Sullivan's Unheard Voices

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Sullivan's Unheard Voices This podcast is going to elevate the voices of the unheard. We're going to talk to people that are doing unique things to support our community.

We accept everyone! Shawn Sullivan’s show dives into the raw, real-world experiences of disability, neurodivergence, and navigating systems that weren’t built for us. As a late-diagnosed autistic adult, Army vet, and public policy insider, Shawn brings bold insight, humor, and lived expertise to every episode—challenging assumptions, amplifying voices, and reshaping the conversation on inclusion, one story at a time.

07/29/2026

Sullivan's Unheard Voices 148: Kismet Farms Animal Sanctuary
In this special episode of Sullivan’s Unheard Voices, we step onto the peaceful grounds of Kismet Farms Animal Sanctuary near Estacada, Oregon, for a heartfelt conversation about rescue, healing, and second chances.
I sit down with founder Olga Smith Dongvillo, a local acupuncturist whose lifelong love of animals grew into a 501(c)(3) sanctuary for elder, neglected, and abused farmed animals. We talk about how Kismet Farms began as a vision for more women friends, an animal sanctuary, and a new love — and how, in her words, “two out of three” turned into a thriving place of refuge. Olga shares how the sanctuary now cares for around 40 four-legged animals, plus geese and chickens, including potbelly pigs, goats, donkeys, alpacas, cows, and even a Canadian goose that keeps coming back.
We also explore what it really takes to keep a sanctuary running: quarantining and vet-screening new arrivals, relying on community donations and volunteers, and the emotional weight of giving animals a safe place to land. Olga explains how animals respond to human energy, how volunteers read to anxious goats and brush nervous donkeys, and why companionship is so important for herd animals like goats and donkeys. She also shares practical advice for anyone who may need to rehome an animal: try to keep them if possible, and if not, contact a rescue or sanctuary first instead of giving animals away for free online.
Whether you’re an animal lover, support Oregon farms, or simply believe every creature deserves a second chance, this episode brings you into the daily life of a sanctuary built on serendipity, compassion, and community.
Listen to the full episode of Sullivan’s Unheard Voices wherever you get your podcasts, and share this with anyone who loves animals or supports local animal rescue.

07/27/2026

Sullivan's Unheard Voices 147: Juli Ray Joy and Shawn Sullivan talk about poverty

POVERTY IS NOT SOME ABSTRACT POLICY DEBATE. IT IS A KNIFE FIGHT WITH REALITY, AND TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE LOSING.

In this episode of Sullivan’s Unheard Voices, Juli Ray Joy and I went straight into the ugly, unvarnished truth: poverty in America is not always a tent on the sidewalk or a cup in a freeway median. Sometimes it’s a person punching a clock all day and still coming up short at the grocery store. Sometimes it’s a veteran getting chewed up by bureaucracy. Sometimes it’s a person with a disability being shut out of jobs, opportunity, and basic dignity. Sometimes it’s somebody standing in line for help while being treated like dirt by the very system pretending to save them.

That’s the scam.

The public gets sold this cartoon version of poverty, like it’s always someone else, always someone lazy, always someone who made bad choices. But the real story is much messier, meaner, and more humiliating than that.

It’s one bill away.

One emergency away.

One breakdown away.

One wrong turn away from the edge.

And then comes the moral theater: the lectures, the judgment, the sermons from people who’ve never had to choose between rent and groceries, never had to swallow their pride just to ask for help, never had to perform gratitude while getting crushed.

Poverty doesn’t just empty your wallet. It grinds down your dignity, your health, your options, your hope. It turns survival into a daily administrative nightmare.

The hardest part is that our government keeps leaving people behind like they are the lowest priority in the room, while the people struggling the most are expected to keep waiting, keep proving themselves, and keep surviving on scraps. We can do better.

07/16/2026

Sullivan's Unheard Voices: Salem Multicultural Institute and World Beat Day 2 Part 2

Sullivan’s Unheard Voices: World Beat Day 2 brings listeners back into the heart of a celebration where music, culture, community, and connection take center stage. Inspired by this year’s World Beat Festival conversations, this episode opens the door to stories about accessibility, autism, disability advocacy, family traditions, and the power of shared experience. It’s a reminder that the most meaningful conversations are often the ones that live just beneath the surface, waiting for someone to make space for them.

In a world that moves fast and listens slowly, these voices matter. They challenge us to hear beyond the noise, to sit with truth, and to recognize that every story carries dignity, urgency, and value. World Beat Day 2 is not just an episode, it’s a call to pay attention, because when people are finally heard, communities grow stronger, deeper, and more human. See less

All set up for my next round of Podcast interviews at the world beat!
06/28/2026

All set up for my next round of Podcast interviews at the world beat!

