Disabled and Proud

Brooke is talking to Mira, a fashion girl turned tattoo artist living and working in New York
They discuss how things change when an invisible disability becomes visible and how art and fashion is changing its perspective on beauty standards
Mira also discusses being a disabled parent and how it’s an opportunity to extend compassion and give the positive advantage of problem-solving

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• I was able to advocate for myself better when I went from being invisibly disabled to visibly disabled
• There are many people who feel underrepresented in fashion
• I had really great peers and I knew there was room in the market as people were  beginning to challenge beauty standards
• There is a new stereotype of new and loud for disabled people because they have had to speak up for themselves
• I feel it’s good that I’ve been able to build my life as I am now
• You model compassion and it gives them a positive advantage and you can show a child the positivity of being disabled
• My feelings about my disability change all the time and it's fine that it’s fluid like that
• Sometimes you need to remind yourself you hate your situation not yourself
• The experience of getting a new prosthetic is very different in New York to the UK
• Having pride in your disability is a journey

BEST MOMENTS

‘They were challenging beauty standards and the lens through which we are accounting beauty’

‘I hope I can encourage disabled people who feel the call to parenthood to pursue it without holding back’

‘They will be equipped with problem-solving from you, their parent’

VALUABLE RESOURCES
Disabled & Proud Podcast

ABOUT THE HOST
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 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

Co-host of ‘The Grumpy Gits’ podcast Simon Sansome talks about his experience of disability following Cauda Equina Syndrome spinal damage

He discusses how his disability stories have helped and influenced others, how he has worked on changing policies and his current involvement in research at Oxford University

Simon also candidly discusses how society is not fair or equal for those with a disability and how he is working to make positive change

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Now I’m working with Oxford University on the first research program ever
• Where I am now,  I’m a hundred times more successful than before I acquired my disability
• With Disability Access I wanted to raise awareness on access issues, initially, just in my local area
• Grumpy Gits is a light-hearted way of looking at life and the issues
• Humour is a good way to look at difficult issues and ask the challenging questions
• There are significant downsides to being disabled but the other side is the number of people I’ve helped and influenced, the stories I’ve written and the policies I’ve changed 
• Being a journalist and writing disability stories has an impact and implication
• I want to help and protect the community and I want to give back
• You need to rely on yourself and look for your own answers
• Snowball Community is a global  App that means you can leave a review about accessibility. The App will help people to interact with their local community

BEST MOMENTS

‘Because you have a personal interest in it and you care so much you put everything into it’

‘People have responded to it amazingly well and it's going from strength to strength’

‘It’s not an equal and fair society for people who are disabled’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Disabled & Proud Podcast

ABOUT THE HOST

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 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 talking with Monique about believing in yourself and saying yes to every opportunity
Monique explains how throughout her life she has faced people who have decided she can’t for her that she can’t do something and discusses how she has moved forward to do exactly what she wants to do.
She discusses the value of  saying ‘yes’ and how the year she said ‘yes’ to everything changed the direction of her life, pushing her to do more and go further

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• As an independent person, I wanted to give things a go
• Health and safety can play a big role in what people think you should do
• There was a perception that I couldn’t look for a career in the Arts because of my disability
• People make assumptions about who you are as a disabled woman
• In the media, I just don’t see anyone like me
• I just want other disabled people to see people like me and know even when people tell you ‘no’  that you can and you should always go for what you want
• I constantly push myself to do more and saying yes to everything helped to change everything

BEST MOMENTS
‘Go after what you want to do’
‘A lot of it is about body positivity
‘I had a ‘yes’ year and it changed everything
‘If you know you want to do something you shouldn’t let anyone stop you’

VALUABLE RESOURCES
Disabled & Proud Podcast

ABOUT THE HOST
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 talking with Ali Golchin who shares his journey and how he has developed the mindset that moves him forward every day

Ali talks about the challenges and opportunities he has experienced and discusses the importance of taking action to create the motivation to move closer to your goals and explains why doing exercise you enjoy is key

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Every disability is different and unique, but it’s important individuals are able to do everything they are able to do
• You can’t wait around for motivation it comes from taking action
• Learn to celebrate the small wins and you will be able to see you are moving forward
• To succeed break your big goals down into smaller goals
• Take action and do something and a positive result will inspire you
• Motivation comes from yourself and it isn’t always there but habits and
• routine help to create it
• Help a child find their purpose through exercise by creating a link with something they enjoy

BEST MOMENTS

‘My mates were always there to pick me up

‘I have massive ambition in the sport and I love the sport

‘I want to give back to the next generation and make it easier for them’

‘I’m very determined and if I set a goal I keep working towards it’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Disabled & Proud Podcast

ABOUT THE HOST

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 with Caprice, a model about her journey and how her career has meant she is being the change she wants to see
The words disabled and disability can be seen as negative but as Caprice explains she is living a life she loves and is successful in a career that is changing the representation of disabled people

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The words disabled and disability have a really bad stigma around them
• I wanted to be the change and there was massive underrepresentation of disabled people
• My disability has had a huge impact on my career
• Disabled people want to spend their money on brands that represent them
• Modelling has given me the opportunity to travel and have new experiences
• My disability has increased my enthusiasm for life, all the time and every day
• Don’t be afraid, embrace the journey, there is so much to be proud of when you are disabled
• Finding your own voice is crucial and you should be heard
• We deserve to be seen and being a model increases visibility and changes thinking

BEST MOMENTS
‘It’s about mindset and I’m proud to call myself disabled’
‘It’s made me who I am and I’m grateful for that’
'It’s about the ‘we’ not ‘me’ when it comes to speaking out’

VALUABLE RESOURCES
Disabled & Proud Podcast

ABOUT THE HOST
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 with Roderick Sewell, who is in training for Ironman and has represented Team USA about the challenges he has faced and successfully overcome to be an athlete 

