Marine Corps Marathon Journey!  This episode of the Together We Shall podcast centers on the camaraderie, history, and impact of the Ainsley’s Angels community through the lens of the Marine Corps Marathon weekend. The hosts welcome Dan Cruz, a long-time ally and communications professional in the endurance-sports world, to share his journey—from sports PR beginnings to becoming a full-fledged Ainsley’s Angels marathoner.

Rooster and Joe reflect on Dan’s long-standing role as a national advocate for inclusion, praising his authenticity and leadership.  During the DC weekend, Dan received Ainsley’s Angels’ Presidential Coin for Inclusion Excellence—a recognition reserved for exceptional allies.

Dan describes inclusion as beginning with respect, linking it to consistency in actions and relationships. Discussion highlights the mutual joy of allyship—helping others while being personally fulfilled through connection and shared mission.

Behind-the-Scenes at the Marine Corps Marathon: The hosts share humorous race-morning stories (alarms, 4 AM wake-ups, “never miss a movement” moments).

Together, We Shall Podcast is hosted by Kim ‘Rooster’ Rossiter, President and Co-Founder of Ainsley’s Angels of America, and Joe Orth, Executive Vice President of Ainsley’s Angels. This inclusive podcast takes you into a world of tangents and thoroughfares, focusing on a conversation to be determined. Highlighting current events, insightful antidotes and life lessons with banter, sit back and listen to a little bit of humor and a few emotional deep dives during each episode. Let’s roll! If you would like to join us on the podcast, place to share/tell stories and connect, or nominate someone to join us on the podcast, email us at Podcast@AinsleysAngels.org

Key moments and takeaways from this episode include:
Inclusion through Action: Accessibility and respect are the foundation of true inclusion.
Legacy of Service: Ainsley’s Angels continues to unite communities through running, compassion, and advocacy.
Consistency Matters: Relationships built on authenticity and service create lasting impact.
Shared Humanity: The marathon symbolizes life’s challenges and the strength found in community.

✨ “From the start line to the Iwo Jima Memorial, this episode captures the heart of inclusion, friendship, and purpose. Join Rooster, Joe, and special guest Dan Cruz as they relive an unforgettable Marine Corps Marathon weekend — filled with laughter, life lessons, and a full-circle moment of allyship.”


#TogetherWeShall #AinsleysAngels #MarineCorpsMarathon #InclusionMatters #RunningForInclusion #TeamCassidy #AngelAlly #PurposeDriven #runwiththemarines #podcast

On this episode of the Together We Shall podcast, we sit down with Maurelhena Walles, founder of Equity Design, to talk about transforming communities through movement, equity, and inclusive design. From NYC schoolyards to global impact, her story is powerful, personal, and inspiring. 💪🏽🌍

🗣️ “We aim to bridge the gap between health, wealth, and life expectancy.”

🎙️ Listen now to hear how she's bridging gaps in health, wealth, and life expectancy through physical activity and community empowerment. To learn more about Equity Design, check them out here, https://www.equitydesigninc.com/

Audio version of the Together, We Shall Podcast can be found on Buzzsprout (link below), on the Apple Podcast app, as well as on Spotify, Amazon, and the Ainsley’s Angels YouTube channel for those seeking closed captioning or just like to watch vice listen to podcasts. https://twspodcast.buzzsprout.com  

Together, We Shall Podcast is hosted by Kim ‘Rooster’ Rossiter, President and Co-Founder of Ainsley’s Angels of America, and Joe Orth, Executive Vice President of Ainsley’s Angels. This inclusive podcast takes you into a world of tangents and thoroughfares, focusing on a conversation to be determined. Highlighting current events, insightful antidotes and life lessons with banter, sit back and listen to a little bit of humor and a few emotional deep dives during each episode. Let’s roll! If you would like to join us on the podcast, place to share/tell stories and connect, or nominate someone to join us on the podcast, email us at Podcast@AinsleysAngels.org

In this inspiring episode, hosts Rooster Rossiter and Joe Orth sit down with Billy Price, co-founder of Billy Footwear, to explore resilience, innovation, and community.

