Disabled and Proud

In this episode of "Disabled and Proud," Brooke talks with Scott Whitney in a thought-provoking discussion about the recent reforms to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and universal credit in the UK. He highlights the misconceptions surrounding disability benefits, particularly the unfounded belief in widespread fraud, and emphasises the importance of PIP as a means to maintain independence rather than merely an out-of-work benefit. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by disabled individuals in navigating the assessment process, the potential dangers of tightening benefit structures, and the urgent need for businesses to adapt their hiring practices to be more...

Brooke is joined by special guest, Jordan Jarrett-Bryant, to discuss the exhilarating yet exhausting experience of covering live events, the challenges of staying updated in a fast-paced environment, and the importance of storytelling in sports journalism.

Together they focus on the evolving landscape of media, highlighting how digital platforms have transformed audience engagement and representation in broadcasting. Jordan shares his most memorable moments from the Paralympics, including exclusive interviews and inspiring athlete stories, while also addressing the pressing issues of accessibility and disability rights in Paris. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Brooke meets special guests Liselle Terrett and Heather Johnson to engage in a vibrant discussion about their groundbreaking project, "Not F**king Sorry" a provocative cabaret theatre piece that challenges societal norms surrounding disability and queerness.

They explore the fluidity of identity, the importance of creating safe spaces for marginalised voices, and the collaborative process of developing the show with learning-disabled and neurodivergent actors. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Brooke holds an empowering conversation with Tiffany Yu, author of the "Anti-Ableism Manifesto" exploring the evolving language around disability, the personal journeys of disabled individuals, and the importance of community and representation.

Tiffany shares her experiences of navigating life with both apparent and non-apparent disabilities, reflecting on her childhood before and after her accident. They also delve into the significance of access intimacy, the challenges of identifying as disabled, and the systemic issues surrounding ableism. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The experiences of disabled individuals vary widely, influenced by factors such as whether they were born w...

Brooke welcomes Aaron Fowler, a visually impaired rugby player and physio, for an engaging conversation about his journey in the world of VI rugby. Aaron shares his experiences with retinitis pigmentosa, discussing the challenges of growing up with sight loss and the importance of community support. The episode delves into the unique adaptations of visually impaired rugby, including the use of an audible ball and modified rules, as well as the camaraderie and inclusivity within the sport. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

VI rugby, or visually impaired rugby, is played with adaptations such as a ball that makes n...

Brooke reconnects with former guest, Jess for a heartfelt conversation about the evolving landscape of disability pride in the UK and the US. Jess shares her personal journey of moving from London to Chicago, navigating a divorce, and re-entering the dating scene as a disabled woman.

The duo explores the stark differences in societal attitudes towards disability in both countries, touching on the impact of media representation and accessibility. They delve into the challenges of dating, particularly the unique experiences faced by disabled individuals, and emphasise the importance of self-love and setting boundaries. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Brooke talks with Nana, who shares his unique perspective on living with a disability. Nana discusses his childhood experiences, including the moment he learned about his tracheostomy and how it shaped his understanding of himself.

The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating school systems that often lack proper support for disabled students, as well as the impact of societal perceptions on career choices. Nana emphasises the importance of resilience and self-advocacy, encouraging listeners to ask questions and challenge uncomfortable norms. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Brooke sits down with Terri, a passionate advocate for disability representation and the founder of a charity focused on supporting individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Terri shares her journey of navigating life with an invisible disability, discussing the challenges of obtaining a diagnosis and the misconceptions surrounding disabilities.

The conversation highlights the importance of community, representation, and the power of embracing one's disability as a catalyst for personal growth and change. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Brooke talks to Ahbid Choudry, a passionate advocate for disability rights and the founder of Cabability, a service dedicated to providing wheelchair-accessible transportation.

Ahbid shares his personal journey of living with a disability, emphasising the importance of dignity over equality and the need for compassion in the treatment of disabled individuals. He reflects on his challenging childhood, the misdiagnoses he faced, and how these experiences shaped his perspective on life and work. The discussion delves into the significance of education, the power of acceptance, and the three key steps to achieving personal goals: taking ownership of one's...

Brooke is joined by the marvellous Adam Fare, who shares his journey of living with multiple disabilities, including autism, ADHD, chronic bowel issues, and an eating disorder. He reflects on his childhood, struggling with undiagnosed conditions and the challenges he faced in school.

Despite facing burnout and difficult medical decisions, Adam emphasises the importance of setting boundaries and being true to oneself. He discusses the impact of his disabilities on his relationships with family and friends, highlighting the value of empathy and support. Adam also touches on the misconceptions and odd questions he has encountered regarding his...

Brooke welcomes Kirsty and Xander from Our Chaotic Adventure, a couple who met while playing wheelchair basketball. They talk about their personal experiences with disability, including Kirsty's journey from childhood with a disability to becoming an amputee, and Xander's sudden spinal injury that led to paralysis.

They discuss their perspectives on disability, the medicalisation of disabilities, and the importance of representation in the medical field. Xander, a medical student, shares his efforts to advocate for disability inclusion in medical education. The couple also reflects on their relationship, long-distance challenges, and their upcoming wedding. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Brooke talks to Pippa, a guest with ME, about her journey so far, including the challenges of managing symptoms like fatigue and chronic pain. She highlights the importance of trusting one's intuition and seeking answers when dealing with a chronic illness.

