Academy-Award winning actor Troy Kotsur has been featured in blockbuster films, Broadway shows, and hit TV shows throughout his career. He’s also been a tireless advocate for the Deaf community, both in front of and behind the cameras. 

Troy sat down with host Jay Ruderman to discuss the importance of authenticity in portrayal of Deaf and disabled characters, and the vital importance of learning ASL at a young age. Special thanks to interpreter Justin Maurer for his help with this episode.

Also be sure to check out Troy’s Documentary Film, To My Father, which depicts his journey to winning an Oscar and his father’s inspiring influence on him, despite a tragic accident.



For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation



Stay in touch:

X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn

LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation

Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation

To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/

Academy-Award winning actor Troy Kotsur has been featured in blockbuster films, Broadway shows, and hit TV shows throughout his career. He’s also been a tireless advocate for the Deaf community, both in front of and behind the cameras. 
Troy sat down with host Jay Ruderman to discuss the importance of authenticity in portrayal of Deaf and disabled characters, and the vital importance of learning ASL at a young age. Special thanks to interpreter Justin Maurer for his help with this episode.
Also be sure to check out Troy’s Documentary Film, <a href="https://tribecafilm.com/films/to-my-father-2023">To My Father</a>, which depicts his journey to winning an Oscar and his father’s inspiring influence on him, despite a tragic accident.
 
For video episodes, watch on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation">www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation</a>
 
Stay in touch:
X: <a href="https://x.com/JayRuderman">@JayRuderman</a> | <a href="https://x.com/RudermanFdn">@RudermanFdn</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-ruderman-a799781b9/">Jay Ruderman</a> | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/ruderman-family-foundation/">Ruderman Family Foundation</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/allaboutchangepodcast/">All About Change Podcast</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rudermanfamilyfoundation/?hl=en">Ruderman Family Foundation</a>
To learn more about the podcast, visit <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2NzRTVYWDNpMjlZLXR5RWxURzhsSHVxTXdtUXxBQ3Jtc0ttODJLa0ZDR3RsMFFCRWNhVXpyRjJPNXRQQmQtVFZLYXFqc2NNSTdQRWFZV3RMXzk5Ykp4TC16alUtYXBtMUtnN1h6RTBlZmhVSURrbmctNDNRWC1fWURoOGcxWksyQjV3VTlYNzUydnkybU1BSk96UQ&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fallaboutchangepodcast.com%2F&amp;v=3JbEeuN4dEk">https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/</a>

How do we build an inclusive world? Hear intimate and in-depth conversations with changemakers on disability rights, youth mental health advocacy, prison reform, grassroots activism, and more. 

First-hand stories about activism, change, and courage from people who are changing the world: from how a teen mom became the Planned Parenthood CEO, to NBA player Kevin Love on mental health in professional sports, to Beetlejuice actress Geena Davis on Hollywood’s role in women’s rights. 

All About Change is hosted by Jay Ruderman, whose life’s work is seeking social justice and inclusion for people with disabilities worldwide. Join Jay as he interviews iconic guests who have gone through adversity and harnessed their experiences to better the world. This show ultimately offers the message of hope that we need to keep going. All About Change is a production of the Ruderman Family Foundation. 

Listen and subscribe to All About Change wherever you get podcasts. 

https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/

How do we build an inclusive world? Hear intimate and in-depth conversations with changemakers on disability rights, youth mental health advocacy, prison reform, grassroots activism, and more. 
First-hand stories about activism, change, and courage from people who are changing the world: from how a teen mom became the Planned Parenthood CEO, to NBA player Kevin Love on mental health in professional sports, to Beetlejuice actress Geena Davis on Hollywood’s role in women’s rights. 
All About Change is hosted by Jay Ruderman, whose life’s work is seeking social justice and inclusion for people with disabilities worldwide. Join Jay as he interviews iconic guests who have gone through adversity and harnessed their experiences to better the world. This show ultimately offers the message of hope that we need to keep going. All About Change is a production of the Ruderman Family Foundation. 
Listen and subscribe to All About Change wherever you get podcasts. 
https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/

A Podcast on Inclusion, Innovation, and Social Justice.

All About Change

How do we build an inclusive world? Hear intimate and in-depth conversations with changemakers on disability rights, youth mental health advocacy, prison reform, grassroots activism, and more. 

First-hand stories about activism, change, and courage from people who are changing the world: from how a teen mom became the Planned Parenthood CEO, to NBA player Kevin Love on mental health in professional sports, to Beetlejuice actress Geena Davis on Hollywood’s role in women’s rights. 