Billy shares his life-changing story of a fall that left him a quadriplegic, his early struggles with identity and independence, and how a simple need — putting on his own shoes — led to the creation of a global footwear brand. With humility and grit, Billy explains how universal design transformed Billy Footwear from a side project into a company that empowers thousands, including athletes in the Ainsley’s Angels community.

The conversation touches on mindset shifts (“Why not me?”), the importance of confidence in what you wear, and the power of teamwork—whether in rehab, on the racecourse, or in business. Billy also discusses future plans for expanding the brand and giving back through a philanthropic initiative, Billy Cares.

👉 Tune in for a story of perseverance, purpose, and how a single idea can open doors for countless others.

Use this link to get a 10% off discount on your pair(s) of Billy Footwear: https://billyfootwear.com/?ref=Ainsleys_Angels 

Ainsley's Angels will earn a 10% donation from each shoe purchased made through this link, furthering its efforts to foster and educate more Angel Allies across America. 

Each September, we recognize Suicide Prevention Month as a time to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time. If you or someone you know is struggling please let them know someone is here to help. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Joshua Taylor, founder of the Facebook page Disabled, Not Unable, shares his personal journey with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which led him from being a commercial truck driver to a full-time wheelchair user and passionate disability advocate. He speaks candidly about the grief of losing abilities, career, and long-held aspirations—but also how those shifts opened doors to new purpose, especially through adaptive sports and his involvement with Ainsley’s Angels.

Joshua discusses his proactive work with local government in Michigan, including speaking at a City Council meeting (post-medical procedure!) to defend Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts amid political pressures to remove them.

The episode ties everything back to movement, advocacy, and dignity, spotlighting inclusion as a right—not a luxury—and how the smallest changes, like adaptive playgrounds or pop-up privacy tents, can shift someone’s entire world.

Interested in applying for the Ally Development Program? Click https://ainsleysangels.org/adp/. Want to run with the Marines in our nation's capital? Click, https://ainsleysangels.org/runwiththemarines/

Audio version of the Together, We Shall Podcast can be found on Buzzsprout (link below), on the Apple Podcast app, as well as on Spotify, Amazon, and the Ainsley’s Angels YouTube channel for those seeking closed captioning or just like to watch vice listen to podcasts. https://twspodcast.buzzsprout.com  

Together, We Shall Podcast is hosted by Kim ‘Rooster’ Rossiter, President and Co-Founder of Ainsley’s Angels of America, and Joe Orth, Executive Vice President of Ainsley’s Angels. This inclusive podcast takes you into a world of tangents and thoroughfares, focusing on a conversation to be determined. Highlighting current events, insightful antidotes and life lessons with banter, sit back and listen to a little bit of humor and a few emotional deep dives during each episode. Let’s roll! If you would like to join us on the podcast, place to share/tell stories and connect, or nominate someone to join us on the podcast, email us at Podcast@AinsleysAngels.org

Ainsley's Angels Senior Vice President of Programs, Shaun Evans, joins Joe and Rooster, as the three share recent stories about thier sons. Three Proud Dads and a few thoughts about the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend. 

Audio version of the Together, We Shall Podcast can be found on Buzzsprout (link below), on the Apple Podcast app, as well as on Spotify, Amazon, and the Ainsley’s Angels YouTube channel for those seeking closed captioning or just like to watch vice listen to podcasts. https://twspodcast.buzzsprout.com  