06/15/2026

Sullivan's Unheard Voices 145: Salem Multicultural Institute and World Beat
In this episode of Sullivan’s Unheard Voices, Shawn sits down with Terry from Salem Multicultural Institute and World Beat to talk about the power of cultural celebration, community connection, and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. Terry shares the inspiring story behind Salem Multicultural’s origins, the impact of the World Beat Festival, and why building understanding across cultures matters now more than ever.
They also explore how World Beat goes beyond entertainment by creating an experience rooted in accessibility and inclusion, with sensory-friendly support, volunteer opportunities, and a festival environment designed to welcome people of all abilities. Just as important, the conversation highlights how peace starts at the community level through curiosity, empathy, and simple human connection.
From music, food, storytelling, dance, and art to the deeper work of breaking down fear and isolation, this episode is a reminder that culture brings people together in powerful ways. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about belonging, respect, and the beauty of learning from one another.

06/08/2026

Sullivan's Unheard Voices: Books N Time and Karolle Hughes
In this episode of Sullivan’s Unheard Voices, Shawn sits down with Karolle Hughes, owner of Books-N-Time, an independent bookstore in Silverton, Oregon, for a conversation about books, reading, local business, community support, and the importance of shopping local. This episode is perfect for viewers searching for Oregon podcasts, bookstore interviews, small business stories, independent bookstore content, community-based podcasts, and local business support.
Karolle shares how a lifelong love of books led her from volunteering at the shop to becoming the owner of Books-N-Time, and how the bookstore has become a welcoming space for readers, neighbors, and families in Silverton and the surrounding Oregon community. The conversation explores why independent bookstores matter, how personal customer service sets local shops apart, and why supporting small businesses helps keep money in the community.
This episode also dives into reading for children, graphic novels for reluctant readers, book recommendations, books that change lives, and the lasting impact of reading on young minds. Karolle talks about the joy of discovering new authors, the value of hardbacks and trade paperbacks, and the unique role bookstores play in preserving local culture and connection.
If you enjoy podcasts about books, author discussions, independent bookstores, Oregon small business owners, community storytelling, local culture, and thoughtful conversations about reading and connection, this episode is for you. Sullivan’s Unheard Voices highlights the people, stories, and places that make a community stronger.
Topics covered: independent bookstore, Books-N-Time, Silverton Oregon, community podcast, local business, reading culture, children’s books, graphic novels, book recommendations, supporting local, small business ownership, Oregon podcast, bookstore interview, community storytelling.

06/01/2026

Sullivan's Unheard Voices Live from the Salem Autism Walk.
Shawn Sullivan shares powerful conversations with autistic self-advocates, family members, and community organizations working to support neurodivergent people and their families in Salem, Oregon.
This episode highlights real resources, real voices, and real community support, from school advocacy and early childhood programs to sensory-aware care and family services.
What part of this episode stands out most to you? Comment below and share this with someone who believes in inclusion.

05/04/2026

Sullivan's Unheard Voices: Eddie Wang
Eddie Wang joined Sullivan’s Backstage Pass for a conversation about what makes a guitar amp truly special. Drawing from his background as a musician, physicist, and teacher, Eddie shared how his early experiences with piano, cello, and guitar shaped his belief that instruments should inspire creativity, not limit it. That mindset eventually led him from tinkering with amps for himself to building a business around gear that feels musical, responsive, and made for real players.
During the episode, Eddie talked about how his amps are designed for today’s musicians rather than being copies of old models from the 1950s and 60s. He explained that modern players use pedals, want more flexibility, and need amps that can work at home, in the studio, or on stage. His approach focuses on expressiveness, dynamics, and tone — with cabinets, components, and construction chosen carefully so the amp sounds bigger, feels better, and lasts longer.
Eddie also shared how craftsmanship and local service are central to his philosophy. His amps are built to be durable, repairable, and easy to maintain, with attention paid to every detail from the wood selection to the glue used in assembly. The result is a product designed to be a long-term investment for musicians who care about sound, portability, and quality.

04/13/2026

Sullivan's Unheard Voices 141: From Trauma to Acceptance — My Autism Story

In this episode of Sullivan’s Unheard Voices, host Shawn Sullivan opens up about his personal journey with autism — exploring the path from childhood trauma and confusion to self-discovery, diagnosis, and ultimately, acceptance. Through raw honesty and reflection, Shawn sheds light on the challenges and breakthroughs that shaped his sense of identity. This conversation emphasizes the vital need for understanding, empathy, and representation within the neurodiverse community, reminding listeners that every voice deserves to be heard and understood.

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Salem, OR

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