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The Obvious Question

Get ready to throw your assumptions about disability out the window! In "The Obvious Question," Madi Lawson, a 21-year-old journalism student who has two rare forms of muscular dystrophy, takes on the assumptions, misconceptions and just plain ignorance others have about people with disabilities. But this isn't your typical conversation about disability. In this podcast Madi talks with co-host Becky Smith and others about fashion, friendship, dating and more - challenging all the things you thought you knew about disability, but haven't had the chance to ask about before. You'll explore the glam and not-so-glam life of the real-life Wheelchair Barbie. So, buckle up - it's gonna be a bumpy ride.

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Latest Episodes
  • Madison Lawson and friend Noelle Hazel sit next to each other for the first time in June of 2019, in New York City. These fashion forward friends met on Instagram years ago, and have since spent hours together, FaceTiming from across the country.
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    “Social media allows people that can’t necessarily always leave their homes to be social.”In this episode, Madi addresses the isolation that can come from…
  • How can you be a journalist?
    “If you were to take the disability out of the equation, would you still have a story?”In this episode, Madi sits down with Mark Hinojosa. He is one of…
  • How do you travel?
    “They Literally Left My Legs in Chicago.” Traveling with a disability is not always the easiest task. There are more barriers and logistics and things –…
  • Why shouldn't I say 'lame'?
    Words Matter.There are so many ways that language shapes our perception of others. In this episode, Madi and Becky sit down with Becky’s Dad, Dean Smith.…
  • Christopher Shannon stands alone on stage.
    What's wrong with you?
    “Pain may be my constant companion since the day I was born.” – Christopher ShannonSince last season, Madi has found out that she is an ever “rare-er”…
  • The Obvious Question and Answer Session
    “You can’t be worried about what other people are thinking all the time. “In this episode, co-hosts Madi and Becky and executive producer Aaron Hay answer…
  • A portrait of Madi Lawson.
    The Obvious Question
    Get ready to throw your assumptions about disability out the window!In "The Obvious Question," Madi Lawson, a 21-year-old journalism student who has two…
  • Host Madi Lawson poses with Lexi Mortimer in front of a museum exhibit.
    Can you even have sex?
    "Just call me 'pretty'."In this episode, Madi and Becky look at the world of dating, relationships and...sex. Madi sat down with Lexi, one of her best…
  • Tobie Roberts measures and pins a dress on Madi Lawson.
    Can you even walk a runway?
    When was the last time you saw a model with a disability? Or a person with a disability featured in an advertising campaign? On a runway? Or even a…
  • Do you have any real friends?
    More than once, Madi has been asked if her friends-who look nothing like her-are her sister or caretaker.In this episode, Madi and Becky take a look at…
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