This podcast is designed to address topics, such as social inclusion, employment, accessibility vs. inaccessibility, voting rights, and more. These topics are important to me because disability rights are civil rights and human rights, as well as an integral part of diversity. This podcast will further the importance of seeing the vital work of advocacy as an ongoing narrative… one that we can all play a part in shaping for the benefit of others. This show was created and hosted by Keith Murfee-DeConcini, a disability advocate. Visit DisabilityEmpowermentNow.com for more content, videos and full episodes or follow us on social media @DisabilityEmpowermentNow.
Pixelated Healing: Games, Storytelling, and Mental Health with Filipe F. Thomaz
Where traditional therapy sometimes reaches a wall, pressing "start" can open the door to emotional recovery.In this episode of Disability Empowerment Now, host Keith Murfee-DeConcini connects with Filipe F. Thomaz, creator of the emotionally charged indie game Into a Dream, to explore how computer games and narrative art serve as powerful tools for mental health and healing. Moving far beyond simple escape, Filipe breaks down how interactive storytelling creates an accessible space for players to process depression, grief, and emotional isolation at their own pace.Together, they dive into the intersection of game design, narrative empathy, and advocacy—examining how active participation allows us to navigate complex emotional landscapes safely, build resilience, and dismantle mental health stigma. Follow us on all social media platforms @disabilityempowermentnow for exclusive content from the podcast.
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29 Sept 2026
Music of Middle-earth: Healing Through Celtic Soundscapes with Dave Bons
Can fantasy and ancient melody become a sanctuary for mental health and healing? In this episode, host Keith Murfee-DeConcini sits down with composer and musician Dave Bons to explore the therapeutic power of Celtic music inspired by the world of The Lord of the Rings. From the grounding warmth of the Shire to the resilient rhythms of ancient Celtic traditions, Dave breaks down how cinematic soundscapes help process grief, reduce anxiety, and foster emotional restoration. Together, they dive into the intersection of music therapy, storytelling, and emotional recovery, discussing how intentional sound can anchor us during our darkest moments and offer a profound path toward inner peace. Follow us on all social media platforms @disabilityempowermentnow for exclusive content from the podcast.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
21 Sept 2026
Unfiltered Recovery: DEN Host Keith Murfee-DeConcini on His Journey Through The Meadows
Inpatient care is often painted as a clean, peaceful sanctuary where healing happens in a straight line. But what happens when the very institutions designed to save us fall short? In this raw and unflinching episode of Disability Empowerment Now (DEN), host and advocate Keith Murfee-DeConcini pulls back the curtain on his personal experience at The Meadows. Going beyond standard recovery narratives, Keith opens up about the complex reality of residential treatment—exposing the institutional blindspots, power dynamics, and systemic gaps that can leave patients feeling misunderstood, unsafe, or even re-traumatized. As a lifelong advocate for disability rights and mental health transparency, Keith examines what happens behind closed doors when high-profile treatment centers prioritize strict protocols over individual needs. He shares how intersecting factors—like accessibility, trauma-informed care, and genuine patient advocacy—are far too often left out of the conversation. This is not a story of easy answers; it is an essential, unfiltered look at accountability, patient safety, and what must change to build a mental healthcare system that truly honors the people it serves. Follow us on all social media platforms @disabilityempowermentnow for exclusive content from the podcast.
Who has been a guest on Disability Empowerment Now
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Elaine Carroll
Gage Kern
Jennifer Purcell
Jennifer Gasner
Eddie Cash
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
1,539
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 70 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
93
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
51
Contact Disability Empowerment Now
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
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