All About Change is hosted by Jay Ruderman, whose life’s work is seeking social justice and inclusion for people with disabilities worldwide. Join Jay as he interviews iconic guests who have gone through adversity and harnessed their experiences to better the world. This show ultimately offers the message of hope that we need to keep going. All About Change is a production of the Ruderman Family Foundation. 

Listen and subscribe to All About Change wherever you get podcasts. www.allaboutchange.com

Please fill out the Listener Feedback Form - Linked Here

How do we build an inclusive world? Hear intimate and in-depth conversations with changemakers on disability rights, youth mental health advocacy, prison reform, grassroots activism, and more. 
First-hand stories about activism, change, and courage from people who are changing the world: from how a teen mom became the Planned Parenthood CEO, to NBA player Kevin Love on mental health in professional sports, to Beetlejuice actress Geena Davis on Hollywood’s role in women’s rights. 
All About Change is hosted by Jay Ruderman, whose life’s work is seeking social justice and inclusion for people with disabilities worldwide. Join Jay as he interviews iconic guests who have gone through adversity and harnessed their experiences to better the world. This show ultimately offers the message of hope that we need to keep going. All About Change is a production of the Ruderman Family Foundation. 
Listen and subscribe to All About Change wherever you get podcasts. <a href="http://www.allaboutchange.com">www.allaboutchange.com</a>
Please fill out the Listener Feedback Form - <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16OwpWj2C4L0bK_MxtFyzZIoFzKPlI62qVY4aS6t2ByU/viewform?edit_requested=true">Linked Here</a>

Troy Kotsur - Advocating for Onscreen Authenticity

As a toddler, Mia Silverman had a near-fatal encounter with an allergen. That emergency revealed to her parents not only that she was allergic to dozens and dozens of different everyday foods and additives, but that many of those allergies were life-threatening. Later, as a teen, Mia made a TikTok listing her myriad of allergies. What she didn’t anticipate, however, was that her TikTok would go viral and give her a platform through which to advocate for awareness for others just like her.

Mia Silverman joined host Jay Ruderman to talk about her journey from allergy sufferer to allergy awareness advocate. Mia discusses her experiences from childhood, including life-threatening allergic reactions, bullying, and the lack of awareness and support for those living with food allergies. Jay and Mia also speak about the practical aspects of her life, including dining out, traveling, and her efforts to bring systemic changes to improve support, care, and empathy for those living with severe allergies.



Episode Chapters

(00:00) Intro to Mia Silverman

(00:41) Mia Discovers Her Severe Allergies

(03:32) Understanding and Testing for Allergies

(04:37) Mia’s List of Severe Allergies

(06:48) Experiencing Bullying Due to Allergies

(09:25) Mia Goes Viral

(13:03) Navigating Daily Life with Allergies

(19:09) Traveling with Severe Allergies

(23:09) Social Media Advocacy

(27:43) Future Goals and Advocacy Efforts

(31:11) Conclusion and Credits



For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation



Stay in touch:

X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn

LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation

Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation

To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/

As a toddler, Mia Silverman had a near-fatal encounter with an allergen. That emergency revealed to her parents not only that she was allergic to dozens and dozens of different everyday foods and additives, but that many of those allergies were life-threatening. Later, as a teen, Mia made a TikTok listing her myriad of allergies. What she didn’t anticipate, however, was that her TikTok would go viral and give her a platform through which to advocate for awareness for others just like her.
Mia Silverman joined host Jay Ruderman to talk about her journey from allergy sufferer to allergy awareness advocate. Mia discusses her experiences from childhood, including life-threatening allergic reactions, bullying, and the lack of awareness and support for those living with food allergies. Jay and Mia also speak about the practical aspects of her life, including dining out, traveling, and her efforts to bring systemic changes to improve support, care, and empathy for those living with severe allergies.
 
Episode Chapters
(00:00) Intro to Mia Silverman
(00:41) Mia Discovers Her Severe Allergies
(03:32) Understanding and Testing for Allergies
(04:37) Mia’s List of Severe Allergies
(06:48) Experiencing Bullying Due to Allergies
(09:25) Mia Goes Viral
(13:03) Navigating Daily Life with Allergies
(19:09) Traveling with Severe Allergies
(23:09) Social Media Advocacy
(27:43) Future Goals and Advocacy Efforts
(31:11) Conclusion and Credits
 
For video episodes, watch on<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation"> www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation</a>
 
