PODCAST · society
ListenABLE
by SESSION in PROGRESS
Challenge what you think it’s like to live with disability. Hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin speak to people living with disabilities about their lives and ask them the questions you thought were off-limits. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll learn something. This is a podcast for everyone - disabled or abled, and hopes to break down stigmas, change perceptions, and to challenge what you think it’s like to live with disability.
Episodes
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What People Get Wrong About Tourette’s and Autism
Matt Toms on Tourette Syndrome, Autism, ADHD and the Exhaustion of Masking What happens when your disability is invisible, your capacity changes from one day to the next, and the people around you assume you’re simply being rude, lazy or difficult? Matt Toms joins Dylan Alcott and Angus…
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“What Are You Going to Do Now?” Matt Caruana on Surviving Suicide and Finding Purpose
Content warning At 16, Matt Caruana attempted to take his own life. He survived, acquiring a complete spinal cord injury and becoming a wheelchair user. While recovering in hospital, Matt was consumed by the same belief that had followed him for years: that he was worthless. Then, during a train...
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She Survived a One-in-20-Million Accident
What would your life look like if you had brushed your teeth for just ten seconds longer? In January 2020, 27-year-old paramedic Emma Mickle made a last-minute decision to join her friends on a hike through New Zealand. On the final day, just ten kilometres from the finish, Emma sat down to…
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AI Is Failing People With Disability. A Blind Engineer Explains Why
Three buses passed Santiago “Santi” Velasquez because he could not see when to hail them. Instead of accepting that public transport was not designed for him, the blind electrical engineer decided to build a better system. In this episode of ListenABLE, Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin sit down...
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He Was Winning the Race. Then His Body Shut Down
In 1988, Mark Dorrity went for a run on a 35-degree day in regional New South Wales. He was leading the race when severe heat stroke caused his body to shut down. Mark spent 70 days unconscious in intensive care. He lost most of the muscle in his body, underwent a high-level leg amputation and…
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Spencer West on the Truth About Being Seen
Spencer West returns to ListenABLE for an honest and powerful conversation about disability, accessibility and what it really means to be seen.Four years after his first appearance on the podcast, Spencer joins Angus O’Loughlin in person to talk about Melbourne’s accessibility, able-bodied...
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“I Would’ve Been Happy Without The Medal” | Ben Tudhope
Australia’s winter Paralympic star Ben Tudhope joins ListenABLE for one of the most honest and emotionally grounded conversations of the series. From becoming Australia’s youngest ever Winter Paralympian at just 14 years old, to returning home from the 2026 Winter Paralympics with two medals, Ben...
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Two Mates, One Chair: The Travel Series Changing Disability Perceptions
What happens when two best mates decide not to let disability stop them from seeing the world? In this episode of ListenABLE, Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin sit down with Fletcher and Lachie, the duo behind the viral social account “Two Mates One Chair”. After a mountain biking accident left...
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Australia’s First Wheelchair Netball Umpire | Brodie Taylor’s Story
What happens when someone refuses to accept the limits placed on them? This week on ListenABLE, Angus O’Loughlin and Dylan Alcott sit down with Brodie Taylor, the first person in Australia to become a qualified wheelchair netball umpire. Diagnosed with transverse myelitis at just seven months…
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“My Partner Shot Me. I Survived.” | Surviving Domestic Violence
What happens when a single moment changes your life forever? In this powerful episode of ListenABLE, Larissa Camp shares the harrowing story of surviving a domestic violence attack that left her with a partial hand amputation and a completely different path in life. At just 23 years old…
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"Being Autistic Makes Me a Better Artist" artist daine
Filipino-Australian singer-songwriter daine joins Dylan Alcott and Angus O'Loughlin for a conversation that is equal parts funny, raw, and genuinely important. daine lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), POTS, and autism and did not know she was disabled until she was 18. By that point she had...
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Revenge attack at 5 - Surviving Childhood Trauma with Spencer Connelly
In this episode of ListenABLE, Angus sits down with Spencer Connelly for a conversation that is confronting, inspiring and incredibly human. Spencer shares his lived experience after surviving a traumatic fire as a child, spending months in hospital, and learning to navigate the world with…
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"My Heart Stopped for 3 Minutes, and It Changed Everything"
When Joshua Ruff’s heart stopped for three minutes, everything changed. Living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) since childhood, Joshua had already navigated a lifetime of disability, adaptation, and resilience. But in 2020, a sudden cardiac arrest during the early days of COVID forced him...
