Think Inclusive

Madison Tevlin is an actor, advocate, and podcaster known for her breakout role in the film Champions and her viral YouTube performances. Madison’s work centers on authentic representation in media, advocating for inclusion that goes beyond disability. She is the host of the upcoming podcast 21 Questions, which celebrates identity, energy, and connection. Madison’s advocacy extends to inclusive classrooms and authentic storytelling, and she is passionate about being recognized for her personality and talents rather than her diagnosis.In this episode, host Tim Villegas talks with Madison Tevlin about her journey as a performer and advocate. Madison shares insights from her experiences on inclusive film sets, the importance of being seen for who you are, and her vision for representation in media. The conversation explores Madison’s creative process, her new podcast 21 Questions, and her advice for educators on fostering authentic inclusion in schools. Madison’s story is a powerful reminder that the least interesting thing about a person is their diagnosis, and that true inclusion means celebrating everyone’s unique identity.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/how-madison-tevlin-redefines-disability-in-media-and-hollywood-1308/

Dr. Jen Newton is an Associate Professor of Special Education at Ohio University and founder of Teaching is Intellectual. Jen works to re‑imagine general education as the default setting for all learners and centers belonging, access to curriculum, and accountability for systems so that inclusion is real, not just a placement.Tim and Jen unpack what “general education” really means under IDEA: not a room, but the default setting for every learner—with supports, adaptations, and shared responsibility across a school. They clarify why “least restrictive environment” (LRE) is not a place, how ableism shows up in decisions, and what families and educators can do now to advance authentic inclusion.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/general-education-has-to-be-for-everyone-1307/

Will Parker is an educator, author, and executive coach. Will helps school leaders build strong cultures, communication, and community through his work at Principal Matters. He’s a former principal and host of the Principal Matters podcast. Will’s work matters for inclusion because he supports educators in leading with heart and compassion, especially during challenging times. In this episode, Tim Villegas talks with Will Parker about navigating the emotional weight of current events, the impact of political rhetoric on schools, and how educators can stay grounded in their mission to serve students. The conversation centers on leading with compassion, focusing on local action, and finding hope in everyday relationships. The episode is intentionally broad so listeners can apply the insights to many situations. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/navigating-school-leadership-in-chaotic-times-a-conversation-with-will-parker-1306/

Brit Barron - Speaker, author, and comedian. Brit’s work explores how we stay connected in a polarized world, focusing on empathy, belonging, and liberation for all people. Brit’s book, Do You Still Talk to Grandma?, dives into cancel culture and navigating relationships with people we love but deeply disagree with. Their work matters for inclusion because it helps people build bridges in schools, communities, and families. Brit Barron joins Tim Villegas to talk about how to get better at disagreement—without giving up your values or just being nice. They discuss why empathy isn’t weakness, how our bubbles can hurt us, and how educators can lead with compassion even when values clash. The conversation is honest, friendly, and full of practical wisdom for anyone trying to build more inclusive communities. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/how-to-talk-to-people-you-disagree-with-insights-from-brit-barron-1305/

Jack Pearpoint: Canadian publisher, inclusion advocate, and co‑creator of person‑centered planning tools like MAPS, PATH, and Circle of Friends. Jack’s work centers on relationships and building local leadership for change so every learner belongs. In this episode, Jack Pearpoint and Tim Villegas talk about “inclusion punk rock”—doing what’s right for learners even when systems say no. They dig into the origin of MAPS, PATH, and Circles of Support, how to keep planning deeply personal (not just an app or a checklist), and why change grows from relationships, neighborhoods, and people on the margins. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/radical-listening-how-jack-pearpoints-punk-rock-spirit-shaped-inclusive-education/

