Room For Every Body

About Room For Every Body

Welcome to "Room for Every Body," the podcast that delves into the influence of identity on our interactions with interior spaces. In each episode, our guests share their personal stories of exclusion resulting from poor design choices, shedding light on the lasting impact such experiences have had on them. We emphasize the importance of creating spaces that are not only welcoming but also accessible to individuals from all walks of life. We delve into the significance of incorporating materials and décor that celebrate the rich diversity of our society.

Publisher

Enzi Evergreen - Eden Environments

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Jun 2023

Latest episode

3 Jan 2025

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Jan 2025

   Colleen

   Tune in to this conversation with Colleen Bennett to hear about fascinating design difference around the world, design for epilepsy, and sustainable design decisions. Colleen Bennett founded her first Interior Design Studio, Caducus Folium, in 2006. This Costa Rica-based firm quickly expanded into six design centers located in Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Honduras. Colleen designed most of the presidents’ and dignitaries’ homes in Central America and throughout the region. In 2012 Colleen moved back home to North Carolina and opened the US division of the company, CBB Design Firm, based in Morganton, NC. Shortly after graduating from Wake Forest University, Colleen became the youngest furniture representative hired by Drexel Heritage. Travelling the world, she visited over 60 countries and designed thousands of vignettes of every style and budget for her clients. In 2009 Colleen was hired as the youngest account manager and visual merchandiser for Ralph Lauren Home where she was responsible for all of their home stores in Africa, Australia, and Latin America. Colleen takes her international portfolio and brings that resort living to her designs in the NC market. She specializes in residential and commercial designs as well as historic renovations. Colleen is involved in every aspect of the design process from the initial development phase, Cad Design, 3D Renderings, color and finish selections, furniture selections and installation to the finished home! She is able to show the client, visually, what the finished product will look like so that they can confidently make decisions. Colleen also founded and owns Morgan Stuart Logistics in Morganton, NC which represents luxury hospitality and residential furniture manufacturers. The company ships worldwide and currently services over 40 countries. Colleen’s passion for design is equaled only by her profound love of family and strong desire to give back. Colleen is a mother of three daughters. She spends her free time in mentoring roles with the Girl Scouts, Epilepsy Foundation and coaching. In 2020, during the pandemic, Colleen founded “Bute Couture”, a sustainable luxury handbag company. All of the handbags are made of upcycled fabric and leather from the scraps of the furniture industry that would have otherwise been sent to landfills. The company prioritizes ethical practices and pays workers living wages. Ten percent of proceeds from handbag sales are donated to local women’s charities. @colleen_bute_bennett (@colleen_bute_bennett) @cbbdesignfirm (@cbbdesignfirm) @butecouture (@butecouture) @mimosahomenc (@mimosahomenc)

2. 

   20 Dec 2024

   Jimanekia

   Jimanekia Eborn shares trauma-informed design principles, self-care strategies, and insights on supporting marginalized survivors of sexual assault.

3. 

   6 Dec 2024

   Tamzin

   Tamzin Hall shares her inspiring journey as a dyslexic leader, empowering others to embrace neurodiversity and thrive through self-acceptance and empowerment.

4. 

   8 Nov 2024

   Sequoyah

   Join us for an inspiring episode of Room for Every body with guest Sequoyah Hunter-Cuyjet, founder of Harmony in Hue, an interior design firm that embraces community engagement and cultural heritage. Sequoyah shares her journey from growing up on Shinnecock territory to designing high-end interiors and finding her voice in advocating for inclusive, meaningful spaces. She dives into her experiences navigating identity as a queer, neurodivergent, Shinnecock and Afro-Indigenous woman in the design world, and the challenges she faces bringing non-Western narratives into interior spaces. In this conversation, Sequoyah discusses how her heritage and community-centered approach influence her work, emphasizing the importance of honoring cultural histories and community needs in design. We also explore her belief in "luxury as craft," redefining luxury not by cost but by uniqueness, intention, and cultural storytelling. This episode is rich with Sequoyah's insights on decolonizing design, celebrating tactile heirlooms, and creating inclusive environments that genuinely reflect the people they serve.

5. 