Stay in touch:
X:<a href="https://x.com/JayRuderman"> @JayRuderman</a> |<a href="https://x.com/RudermanFdn"> @RudermanFdn</a>
LinkedIn:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-ruderman-a799781b9/"> Jay Ruderman</a> |<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/ruderman-family-foundation/"> Ruderman Family Foundation</a>
Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/allaboutchangepodcast/"> All About Change Podcast</a> |<a href="https://www.instagram.com/rudermanfamilyfoundation/?hl=en"> Ruderman Family Foundation</a>
To learn more about the podcast, visit<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2NzRTVYWDNpMjlZLXR5RWxURzhsSHVxTXdtUXxBQ3Jtc0ttODJLa0ZDR3RsMFFCRWNhVXpyRjJPNXRQQmQtVFZLYXFqc2NNSTdQRWFZV3RMXzk5Ykp4TC16alUtYXBtMUtnN1h6RTBlZmhVSURrbmctNDNRWC1fWURoOGcxWksyQjV3VTlYNzUydnkybU1BSk96UQ&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fallaboutchangepodcast.com%2F&amp;v=3JbEeuN4dEk"> https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/</a>

Mia Silverman - Allergy Activism: Navigating Life and Speaking Out

Montana Tucker built a massive platform on social media using her talents in art, music, and dance. She even shared her personal journey of exploring her family’s history with the Holocaust. But after October 7th, she knew she had to use her platform to combat antisemitism and make a difference.



Montana Tucker joined host Jay Ruderman to talk about her experiences raising awareness about antisemitism and supporting Israel. Montana speaks about her deep-rooted connection to her Holocaust-surviving grandparents, and her emotional experience of visiting Auschwitz with her mother. Jay and Montana also discuss how she has used her platform for advocacy despite facing backlash and hate, her passionate advocacy for Israel and against antisemitism, and her unwavering hope for peace in the Middle East.















Episode Chapters

(00:00) Intro to Montana Tucker

(00:51) Montana’s personal connection to the Holocaust

(07:47) The importance of the state of Israel

(09:29) Montana speaking out about October 7th

(11:33) Dealing with backlash and hate

(13:46) What Montana thinks people get wrong about October 7th

(15:32) Visiting the Nova Festival site 

(18:02) How Montana starts conversations with others

(21:47) Montana’s experience at the UCLA encampments

(27:32) Montana’s advice on getting involved and speaking up

(28:56) Montana’s dream of peace in the Middle East

(30:06) Conclusion and Credits



For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation



Stay in touch:

X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn

LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation

Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation

To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/

Montana Tucker built a massive platform on social media using her talents in art, music, and dance. She even shared her personal journey of exploring her family’s history with the Holocaust. But after October 7th, she knew she had to use her platform to combat antisemitism and make a difference.
 
Montana Tucker joined host Jay Ruderman to talk about her experiences raising awareness about antisemitism and supporting Israel. Montana speaks about her deep-rooted connection to her Holocaust-surviving grandparents, and her emotional experience of visiting Auschwitz with her mother. Jay and Montana also discuss how she has used her platform for advocacy despite facing backlash and hate, her passionate advocacy for Israel and against antisemitism, and her unwavering hope for peace in the Middle East.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Episode Chapters
(00:00) Intro to Montana Tucker
(00:51) Montana’s personal connection to the Holocaust
(07:47) The importance of the state of Israel
(09:29) Montana speaking out about October 7th
(11:33) Dealing with backlash and hate
(13:46) What Montana thinks people get wrong about October 7th
(15:32) Visiting the Nova Festival site 
(18:02) How Montana starts conversations with others
(21:47) Montana’s experience at the UCLA encampments
(27:32) Montana’s advice on getting involved and speaking up
(28:56) Montana’s dream of peace in the Middle East
(30:06) Conclusion and Credits
 
For video episodes, watch on<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation"> www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation</a>
 
Stay in touch:
X:<a href="https://x.com/JayRuderman"> @JayRuderman</a> |<a href="https://x.com/RudermanFdn"> @RudermanFdn</a>
LinkedIn:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-ruderman-a799781b9/"> Jay Ruderman</a> |<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/ruderman-family-foundation/"> Ruderman Family Foundation</a>
Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/allaboutchangepodcast/"> All About Change Podcast</a> |<a href="https://www.instagram.com/rudermanfamilyfoundation/?hl=en"> Ruderman Family Foundation</a>
To learn more about the podcast, visit<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2NzRTVYWDNpMjlZLXR5RWxURzhsSHVxTXdtUXxBQ3Jtc0ttODJLa0ZDR3RsMFFCRWNhVXpyRjJPNXRQQmQtVFZLYXFqc2NNSTdQRWFZV3RMXzk5Ykp4TC16alUtYXBtMUtnN1h6RTBlZmhVSURrbmctNDNRWC1fWURoOGcxWksyQjV3VTlYNzUydnkybU1BSk96UQ&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fallaboutchangepodcast.com%2F&amp;v=3JbEeuN4dEk"> https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/</a>

Montana Tucker - From Auschwitz to Advocacy

Dr. Michelle Oakley decided that as a veterinarian, she wanted to treat all species in her practice. And as if that were not enough of a challenge, she built her career treating wildlife in some of the most remote areas of North America.

