21-year-old AJ Scott has a new podcast entitled Living With Muscular Dystrophy. In it, he discusses a variety of topics about living with this disease.
“It all started with something I could do to be productive,” Scott says.
He originally had the idea to create the podcast around professional wrestling, one of his favorite sports, but he soon changed the theme so he could tell his story.
“I like to talk," he said. "It gives me an outlet to talk with humor included. I don’t want to make people sad; I just want to tell it like it is and share my truth.”
Scott’s topics range from issues surrounding handicapped parking to dating, to things that people say to him because of his disability. Having never done a podcast before, Scott taught himself the ins and outs of recording, editing, and marketing, which is still a work in progress.
“It was a little overwhelming at first but I enjoy it, so I kept at it,” he shared.
He started working on it last summer and persevered even when things were difficult, just as he does living with muscular dystrophy.
“I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to do it, but my parents kept encouraging me,” he said.
The Scott family, including dad Jerel, mom Pam, and sisters Jolie and Jana, has supported him from the moment he expressed interest in recording a podcast.
“They told me I could do it, and gave me positive feedback,” Scott says. “I’ve learned that I can do anything pretty much if I give it my all.”
Another reason Scott chose to try something new was to step out of his comfort zone.
“The reason I wanted to start it was to interact with people more and make some new friends,” he shared.
The inspiration for Scott’s podcast topics is rooted in past experiences and daily life. He keeps a running list of talking points, then compiles notes before he sets out to record. One goal that is always on the agenda is infusing humor into every episode.
“I don’t feel like there is a better feeling than making people laugh,” Scott said.
Scott wants to convey many things with Living With Muscular Dystrophy, and he wants others to know they are not alone.
“I want the world to know what it’s like to live with muscular dystrophy. I just want to make a difference. I want to give others who are in a similar situation hope and positivity.”
He understands how being in a wheelchair may seem challenging to others, but he is filled with gratitude.
“I think I have a pretty good life,” he says.
You can access AJ's podcast here on Apple Podcasts or here on Amazon Music.
