Sit Down With Us podcast artwork

PODCAST · education

Sit Down With Us

Hosted by Faith & ZaraWelcome to the conversation where we trade filters for reality. Sit Down With Us is a warm, honest, and fun look at disability and difference in a world that often speaks for us, but rarely listens to us.Hosts Faith (living with Alopecia Universalis) and Zara (living with Spina Bifida) are moving beyond the typical "inspirational" stories to talk about the grit of survival. We’re exploring the parts of life that people usually avoid: from navigating healthcare and policy to the realities of the fashion world and creator space.Through conversations with experts, advocates, and our own community, we are here to be seen, understood, and—most importantly—honest.No filters. No scripts. Just Faith and Zara saying what needs to be said.

  1. 20

    From Co-op Live to Oasis: The Good, The Bad, and The Inaccessible

     "Society, more often than not, makes me feel more disabled than my actual disability does." In this episode, Zara and Faith are breaking down the highs and lows of navigating live music in 2026. First up, they are giving a massive, well-deserved shoutout to Manchester’s Co-op Live arena. But it’s not all standing ovations. The girls dive into the absolute chaos of buying accessible tickets, only to find a complete lack of system support for disabled fans. Plus, Zara shares the shocking, blunt rejection she faced where customer service told her: "It’s in the middle of a field, so unfortunately we can't accommodate." Faith also takes a trip down memory lane, exposing her chaotic 18-year-old festival work experiences, an Uber nightmare, and what it’s really like working behind the bar at major festivals.Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod#DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

  2. 19

    Nightclubs, Wheelchairs, & The Audacity of Drunk Strangers

     If the entrance of a club was broken and no one could get in, you’d close the establishment. But because it’s a ramp, it’s a side issue. Summer is officially here, the colleges and unis are breaking up, and the bars are packed! But as the nightlife heats up, Zara and Faith are sitting down to talk about what going out on the town actually looks like when you have a physical disability or a visible difference.In this episode, we are diving deep into the complete lack of logic behind "accessible" nightclub toilets, the sheer audacity of drunk strangers who think it’s okay to touch a bald woman's head without consent, and the shocking moment a popular club on Canal Street refused entry because their ramp had been broken for weeks. Grab a drink, pack your human decency, and let's get into it!Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod#DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

  3. 18

    "At Least It's Not..." | The Problem With Unhelpful Comments

    Have you ever been told to "just think positively", "stop stressing", or "have you tried yoga?"In this episode of Sit Down With Us, Faith and Zara discuss the comments, advice, and so-called "helpful" suggestions they've received while living with alopecia and disability.From miracle cures and herbal remedies to toxic positivity and assumptions about wanting to be "fixed", we explore why these comments can be frustrating, hurtful, and sometimes completely miss the point.We also discuss: Why unsolicited advice isn't always helpful  The reality of chronic fatigue  Comments people make about appearance  Assumptions about disability and difference  Why not everyone wants a cure  Better ways to support someone going through a difficult time If you've ever been on the receiving end of comments that left you speechless, this episode is for you.🎙️ New episodes every Wednesday.Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod#DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

  4. 17

    Terminology 101: Disabled vs Differently-Abled

    Have you ever given a compliment that completely backfired? Or wondered what you "should" say when asking about someone's visible difference? In today’s episode, we sit down to unpack the everyday phrases, questions, and "well-meaning" comments that actually carry incredibly heavy emotional weight. From being called "brave" just for buying a latte, to the deeply frustrating "at least it's not cancer," we’re clearing the air on what it's really like navigating the world with alopecia and a physical disability. There's no official rulebook, but our golden rule is simple: read the room, and let the other person lead.SUPPORT THE SHOW: Faith is running a half-marathon this May for the Little Lady Locks fundraiser! Donate HEREIf you learned something new today, hit follow, share this with a friend, and leave us a review! Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod#DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

  5. 16

    The Met Gala’s Big Win vs. A Podcast Major Miss

    From the highest peaks of fashion to major media slip-ups, we are looking at the state of representation right now.In this episode, Zara and Faith break down the massive historic shift at the 2026 Met Gala. From fully accessible layouts to the incredible Sinead Burke and Aariana Rose Philip taking over the carpet. But it wasn’t all wins. We are diving deep into why Germany’s Next Top Model completely missed the mark with a highly controversial bald cap runway challenge, and why Faith feels it was a total cop-out.Plus, we address the viral backlash surrounding Louise Thompson and Ryan Libbey’s He Said She Said podcast comments about parenting statistics, why it deeply triggered the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) community.Finally, we wrap up with some beautiful insights from International Face Equality Week and give you a sneak peek into our upcoming episode on language and disability terminology.Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod#DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

