- A Podcast Series by the Center for Independent Living
Conversations with the cast and creatives of Being Heumann
on Judy Heumann’s legacy, the 504 sit-in, disability rights, and the independent living movement.
Latest Episode
Listen on the following platforms
Now Playing
Beyond Heumann: Becoming Judy with Ruth Madeley | The Independent
“It’s like she lives in me now.” Ruth Madeley, the star of Being Heumann, joins Dr. Victor Pineda to talk about bringing Judy Heumann to the screen in her first Hollywood lead. Victor knew Judy for decades as a mentor and second mother.
Ruth shares how she captured Judy’s ferocity, joy, and deep care for people, and what changed in her after playing Judy, including learning to take a tequila shot like Judy. She also talks about leading a landmark ensemble of disabled actors, going from asking for nothing on set to standing firm on access needs, and why she hopes one kid will see the film and know Hollywood is possible for them.
Being Heumann is in theaters now and streaming on Apple TV starting November 13.
The Film
“Being Heumann arrives in November on Apple TV+ and in theaters, fifty years after the 504 sit-in.”
— Beyond Heumann, a series from The Independent
- About the Series
What Is Beyond Heumann?
Beyond Heumann is a special series of The Independent podcast exploring the people, stories, and history behind Being Heumann, the film celebrating the life and legacy of disability rights pioneer Judy Heumann, the Center for Independent Living (CIL), and the historic 1977 Section 504 Sit-Ins.
Through conversations with the film’s cast and special guests, the series goes beyond the screen to explore the real-life activists, personal experiences, and defining moments that shaped the disability rights movement.
Each episode is accompanied by an in-depth article that expands on the conversation, providing historical context, research, and insights into the individuals and events portrayed in the film.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Section 504 Sit-Ins in 2027, Beyond Heumann invites audiences to rediscover this pivotal chapter in disability rights history, honor those who made it possible, and reflect on its lasting impact on the ongoing fight for disability rights.
Go beyond the film. Discover the stories. Explore the history.
All Episodes
Beyond Heumann Episodes
Every episode is available to watch on YouTube and listen to wherever you get your podcasts. Beyond Heumann is part of The Independent, so the full archive of every episode lives on the main podcast page.
The Blog
Beyond Heumann Blog
Stories, reflections and behind-the-scenes notes from the series.
