PODCAST · society
The I Can't Stand Podcast
by Peta Hooke
Have you ever wondered what it is like to live with a disability? The I Can't Stand Podcast is for everyone who has a question or just wondered about disability. No questions are off-limits any question you have is allowed.Every week Peta will answer any question you have, based on her experiences as a single, 30- something woman who has Cerebral Palsy. Have a question?Ask Peta on Instagram, contact her via the website or send her an email via [email protected]
Episodes
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Disability Journalism in Australia with Nas Campanella, ABC National Disability Affairs Reporter
Nas Campanella is the National Disability Affairs Reporter at the ABC and one of the most recognisable disabled voices in Australian media. In this episode, she reflects on the responsibility of reporting on disability in Australia and the issues shaping the lives of disabled people today, from…
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Living With The Background Noise of Ableism With Kiruna Stamell
What does it mean to live with the constant background noise of ableism? Actor Kiruna Stamell shares her experiences of disability representation, discrimination and building a career in the acting industry. Connect with Kiruna Stamell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirunastamell/?hl=en...
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Reclaiming Frida Kahlo and Disabled Dance with Caroline Bowditch
Caroline Bowditch is a performance artist and arts leader who has spent more than two decades shaping disabled culture in Australia and the UK. A recipient of the Sidney Myer Creative Fellowship for 2025 to 2026, she continues to influence how disability is understood in dance and the wider arts...
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Psychosocial Disability, Self Advocacy and Creative Recovery with Pam Joy Wood
In this episode of The I Can’t Stand Podcast, I speak with author and performer Pam Joy Wood about psychosocial disability, long term mental health recovery, and the power of self advocacy. Pam lives with ADHD, complex PTSD, and a history of acute and chronic major depression. Through her solo…
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Mentorship, Mobility and Knowing When to Use a Wheelchair: With Jane Wardlaw
In this episode, Peta speaks with Jane Wardlaw about mentorship, mobility, and the deeply personal decision of when to start using a wheelchair. Jane shares her lived experience of growing up with muscular dystrophy, navigating changing mobility, and how a wheelchair became a tool for safety,...
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Disability and Drag: Living with Prune Belly Syndrome with Linh Uendo
Linh Uendo joins The I Can’t Stand Podcast for an honest conversation about disability, drag, and growing up in a medicalised body. Born with Prune Belly Syndrome, Linh shares what it was like navigating childhood, body image, and visibility, and how drag became a space where she did not need to...
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Why Disabled People Are Still Locked Out of Media with Susan Wood
Why are disabled people still missing from mainstream media? In this episode of The I Can’t Stand Podcast, host Peta Hooke speaks with Susan Wood, Senior Content Manager at Spinal Cord Injuries Australia and host of Have the Nerve, about disability, media exclusion, and representation in…
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Storm Menzies on Accessible Beauty and Challenging the ‘Too Niche’ Myth
Storm Menzies is the founder of ByStorm Beauty, a brand on a mission to make beauty more accessible, without sacrificing style or dignity. After injuring her dominant hand at the gym, Storm realised how much dexterity is assumed in everyday makeup tools, and how often disabled people are excluded...
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Reflections on 2025 and Hopes for 2026
In this short episode, Peta shares a personal reflection on 2025, a year defined more by endurance than spark. She talks about living through ongoing illness and injury, the role of work and conversation in keeping her grounded, and the relationships that carried her through a difficult year.…
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Thank you and Merry Christmas - A message from Peta
This is a short Christmas message to say thank you for listening to The I Can’t Stand Podcast this year. The show will be taking a brief break over the holidays and will return on Tuesday the sixth of January. If you’d like to give the podcast a little Christmas present, a rating or review would...
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Redefining Blindness: Lucy Edwards on Disability, Beauty, and IVF
Lucy Edwards is a broadcaster, journalist, and one of the most recognisable blind content creators in the world. In this episode, she opens up about losing her sight at 17, building a career online, and why she proudly says, “I love being blind now.” We talk about the grief of going blind, how…
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Being Bed Bound and Living With an Energy-Limiting Illness: Amelia Tang’s Story
In this episode, Peta speaks with model, actor and advocate Amelia Tang about what life looks like when illness reshapes everything. Amelia shares their experience of becoming disabled as a teenager, the long periods they spent bedbound, and how community kept them connected when they could…
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From Iron Lung to Icon: Honouring Ed Roberts with Professor Scot Danforth
Ed Roberts is often called the father of the independent living movement, but many people have never heard his story. This week, I’m joined by Professor Scot Danforth, author of An Independent Man, to explore Ed’s life, from contracting polio at fourteen and living in an iron lung, to becoming a...
