3Spoonies Episode Number 53, 16th April 2026

With Karen Duncan , Jo O’Neil and Claire Napper 

This special anniversary episode of 3Spoonies is all about aids and adaptations — the everyday tools, adjustments, and workarounds that disabled people use to live, work, and navigate the world.

In Part One of this two-part conversation, we’re joined by Paralympian Aaron Phipps, and accessibility innovator Melissa Smith. With honest discussion from us, as we explore what aids and adaptations really look like in real life — not just in theory or policy documents.

This is a practical, human conversation about disability, access, and lived experience — with humour, honesty, and zero inspiration-porn.

3Spoonies is a podcast about navigating life and business with limited energy, chronic illness, disability, and neurodivergence — and this anniversary episode reflects exactly what the show stands for: real conversations, everyday realities, and staying human while doing it.

This is Part One of our anniversary special on aids and adaptations.

Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials 

Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk

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Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/ 

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If you’d like to find out more about our hosts;

Jo O’Neil

Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness 

Claire Napper

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper

Website: www.blackveilstationery.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Blackveilstationery

Karen Duncan

Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk 

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses 

Guests

Aaron Phipps MBE

Aaron Phipps MBE is a three times Paralympian and gold medal winning champion from the Tokyo 2020 games. He has scaled Kilimanjaro on his hands and knees for charity and has been voted in the top 100 most influential people in the UK with a disability.

https://www.aaronphipps.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-phipps-mbe-ply-062b3747/

Melissa Smith 

Paws In Earnest designs innovative dog accessories that enrich mealtimes and reduce boredom, helping dogs live happier, healthier lives. Founded by Melissa after struggling to find accessible enrichment toys for her own dog, Paws In Earnest focuses on creating easy-to-use products that enhance dogs' wellbeing.

https://www.pawsinearnest.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pawsinearnest/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pawsinearnest/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pawsinearnest 

Sponsors

A HUGE thank to our main episode sponsor:  

Lisa Greener – Green Cat Books

Founded in 2017 by fellow spoonie Lisa Greener, Green Cat Books has supported nearly 70 authors and published over 120 titles. We handle the production side of publishing so authors can focus on writing, work, or simply taking time to rest.

Our catalogue includes children’s books, sci-fi, romance, and poetry, alongside audiobooks and videobooks, with selected titles now available on Spotify and Audible. We also promote independent creators and offer an affiliate programme for book lovers who want to share and earn.

Find out more:

www.greencatbooks.com

And to our advert sponsors! 

Men Forge Forward

Men Forge Forward is a free online community where professional men under pressure reclaim their edge through brotherhood, accountability, and the 30-day FireUP Challenge.

menforgeforward.com

Kapow! Business Coaching with Impact

KAPOW! Business Coaching with Impact helps business owners find clarity and focus when things feel messy.

https://heroes.kapowme.com/focus-support

Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies

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Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:26 Sponsor: Green Cat Books

01:01 Meet the guests (Aaron + Melissa)

02:41 What counts as “aids & adaptations”

03:45 Mobility aids common assumptions

04:04 Everyday practical aids

05:50 Sleep supports

09:09 DIY tweaks and adapting everyday tools

10:31 Crutches

14:25 The extra costs of disability 

16:28 Repair vs replace

20:01 Home adaptations

22:43 Kitchen adaptations

24:41 Lifts and stairs

28:09 Daily essentials

38:22 Travel accessibility

58:52 Cleaning aids

1:00:01 Wrap-up

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