Behind the Mic of 'The Hidden Workforce' Podcast

Lisa Toth and Maggie Bond are the duo behind The Hidden Workforce, a podcast and radio show dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities.

The program led to the creation of a nonprofit, Open Ears Open Opportunities, Inc., which expands its mission through hands-on media training and inclusion.

We sat down with Lisa and Maggie on the Coca-Cola Porch to learn more about their journey, their passion, and their impact.

Origins of The Hidden Workforce

Q: How did the podcast begin?

A: The Hidden Workforce is an advocacy radio show and podcast created by author and expert employment consultant Lisa Toth. Lisa owns Rise Staffing a company that helps people with disabilities get jobs in the fields they are interested in.

Through her extensive career working with people with disabilities in various jobs and settings, she saw people with disabilities being overlooked and mistreated. She truly sees each of their potential and abilities and will do anything to create opportunities for them to shine.

She started “The Hidden Workforce” Podcast to help be a part of breaking the negative stereotypes placed on people with disabilities.

The specific event that led to Lisa taking the leap to start the show was when she had helped a person with a disability get a great job that they were excited to start. They had built a ramp and accommodations for this person to begin working there, too. One of the employees was nervous about the person with the disability starting there and raised their concerns, and although these concerns and accommodations had already been addressed, they decided not to go through with employing this individual. So Lisa started the podcast to help break stereotypes and misconceptions placed on people with disabilities. 

Building a Platform for Inclusion

Q: Tell us about Open Ears Open Opportunities.

A: OEOO was Lisa’s vision to expand the reach of our podcast. Through it, we’ve created training programs that help people with disabilities learn media skills like podcasting, video, and social media to amplify their voices. It’s all about creating inclusive opportunities.

Community Support and Participation

Q: How can the community support your work?

We would love for self-advocates who live with disabilities, as well as their families, siblings, parents, relatives, caretakers, guardians, etc., to tune in to our show because it’s for them. It’s meant to build community and serve as a resource guide for them regarding what is out there for them! 

We would also like for people who don’t have disabilities or interact with them to listen so they can learn how amazing this community is and break down the stereotypes, misconceptions, and stigmas they may have on people who live with disabilities.

Follow their work on social media:

1. The Hidden Workforce
2. Instagram @thehiddenworkforce
3. Facebook
4. Open Ears Open Opportunities
5. Instagram @openearsopenopportunitiesinc