Together, We Shall Podcast is hosted by Kim ‘Rooster’ Rossiter, President and Co-Founder of Ainsley’s Angels of America, and Joe Orth, Executive Vice President of Ainsley’s Angels. This inclusive podcast takes you into a world of tangents and thoroughfares, focusing on a conversation to be determined. Highlighting current events, insightful antidotes and life lessons with banter, sit back and listen to a little bit of humor and a few emotional deep dives during each episode. Let’s roll! If you would like to join us on the podcast, place to share/tell stories and connect, or nominate someone to join us on the podcast, email us at Podcast@AinsleysAngels.org

In this episode, Rooster and Joe return from a year-long podcast break and are joined by Amanda Turner, a witty and insightful advocate living with a disability. Amanda shares stories from her vacation, her journey from being pushed in races to racing independently, and her humorous approach to advocacy. She emphasizes the importance of inclusive humor, planning for long-term care, and building two-way bridges between disabled and non-disabled communities. 

Audio version of the Together, We Shall Podcast can be found on Buzzsprout (link below), on the Apple Podcast app, as well as on Spotify, Amazon, and the Ainsley’s Angels YouTube channel for those seeking closed captioning or just like to watch vice listen to podcasts. https://twspodcast.buzzsprout.com 

Together, We Shall Podcast is hosted by Kim ‘Rooster’ Rossiter, President and Co-Founder of Ainsley’s Angels of America, and Joe Orth, Executive Vice President of Ainsley’s Angels. This inclusive podcast takes you into a world of tangents and thoroughfares, focusing on a conversation to be determined. Highlighting current events, insightful antidotes and life lessons with banter, sit back and listen to a little bit of humor and a few emotional deep dives during each episode. Let’s roll! If you would like to join us on the podcast, place to share/tell stories and connect, or nominate someone to join us on the podcast, email us at Podcast@AinsleysAngels.org

Bantering through tangents and running the thoroughfares, Kelley Brandon, a special soul, and mother to her precious athlete rider turned angel runner Connor, joins Joe and Rooster to discuss and educate us on topics ranging from Lupus and Special Olympics Torch Runs to being a mom and her Ainsley’s Angels journey of strangers yesterday, friends today, family for life. We dive and laugh together, for when we are with our family, it brings us joy and gives us a way to navigate through our darker days. Knowing if I call, my family will answer to help find or open an outlet to recharge our batteries. Together, We Shall!  

Audio version of the Together, We Shall Podcast can be found on Buzzsprout (link below), on the Apple Podcast app, as well as on Spotify, Amazon, and the Ainsley’s Angels YouTube channel for those seeking closed captioning or just like to watch vice listen to podcasts. https://twspodcast.buzzsprout.com 

Together, We Shall Podcast is hosted by Kim ‘Rooster’ Rossiter, President and Co-Founder of Ainsley’s Angels of America, and Joe Orth, Executive Vice President of Ainsley’s Angels. This inclusive podcast takes you into a world of tangents and thoroughfares, focusing on a conversation to be determined. Highlighting current events, insightful antidotes and life lessons with banter, sit back and listen to a little bit of humor and a few emotional deep dives during each episode. Let’s roll! If you would like to join us on the podcast, place to share/tell stories and connect, or nominate someone to join us on the podcast, email us at Podcast@AinsleysAngels.org

Ms. Jessica (Jess) Reagle joins Rooster and Joe to discuss topics ranging from the evolution of Special Education terminology to the realm of possibilities when everybody works together and has ‘a voice and choice’. Ms. Reagle is a Special Education teacher at LeJeune High School (Camp LeJeune, NC) and Ms. Jess is the Owner and Creative Designer of her dream come true, Jessica’s Dance Academy. She shares how her passions collide every day to create inclusive love. Jess truly believes dance is one of the most beautiful, organic, and expressive art forms and as a true educator and mentor, she fosters both a competitive environment at her studio and an intentional focus on the healthy parts of competition: personal growth, exposure to many different dancers and choreographers, et cetera.  We invite you to join us for an hour of narratives worth celebrating! 

