The Different Ability® Podcast

Katey Fortun

Why am I different? Why do things have to be so difficult? Am I dumb? Why am I scared? Will it be this hard forever? Will I ever find the help I need to succeed? When will being different be accepted? Welcome to The Different Ability® Podcast where we will answer all of these questions and a whole lot more! Each week host Katey Fortun brings you tips and tricks on how to navigate being different, along with inspiring stories of guests that are living an amazing life having Different Abilities of their own. Parents and Educators of kids with Different Abilities share their stories to encourage others that they are not alone and we can all get through this together! Katey, who has dyslexia, shares her personal Different Ability stories to show you that being different is a gift, being different is amazing and using your Different Abilities, you too can create and live the life you have always dreamed about! Katey believes that everyone has Different Abilities and it's time to let our Different Abilities shine bright! You are amazing, you are important, you are strong, you are smart and the world needs you just the way you were made! Are you ready to be inspired and encouraged to be the person you were made to be, Different Abilities and all? We know you're ready, so come along, we are all in this together! "You can do anything you put your mind to, with a lot of hard work, determination and never giving up! It's not your disability, it's your Different Ability®!" - Katey

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Top 10 The Different Ability® Podcast Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Different Ability® Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Different Ability® Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Different Ability® Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Diagnosed with Dyslexia to Children’s Book Author! with Sasha Saidman

The Different Ability® Podcast

11/13/24 • 59 min

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I had so much fun talking with Sasha on this episode! We discussed growing up struggling in school and being diagnoised with dyslexia in elementary school. It was so much fun talking to someone that has been through what I have been through, of course not exactly the same, but similar! Sasha has proven to herself and the world and dyslexia hasn't held her back! Listen in and share with everyone you know!
Sasha's Bio
Sasha is a dynamic children’s author from the Washington, D.C. area, where she lives with her supportive husband and two joyful children.
Her stories, rich with themes of diverse family dynamics, are inspired by her own experiences of adoption and overcoming personal challenges, including dyslexia.
With a philosophy that life should be filled with joy, Sasha’s narratives encourage young readers to embrace change and pursue happiness. At the heart of Sasha’s work is her belief in the power of stories to inspire and uplift, making her books a source of hope and excitement for the future.
Connect with Sasha
Website: www.sashasaidman.com
Facebook
Instagram
Tiktok
Thank you to our partners this week:

Showit! You can get one month free when signing up with the code: Katey
- http://kateyfortun.com/showit
- Sign Up Here and get your first month free!
Buzzsprout! You can get $20 credit to your account when you sign up!
- https://kateyfortun.com/buzzsprout
- Sign Up Here and get $20 credit to your account!

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Places you can reach me at:
Website:
https://kateyfortun.com/
https://kateyfortun.com/podcast
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/
https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/

Time Management As A Tool with Jill Wright

The Different Ability® Podcast

05/14/25 • 46 min

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In this episode Jill shares so much about her amazing journey! I learn she's dyslexic, had no idea, and she talks about her jouney of being a mom and learning her child is autistic. We also dive into time management and no it's not the boring time managament! She breaks it down and makes it fun to talk about! Listen in and share with everyone. Also check the links below - she shares a lot of resources for you to have for free!

Jill's Bio

Jill Wright is an author, podcaster, and speaker who helps busy professionals, parents, and students find balance, reduce burnout, and create the lives they desire through holistic time management. As a sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator, Jill shares her expertise through engaging talks and workshops. Her work empowers individuals to integrate self-care, create systems for personal and professional success, and reclaim their energy for a more intentional life.

Jill is also the author of Happy Healthy Wealthy and Wise, a page-a-day style inspirational guidebook, and the creator of the Time Magic Planner, a revolutionary tool for holistic weekly planning that blends productivity with rest, focusing on creating a life that aligns with your values and vision. Through her podcast “Grow Like a Mother”, Jill inspires listeners to thrive in both their personal and professional lives by embracing balance and intentional living.

