Your Purpose, Your Power: A Journey to Authenticity
8/14/25
https://www.cleveland13news.com/story/the-blind-blogger-who-s-shaping-the-future-of-digital-and-workplace-access
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Hosting a conversation with Maxwell Ivey, known as “The Blind Blogger,” brought a powerful reminder of why accessibility matters far beyond compliance. His story is one of persistence, adaptability, and advocacy, showing how communication and collaboration can open doors not only for people with disabilities but for everyone around them.
Podcasting over the past 13 years has been a journey of finding purpose and building meaningful connections. That journey has led to conversations with extraordinary individuals like Ivey, who began his career in 2007 when he launched a website to broker used amusement park rides. At a time when accessibility was almost nonexistent online, he taught himself HTML to get his site running. Over time, his path evolved into work as a life goals coach, publicist, and ultimately, an accessibility expert and advisor for Podmatch.com.
When asked about the challenges people face in the workplace, Ivey explained how disability disclosure is often misunderstood. “For the most part, when you check one of those boxes you’re opening up the misconceptions, misbeliefs, fear, anger that the other person has around a disability,” he said. “If we could turn it from a checkbox to a conversation as part of accommodation, then that would be much better.”
That message resonates deeply after experiencing workplace discrimination firsthand following hearing loss from a surgical error. Years of dedication and proven performance suddenly mattered less than a new reality that required understanding and simple accommodations. Yet, instead of support, the response was, “That’s your problem, not ours.” That moment underscored the importance of education and advocacy, both for employees and employers.
Ivey emphasized that while the Americans with Disabilities Act is essential, it falls short of addressing all accessibility gaps. “A lot of the accommodations that are needed cost less than $500,” he said, pointing out that businesses and organizations often underestimate the value of accessibility.
Digital accessibility was a key focus of the discussion. Ivey outlined simple steps to create more inclusive websites. “Start with keyboard navigation and then add mouse, hover, and other options. Use a simple website design because the more complicated items you add, the more likely you are to create an accessibility issue,” he advised. He also encouraged the use of descriptive alt text for images, clear navigation paths, and a focus on what truly matters most to visitors.
Recognizing that many people simply don’t know where to begin, Ivey extended an offer to review websites at no cost. “If people will reach out to me and say that you saw me on Cleveland Radio, I will review your homepage and tell you where you stand for free,” he said.
What stood out most in the conversation was Ivey’s belief that accessibility is not just about compliance but about recognizing the value that people with disabilities bring to every environment. “People with disabilities have to start becoming creative problem solvers from early ages,” he said. “We had to figure out a way to accomplish the goals that we wanted to accomplish on a daily basis so that we could have the same kind of lives everybody else wants.”
For anyone looking to learn more or take the first steps toward accessibility, Ivey can be found at
theaccessibilityadvantage.com and on LinkedIn.
8/6/25 Paul Seabrun
https://www.cleveland13news.com/story/from-parma-to-paranormal-paul-seaburn-blends-comedy-and-curiosity-on-the-airwaves
PARMA, Ohio — Paul Seaburn’s journey from math enthusiast to paranormal journalist and comedy writer is a story of curiosity, humor, and reinvention. Growing up in Parma, Ohio, Seaburn’s natural talent for mathematics led him to John Carroll University, where he earned a degree in math and a minor in philosophy. His early career began in information technology at a time when computer science was still in its infancy, but his love of humor soon pushed him in a different direction.
Seaburn discovered stand-up comedy while working in Houston, where a writing class at a local club sparked his interest. “I got some laughs. And more importantly, I really enjoyed it,” he recalled of his first time on stage. His comedic voice quickly found a place in the industry, leading to writing jobs for comedians such as Joan Rivers and, most notably, a stint writing jokes for Jay Leno on The Tonight Show.
His career expanded into television and radio, and he co-authored books, including A Wife’s Little Instruction Book, Your Survival Guide to Marriage Without Bloodshed. Despite success in the entertainment industry, Seaburn returned to Ohio, where his humor and curiosity found a new platform in podcasting and the paranormal.