Email us at Podcast@AinsleysAngels.org if you would like to ask a question, nominate a guest or recommend a future topic. Audio version of the Together, We Shall Podcast can be found on Buzzsprout (link below), on the Apple Podcast app, as well as on Spotify, Amazon, and the Ainsley’s Angels YouTube channel for those seeking closed captioning or just like to watch vice listen to podcasts. https://twspodcast.buzzsprout.com   

Together, We Shall Podcast is hosted by Kim ‘Rooster’ Rossiter, President and Co-Founder of Ainsley’s Angels of America, and Joe Orth, Executive Vice President of Ainsley’s Angels. This inclusive podcast takes you into a world of tangents and thoroughfares, focusing on a conversation to be determined. Highlighting current events, insightful antidotes, and life lessons with banter, sit back and listen to a little bit of humor and a few emotional deep dives during each episode. Let’s roll! If you would like to join us on the podcast, a place to share/tell stories and connect, or nominate someone to join us on the podcast, email us at Podcast@AinsleysAngels.org 

Joining us from on location from the Boston Marathon starting line, Shamus Evans, with a quick appearance by Shaun, returns to the podcast (previously in episode 8) to showcase the energy and feelings and of “toeing the line” at the 128th running of the Boston Marathon.  Joined by 20 other duo teams, amongst nearly 100 Athletes With Disabilities (AWD), Shamus takes us back to his first Boston Marathon at just six months old watching his dad cross the finish line. Eighteen years later, the duo runs Boston together for their first time, embracing their ‘better together’ mantra in a spectacular showing for them both; finishing 26.2 miles under 3 hours! Shamus explains his plans for the fall as he heads off to college, but first tells us about his plans for supporting mental health in his community by hosting a run at his high school. This shorter episode packs a punch of emotion, so we also invite you to also consider watching this 50th episode, to see the joy of Shamus and Shaun as they started the race.  https://youtu.be/GSPLVnvyryA 

Email us at Podcast@AinsleysAngels.org if you would like to ask a question, nominate a guest or recommend a future topic. Audio version of the Together, We Shall Podcast can be found on Buzzsprout (link below), on the Apple Podcast app, as well as on Spotify, Amazon, and the Ainsley’s Angels YouTube channel for those seeking closed captioning or just like to watch vice listen to podcasts. https://twspodcast.buzzsprout.com   

Together, We Shall Podcast is hosted by Kim ‘Rooster’ Rossiter, President and Co-Founder of Ainsley’s Angels of America, and Joe Orth, Executive Vice President of Ainsley’s Angels. This inclusive podcast takes you into a world of tangents and thoroughfares, focusing on a conversation to be determined. Highlighting current events, insightful antidotes and life lessons with banter, sit back and listen to a little bit of humor and a few emotional deep dives during each episode. Let’s roll! If you would like to join us on the podcast, place to share/tell stories and connect, or nominate someone to join us on the podcast, email us at Podcast@AinsleysAngels.org 

Joining us from France, Briley Rossiter (Ainsley’s sister) returns to the show to provide an update on her happenings since Rooster and Joe last visited with her in Episode 2. From a daytime train to Barcelona and a Paris-bound Amsterdam bus at midnight to the Colosseum in Rome for New Year’s Eve and the French Alps to start the calendar year - Briley reports on her European travels and accessible observations from the Champagne Capital of the world.  An aspiring Mental Health professional, Briley shares her plans after France, as well as insight into how she leveraged curiosity to fully immerse herself into this opportunity to teach American culture and English to French students, while also working as a nanny for a local French family.  Embrace your curiosity and enjoy this insightful conversation.

Email us at Podcast@AinsleysAngels.org if you would like to ask a question, nominate a guest or recommend a future topic. 

