Jeremy Davis: Shattering Stigma & Bias, One Story at a Time

Today we interview Jeremy Davis. Jeremy shares his journey of self-discovery and how he found his passion for storytelling through writing and directing. We discuss the importance of self-diagnosis and the validity of personal experiences. Jeremy also talks about the challenges of navigating ableism and toxic engagement in the disability advocacy space. He shares his future plans of creating films that address ableism and promote representation. Finally, we discuss the importance of self-care and avoiding burnout in the advocacy work. The conversation explores the impact of behavior on online communities and the creation of hostile environments. It concludes with a discussion on the importance of being kind and valuing individual experiences. Self-diagnosis is a valid and important part of the diagnostic journey for many individuals. Navigating ableism and toxic engagement in the disability advocacy space can be challenging, but it's important to stay true to your own perspective and continue the conversation. Filmmaking and storytelling can be powerful tools for promoting representation and challenging ableism in society. Taking care of your mental health and avoiding burnout is crucial when engaging in advocacy work. Online behavior can have a significant impact on communities, and individuals may not be fully aware of the consequences of their actions. In the disability and inclusion space, there is a risk of creating hostile and negative environments due to the strong emotions and experiences involved. It is important to be mindful of the impact our behavior has on others and strive to create positive and inclusive spaces. Being kind and understanding the journeys and experiences of others is crucial in fostering a supportive and empathetic community. 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:12 Young Jeremy and Early Years 08:00 The Role of Writing and Filmmaking 11:39 Self-Diagnosis and Validity 15:00 Navigating Ableism and Advocacy 19:04 Future Plans and Filmmaking 37:21 Dealing with Burnout and Toxic Engagement 52:31 Impact of Behavior on Online Communities 53:00 Creating Hostile Environments 53:43 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Jeremy 55:05 Be Kind and Value Individual Experiences