Hero Radio: How an Inclusive Podcast is Building Confidence, Connection, and Community
At Ken Anderson Alliance, creativity is more than an activity—it’s a pathway to connection, confidence, and community. One of the most unique ways that mission comes to life is through Hero Radio, an inclusive podcast created by participants in KAA’s music programs in partnership with Melodic Connections.
On Hero Radio, adults with developmental disabilities in the KAA program interview musicians, artists, and cultural leaders from across the Cincinnati region and beyond. What begins as a podcast recording often becomes something much deeper: a genuine conversation between people who share a love of music and storytelling.
Now approaching 80 episodes, Hero Radio continues to highlight powerful conversations, surprising insights, and the unique perspectives of the KAA participants who host the show.
An Inclusive Podcast Built on Curiosity and Connection
Hero Radio began with inspiration from the hero’s journey storytelling framework popularized by Joseph Campbell. While the podcast has naturally evolved over time, the spirit of that narrative structure—exploring the journeys of artists and creators—still shapes many of the conversations.
Today, Hero Radio interviews a wide range of guests:
- Local musicians
- Arts and culture leaders
- Regional icons
- Nationally recognized performers
What makes the podcast truly stand out is who asks the questions.
KAA participants in the program research each guest, develop original questions, and lead the interviews themselves. Their curiosity and lived experiences often lead to conversations that guests say they haven’t had anywhere else.
Guests are routinely impressed with the depth of research and the thoughtful questions our participants ask.
Choosing Guests: Driven by Participant Interests
Every season of Hero Radio begins with a brainstorming session.
KAA participants suggest potential guests based on their own interests—from local artists to dream interviews with global music legends. The group then researches those individuals together, learning about their work through websites, social media, and biographies.
From there, they decide whether to reach out and invite them to join the show.
Sometimes the inspiration is wonderfully specific.
One participant, Joe Myers, is fascinated by the statue of Pete Rose outside Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park. That curiosity led the group to track down and interview the sculptor who created the statue.
Other interviews have grown from musical passions—like conversations with percussionists from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra for a participant who loves rhythm.
This process transforms research into storytelling. Instead of focusing only on what guests do, participants ask deeper questions about why they do it—creating room for authentic dialogue.
How This Podcast Builds Confidence for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
While the podcast celebrates artists and musicians, the most powerful stories often come from the participants themselves.
“With the podcast, I try to make sure that a light is shined on each participants’ strengths and that they really get to show that off.” – Justin Todhunter, KAA DSP
One of the clearest examples of growth is Joe Myers. When KAA Direct Support Professional Justin Todhunter first began working with him, Joe was extremely quiet and rarely made eye contact. Over time, participating in the podcast has helped him build confidence.
Today, Joe eagerly prepares his questions and takes pride in reading them clearly and accurately during interviews.
Ashley, another participant, has found a strong sense of community through the podcast and takes great pride in the quality of each episode.
“I come here Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the music program. Thursdays I work and Fridays I’m with Ken Anderson Alliance again, just for the podcast, so my week is full.” – Andy Schwartman, KAA participant and podcast co-host
Experiences like these show how creative programs can build communication skills, self-confidence, and connection—core goals of KAA’s programming for adults with developmental disabilities.
Memorable Conversations and Standout Episodes
With nearly 80 episodes produced, Hero Radio has welcomed an impressive range of guests and stories.
Some standout moments include:
- An in-depth interview with legendary radio broadcaster Jim Scott, believed to be one of his final long-form interviews before his passing.
- A powerful conversation with Clyde Brown, who shared personal experiences performing as an African American musician in the segregated South.
- A lively episode with Thane Maynard, where participants discussed the history of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden—and even exchanged Kookaburra bird calls.
- A favorite interview with legendary Cincinnati Reds sportscaster Marty Brennaman, who spent time swapping stories with participants and embracing the conversation.
These episodes highlight what makes Hero Radio special: genuine curiosity, thoughtful preparation, and the joy of shared interests.
Meet the Staff Member Behind the Podcast
Hero Radio is guided by Justin Todhunter, a Direct Support Professional at KAA who has worked with participants for eight years.
Justin spends most of his week supporting the music-based adult day program and dedicates one day each week to running the Hero Radio podcast.
His background in music plays a major role in shaping the program. For more than 25 years, Justin has performed in Cincinnati with his band Jake Speed and the Freddies. The group has won multiple Cincinnati Entertainment Awards and even performed original compositions with the Cincinnati Ballet.
Justin has also performed at Cincinnati Music Hall during a live broadcast of A Prairie Home Companion, reaching an audience of millions.
Despite his extensive musical background, Justin says the most meaningful part of his job is something simpler.
“What I love most are the relationships we build with our participants and seeing the joy and laughter in their day.”
He brings patience, consistency, and a deep sense of purpose to his role—helping participants feel confident, supported, and excited about each new episode.
Advancing Disability Inclusion Through Podcasting
Hero Radio is more than an inclusive podcast. It’s a program that reflects the mission of the Ken Anderson Alliance: supporting adults with developmental disabilities as they live meaningful, connected lives in their communities.
Every interview reinforces a simple truth: shared passions—like music—create powerful bridges between people.
Whether speaking with local musicians or nationally recognized artists, participants are not just asking questions. They are building relationships, telling stories, and showing the world what inclusion can look like in action.
See behind the scenes of Hero Radio in action!
What’s Next for Hero Radio
The next season of Hero Radio is already underway, with exciting guests scheduled—including Brian Lovely from Blessid Union of Souls and Zach Gabbard, who has performed with The Black Keys.
Justin says he’s incredibly proud of the team behind the podcast.
“I’m proud of this group, their commitment to improving the episodes, and the way they support each other. I remind them of that after every interview.”
With more stories to tell and more artists to meet, Hero Radio continues to amplify voices, celebrate creativity, and bring people together through music.
Follow Hero Radio
Hero Radio is available on major podcast platforms:
Listen to the Latest Hero Radio Episode:
Each episode offers a new conversation, a new artist, and a new opportunity to experience the power of music, storytelling, and connection.
Interested in being a guest on this inclusive podcast?
If anyone is interested learning more about being a podcast guest of has a lead, email info@kenandersonalliance.org.