Navigating Disability

Join us for a profoundly personal and impactful conversation with Morgan Fitzpatrick—a visionary advocate, transformative leader, and unwavering champion for inclusion and early childhood development.In this episode, we move beyond theory and into the heart of lived experience. Morgan is at the forefront of driving systemic change in how we identify, support, and empower children with developmental delays and their families. She brings not only professional expertise but also a critical, insider's perspective: her own journey with hidden disabilities, including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).We delve into:· The Landscape of Support: What’s missing in our current systems for early childhood development, and how we can build more empathetic, effective pathways for families.· The Strength in the Unseen: Morgan opens up about the daily realities, challenges, and unique strengths that come from navigating a world not designed for invisible conditions. She sheds light on the gap between looking well and being well.· Where Paths Converge: How does lived experience with hidden disability shape a more compassionate, urgent, and innovative approach to advocacy for children? We explore the powerful synergy between these two worlds.· A Call for Nuance: Moving past awareness to true understanding and actionable support—in medical settings, educational spaces, and our communities.This is more than just an interview; it’s a bridge between often-siloed conversations about health, disability, and childhood. Morgan’s story is a testament to the power of leading from a place of deep personal truth to create a more inclusive future for all.Tune in for a conversation that challenges perceptions, celebrates resilience, and illuminates the path toward a world where no child, no person, is left unseen or unsupported.Connect with Morgan through her socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-a-fitzpatrick-08555946

Join us today for an inspiring episode of Navigating Disability with Isaac Harvey MBE—a remarkable disability advocate, acclaimed content creator, and President of Wheels and Wheelchairs.Born with limb-pelvic hypoplasia, Isaac has mastered using his feet with incredible dexterity to edit videos, navigate the digital world, and tirelessly campaign for a more accessible future. His life is a testament to adventure and defiance of limits: from skydiving and sailing tall ships to modeling adaptive fashion on the runway at London Fashion Week.Honoured with an MBE in 2023 for his services to disability advocacy, Isaac is dedicated to challenging societal perceptions and driving inclusion through powerful storytelling and community engagement.For Isaac, life has been a roller coaster. He credits his supportive friends and family, who constantly encourage him to be the best version of himself, as crucial in helping him navigate his disability. He openly shares his early struggles in a London where public transport was far less accessible than it is today to how he navigated disability throughout his journey.Tune in as we explore Isaac’s extraordinary journey, the resilience he’s built along the way, and the profound impact of his advocacy work. This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of building an inclusive world for everyone. Connect with Isaac through his socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamisaacharvey? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamisaacharvey?igsh=c3l2Y21iMTc4aGlw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaacharvey-videoeditor

In this profoundly moving episode of Navigating Disability, we sit down with Clare Stewart, whose remarkable journey as a barrister, author, and former Mayor of Noosa is underpinned by a pivotal, life-shattering event. Clare's journey with disability began with the accident that changed everything. In a moment of sheer terror, trapped and convinced she would die as both her legs were crushed, her life—and the lives of those who loved her—were forever transformed. From that physical and emotional crucible, a powerful advocate was forged.This raw, lived experience became the unshakeable foundation of her new purpose. Clare channeled the profound understanding from her own survival into a relentless mission: to fight for accessible housing and genuine inclusion for all people with disability. Her deep commitment is embodied in her journey with the organization Youngcare, where she evolved from a passionate volunteer to a strategic Board Director, and now, to its visionary CEO.Join us for a conversation that explores the space between trauma and triumph. We delve into:· The Origin of Advocacy: How the accident that began her disability journey fundamentally reshaped her perspective on law, policy, and community.· The Anatomy of Resilience: What does it truly take to rebuild a sense of self and a career after catastrophic change?· From Lived Experience to Leadership: Why is personal insight the most critical and compelling tool for driving systemic change?· Building a Legacy of Change: How to turn personal passion into effective policy, shifting both structures and mindsets.Clare’s narrative is not one defined by loss, but by profound redirection. It is a powerful testament to how a single moment can become the catalyst for a life of immense impact. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in authentic leadership, the power of story in advocacy, and the tangible work of building a world where everyone can thrive.Connect  with Youngcare through their socials:Facebook: @YoungcareOzhttps://www.facebook.com/YoungcareOzInstagram: @YoungcareOzhttps://www.instagram.com/youngcareozLinkedIn: @YoungcareOzhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/youngcareYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/YoungcareOz/about

This time, Navigating Disability sit with a leader whose life and work are woven from both profound professional expertise and deeply personal experience. Meet Jeramy, he steers the ship as CEO of a Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Alliance, lends his voice as a member of the Disability Council of NSW, and serves as a dedicated Non-Executive Director, all in pursuit of a more inclusive world for people with disabilities.For over a quarter of a century, Jeramy has navigated the disability sector, blending a heart for not-for-profit work with a sharp business mind. But what truly shapes Jeramy's mission is the story he carries with him. A workplace injury once led to a permanent neurological condition, gifting him a lived experience of disability that informs his every decision. He is a proud father of four, and his passion is further kindled by walking alongside his daughter, who lives with autism, hypermobility spectrum disorder, chronic pain, and psychosocial disabilities.Throughout his career, Jeramy has been a catalyst for change—driving sector-wide reforms, managing complex organizational transformations, and advocating fiercely, both for systemic change and for the rights of each individual. Connect with Jeramy through his socials: https://linktr.ee/JeramyHopeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeramyhope/https://www.linkedin.com/company/sdaa-specialist-disability-accommodation-alliance/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SDAAllianceAus/https://www.facebook.com/SDAAllianceAus/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeramyhope/

How can personal experience create more effective public policy? In this episode of Navigating Disability, we speak with Chloe Jesson, a passionate advocate for community mental health, a policy reformer, and the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Queensland Alliance for Mental Health. With deep experience in the not-for-profit sector, she leads initiatives that amplify the voices of lived experience and champion grassroots solutions to complex mental health challenges.As the mum of a neurodiverse daughter navigating the NDIS, Chloe brings both professional and personal insights into the systemic barriers facing families. Her advocacy is fuelled by her lived experience supporting her twins through early intervention and sensory supports, and her work driving sector-wide change is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves to feel connected, seen, and supported.Chloe is also a board member of two community organisations and a postgraduate student, currently completing her Master of Public Policy and Governance. She is particularly passionate about the role of social connection as a protective factor for mental health and the urgent need to reimagine what true inclusion looks like - both in policy and in practice.Connect with Chloe Jesson: LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/chloejesson