  6. 15

    The "Sob Story" Trap: Why We Said No to BGT & Married at First Sight

    Is "Reality TV" ever actually real? 📺This week, Zara and Faith are diving into the addictive, dramatic, and often scripted world of reality television.We’re sharing the behind-the-scenes stories we’ve never told before, including why Faith turned down Britain’s Got Talent after they asked her to use her alopecia as a "sob story," and why Zara declined an offer for Married at First Sight.We also tackle the "dating rejection" that left us with our jaws on the floor, the 3 AM thoughts about the Love Island villa’s accessibility, and why we’re still waiting for a bald woman to walk into the villa.Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod#DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

  7. 14

    The "Body Positivity" Trap | Are Gyms Still Failing Us?

    Happy May! We are kicking off a brand new month by diving into the complex world of body positivity, fitness, and diet culture.Faith shares a massive personal update: she’s running a half-marathon for Little Lady Locks! We discuss why she’s doing it "bald and brave" (no wig, no lashes, no brows) to support children with hair loss. Meanwhile, Zara gets real about the "gym-timidation" of being a wheelchair user, from inaccessible changing rooms to the "inspiring" comments that actually aren't that inspiring.To donate, click HERE Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod#DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

  8. 13

    The Nurse’s Perspective | 35 Years on the Frontlines with Angela

     "It’s not really a job, it’s a vocation."This week on Sit Down with Us, we’re getting up close and personal with Angela. As a nurse specializing in brains and spines, she’s seen it all and busts a few myths along the way.Angela opens up about the "heartstrings" that get pulled when a patient’s life changes forever and how she uses her daughter’s experience to comfort women facing hair loss before/after brain surgery. We talk about resilience, the power of a cup of tea in the middle of the night, and why being a nurse makes you a "brutal" but empathic mum.Whether you’re in the medical profession or have ever been a patient, this conversation is a beautiful reminder of the human connection behind the diagnosis.Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod#DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

  9. 12

    Ep 11: "You don't need to stare for THAT long!" | Q&A Part 2

    We’re back with Part Two! If you haven't seen Part One, go back—we talk about everything from career hurdles to... well, our personal lives.In this week’s sit-down, Zara and Faith continue their deep dive into your DMs, tackling the questions that most people are too polite (or too nosy) to ask. We’re breaking down the "Inspiration Trap," the reality of being "helpless" in public, and the specific etiquette of staring.In this episode, we discuss:The "Cancer Assumption"The Staring RuleThe "Inspiration" PressureComing Out OnlineFinding CommunityJoin us for a coffee (literally, or we won't be nice) and let’s bridge the gap between curiosity and reality.Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod#DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

  10. 11

    Ep 10: "Am I Just a Tick Box?" | Q&A Special

    "We’ve made it to double digits! Blood, sweat, tears, and a lot of miles driven."To celebrate our 10th episode, Zara and Faith are diving into the DMs to answer your most requested (and occasionally unhinged) questions. This week, we’re getting real about the "hidden" side of living with a disability and a visible difference.In this episode, we discuss:• The "Quota" Trap• Job Application Fails• The "Can You Walk?" Question• Alopecia Myths• The "Cure" ConversationJoin us every Wednesday as we sit down to bridge the gap between curiosity and reality.Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod#DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

  11. 10

    Gold Medals & Reality Checks: Paralympic Champion Amy Truesdale

    What happens after you achieve your lifelong dream? This week, we are joined by a true sporting icon: Amy Truesdale, the reigning Paralympic, World, and European Para Taekwondo Champion.Fresh off her Gold medal win at the Paris 2024 Games, Amy gets honest about the "rollercoaster of emotions" that follows a major victory. We explore her 29-year journey in martial arts, the discipline required to stay at the top, and why she’s on a mission to educate the world on what "Paralympic" truly means.Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or just looking for a masterclass in perseverance and humility, this conversation with the "down-to-earth" champ is a must-listen.Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod#DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

