

In a world that feels more divided than ever, it's crucial that we embrace empathy. In this first episode of Reframing Perspectives, Dr. Payal Beri is joined by Shola Richards, author of Civil Unity, to discuss the importance of civility, kindness, and empathy to heal the deep divisions in our workplaces, communities, and personal relationships. In…

1
Welcome to Reframing Perspectives with Dr. Payal Beri 1:27

5M ago1:27

1:27

🎙️ Welcome to Reframing Perspectives – A Podcast That Challenges How You Think Ever feel like conversations are harder than they should be? Like the world is getting heavier, and navigating human connection is more exhausting than ever? Reframing Perspectives is here to change that. Hosted by Dr. Payal Beri, this podcast explores self-awareness, em…

1
Recast: Judy Heumann Reflects on the Disability Revolution (Season 4) 42:12

5M ago42:12

42:12

In season 4, Qudsiya had the incredible opportunity to sit down with the legendary international disability rights advocate, Judy Heumann, before her passing on March 4, 2023. Now, almost two years later, her legacy lives on. As we continue the fight for disability rights, the memory of her struggle, and the struggle of so many others who fought, a…

1
Recast: Intersectionality and Algorithmic Bias (Season 3) 37:00

5M ago37:00

37:00

We hope you’re enjoying our past season rebroadcasts so far. It’s been fun to take this trip down memory lane to revisit some of the episodes that you all enjoyed the most. We’re on to season 3, and Qudsiya’s conversation with Lydia X. Z. Brown, a disability justice advocate and activist, who has dedicated their life and resources to combating inju…

1
Recast: Designing Access for Disabled Students (Season 2) 46:51

5M ago46:51

46:51

Qudsiya is back with your listener favorite from Season 2—Designing Access for Disabled Students. Qudsiya spoke with Roger Ideishi about his efforts to challenge traditional approaches to occupational therapy by insisting that students with intellectual and developmental disabilities play a central role in shaping their own classroom experiences. R…

1
Recast: The Language of Disability (Season 1) 37:30

5M ago37:30

37:30

As the team works on season 10, we wanted to bring you something extra special. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be recasting listener favorites from across all nine seasons of the podcast, highlighting one episode from each season that you, our listeners, particularly enjoyed. First up is season 1, “The Language of Disability” with disability studies …

1
Introducing the Remote Access Archives (and season 4 of the Contra* podcast) 5:57

6M ago5:57

5:57

The team at Down to the Struts is thrilled to share the trailer for Season 4 of Contra*! This season, Aimi Hamraie and the Critical Design Lab share oral history interviews from the Remote Access Archives. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, they spoke with scholars and activists about mutual aid and pandemic times. This season, they’ll be shari…

1
Trailer: Introducing Pod Access 2:14

6M ago2:14

2:14

Check out the trailer for Pod Access, a brand new resource hub for Deaf and disabled podcasters from Cheryl Green and Thomas Reid. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit our website⁠ ⁠for transcripts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -- Subscribe to Qudsiya's Substack, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Getting Down To It⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support the team behind the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wit…

1
Disability and dance with Kayla Hamilton 20:20

7M ago20:20

20:20

BONUS EPISODE: Qudsiya chats with Kayla Hamilton, the Bessie Award-winning dancer, educator and consultant. Her performance, choreographic and disability arts work has been presented by institutions across the US. In July 2024, Kayla announced the creation of Circle O, a new cultural organization established by and for black disabled and other mult…

1
Employment and Disability with Amir Rahimi 22:07

7M ago22:07

22:07

In the Season 9 finale, Qudsiya sits down with a dear friend and a champion of equal employment opportunity for people with disabilities, Amir Rahimi. Amir and Qudsiya talked about Amir’s journey with blindness and employment, and how he uses stand up comedy to make sense of ableism. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit our website⁠ ⁠for transcripts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --…

1
Disabled women and economic justice with Marissa Ditkowsky 25:18

8M ago25:18

25:18

Qudsiya speaks with Marissa Ditkowsky, Disability Economic Justice counsel at the National Partnership for Women and Families. Marissa and Qudsiya talk about the need to advance economic justice for disabled women, and the resources disabled women need to survive and thrive: from consumer protection to access to employment, to reproductive healthca…

1
On blindness and justice with David Tatel 20:11

8M ago20:11

20:11

Qudsiya sits down with retired DC Circuit Court Judge, David Tatel. Judge Tatel's recently released Book, Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice, chronicles his experiences as a civil rights lawyer, a champion for access to justice, and a jurist on our nation's second highest court. In this conversation he discusses his book and his journey with…

1
Voting accessibly with Dessa Cosma and Kenia Flores 35:54

9M ago35:54

35:54

With just two weeks until the US election, access to the ballot has never been more important. But disabled people continue to face accessibility barriers when attempting to vote. This episode dives deep into the realm of voting access with Dessa Cosma and Kenia Flores of Detroit Disability Power. Dessa and Kenia walk Qudsiya through the process of…

1
An accessible camping adventure with Qudsiya 29:30

9M ago29:30

29:30

In this episode, Qudsiya will take you on a journey with one of her favorite adaptive sports organizations that prioritizes giving blind people access to the natural world. She joined the Metro Washington Association of Blind Athletes, affectionately known as MWABA, for a bike camping adventure along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Washington DC. …

1
When driving is not an option with Anna Zivarts 23:24

10M ago23:24

23:24

Welcome to season 9 of Down to the Struts! To kick off this season, Qudsiya sits down with Anna Zivarts, the author of When Driving Is Not An Option: Steering Away From Car Dependency. Anna shares how she has helped to build a coalition of non-drivers to create more accessible communities where disabled people, older adults, children, and so many o…

1
Trailer: Season 9 coming soon 2:56

10M ago2:56

2:56

Down to the Struts is back September 24th! Listen to the trailer for a sneak peek at the questions Qudsiya will explore with our guests in season 9: Why is disabled humor so important? What would it look like to travel in a world that isn't designed with cars at the center? How can we ensure that disabled people have what they need to participate i…

1
Recast: Making voting accessible (Season 3) 28:25

11M ago28:25

28:25

Over the next few weeks, we'll be bringing back some early episodes of Down to the Struts to get ready for season 9. This episode was first broadcast in July 2021, but with a key election just months away, it couldn't be more timely now. Qudsiya sits down with Lisa Schur and Doug Kruse, both professors at Rutgers University. They discuss their rese…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Qudsiya Naqui Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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