In this reflective episode, Navigating Disability sit down with Abdul Haseeb, a figure whose personal story has inspired a global conversation. Known as Pakistan's first ADHD coach, Haseeb's true identity is that of a neurodiversity storyteller and mental health advocate who speaks from the heart of lived experience.Haseeb’s relationship with ADHD began at 14, with a diagnosis that came thanks to his uncle's observation. Growing up in an environment with no framework or support for neurodivergence, his diagnosis was a label without a guidebook. He was left to navigate the complexities of his own mind alone, facing what he calls "the ADHD effect": an internal force that constantly drove him to leave his comfort zone, yet also trapped him in a cycle of impossibly high standards and relentless self-criticism.This conversation delves into the intimate and often unseen emotional landscape of that journey. Haseeb opens up about the weight of those self-imposed expectations, the stress that became a familiar shadow, and his long, deliberate path toward self-acceptance.He shares the shift in learning to "bomb" himself with positivity—a conscious, daily practice of countering ingrained negativity with radical self-kindness.Now staying in Perth, with a perspective shaped by connections across cultures and continents, Haseeb discusses the universal themes of finding one's place in a world not designed for you. He also touches on the origins of the ADHD Rebel Center not as a service, but as a concept born from a community's need for recognition and understanding.Connect with Haseeb through his socials: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/adhd_haseeb/LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/haseebwaqar/Email – [email protected]

What does it mean to truly see? For disability advocate Fiona Demark, vision was never a guarantee, but a diminishing resource. Today, Navigating Disability sit with Fiona Demark, an advocate for disability.Born with approximately 40% sight due to recessive genes, a genetic legacy she shares with her sister, Fiona’s world was always one of gradual erasure. Around the ages of five or six, doctors delivered a vague yet certain verdict: complete blindness was in her future. The how was understood, but the when remained a haunting mystery. Fiona’s life became a unique and protracted journey of goodbye, a slow farewell to colors, faces, and the visual landscape, all while learning to construct a new way of being in real-time. This episode is a deep, intimate conversation with Fiona about navigating a life in fade-to-black. Fiona’s story is not one defined solely by loss. It is a powerful narrative of creation and love against the odds. She opens up about a dream she once thought impossible: motherhood. With raw honesty, she discusses the fears and personal way of raising two daughters in a sighted world without the use of sight. How do you guide a toddler, took them somewhere else, or share in the beauty of a rainbow? Fiona’s answers are as innovative as they are heartwarming.Now living with blindness, Fiona lived in her experience and turned it into fierce advocacy. Listen to Fiona Demark’s journey and discover how the most profound sight often has nothing to do with the eyes.Connect with Fiona Demark through her socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiona.demark?igsh=MTF0OGs1dmFkd2xsOQ==Facebook: Fiona Demark - Blind Inspiration LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionademark 

What does it mean to feel different, even within the community where you're supposed to belong? In today's episode, Navigating Disability seat with Fiona Fonti, a dedicated advocate for disability rights and accessibility. Fiona works to raise awareness about the challenges many face and the importance of inclusive spaces.From the age of three, Fiona Fonti navigated the world as a profoundly deaf person. But her journey toward connection was far from straightforward. Growing up, she encountered a surprising isolation: upon finding the deaf community, she discovered that not all deaf experiences are the same. Communication styles varied, and she often felt caught between worlds—not quite fitting in, and yet not like the hearing world either.Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about burn out and overwhelmed experience due to medical conditions. Please take care while listening.Need support? Call Lifeline on 13 11 14In this intimate conversation, Fiona opens up about the loneliness of that "in-between" space and the lifeline that was her two deaf siblings, who provided a unique sanctuary of understanding. She also shares a pivotal, recent chapter: her diagnosis with ADHD combined type, which added a new layer to her understanding of self.This is not just a story about deafness. It's a universal story about identity, the search for belonging, and the families—both chosen and given—that help us find our voice. Join us as Fiona Fonti shares how she transformed her experience of profound difference into a powerful force for advocacy and self-acceptance.Connect with Fiona Fonti:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fionafonti?igsh=MXIwdTV3d3dkMmtnZQ==LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionafonti 

What defines a life? Is it the challenges we're born with or the choices we make in spite of them?In this powerful episode of Navigating Disability, we sit down with Kris Hammons, a man whose first memory isn't of a birthday or a holiday, but of a profound medical intervention: a chest surgery to secure his airway. He's a product manager, writer and motivational speaker. He helps dads 10x their grit so that they can grow it in their kids and lead the generations ahead.Born with a constellation of disabilities—including dwarfism and a cleft palate, Kris’s early life was a testament to survival.But this conversation isn't just about survival. It's about thriving.Kris takes us on his journey from the operating table to the head of the family table. Now a devoted husband and father of four, who's one of them have rare type of dwarfism, he opens up about the beautiful, complex reality of building a family. He shares the unique challenges and profound joys of parenting, the lessons learned from his own childhood that he applies to raising strong, confident children, and how he fosters a home where difference is not just accepted but celebrated.This is a story that moves from patient to patriarch, from being defined by a diagnosis to defining a legacy of love. Join us for an honest, inspiring, and deeply human conversation about family, fortitude, and finding your place in the world.Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about medical trauma. Please take care while listening.Need support? Call Lifeline on 13 11 14Connect with Kris on his social media: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishammonsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/krishammonsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/krishammonsTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@krishammons

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about medical trauma and PTSD. Please take care while listening.Need support? Call Lifeline on 13 11 14From a challenging start as a toddler to becoming Australia's most decorated female Paralympian. Today, Navigating Disability sit with Ellie Cole.Ellie Cole's story is about quiet resilience and finding your own path.Ellie was diagnosed with cancer at the age of two and had her leg amputated at three. She was lucky to grow up in a family that encouraged her to try everything, never treating her disability as a barrier.That changed when she started school. For the first time, some adults began to set limits on what they thought she could do. It was a difficult shift, but Ellie didn't let those opinions define her.She discovered a love for swimming, a space where she felt strong and free. That passion led her to the pool, where her natural talent and determination took over.Ellie went on to compete in four Paralympic Games, winning 17 medals—six of them gold—and became a respected voice for athletes with disabilities.Her journey isn't about dramatic heroics, but about steady perseverance, challenging assumptions, and excelling at what you love.Connect with Ellie Cole:👉🏼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elliecoleswim?igsh=MXd6eHZ4MDVvNGo0eQ==👉🏼LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellie-cole-am-ply-224b0319b 

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of health struggles and trauma. Please take care while listening.Need support? Call Lifeline on 13 11 14.What does it mean to build a life of purpose when your body has been fighting you since childhood?Today, Navigating Disability sit with Eliot Carroll. Before his tenth birthday, Eliot was diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH). His childhood wasn't defined by playgrounds and playdates, but by two life-altering brain surgeries, a complex dependence on medication, and the profound limitations of a body that couldn't keep up. He learned to navigate the world from hospital rooms and the sidelines, a witness to a "normal" life that always seemed just out of reach.But this isn't a story of sickness. It's a story of strength.Eliot has decoded a powerful truth: a life limited in activity is not a life limited in impact. Now, he uses his voice as a microphone for the marginalised. As a passionate disability rights advocate, he breaks down barriers, challenges stereotypes, and fights for a world where access and understanding are not privileges, but fundamental rights.Connect with Eliot Carroll:Eliot's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliotcarroll/

