Episode 50

Empowered & Out with Guest Tas Kronby

Published on: 2nd December, 2025

Design With All in Mind — Tas on Surviving, Thriving, and Creating Inclusive Spaces

What does it mean to rebuild your identity after growing up in control, trauma, and silence—and then use that resilience to create a more inclusive world?

In this powerful episode, host Jonathan Barbe sits down with Tas (they/he) — a deaf, disabled, queer, trans, biracial, and autistic artist, author, and accessibility consultant whose story will move and inspire you.

Tas opens up about:

  • Growing up in a Christian fundamentalist cult and surviving abuse
  • Discovering their autism diagnosis at 24 after a childhood of denial
  • Facing racism, ableism, and discrimination in college and the workplace
  • Coming out as trans after marriage and finding authentic love
  • Transforming pain into purpose through art, advocacy, and accessibility

💬 This episode isn’t just about survival — it’s about the power of designing with all in mind and finding freedom in living as your whole self.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and learn more about Tas at tastheartist.com.

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About the Podcast

Empowered & Out
The LGBTQ+ Career Coaching Podcast
This is the podcast where LGBTQ+ professionals come to get real about career, confidence, and authenticity at work. Each week, Jonathan shares coaching insights on purpose, confidence, and unmasking at work—PLUS inspiring interviews with LGBTQ+ leaders, authors, and change-makers who are rewriting what success looks like in their industries.

From overcoming workplace discrimination, to unlearning internalized shame, to building a career that actually feels like YOU, these conversations are honest, practical, and rooted in the queer experience.

🌈 Whether it’s a solo coaching deep dive or a guest interview, Empowered & Out is here to help you thrive authentically, without apology.

About your host

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J B

JB Motivating From The 5280 Podcast is about me, Jonathan Barbe, living in the Mile High City, sharing my thoughts and opinions on positive motivation and self-improvement from my home in Denver, Colorado.