  12. 9

    One Arm, One Year, One Mission: Kai Dacosta

    Join hosts Zara and Faith in this powerful episode of Sit Down With Us as they chat with the incredibly charismatic Kai D Costa. Kai shares his unbelievable journey from a life-altering motorbike crash at age 18 to becoming a model, public speaker, and master of health psychology. After waking up paralyzed from the neck down following a spinal surgery, Kai fought back through multiple surgeries and chronic pain. Realizing the standard medical approach wasn't giving him the answers he needed, he took his recovery into his own hands by changing his mindset, studying the psychology of pain, and healing himself.Follow more of Kai and his journey below:Instagram GuidedBySeriesYouTubeZBDCommentSectionCouplesMore info and links:Barry WhiteAmy TruesdaleUnhiddenVictoria JenkinsCreatures of ComedyShow UpFollow us for more:📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod#DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

  13. 8

    "Seated Fashion" & Billboard Dreams | Why Inclusivity is Just Getting Started

    We’re wrapping up March with our biggest conversation yet, diving deep into what it actually feels like to be behind the scenes of the fashion and cosmetic industry as models with disabilities and differences."It shouldn't be a bullet point; it should be the norm."This week, Zara and Faith are wrapping up their deep dive into perceptions by looking at the world of fashion, beauty, and modeling. Faith shares the surreal (and nearly car-crash-inducing) moment she saw herself on a massive billboard in Manchester, while Zara talks about the "beauty-first" approach of her recent campaign with Refy.We’re shouting out the brands that are actually listening, from the "Seated" sections on fashion websites to the tattoo-transfer eyebrows that changed Faith’s daily routine. We’re discussing why it's not enough to just have a wheelchair mannequin; we need accessible studios, inclusive directors, and a seat at the table (literally).We also shout out the brands and creators actually doing the work:ZBD Talent, Sophie Morgan, Primark, GymsharkIn Totem  Refy Beauty  Dmuse Zaralena Cosmetics Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod#DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

  14. 7

    "Check Yourself" | Invasive Questions & "Tone-Deaf" Podcasters

    "Why do you feel entitled to know?"This week, Zara and Faith are moving away from the media and looking at the people we deal with every single day: the public. From the "hero" who tried to push Faith’s wheelchair without asking to the strangers who assume a bald woman always equals the "C-word," we’re discussing why public perception can be more nerve-wracking than anything else.We also get heated as we tackle the "Low IQ" podcast and Candace Owens’ controversial take on inclusive fashion. Why is it so "tone-deaf" to speak for a community you aren't part of? And why is "No" a full sentence when a stranger asks for your medical history?But it's not all venting! We also celebrate the power of social media as a tool for change. From breaking down harmful stereotypes to busting the common myths surrounding disability and facial differences, we discuss how being visible and vocal online is rewriting the narrative.Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod#DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

  15. 6

    Stop Trying to Fix It | Parenting, Protection, and Public Stares

    "I flung my bag and went marching after him!" In this very special episode, we are celebrating our one-month anniversary and Mother’s Day by welcoming our first-ever guest to the sofa: Faith’s mum, Angela!We’re taking a deep dive into the family side of living with a difference. Angela shares the "poignant" and hilarious moments of being a protective mother.We discuss the transition from "trying to fix it" to "just rolling with it," the hidden struggles of a Celiac diagnosis, and why Faith ended up apologizing to a man who asked if she had cancer. This is an episode for the parents, the caregivers, and anyone who has ever felt the need to "protect" the ones they love.From the first bald patch, to a doctors appointment from hell... to worldly advice for all mothers, carers and friends to those with a difference; an episode not to miss. Shoutout to:Novo Cabelo - https://novocabelo.co.uk/ Little Lady Locks - https://www.littleladylocks.com/Little Princess Trust - https://www.littleprincesses.org.uk/Alopecia UK - https://www.alopecia.org.uk/Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod#DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

  16. 5

    Representation or Tokenism? | Why Media Perceptions Matter

    95% of all disabled TV roles are being played by non-disabled actors.0.3% of all actors have a visible difference.So lets talk about it..."I never saw a single bald person online as a positive representation growing up."This week, Zara and Faith are knuckling down on perceptions. From the TV shows that shaped our childhoods to the movies winning awards today, how are people with disabilities and differences actually being portrayed?We’re diving into why that one episode of Friends still "triggers" Faith, the problematic 95% statistic of non-disabled actors playing disabled roles, and the beautiful moment Zara’s niece saw her in a Barbie doll. Whether it’s Emma Stone’s shaved head or the "Pitbull trend" that gives us the ick, we’re discussing where the media gets it right—and where they need to do better.Shoutout to Novo Cabelo and their amazing hair systems which are discussed in todays episode.Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod#DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