Dr. Michelle Oakley joined host Jay Ruderman to talk about her career as a veterinarian specializing in treating all species of wildlife in Alaska and the Yukon. Dr. Oakley speaks about turning her lifelong love for animals into a career where she works with wildlife in remote areas, as documented on her show, Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet. Jay and Dr. Oakley also discuss her daughters’ involvement with her veterinary work, Dr. Oakley’s sustainable lifestyle in the remote wilderness, and the impact of climate change on wildlife and wildlife conservation.



Episode Chapters

(00:00) Intro to Dr. Michelle Oakley

(00:32) Dr. Oakley’s Childhood Inspirations

(03:05) Encouragement and Role Models

(05:25) Pursuing a Career in Veterinary Medicine

(07:43) Challenges and Adventures in Wildlife Care

(11:52) Family Involvement in Veterinary Work

(15:43) Dr. Oakley’s Leap into TV

(17:56) A Day in the Life of a Remote Wilderness Vet

(20:18) Using Innovative Treatments in Veterinary Medicine

(24:25) How Dr. Oakley Maintains Her Mental Health

(25:25) Impact of Climate Change on Wildlife

(28:10) Sustainable Living in Remote Areas

(30:22) Supporting Wildlife Organizations

(32:17) Leveraging Her TV Show for Good

(35:03) Conclusion and Credits



For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation



Stay in touch:

X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn

LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation

Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation

To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/

Dr. Michelle Oakley decided that as a veterinarian, she wanted to treat all species in her practice. And as if that were not enough of a challenge, she built her career treating wildlife in some of the most remote areas of North America.
Dr. Michelle Oakley joined host Jay Ruderman to talk about her career as a veterinarian specializing in treating all species of wildlife in Alaska and the Yukon. Dr. Oakley speaks about turning her lifelong love for animals into a career where she works with wildlife in remote areas, as documented on her show, Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet. Jay and Dr. Oakley also discuss her daughters’ involvement with her veterinary work, Dr. Oakley’s sustainable lifestyle in the remote wilderness, and the impact of climate change on wildlife and wildlife conservation.
 
Episode Chapters
(00:00) Intro to Dr. Michelle Oakley
(00:32) Dr. Oakley’s Childhood Inspirations
(03:05) Encouragement and Role Models
(05:25) Pursuing a Career in Veterinary Medicine
(07:43) Challenges and Adventures in Wildlife Care
(11:52) Family Involvement in Veterinary Work
(15:43) Dr. Oakley’s Leap into TV
(17:56) A Day in the Life of a Remote Wilderness Vet
(20:18) Using Innovative Treatments in Veterinary Medicine
(24:25) How Dr. Oakley Maintains Her Mental Health
(25:25) Impact of Climate Change on Wildlife
(28:10) Sustainable Living in Remote Areas
(30:22) Supporting Wildlife Organizations
(32:17) Leveraging Her TV Show for Good
(35:03) Conclusion and Credits
 
For video episodes, watch on<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation"> www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation</a>
 
Stay in touch:
X:<a href="https://x.com/JayRuderman"> @JayRuderman</a> |<a href="https://x.com/RudermanFdn"> @RudermanFdn</a>
LinkedIn:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-ruderman-a799781b9/"> Jay Ruderman</a> |<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/ruderman-family-foundation/"> Ruderman Family Foundation</a>
Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/allaboutchangepodcast/"> All About Change Podcast</a> |<a href="https://www.instagram.com/rudermanfamilyfoundation/?hl=en"> Ruderman Family Foundation</a>
To learn more about the podcast, visit<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2NzRTVYWDNpMjlZLXR5RWxURzhsSHVxTXdtUXxBQ3Jtc0ttODJLa0ZDR3RsMFFCRWNhVXpyRjJPNXRQQmQtVFZLYXFqc2NNSTdQRWFZV3RMXzk5Ykp4TC16alUtYXBtMUtnN1h6RTBlZmhVSURrbmctNDNRWC1fWURoOGcxWksyQjV3VTlYNzUydnkybU1BSk96UQ&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fallaboutchangepodcast.com%2F&amp;v=3JbEeuN4dEk"> https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/</a>

Troy Kotsur - Advocating for Onscreen Authenticity

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