Two Disabled Dudes

In classic Two Disabled Dudes fashion, the episode opens with a hilariously painful recounting of bloodwork gone wrong. Kyle survives a multi-day ordeal involving broken systems, pre-dawn wake-ups, and a forgotten ID, while Sean’s appointment gets derailed by a national holiday his lab forgot existed. Moral of the story: get your labs done early—or prepare for a side quest no one asked for.

Things shift from comedy to clinical trials with guest Kendall Davis, a rare disease advocate and engagement strategist who knows how to bridge the gap between pharma and real life. She shares how meaningful patient input—before a trial starts—can make or break its success, and why things like meals, Wi-Fi, and basic communication should never be afterthoughts.

Kendall doesn’t shy away from the big questions either—like why the FDA offers “guidance” instead of hard rules, and how that leaves too much room for interpretation. It’s clear she’s doing the work to make trials more human, but whether the industry will keep up is a cliffhanger we’re still waiting to resolve.

Links and Resources

• ICON
• Team Telomere

There are lots of things that may be accessible for one person but not another. Some are inconvenient, and some are impossible.

From topics in other episodes to recently traveling together, we noticed a handful of things that make sense, and things that don’t make sense. Listen for experiences, both good and ridiculous, as we discuss the challenges of accessibility.

In this Episode:

• Sean tells us the latest in his dealings with StorQuest. Spoiler: It's not good.
• You Got This, Mental Health - Sean and Kyle share similar stories of their wheelchairs rolling away from them. We all struggle. Sharing with others can help lighten the load.
• The Dudes talk about a recent experience at a hotel. It helps expose some issues about accessibility.
• Thank you notes - An aquaintance at a laundromat, and Neighbor Melanie (the best!)

Links and Resources:

• Episode 193 - Accessibility Matters: Air Travel is Not Exempt - with Mary Caruso

This episode brought to you in part by Reata Pharmaceuticals.

Reata Pharmaceuticals is the company that makes SKYCLARYSTM (omaveloxolone) 50 mg capsules. Our mission is to develop innovative therapies that change patients’ lives for the better. For more information about SKYCLARYS, visit: Skyclarys.com

©2023 Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved. SKYCLARYS, REATA, and their logos are trademarks of Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

A guiding principle Sean has adopted from his employer applies to every area of life - Respect, Appreciate, and Value Everyone, a.k.a RAVE.

As a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For, Nugget Markets, Inc. is careful with the culture they foster and honor. In this episode, Sean shares a glimpse into this particular core value that is worth everyone’s consideration.

A couple of mentions in Episode 199:

• Episode 040 with Arash Bayatmakou
• CanDo’s Keto Krisp. Listen to ep198 for a discount code from the Founder - Adam Bremen.

Money is a factor in nearly all situations in life - especially when you factor in rare disease or another medical issue. In this episode the Dudes talk about how money and planning for the future factors into different aspects of their lives - including the age old question "can money buy you love?"

Push it!