Jennifer Gonzalez — National Board Certified Teacher and the voice behind Cult of Pedagogy. After more than a decade in classrooms, she now helps educators sharpen their craft with clear, practical guidance. Her work matters for inclusion because it centers relationships, cognitive growth, and everyday practices that make classrooms safe and welcoming for every learner.In this conversation, Jennifer Gonzalez and host Tim Villegas talk about teaching through a turbulent political moment—putting safety first, staying grounded in real (not performative) inclusion, and finding allies at school and beyond. They share concrete moves teachers can make right now, plus where to find hope when the news feels heavy.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/navigating-political-challenges-in-education-advice-from-jennifer-gonzalez-1303/

Cathi Davis is the principal of Ruby Bridges Elementary School in Woodinville, Washington, and the 2025 Washington State Principal of the Year. She leads a school built on the promise “we thought of you when we made this place,” designing for belonging, elevating student voice, and protecting adult collaboration so inclusive practices stick.Principal Cathi Davis shares how Ruby Bridges Elementary purposefully designs for belonging rather than just declaring it—centering student voice, presuming competence, and building systems where every learner is a leader and belongs. She breaks down how leaders protect weekly co‑planning time, model vulnerability, and act with urgency because kids don’t get these minutes back—there are only 188 school days to invest in community.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/cathi-davis-on-creating-schools-where-every-learner-belongs-1302/

Samuel Habib is a college student, filmmaker, and disability rights advocate. He co-directed The Ride Ahead, a documentary chronicling his transition into adulthood as a disabled person. Samuel works part-time at the Westchester Institute for Human Development and is pursuing a degree in history at Southern New Hampshire University.Dan Habib is an Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker and longtime advocate for inclusive education. He has directed several impactful films including Including Samuel and Intelligent Lives. Dan co-directed The Ride Ahead with Samuel and has been instrumental in promoting authentic representation of disabled voices in media.In this heartfelt episode, Tim Villegas speaks with Samuel and Dan Habib about their documentary The Ride Ahead, which explores Samuel’s journey into adulthood, the challenges of traveling with a disability, and the importance of mentorship and community. The conversation dives into storytelling, inclusive education, dating and intimacy, and the power of showing up as your full self. The episode also highlights the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the impact of authentic representation.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/the-ride-ahead-samuel-and-dan-habib/

Welcome to Think Inclusive. Each week, we bring together families, educators, and disability rights advocates to build a shared understanding of inclusive education—and what inclusion looks like in real schools and communities.Hosted by Tim Villegas, Director of Communications at the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE), Think Inclusive shares real stories, practical strategies, and honest conversations that help you move inclusion forward where you are. It’s also a proud production of MCIE.What you’ll hear in this feed:Straight‑talk interviews with educators, advocates, and self‑advocates who are changing systems.Clear, actionable ideas you can use in classrooms, IEP meetings, and leadership teams.Themes we return to often: belonging, presuming competence, UDL, co‑teaching, accessible materials, and shifting mindsets that sustain inclusive schools.Why listen now: Since 2012, Think Inclusive has released over 200 episodes and ranks in the top 2% of podcasts globally—so you’ll find a deep, practical archive to learn from.Our regular season runs September through July, with bonus episodes sprinkled in.Hit Follow/Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Want to share how you’re using the show with your team or district? Email Tim Villegas at tvillegas@mcie.org—we’d love to hear from you.

In this compelling episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in an enlightening conversation with Elizabeth Bonker, a prominent advocate for non-speaking individuals. Elizabeth shares her inspiring journey of becoming a voice for non-speakers through typing. Despite the communication barriers she faced, Elizabeth emerged as a powerful force in advocating for inclusivity in education and society. Elizabeth discusses the challenges non-speaking students encounter in schools, particularly the prevalent resistance to recognize typing as a legitimate communication method. She compares typing to Braille for the blind or sign language for the deaf, advocating for its integration into educational settings as a civil rights issue. The episode delves into Elizabeth's personal experiences, emphasizing the significant impact of presuming competence. She underscores the necessity of educational reform to facilitate access to typing for non-speakers, advocating for a shift in perception that acknowledges their potential. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/podcast-episode-template-title/