   25 Oct 2024

   Acacia

   In this inspiring episode, host Enzi welcomes Acacia Bettencourt, a talented visual designer and advocate for inclusive design. Acacia shares insights from her decade-long journey in design and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), discussing how her multifaceted identity as a mixed-race designer, mother-to-be, and advocate informs her work. From her time working with global nonprofits to her current role at Brevity & Wit, Acacia’s focus has been on making visual design more equitable, respectful, and accessible. The conversation dives into practical tips for more inclusive design, covering topics like legibility and contrast, the careful selection of photos, and designing with diverse functionality in mind. Acacia also reflects on the impact of physical workspace design on personal well-being and creativity, sharing how she’s tailored her own home office to meet her unique needs. Whether you’re a designer, an advocate for inclusivity, or simply curious about creating a more welcoming world through design, this episode offers valuable takeaways for everyone. Tune in and join us as we explore how thoughtful, inclusive design can transform spaces and experiences for all. Connect with Acacia further: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acaciabetancourt/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/acaciabetancourt/) https://www.instagram.com/spottingracism/ (https://www.instagram.com/spottingracism/)

6. 

   11 Oct 2024

   Kaly: Redefining Accessible Design

   In this episode, Enzi is in conversation with award-winning product designer Kaly Ryan, founder of Capella Design. With over a decade of experience in furniture design and manufacturing, Kaly shares how her company is transforming the way we think about home mobility aids, like shower chairs and grab bars. Capella Design integrates both beauty and function to create products that enhance physical and emotional well-being at home. Join us as we discuss the power of aesthetic mobility aids, the design process, and Kaly’s advocacy for reducing the stigma around accessible furniture. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how thoughtful design can make a difference in people’s lives. https://www.instagram.com/designbycapella?igsh=MXc2eGFremUyaDAxZQ==

7. 

   27 Sept 2024

   Hannah

   Join us for an enlightening conversation with Hannah Silver, a passionate advocate for inclusive and sustainable design. As a key member of Holst Architecture, Hannah leverages her background in architecture and urban planning to champion health, equity, and the needs of spatially marginalized communities. In this episode, we dive into Hannah's journey—from founding Informal/Function to her current role at Holst—where she helps project teams integrate equitable community engagement strategies into their designs. We explore the critical intersection of personal experience and professional practice, as Hannah shares how her identity as a queer woman with an invisible disability informs her approach to teaching and designing. With insights on workshop facilitation and design justice, Hannah emphasizes the importance of centering diverse voices in the built environment. Tune in to discover practical strategies for making design accessible and welcoming for everyone, and learn how we can all contribute to a more inclusive future. ✨ Whether you’re a design professional, educator, or simply passionate about creating spaces for every body, this episode is filled with inspiration and actionable ideas! Don't forget to subscribe and share your thoughts with us! https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansil/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansil/ ) https://informalfunction.thinkific.com/collections (https://informalfunction.thinkific.com/collections)

8. 

   24 Jan 2024

   Katie

   Friends, welcome back to another thought-provoking episode of "Room For Every Body" Today, we have a wonderful guest, Katie Selby, who will take us on a journey through her unique experiences and identities. Katie shares candidly about her journey as a person with language impairment and learning disabilities. From being nonverbal at a young age to discovering her own methods of expression through body language, Katie's resilience shines through her story. Now, as a paraprofessional for children with special needs, Katie lends her support and guidance to students, helping them navigate the challenges they face. Join us as we dive deeper into Katie's life, exploring the importance of understanding and advocacy, and discovering the spaces that have shaped her along the way. Get ready for an insightful conversation about the importance of self-advocacy. Learn More about Katie Here: Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100047780778306&mibextid=ZbWKwL (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100047780778306&mibextid=ZbWKwL) Instagram: https://instagram.com/collegematerialgirl?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== (https://instagram.com/collegematerialgirl?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==)

9. 

   10 Jan 2024

   Christiane

   Tune in for an interesting conversation with Christiane about transforming a home office space! She highlights the ways that she brought in a feminine touch as well as nods to her culture. Christiane also talks about holistic health and one trick in her space that helps with her back pain! Learn more about the work that she is doing here: www.hellohappnest.com IG: hello.happy.nest FB: hello.happy.nest Podcast: Happy Health Hustle Podcast

10. 

