Kim Rutledge was appointed Deputy Director of the Office of Legislation and Communications at the California Department of Rehabilitation by California Governor Gavin Newsom in April 2022. In this role, Rutledge oversees all external affairs for the nation's largest vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs, which advance employment and independence for people with disabilities. Previously, Rutledge held multiple positions at the California Department of Social Services, including policy director of the nation's largest program that provides in-home care to older adults and people with disabilities.

Before entering state government, she was Assistant Legislative Director at the United Domestic Workers of America/AFSCME Local 3930, which represents nearly 200,000 in-home caregivers throughout California. She was the Sweeney Graduate Intern on Disability Policy at the National Academy of Social Insurance in Washington, D.C., and a Graduate Policy Intern at the Disability Community Resource Center in Los Angeles.

Earlier in her career, Rutledge worked as a newspaper reporter and editor at several publications, including the Sacramento Bee and the Oakland Tribune.

She earned a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Master of Social Welfare degree from the University of California-Los Angeles. Rutledge was born with a significant physical disability and has been a wheelchair user since she was a toddler. This lived experience informs her work as a nationally recognized leader in the disability community.

Song = Style by Taylor Swift

I know this week's guest as @TheBrimTruthReviews from TikTok, and if you don't follow him today is your lucky day! You're welcome!

Matthew Dickey is a Content Creator, podcast host, and music artist who is originally from Rockville, MD in the DC area. Matthew is an only child (just like me), and he feels that being an only child taught him self-reliance (also GenX and the 80s were bananas).

Song = Tracy, CA by Larry June

Chef Katy Turner says people see her life and sometimes believe she has taken some "wrong paths," but she doesn't see it that way. From serving in the military, battling with an eating disorder, overcoming alcohol addiction, becoming a chef, and everything in between, Katy's choices have been intentional. As she says, "I am a person of principle."

The song = Porcelain by Moby