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“Some Girls Won’t Date Me Because of My Disability” (Colin Judge’s Truth)
Colin Judge was born with one arm and no legs, and today he is a Paralympic table tennis player, speaker, and analyst living in Dublin. In this episode of ListenABLE, Colin opens up about dating with a disability, rejection, and why you do not need to prove your worth to the wrong people. He…
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“A Diagnosis Changed Everything… and Nothing” | Kelly Berger (Rare Disease Story)
What happens when you finally get the diagnosis that explains your whole life… and what doesn’t it change at all? In this powerful episode of ListenABLE, Angus sits down with disability advocate and podcaster Kelly Berger, who shares her journey living with an ultra-rare form of congenital…
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The Day Kelly Finally Got Answers After Years of Misdiagnosis
Episode out Tuesday!
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Disability Pride, Para Sport and the Power of Storytelling with Elizabeth Wright
In this episode, Elizabeth Wright shares her journey from being a Paralympic swimmer to becoming a sports journalist. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of her career, the importance of representation in media, and her personal experiences with disability. Elizabeth emphasises the need for...
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Designing Beauty with Disability in Mind | Storm Menzies and Holly Sultana
In this episode of ListenABLE, Dylan and Angus sit down with Storm and Holly, the founder and brand ambassador of ByStorm Beauty, a trailblazing inclusive beauty brand designed for people with disabilities. They explore the challenges of inaccessible makeup, the importance of representation in...
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Inside Parliament: Senator Jordon Steele-John on Disability, Politics, and Representation
Australian Senator Jordon Steele-John joins Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin to share what life is really like inside Parliament as a wheelchair user and one of the few disabled politicians in Australia. From rushing to Senate votes without extra time allowances to reshaping accessibility in...
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"Had a couple of gin & tonics and fell pregnant" | Karni Liddell on parenting with disability
In this episode of the ListenABLE with Karni Liddell she opens up about her incredible journey from being diagnosed with a neuromuscular condition at birth to becoming a world class Paralympian, advocate, and mother. Karni reflects on her experiences in elite sport, the evolution of disability...
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"I went surfing yesterday" | Shark Attack to Snowboarder with Sean Pollard
In this episode of Listenable, hosts Angus O'Loughlin and Dylan Alcott sit down with Sean Pollard, a para snowboarder and shark attack survivor whose story embodies resilience, courage, and reinvention. Sean opens up about the life-changing moment in 2014 when he lost both arms to a shark attack,...
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ParaMatildas Captain Carly Salmon | Life with Cerebral Palsy
In this episode of ListenABLE, hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin sit down with Carly Salmon – athlete, teacher, and captain of the Para Matildas. Carly opens up about her journey with cerebral palsy, how sport shaped her identity, and why representation in disability sport matters now more...
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Oliver Morton-Evans on equal rights to intimacy, connection, and inclusion | #132
In this episode of ListenABLe, we explore the complex and often overlooked connection between disability and sexuality with guest Oliver Morton Evans, a leading disability and sexuality advocate. Oliver shares his personal story of growing up with cerebral palsy, the unique challenges of…
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Sara Shams on Disability Advocacy, Representation & the Evolution of Prosthetics
In this episode of the ListenABLE podcast, hosts Angus and Dylan sit down with Sara Shams — a pharmacist, model, and disability advocate — to share her inspiring journey as a bilateral above-knee amputee living with the rare genetic condition tibial hemimelia. Sara opens up about her early life…
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Jessica Horner (Neurodivergent Journalist & has Multiple Medical Disabilities) #129
In today's episode of ListenABLE, we’re joined by Jessica Horner, a neurodivergent journalist and policy advisor living with autism, ADHD, and multiple medical disabilities. Jessica offers a powerful and deeply personal conversation about what it means to navigate life and work through the lens…
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Kellie Forrest (Psychologist with Cerebral Palsy ) #129
In this episode of ListenABLE, registered psychologist Kellie Forrest shares her experiences living with cerebral palsy and working in mental health. As both a parent and a professional, Kellie provides insight into how internalised ableism, societal attitudes, and systemic gaps impact people…
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Rita Havea (Model & Advocate with Charcot-Marie-Tooth) #128
In this episode of ListenABLE, Angus O'Loughlin and Dylan Alcott are joined by Rita Havea, a model, content creator and disability advocate living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a progressive genetic neuromuscular condition, "Went and saw a genetic counsellor, linked myself to CMT…
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Cherie Clonan (Chief Executive Officer - The Digital Picnic) #127
In this episode of ListenABLE, hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin speak with Cherie Clonan — autistic business leader, digital marketing expert, and founder of The Digital Picnic. Diagnosed with Autism later in life, Cherie shares her lived experience as a neurodivergent woman, parent of...
