Disability Empowerment Now

This podcast is designed to address topics, such as social inclusion, employment, accessibility vs. inaccessibility, voting rights, and more. These topics are important to me because disability rights are civil rights and human rights, as well as an integral part of diversity. This podcast will further the importance of seeing the vital work of advocacy as an ongoing narrative… one that we can all play a part in shaping for the benefit of others. This show was created and hosted by Keith Murfee-DeConcini, a disability advocate. Visit DisabilityEmpowermentNow.com for more content, videos and full episodes or follow us on social media @DisabilityEmpowermentNow.

Disability Empowerment Now is a society podcast hosted by Keith Murfee-DeConcini, with 154 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 83.

Keith Murfee-DeConcini hosts Disability Empowerment Now, a society show with 154 episodes published.

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  Episode #8

  Music of Middle-earth: Healing Through Celtic Soundscapes with Dave Bons

  Sep 29, 20261h 7m

  Can fantasy and ancient melody become a sanctuary for mental health and healing? In this episode, host Keith Murfee-DeConcini sits down with composer and musician Dave Bons to explore the therapeutic power of Celtic music inspired by the world of The Lord of the Rings. From the grounding warmth of the Shire to the resilient rhythms of ancient Celtic traditions, Dave breaks down how cinematic soundscapes help process grief, reduce anxiety, and foster emotional restoration. Together, they dive into the intersection of music therapy, storytelling, and emotional recovery, discussing how intentional sound can anchor us during our darkest moments and offer a profound path toward inner peace. Follow us on all social media platforms @disabilityempowermentnow for exclusive content from the podcast.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

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  Disability Empowerment Now

  Unfiltered Recovery: DEN Host Keith Murfee-DeConcini on His Journey Through The Meadows

  Sep 21, 202652 min

  Inpatient care is often painted as a clean, peaceful sanctuary where healing happens in a straight line. But what happens when the very institutions designed to save us fall short? In this raw and unflinching episode of Disability Empowerment Now (DEN), host and advocate Keith Murfee-DeConcini pulls back the curtain on his personal experience at The Meadows. Going beyond standard recovery narratives, Keith opens up about the complex reality of residential treatment—exposing the institutional blindspots, power dynamics, and systemic gaps that can leave patients feeling misunderstood, unsafe, or even re-traumatized. As a lifelong advocate for disability rights and mental health transparency, Keith examines what happens behind closed doors when high-profile treatment centers prioritize strict protocols over individual needs. He shares how intersecting factors—like accessibility, trauma-informed care, and genuine patient advocacy—are far too often left out of the conversation. This is not a story of easy answers; it is an essential, unfiltered look at accountability, patient safety, and what must change to build a mental healthcare system that truly honors the people it serves. Follow us on all social media platforms @disabilityempowermentnow for exclusive content from the podcast. 

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  Disability Empowerment Now

  Shared Sight, Different Worldviews: Father-Son Dynamics, Autism, and Blindness with Gregg & Dave Hayes

  Sep 17, 202659 min

  In this special duo episode, Keith sits down with the father-and-son pair Gregg and Dave Hayes to reflect on their time at The Meadows and unpack their unique family dynamic. Navigating life as a legally blind father and an autistic son, Gregg and Dave share an honest, heartwarming, and humor-filled look into what it was like growing up together with two vastly different disabilities. From the daily friction and misunderstandings to deep empathy and shared strength, they swap real stories, hard-earned truths, and practical advice on supporting loved ones whose worldviews differ completely from your own. It’s an uplifting masterclass in family connection, mutual adaptation, and disability empowerment.  Follow us on all social media platforms @disabilityempowermentnow for exclusive content from the podcast.

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  Disability Empowerment Now

  Roommates Reflecting on Recovery with Matt Beard

  Sep 8, 20261h 5m

  Keith reunites with his former retreat roommate, recovering alcoholic Matt Beard, as they look back on their 70-day stay at The Meadows. Laughing over how the environment often felt like high school, they dive into the deeper work: what it truly takes to heal in a safe space, practice radical self-honesty, and carry those newfound skills back home to their families. Keith and Matt discuss the power of peer support during treatment, the importance of fostering social connection and inclusivity, and the raw reality of re-entering everyday life with a fresh start. It’s an honest, grounded reflection on community, accountability, and rebuilding a life in recovery. Follow us on all social media platforms @disabilityempowermentnow for exclusive content from the podcast. 

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  Disability Empowerment Now

  Through a Different Lens: Fatherhood, AI, and Accessibility with Gregg Hayes

  Sep 1, 20261h 7m

  Keith connects with Gregg Hayes—an Accessibility Tech Specialist, blind father, and the dad of Keith's good friend, whom he originally met through connection at The Meadows. Gregg shares his unique perspective on navigating fatherhood without sight and dives into the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. Together, they break down the groundbreaking ways AI tools are expanding independence and visual access for the blind community, while also tackling the critical flipsides: bias, overreliance, privacy concerns, and the fear of losing essential human support systems. It's a nuanced conversation on disability empowerment, technological progress, and maintaining independence in an automated world. Follow us on all social media platforms @disabilityempowermentnow for exclusive content from the podcast. 

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