Up and coming podcasters at Garth Homer Society (GHS) started with one simple idea. “Let’s share our stories,” they said.
Inspired by volunteer experiences in the Options program, they developed a platform where their perspectives and voices could be heard.
Now in its second season, the Options Podcast is made by GHS community members for the community. The show covers topics from friendship and empathy to healthy eating, self‑advocacy, money management, and much more.
Hosted by Tawnya Jones, Taylor Bigrigg, and Nicolas Pocetti, the podcast highlights the perspectives of people with developmental disabilities, exploring their interests, ideas, and community involvement. They create meaningful content that reflects their personal growth, the skills they gain through volunteering, and the contributions they make through the Options program.
With 44 episodes under their belts, the podcasters have a lot to be proud of.
Tawnya has been with GHS for 24 years and with the podcast from the start. “I am proud that I can share my thoughts to the world through the podcast,” she says. “This podcast shows what people with diverse abilities can do when we are supported and encouraged.”
Taylor has been with GHS for nine years and is also an original podcast crew member. “It feels good to be part of something creative and positive that helps others feel included,” he says.
A Garth Homer community member for 13 years and a podcaster since last year, Nicolas says, “It means a lot to know people listen and care about what we have to say.”
The team’s enthusiasm and rapid skill development drive the project, Vocational Counsellor Manoj Joshi says. “They’re doing fantastic work. I see the confidence in them when public speaking—they don’t feel shy. It makes me feel proud and enriched that the podcast is making an impact in their lives.”
The Key Ingredient: Teamwork
The podcasters are unanimous in their view that the teamwork and friendships behind the microphones are highlights of the show.
“We encourage each other and listen to each other’s ideas,” Tawnya says. “If one of us makes a mistake, we help that person. My favourite part of the podcast is being part of a team and having laughs—it’s important to have laughs when you’re working with people—and sharing our stories in our own words.”
Taylor says, “My favorite part is the public speaking and being part of the podcast with my friends Tawnya and Nicholas, because they bring the happy energy with the smiles and laughs. I like doing it together because then you’re not alone, and then you have friends that help feeling wanted.”
Nicolas agrees. “The podcast needs three of us together, taking turns. This team right now—we love the podcast. Being friendly, kind, kind-hearted, and loving friends.”
Manoj says one of the best things is the way the podcasters share examples of their own lives, their volunteerism, and community involvement. “They give genuine examples about inclusion and how people can be involved in volunteering.”
There’s a lot of work behind the scenes for the final result. A weekly brainstorm session uncovers the direction for the next podcast, and the crew begins research, writing, and storyboarding the episode. After building confidence through rehearsals and read-throughs, they move into the recording phase, using podcast equipment and editing tools to produce a polished episode. Once they edit the audio and add music, they publish the podcast to their Spotify channel.
Finding Confidence, One Story at a Time
The skill development among team members has been impressive, Manoj says. They have learned how to conduct research and built their communication and public speaking skills, along with critical thinking, writing, and technical skills.
“I learned how to improve my communication and public speaking skills,” Tawnya says. “This podcast helped me believe in myself.”
“Making this podcast has helped me grow,” Taylor says. “I learned how to speak with confidence and stay focused while recording. I like sharing stories and interviewing guests.”
“This podcast gives me a real voice,” Nicolas says. “I used to feel shy, but now I feel confident talking on the microphone, improved my communication and public speaking like Tawnya mentioned. I enjoy helping plan episodes and working together as a team.”
Recent podcasts include Finding Ways to be Happy, Soaring with Simone Biles, Celebrating Pride, and National AccessAbility Week, when they shared stories, local wins and challenges, and simple actions anyone can take to make community life more accessible.
That’s central to the entire podcast, Tawnya says. “People with diverse abilities have a voice, and they need to be heard and be part of society and inclusion.”
You can listen to the Options Podcast anytime, whether you subscribe to Spotify or not.
