The Self Advocate
The Self Advocate is a podcast about disability, with a focus on arts and culture. It covers music, fine arts, performing arts, podcasts, blogs, online videos, books and authors, and community events. The show explores both disability-specific topics and broader cultural conversations. It is produced by Alison Klein and releases new episodes every other week.
Episodes
Mental Health Poetry
In this episode, I celebrate World Mental Health Day on October 10th by talking to two Canadian poets! I talk with Jody Chan in the first interview and with Dr. Sonnet L'abbe in the second interview. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
VIFF 2026 Films
In this episode, I highlight two films that are being featured in the 2026 Vancouver International Film Festival. In the first interview, I talk with Terra Mackintosh and Cassie Palmisano of the Take Me Home film. In the second interview, I talked with Sung-bin Byun, the executive director of The Quiet Applause film. This was the first time I had a professionally interpreted interview with someone
2026 Fringe Festival Theatre Shows
In this episode, I highlight three shows in this year's Fringe Festival! The first interview is with Louisa Phung, the writer and performer of the Broken Rice show. The second interview is with Rebecca Erin Curtis, the writer and performer of the UNPACKING: The Art of Making A Short Story Long show. The third interview is with Nico Gruzling, the writer and performer of A Tampon, A Chair, and A
Queer Disabled Jewelry Makers
To end queer season, I talk to two queer disabled jewelry makers! In the first interview, I talk with Gesa, the owner of I Need A Break 2 Create. In the second interview, I talk with Kat, the owner of the Artsy Autistic. Lastly, I honour GOLDbard, who recently passed. They are now a queer ancestor. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Pronoun Pin Makers
In this episode, I keep on celebrating Pride Season by talking with two local accessory makers! I talk with Alex of Haunted Robot Pins in the first interview and with Tiffany of Freshly Fruity in the second interview. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Drag Performers
In this episode, I talk with two more drag performers! I talk with Elixir from Edmonton in the first interview and with King Lotus Boy from Oakland, California for the second interview. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Queer Disabled Musicians
In honour of Pride season, I'm continuing to talk about queer disabled artists. In this episode, I talk with two musicians. The first interview is with Mike Nagoda and the second interview is with Kinney Starr. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Drag Performers
In this episode, I’m celebrating pride season by highlighting local disabled drag performers. In the first interview, I talk with Nixon. I talk with Nick Layback for the second interview. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
National Indigenous Day 2026
In this episode, I was live on air! I talked with my friend, Stephen Lytton, who is a self advocate, arts enthusiast, and resident of the Downtown Eastside. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
June 2026 Events
In this episode, I talk about two events in early June 2026. The first event is UBC Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship's theatre play We Need A Home. It is happening at the Massey Theatre in New Westminster on June 4th to 6th. I talk with Larissa Gunkel and Dr. Leyton Schnellert about this performance. The second event is Connectra and the Disability Foundation's Abilities Ex
May 2026 Theatre Performances
In this episode, I talk about two theatre performances for May 2026! In the first interview, I talk with Adam Grant Warren, the co-artistic director for Glitch Theatre, for their performance of Arc One. Arc One is on May 23rd at the Roundhouse Community Centre. In the second interview, I talk with Megan Milton, the writer and producer of Free Kittens, which is being performed at the Cultch theatre
Theatre Terrific's 40th Anniversary
In this episode, I talk with Kevin Jesuíno, the artistic director, and Lianne Crowe, a longtime actor, with Theatre Terrific. Theatre Terrific is turning 40 this year! If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Film Episode
In this episode, I talk about two new films. In the first interview, I talk with Anthony Lucero, the producer of the Paper Bag Plan. In the second interview, I talk with Julie Forrest Wyman, the producer of The Tallest Dwarf. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month 2026
In this episode, I celebrate Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. In the first interview, I talk with Torien Cafferata, an Interdisciplinary Artist, Performance, Mad Studies, Ludology, and AuDHD Decolonial Clown Marxist. In the second interview, I talk with Adam Schwartz, an Autistic comedian and founder of Neurohilarity. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klei
Short Films
In this episode, I discuss two new short films. In the first interview, I talk with Hingman Leung about their new film, Migration Musings. In the second interview, I talk with Francis Tompkins about their film, Body. If you have questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Dance Episode
In this episode, I talk with two Vancouver based dancers. In the first interview, I talk with Harmanie Rose. In the second episode, I talk with Caroline and Sammy Chien-MacCaull about their upcoming performances the Vancouver International Dance Festival on March 13th to 15th at the Russian Hall. If you have questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Dance Episode
