The Right Foot Forward Podcast: Recent Episodes
Ryan Zaman
Model and Disabilities Advocate Ryan Zaman sheds light on the experiences of disabled people and people with long-term health conditions through enlightening conversations with his guests. If you would like access to a transcription of podcast episodes, please send a request to Ryan on instagram by sending him a DM to @ryan_zaman - alternatively, you can send an email to info.therightfootforward@gmail.com Happy listening!
On this episode, Ryan talks to the lovely Abi James-Miller (@theabispin). Ryan and Abi met on set shooting an adaptive sportswear story for @circlezeroeight.
Abi is a disabilities advocate, model, filmmaker, and researcher. Talk about a multi-hyphenate! She discusses about her journey so far as someone who has a sight-impairment - everything from education, adaptive technology and being a creative in the world we live in. Abi also talks about her intersectional identity - what it’s like being a woman of colour with a disability, and what that means in terms of her connection with black culture.
This time, Ryan speaks to American model and disabilities advocate Haleigh Rosa (@halrosa). Seven years ago, Haleigh was in a car accident and became paralysed from the waist down. Formerly an NBC Anchor, she has now worked with brands such as OFF-WHITE, SKIMS and Tommy Hilfiger. The two talk about everything from Haleigh's accident and rehabilitation, the struggles she has come through, and how she has found strength in her change of circumstances. They also reflect on how far things have come in the right direction in terms of inclusion, but also how much of a distance we still have to go to live in a world and society that gives everyone, especially people with disabilities, equal opportunity.
This time, Ryan speaks to model and disabilities advocate Haleigh Rosa (@halrosa on instagram) on her journey. From her life-changing car accident seven years ago, they talk about everything from her rehab and recovery, to what she does to keep positive, as well as what advice she might give to others who may be going through something similar. Haleigh has worked for clients such as OFF-WHITE, and most recently, SKIMS. The pair also talk about physical accessibility, how everything in the world is changing, and even how accessibility differs between their two countries - Haleigh is from the States. Really hope you enjoy this one and check back soon for the next episode!
It's been a while, but we're starting the second series of the podcast with a bang! This time Ryan talks to Special Olympics double gold-medallist tennis player and model Lily Mills (@lilymillstennis on insta). Lily is 21 years old, and has a learning disability as a result of complications from getting Meningitis when she was younger. She also invited her mentor and Inclusive Sports Development Advisor, Mark Bullock (@mark__bullock) along for the conversation. Mark has been working in disability sport for over thirty years and is one of the most experienced around in his field. The discussion conversation covers a lot - from how Lily first got involved in tennis, to what needs to improve to make sport truly inclusive for those with disabilities. Lily is also walking a runway for the first time in London Fashion Week for London Represents! Special thanks to Lily's mum Talullah, who also pops in for a few minutes.
This time, Ryan chats to model Kelly Knox about her experience in the fashion industry so far (she has been doing this longer than anyone else!). Most importantly though, they focus the conversation on what Kelly's experience has been like becoming a parent with a disability -- the challenges as well as advice for others who may have children, or be thinking about having children. Check it out!
As always, a full transcript is available at therightfootforward.com/transcripts
On this episode, Ryan invites over Tatum Swithenbank for a chat (@TatumKarmen). Tatum is a queer, disabled presenter and producer. Through radio and podcasting they explore disability, progressive folklore and creativity.
Tatum works with organisations, boards and charities, advocating for accessibility and inclusion. They did have ambitions of becoming a dancer, after enrolling at the prestigious school Arts Ed at 18. After a few months of attendance, Tatum realised that something was happening to her body. Around five years later, they finally had a diagnosis - Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD). Tatum talks to Ryan about their somewhat unique diagnosis journey, as well as how far they have come since all this began, and tips for others who might be going through similar situations.
Full transcript available at therightfootforward.com/transcripts
On this episode, we have our first in-person conversation. Ryan invites activist and consultant Arooj Aftab over to his flat to talk about all things diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry, why we’re done with superficial ‘diversity’ campaigns, as well as her experience with neurofibromatosis (this month is national neurofibromatosis month, and we actually recorded on neurofibromatosis day!). They also discuss her career so far, the importance of consulting lots of people from differing backgrounds during creative processes and what clothing choices mean to her. You might even find out some more things about Ryan, too!
For this episode, Ryan talks to model, actor, activist and advocate Jillian Mercado. Jillian has Muscular Dystrophy, and was one of the first people with a physical disability to be the face of a global fashion campaign, when she was selected by Diesel in 2014. Since then, Jillian has moved into the world of acting, starring in The L Word: Generation Q as immigration attorney Maribel. Ryan and Jillian cover a lot of topics during this bumper episode, talking about how Jillian's career started, what it was like growing up in NYC and also how the disabled community has evolved exponentially with the rise of social media - not to mention what still needs to be improved. Jillian also opens up about what it is like occupying the intersection of being a woman, being disabled, being a person of colour and being queer. She also has some advice for all young people out there who might struggle to see where they fit into the world...
For the first episode of The Right Foot Forward Podcast, founder Ryan Zaman talks to the amazingly talented Ryan O'Connell. Ryan O'Connell was nominated for an Emmy Award in 2019 for his Netflix show Special, which he wrote, directed, produced and starred in. He also has written a novel which is due to be released next year. O'Connell is a well-known advocate for those with disabilities in the world of entertainment and says 'this is just the tip' of what he wants to achieve. Both Ryans talk about what it was like growing up with Cerebral Palsy, what it's like living in an ableist society, and how they have grown to be more confident and self-accepting as queer people with disabilities.