What happens when you grow up expecting to be “fixed” and later learn that your disability isn’t something to hide, but a source of insight, purpose and power? In this episode, Kate and Jenn sit down with Anja Christoffersen, an award-winning disability advocate, social entrepreneur, and 2025 QLD Excellence in Women’s Leadership Award winner. Anja discusses her powerful story of living with a complex disability and turning that lived experience into a mission for change. Born with anatomical differences and spending the first five years of her life in hospital, she believed she would be “fixed” only to discover later that disability isn’t about being broken, it’s about navigating life differently. Anja shares her teenage years of masking, invisibility, trauma from repeated surgeries, and how that shaped her understanding of identity, equity and leadership.She then takes us into her work: sitting on a health‑service executive board, launching a toilet‑paper startup (“Shit Happens”) to create inclusive change, and building a network of women with disabilities entrepreneurs. We explore how she defines disability today, bowel and bladder challenges, swallowing and breathing difficulties, chronic fatigue, and how she channels those realities into advocacy and economic innovation.Tune in to hear Anja’s advice for anyone feeling stuck by their disability: “Give yourself more credit. What you do matters.” Learn how you can support disability‑led business, challenge the “inspiration porn” narrative, and engage with change on a systems level. Listen, share and subscribe, you’ll leave inspired, empowered and ready to take action.See more from Anja:Shhithappens Website:  https://shhithappens.com.au/   Shhithappens Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/shhithappensau/Anja’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anjachristoffersen/ Anja’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anja-christoffersen-999446152/ Trigger warning: Topics include medical trauma, childhood hospitalisation, incontinence and sexual health. If you or someone you know is in distress, call Lifeline 13 11 14 (Australia).

After a devastating car accident at age four, Eamon Wood's life was forever changed. But instead of letting paraplegia define him, he forged a path that redefines what resilience looks like. In this powerful episode, Eamon shares his journey from becoming New Zealand's first professional wheelchair basketball player in Europe to building a family, an engineering career, and a thriving assistive tech company, Nudge Assist. He talks candidly about identity, dating, fatherhood, mental health, and the realities of navigating systems not built for inclusion. With warmth, insight, and a dash of Kiwi humour, Eamon reminds us that adaptability isn't just about mobility, it's about mindset. You’ll laugh, reflect, and probably tear up as Eamon shares the pivotal moment he stopped wishing to walk and started choosing to live fully. This episode is a must-listen for anyone needing a nudge of inspiration or practical insight into living fully with disability.Trigger Warning: This episode contains references to trauma and addiction. If you or someone you know needs support, call Lifeline at 13 11 14.More from Eamonn:Order physical copy of "A Backpack, a Chair and a Beard"  via email [email protected]  "A Backpack, a Chair and a Beard" on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-backpack-a-chair-and-a-beard-eamon-wood/1138409871 A Backpack, a Chair and a Beard Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/waywardwheeler Nudge Assist Website: https://nudgeassist.com.au/ Eamonn’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wayward_wheeler/Eamonn’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eamon-wood/ 

Cassie Day never expected her life to unfold this way. At 23, she was thrown into the deep end when her newborn son was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. What followed was a rollercoaster of medical trauma, emotional resilience, and a relentless fight to give her son a chance at life. In this episode, Cassie shares the raw, unfiltered story behind founding The Carer's Place, winning South Australia’s Carer Achievement Award, and how her darkest moments became a catalyst for change. From fractured relationships to small wins that felt like miracles, Cassie speaks with radical honesty about the hidden realities of being a full-time carer. If you’ve ever felt unseen in your caregiving role or struggled to hold onto hope, this conversation will meet you where you are.Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of medical trauma, mental health struggles, and domestic violence. Please take care while listening.Need support? Call Lifeline on 13 11 14.Tune in, share, and subscribe to help us amplify carer voices that too often go unheard.Connect with Cassie:https://www.cassieday.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thecarersplace/ https://www.facebook.com/cassiedayofficial https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassieleeday/ 

Trigger warning: This episode discusses psychiatric hospitalization and suicidal thoughts. If you need support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (Australia) or your local crisis line.At 17, Dr. Azi Jankovic was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and told she’d be medicated for life. For over two decades, she lived within a system that prioritised sedation over root-cause healing. But Azi chose a different path, and now she’s helping others do the same.In this episode, Kate and Jenn sit down with Dr. Azi to discuss her new book, Defying the Diagnosis: Reclaim Your Mental Health and Thrive, a groundbreaking guide that fuses lived experience with research and the wisdom of healing beyond the label.Azi introduces us to her signature Four Pillars of Mental Health: 🧠 Physiology 🧘‍♀️ Psychology 🎯 Purpose 👥 PeopleWe explore how she moved from surviving to thriving, and how you can too. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking real hope and whole-person healing.💚 Dr. Azi’s links:Website: azijankovic.comOrder book: AmazonInsight Timer: Dr. Azi JankovicInstagram: @defyingthediagnosisLinkedIn: Dr. Azi Jankovic🎧 Listen now and share with someone who needs to know: You are not your diagnosis.

In this episode of Navigating Disability, Kate and Jenn speak with Lisa Grech, living with multiple sclerosis while caring full time for her adult daughter, Hannah, who experiences a severe intellectual disability and is non-verbal. Lisa gives us raw, courageous insight into what it means to be both a person with disability and a carer, and why amplifying the voices of those who can’t be heard is vital.Lisa walks us through the challenges of diagnosis, the emotional weight of grief and guilt, and how she found pathways toward acceptance. She also lifts up the practical strategies that have sustained her, how she and Hannah’s father, Tim, collaborate, how they’ve built a support team over decades, and how they’re planning a specialised home (SDA) to better secure Hannah’s future.We also dig into the tensions within the disability sector: how carers’ perspectives are often undervalued, how inclusion still falls short, and how listening and respect must be foundational.If you’ve ever felt stuck between roles, or questioned whose voice counts, this conversation offers powerful validation, solidarity, and direction.Trigger Warning: This episode discusses grief, guilt, and mental health in the context of caring. Lifeline (Australia): 13 11 14See more from Lisa:https://www.thetalkshop.com.au/dr-lisa-grech-psychologist-bp/  → Please remember: you are not alone. Share this with others and let’s keep widening the space for all voices in disability.