In this episode, I talk with two dancers who will be performing at the Vancouver International Dance Festival 2026. In the first episode, I talk with Lucile Prosper, who created the performance, Aluma: Cie de Theatre. In the second interview, I talk with Charles Koroneho for his performance as well. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Poetry Episode
In this episode, I talk with two Canadian poets. In the first interview, I talk with Amy LeBlanc. In the second interview, I talk with Margo LaPierre. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
January and February 2026 Festivals
In this episode, I talk about two different festivals. The first festival I talk about is the Rest Film Festival, which is an online international film festival, happening February 1st to 28th. I talk with Brittney Appleby and Rae Phoenix, both Vancouver based filmmakers. Both of them have films at the Rest Film Festival. The second festival is the PuSh International Festival of Live Performing Ar
Graphic Novel Memoirs
This is the first episode of 2026! In the first interview, I talk with Maria Sweeney, who wrote and illustrated the novel, Brittle Joints. In the second interview, I talk with Gabrielle Drolet, who wrote the memoir, Look Ma, No Hands! If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Poetry Episode
For the last episode of 2025, I talk to two Canadian poets. In the first episode, I talk with Jessica Popeski. In the second interview, I talk with Shane Neilson. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Annual Holiday Special 2025
This is my annual holiday special for 2025! I was live on air with my friend Laurence! If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
International Day for Persons with Disabilities 2025
This episode is to celebrate the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, which is December 3rd. I talk with Monique Neilson from posAbilities for Project EVERYBody Craft Fair for the first interview. More details can be found here: https://www.opendoorgroup.org/events-and-media/news/a-magical-market-experience-awaits-at-project-everybody-inclusive-market-fair-2025. I then talk with Amanda
Speculative Fiction Authors
In this episode, I talk with two prolific speculative fiction authors! In the first interview, I talk with Jes Battis. In the second interview, I talk to none other than Nnedi Okorafor! If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com
National Indigenous Disability Awareness Month
This episode is my contribution to celebrate the National Indigenous Disability Awareness Month. I talk with Johnnie Jae in the first interview. In the second interview, I talk with Riley from PotteryWorks in person! If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
October 2025 Events
In this episode, I highlight two events happening in late October 2025. The first event is the Vancouver Writer's Festival, which is happening October 20th to 26th on Granville Island. I talk with Amanda Leduc, who is speaking on October 22nd. The second event is the Inclusion Art Show, happening October 22nd and 23rd at the Roundhouse Community Centre. I talk with Justine Olah about the expan
Multidisciplinary Musicans
In this episode, I have three different multidisciplinary musicians! I talk with Goldbard in the first interview, Jozy in the second interview, and Amy Blanding in the third interview. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
VIFF 2025 Episode
In this episode, I talk about two films that are highlighted at the Vancouver International Film Festival 2025 that highlight disability. The first interview, I talk with Sara Wylie, the creator of the film Resistance Meditation. in the second interview, I talk with Reid Davenport, the director of the film, Life After. I also give a special shout out to the All Bodies Dance event, All Bodies Every
Film Episode
In this episode, I talk about two films that are just coming out. The first film is called A Place Where I Belong. I talk with Rheanna and Noah about their involvements in the documentary. You can find info here. The second film is called These Four Walls. I talk with Shelley and Chris about People First of Canada's involvement in the film. You can find info here. If you have any questions or
Vancouver Fringe Festival 2025
In this episode, I highlight two shows within the 2025 Vancouver Fringe Festival that talks about disability. In the first interview, I talk with Kevin Jesuino, the new Artistic Director of Theatre Terrific, about their performance, Dance Floor Memoirs. In the second interview, I talk with Jean-Daniel O'Donncada about his performance, An Autistic Priest and a Service Dog Walk into a Bar. Both
Poetry Episode
In this episode, I was live on air! In my first interview, I talk with Namitha Rathinappillai. In my second interview, I talk with Brandon Wint. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Tattoo Arts
In this episode, I talk with KenofSwords and Grae Salisbury. This is my part for Pride 2025! If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Clothing Episode
In this episode, I talk with four different companies. In the first interview, I talk with Millie from Mentally Unstitched, which is based in the UK. In the second interview, I talk with Vansh from Cloud Nine, which is Vancouver based. In the third interview, I talk with Emily and Mollie from JAM the Label, which is based in Australia. Lastly, I talk with Chi-ka Harada from Cheeky Lil Bits, which
Poetry Episode
In this episode, I talk with poets Nisha Patel and Jane Shi. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
National Indigenous Day 2025
This episode is to celebrate the National Indigenous Day. In the first interview, I talk with Laura Vinson, a folk singer songwriter, about her show, The Awakeners. In the second interview, I talk with Dr. Grant Bruno, about his research in Indigenous ways in looking into autism and his documentary, They Are Sacred. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.
