Two Disabled Dudes

Hosted by The Dudes

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307

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May 2026

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About the show

The 2DD podcast is about setting sights beyond the challenges in your life and dreaming big, making a plan, and then executing like mad. You are guaranteed an emotional rollercoaster, and practical thoughts that you can apply to your life with this podcast. Hosts Sean and Kyle are both affected by a rare disease called Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). FA affects their balance and coordination, significantly limiting their physical abilities. However both dudes have completed several long distance bike rides including “The World’s Toughest Bike Race” - Race Across America (RAAM). Their RAAM journey is the subject of an award winning documentary called The Ataxian. Kyle rode his trike to the top of the highest paved road in North America and Sean ran with the Olympic Torch. Join us, subscribe, and tell a friend!

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60 recent

May 18, 20261 hr 3 min

300 - Season Finale: 300 Episodes Rooted in Connection

In this special 300th episode of the Two Disabled Dudes Podcast, Sean and Kyle reflect on nearly 10 years of podcasting, the challenges of creating 300 episodes, and the incredible community that has formed along the way. From forgotten recordings and technical disasters to meaningful live events and lifelong friendships, they share stories from behind the scenes and revisit some of their favorite moments from the show.The episode also features heartfelt conversations with listeners and friends from the rare disease community, including stories of recent diagnoses, finding belonging, navigating disability, and discovering connection through the podcast and the Rare at Sea cruise. More than a celebration of a milestone, this episode is a reminder of the power of community, shared experiences, and the relationships that have grown through honest conversations over the years.LINKSRare at SeaRare in Common Podcast

May 11, 202642 min

299 - Building Hope From Broken Systems

Sean and Kyle kick off this episode with a conversation about smart technology, AI, and the growing tension between convenience and commercialization in everyday life. That discussion sets the stage for a powerful interview with Joshua Resnikoff , founder and CEO of Sunstone Health, whose family’s rare disease journey inspired him to tackle one of healthcare’s biggest challenges: the long and frustrating diagnostic odyssey faced by rare disease families.Josh shares how his son’s unexplained fevers and years of unanswered questions led him from biomedical research at Harvard into the world of healthcare innovation. Through Sunstone Health, Josh and his team are using AI and genome sequencing to dramatically shorten the path to diagnosis for children with rare genetic conditions—reducing a process that often takes seven years down to just weeks.Along the way, the conversation explores the hidden incentives and shortcomings within the healthcare system, the importance of purpose-driven work, and the powerful impact that determined individuals can have when they choose to “heal the world” one piece at a time. The episode closes with reflections on gratitude, community leadership, and the next generation stepping forward to carry the mission ahead.LINKSAHealthcareZ

May 4, 202631 min

298 - Invisible Illness, Unbreakable Bond: Part 2

Part 2 continues Debbie Drell’s story, focusing on the real-life impact of caregiving, invisible illness, and the need for empathy.Debbie highlights how much people take for granted—walking short distances, being in crowds, traveling, or getting through a full day without rest. For her sister Alex, who lives with multiple rare conditions including pulmonary hypertension, these everyday activities can be exhausting or even life-threatening.She also shares the emotional toll of caregiving—living with constant uncertainty and the fear of “is this it?”—while still choosing to show up with love and presence. Her journey has shaped her career in advocacy and deepened her belief in the power of community.A key theme is how illness exposes the truth in relationships. Debbie opens up about the pain of judgment and stigma, especially with invisible conditions, and how a lack of understanding can lead to harmful situations—even within families.The episode lands on a simple but powerful message:Lead with empathyListen before assumingAdapt to others instead of forcing expectationsDebbie defines true allyship as being patient, curious, and willing to learn.LINKSNORDPulmonary Hypertension Association

April 27, 202640 min

297 - Invisible Illness, Unbreakable Bond: Part 1

In this first part of the conversation, Sean and Kyle sit down with longtime friend and rare disease advocate Debbie Drell, whose connection to the space runs deep—both professionally and personally.Debbie shares the story of her sister Alex, who was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension decades ago and given just two years to live—yet is still fighting today. As both a caregiver and advocate, Debbie offers a raw look into the realities of living with (and alongside) an invisible, life-threatening condition.The conversation dives into the often-missed challenges of invisible illness—how someone can “look fine” while their body is under constant strain, and how misunderstanding from others can add an extra layer of exhaustion. Through personal stories—including close calls, public confrontations, and meaningful moments of empathy—Debbie highlights the importance of slowing down, paying attention, and choosing compassion over assumption.This episode sets the stage for a deeper discussion on caregiving, advocacy, and the quiet strength it takes to navigate a world that doesn’t always understand what it can’t see. Watch for episode 298 for the second part!LINKSNORDPulmonary Hypertension Association

April 20, 202650 min

296 - Support That Meets You Where You Are

Episode 296 explores connection, resilience, and the power of meeting people where they are—starting with a story about a young man with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) who courageously continues cycling even after a crash.The episode’s main conversation features Dr. Eric Mitchell and his son Dylan, who share their work with Neurodiversity Consultants and their strengths-based, relationship-driven approach to supporting neurodivergent individuals. Dylan offers a powerful personal perspective on growing up on the spectrum, highlighting both challenges (like social connection and emotional regulation) and the tools that helped him thrive. Dylan talks about a challenge many of his clients face: the growing lack of “tertiary spaces” for social connection and how that disproportionately impacts neurodivergent people. The episode closes with reflections on purpose, gratitude, and the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for community.LINKSBowling Alone