Natalie Terry Bedwell never planned for a life filled with diagnoses, advocacy, and navigating complex care systems, but it’s the life she’s embraced with courage and clarity. In this moving episode, Natalie shares what it's like to raise seven children, four of whom live with disabilities, while also managing her own diagnoses of ADHD and autism.From unexpected grief to unexpected joy, Natalie walks us through the hard-won lessons of parenting, caring, and choosing to create inclusive spaces through her business, Honoured Social Enterprise Gym, and her charity, Infinitely Valued. We dig into the emotional labour of carers, the small moments that fuel resilience, and how laughter and love show up even in chaos.This is not just an episode about disability or care, it’s about what happens when we stop pretending everything’s fine and start building the communities we actually need.🔔 Trigger warning: Discussion includes mental and emotional exhaustion, systemic challenges, and medical trauma. 📞 Lifeline (Australia): 13 11 14🎙️ Listen in and discover how Natalie turned overwhelm into impact.Check out more from Natalie:https://honouredgym.com.au/https://www.infinitelyvalued.org/ 

In this moving episode of Navigating Disability, we sit down with William Ward-Boas, an Autistic, First Nations, gay self-advocate and deputy chair of VALID. Diagnosed as non-verbal with intellectual disability and written off by professionals as a child, William's story is one of incredible resilience, transformation, and purpose.William opens up about the harsh realities of growing up in a segregated education system, surviving stigma, internalised ableism and homophobia, and the trauma of being underestimated. He shares how community, therapy, and fierce advocacy helped him reclaim his identity and find pride in every part of who he is. From non-verbal beginnings to speaking at the United Nations, William's journey will leave you inspired to rethink what’s possible when people are given love, support, and the right tools to thrive.This episode is a must-listen for families, educators, and allies who believe in potential over prediction.⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses self-harm, trauma, and mental health struggles.If you or someone you know needs support, please contact Lifeline at 13 11 14.🎧 Listen now and share this story of courage and change.

In this powerful episode of Navigating Disability, Kate and Jenn sit down with Aaron Fowler. He’s a senior physiotherapist, sports journalist, and vision-sports advocate living with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Diagnosed at age five, Aaron shares the reality of his condition: tunnel vision, night blindness, and a future of unpredictable sight loss. He opens up about how he learned to navigate school, university, sport, and mental health through courage, community, and a deep sense of purpose.You’ll hear:what retinitis pigmentosa is, and how Aaron has adapted from childhood to nowhow sport, especially blind cricket, vision‑impaired rugby, and the Disability Sports Podcast, became not just an outlet, but a lifelinethe hard truth about mental health, isolation, burnout, and how Aaron found hope againadvice for anyone who feels stuck, without support, or unsure how to move forwardTrigger warning: this episode mentions depression, anxiety, thoughts of self‑harm. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a trusted person, or a mental health service. Lifeline (Australia): 13 11 14.If Aaron’s story inspires you, share this with someone who might need to hear it. Subscribe to Navigating Disability for more honest stories and real insights, and leave us a review if this episode spoke to you.

Mel James is a force of lived experience, resilience, and truth-telling. In this powerful episode, she shares her journey as a mother of children with "unique needs," her advocacy within the disability and education systems, and her personal healing from complex trauma. Mel dives deep into what it means to raise children in a world that often misunderstands difference, the grief and grace of diagnosis, and why connection, community, and compassion must lead the way.With fierce vulnerability, Mel calls out systemic failures while offering hard-earned wisdom on self-preservation, acceptance, and advocacy. Whether you're a parent, educator, or ally, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about shifting the narrative around disability, trauma, and motherhood.Trigger Warning:This episode includes discussion of trauma, sexual abuse, and complex PTSD. Please take care while listening.If you need support, call Lifeline at 13 11 14 (Australia).🔊 Hit play. Be inspired. Share the truth.

When 19-year-old Jonathan Sigworth fell off a 70-foot cliff in the Himalayas, his life changed forever. But what followed wasn’t just recovery, it was revolution. In this episode, Jonathan shares how a spinal cord injury transformed his path, igniting a mission to uplift and empower others living with SCI (Spinal Cord Injury) across the globe.From starting India’s first wheelchair rugby team, to creating the award-winning film More Than Walking, and co-founding a non-profit with his wife Jessica, Jonathan’s story is one of raw grief, spiritual grounding, resilience, and bold activism. He opens up about confronting depression and isolation, navigating the U.S. and Indian health care systems, and the urgent global need for accessible rehab tools.We explore the emotional cost of invisibility, the power of peer mentorship, and how online education is revolutionising SCI independence.🎧 Listen in for one of the most powerful conversations we’ve had, about grief, growth, and global change.Connect with Jonathan:Email: [email protected] More than walking:www.morethanwalking.com www.youtube.com/c/morethanwalking  www.facebook.com/morethanwalking www.twitter.com/morethanwalking www.instagram.com/morethanwalking www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-walking Trigger warning: This episode discusses depression, isolation, and suicidal ideation. If you need support, please contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 (AU) or your local mental health line.

In this raw and inspiring conversation, Zoe Simmons, award-winning journalist, author, and fierce disability advocate, shares her journey from medical gaslighting and feeling invisible to embracing her identity as autistic, chronically ill, and living with mental health challenges.Zoe unpacks how she came to call herself “disabled,” confront stigma, navigate self-image and accessibility, and realise that access and inclusion benefit everyone.From dismantling internalised ableism and imposter syndrome to celebrating the power of community, communication, and compassion, Zoe offers deeply human and hopeful insights. She speaks directly to those who are newly diagnosed or questioning their identity: if it disables you, you’re valid, and you’re not alone.She also shares practical wisdom on finding support, both online and in real life, and how vulnerability can become a powerful tool for advocacy and change.Trigger warning: references to self-harm and suicidal ideation. If you're struggling, please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14.Tune in to feel seen, informed, and empowered. If this episode moves you, please subscribe, share, and join our growing community of intentional change‑makers.Connect with Zoe:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZoeSimmonsJournalist LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/zoe-simmons-7119a994 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@somethingbeginningwithz Website: https://zoesimmons.com.au/ Instagram/Threads: @SomethingBeginningWithZ

At just 19, Jeremy Muir’s life changed forever after a car accident left him with a spinal cord injury. But as Jeremy says, “Why not me?”, a question that became a driving force behind his journey of resilience, reflection, and radical independence.In this powerful episode, Jeremy opens up about the mental, emotional, and physical challenges of adapting to life as a quadriplegic. From his early struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, to building a fulfilling life filled with love, purpose, and advocacy, Jeremy’s story is both deeply human and extraordinarily hopeful.We talk candidly about the gaps in mental health support, life before the NDIS, navigating relationships, and why disability must never be an afterthought in society. His reflections remind us that inclusion isn’t just a policy, it’s a mindset and a responsibility we all share.⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses topics related to depression and suicide. If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline at 13 11 14.🎧 Join us for this emotionally rich episode that will leave you inspired to listen more, judge less, and advocate fiercely.