Audio version of the Together, We Shall Podcast can be found on Buzzsprout (link below), on the Apple Podcast app, as well as on Spotify, Amazon, and the Ainsley’s Angels YouTube channel for those seeking closed captioning or just like to watch vice listen to podcasts. https://twspodcast.buzzsprout.com  

The Together, We Shall Podcast is hosted by Kim ‘Rooster’ Rossiter, President and Co-Founder of Ainsley’s Angels of America, and Joe Orth, Executive Vice President of Ainsley’s Angels. This inclusive podcast takes you into a world of tangents and thoroughfares, focusing on a conversation to be determined. Highlighting current events, insightful antidotes and life lessons with banter, sit back and listen to a little bit of humor and a few emotional deep dives during each episode. Let’s roll! If you would like to join us on the podcast, place to share/tell stories and connect, or nominate someone to join us on the podcast, email us at Podcast@AinsleysAngels.org

Kelly Piacenti, ChSNC®, Head of SpecialCare at MassMutual, educates Joe and Rooster on a range of very important topics for those caring for, or living with, people with special needs. Kelly’s late son, Nick, inspired her to do what she does today — to make everyone’s life a little easier. Kelly doesn’t believe in “disinheriting” and shares invaluable insight into how we can leave money to our loved ones with special needs when we die, without disqualifying them from government benefits. Topics range from financial planning and drafting a letter of intent, to navigating guardianship/conservatorship and exploring special needs trusts, as Kelly opens our minds to the resources of SpecialCare. Kelly reinforces, “It is great to have a plan in your head, but if it is not on paper, no one can help execute your plan when you are gone!”  

Email us at Podcast@AinsleysAngels.org if you would like a copy of Kelly’s “Letter of Intent” template. 

Email ADP@AinsleysAngels.org if you might want to apply for the next Ally Development Program, powered by MassMutual.  

 Here is a short description of the workshops mentioned by Kelly:  

10 Basic Financial Steps for Special Needs Caregivers: This workshop will discuss 10 basic steps to help caregivers get started in preparing for the financial future of their dependent with special needs. As a caregiver of a dependent with special needs, the single most important issue on your mind, regardless of the age of the dependent, is what will happen to my dependent after I’m gone. There are some needs that will always be present and they must be carefully considered and planned for appropriately. This workshop addresses such critical issues as applying for government benefits for Social Security and Medicaid, creating a Special Needs Trust, the importance of a Will and considering a Letter of Intent. Taking these 10 basic steps now can help ensure the type of care and quality of life for a loved one’s well-being today and tomorrow.  

 ABLE Accounts: President Barack Obama signed the Achieving a Better Life Experience, or ABLE Act on December 19, 2014 as part of the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014. This law allows qualified individuals with disabilities to have a tax-advantaged savings account. This workshop provides information of ABLE accounts, as well as overview on special needs trusts as possible planning tools to enhance the quality of live for a loved one with special needs.  

Letter of Intent: A letter of intent is a way of communicating your desires and concerns, as well as caregiving instructions to future caregivers, guardians, trustees and advocates of dependents with special needs. This workshop will discuss how a letter of intent can be used as part of the special needs planning process. Although not a legally binding document, it will allow future caregivers to more quickly learn how to deliver the very best care possible. 

 https://www.massmutual.com/specialcare  

Dr. Camille Minor, EdD. joins Joe and Rooster for a special, insightful, raw, real conversation about belonging, acceptance, perspective and, how our formative life events shape who we become and what we value.  Dedicated to community and service, Camille is not only an Angel Ally, but also an Ainsley’s Angels of America board member. The daughter of a Marine, Camille maintains a deep connection to America’s Veteran and Gold Star Family communities through her work with the Travis Manion Foundation, a premier Veteran Service Organization.

Episode 45 features a one-of-a-kind, real-life unicorn, as Angel Jill Burwell is the only person in the world who has fulfilled all roles within the Ainsley’s Angels family. From Angel Ally to Angel Ambassador turned Angel Runner, Jill serves now as a Guardian Angel and Angel Athlete Rider.  Hear details of her journey as Jill, Joe, and Rooster, who are not Medical Doctors, discuss how we can all pick up a few tidbits from a little conversation on how to make intentional efforts to find “healthy and happy” through our choices.