    27 Dec 2023

    Avery

    In this episode of "Room For Every Body" we dive into a conversation with Avery, a 16-year-old podcast host. Avery shares her journey of self-discovery and explores the various identities that shape her life. From her love for books and mental health advocacy to her academic pursuits, Avery showcases how these identities intertwine with her personal space. Join us as we explore her bedroom and discover how it reflects her individuality, mental well-being, and connection to her loved ones. Plus, Avery gives us a glimpse into her podcast "I am Avery," where she discusses mental health and works towards breaking the stigma surrounding it. Get ready for an insightful and inspiring conversation about the importance of embracing our true selves and creating spaces that reflect who we are. Let's get started! Check out Avery's Podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3u64HywCskWSoF2dDlfpUe?si=9b75cd9dfc2c42f3 (https://open.spotify.com/show/3u64HywCskWSoF2dDlfpUe?si=9b75cd9dfc2c42f3)

11. 

    13 Dec 2023

    Simarta

    In today's episode, we have a special guest, Dr. Simarta Brennan-Prescod, a physician, coach, author, speaker, and entrepreneur. Simarta is a multi-hyphenate who also happens to live with chronic disease. She shares her experiences and insights on how she navigates medical spaces while managing her own health challenges. Dr. Simarta Brennan-Prescod, is a board-certified primary care doctor at Optum Primary Care's Northeast location in St. Petersburg, Florida. Her background is in internal medicine, nephrology and hypertensive care. She is a graduate of St. George's University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, and completed her residency at Overlook Hospital, an affiliate of Mt. Sinai Hospital in Summit. New Jersey. She completed nephrology fellowship training at St Louis University School of Medicine in Missouri. She is a motivational speaker to failing to success, Multiple Sclerosis activist, Elementry School activist for getting kids interested in healthcare. Her passion is helping patients and parents with chronic disease, such as MS, navigate in their workspace and jobs to be effective communicators of their needs and advocate for living in their authenticity but maintaining their privacy. She is a practicing physician for the last 17 years and she has had the unique experience of being a doctor, a patient, and a caregiver to a child with congenital heart disease in the US healthcare system. This has driven her to share her story via publishing her new book May 2023. The book is called “The Parts We Don’t Talk About!”. The book addresses biases during medical training from colleagues, racial inequality while seeking professional growth, pregnancy and the treatment of doctors living with chronic disease, such as Multiple Sclerosis. Her goal is learn, grow and teach from her own journey. In her spare time she enjoys creating art projects with her 3 kids (9, 7 and 7) and restoration of furnitures.  She loves scuba diving, traveling and reading. If you need to schedule a free one-to-one call with her, reach out on her website. ⁠www.drsimarta.com⁠ (http://www.drsimarta.com/). This is the first step to create change in your life. Website, social media to connect further: ⁠www.drsimarta.com⁠ (http://www.drsimarta.com/) Instagram: drsimarta Facebook: drsimarta

12. 

    9 Oct 2023

    Melody

    On this episode of Room For Every Body, we meet Melody. Melody discusses her own health journey, having experienced frequent hospitalizations due to an autoimmune condition. She shares her frustrations with the traditional hospital environment and her vision for a hospital spa that focuses on healing and personal preferences. Melody envisions a space where patients can customize their environment, choosing their preferred colors and scenes, and where different rooms cater to different health issues with appropriate aromatherapy and healing frequency music. Throughout the episode, Melody emphasizes the importance of exploring alternative remedies and taking ownership of one's own health. She shares her own experiences with herbal remedies and how they were able to improve their health without relying on antibiotics. Melody believes that no matter the condition, whether mental or physical, there is always hope and possibilities for improvement as long as one is open and willing to seek out the resources available. The conversation also delves into the experiences of patients in healthcare settings and the importance of patients and doctors working together as a team. Melody suggests that patients should not give away their personal power and should actively participate in their healthcare decisions. She emphasizes the need for doctors to be open to alternative options and to see each patient as an individual with unique needs. Overall, this episode of Room For Every Body brings a message of hope and positivity. Melody's vibrant personality and her love for life shine through, as she shares her story to inspire hope in others. Hosted by Elizabeth Byler, Room For Every Body celebrates diversity and encourages inclusive interior design strategies that promote self-love and acceptance. Tune in for a world where everybody is celebrated.

13. 