When life delivered two seismic blows, her daughter’s rare genetic diagnosis and her own cancer battle, Hayley Thiele didn’t crumble. She transformed.In this episode, Hayley shares her raw and remarkable story of parenting her daughter Pippa, who lives with Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome, while navigating her own cervical cancer diagnosis. From feeding tubes to oxygen tanks, relentless hospital admissions to moments of joyful chaos, Hayley brings a powerful blend of vulnerability and humour. She opens up about grief, guilt, medical trauma, and what it means to truly see and celebrate your child’s abilities.Hayley’s story is more than a journey through the NDIS and disability advocacy. It’s a masterclass in fierce love, community strength, and reshaping what we think life "should" look like.🎧 Trigger warning: This episode includes themes of medical trauma and mental health. If you need support, please contact Lifeline at 13 11 14.👉 Listen, share, and subscribe to help shift the narrative around disability. Your support fuels change.Socials Alee Disability IG @aleedisabilityss LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-thiele-88b111329/ Alee Disability Support Services Website: https://aleedisability.com/ 

Born without arms or legs, Nick Vujicic has spent his life proving that limitations don’t define us, they refine us. In this powerful episode of Navigating Disability, Kate and Jenn sit down with the world-renowned motivational speaker, author, and advocate to explore his journey from childhood bullying and deep despair to global stages and a life of hope, faith, and purpose.Nick shares raw and moving stories, from the moment at 15 when a Bible story transformed his perspective, to the high school speech that revealed his calling, to a hug from a student that reminded him of the power of love spoken out loud. He opens up about the role his parents played in building resilience, his battles with depression, and the mindset shifts that helped him turn obstacles into opportunities.This conversation is an invitation to reframe your own challenges, embrace gratitude, and believe in your worth—whether or not you can see the whole plan.🎧 Tune in for lessons that will inspire you to live with courage, compassion, and an unshakeable belief in what’s possible.Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide. If you or someone you know needs support, you can contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au

When Jo Chambers' mum unexpectedly transitioned into a wheelchair and aged care, Jo found herself thrust into the world of caregiving, advocacy, and grief. But what started as a mission to bring light into her mum’s new life became a bold business venture, Colour My Wheels, that’s now reshaping the way we view mobility aids in Australia.In this emotionally raw and inspiring episode, Jo shares the whirlwind journey from hospital corridors to the halls of the Paralympics. Discover how a simple idea, decorative wheelchair covers, sparked profound conversations, boosted confidence, and empowered disabled individuals to reclaim visibility and style.We also explore the toll of caregiving, what happens when support is scarce, and how Jo is now in her own season of healing.Trigger Warning: This episode contains references to caregiver burnout, hospital trauma, and emotional distress. Support is available. If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline at 13 11 14.🎧 Tune in to hear how one woman turned adversity into advocacy, and how something as simple as a wheel cover can start a revolution in inclusion.

How does a globe-trotting NBA executive become a powerhouse disability advocate? In this deeply moving episode, Phil Hayes-Brown, CEO of Wallara  and devoted father to Phoebe, his nonverbal daughter who lives with an intellectual disability, shares the inspiring personal journey that transformed his path from corporate boardrooms to compassionate care rooms. Phil opens up about the realities of being a full-time carer, the evolution of his family dynamics, and the hard-won wisdom gained from raising Phoebe. With heartfelt reflections on advocacy, inclusion, and independence, Phil challenges assumptions about care and powerfully reframes what lived experience truly means. If you’ve ever felt unseen as a carer or overwhelmed navigating systems like the NDIS, this conversation offers clarity, connection, and hope.🎧 Listen now and share with someone navigating disability, care, or transition.Learn more about Phil Hayes-Brown and Wallara: 🌐 Website: https://wallara.com.au/Phil's Credentials & Affiliations:Adjunct Professor (Research), Monash UniversityBachelor of Economics and Law, Monash UniversityHarvard Business School Exec Program in Not Profits, 2012Williamson Community Leadership Program, 2016AACB Influential Leader Class, 2019Elected to NDS Victoria State Committee, 2021🔗 Monash Global Influence Feature

What does it really mean to provide neuroaffirming support for young people with disabilities? In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of Navigating Disability, we sit down with Breanna Jenkins, founder of Soul Support, to unpack her journey as a late-diagnosed autistic woman, carer, and disability advocate.From lived experience to founding a thriving support agency, Breanna shares how feeling safe and seen can transform the lives of neurodivergent children and their families. We explore the power of early intervention, the realities of support work, and the importance of creating inclusive group activities for both physical and neurodivergent disabilities.Whether you're a parent, professional, or ally, this conversation is packed with insight, validation, and practical guidance on building dignity-affirming support systems that truly meet people where they are. 🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and follow Soul Support on social media: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn (Breanna Jenkins)

In this raw episode of Navigating Disability, hosts Kate Read and Jenn Abbott sit down with Bruce Simpson, a seasoned trial lawyer, disability advocate, and survivor of a profound mental health crisis.Bruce opens up about what led to the moment his life nearly ended. A missed court deadline during recovery from a brain bleed, a career built on perfectionism, and decades of silent suffering brought him to the edge. But when his carefully planned final act didn’t go as expected, Bruce was forced to confront not only the weight of his despair but also the possibility of healing. One bullet didn’t fire, and everything changed.What followed was four days in a psychiatric hospital, months of therapy and medication, and a radical shift in purpose. Now, Bruce uses his voice to challenge stigma, advocate for mental health equality, and remind others that they are not alone. With a semicolon tattooed on one hand and “I’m not finished” inked across the other, Bruce’s story is a battle cry for honesty, humanity, and hope.Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of mental health crises and self-harm. If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14 (Australia) or 988 (US).🎧 Listen now, share this powerful story, and don’t forget to subscribe.

In this profoundly moving episode, we sit down with Giuliana Ferretti, mother, advocate, Advanced Enrolled Nurse, and founder of both Plan Wise Living and the not for profit charity Genovation. During this deeply personal conversation we discuss raising her daughter Gabriella, who lives with a rare genetic disorder. Giuliana shares how a mother’s gut instinct defied medical doubt, how love evolved into full time care, and how she’s built a life centred around inclusion, advocacy, and hope.With over 20 years of experience in the disability sector and a career that spans nursing, education, and community leadership, Giuliana brings unmatched insight into the realities faced by families supporting loved ones with complex needs.We explore the emotional toll of constant caregiving, the systemic challenges within the NDIS, and what true inclusion could look like if society embraced universal design. Giuliana’s story is one of resilience and fierce love, a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a family navigating the unknown.💬 Trigger Warning: This episode discusses caregiver fatigue, grief, and systemic neglect. 📞 If you need support, contact Lifeline at 13 11 14.🎧 Listen now, share widely, and help us shift the narrative on disability and inclusion.

What happens when you spend 27 years hiding a part of yourself the world told you to be ashamed of?In this raw and powerful episode, Chris Ruden opens up about growing up with a limb difference, the emotional toll of internalised ableism, and the liberating journey toward radical self-acceptance. From years of hiding his hand, even from romantic partners, to a viral moment that sparked a wave of disability pride, Chris's story is a must-listen for anyone navigating visibility, vulnerability, and identity.Chris Ruden is a motivational speaker, elite powerlifter, and disability advocate who was born with a limb difference and lives with type 1 diabetes. He uses his platform to challenge ableism, redefine strength, and empower others to live unapologetically. As a speaker and coach, he’s worked with thousands across the globe to reframe mindset, break shame cycles, and amplify disabled voices.He shares how a moment with a young girl shifted his world, how he redefined "normal" to include disability, and why he no longer sees disability as something to "overcome."Chris challenges societal perceptions, speaks on separating identity from habit, and delivers golden insights like "better done than said." This conversation is for everyone who's felt unseen and wants to reclaim their narrative.Trigger Warning: This episode includes mentions of bullying, depression, and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline at 13 11 14.