  17. 4

    Self-Love Secrets: 7 Tips for a Better Mindset | The Sunday Reset

    "I was raised not to be a quitter, but I might complain along the way!" If you don't define yourself, the world will do it for you—and they usually get it wrong. This week, we’re sharing the 7 steps we use to take the pen back. We’re wrapping up our Month of Love with the most important relationship of all: the one you have with yourself. Today, Zara and Faith are sharing their personal "Self-Love Toolkit"—from the simple joy of a Sunday bath and cold-water face washes to the deeper work of therapy and setting hard boundaries.If you’ve ever felt the burnout of working from home, the "doom-scroll" fatigue of social media, or the struggle of standing up for yourself, this episode is your permission slip to slow down.Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod#DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

  18. 3

    Rejection, Confidence, and the "Ross" Incident | Dating with a Difference

    "I’ll get over it, I just need time."This week, Zara and Faith get into the gritty reality of rejection. We’ve all felt the sting of a dating knockback, but when you have a visible difference or disability, it often comes with an added layer of "audacity."Faith shares the story of "Ross"—the guy who loved the research but couldn't handle the reality—and how she learned that a partner should add to your confidence, never take away from it. Meanwhile, Zara talks about the "sweet but bittersweet" moment her partner told her she’d look amazing bald, and the powerful lesson of having a partner who shaves their head in solidarity.Normalization is the goal, but what happens when the reality of dating with a disability doesn’t play by the rules?Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod#DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

  19. 2

    Dating, Disability, and the "Talking Phase" | Our Best & Worst Stories

    Happy Valentine’s month! While the world is busy buying roses and chocolates, we’re pulling back the curtain on a topic that is notoriously under-discussed: dating while disabled/with a difference.In our debut episode of Sit Down With Us, Zara and Faith get real about why dating looks a little different when you don’t fit the "social norm" of what’s traditionally considered attractive. We’re tired of the "picture-perfect" Instagram couple tropes and the weird looks in public, it’s time to normalize the reality.Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod#DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

  20. 1

    Meet Faith & Zara: Who, What, Where and Why.

    Before we dive into the deep end, let’s get personal. In this intro episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on who we are beyond the labels. Faith and Zara share the story of how they met, how their friendship clicked, and why they finally decided to say out loud what everyone else is thinking.This isn't about suffering; it's about two friends living life, sharing a laugh, and reclaiming the narrative on what it means to be "different." Sit down with us and get to know the voices behind the mic.Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod#DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

  21. 0

    Sit Down With Us: Podcast Trailer

    Welcome to the seat you’ve been waiting for. Join Faith and Zara for a quick look at Sit Down With Us, a podcast that ditches the "inspirational" filters to talk about disability and difference as they actually are. We’re bringing together healthcare pros, fashion creators, and our own community for honest, funny, and raw conversations about navigating a world that has a lot of opinions but not many answers. Hit subscribe, we’re just getting started. Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod#DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Hosted by Faith & ZaraWelcome to the conversation where we trade filters for reality. Sit Down With Us is a warm, honest, and fun look at disability and difference in a world that often speaks for us, but rarely listens to us.Hosts Faith (living with Alopecia Universalis) and Zara (living with Spina Bifida) are moving beyond the typical "inspirational" stories to talk about the grit of survival. We’re exploring the parts of life that people usually avoid: from navigating healthcare and policy to the realities of the fashion world and creator space.Through conversations with experts, advocates, and our own community, we are here to be seen, understood, and—most importantly—honest.No filters. No scripts. Just Faith and Zara saying what needs to be said.

HOSTED BY

Faith & Zara

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Sit Down With Us have?

Sit Down With Us currently has 21 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Sit Down With Us about?

Hosted by Faith & ZaraWelcome to the conversation where we trade filters for reality. Sit Down With Us is a warm, honest, and fun look at disability and difference in a world that often speaks for us, but rarely listens to us.Hosts Faith (living with Alopecia Universalis) and Zara (living with...

How often does Sit Down With Us release new episodes?

Sit Down With Us has 21 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Sit Down With Us?

You can listen to Sit Down With Us 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 Sit Down With Us?

Sit Down With Us is created and hosted by Faith & Zara.
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