For the past eight years, Seaburn has hosted What in the World, a podcast that blends bizarre headlines, offbeat trivia, and paranormal oddities with his signature wit. The show streams live every Tuesday at 3:33 p.m. Eastern, offering listeners a lighthearted escape into strange but true stories from around the world. His long-standing career in comedy writing, paired with his fascination for the unexplained, brings a distinctive tone to every episode.
In addition to podcasting, Seaburn is the head writer at Mysterious Universe, a leading paranormal site where his sharp, humorous takes on UFOs, Bigfoot, and the unexplained have earned him a loyal following. His latest book, What Would You Say to a Naked Space Alien?, is a collection of unusual and humorous extraterrestrial encounter stories. “It’s not a dirty book,” Seaburn said with a laugh. “It’s a collection of my favorite stories about people who have said they’ve had encounters with space aliens, but with my comedic take.”
With more than 230 episodes of What in the World still available to stream, Seaburn’s mix of comedy and curiosity continues to resonate with listeners. His ability to find humor in the absurd and to approach even the strangest stories with authenticity sets him apart. As he often says, “I hope our listeners have as much fun listening as we do putting the show on.”
Watch episodes of
What in the World on the YouTube playlist, and explore more of Seaburn’s work at
PaulSeaburn.com
7/25/25 Matt Greminger
https://www.cleveland13news.com/story/why-everyone-is-suddenly-talking-about-cleveland-13-news-a-conversation-with-president-matt-greming
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Matt Greminger, president of Cleveland 13 News, is leading a shift in local journalism by prioritizing authentic storytelling over breaking news. In a recent conversation, Greminger emphasized that the network’s mission is not driven by speed but by accuracy, context, and trust. “There needs to be trust. We have to know that we can trust the media, and right now, we can’t,” Greminger said, recalling the moment he realized how often major outlets report events with bias or misinformation.
Founded in response to what Greminger calls a “gap in trustworthy reporting,” Cleveland 13 News was built to strip away traditional barriers between reporters and the public. Rather than sticking to rigid interview formats, the network fosters conversations where real stories emerge naturally. “The news doesn’t need to be about control,” Greminger said, sharing how his early experience with former 19 News reporter Denise Zarrella taught him that breaking rules, like allowing a subject to hold the microphone, can create more comfortable and authentic exchanges.
Cleveland 13 News began with Greminger’s YouTube series
‘Cleve-It To Us’, a project designed to highlight the untold stories and behind-the-scenes moments in local life. After the death of his grandmother and several transformative conversations with industry professionals, he decided to expand this concept into a full news network. The station has since gained recognition for its grassroots approach and innovative model, thriving without government funding or traditional corporate structures.
In a media landscape often defined by political polarization, Cleveland 13 News intentionally seeks diverse perspectives. Greminger built an advisory board that includes business leaders, nonprofit directors, parents, and community advocates from across the political spectrum. The network also encourages community participation, inviting local residents to submit stories or tips that deserve attention. “It’s not a competition to us,” Greminger said. “We’re the only network that shares other stations’ stories because it’s about getting the information out there.”
One of Greminger’s core philosophies is that journalism should build connections rather than create divisions. He described the importance of conversations over formal interviews, noting how storytelling is often richer when people are engaged in shared activities rather than rigid question-and-answer formats. “You learn more having a conversation than you ever will in an interview,” he said.
The network’s collaborative ethos extends beyond newsrooms. Greminger has forged partnerships with affiliates like WOBL and WDLW in Oberlin, where stories are amplified on-air and online. Stories covered by Cleveland 13 News have frequently sparked broader media coverage, including the recent film Lost and Found in Cleveland. Greminger said, “When we published the story, suddenly every other network was covering it, and that made me happy. It’s about getting these stories the attention they deserve.”
Greminger acknowledges that Cleveland 13 News is a passion project rather than a profit-driven enterprise. Ad revenue is minimal and primarily funds operational costs, with all contributors volunteering their time. Yet this independence is precisely what he believes makes the network trustworthy. “We don’t receive money from anyone. That means no strings attached, no narratives to push,” he said.
Looking ahead, Greminger is preparing to return full-time as president after a brief sabbatical, with plans to double down on Cleveland 13 News’ commitment to authentic, community-focused journalism. “Life is short. We should be smiling as much as humanly possible,” he said. “If I can create something that brings people together, shares their voices, and builds trust, then that’s worth every moment of my time.”