Connect with Jill

Website

Instagram - Grow Like A Mother

Instagram - Life Time Management

Facebook

Resources

Transform Your Time Quiz

Grab her Book Here!

Grab her Planner Here!

Podcast - Grow Like a Mother

Diagnoised with ADHD after her daughter was diagnosed - with Andrea Atherton

The Different Ability® Podcast

07/10/24 • 57 min

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Andrea was such pleasure to have on the podcast in todays episode! She told me it was her first time talking about her own story publically and I'm so grateful she did! Her life growing up wasn't as easy as one may think, but her boldness to never give up and be who she wanted to be is inspiring! Listen in and hear all about her incredible story!
Andrea's Bio
Andrea Atherton has 28 years of experience as a psychotherapist, spiritual counselor, and mindful love expert helping individuals and couples cultivate loving, intimate, passionate relationships by first grounding into self-love.Her experience With equal parts spirituality and science, she holds an M.S. in art therapy, is a certified yoga instructor, and is a gifted intuitive/healer. Andrea is the host of the Love Anarchy Podcast, helping others create love on their own terms!
Connect with Andrea
Andrea's WebsiteAndrea's Facebook
Love Anarchy WebsiteLove Anarchy FacebookGo check out the episode I was a guest on Andrea's Podcast here!Thank you to our partner this week:

Showit! You can get one month free when signing up with the code: Katey
- http://kateyfortun.com/showit
- Sign Up Here and get your first month free!
Flodesk! You can get 50% off your first year when signing up with the code: KATEY1
- https://kateyfortun.com/flodesk
- Sign Up Here and get 50% off your first year!

A father’s loss and grief with Jason Tuttle

The Different Ability® Podcast

07/17/24 • 84 min

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Loss and grief is different for everyone but on this podcast episode Jason bravely and vulnerably shares his story. Jason’s story is beautiful and also heartbreaking, but needs to be shared! He has created a safe space for people who are going through loss and grief and he’s straight forward and honest about it all!
Please listen to this episode on your favorite app or the link is in my bio! Also, share this episode with others!
If you’re needing a safe space to talk about your loss and grief, connect Jason and all he’s doing in his community, links below!
Jason's Bio
I am a married father of two kids with multiple physical and cognitive special needs. I lost my 15 year old special needs son and 01/28/22 suddenly and unexpectedly. On that day, my "Letters to Zachary" Facebook blog was born. I decided then to help out others (especially men) deal with the devastating loss of losing a child, the lifelong journey of grief, the emotions associated with it, the mental health aspects of grief, helping to show men that it is OK to open up about grief, and to help women understand how men deal with their emotions associated with grief.
Connect with Jason
Letters To Zachary (Facebook):
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552174684952
Letters 2 Zachary (Twitter/X):
https://twitter.com/Letters2Zachary
Letters 2 Zachary (Instagram):
https://www.instagram.com/letters2zachary
Letters 2 Zachary (TikTok):
https://www.tiktok.com/@letters2zachary
Thank you to our partner this week:

Showit! You can get one month free when signing up with the code: Katey
- http://kateyfortun.com/showit
- Sign Up Here and get your first month free!
Flodesk! You can get 50% off your first year when signing up with the code: KATEY1
- https://kateyfortun.com/flodesk
- Sign Up Here and get 50% off your first year!

Advocacy and Leadership with Kylee Leota

The Different Ability® Podcast

10/23/24 • 87 min

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We had an amazing conversation on today episode! Kylee has so many mic drop moments in this episode she is just incredible! From her time being a teacher, in the classroom, to working in school leadership and what shes doing now, she brings so much knowledge, kindess and compassion for kids with disabilities, it was beautiful being a part of this conversation with her! Listen in and share with everyone you know!
Kylee's Bio
Kylee Leota is the founder of Elements 4 Success - a global organisation delivering
transformational experiences to individuals, teams, and businesses. Earl Nightingale defines success as “the progressive realisation of a worthy goal or ideal”.
Kylee wishes to empower people of all ages so that they can develop the confidence, skills, and tools they require to live a life of their design and purpose. She believes that you have the knowledge within yourself to create success and
gives you the right tools in your toolbox to help you make these goals and ideals, reality!
As a life long learner and educator I have taught all ages and stage and sectors of schooling including guest lecturing at tertiary level. I consult to and work collaboratively with, Psychiatrists, and Psychologists to create sustainable behaviour change in my coaching roles. I’m here to accompany you on this journey, providing support, inspiration, and guidance as you strive towards your most meaningful goals. Join me on this transformative journey together, celebrating every step forward as a testament to our shared commitment to personal and professional excellence.
Connect with Kylee
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Thank you to our partners this week:

Flodesk! You can get 50% off your first year when signing up with the code: KATEY1
- https://kateyfortun.com/flodesk
- Sign Up Here and get 50% off your first year!
Buzzsprout! You can get $20 credit to your account when you sign up!
- https://kateyfortun.com/buzzsprout
- Sign Up Here and get $20 credit to your account!

Advocating & educating people about his disability from a young age! with Nick Smit

The Different Ability® Podcast

05/15/24 • 56 min

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This episode I'm interviewing my new friend all the way from South Africa! This is the first of many episodes with Nick, he has an incredible story and is doing so many amazing things in the disability world!
Nick's Bio:
A teacher by profession and passion which led him into public speaking, corporate training and disability advocacy. He is part of the PSASA (Professional Speakers’ Association of South Africa), runs two companies - Straight A Tutors and Smergos and launched his speaker brand – The Rebel Ninja.
He believes that challenging life experiences push you as a person; forcing you to either grow to meet the challenges or shy away into their shadows. His greatest strength, and what sets him apart from many others, is his physical disability as a result of a car accident when he was 6 months old. He is a very determined and positive person, perceiving the seemingly impossible as challenges to be overcome. Instead of his disability becoming a weakness it has become an empowering tool.
As an award-winning international speaker and coach, he has presented a variety of workshops and the like, to an array of audiences, including schools, universities and companies. Most relate to disability advocacy, awareness and inclusion; the power of the mind, Growth Mindset and overcoming challenges.
He’s the guy you call when you want to break down barriers and build bridges or maybe if you want to dance some salsa. I give you Nick Smit, The Rebel Ninja
Connect with Nick:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Email: [email protected]
Thank you to our partner this week:

Showit! Want to start a website or update your current one on an easy to use platform? Check out Showit! It's the website platform I use to create my website and blog! You can get one month free when signing up with the code: Katey
- http://kateyfortun.com/showit
- Sign Up Here and get your first month free!
Flodesk! Want to stay connected to friends, family, customers and your community you're building? Flodesk is, in my humble opinion, the best email service out there! They don't penalize you for growing your list, like many other email providers out there do! you can get 50% off your first year when signing up with the code: KATEY1
- https://kateyfortun.com/flodesk
- Sign Up Here and get 50% off your first year!

What I learned traveling with my Mom!

The Different Ability® Podcast

03/30/22 • 12 min

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Learning about yourself is essential for growth in your life. Today's episode I share a few stories of what I learned about myself, when traveling with my Mom! I'm so grateful my Mom took time out of her life to travel out to Colorado with me to finalize wedding plans. It was such an amazing trip and one I will never forget!
Tune in to hear a few things my Mom even learned about traveling with me! I'm sure you'll get a good laugh!

Continuing to live her purpose with Alma Thomas

The Different Ability® Podcast

04/17/24 • 32 min

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This episode is an incredible episode. My guest Alma, shares her story and takes us on her many trials in her life. She is an inspiration for everything she has been through and continues to go through, but she doesn't give up! Listen in to her amazing story!
I also want to wish Alma's late son, Tysean, a heavenly happy birthday, April 17th. It was meant to be that April 17th landed on a Wednesday when I release new episodes. I'm sure he's watching over her achieve all of her goals and dreams!
Alma's Bio:
Alma Collins Thomas is an ordained Minister, Educator, Motivational Speaker, Playwright, and Author. She holds two B.S. degrees, one in Human Services with a concentration in Children and Families and a BS in Christian Studies. She is a Bible School Teacher. She co-authors several books, including Love, Marriage and Divorce. I am a Sisters with Purpose. She has two debut books, Dream Killers and From the Waiting Room to the Recovery Room. She is the single mother of two children, Sabria and Tysean, who left his earthly home to reign in his heavenly home in 2009.
She is a stroke survivor. She suffered a massive stroke two years ago, but she still empowers and inspires others from her hospital bed.
Connect with Alma:
Facebook
Instagram
Thank you to our partner this week:

Showit! Want to start a website or update your current one on an easy to use platform? Check out Showit! It's the website platform I use to create my website and blog! You can get one month free when signing up with the code: Katey
- http://kateyfortun.com/showit
- Sign Up Here and get your first month free!

"I'm not done!" with Katie Selby

The Different Ability® Podcast

11/29/23 • 30 min

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This week I had the honor to meet and talk with another Katie... just spelt different!
Katie's story is so inspiring, it's a must listen and man she has had so many road blocks (her words) in her life but yet has overcome them / drove right through them and proved to herself she CAN do what she puts her mind to!
Listen in and share with all of your friends and family!
Katie's Bio:
My name is Katie Selby. I’m a person with a language impairment and a learning disability. I was diagnosed with my language impairment at the young age of three and with my learning disability at the age of five. I’m the only person in my immediate and extended family who lives with a disability. I’m unaware of any cause for my disabilities.
I participated in the special education system from the time I was three years old until I graduated from high school. My high school counselor told me that instead of going to college, I should look for work in child care. There were others in my life who advised me against college. I didn’t listen to the people who were deterring me from my lifelong dream. I listened only to those who supported me in making my dream come true.
Although it was difficult at times, I went to college and learned how to advocate for my educational needs. After receiving my college degree, I began working to support individuals with disabilities in the school setting as well as the home setting. I support my students with their goals and help them become as independent as they can be.
I come from a unique social group. All of my friends are people with disabilities. We are not a support group; we just have the same life experiences. About four years ago, I wrote a blog article for “The Mighty” to share my story. Since then, I’ve shared my story on several learning disability social media pages. It feels like I’m sharing my story with the whole world!
Connect with Katie!
Instagram
Facebook

BONUS - Design the Life You Love Challenge with Lyndsey Kampen

The Different Ability® Podcast

04/18/25 • 36 min

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I received an email from my friend Lyndsey this week and saw she is running a new challenge in May 2025. I quickly emailed her back and wanted to know more and thought, why not make it a bonus podcast episode so you can hear about it too and join if you'd like!

If you are listening to this after May 2025, no worries, below I have all of her informaiton, she will be doing this again and has much more to offer as well! So be sure to go follow and connect with her!

Design the Life You Love Challenge | May 2025

If you're tired of feeling like you’re just going through the motions—checking the boxes, doing all the “right” things, but still feeling unfulfilled this challenge is for you!

You’re not broken, your soul is just craving something deeper.

✨ Purpose. Clarity. Peace.

Join my 30-Day Design The Life You Love Challenge + Blueprint Planner and break free from autopilot and reconnect with the version of you who feels alive, lit up, and aligned.
It’s time to stop settling and start designing a life that actually feels like home.

Join HERE!

Lyndsey's Bio

Life design coach, host of “Design The Life You Love with Lynz” Podcast, interior designer proud mom of 3 beautiful babes! Lynz helps women turn their struggles into strength to design lives they love. She empowers clients to break generational cycles, heal from within, and alchemize their pain into purpose. Lynz’s programs provide tools to rewrite old narratives, embrace authenticity, and create a legacy of joy and abundance.

Connect with Lyndsey

Website - Design the Life You Love with Lynz

Website - An Eye For It Consulting and Design

Facebook - Design The Life You Love with Lynz

Facebook - An Eye For It Consulting and Design

Facebook - Lyndsey Kampen

Instagram

Lyndsey's Podcast