What happens when you live with a disability no one can see, and few believe?In this deeply moving episode of Navigating Disability, Chanelle Morris shares her powerful journey from shame and silence to self-acceptance and advocacy. Born with only 30% vision and legally blind in one eye, Chanelle’s condition remains undiagnosed and invisible to the world around her. Growing up, she felt forced to hide her struggles, enduring judgment, disbelief, and isolation.At her lowest point, housebound, overwhelmed by anxiety, and disconnected from herself, Chanelle made a radical decision: to fly solo to New Zealand. That trip became her turning point. Through asking for help, embracing vulnerability, and learning to love her differences, Chanelle stepped into her power.Hosts Kate Read and Jenn Abbott explore the emotional toll of invisible disability and how shifting your mindset can transform your life. Chanelle’s story is a reminder that you don’t need a diagnosis to deserve compassion, accommodation, and joy.🎧 Listen now and share this episode with anyone who needs to hear: you are not broken, and you are not alone.⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses themes of anxiety, mental health struggles, and social isolation.If you need support, contact Lifeline at 13 11 14.

What does it take to transform trauma into triumph? In this inspiring episode of Navigating Disability, we speak with Chris Davis, an elite para-archer, mental health professional, and proud husband. Paralysed at five due to a polio-type virus, Chris recounts his early years, 25-year career in Queensland Health, and his groundbreaking gold medal win at the 2023 World Archery Championships. From training with a single arm to confronting discrimination in the workplace and managing PTSD, Chris opens up with honesty and humour. More than an athlete, Chris is a social worker, mentor, and mental health advocate. Whether discussing systemic inaccessibility or shooting a 45-pound bow with his teeth, Chris shows us that resilience isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about doing the best with what you’ve got.Join us as we explore how sport became his sanctuary, how support systems shape resilience, and why inclusion still has a long way to go.Trigger Warning: This episode includes candid discussion of disability, mental health challenges, and societal exclusion. Lifeline: 13 11 14.

Laura Lewis is a woman of resilience, revolution, and relentless love. In this emotionally rich episode, Laura shares her journey of being a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD adult, a mental health survivor, and an advocate who turned adversity into action. From experiencing a traumatic breakdown to rising as a fierce champion for her son Clay, a young autistic entrepreneur, Laura’s story reveals the transformative power of radical self-acceptance, community support, and purpose.Hear how Laura helped her son start a successful bin-cleaning microbusiness, challenged school systems failing neurodivergent kids, and now campaigns for systemic reform. With wisdom, honesty, and humor, Laura invites us to reimagine success, redefine inclusion, and, most importantly, never wait for permission to build the life we deserve.💬 Trigger Warning: This episode discusses mental health crises, trauma, and systemic failures. Please take care as you listen. For support, contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 (Australia).🎧 Tune in now, share with someone who needs to hear this, and join the movement toward authentic, empowered disability narratives.

What happens when a life-changing injury collides with an unshakable dream? In this unforgettable episode, we sit down with Dr. Dinesh Palipana, the first quadriplegic medical intern in Queensland, as he shares his powerful story of loss, resilience, and redefining what’s possible.Born during civil war in Sri Lanka, Dinesh immigrated to Australia at age 10. After completing a law degree and battling depression he found his calling in medicine, only to face another unimaginable challenge: a devastating spinal cord injury. Yet through sheer determination and a deep desire to serve others, Dinesh returned to medical school, becoming not just a doctor, but a national advocate for disability inclusion and equity in healthcare.This conversation explores the emotional weight of trauma, the strength of a mother’s love, and the systemic barriers still facing people with disability today. Dinesh’s story is one of hope, grit, and unwavering purpose.Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of trauma, medical emergencies, and mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, contact Lifeline at 13 11 14.Listen in, share widely, and subscribe; because stories like this are the ones that change hearts and systems.Connect with Dinesh:www.palipana.com

What happens when your child’s autism diagnosis becomes the mirror that reveals your own? In this moving and empowering episode, we sit down with Mel Spencer OAM—fierce Autistic advocate, CEO of Different Journeys, and mum to three Autistic teens.Mel shares her personal journey from initial resistance to diagnosis, through grief, PTSD, and burnout, to building an award-winning support organisation. Her lived experience—both as an Autistic woman and former Victoria Police officer—drives her bold vision for creating inclusive, strength-based systems for Autistic individuals and their families.We explore the trauma of Australia’s education system, the healing power of diagnosis, and how self-compassion is a revolutionary act. Mel’s honesty, humour and hard-won wisdom are a lifeline for carers, educators and neurodivergent people alike.🎧 Whether you’re navigating your own journey or supporting someone else—this episode offers connection, clarity, and hope.📛 Trigger Warning: Discussion of PTSD, mental health, and systemic trauma. 📞 Need support? Call Lifeline (Australia): 13 11 14🔗 Connect with Mel: Different Journeys on Facebook @differentjourneysautism Mel Spencer on LinkedIn Different Journeys on LinkedIn

What happens when the world tells you you're too different to belong—but you build a space anyway? In this powerful and vulnerable episode, we sit down with Storm Hassett: queer, neurodivergent, Indigenous leader and founder of The Identity Clinic. From navigating the complexities of foster care to founding a revolutionary mental health service for LGBTQIA+ people, Storm shares their story of grit, growth, and grace. We explore the intersections of queerness, mental health, and identity, and ask: what if disability is not about the person, but the environment?Storm speaks candidly about coming out, the impact of OCD and ADHD, and why they don't identify as having a disability—yet passionately advocate for accessibility. This is a conversation about labels, self-acceptance, and rewriting the rules of what inclusion can look like.Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of trauma, mental health, and marginalisation. Support is available through Lifeline at 13 11 14.🌈 Shift your perspective and celebrate every shade of identity.

What if the thing you thought would break you… actually made you unstoppable?At just four years old, Peter Dempsey experienced a life-altering stroke that took away his ability to walk, speak, and connect. Doctors had no answers. His parents were told to prepare for the worst. But Peter chose a different path—one of relentless curiosity, quiet rage, and unshakable hope.In this extraordinary episode of Navigating Disability, Kate and Jenn sit down with Peter to unpack what it means to live life on “hard mode”—and how he turned impossible odds into a blueprint for impact. From crawling to play sports to teaching professional speaking, Peter’s journey redefines resilience.You’ll hear about:The misunderstood anger that shaped his teen yearsThe tiny Fox Terrier that taught him how to love againHow neuroplasticity opened doors doctors said were shutWhy connection—not just recovery—is the real goalPeter doesn’t just talk about disability. He lives the strategy, the grind, and the mindset that creates lasting change—for individuals, businesses, and communities. His story will shift how you view disability, strength, and your own potential.🔔 Trigger Warning: This episode includes themes of trauma, mental health struggles, and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact Lifeline at 13 11 14.🎙️ Share with someone who needs to hear it. And never forget—you are possible, too.

