Overview of #634 - Fiona Cauley (Theo Von)
This episode of the Theo Von Show features comedian and podcaster Fiona Cauley. The conversation ranges from Fiona’s comedy career and experiences on shows like Kill Tony and late-night TV, to her life with Friedreich’s ataxia (a rare progressive neurological disease), advocacy, accessibility challenges, memorable on‑the‑road stories, and broader cultural/political topics. The tone mixes humor, vulnerability, and practical observations about disability and public perception.
Key topics covered
- Fiona’s personal and professional background: comedy, podcasts, and web series.
- Her diagnosis and lived experience with Friedreich’s ataxia (what it is, progression, treatments).
- Accessibility, stigma, and common misconceptions about disability.
- Wild on‑the‑road anecdotes (dangerous Uber, VIP afterparty with Yelawolf, Kill Tony experiences).
- How comedy, storytelling, and advocacy intersect in her work (YouTube series Capable).
- Broader news discussed briefly: the ICE agent shooting of a protester and protests/Internet shutdowns in Iran.
Guest background & comedy career
- Fiona Cauley: comedian, podcaster (Rampin’ Up), and creator of the YouTube series Capable.
- Comedy timeline: about five years on stage; Kill Tony appearance was a major turning point, boosting her following and exposure (also seen on Netflix and at Madison Square Garden).
- Late-night TV: appeared on Fallon; contrasted the experience of late night vs. the rougher, more "Coliseum-like" Kill Tony arena shows.
- She and her husband Matt perform and podcast together; she features and tours regularly.
Medical context: Friedreich’s ataxia (FA)
- Brief explanation given by Fiona: a rare, progressive neurological disease caused by insufficient frataxin (a mitochondrial protein). She cited ~5,000 people in the U.S. with FA.
- Onset: her symptoms began around age 15 (clumsiness, falling), diagnosis followed in late teens; the disease is progressive and has major mobility impacts.
- Treatments/hope: Fiona participated in therapies and trials (including a frataxin replacement therapy trial) and is on a medication she referred to as “Skyclaris” (Skyclarys, brand name for omaveloxolone, a recently approved therapy that aims to slow progression). She framed current treatments as pausing progression rather than cures, and she expressed optimism about future advances.
- Emotional arc: she described the grief and mourning process after diagnosis, early depression, and later acceptance and purpose through comedy and advocacy.
Notable stories & anecdotes
- Kill Tony logistics: venues sometimes inaccessible; she’s carried up stairs and has to navigate backstage challenges because of her wheelchair. She described the show atmosphere as intense and sometimes mean-spirited toward newcomers.
- Uber ordeal: she recounted a terrifying Uber ride where the driver produced a handgun, poked her with it, and drove erratically; she escaped, performed that night, and later ended up at a VIP afterparty where rapper Yelawolf (misheard in the transcript as “Yellow Wolf”) and others looked after her.
- Audience/DM culture: discussed unwanted sexualized messages and assumptions (e.g., people fetishizing wheelchairs or asking degrading things).
- Everyday discrimination: Uber drivers refusing to help stow wheelchairs; people assuming her husband is a caregiver rather than her spouse; stories of being gaslit by family prior to diagnosis.
Accessibility, language, and how to help
- Language preferences: Fiona prefers terms like “disability” or “disabled” and “person with a disability” — but emphasized that preferences are personal and vary.
- Practical guidance:
- Ask before helping; don’t assume you know someone’s needs.
- Don’t infantilize or presume cognitive impairment based on speech or mobility.
- Accessibility requires intentional investment (ramps, elevators, accessible venues) — often ignored because it costs money.
- Social realities: accessibility isn’t only an altruistic issue — it affects participation in work, culture, and social life. Many venues (restaurants, clubs, comedy rooms) remain inaccessible.
Broader topics touched on
- ICE shooting case: discussed the killing of a protester by an ICE agent (the agent reportedly had been dragged by a vehicle months earlier). The conversation focused on use‑of‑force, PTSD, and the question of what constitutes a “reasonable” threat for an officer.
- Iran protests: brief discussion of nationwide protests, internet shutdowns, and the human cost of uprisings and state crackdowns; Theo and Fiona reflected on voice, technology dependence, and solidarity.
- Media & representation: reactions to inclusive dolls (Wheelchair Barbie, autistic Barbie) — Fiona acknowledged the intention but noted complexities around visibility and representation.
Memorable quotes & insights
- “All I want to do now… give a voice to the voiceless.” — Fiona on using comedy and platform for advocacy.
- On disability language: “I prefer like disability, disabled. I think handicap is like a thing… I’m a person with a disability.”
- On coping: mourning what you thought your life would be is necessary; humor and connection became central to her life and work.
Actionable takeaways
- If you meet someone with a disability:
- Don’t assume — ask, and respect preferences.
- Offer help only when appropriate; accept “no” gracefully.
- Use people-first or identity-first terminology based on individual preference.
- For event organizers and venues: prioritize accessibility (ramps, elevators, ticketing) to include disabled performers and audiences.
- Follow and support creators turning lived experience into art/advocacy — Fiona’s work (Rampin’ Up podcast, Capable series, stand-up) raises awareness while entertaining.
Where to find Fiona Cauley / resources mentioned
- Podcast: Rampin’ Up (weekly; Fiona mentioned Mondays 4:30 PM Central).
- YouTube series: Capable.
- Social media and tour dates were discussed (she referenced shows in Nashville, LA, Denver, San Antonio, etc.) — check her official accounts for current listings.
- Medical context: for reputable info on Friedreich’s ataxia, look to organizations like the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) and recent FDA/medical releases about omaveloxolone (Skyclarys).
This episode blends candid personal storytelling and hard laughs with useful perspectives on disability, accessibility, and how comedy can both expose and heal social blind spots.