In this episode of Wheel With It, Devon is joined her friend by Stephanie Singer for an honest and inspiring conversation about advocacy, independence, and how the welfare system should truly work.

Stephanie shares her lived experience navigating public benefits, developing self-advocacy skills, and fighting for disability rights. Together, they explore how current policies often discourage independence — and what meaningful reform could look like.

You’ll hear about asset limits, financial barriers, building community, and what it really means to thrive instead of just survive. This episode shines a light on the human side of public policy and offers hope for a more empowering future.

Perfect for listeners interested in disability advocacy, welfare reform, public policy, and real stories of resilience.

00:00 – Introduction

01:10 – Meet Stephanie Singer

03:25 – Her advocacy journey

06:10 – Problems with today’s welfare system

09:40 – Sponsor break

10:23 – Back to the discussion

12:00 – Financial limits & independence

16:10 – Self-advocacy in action

20:05 – Thriving vs surviving

24:40 – Disability rights & reform

29:15 – Community and support systems

33:10 – Redefining independence

36:45 – Final reflections

39:10 – Wrap-up

Connect with Stephanie:

https://www.instagram.com/mercymedicalangels50?igsh=bzZvcmxqNnZ2ZjA1

https://www.lulu.com/shop/stephanie-singer/fight-song-tales-from-taekwondo/hardcover/product-95mqqr4.html

https://www.lulu.com/shop/stephanie-singer/fight-song-tales-from-taekwondo/ebook/product-jedg9qw.html?q=Fight+Song+tales+from+taekwondo&page=1&pageSize=4

https://www.facebook.com/share/17R8wU5sUV/

https://www.instagram.com/golden_infinity_advocacy?igsh=MTMzbnkzMWZ5cHNrcA==

https://mercymedical.org/

https://www.lulu.com/shop/stephanie-singer/fight-song-tales-from-taekwondo/hardcover/product-95mqqr4.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Connect with Devon/the show:

https://linktr.ee/wheelwithitpod

In this exclusive interview, David Hoch from the Nick Shirley videos speaks publicly about exposing Minnesota welfare fraud and the systemic failures that allowed it to happen.

Hoch shares how he discovered the misuse of taxpayer funds, what he witnessed inside the system, and why he ultimately became a whistleblower. This conversation examines government accountability, public corruption, and the personal cost of speaking out against powerful institutions.

This interview is essential viewing for anyone interested in whistleblower stories, government fraud investigations, and how public money is managed.

Topics covered:

• Minnesota welfare fraud explained

• How the fraud was uncovered

• Whistleblower retaliation and consequences

• Government oversight failures

• Why David Hoch decided to come forward

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Why This Conversation Matters

01:00 – Meet David Hoch

02:30 – Discovering Welfare Fraud in Minnesota

05:45 – What Was Really Happening Inside the System

09:30 – Following the Money

13:00 – The Impact on Foster Kids and Disabled People

16:15 – Deciding to Speak Out

19:30 – Retaliation and Personal Consequences

22:45 – Oversight Failures in State Government

25:30 – Why This Is a Human Issue

28:00 – Final Thoughts

Connect with David:

https://www.tiktok.com/@manofpeace390?_r=1&_t=ZP-93Tx9rwrSu7

Connect with Devon/the show:

https://linktr.ee/wheelwithitpod

In this reaction video, I respond to Nick Shirley’s breakdown of welfare fraud in Minnesota and add my own perspective as someone directly impacted by the welfare system.

Nick highlights how fraud and mismanagement harm the people who actually rely on these programs. I react in real time, expand on what he gets right, and explain why welfare fraud isn’t just a political issue — it’s a human one.

This video covers Minnesota welfare fraud, misuse of taxpayer funds, and why accountability matters for people with disabilities, families, and foster children who depend on these services.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

00:30 – Why I’m Reacting to This Video

01:15 – Who Nick Shirley Is

02:20 – Overview of the Minnesota Welfare Fraud Claims

04:10 – Initial Reaction to Nick Shirley’s Video

06:20 – Street Interviews and Public Perception

08:40 – Key Points Nick Shirley Raises

11:00 – What These Videos Get Right

13:30 – What Often Gets Missed About Welfare Fraud

16:00 – How Fraud Hurts People Who Actually Need Help

18:30 – Accountability vs. Punishing the Vulnerable

21:10 – What Real Welfare Reform Should Look Like

23:40 – Broader Context on Minnesota’s Welfare System

26:10 – Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Connect with Devon/the show

https://linktr.ee/wheelwithitpod