What happens when a life of systemic exclusion fuels a passion for transformative leadership? In this powerful episode, Kate and Jenn sit down with El Gibbs, newly appointed CEO of DANA and longtime disability rights advocate, writer, and policy strategist. El shares her journey from early medical trauma and poverty to discovering a place of belonging in the disability community—and ultimately becoming a national leader. With unflinching honesty, she speaks about the challenges of a late autism diagnosis, internalised ableism, and the failures of policy systems meant to support disabled lives. Yet, at the heart of her story is hope, community, and the unwavering belief that disability leadership must center those most marginalised.From regulating the NDIS to calling out ableism within our own spaces, El offers sharp insight into what true justice looks like. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt “too much” or “not enough”—and a reminder that real change is possible, especially when led by those with lived experience.Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of poverty, trauma, medical neglect, and suicidal ideation. If you need support, please contact Lifeline at 13 11 14.🎧 Tune in, share with a friend, and subscribe to join us in shifting the narrative.To find out more about DANA, visit the website www.dana.org.au or check out their facebook https://www.facebook.com/disabilityadvocacynetworkaus To follow, comment, ask us a question or suggest a guest for a show go to https://www.facebook.com/navigatingdisability 

Today on Navigating Disability, we welcome the unstoppable Seamus Evans—comedian, speaker, and neurodiversity champion.  Diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome and ADHD as a child, Seamus shares his remarkable journey of overcoming bullying, embracing self-acceptance, and breaking societal stereotypes around disability. With humor, candor, and vulnerability, he unpacks what it means to live unapologetically and how mindset can transform challenges into superpowers. Whether you're part of the disability community, a parent, an educator, or simply seeking inspiration, this conversation will leave you empowered to own your differences and navigate your world with confidence.🔔 Trigger Warning: This episode discusses experiences with bullying, social isolation, and emotional distress. If you need support, please reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14 (Australia).🎧 Listen now and share with someone who needs a reminder that their diagnosis does not define them!To find out more or connect with Seamus, visit his website https://seamusevans.com/ To follow, comment, ask us a question or suggest a guest for a show go to https://www.facebook.com/navigatingdisability 

Robb Evans on Losing His Daughter to Anorexia | Eating Disorder Advocacy & Liv’s LegacyIn this powerful and emotional podcast episode, we sit down with Robb Evans—high-performance coach, health strategist, and father—who shares the heartbreaking story of losing his 15-year-old daughter, Liv, to anorexia.What started as subtle warning signs spiraled into 40+ hospital admissions, medical misdiagnoses, and systemic healthcare failures—until Robb turned his grief into a global movement. Liv’s Legacy has now raised $56.5 million for eating disorder prevention, recovery programs, and mental health advocacy.Key Topics Covered:Parenting a child with an eating disorderFighting for better mental health careHow social media harms body image (and how Robb helped change laws)Hospital-in-the-home programs for recoveryTurning tragedy into advocacy💛 Trigger Warning: This episode discusses eating disorders, suicide, trauma, and mental illness. If you or someone you love is struggling, contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 (Australia) or your local crisis line.🎧 Listen now to Robb’s inspiring story of resilience, love, and activism—and share this episode to help end the stigma around eating disorders. #LivsLegacy #EatingDisorderAwareness #MentalHealthPodcast

What does it mean to lose a part of yourself—physically and emotionally—and still rise to fight for others? In this raw and deeply human episode of Navigating Disability, we sit down with advocate, speaker, and changemaker Skye Shannon, whose journey from living with Spina Bifida to becoming an amputee will stay with you long after the episode ends.Skye opens up about growing up in a small town where she didn’t feel different—until the world told her otherwise. From high school bullying to years of intense surgeries, Sky shares with brutal honesty how pain, humor, resilience, and community shaped her identity. She talks about the realities of the NDIS system, systemic failures in employment and access, and what true inclusion should look like.Skye reminds us that people with disabilities are often the strongest problem-solvers in the room—and all they ask is a seat at the table.🎧 Trigger Warning: This episode includes themes of medical trauma, amputation, mental health struggles, and brief mentions of suicidal ideation. If you’re in distress, please reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14 (Australia).🔔 Listen now, share widely, and follow the show to continue amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.To follow, comment, ask us a question or suggest a guest for a show go to https://www.facebook.com/navigatingdisabilityReach out to Skye:Diversicare Solutionshttps://www.facebook.com/skye.shannon.94 

This week on Navigating Disability, we’re joined by Robbie Phelan—carpenter by trade, changemaker by mission, and Director and Founder of Modular Transport Access Solutions (MODTAS). Based in Melbourne, Robbie is leading a quiet revolution in transport accessibility—and it all started with a personal tragedy and a simple idea.After witnessing preventable incidents on public transport and reflecting on the loss of a family member, Robbie created an innovative ramp system designed to close the dangerous—and often overlooked—gap between platforms and trains/trams. What began as a grassroots invention has evolved into a full-scale mission to give people with disabilities, parents with prams, the elderly, and others the freedom to travel independently and safely. Robbie’s journey is a powerful example of how one person’s persistence can disrupt the status quo and create real, lasting change. 🎧 Tap play for a dose of hope and advocacy—and discover how we can all contribute to an accessible future.✅ Subscribe, share, and rate the show to support voices that move the needle!

*Trigger Warning: This show mentions trauma, suicide, depression, mental health and societal conditioning. If you or anyone you know needs help, call 13 11 14 in Australia*Dr Richard Fejo, better known as Richie, is a Larrakia man of direct male descent, through his father, grandfather and great-grandfather.Dr Fejo has devoted his life to improving education and health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within urban, rural and remote communities. He is a former Chairman of the Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation, former Vice-President of Darwin Buffaloes Football Club and sat on the City of Darwin’s International Relations Committee. He was also the Chair of the National Cultural Educator’s/Cultural Mentor’s Network for fiveyears during his eleven-year employment with the Northern Territory General Practice Education (NTGPE) as Senior Cultural Educator and was the recent Chair of the Darwin Waterfront Corporation from 2020 to 2024. In 2022, Dr Fejo was awarded an honorary doctorate by Flinders University in recognition of his contribution to education and Indigenous health.Dr Fejo currently holds the positions of Senior Elder on campus with Flinders University, Chair of the Australia Day Council (NT), Board Member of National Disabilities Insurance Agency (NDIA). In addition to his service to the community, Dr Fejo is a talented comedian and singer-songwriter, performing regularly around town, nurturing the next generation of leaders, comics and aspiring singer/songwriters.** NOTE: This podcast speaks of suicide, depression and mental health **If you, or anyone you know is in need of help call LIFELINE on 13 11 14

