Disabled and Proud

Brooke talks to special guest, LeMondre Pough, who shares his journey of being born with spinal muscular atrophy, a progressive neurological disorder, and how his disability has evolved over time. He discusses his childhood experiences, the challenges he faced in the educational system, and the importance of advocating for oneself. LeMondre emphasises the concept of disability as a part of one's identity and the need for individuals to stand up for their needs, and delves into the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. KEY TAKEAWAYS BEST MOMENTS "I always look at it as it is not the defining point of who I am, but it's certainly a defining point." "I often say that the arts gave me my voice." "I think it's important that we show up not only as allies, but as accomplices." "I love the harmony piece of it. I love the harmony piece of it." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

In this very special edition of thew show, Brooke takes you through a compilation of discussions from various disabled individuals sharing their personal experiences and perspectives on disability. The guests talk about their journeys to diagnosis, the challenges they faced, and the societal perceptions of disability. They touch on topics such as identity, ableism, intersectionality, and the pressure to be extraordinary as a disabled person. The conversations highlight the importance of self-acceptance, challenging ableist norms, and the need for diverse representation within the disabled community. Through candid and introspective dialogues, the episode sheds light on the complexities and nuances of living with a disability, emphasising the value of individual stories and the diversity of experiences within the disabled community. KEY TAKEAWAYS BEST MOMENTS "I think ADHD, especially is like, the name of it just doesn't even kind of, it's not even accurate, really at all, like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder." "I think for me, and especially like in the last couple of years, just like reaching out to more people in the community and like, finding literature and books written by us, this community, I started to realise, okay, a lot of the language that I had that was such negative self-talk, so bad and down on myself, is not something that exists just naturally." "I love the fact that actually for you coming to terms with disability meant that you realised ableism was so embedded in society because I think a lot of people don't seem to realise that the vast majority of our views or our notions surrounding disability all actually boil down to ableism." "I think that, especially as Again, like I started to see that representation, like I'd see people on the Ellen show and like, you know, all these like talk shows and I'm like, okay, this is amazing." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Brooke is joined by Gavin Neate, the founder of WelcoMe, and who has been working in the disability sector, to discuss his passion for supporting disabled individuals. Gavin shares his experiences working with Guide Dogs for the Blind and the inspiration behind his innovative tool, aimed at improving accessibility for disabled people in various businesses. They delve into the importance of equity in experiences for disabled individuals, the impact of Welcome on both disabled people and businesses, and the challenge of proving the existence of the Purple Pound in the business world. KEY TAKEAWAYS BEST MOMENTS "It's almost like this whole hub. And it's crazy. And it's intense. You get to speak to people and meet people and something someone said to me at nadex was this idea of referring to people as pre-disabled." "I just want to remove the barriers, which is what WelcoMe does" "We need to get strength from other people. And I totally understand that, but until we get past that and start welcoming other people into our groups, we're not, all we're going to be seeing is a minority promoting our minority need." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 ABOUT THE GUEST Gavin Neate developed WelcoMe whilst working for Guide Dogs for the Blind as Mobility Instructor, in answer to the question, "Wouldn't it be easier if staff had access to disability awareness training immediately prior to a disabled person arriving?". In 2015 he left Guide Dogs and started his own technology company in order to come up with a solution. Although Gavin is currently non disabled he is acutely aware that one day he and others who who don't engage with disability issues will be, and is on a mission to engage them, and raise universal awareness of disability and the lives of disabled people. HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

To celebrate 100 episodes of the podcast Brooke is here with a solo episode reflecting on the origins of the podcast and the importance of disability representation. Brooke shares her personal journey of growing up as the only physically disabled person in her family and the challenges she faced in society's perception of disability. She discusses the impact of social media on changing the narrative around disability and highlights the diverse conversations she has had with guests on the podcast. Brooke also answers questions from listeners, revealing her surprise at the positive reception of the podcast and the impactful conversations that have challenged her own views on disability. Finally, there's a big giveaway to celebrate the milestone, showcasing items from disabled business owners. KEY TAKEAWAYS BEST MOMENTS "I knew from a really young age that I had to be okay with my disability, because if I wasn't okay with my disability, other people were going to find it a bit difficult." "No two people in the disabled world are the same. No two people in the world are the same." "I think having those conversations with people who might be right at the very beginning of their journey or who have been in this journey for years and years and years and just still aren't necessarily there is always really interesting." "I think they're the most impactful conversations when it's completely different to my point of view." "I'm always really surprised when people open up to these conversations with open arms and listen and I'm always like I love it so much when people send messages in saying that this podcast has impacted them like powerfully." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Brooke is joined by the amazing Jason, a disabled artist, who shares his journey of acquiring a disability and how it transformed his life. Jason discusses his experiences growing up in a working-class family, becoming disabled at a young age, and the challenges he faced in the care system. Despite the difficulties, Jason's resilience and sense of humour shine through as he navigates the art world and advocates for disability rights. The conversation delves into the importance of kindness, humour, and activism in the face of adversity. KEY TAKEAWAYS BEST MOMENTS "I became disabled as well in 1980, which was apparent. I was told as well that it was the best year to become disabled because it was the international year of disability." "There's so much to be said from creating art, particularly from pain points in our life. And I think that it's really laudable for you to almost put that on display, because even though it might not look exactly how it was, you know, it's not like it's realism." "I always say, when I became disabled, it was a transformative experience. So very working class background, like I said, not much money, but I was introduced to education in a big way." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Brooke is joined by special guest, Lydia, to discuss her journey as an autistic individual and author, shedding light on the challenges faced by disabled individuals in society. She talks about her experience with multiple disabilities, including autism and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her health. Lydia shares insights on the lack of understanding and support for hidden disabilities, emphasising the need for inclusive and accessible resources. She delves into the creation of her Autism Friendly Cookbook, highlighting the importance of making cooking accessible for individuals with diverse needs, and touches on the complexities of inclusivity and the limitations of trying to cater to every aspect of neurodiversity. KEY TAKEAWAYS BEST MOMENTS "Disabled people are not your free resource. we don't it's just this idea of I still have people who come up to me complete strangers who go oh what happened to you because they don't they don't have the language to talk with nuance." "Everything has an opposite. So the opposite of inclusion is exclusion." "It was published in November 2022. It's since won two awards at the Gore, I think it's pronounced the Gorman Awards. It's gone viral on TikTok. It's now a pilot course that I'm teaching down in Sussex." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Brooke is joined by guest, Luis Canto, who discusses his experiences with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and the challenges he faced growing up in South Africa. Luis shares his journey of diagnosis, medical treatments, and the societal perceptions of disability in both South Africa and the UK. He emphasises the importance of equity over equality in providing support for individuals with disabilities and highlights the need for empowerment and advocacy within the disabled community. KEY TAKEAWAYS BEST MOMENTS "I think the NHS gets a lot of flak, but there is a lot of positive things that the NHS does for the UK." "It's about giving people what they need and not saying, well, we're giving everyone this, because that's what we're supposed to be." "I think that the reason why I do what I do is I just want to make sure that everyone just has the best start in life or at least the best opportunity in life to do what they want to do." "And just to put into context how close we are to that, recently, and I'm talking two weeks ago, so we're in February now, about two weeks ago, Bristol Council had... they would lock you away." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Brooke is joined by Abbie, who shares her journey as a disabled woman with cerebral palsy in the film and TV industry. She discusses her experiences growing up with hemiplegia, a type of cerebral palsy affecting one side of her body, and talks about the challenges she faced in school, the lack of support from medical professionals, and her journey towards self-acceptance and confidence. KEY TAKEAWAYS BEST MOMENTS "I have cerebral palsy. The two default responses I get are 'What's that?' or 'Oh, my mum's cousin's mate has that and you don't look the same as them.'" "I think little me would be proud of bigger me now for all the stuff I've done and the fact that I'm not hiding anymore." "I think something that has really helped me, particularly in the last couple of years, is finding my community as well, like finding other people with lived experience who are a similar age to me." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Brooke engages in a candid discussion with special guest Nick Wilson about his journey with disability, exploring topics such as self-identity, mental health, and the challenges of navigating a world that is often inaccessible. Through an authentic and frank discussion, they aim to promote inclusivity, understanding, and positivity within the disabled community, via a heartfelt and enlightening exploration of disability and resilience. KEY TAKEAWAYS BEST MOMENTS "I think the biggest thing that I am proud of myself is how I've learned to be a better person." "I've seen the beauty of kindness, of gratitude, of belief, of community support, of true love from a stranger to a stranger." "I'm incredibly humbled, honoured. I can't find a word for when I get a message and they say, just listening to your story or you just saying this truth helps." "There's a lot to be said in being able to hold space for other people from a place of experience, and not just saying something for the sake of it." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Brooke is joined by Ashley Young, one of the stars of 2023 mega-hit, Barbie, to share personal stories and insights on topics such as disability, motherhood, relationships, and representation in the media. Ashley and Brooke highlight the importance of resilience, determination, and self-acceptance in the face of societal challenges, and embark upon a conversation that is both enlightening and empowering, offering a fresh perspective on navigating life with a disability. KEY TAKEAWAYS Resilience and determination are key traits that help us to navigate rejection and challenges in their lives. Representation in media for individuals with disabilities is limited and often focuses on simplistic portrayals, such as amputees or wheelchair users. Dealing with online hate and inappropriate messages, especially from devotees, has been a common and distressing experience for many with disabilities in media. It's vital to set boundaries and not engage with inappropriate behaviour, whether online or in person. BEST MOMENTS "I think my main goal in life, and I've always said this, is to kind of pave a way for the younger kids who have limb differences." "I feel like rejection is something that teaches you something in the end. Maybe it's a good thing. Maybe it just wasn't for me." "I think resilience and determination kind of come hand in hand with disability, particularly if you've been a disabled child." "I'm not like a mom influencer kind of in any way. I try and keep my child off the internet because it's already weird for children." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Brooke talks to Chris Lynch about topics such as language, the social model, childhood experiences, and the impact of disability on career choices. Brooke and Chris speak openly and honestly, reflecting on their journey of self-acceptance and navigating the challenges of disability. They also address broader societal issues, emphasising the need for education and inclusion to create a more accepting and accessible world. KEY TAKEAWAYS BEST MOMENTS "I think one of the things where, especially my whole thought process in really analysing this has been from a place of the difference that I have with my disability over others and the considerations that I have to make in terms of my own safety." "Kids are naturally so curious." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Brooke welcomes special guest, Ruth Rathblott to discuss the concept of "unhiding." Ruth shares her personal experiences of living with a limb difference and the challenges she faced in accepting and embracing her disability. They discuss the different perspectives within the disability community regarding terminology and identity, highlighting the importance of individual experiences and the need for open dialogue. Ruth also reflects on her childhood, where she initially didn't see herself as different until a pivotal moment in high school. They delve into the impact of societal beauty standards on individuals with disabilities and the lack of representation in media. The conversation explores the journey of unhiding, which involves acknowledging, finding support, building a community, and ultimately sharing one's experiences to help others. KEY TAKEAWAYS BEST MOMENTS "I think my hand has been my greatest struggle and it's my greatest gift because it also allows me to connect with people." "I think hiding, for me, is the problem. And it affects us in so many ways. And then unhiding becomes the bridge to connection, to self-acceptance, to leadership." "I think sometimes with disability, we don't allow for the questions... So why not be able to ask a question to me if you're wanting to build a relationship with me?" "I really welcome your prayers. They're not gonna do anything for the growth of this if that's what you're praying for, but I accept all prayers because there are things in my life that I wanna grow." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Brooke engages in a candid conversation with Paul Swain, who acquired a disability later in life. Paul shares his experience of losing an arm and his unique perspective on accepting his disability. Paul reflects on the societal acceptance of disability and the attention-seeking behaviour that some individuals exhibit, before delving into the challenges of adapting to life with a disability, from relearning everyday tasks to dealing with phantom pain. The conversation touches on the resilience and acceptance that comes with being disabled, as well as the societal curiosity and misconceptions surrounding disability. KEY TAKEAWAYS Paul struggles with accepting the loss of his arm, but has learned to embrace the honesty, instead of feeling forced to simply accept it. Disability is definitely an individual thing, and each person must go through it and accept it in their own way Paul feels that sometimes, people use their disability to curry favour or influence behaviour. Accepting our disability is something we have to come to on our own. We should not simply feel as though we have to be happy and proud about our circumstances because society expects us to BEST MOMENTS "I don't really particularly accept the loss of my arm... I always cover it up, it's always covered up." "I try not to let it play a part in my life and just carry on... but everybody relates to their disability incredibly individually." "I think sometimes people believe that the acceptance of disability is so much better now than it ever was... I think there's also an element of people believe they should say that they accept disability and so that's what they do." