What would you do if you met a kindred spirit but had a barrier to communicating with them? On today's episode we speak with two friends who managed to bridge the gap between the Deaf and hearing worlds. We talk about what communication means, what allyship means, and what is unique and special about Deaf culture. Please also check out the full video episode with ASL interpretation on YouTube!

David Naert

Born and raised in Illinois, David has spent the past decade planting roots in Des Moines, Iowa, where his passion for language and lifelong learning continues to grow. A native English speaker who later learned Spanish, he began studying American Sign Language three years ago and found a deep appreciation for Deaf culture and the people who welcomed him into their world. Now an aspiring trilingual interpreter, he’s motivated by connection, committed to fostering access, and inspired by the relationships that keep him learning.

John Isaacson

Born profoundly Deaf, John’s first language has always been American Sign Language. Growing up in both the Deaf and hearing worlds, he learned early how to balance and move between them. After being mainstreamed from kindergarten through his freshman year, he transitioned to a Deaf residential school for the remainder of high school—an experience that strengthened his identity and deepened his sense of community.

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