April 13, 202635 min

295 - Pushing Harder Isn’t Always the Answer

Another frustrating hotel experience opens the episode, but the real conversation centers on what it actually means to “never give up.”After dealing with a series of accessibility failures—miscommunication, poor accommodations, and a lack of understanding—Kyle and Sean shift into a bigger idea: persistence isn’t just about pushing harder.Using the story of a breakthrough Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) drug approval, they explore how real progress often requires a different approach—not more force. Whether it’s navigating healthcare, training in the gym, or recovering from setbacks, they highlight the importance of adapting, rethinking the path, and letting go of ego, pride, or outdated expectations.The takeaway is simple but powerful: don’t give up on the goal—but be willing to change how you get there.

March 30, 202644 min

294 - Finding Your People Without Losing Yourself

This episode starts with a classic 2DD moment—a wild but relatable story about Kyle discovering he had a piece of road stuck in his knee for a year and a half. It’s funny, a little absurd, and quickly turns into something more meaningful: how often we ignore small issues—physical or otherwise—and just learn to live with them instead of addressing them.From there, the conversation shifts into a deeper topic: finding your people—and just as importantly, recognizing that there’s no single “right” way to do that. Sean and Kyle reflect on their very different journeys with Friedreich’s ataxia—Sean jumping into connection early, while Kyle kept his distance for nearly a decade. That contrast sets the tone for an honest discussion about timing, identity, fear, and readiness when it comes to community.They unpack the real value of connection—education, emotional relief, and the kind of understanding that doesn’t require explanation. At the same time, they challenge the idea that everyone needs to dive into a disease-specific community right away (or at all). Avoidance isn’t weakness—it can be self-protection. Whether it’s fear of the future, comparison, identity struggles, or simply not being ready, they make it clear: you get to choose how you engage, when you engage, and who you engage with.The takeaway is simple but powerful: there’s no wrong way to navigate this life. You can build a tight-knit community, keep your circle broad, or take your time figuring it out. You can connect deeply—or not at all—for now. What matters is that it works for you in the season you’re in.LINKS2DD LIVE April 12, 11am Pacific/2pm Eastern - Join Us!

March 23, 20261 hr 16 min

293 - Rare Disease Day: This is What Advocacy Looks Like

In this special Rare Disease Day conversation, The Dudes partner with Jett Foundation to moderate a thoughtful panel on advocating for care needs, independence, and life with disability. Joined by Jake, Ashley, Charlie, and Xavier, the discussion highlights the many forms advocacy can take—from managing care and navigating insurance to simply showing up in the world, pursuing work, and building a meaningful life on your own terms.Each panelist brings a unique perspective, sharing honest reflections about college, caregiving, careers, medical systems, and the ongoing balance between needing help and wanting independence. What comes through clearly is that advocacy is not one-size-fits-all. Sometimes it looks like hiring the right support, sometimes it means pushing back on a doctor or insurer, and sometimes it’s the quiet determination to keep moving forward even when life feels uncertain.The episode is also grounded in heart, vulnerability, and community. Sean offers a moving tribute to the late Kyle Cox, honoring his belief in ability over limitation, while the panelists leave listeners with practical and encouraging advice: embrace the overwhelm, document the process, never accept the first no, and keep building independence one step at a time. It’s a powerful conversation about resilience, self-advocacy, and creating a life that is bigger than diagnosis.

March 16, 202645 min

292 - The Hidden System Behind Rare Disease Treatments

What starts with airport chaos and accessibility frustrations turns into a meaningful conversation about what it really takes to move rare disease research forward.Sean and Kyle kick things off with travel stories from their trip to Rare At Sea, including misplaced mobility equipment, inaccessible hotel setups, and the all-too-common surprises that come with traveling disabled. Then they’re joined by Derek Ansel, who pulls back the curtain on the world of clinical research—breaking down what CROs do, why diagnosis matters so much, and how patients, providers, and industry all play a role in bringing treatments closer to reality.It’s equal parts relatable, informative, and encouraging—mixing everyday disability experiences with a behind-the-scenes look at the systems, strategy, and people helping drive progress in rare disease.

March 9, 202634 min

291 - Taking on the World’s Longest Stairway

In this episode, Sean shares the bold details behind his upcoming climb of the Niesen Stairway in Switzerland—the world’s longest staircase with 11,674 steps, the equivalent of climbing the steps of the world’s tallest building nearly four times. Because the stairs are a private emergency access route alongside a mountain tram, Sean and his team will attempt the ascent overnight in the dark, navigating uneven steps, changing terrain, and high elevation. He talks about the intense logistics, safety planning, and 26-week training process preparing him to take on the challenge while living with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). The climb is also a fundraiser for his nonprofit, De:terminence, with a goal of raising $50,000 to help people with disabilities pursue life-changing physical achievements. With a team of 11 supporters, careful strategy, and a powerful purpose, Sean is setting out to prove that disability doesn’t eliminate adventure—it redefines it.