Brooke interviews Aoife Madden, who lives with Fowler's Syndrome, a chronic bladder condition. They discuss the challenges and misconceptions surrounding invisible disabilities, as well as the importance of understanding and empathy.

Aoife shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with Fowler's Syndrome at 16 and how it has impacted her life and career as a primary school teacher. She also talks about the importance of normalising conversations about bladder health and disability, and the need for representation in mainstream media and toys. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Disability is a wide spectrum, and it is important to recognise and understand the individual experiences and challenges faced by people with disabilities.
• Invisible disabilities can be particularly challenging because they are not immediately apparent to others, leading to misconceptions and misunderstandings.
• Normalising conversations about toileting and bodily functions is important to break down taboos and create a more inclusive society.
• The diagnosis of a disability at a young age can be overwhelming and impact future plans, but it is possible to adapt and achieve goals with determination and support.
• Listening to your body and taking care of yourself is crucial, and it is important to recognise your own limits and make necessary adjustments to maintain your well-being.

BEST MOMENTS

"Disability is very much an umbrella term that houses so many different things, so many different spectrums."

"I'm very open with talking about it, and I do refer to it as a disability. You know, it's bladder failure, effectively."

"I think it's great that companies like Lego are jumping into that. But like a lot of stuff I see online, there's a woman that makes bears and she'll like do a teddy bear with a colostomy bag or a teddy bear with catheters."

"I'm here to break all that with what I'm doing. I'm trying to like, you know, change the narrative and yeah, let's talk about our toilet habits, poo or wee, either way, let's keep it in the conversation. It's important."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878

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 Mark Webb, who shares his personal journey with multiple sclerosis (MS) and how he has embraced his disability.

Mark discusses the symptoms and challenges of living with MS, including intense nerve pain and mobility issues. He reflects on his diagnosis and the support he received from his employer, highlighting the importance of acceptance and understanding in the workplace. Mark also shares his positive outlook on life, using humour and a vibrant sense of style to challenge societal perceptions of disability. Through his advocacy work and speaking engagements, Mark aims to empower others with disabilities to embrace their identities and live fulfilling lives.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, causing a variety of symptoms due to damage to the nerves.

MS is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, but it can be present from birth and is influenced by genetic factors and environmental triggers.

Mark's journey to accepting his disability and embracing it as part of his identity took several years, but he now advocates for disability pride and encourages others to make their disabilities "boring" by managing their health and living fulfilling lives.

Mark uses his unique sense of style, including his colourful hair and fun clothing choices, as a way to challenge societal norms and combat the discomfort and stigma associated with disability. He encourages others to embrace their individuality and not be defined by their disabilities.

BEST MOMENTS

"I decided to have a midlife crisis and wear silly clothes and do silly things with my hair as a way of saying, 'What are you looking at? Are you looking at a man, a middle-aged man wearing silly clothes, or are you looking at my wheelchair?'"

"Make MS boring. You could live a pretty normal life."

"I've just gone through life, happy in love, blessed with opportunities."

"I can't put that down to a trait. So I was going to say when I said about suicide, I wonder if the fact of just smiling and laughing is the background to it all is just, look, just get on with it, Mark."

"Life is good. I am embracing it."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878

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 Sukjeen Kaur about disability, identity, and the importance of self-care. Sukhjeen reflects on her personal journey of discovering their disabilities, including ADHD and autism, and how it has shaped their understanding of disability rights and advocacy.

They also discuss the challenges faced in school, including racial abuse and the struggle to express themselves. Sukhjeen also shares their experiences as a South Asian woman navigating the intersection of disability and cultural expectations. Overall, the episode offers valuable insights into the complexities of disability and the power of self-acceptance and advocacy.

BEST MOMENTS

• Sukhjeen shares their personal journey of discovering their disabilities and the impact it has had on their life.
• Sukhjeen discusses the significance of listening to one's gut instincts and trusting oneself. They reflect on the times they ignored their gut feelings and the negative consequences that resulted. They encourage others to listen to their intuition and make decisions based on their own instincts.
• The discussion touches on the power of disability humor and the importance of allowing disabled individuals to joke about their own experiences. Sukhjeen emphasises that disability humor is not meant for non-disabled individuals and that they should not center themselves in conversations about disability.
• It's vital to process emotions, working through challenges, and move forward in a positive and productive manner.

BEST MOMENTS

"It needs to be said that so many other disabled people that maybe they don't even know they're disabled or they don't claim that identity. I mean, that's completely up to them. It's optional. But it is disability rights for you to take care of yourself first and know how to actually ask for those accommodations."