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Grace Spence Green: The Doctor Living the Social Model of Disability
Grace Spence Green was a medical student when a man jumped from a height in a shopping centre and landed on her, causing a spinal cord injury that left her paralysed from the chest down. In this conversation, Grace speaks openly about the moment her life changed, the long road through hospital…
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Clare Reilly on Wheelchair Meets Wilderness and her Accessible Outdoor Adventure
When Clare Reilly was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2017, she thought her days of outdoor adventure might be behind her. But the lifelong outdoors lover, podcaster, and mum is preparing to take on something extraordinary; a 1,072-kilometre ride along Western Australia’s Munda Biddi Trail...
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Paralympian and Advocate Don Elgin on Building an Inclusive NDIS
In this episode, Paralympian, author, and advocate Don Elgin joins Peta to explore what true connection means within the NDIS and beyond. After representing Australia at three Paralympic Games and winning four medals, Don turned his focus to advocacy. As Head of Events at One Community, he now...
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How Toyota & Remarkable Are Powering the Future of Disability Tech With Pete Horsley
In this episode, Pete Horsley, Founder of Remarkable, the disability-tech accelerator powered by Cerebral Palsy Alliance, joins Peta to explore how technology, innovation, and lived experience are reshaping the future of accessibility. Over the past decade, Pete and his team have supported more...
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What the World Gets Wrong About LGBTIQ+ People with Intellectual Disability with Cameron Bloomfield
Disability advocate and self-advocate Cameron Bloomfield shares what it’s like to be a gay man with an intellectual disability. He talks about self-advocacy, pride, and challenging the misconception that people with disability aren’t sexual or part of the LGBTIQ+ community. Connect: Peta Hooke...
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Clare Stewart on Disability, Leadership and Accessible Housing
In this episode, Clare Stewart, CEO of Youngcare and former Mayor of Noosa, joins Peta to share her powerful story of resilience, disability, and purpose. At just 23 years old, Clare was struck by a garbage truck while out for a morning run. She spent six months in hospital and underwent 37...
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Rethinking ADHD: Parenting, Stigma, and Neurodivergent Affirming Practice with Rebecca Challoner
In this episode, neurodivergent advocate, educator, and founder of My Spirited Child and the National PEKE Centre, Rebecca Challoner, joins Peta to explore what it really means to live and parent, with ADHD. Rebecca shares her journey from discovering her own diagnosis after her children’s, to...
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No Seasons: Trans Identity, Disability and IVF at Melbourne Fringe with Oliver Ayres and Kaite Head
Trans artist Oliver Ayres and his partner, producer Kaite Head, join Peta Hooke to discuss their new Melbourne Fringe show No Seasons. The performance explores Oliver’s experience freezing his eggs at nineteen, living with disability and chronic illness, and the couple’s ongoing conversations…
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Tiffany Yu's Anti-Ableist Manifesto: From TikTok to Global Change
In this episode of The I Can’t Stand Podcast, Peta Hooke speaks with disability advocate, entrepreneur, and author Tiffany Yu. Tiffany is the founder of Diversability and the author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto, a powerful guide that evolved from her viral TikTok series. Together, they explore…
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Sophie Geeves: Steptember Ambassador on Disability Advocacy, Education, and Culture
In this episode, disability advocate and Steptember ambassador Sophie Geeves shares her journey from early intervention with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance to presenting evidence in Parliament. She opens up about the role of CPA in her life, what Steptember means to her, why inclusion in education…
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Feeling the Game: Shaun Keath on the AFL’s New Era of Inclusion
In this episode, lifelong AFL fan Shaun Keath shares how groundbreaking technology is transforming the way blind and vision-impaired people experience footy. He opens up about the isolation of attending games in the past, the excitement and challenges of testing the new Touch and Track device…
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Gem Turner Is Laughing In The Face Of Ableism
In this episode, disabled comedian Gem Turner shares an empowering perspective on living with disability. She talks about using humour to challenge preconceived notions, finding confidence through posting viral videos, and getting real about the daily realities for many disabled people. Key...
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The I Can't Stand Podcast Is Coming Back!