At Cleveland 13 News, the conversation continues to grow, and Greminger believes that anyone with a passion for storytelling can play a role. “Anybody can be a part of this in some capacity,” he said. “This is a community effort. We’re here to give people a voice and tell stories the way they deserve to be told.”
7/24/25 Kate Baker
https://www.cleveland13news.com/story/cleveland-author-katie-baker-shares-her-journey-from-trauma-to-transformation
CLEVELAND, OH — Katie Baker, author of ‘When The Universe Holds Your Hair Back‘, joins the latest episode of Your Purpose, Your Power to share a deeply personal account of healing and transformation. A writer, speaker, and energy healer, Baker offers an unfiltered look at what it means to face trauma head-on after decades of living behind what she calls “a façade of perfection.”
“My story isn’t just about surviving… it’s about what it takes to truly heal when everything unravels,” Baker said in the episode. “Audiences walk away with hope, validation, and tangible insight into how healing can happen… even after decades of suppression.”
Baker, who lives in Boise, Idaho, described how she spent years looking like she had it all together — a successful nonprofit founder, an involved mother, and a dedicated member of her community — all while silently battling childhood trauma, addiction, and emotional exhaustion. “From all outside appearances, I looked like I had it together,” she shared. “But there was a secret double life. I was drinking every night, just sitting in my room by myself. I was really lost.”
The turning point came during a conversation with her 18-year-old son in September 2021. After a family reunion where Baker admits she had been “15 beers deep,” her son sat beside her and said, “You’ve had a really rough childhood. I think it’s really important for you to spend a year on yourself and to heal. We love you and we have your back.” Baker recalled, “That really set me off on a healing journey. My daughter had said something a month prior, but my son’s words were the catalyst.”
Over the following year, Baker explored unconventional methods to confront her trauma, including guided psychedelic therapy. “I was scared, to be honest,” she said. “But I had read Michael Pollan’s book and watched documentaries on the impact of therapeutic psychedelics in healing. It wasn’t about having fun — it was about facing the things I had been unwilling to face in my own life.” She described her first experience as a profound breakthrough: “When I left that ceremony, I hadn’t actively cried but tears just rolled down my cheeks for hours. It was like a cracking open. For the first time, I could look at my experiences with compassion for myself.”
Baker spoke candidly about the weight of generational trauma and the relentless pursuit of perfection that defined much of her adult life. “I thought if I did everything perfectly — volunteered, worked hard, raised my kids — that it would make everything right,” she said. “But it was an illusion. My son’s words about taking care of myself really brought that home. I had been chasing something that doesn’t exist.”
Her book, When The Universe Holds Your Hair Back, grew directly out of her healing journey. “During ceremonies, I kept hearing a voice say, ‘You need to write the book,’” Baker revealed. “It happened enough times that I finally listened. I shared some blogs with a local author who said, ‘You’ve got something here. Write the book.’ Once I started, all the doors opened; editors, designers, everything fell into place.”
Baker now runs Peace & Fire Healing, where she integrates intuition, Reiki, and energy work to help others release emotional burdens and reconnect with their authentic selves. “I found out through this process that I have intuitive abilities I never knew about,” she said. “My goal is simple — how many people can I help, and how can I make an impact?”
Her message to podcast listeners is both raw and hopeful. “Life is better when it’s felt,” she said. “Being perfect is a bullshit fallacy, and authenticity is a gift — both to ourselves and to humanity.”
Baker’s book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IngramSpark, and in audiobook format on platforms such as Spotify.
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7/3/25 Anna Scott
https://www.cleveland13news.com/story/anna-scott-s-journey-from-cleveland-s-national-anthem-to-nashville-s-heart-of-country
CLEVELAND — Anna Scott, a Cleveland‑born singer currently based in Nashville, shared her path from singing the National Anthem at local games to performing her own music across stages in Tennessee and Ohio in a heartfelt appearance on Your Purpose, Your Power: A Journey to Authenticity. The conversation explored her evolution as a musician, the realities of life on the road, and her unwavering ambition to reach new milestones in country music.
