A couple of disabled-Aries-baddies walk into a podcast… and OH, how they ATE. Our guest in our 9th episode is the iconic Grammy nominated artist, named Lachi* (yes, like Versace)

Host Melanie Rivera Waldman interviews Lachi, a Grammy-nominated recording artist, advocate, and founder of Ramp’d, an organization supporting music professionals with disabilities. They discuss Lachi's journey with disability, neurodivergence, her impactful work in the music industry, and her upcoming book 'I Identify as Blind,' which celebrates neurodivergence and disability culture.

Key Topics

• Lachi's personal journey with blindness and neurodivergence
• The founding and mission of Ramp’d organization
• The importance of disability representation in the music industry
• Lachi's upcoming book 'I Identify as Blind' and accessibility features
• The role of mentorship and community in disability advocacy

Takeaways

• Embracing your disability and neurodivergence leads to greater authenticity and success.
• Creating inclusive spaces in the music industry benefits everyone.
• Mentorship and community are vital for empowering disabled artists.
• Disability culture is a source of innovation and creativity.
• Lachi's story exemplifies resilience and the power of authenticity.

Sound Bites

• ”We all mask to each other, hiding our true selves.”
• ”Disability culture is a source of innovation and creativity.”
• ”The biggest adversity is what we overcompensate for.”

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Personal Background

09:06

Journey to the Grammys and Mentorship

11:31

The Book: 'I Identify as Blind'

15:00

Living with Blindness and Neurodivergence

20:39

Maladaptive Daydreaming and Creativity

24:52

Founding Ramp’d: A Movement for Disabled Artists

36:07

Ramp’d’s Growth and Community Impact

41:15

Embracing Disability Identity and Reality

Keywords

Disability advocacy, neurodivergence, music industry, Ramp'd, Grammy, accessibility, neurodivergent leadership, disability representation, mental health, inclusive music, synesthesia

Action Items

• Visit Ramp’d to learn how to support or join the organization.
• Pre-save or purchase Lachi's upcoming book 'I Identify as Blind'.
• Reflect on your own masking behaviors and embrace authenticity.

• Catch Lachi's incredible music videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA2PBmpnjG3kZLDEI2asbXA
• Follow @lachimusic & @ramp_up on all social platforms

Thank you to our paid sponsors Liza, Nib and ”Map” & Substack Monthly Suscriber: CCraftCollective