The I Can't Stand Podcast Returns for Season 5! After an unexpected hiatus, your favorite disability podcast is back! Host Peta Hooke shares what's coming up in the long-awaited fifth season of I Can't Stand, featuring interviews with disabled voices from around the world. Get ready for…
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Part Four: What It Took To Finally Freeze My Eggs
After 313 days of setbacks, heartbreak and relentless determination, I finally started freezing my eggs. From a devastating fall to the daily sting of IVF injections, this episode shares the raw reality of what it took to get here as a disabled woman navigating a system that wasn’t built for me....
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Part Three: Fighting For My Fertility
This is the story of how persistence and advocacy helped me reclaim my hope and take the final steps toward freezing my eggs. A journey of heartbreak that pushed me closer to the edge of total despair, than I ever had been before. Then after months of setbacks, I found a team that believed in me...
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Part Two: When the System Isn’t Ready for You.
What happens when disability isn't part of the plan? From inaccessible medical equipment to dismissive policies, I uncover the systemic challenges of freezing my eggs with cerebral palsy. This episode is about resilience, advocacy, and finding the strength to fight for what’s right. Let's Make…
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Part One: The Decision to Freeze My Eggs
Motherhood was never part of my original plan—until one moment changed everything. Join me as I share the doubts, hope, and resilience behind my decision to freeze my eggs as a disabled woman. This is where my journey begins, and the barriers start to show. Let's Make IVF Ableism A Thing Of The...
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Trailer
Eggs is a compelling limited podcast series that follows the journey of a disabled woman navigating the deeply personal and challenging process of freezing her eggs. What should have been a straightforward medical procedure turned into a fight for dignity, access, and equality. This series sheds...
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The Stories That Stuck With Peta In 2024: Season Four Highlights
As 2024 comes to a close, join Peta for a special highlight episode of The I Can’t Stand Podcast. Reflecting on her favourite moments from Season Four, Peta revisits powerful stories of acceptance, resilience, allyship, and the importance of disability employment. Whether you’re a long-time...
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Life Stages and Living with Muscular Dystrophy: Perspectives from Carolyn and Jaxon
In this episode, Peta speaks with Carolyn Campbell-McLean and Jaxon Taylor, two people living with Muscular Dystrophy. Carolyn reflects on her decades of experience as a woman with MD, emphasising the importance of purpose and connection in navigating life’s challenges. Meanwhile, Jaxon offers...
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International Day for People with Disability Ambassador Hayden Moon: Championing Change Across Disability, Gender, and Culture
Happy International Day for People with Disability! Today, we’re joined by Hayden Moon, a 2024 Ambassador for this significant day. In this episode, Hayden shares their remarkable journey as a queer, trans, legally blind advocate and leader. Together, we explore the importance of diverse...
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Autism, Advocacy, and Finding Love with Ronan Soussa
This week on The I Can't Stand Podcast, Ronan Soussa shares his journey as an advocate, performer, and ambassador living with autism. He opens up about finding love on Love on the Spectrum, his passion for raising awareness about invisible disabilities, and his goals for a more inclusive future....
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Understanding Autistic Burnout and Belonging with Michael Coles
Michael Coles delves into the profound reality of autistic burnout, sharing how masking and the demands of navigating school, work, and social environments contributed to his experiences. He opens up about the emotional and physical toll of burnout, offering insights into his recovery journey and...
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Beyond Tokenism: True Inclusivity in Fashion with Rosie Anderson
This week, Peta chats with Rosie Anderson, an ambulatory wheelchair user, model, and advocate for inclusivity in fashion. Rosie shares her experiences navigating the modelling industry with a disability, from tokenism to authentic representation, openly embracing her feeding tube and championing...
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Get Started: Creating A Roadmap For Newly Disabled People with Mandy McCracken
Twelve years ago, Mandy McCracken’s life changed overnight, leaving her with limited guidance on how to navigate her new reality as a disabled person. Now, through Get Started Disability Support Australia, Mandy is on a mission to help others who have just acquired a disability, providing the...
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Disinfluencer: Revolutionising Media Representation with Simone Eyles
Peta talks to Simone Eyles, the founder of Disinfluencer, a platform focused on improving disability representation in media and advertising. Simone shares her journey of creating opportunities for disabled talent to be authentically featured in campaigns, while also helping businesses and brands...
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Have Wheelchair, Will Travel: Making Adventures Possible with Julie and Braeden Jones
In this episode, Julie Jones talks about the creation of Have Wheelchair Will Travel and how it has become a valuable resource for disabled travellers. She shares personal stories of travelling with her son Braeden, who also makes an appearance in the episode via assistive technology. Together,...