Training to compete at a national and international level has brought both challenge and the ability to adapt for Roderick and he shares how his journey has impacted him and his dreams

They also discuss how sports can develop routines and habits that impact positively all areas of your life and why it’s so important to be able to adjust, adapt and find a way

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• It's learning to appreciate your life in whatever form
• It’s never your issue it's someone else’s issue
• I’ve represented Team USA on three national teams in swimming
• I’ve met so many athletes who have  had to learn to adapt to a world not meant for them becoming  amazing athletes who influence others
• Once I had overcome my fear of water swimming was where I felt comfortable
• With swimming, you need to come at it in a disciplined way every day
• I now have a work ethic that is difficult to change now and it’s been a positive in my life and work
• Ironman was a change in pace but I knew I had the endurance
• Ironman is a community where you meet the best people
• People in ironman have adapted and conquered something in their lives and they are completely committed to finishing
• A lot of people think they know what’s best for disabled people but we are the ones who know what’s best for us

BEST MOMENTS

‘I’m used to adjusting, adapting and finding a way’

‘I knew the endurance was there I just needed to use it’

‘If you are someone with a disability and you stay silent others will give you what they think you want’

‘Seeing those athletes made me realise it was something I could do’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Disabled & Proud Podcast

ABOUT THE HOST

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 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

Jessica talks candidly with Brooke about her experience of being disabled and how she has become a champion for other disabled young people, helping them to understand the importance of asking for help to make sure they can be more of themselves all of the time in any situation
This is a great opportunity to hear an honest and forthright interview with someone who is breaking down the stigmas around disability
KEY TAKEAWAYS

• I had to completely re-navigate what my future looked like
• Disability impacts your whole life, you have to wipe the slate clean of your old life
• When you are isolated you can get institutionalised in your own space
• I’ve become more resilient and value the positive things about myself
• We are taught to build shame around disability but speaking out about what you need is crucial
• Co-dependency is something everyone has regardless of disability
• People feel very entitled to ask invasive questions when you are physically disabled
• Sharing my creativity with others creates connections that mean a lot to me
• The disabled label isn’t just about having a disability it's attached to history, lobbying  and processing

BEST MOMENTS
‘I’ve survived stuff that I never thought I would’
‘You can be proud to be disabled and f#cking loathe your disability, they are two different things’
‘You are still yourself and when you ask for help you can be even more of yourself’
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Disabled & Proud Podcast
ABOUT THE HOST
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 need to conform for 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 episode Wes Hamilton talks with Jade about how following trauma that changed the trajectory of his life he has been able to get to a point of self-love and endless possibilities
He reflects on how society  perpetuates perceptions of disability and explains how people with disabilities are the ones with the true superpowers of awareness, accountability, empathy, acceptance, love and kindness, and how when you learn to love yourself you  create confidence , determination and self-will that means you can become unstoppable 
KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• I’m only disabled due to others perception of what disability is
• I was more defeated when I lived my life based on others perceptions 
• When your life becomes imperfect you fall in love with the journey of knowing yourself
• When you overcome the image of how the world sees you and can look in the mirror and be ok with everything about yourself, that’s where people find their joy, whatever the circumstance 
• I can live in chaotic world as long as I’m ok with the reflection I see in the mirror everyday 
• Most people who change the trajectory of their lives can do it because they know who they truly are
• Find a way to first love yourself completely and you will become unstoppable 
• Finding self-love creates confidence, self-will, determination and the ability to go out and achieve your dreams 
• Rewrite the story of your trauma experience so your pain is what strengthens you moving forward

BEST MOMENTS 
‘I was changing the paradigm of what people saw as disability’
‘Me smiling, even in the darkest days is confirmation that I can keep going, stay determined and continue my will to be more’
‘Let your love for yourself guide you in life’ 
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Disabled & Proud Podcast 
ABOUT THE HOST
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 is says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without need to conform for 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

This week on Disabled and Proud Brooke Millhouse is joined by Teegan Vincent Cook who has cerebral palsy which causes her muscles to move uncontrollably. 

This episode we hear about her struggles competing in equestrian sports and how she manages her disability day to day. Teegan fell in love with riding horses at a young age as it provided her with temporary relief from her disability. Horse riding is more than just a hobby for her; she has won the National RDA Dressage Championship four times and been selected to be on the British Dressage Team.

In this episode you will hear:

• How Teegan dealt with her disability growing up 
• How she started competing in equestrian sports
• What it’s like to compete as a disabled athlete

Enjoyed this show? Tell us your favourite moment by connecting with Brooke via https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/

About This Show: 

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 is says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without need to conform for 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

This week on Disabled and Proud Brooke Millhouse is joined by Chris Nicholson, a former professional rugby player, fitness communicator and disability activist.

Since experiencing a spinal injury as a rugby player he has dedicated his career to documenting adaptive training techniques for people with disabilities, and showcasing the benefits of strength and conditioning training for people of all body types.

Being in a chair has its boundaries but he doesn’t let this stop him; he has completed a climb up Mt Snowdon, the London Marathon 2019 and the first inclusive trail race with Original Mountain Marathon and Magic Outdoors at Cannock Chase. 

As a wheelchair user and as an adventurer Chris feels he needs to push the boundaries and challenge the norm. Organising and participating in events has given Chris a mission: he wants to prove what can be done and let people know that they are the only person holding themselves back. 

In this episode you will hear:

• How Chris became a wheelchair user
• Why he loves adaptive sports  
• What Chris is doing to fix the issues with classifications
• Why disabled athletes are still athletics

Enjoyed this show? Tell us your favourite moment by connecting with Brooke via https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/

About This Show: 

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 is says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without need to conform for 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