    25 Sept 2023

    Janique

    In this episode of "Room For Every Body," we sit down with Janique Cheeseman, a proud Trinidadian woman who shares her unique perspective as both an engineer and a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Janique opens up about her love for her Trinidadian heritage and how it has shaped her identity. As an environmental engineer, Janique is deeply passionate about sustainability and encourages others to do their part for the environment. She discusses the impact of air emissions, particularly on her love for travel, and shares how she tries to offset her carbon footprint through other means. She discusses her efforts to minimize car emissions by utilizing public transit whenever possible and expresses her preference for the ease and relaxation that comes with public transportation. With a keen eye for urban sustainability, Janique delves into the walkability factor of cities, emphasizing the importance of feeling safe while walking and the need for barriers and wider sidewalks to accommodate wheelchair users and two-way traffic. She explores the significance of mixed-use developments and points of interest in creating walkable cities, aiming to make our built environment more inclusive and accepting for all. Join us as we unravel the intersection of identity and design with Janique, and discover how she envisions a world where everybody's story is celebrated, challenged norms are transformed, and there truly is room for every body. Janique is a singer/songwriter based in New York City. You can find her music here: https://www.sagehoneybrandy.com/ (https://www.sagehoneybrandy.com/) or @sagehoneybrandy on Instagram.

14. 

    11 Sept 2023

    Lena

    In this episode of "Room For Every Body," host Elizabeth Byler chats with guest Lena, a business consultant for salon owners, to discuss the need for inclusivity and improved accommodations in the salon industry. Lena shares her own experiences navigating uncomfortable situations and highlights the challenges faced by individuals with diverse needs. From chair width and adjustability to privacy partitions and clear communication, they explore practical recommendations for creating a more welcoming environment. Lena also addresses the importance of maintaining salon equipment and educating service providers to better understand and meet the specific needs of clients. Join us as we delve into the world of hair salons and explore how to make them a comfortable space for every body.

15. 

    28 Aug 2023

    Chelsea

    On this episode of Room For Every Body, our host Elizabeth Byler welcomes Chelsea, a 30-year-old experiencing some design challenges in her living room. As someone diagnosed with ADHD, Chelsea struggles with organizing and setting up her living space. Elizabeth and Chelsea discuss various suggestions to improve the space, including rearranging furniture, finding two different chairs for better cohesion, and repurposing the tall table. Tune in to this episode to hear Chelsea's story and learn valuable insights on creating a welcoming and cohesive living space.

16. 

    14 Aug 2023

    Shanna

    In this episode of Room For Every Body, host Elizabeth Byler welcomes guest Shanna Stevens, a single mother and parent to five children, and grandparent to one. Shanna shares her experiences and challenges of taking her children shopping throughout the years, highlighting how stores have changed throughout her life. She discusses the strategies she used to navigate the shopping experience with children. Shanna also reflects on the importance of the overall feeling and ambiance of a store, from natural lighting to the music playing in the background, even the smell of the store. Tune in to this episode as Shanna and Elizabeth delve into the intersection of parenthood, shopping, and the design of retail spaces. Get ready for an insightful and engaging conversation that explores how the shopping experience can be made more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.

17. 

    31 Jul 2023

    Owen

    Owen is a white, trans and non-binary individual who is also autistic and a chronic migraine sufferer. Owen's experiences in different spaces are greatly impacted by their neurodivergence and chronic illness. They have sensory sensitivities to light and noise, which are often influenced by the design of the places they need to navigate including their apartment, subway stations, offices, shopping areas, and healthcare facilities.

18. 

    20 Jun 2023

    Leyah

    Leyah is someone who I admire greatly and I am grateful that she agreed to be interviewed. I enjoyed chatting with her about workplace culture, anxiety, and advocating for yourself, from her perspective as a Black woman.

19. 

    14 Jun 2023

    Room For Every Body Trailer

    What does our built environment say about who we value most in society? Why have we created so many barriers to access and designed as if one size fits all when there is so much variety all around? I believe that if we want to see a future abundant in human flourishing, we need to imagine a world where everybody belongs. That starts with changing our spaces, a commonly overlooked thing with a big impact on our well-being. Journey with me through season 1 of “Room for Every Body” as we explore what inclusive design looks like on an individual level. Learn about inclusive design strategies and reflect on how our being shapes the way we interact with environments. Along the way, you might just discover how wonderful you are.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

47

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Room For Every Body

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.