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Surviving 9/11: How Fear and Guide Dogs Can Teach Us to Lead with Purpose With Michael Hingson
Michael Hingson shares his incredible story of surviving the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog, Roselle. Michael reflects on how fear can be harnessed as a tool for leadership and resilience, drawing lessons from his own experiences and his partnerships with guide dogs. Together, Peta…
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We Never Get A Holiday From Being Disabled
In this solo episode, I’m back from a much-needed holiday, and I wanted to give you all an update. The holiday was lovely, but as we all know, life with a disability doesn’t take a break. I faced some challenges—from my beach wheelchair losing power, to my hoist sparking, and my car battery…
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Replay: Why Disney Needs A Disabled Princess with Hannah Diviney
Originally recorded in January 2022 As Disney continues to shape the imaginations of children around the world, one question remains: where are the disabled princesses? In this encore episode, disability activist Hannah Diviney shares her passion for changing how the world, and Disney, see...
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Replay: Ben Aldridge on Mental Health, Disability, and Life After the Military
Originally recorded in June 2022 Ben Aldridge’s story is one of resilience, strength, and honesty. In this listener-favourite episode, Ben reflects on his time in the military, his experiences with mental health challenges, and what it’s like to live with a disability. As mental health and...
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Replay: Carly Findlay's Journey to Becoming One of Australia’s Leading Disability Advocates
Originally recorded in October 2021. n this special replay, we revisit one of my favourite conversations with Carly Findlay. Carly’s journey as a writer, speaker, and activist has not only shaped disability advocacy in Australia but also inspired countless people globally. If you missed this...
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The NDIS Crisis, Disabled Motherhood & Is The Paralympics In Peril? With Karni Liddell
Peta sits down with Paralympian Karni Liddell to discuss the growing NDIS crisis, the realities of disabled motherhood, and whether Australia’s Paralympic team is facing an unprecedented decline. Connect with Karni Liddell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karniliddell/?hl=en Karni's...
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Transforming MRI Scans into Art with Deanna
Deanna shares how she transforms her MRI scans into vibrant artwork, reframing her experience with Multiple Sclerosis. We explore her journey of managing chronic pain and endometriosis, advocating for mental health, and the importance of representation for invisible disabilities. Connect with...
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Suspense Through A Disabled Lens With Author LK Bowen
In this episode, Peta chats with LK Bowen, author of the suspenseful novel For Worse. LK shares how her vision impairment influenced her writing, turning disability vulnerability into a powerful narrative tool. Discover how her personal experiences shape her gripping storytelling, offering a…
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Creating a Pathway for Disabled Artists: The Story of Sprung Dance Theatre
This week on The I Can't Stand Podcast, Peta chats with the inspiring team behind Sprung Dance Theatre. Discover how this unique organisation supports disabled and deaf artists in Northern NSW, providing them with the tools and opportunities to thrive as professionals. With insights from Artistic...
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Overcoming Trauma and Embracing Neurodiversity with Annie Crowe
Tigger Warning Sexual Assault Join Peta as she chats with Annie Crowe, a neurodivergent disability rights lawyer, who reflects on her journey to receiving her autism and ADHD diagnoses. Annie delves into how these diagnoses helped her make sense of her past, particularly in relation to her...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Have you ever wondered what it is like to live with a disability? The I Can't Stand Podcast is for everyone who has a question or just wondered about disability. No questions are off-limits any question you have is allowed.Every week Peta will answer any question you have, based on her experiences as a single, 30- something woman who has Cerebral Palsy. Have a question?Ask Peta on Instagram, contact her via the website or send her an email via [email protected]
HOSTED BY
Peta Hooke
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The I Can't Stand Podcast have?
The I Can't Stand Podcast currently has 222 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The I Can't Stand Podcast about?
Have you ever wondered what it is like to live with a disability? The I Can't Stand Podcast is for everyone who has a question or just wondered about disability. No questions are off-limits any question you have is allowed.Every week Peta will answer any question you have, based on her experiences...
How often does The I Can't Stand Podcast release new episodes?
The I Can't Stand Podcast publishes regularly with 222 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The I Can't Stand Podcast?
You can listen to The I Can't Stand Podcast 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 The I Can't Stand Podcast?
The I Can't Stand Podcast is created and hosted by Peta Hooke.
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