June Events
There are many events in June that are disability related. The first event is with All Bodies Dance, who is having a video instillation on June 4th and 5th at the Roundhouse Community Centre, called Becoming. The second event is with Under The Table poetry, called More Beat Drop than Burial Hymn. They are featuring Stephen Lytton, a disability advocate and artist. This event is on June 5th at 221A
Clothing Episode
This episode is to honour Mental Health Awareness Month, which is in May. In the first interview, I talk with Jeffy of Happy H0use clothing company. In the second interview, I talk with Hanan of Intotum Adaptive Fashion. In the third interview, I talk with Vansh of Cloud Nine clothing company. Lastly, I play Clearing Out My Head by Greg 77 Spokes Labine. If you have any questions or comments, plea
Second Documentary Episode
This is the second documentary episode! In the first interview, I talk with Paul Bookman, the Chairman of The GLIDE Fund/Mark Bookman Foundation, about his son's film, Mark - A Call To Action. In the second interview, I talk with Kaileigh Coles, the director of Through My Eyes - An Artist's Re-Creation. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Documentary Episode
In this episode, I talk with 4 documentarians. In the first interview, I talk with Jenny Lee-Gilmore, who wrote, directed, and produced Little Miss Sleepy. It can be found on CBC Gem. In the second interview, I talk with Lionel, Sarah, and Paolo, who worked together to create the film, disABLEd. It can be found on Telus Storyhive. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mi
Fantasy Books
I celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with Autistic fantasy authors! The first interview is with local author Jenny Story. The second author is with Andrew Joseph White. The third interview is clips from last year with Ada Hoffman. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Snack Companies
In this episode, I talk with three different snack companies. In the first interview, I talk with Bill from Happy Popcorn Company in Cornwall, Ontario. In the second interview, I talk with Angelica from Fueled by AF, a US based company. In the third interview, I talk with Bailey, the manager of Paper Planes cafe, which is in the Vancouver International Airport. If you have any questions or comment
Visual Arts
In the first interview, I talk with Serena Zena. In the second interview, I talk with Vincy Lim. In the third interview, I talk with Lux Gow-Habrich. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Documentaries
In the first interview, I talk with Mike McKinley and Niall McNeil about their new documentary, The Originals. In the second interview, I talk with Nick August Pena about his documentary, Tell You Love Me. If you have any comments or questions, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Podcast Episode
I talk with local podcasters! In the first interview, I talk with Shawn Marsolais of the Limitless podcast, which you can find here: https://www.blindbeginnings.ca/limitless-podcast. In the second interview, I talk with Rob Mineault of the AT Banter podcast, which you can find here: https://atbanter.com/. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Second Poetry Episode
In the first interview, I talk with Courtney Bates-Hardy. In the second interview, I talk with Steffi Tad-y. In the last interview, I talk with Kim and Shiri of the Inclusion Services of the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver about Roots and Wings Art show. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Theatre Episode
In this episode, I talk with Andrea Cownden, the Accessibility Coordinator for the PuSh Festival, and both Chelsea and Callan from Neworld Theatre. If you have a question or comment, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Poetry Episode