Strap yourself in for this show where all the touchy subjects are touched! Work, friendship, sex, dating, love, inclusivity, discrimination, people of colour, disability.... And so much more!! As super candid and raw conversation with one of the most inspiring humans talking about all the subjects we keep behind closed doors and are too scared to normalise! Meet Jordan Jarrett Bryan.... Wow! What a show!Jordan Jarrett Bryan is a Journalist and Sports Broadcaster in the UK. He’s worked in media for nearly 30 years across print, radio, tv and digital. He’s now the Sports Presenter forone of the UK’s most respected news programmes, Channel 4 News. He started working in print media at the age of 13, writing for a youth magazine called Live. He went on to become Editor a year later and was in post for 8 years before going on to editother publications and radio at the BBC.  Jordan is a below the knee amputee, after having his right foot amputated aged 18 months. He’s lived with prosthetic legs since and had a 25 year career playing Wheelchair Basketball for clubs in London, GB and professional in the Italian league for 5 years. He got his break into TV at the 2012 Paralympics Games for Channel 4 and has been working at the network’s Sports Correspondent since. He’s also worked for sports radio network talkSPORT and since set up his own video production company, Blakademik Productions.He launched a disability positive podcast ‘Jordan Jarrett Bryan’s The Coolest Disabled In The World’, having informal conversions with people who have achieved amazing things - who just happen to have a disability.

We are so inspired by Veronica this week and very excited to bring you someone so committed to the cause of awareness and education around disability! This weeks show is REALLY highlighting the ABILITY in disability!! "As an LGBTQIA+ cisgender woman living with AuDHD and multiple chronic illnesses, I’ve had many challenges. As a result, I have become involved in group advocacy and activism in various forms because I desire to spread awareness, to educate, and to push for positive change. "

Dr Ashleigh Moreland is the founder of Re-MIND Institute, an organisation dedicated to helping individuals overcome challenges and build meaningful, connected lives. Alongside her professional expertise in neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and healing, Ashleigh brings a deeply personal perspective to her work. As a carer for her son, who has multiple diagnoses, as well as having a top drawer full of labels herself, Ashleigh has navigated the complexities of parenting, advocacy, and self-growth in ways that resonate with many families. Through the work of Re-MIND Institute, Ashleigh and her team offer programs designed to help individuals process unresolved trauma, regulate their nervous systems, and develop the emotional intelligence needed to thrive. Their mission is to create ripple effects of healing and resilience, empowering people to live their best lives. ⁠https://www.re-mind.institute/linktree⁠ FACEBOOK Link to Re-MIND Facebook page:⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...Link to Dr Ashleigh Moreland Facebook page:⁠  / ⁠    INSTAGRAM Link to Re-MIND Instagram page:⁠  / ⁠   Handle: @remind.institute Link to Dr Ashleigh Moreland Instagram page:⁠  / dr.ashleighmoreland⁠   Handle: @dr.ashleighmoreland  TIKTOK Link to Re-MIND / Ashleigh Moreland Tik Tok:⁠  / dr.ashleighmoreland⁠   Handle: @dr.ashleighmoreland  TWITTER Link to Re-MIND Twitter:⁠  / remindinstitute⁠   Handle: @ReMINDInstitute  LINKED IN Link to Linked In:⁠  / ⁠    YOUTUBE CHANNEL Link to YouTube Channel:⁠   / @re-mindpodcast⁠    SPOTIFY Link to Spotify Channel:⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4fdMVxmApple podcast Link to Apple podcast:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast

What an incredible story of taking on the system and finding success that is helpful for his family and parents. Ward's commitment to finding solutions, creating support and helping YOU discover the supports that are available 'out there' is evident in every word in this show!Navigating aged care and the NDIS can be a mine field and this show will give you direction, education and inspiration to find the help you or your family needs!! You don't have to do this on your own... It's time to ask for help!For over 30 years, Ward has been immersed in the NDIS and Aged Care sectors. Throughout his extensive experience, he has encountered various businesses, both as an employee and an observer. Unfortunately, among them, he has encountered instances where individuals were treated merely as revenue sources rather than as individuals with needs and dignity. While Ward acknowledges the importance of businesses being sustainable and profitable, he firmly believes that this should not come at the expense of the individual's health and well-being. Witnessing firsthand the detrimental effects of unethical business practices, including within his own family, has fueled Ward's commitment to championing businesses that prioritise ethical conduct.For Ward, it is imperative that businesses operate within the bounds of regulations and guidelines, recognising and valuing individuals as people rather than solely as sources of profit. To follow Ward and engage with him at Ethical Tick, go to ⁠http://ethicaltick.au

Dive into this weeks podcast for a heart warming and empowering show where Kate & Jenn dive down the rabbit hole and share stories and experiences with a fellow neurodivergent mum, juggling the challenges, the wins and the beautiful discoveries all at once!Meet Deb, a neurodivergent (late-diagnosed) mum to two boys, now 12 and 14 who has learned many hard yet incredible life lessons from her children: following their lead, making safe and affirming spaces, remaining calm, and using humour to defuse the most intense situations.Deb's lads are both autistic with a number of comorbidities, and one presents with a PDA profile."As a primary school teacher I had plans to start my family and stay at home until they were both at school full time. Life had other plans for us all, where my boys need much more support. So, now, I home educate both boys and have become an advocate for Authentic Inclusion. In 2023, I completed my Master of Education (Special and Inclusive Education), focusing on the inclusion of autistic students in schools, winning an industry recognition award for my research on the experience of mums navigating learning support meetings in schools. I am currently applying to begin my PhD on a similar topic - the impact of navigating education systems for autistic children on autistic mums." Deb is a magical voice for mums with such a powerful message of inspiration.

Dr. Hoby Wedler is a celebrated chemist and entrepreneur, noted for his innovative work at the nexus of flavor science, organic chemistry, and sensory perception. Holding a Ph.D. in physical organic chemistry from the University of California, Davis, Dr. Wedler has carved out a unique niche by focusing on how sensory experiences shape human emotions and reactions. His innovative organic chemistry and sensory research has led to pioneering developments in the way we understand and interact with our environment. Dr. Wedler’s work focuses on product development in the food and beverage industry as well as designing and performing unique multi-sensory experiences called Tasting in the Dark.Beyond his scientific achievements in organic chemistry and as an entrepreneur, Dr. Wedler is a passionate educator and advocate for inclusivity in science and business, inspiring a wide audience through lectures, workshops, and mentorship programs.His contributions to both academia and industry have not only advanced the field but also fostered a more inclusive and empathetic understanding of sensory perception. Dr. Wedler developed Tasting in the Dark in 2011 with Francis Ford Coppola and has since expanded it to a wide variety of markets and industries around the world. His work was recognized when he was named a Champion of Change by President Barack Obama for enhancing employment and education opportunities for people with disabilities. He has also been featured in Forbes Media’s 30 under 30 in the food and beverage industry, and as a 40 under 40 tastemaker by the Wine Enthusiast. A co-founder of four companies, Dr. Wedler views entrepreneurship as a means to address challenges, solve complex problems, and improve the world.To reach out to Hoby Welder:⁠www.hobywedler.com⁠⁠@HobyWedler⁠ on all Socials: Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and Tiktok.