On Episode 44 of the Together, We Shall Podcast, Joe and Rooster visit with husband/wife duo Blaise and Myra Camp about how their experience as participants and meeting people in the Ainsley’s environment has brought so much joy and acceptance that moved Myra to express, “I almost don’t feel disabled.”

On episode 43 of the Together, We Shall podcast, Joe and Rooster kick off the new year reminiscing with Tracie David, Ainsley’s Angels of America Executive Assistant, about how her acceptance of an invitation to be part of a “running organization” as a non-runner evolved into a beautiful sense of belonging well beyond her imagination.

On episode 42 of the Together, We Shall podcast, Joe and Rooster had a duo dance while reflecting on previous episodes with an emphasis on being thankful as we approach Thanksgiving. We also discuss the upcoming AinsGiving period, Giving Tuesday deals with Spartan, and a little challenge to close out 2023.

On episode 41 of the Together, We Shall podcast, Joe and Rooster chat with father/son duo, Michael and Donald Harms. When Michael and his wife, Hope, traveled to Jamaica in Spring 2010 to volunteer at a facility for people with special needs, they met a young man named Donald. What transpired since then is an amazing story of trust, triumph, and togetherness generally only encountered on the big screen.

On episode 40 of the Together, We Shall podcast, Joe and Rooster chat with two special physical therapists. These are not just any physical therapists. Peggy was Ainsley’s physical therapist and Laura interned with Peggy during her last year of Doctor of Physical Therapy school.  Join us as we reminisce and reflect on a few never-before-shared moments from the last 15 years. 

On episode 39 of the Together, We Shall podcast, Joe and Rooster chat with ASISCS professional athlete Makenna Myler about topics ranging from running a 5-minute mile while 9 months pregnant to acknowledging the impacts a menstrual cycle has on training and diet. Makenna also shares multiple messages aimed at different age groups of women on how to intentionally create environments to make daily decisions easier.  Great episode for women of all ages and for those with women in their lives…hence everyone!

On episode 38 of the Together, We Shall podcast, Joe and Rooster chat with High School Class of 2023 graduate Kamden Rossiter about how America’s Gen Z population perceives life and other generations. Kamden also shares his intimate perspective on living with and then grieving the loss of his sister, Ainsley. His keen insight into the strong influence that technology and politics have shaped his generation and why he has volunteered to serve America in the United States Coast Guard.

On episode 37 of the Together, We Shall podcast, Joe and Rooster chat with fellow Marine Corps Intelligence professional Kelly O’Clair. We talk about the burden of carrying secrets and how suppression can lead to fear, anxiety, and depression. Kelly shares his revelation of how embracing his true authentic self allowed him to escape his perceived need to blend in and to hide in the shadows as a gay man on active duty, married to a woman during and after the days of America’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. 

Episode 36 acknowledges Mental Health Awareness Month through conversation aimed at demonstrating how our connection to one another can be formed with sharing and listening.  Joe and Rooster chat with fellow Marine Corps Veteran Lupita Hernandez.  Lupita started running to improve her mental health to fight her depression and PTSD, but what grew from it was “Run for Their Lives,” a yearly ultra-marathon for PTSD awareness.  Parts of this conversation might make you feel a certain way; you are not alone; we believe to break the stigma associated with mental health requires discussion, sharing, and feeling all the feels.

The Together, We Shall Podcast has no script. It aims to bring people together to share their stories, and this week’s story just so happens to tie into Mother’s Day week(end) beautifully.  Lauren Perkins is the Mom of sextuplets.  She shares details of her pregnancy and the 11 years that I have followed. Her acknowledgment that as moms (people) we struggle to give ourselves grace and are really hard on ourselves can resonate with many of us. We appreciate her advice to give yourself some grace this Mother’s Day, and every day.