What Do I Know? with Bill Shakos
What Do I Know? with Bill Shakos
Podcast Description
Curiosity. Empathy. Real Conversations.
Join host Bill Shakos, a self-proclaimed Serial Meet and Greet Guy (SMAGG), as he dives deep into honest conversations that explore identity, community, and the invisible walls that divide us. Through humor, humility, and deeply empathetic storytelling, Bill challenges what we think we know about people who are different. So, he set out to connect with people from all walks of life—one story at a time.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a diverse range of themes including identity, community dynamics, and the impact of local government. Specific episodes delve into topics such as navigating racism in suburban neighborhoods, engaging with local politics as a means for empowerment, and personal reflections on life changes after the pandemic.
Curiosity. Empathy. Real Conversations.
Join host Bill Shakos, a self-proclaimed Serial Meet and Greet Guy (SMAGG), as he dives deep into honest conversations that explore identity, community, and the invisible walls that divide us. Through humor, humility, and deeply empathetic storytelling, Bill challenges what we think we know about people who are different. So, he set out to connect with people from all walks of life—one story at a time.
In this enlightening episode, we sit down with James Ross, Chair of the Westport Commission on People with Disabilities, and Elaine Daignault, Director of Westport Human Services, to explore what it truly means to see the person before the disability. Through stories, community insight, and cultural reflections, we uncover how embracing diverse abilities not only enhances individual lives but enriches our community.
💡 Inside the Episode:
- The mission and impact of the Westport Commission on People with Disabilities
- How Westport’s Human Services Department supports youth, seniors, and people with disabilities
- How people with disabilities express a deep desire not for special treatment, but for equal opportunity—to live, work, connect, and thrive without having to constantly prove their worth or fight for basic access.
- Eye-opening media recommendations:
- “Willowbrook: The Last Great Disgrace” — Geraldo Rivera’s landmark documentary that exposed institutional abuse
- The Undateables — A UK series challenging perceptions of dating and disability
- Tina Friml — Stand-up comedian redefining representation with humor and heart
- Little People, Big World – a reality TV series that follows the Roloff family, some of whom have dwarfism, as they navigate everyday life, relationships, and running their Oregon farm.
- Crip Camp – a documentary that tells the story of a groundbreaking summer camp for teens with disabilities in the 1970s that helped spark a revolution in the disability rights movement.
- The legacy of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
- Inclusive employment: Why hiring people with disabilities is a win for everyone
🧭 Why This Episode Matters:
This episode challenges listeners to rethink what’s “normal” by focusing on the humanity, talents, and rights of people with disabilities. When we pause to truly see the person — not just the diagnosis — we create a more inclusive, empathetic, and a perspective on who we are as people first. Whether you’re a policymaker, employer, parent, or neighbor, this conversation offers meaningful ways to connect, support, and uplift.
Media resources from this episode:
- “Willowbrook: The Last Great Disgrace” Geraldo Rivera’s landmark documentary that exposed institutional abuse
- The Undateables — A UK series challenging perceptions of dating and disability
- Tina Friml — Stand-up comedian redefining representation with humor and heart
- Little People, Big World – a reality TV series that follows the Roloff family, some of whom have dwarfism, as they navigate everyday life, relationships, and running their Oregon farm.
- Crip Camp – a documentary that tells the story of a groundbreaking summer camp for teens with disabilities in the 1970s that helped spark a revolution in the disability rights movement.
Stay Connected:
- LinkTree page with all ways to listen, follow, and subscribe
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- Podcast Website listen, follow, subscribe, and learn about Bill’s story and podcast purpose
- YouTube Channel with supplemental content
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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