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John Mckenna (Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita) #126
In this episode of the ListenABLE Podcast, your hosts Dylan and Angus are joined by John Mckenna, a renowned disability advocate, podcaster, and expert with over 60 years of lived experience navigating life with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. John is a passionate advocate for disability...
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Peta Hooke (Podcaster with Cerebral Palsy) #125
In this episode of ListenABLE, hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O'Loughlin speak with Peta Hooke, a podcaster and disability advocate living with Cerebral Palsy. As the creator and host of The I Can’t Stand Podcast, Peta brings a practical perspective to disability representation, drawing from her...
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Nick Dempsey (Entrepreneur & Marriage Celebrant with Spinal Cord Injury) #124
Nick Dempsey is an Australian disability advocate, motivational speaker, and content creator whose life changed dramatically after a diving accident on his 21st birthday left him with a spinal cord injury and quadriplegia. While celebrating with friends at his parents’ home, he misjudged a dive...
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Al Viney (Disability Advocate and Athlete)| #123
Paralympian, and unapologetic voice for change—Al Viney joins ListenABLE hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O'Loughlin for a bold conversation about disability, elite sport/rowing, and the systems that still need fixing. "Differentiating between an injury was bad and my disability is not bad". Al…
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Rosie Jones (Comedian with Cerebral Palsy)| #122
“Hello I'm Rosie, I'm disabled, I'm here, I'm proud of it listen to us make us in the conversation because we are not ever going to go away!”. On this episode of ListenABLE, Angus O'Loughlin is joined by the unstoppable Rosie Jones — comedian, writer, actor, and all-round legend. With her...
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Charles Brice (Spinal Cord Injury & National News Journalist/Presenter)| #121
In this episode of ListenABLE, hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin sit down with Charles Brice, a quadriplegic journalist and ABC News Breakfast presenter, to discuss his career and experiences in the media industry. "I don't want to be pigeonholed as a 'Disability Reporter'... I've got many...
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Matt Formston (Blind Surfer & Guinness World Record Holder)| #120
Matt Formston is a world champion surfer, Paralympian, and Guinness World Record-holder, known for surfing 51-foot waves at Nazaré and breaking barriers in not only his sport but his own perceptions of himself. "I’ve worked out it’s because I was fearful of being different... Now, I’m proud of my...
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Tommy Quick (Stroke Survivor)| #119
Tommy Quick, a true testament to resilience and determination to "prove people wrong" every single day of his life At just 12 years old, Tommy had a stroke, leaving him in a coma for five weeks. His recovery was nothing short of extraordinary—relearning life skills and overdelivering on people's...
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Malaine Robinson (Usher Syndrome)|#118
What’s it like to live with Usher syndrome, a condition that causes both progressive vision loss and deafness? "I really, really struggle with the fact that my hearing loss is almost a hidden disability?" In this episode, Malaine Robinson shares her experience of adapting to life with dual...
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Ellie Cole (Australia's most decorated Paralympian)|#117
"There is no way that I'm getting back in the water... and I never thought I would go back again" In this episode of the ListenABLE Podcast, hosts Angus O'Loughlin and Dylan Alcott dive into the extraordinary journey of retired Paralympic swimmer Ellie Cole, one of Australia's most celebrated...
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Louise Sauvage (THE Australian Paralympic Superstar)|#116
"So it wasn't until I was introduced to wheelchair sports... then I think I found my tribe" It's finally time... join us for an unforgettable episode featuring Louise Sauvage, a trailblazer in the Paralympic movement and a true icon in disability sports history. From dominating wheelchair racing...