Scott described beginning to write songs at a young age and officially releasing music in 2020 amid the COVID‑19 pandemic. A highlight of her early career came when she performed at an Autism Speaks event at Progressive Field in Cleveland, singing alongside her father. She recounted balancing late‑night bar performances in Nashville with daytime college classes, showcasing her relentless drive.
Now a full‑time musician in Nashville, Scott detailed her daily rhythm of co‑writing new songs, performing multiple times each week on Broadway, and collaborating with fellow artists in the supportive Nashville music scene. She emphasized how the city’s culture of collaboration echoes her roots in Cleveland and how moving from rock into country felt like a natural fit given her upbringing and regional trends.
Her admiration for country music icons such as Dolly Parton, whose storytelling and charitable work provide inspiration, and her excitement about the possibility of debuting at the Grand Ole Opry were key themes. “Performing at the Opry is a dream I hold close right now,” Scott shared.
Looking ahead, Scott confirmed her return to Ohio for live shows: she will perform at the Country Concert festival in Fort Loramie next weekend and at the Lorain County Fair in August. Her website, annascottmusic.com, and her social media profiles on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have been shared with listeners to stay connected to her releases and tour dates.
The podcast also spotlighted Scott’s new single, co‑written with friends and infused with the spirit of her Ohio roots; a blend of grit, glamour, and heartfelt authenticity. Scott said Nashville’s creative energy invigorates her work and fills her with gratitude for pursuing a career doing what she loves.
Anna Scott’s story is one of relentless passion, heartfelt storytelling, and the bold pursuit of dreams; from Ohio’s anthem mic to Nashville’s country stages. The full interview can be heard on Your Purpose, Your Power: A Journey to Authenticity via newclevelandradio.net and Cleveland 13 News.
In a moving and revealing conversation, Cleveland 13 reporter Denise Zarrella spoke about the everyday realities of raising a child with special needs while juggling a career, family, and self-care. The discussion, featured in the first episode of Your Purpose, Your Pride, Your Power: A Journey to Authenticity, offered an unfiltered look at Zarrella’s life as a mother, journalist, realtor, and advocate. Zarrella is the mother of Gianna—lovingly known as “G” or “Gigi”—who is 16 and has both Down syndrome and autism. During the interview, she reflected on the layered challenges and profound joy of parenting a child with complex needs. “She recently just learned how to put her socks on,” she said, describing the triumphs that many parents might overlook. “That was a huge accomplishment.” Gigi attends Camp Imagine in Avon Lake each summer, where she and other students on IEPs work on goals while enjoying a camp setting. Zarrella emphasized how critical programs like this are for families. “I see the same love and devotion and maybe some of the exhaustion also that I feel myself in all the parents,” she said. Zarrella discussed how her role as an advocate evolved from necessity. After years of balancing a demanding TV news career, she made the decision in 2019 to step away from full-time broadcasting to focus more on her children. “My kids were getting closer to the people who were helping us than me,” she recalled. The shift to real estate allowed her more flexibility, though she remains active in media through Cleveland 13 News and her ongoing contributions to local radio stations WOBL and WDLW. Even with these transitions, Zarrella continues to prioritize family above all. Her daughter’s development remains at the heart of her daily routine, from preparing meals to ensuring consistent care. While support services and waivers provide some relief, Zarrella is candid about the emotional weight of future planning. “My new worry is what happens to G beyond me,” she admitted. “Even if we wrote something down today, you constantly have to be reevaluating and reassessing these things.” The conversation also highlighted the significance of caregiver well-being. Zarrella recently recommitted to walking two miles a day as part of her self-care. “You’d be amazed at the stress relief that comes from that,” she said, encouraging other parents to carve out small moments for themselves. In addition to her reporting and real estate work, Zarrella has relaunched a monthly social hour for families of individuals with special needs at Avon Lake United Church of Christ. The event provides an informal setting for connection, music, and shared support. “What I think we all need more of are just simple opportunities to get together and talk,” she said. Among her many accomplishments, Zarrella is also the author of a children’s book titled Not Even The Sky Is The LIMIT!, inspired by Gianna and created to promote understanding and inclusion of people with disabilities. Throughout the interview, Zarrella’s message was clear: her story is one of perseverance, love, and continued growth. “God gave G to me for a reason… maybe there’s something that you and I can share that might help someone.” ————-
At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.
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