The conversation also delves into the impact of Pippa's diagnosis on her life, from being a dancer to transitioning to a writer. Pippa also touches on the unsolicited advice and bizarre questions she receives in public about her disability, emphasising the need for understanding and respect. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Despite challenges, Pippa expresses g...

Brooke takes a solo approach to highlight the powerful messages shared by the audience about Disability Pride Month. Through reading and discussing four standout responses, she delves into the importance of embracing disability pride, breaking societal molds, promoting visibility, and advocating for representation in various spheres of life. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Brooke welcomes special guests Nick and Isaac, to discuss the concept of Disability Pride and share their personal journeys towards embracing their disabilities. They emphasise the importance of authenticity and being true to oneself, highlighting the power of sharing personal stories and experiences.

They also reflect on the impact of being open and honest about their disabilities, both online and in their daily lives, expressing their hopes for future Disability Pride Months, advocating for a more inclusive and supportive society that values and respects individuals with disabilities. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

This week, Brooke welcomes Jamie and Celia on Disabled and Proud's Disability Pride Month special. They discuss their personal experiences with disability pride, unlearning ableism, and the challenges faced by the disabled community.

Jamie shares a journey of overcoming internalised ableism and finding empowerment through meaningful employment, while Celia emphasises the importance of corporate responsibility in promoting disability inclusion. They highlight the need for tangible action, accountability, and ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive society. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Brooke talks to Emma, the mother of a disabled child, about her experiences and insights. Emma shares her journey from pregnancy to raising her daughter, Dottie, who was born on her due date.

She reflects on the challenges of navigating the healthcare system and advocating for Dottie's needs. Emma discusses the importance of authentic representation of disability in media and the power of storytelling. She also touches on the struggles of self-care and the emotional toll of advocating for her daughter in various settings. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Advocating for a disabled child in medical s...

Brooke talks to Robert, a neurodivergent individual with dyspraxia and a cancer survivor, discussing his journey and experiences with disabilities. Robert shares insights on the lack of accessibility he faced during his cancer diagnosis and how it influenced his perspective on inclusivity. He delves into his inclusive design consultancy, Inclus, aiming to make consumer products more accessible for social minority groups. 

Together they highlight the importance of inclusive design and challenge the stereotypical perceptions of disability. Robert reflects on resilience and the need for a broader understanding of disability beyond visible markers. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Brooke has a candid conversation with Hannah, a guest who shares her journey of acquiring a disability in her early 20s and navigating life with chronic illness. Hannah discusses her experience with complex chronic illness, ME, and endometriosis, highlighting the challenges of being diagnosed and the stigma surrounding invisible illnesses. She reflects on the impact of her disabilities on her career choices and the process of accepting her authentic disabled self. The conversation delves into the differences in disability perception between the UK and the Netherlands, emphasising the importance of being able to show up as one's full disabled...

Brooke meets David, a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy who shares his journey and experiences with disability. David discusses his childhood surgeries, the impact of his disability on his education, and the challenges he faced in the workplace. He also talks about the creation of Buddies For All, a social isolation tackling initiative born out of the pandemic. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Brooke talks to Kelly, the CEO and co-founder of With Not For, a dynamic and disruptive content and talent agency, to look at topics related to disability, acceptance, and their work experiences. They delve into Kelly's personal journey of acceptance as a wheelchair user and reflect on the complexities of navigating disability in different environments. The conversation also looks at their collaboration with Guinness on a project involving accessibility and inclusion at Twickenham Stadium, showcasing their commitment to creating positive change in the industry. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Brooke talks to Martin Sibley, a guest who shares his experiences as a person with spinal muscular atrophy. The discussion delves into various aspects of Martin's life, including his childhood, schooling experiences, career journey, and the development of his marketing agency, Purple Goat.

Martin reflects on the challenges and triumphs he has faced, highlighting the importance of disability inclusion in the business world. The conversation also touches on the concept of internalised ableism, the need for representation of disabled individuals in media, and the positive changes observed in disability awareness over the years. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Brooke is joined by special guest, Chronically Jenni, to talk about about her journey with disability and chronic illness. Jenni shares insights on self-identification as disabled, navigating awareness of their conditions, and the importance of setting boundaries around sharing personal medical information.

The discussion delves into the challenges of being undiagnosed, facing medical negligence, and the impact of societal perceptions on using mobility aids. Jenni reflects on the importance of seeking help, accepting support, and prioritising mental health, highlighting the significance of self-care and self-advocacy in the journey of disability acceptance. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

J...

Brooke meets Matt, a wheelchair user who shares his experiences of living with a spinal cord injury since the age of 15. The episode delves into Matt's journey of self-discovery and resilience, highlighting the challenges and triumphs he faced during his formative years.

Matt candidly discusses the impact of his disability on his career choices and the founding of his disability tech company, Sociability, an app that allows wheelchair users /disabled people to find out and rate whether a place is accessible.

The conversation touches on the misconceptions and barriers faced by disabled entrepreneurs, emphasising the...

Brooke joins a heartfelt and engaging conversation with members of People First, Keeley, Craven, Luke, Shannon, and others. The discussion delves into their experiences living with disabilities, highlighting their resilience, achievements, and the importance of support systems like People First.

The guests share personal stories, discuss misconceptions about disabilities, and express their pride in the work they do, including advocacy, podcasting, and community initiatives. They also demonstrate the strong bonds and sense of family within the group, emphasising the value of friendship and support in navigating life with disabilities. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

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

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...

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

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...

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

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...

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

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

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

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...

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

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...

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

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...

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...

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