Last episode of 2024! In this episode, I talk with AE Best and Kyla Jamieson, both poets. If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Annual Holiday Music Episode
This is my Annual Holiday Music Episode! If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com. My playlist is:
Christmas Dinner by Luc Picard
Maybe This Christmas by Michael Buble and Carly Pearce
White Christmas by George Ezra
Merry Christmas, Please Don't Call by Bleachers
Home by Blake Shelton featuring Michael Buble
Merry Christmas, I Miss You by Alex
2024 International Day for Persons With Disabilities Events
In the first interview, I talk with Monique Nelson of possAbilities about the ProjectEveryBODY event on December 3rd at the Roundhouse Community Centre. In the second interview, I talk with Naomi Brand of All Bodies Dance for the Constellations project on December 6th and 7th at the Roundhouse Community Centre. There are three more events in Vancouver. BC People First is having an online panel on
Documentary Episode
In the first interview, I talk with Andy Fiore, director, producer, and writer of the film, Invisible No More. In the second interview, I talk with Julia Siedlanowska, a former theatre artist and current counselling therapist and Stephen Lytton, a Nlaka’pamux poet, writer and actor, about the film, Unsettled. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Indigenous Disability Awareness Month
November is National Indigenous Disability Awareness Month. I interview Julia McEathron, the National Coordinator of the Indigenous Disability Canada and BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society, and Sandra Pronteau, a self advocate, elder, artist, mother, and grandmother. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
October Events
I talk with Leanne Toshiko Simpson, Justin Albay, and Nicole Kaler. Leanne is an author of the book, Never Been Better. She is speaking at the Vancouver Writers Festival on October 22nd. Justin is a jewelry maker and will be at the Inclusion Art Show on October 23rd at the Roundhouse Community Centre. Nicole is the president of BCEdAccess and their conference, AdvoCon, is November 1st and 2nd. If
Accessories
I talk with Skye Bluez, Greta of Stimables, and Emily O'Brien of Kitty with a Cupcake. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
2024 Vancouver International Film Festival
I have three guests for the 2024 Vancouver International Film Festival. I talk with Curtis Woloschuk, Director of Programming for the Vancouver International Film Festival for their films about disability and their accessibility. I then talk with Ari Kinarthy and Jeff Lee Petry about Ari's Theme, a documentary about Ari's music. Lastly, I talk with Leo Berkeley about his documentary about
Films
I talk with Jay Silverman, who produced the film Camera, and with Sam Vint, who produced the film The Tournament. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Vancouver Fringe Festival
I talked with Carly Rhamey of The ADHD Project and Emily Brook of Theatre Terrific for their performance Proximity. Both performances are for the Vancouver Fringe Festival, happening September 5th to 15th on Granville Island. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Adaptive Biking Episode
I talk with Sierra and Alex from Squamish Adaptive Mountain Biking and Anna Sophia and David from BCMOS Cycling. You can find more information about BCMOS on their website at https://bcmos.org/cycle/ or by emailing at cycling@bcmos.org. If you have any comments or questions, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Vancouver Pride 2024
I talk with Harmony Bongat, a self advocate, and Fábio de Miranda of the Vancouver Pride Society for the 2024 Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival.