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Amy Evans (Nemaline Rod Muscular Myopathy)|#115
In this episode of ListenABLE, host Angus O'Loughlin sits down with Amy Evans—a dynamic 26-year-old and owner of 'Little Black Dress Digital' marketing agency, living with a rare genetic condition called Nemaline Rod Muscular Myopathy. Amy opens up about her journey growing up as a twin who has…
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Rowan Crothers (Paralympic Swimmer with Cerebral Palsy)|#114
"It ultimately hinges on the coach's willingness and the environment's openness to embrace disability and foster understanding." Join us in the ListenABLE studio as we welcome the remarkable Rowan Crothers, a three-time Paralympian and six-time medalist, for an exclusive behind the curtain for…
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Andrew Dewberry (DJ with Spina Bifida )| #113
Join Dylan Alcott and Angus O'Loughlin as they speak with Andrew Dewberry, better known as DJ Dewbs! In this episode, Andrew shares his unique journey as a rising star in the music scene while living with Spina Bifida. Discover the heart behind his music and the vital role of Ability Fest in...
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Kyle Willmington (Fitness Influencer with Charcot Marie Tooth )| #112
Diving into his passion for health and fitness, Kyle Willmington launched a creative social media challenge, inspiring others to make healthier choices by testing the limits of his disability, Charcot Marie Tooth. With a focus on the power of mindset, Kyle discusses how he navigates obstacles and...
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Emma Tomlinson (Musician and Autistic )| #111
"Oh don't hang around Emma you might get Autism" Emma Tomlinson, an independent artist and professional musician, shares her experience as an Autistic person and speaks with Dylan Alcott and Angus O'Loughlin about how music has been a powerful tool for communication and self-expression. She...
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Paris Paralympics - Aussie Athlete interviews (Curt McGrath and Madison Di Rosario)
Host of the 2024 Paris Paralympics Dylan Alcott talks about the amazing yet limiting TV set he will be presenting the games to millions of Australians back home. In this episode you'll hear: Curt McGrath talk about the incredible first words he said after losing his legs to a roadside bomb while...
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'Preparing for the Paralympics' - Hosted by 4 time Gold Medal winner Dylan Alcott
Ahead of the 2024 Paris Paralympics Opening Ceremony Thursday Morning (Australian time) the ListenABLE Podcast has 2 special episodes speaking with our past and competing Australian Paralympians. In this episode you'll hear: Jarryd Clifford is set to compete in the 1500m and 5000m events and…
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Loz Booth (Comedian with Ectrodactyly)| #110
This Australian comedian and actress is on the pursuit to change the landscape of the Australian TV Industry and it's inclusion of creators with disability. But how do you break into an industry when you're considered a "distraction"? "I realised that if I want to be a part of change I also need…
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James Chapman (Pseudoachondroplasia Dwarfism)| #109
James Chapman Pseudoachondroplasia Dwarfism has taken him around the world, representing Australia in sport, attracting plenty of attention and interesting ways to get around in style, some suitcases are double his size! His adventures don’t stop internationally as he shreds local surf breaks and...
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Vint Cerf ('Father of the Internet' & Hard of Hearing)| #108
"The telephone, invented by Alexander Graham Bell, whose wife and mother were Deaf, and could not use the phone. It's Ironic!" Chief Internet Evangelist for Google Vint Cerf is widely recognised and applauded for being a pioneer in the invention of the internet, redefining not only connecting...
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Tayla Richardson (Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome & Periodic Paralysis)| #107
"I've been in really hot cars where like if a person could get out, they would. It's sometimes a dangerous situation". With only 5 minutes notice, any time, any place - Tayla Richardson could be trapped in her own body and there's no way to stop it." After developing her disability in adulthood,...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Challenge what you think it’s like to live with disability. Hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin speak to people living with disabilities about their lives and ask them the questions you thought were off-limits. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll learn something. This is a podcast for everyone - disabled or abled, and hopes to break down stigmas, change perceptions, and to challenge what you think it’s like to live with disability.
HOSTED BY
SESSION in PROGRESS
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does ListenABLE have?
ListenABLE currently has 196 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is ListenABLE about?
Challenge what you think it’s like to live with disability. Hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin speak to people living with disabilities about their lives and ask them the questions you thought were off-limits. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll learn something. This is a podcast for everyone -...
How often does ListenABLE release new episodes?
ListenABLE publishes regularly with 196 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to ListenABLE?
You can listen to ListenABLE on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts ListenABLE?
ListenABLE is created and hosted by SESSION in PROGRESS.
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