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Brooke is joined by special guest, Saadiya Yusuf, who shares her experience of living with sickle cell anaemia, a genetic blood disorder. Saadiya explains the challenges of describing the condition to others and the importance of maintaining medical autonomy, as well as discussing its impact on red blood cells, oxygen levels, and the occurrence of painful episodes known as sickle cell crisis. Saadiya also addresses the issue of fatigue and the impact of sickle cell on childhood and teenage years, reflecting on the process of understanding and accepting her condition, as well as the resilience she has developed. KEY TAKEAWAYS BEST MOMENTS "I think there is a misconception I think with doctors and kind of like going to the hospital that it's just a black disease or just like a black condition and I understand where that comes from but I think it can be quite dangerous to kind of categorise a condition that way because medical racism plays a part in everything." "I definitely say to kind of or thinking about entering the corporate world to look for companies and organisations that really value inclusion and have kind of like processes in place to help people to help their staff with disabilities." "I think it's definitely a journey, especially if you've had a disability all your life, but society and the way society is set up will make you feel like you shouldn't be proud of it." "I understand the desperation of wanting like, oh, there must be something, you know. And I think a lot of those so-called doctors kind of pray on that desperation." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Brooke is joined by special guest, Peter, to discuss his experience living with cerebral palsy and profound hearing loss. Peter shares his childhood experiences, including attending a preschool for disabled children and being placed in a deaf unit at school. He talks about his educational journey, from primary school to university, and how he navigated exams and coursework as a disabled student. Peter also opens up about his passion for the Paralympic sport of Boccia and his journey as an athlete and coach. The conversation delves into the challenges of classification in Paralympic sports and the impact it had on Peter's athletic career. KEY TAKEAWAYS BEST MOMENTS "I was born three months premature. I was about to say that I blame my parents actually for that. But I can't actually blame them for that." "Disabled children particularly like in childhood you have a very different childhood." "I was put in reception year 1 and year 2 in a deaf unit... But in those early years, it was very much the deaf part of me being the focal point." "I was fairly lucky in terms of that... I was very, very lucky and no one ever chose me, different, especially in a wheelchair as well." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Brooke talks to Laura from Casual Ableism, a popular Instagram account that raises awareness about ableism through humour and truthfulness. Laura talks about her personal journey with disability, from being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at a young age to navigating the challenges of school and societal perceptions. She also shares their experiences of embracing her disability and finding empowerment through understanding and acceptance. KEY TAKEAWAYS BEST MOMENTS "I think sometimes we have to take a bit of tragedy with humour." "I'm definitely proud to say I'm disabled and have a physical disability." "It's progressive. And for a lot of people, it can be stable for lots of years and then it can progress or it can develop later on in life." "It's okay to have those moments where you don't feel proud to be disabled, or you don't feel like it's kind of, oh, it's fine, you know, I'll just get on with it." "Disability is not one size fits all. It's so individual for every single person." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Brooke welcomes Jamie for a candid and heartfelt conversation about their experiences with disability. They discuss how they refer to their disabilities, including ocular albinism, ADHD, and autism, and the journey of self-identification. Jamie opens up about their challenging childhood, navigating mainstream education, and the impact of internalised ableism. They also share their struggles with employment, the importance of finding supportive allies, and the transformative power of using their voice to advocate for disability inclusion. KEY TAKEAWAYS BEST MOMENTS "Why is the issue on how we want to self-identify when the real issue is the systemic ableism, the inaccessibility, and the fact that we are treated the mess on but you want to talk about my right to identify." "My career is now built on being a disability accessibility lead." "I think it's have the confidence to say stop let me talk this is how I actually feel because a lot of decisions that was made for me in my life" "I think it's being able to talk about emotions whether you're male, female, trans, non-binary, being able to have that conversation is such a such an important thing." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Brooke is joined by Dr. Hannah, a disabled and neurodivergent doctor, who shares her experiences with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and ADHD. She discusses the challenges she faced in getting diagnosed with EDS and the lack of awareness and funding for the condition. Dr. Hannah also talks about her journey to getting diagnosed with ADHD and the impact it has had on her career in medicine. She highlights the need for greater inclusion and representation of disabled individuals in the medical field and society as a whole. KEY TAKEAWAYS Dr. Hannah emphasises the importance of having a variety of acronyms to describe her disabilities, such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and ADHD. She proudly identifies as disabled and embraces the diversity of her disabilities. The journey to diagnosis for EDS was challenging for Dr. Hannah, as the symptoms were often dismissed or attributed to being a woman. She was fortunate to receive a diagnosis while in medical school, but recognises the struggles that many others face in obtaining a diagnosis and accessing support. Dr. Hannah faced initial challenges in navigating the medical field as a wheelchair user, but has found ways to adapt and excel in her profession. Dr. Hannah encourages the integration of disability perspectives into broader conversations, rather than segregating disability as a separate topic. She believes that disabled individuals should be included in all discussions and have their experiences valued. BEST MOMENTS "I diagnosed myself and kind of turned up at the cerebrotology appointment going, well, I think I have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type three. And she's like, yeah, yeah, you definitely do. crack on." "I think it's about kind of going, life is awful, life can be bad, but how do we process that and take it apart and not being scared to do so, or at least making sure you have the support to do so as you go." "I think it's really important that we claim our soft power... It's about kind of accepting all of that and going here is what I think, what do you think?" "I think having the disabled community in my life has radically changed it in all the best way possible... because there are certain things that I used to think I was like, oh, I don't think that's quite normal or quite right." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Brooke welcomes back guest Charlie Holford for a catch-up conversation. Charles shares his journey as a below-knee amputee, discussing the challenges he faced after his injury and the years of chronic pain he endured. He opens up about the emotional toll it took on him and how it changed his perspective on his disability. Charles then shares the transformative impact of his amputation surgery, which led him to open his own CrossFit gym and compete in the Invictus Games. He also discusses the changes in the adaptive arena of CrossFit and his passion for working with both adaptive and non-disabled individuals. KEY TAKEAWAYS BEST MOMENTS "I became an amputee because, do you want to know the full story?" - Interviewee (Charles) "I got injured in 2012 in the army... I was told to carry on." - Interviewee (Charles) "He said, there's nothing wrong with the bone. He's lying about his pain. I would discharge him." - Interviewee (Charles) "I've had my leg off, and I'm not in pain anymore. And I can do stuff. And I've just been growing the last three years." - Interviewee (Charles) "WheelWod are going to take 10 above knee amputees, 10 below knee amputees, and 10 people with two full legs that have issues with those legs." - Interviewee (Charles) VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Brooke talks to Chamiah Dewey, who is making waves in the fashion industry by creating inclusive clothing for people with disabilities. Chamiah shares her personal connection to disability, growing up with neurodivergent siblings and being an ally to the disabled community. She discusses her journey into fashion and how she founded her clothing brand, Dewey, which specialises in clothing for individuals under five feet tall. Chamiah talks about the challenges she faced in developing a size chart that caters to the unique needs of her customers and the importance of representation in the fashion industry. She also shares her experience showcasing her designs at London Fashion Week and the emotional impact it had on both her and her models. KEY TAKEAWAYS BEST MOMENTS "I always love getting the chance to chat about what I do and to meet new people and spread awareness of things that lots of people don't consider." "I got into this really through meeting a young person who had dwarfism and just learning lots and lots about dwarfism as a condition and then just getting really curious." "I think listening has been one of the most invaluable pieces. It's just immersing yourself so fully in the community, which I completely am." "I think seeing people be so shocked that something fit and that they didn't have to roll the arms up was a really humbling experience." "I want Dewey to be the place that you think of when you're short stature. We're providing clothing that looks like clothing from anywhere else, it's just smaller." - Interviewee VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en