THE Cerebral Podcast

Episode 5: Creating Character with Sesame Street, the Muppet Method, and the 4Ps

In this week's show, I talk about creating character by using examples from Sesame Street and the Muppet Method. I appeared on Sesame Street in 1978 thanks to United Cerebral Palsy. The YouTube evidence is available here. But the video has no sound. Explanation of the Muppet Method came from Bill Prady and the Maltin on Movies podcast. Prady worked for years with Muppets before he co-created The Big Bang Theory. Later, I talked about the Muppet Method and how I tried to apply it to my life in school. Finally I talk about Mitchel Resnick and his work with lifelong learning with the 4Ps.

In the episode I talk about mention Jerry Juhl, who wrote the Muppet Movie, and I also mention Geri Jewell The Facts of Life actress with Cerebral Palsy. Both have a connection with the Muppets.

 

THE Episode Resources:

1. Maltin on Movies: Bill Prady
2. Mitchel Resnick

 

 

 

Episode 4: Driven by Sports in a Broad Way

This week, I talk about how sports helped expand my drive to succeed, after visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame. This was before THE Miracle League and other current adaptive sports activities. I also talk about different transitions I made and how other kids made adjustments around me on the playground. When speed and peer pressure formal factors, he found another ancillary avenue to scoot on the sidelines. What stated out as jealousy, became a bigger blessing. I began with Yankee greats like Babe Ruth and finished with "The Scooter" Phil Rizzuto.

Episode 3: Pole Position

This week I talk about THE power of body positioning and body language. People with disabilities often start with a weak definitions. I also talk about the power and thinking, and uses social psychologist Amy Cuddy as not only a thought leader but an example of becoming something more. I also offers advice to occupational and physical therapists.

THE Episode Resources:

Erin Mahone

https://twitter.com/elmahone

https://www.ifyoucouldseeme.com/

Amy Cuddy

https://www.amycuddy.com/

https://www.ted.com/speakers/amy_cuddy

Episode 2: The Power of Weakness

Today/April 28 is National Superhero Day. In this episode, Rob talks about the Wizard of Oz and The Incredible Hulk. He talks about Erin Bischoff, a girl in a wheelchair who recently starred as Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz" at Hasbrouck Heights High School in New Jersey. Rob refers to the Tin man and The Incredible Hulk as two characters he identified with. Seeing Lou Ferrigno fall had a profound physical impact on him.  He discusses his disability and learning about the strength of exercises because of Jawonio. He also talks about the impact of dignity and respect and how he turned it into a powerful DRILLS tool for success. Extra: After recording the episode, Rob found out about How CrossFitter Steph Hammerman Became Nike’s First Adaptive Training Sponsored Athlete. She is another example of what Rob talks about with the empowerment of tools and devices.

Episode 1: Bringing My Disability to Life through Music and Batman

In episode one, Rob mentions some oxymorons and relates them to being born with Cerebral Palsy. He also talks about his alliterative affinity for the 1966 Batman TV series. He also mentioned his recent essay about oxymorons in The Mighty. He finishes the episode with a poem by mixing metaphors around his crutches. 

Episode 0: An Introduction to My Cerebral Palsy

By entering THE Cerebral Podcast, you will be introduced to me, Rob Targos. I share and summarize some of his 45 years of experience after being born with a disability. I have also spent most of my life and career handling different aspects of social-emotional learning, and quality control. I have a DIY do-it-yourself mentality. I have been involved with Sesame Street and worked for Nickelodeon. My disability has had both benefits and definite difficulties. But I want to share some experiences and tools to help, parents, kids and anyone else that wants to be empowered by different devices.