Vancouver Folk Music Festival 2024
I talk with Kay, one of the accessibility coordinators of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival! If you want more information, you can go to https://thefestival.bc.ca/accessibility-services-2024/. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Memoirs by Sisters
I talk with Victoria Freeman, the author of A World Without Martha, and Franke James, the author of Freeing Teresa. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
National Indigenous Day 2024
I talk with Michel Dumont and Larissa Grieves for National Indigenous Day. I also play Give It Time by Mattmac. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Fashion Episode
I talk with Julia of Senseational-You, Emma of Liberare, and Gary of Chicabl. If you have any questions or comments, alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
May 2024 Events
There are three events in the last two weeks of May 2024! The first event is the Connectra Abilities Expo, happening May 22nd at the Roundhouse Community Centre. The second event is Silent Howl, a dance piece by Sarah Him Ching U, happening at the rEvolver Theatre Festival, on May 29th and 30th at the Cultch. The third event is the InclusionBC Conference, happening in Nanaimo on May 30th to June 1
RealWheels Staged Readings
I talk with Alex Masse, Jordyn Wood, and Adam Grant Warren on Zombies, Mannequins, and Talking Heads. All three are playwrights for this production. Zombies, Mannequins, and Talking Heads is a production with RealWheels Theatre company, and is playing May 9th to 11th at the Roundhouse Community Centre. Tickets can be bought at https://realwheels.ca/zombies-mannequins-and-talking-heads/. If you hav
Science Fiction
I talk with Nicole Panteleakos and Ada Hoffmann on their science fiction books. Nicole Panteleakos is the author of Planet Earth is Blue. Ada Hoffmann is the author of The Outside trilogy. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Music Episode
I finally made a live show! The music I played is:
Possibilities by KiSara
Broken by ASD Band
Toward the Sun by 77 Spokes
Seasons by Shawn Brush aka “The Krooked Cowboy”
Change by Kodi Lee
Danzas Lationoamericanas (Elizondo) (Latin American Dances) by Adrian Anantawan
Journey of You and I by Kodi Lee
Watch the World Unfold by Gaelynn Lee
Better Miracle by Kyprios
If you have any que
Blog Episode
I interview Amanda and Kristina, both bloggers, self advocates, and BC People First members. I also honour Dave Symington, who recently passed. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
BC People First Conference and Rally
I talk with Margaux Wosk and Joanne Gauthier about the BCPF Conference and Rally. The conference is happening March 13 to 15th online and at the SFU Woodards building downtown Vancouver. The rally is happening March 16th infront of the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Blind Arts
I talk with Carmen Papalia and Collin van Uchelen about blind arts. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Tonye Aganaba Interview
In the spirit of Black History Month, I talk with Tonye Aganaba. Check out her music at tonyemusic.com. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Memoirs
I talk with Susan Mockler and Allison Blevins about their memoirs. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Vancouver International PuSh Festival
I talk with Andrea Cownden, the new Accessibility Coordinator for the Vancouver International PuSh Festival for the first interview. I talk with Daniel, the producer of The Shadow of the Prey the Hunter Becomes, a production from Back to Back Theatre in Australia. The Vancouver International PuSh Festival runs January 18th to February 4th and The Shadow of the the Prey the Hunter Becomes is perfor
Studio 73
I talk with four artists from Studio 73. Go check their art out at https://www.studioseventythree.ca/. If you have any comments or questions, email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Annual Holiday Music Episode
This is my annual holiday music episode. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com. The songs I play are:
It’s Looking A Lot Like Christmas by Jaycee Warfield
It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Jaycee Warfield
Happy Xmas (War is Over) by Alanis Moressette
Wintersong by The Tenors and Sarah McCalken
White Christmas by George Ezra
The Gift by JoJ
International Day for Persons with Disabilities
I talk with Amy Amantea, Janice Laurence, Adam Grant Warren, Joanne Gunther, Andrea Cowden, and Jennifer Do about the International Day for Persons with Disabilities. If you have comments or questions, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Holiday Craft Episode
I talk with Caroline and Simon from Simon's Soapbox and Mridu from Studio 73 for holiday crafts! I also play some holiday themed music! If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
Indigenous Disability Awareness Month
To honour Indigenous Disability Awareness Month, I talk with Bailey Macabre, a poet, artist, and beader, and Sandra Pronteau, a self advocate. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
November Events
I talk with Jessica from the Chutzpah! Festival, running November 2nd to November 23rd at the Jewish Community Centre in Vancouver, and Terry from the Heart of the City Festival, running October 25th to November 5th around the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at alison.mira.klein@gmail.com.
October Events
There are four events happening one after another! First event is the Inclusion Art Show, happening October 12th from 10:30am to 7:30pm at Heritage Hall in Vancouver. The second event is the Victoria Festival of Authors, happening October 11th to 15th, both in Victoria and online. The third event is BCEdAccess AdvoCon, happening October 19th to 22nd, both online and at SFU Surrey. The last event i
End of September
I talk with Larissa, a self advocate, and Curtis Woloschuk, the programming coordinator for the Vancouver International Film Festival, happening September 28th to October 8th.
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