Is coexistence enough, or is it time we rethink the way we build community?
In this powerful episode of Connected Conversations, host Elena Petrova speaks with Julia Risso Villani - activist, educator, theater teacher, and voice-over artist—about why disability should never be framed as a tragedy, and how we can move beyond “coexistence” to something deeper: coexistence, collective care, and community without hierarchy.
🟢 Key Themes:
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Why “coexistence” isn’t the goal—and what true coexistence looks like
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How society’s obsession with “normal” excludes and devalues difference
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The role of education, childhood representation, and language in shaping equity
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Julia’s work using art and storytelling to drive political and cultural change
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Why access must be a collective responsibility, not a favour
From language to legislation, this episode challenges us to confront our own assumptions, and to reimagine the futures we build.
About Julia Risso:
She is an activist, educator, voice-over artist, and theater teacher who focuses on communicating and teaching about disability and rights in diverse spaces. She is the author of the book "Curvatures: Pain Never Bends Desire" and the creator of the podcast Les Otres, which was launched during the pandemic.
Through her work in art, education, and advocacy, Julia challenges the way society talks about disability and drives conversations that foster collective care and systemic change.
🎧 Tune in to hear Julia’s radical and necessary vision of dignity, difference, and collective strength.
You can watch/listen to this episode here:
🟢 Spotify: https://shorturl.at/IdbJw
⚫ Apple Podcast: https://shorturl.at/NM7bc
🔵 Amazon Music: https://shorturl.at/8zKcG