"It's not my fault that I've made you feel uncomfortable about my lived experience. Yes, yeah. I'm sorry. You're not in the gang."

"Listen to your gut. Learn how to listen to your gut. And then make sure that you do what your gut says as well."

"I think my resilience has been the most positive thing because I've been able to help other people as well as myself as well at the same time."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878

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

Today Brooke and guest Damian Wetherald delve into the often overlooked subject of disability and its intersection with sexuality. They bring to the forefront the scarcity of representation and information concerning this matter, emphasizing the necessity for candid dialogues and inspiring role models. The duo explores the hurdles that people with disabilities encounter in obtaining inclusive and accessible sexual aids, underscoring the significance of recognizing diverse requirements and preferences. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Disability and sex is still a taboo topic that is not widely discussed, especially in mainstream media and sex education.

2. There is a lack of representation and positive role models for disabled individuals in discussions about sex and body image.

3. The porn industry often fetishizes disability, which can contribute to harmful stereotypes and objectification of disabled people.

4. Accessible sex toys are important for disabled individuals to experience pleasure, and there is a need for more inclusive and accessible products in the market.

5. Sex education should be more comprehensive and inclusive, addressing the needs and experiences of disabled individuals, and involving both male and female educators to provide a well-rounded perspective.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "Sex education in mainstream schools wouldn't dream of talking about sex and disability."

2. "We all deserve pleasure, no matter our disability or gender."

3. "Sex isn't always perfect… It's natural, it's normal, these things happen."

4. "We need to have conversations about how we can make sex toys more accessible."

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

In today's interview, Brooke talks with Lindsey Depledge, who bravely discusses her journey living with epilepsy. Lindsey shares her evolution from initially ignoring her diagnosis to embracing her identity as an epileptic. She highlights the challenges of an unseen disability and the importance of epilepsy awareness. Lindsey also touches on navigating healthcare, securing accommodations, and finding supportive medical care. Her career path, now in health tech, is also influenced by her epilepsy journey. Lindsey's story underscores the need for understanding, acceptance, and accessibility for those with epilepsy and hidden disabilities.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Epilepsy is often an invisible disability until a seizure occurs, which can make it challenging for individuals to come out about their condition and receive the necessary support and accommodations.

2. The journey to getting a diagnosis for epilepsy can be difficult, as seizures may not be witnessed by others and symptoms can vary greatly among individuals.

3. The impact of epilepsy extends beyond the seizure itself, as individuals may experience post-ictal phases that can last for days and affect their cognitive functioning and overall well-being.

4. Accommodations and understanding from others are crucial for individuals with epilepsy, whether it's securing a bottom bunk in a dormitory or receiving extensions on assignments during periods of seizure-related impairment.

5. Pursuing a career or educational path may require adjustments and finding a balance between managing epilepsy and personal goals. It's important to prioritize self-care, seek support, and explore opportunities that align with individual strengths and interests.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "I think epilepsy is just not something that's seen unless you're having a seizure to begin with. And so it's one that is often like an invisible disability until it's not."

2. "Every disability is different, obviously. And even if you have the same diagnosis, it manifests differently. And that's like kind of something that's so cool about it. And it's something that's so interesting."

3. "I think it's changed over time when it took me a while to say that I had epilepsy. I think I was afraid to say that."

4. "I remember sitting in the hospital and giving me these like really big pills and I had hardly been able to like take like paracetamol at the time. I felt like taking horse pills."

ABOUT THE PODCAST

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 chatting with Ian about food, disability and why tearing up the rule book and trying something new is the key to changing your mindset

Cooking can help change your mindset and Ian chats about how when you  apply a flexible approach, move out of your lane and tear up the rule book the possibilities are endless and there is always something new and exciting to celebrate

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• When you become disabled it impacts everything including those around you and I found that the kitchen wasn’t set up for disabled people
• The book was the platform for me and now I do cooking demonstrations around the world
• It’s not just about the cooking it’s about mentally preparing yourself, smart devices ad smart ingredients
• Cooking is so important to our existence and it’s the most amazing thing being able to help people
• If cooking can be a key part of your day and celebrate it, your mindset changes and you can work on other things
• Everything little thing you do celebrate the hell out of it
• If you can create a space where people feel comfortable then you can move towards creating nutritional meals
• There are no pictures in the book because I want people to feel whatever they make is right, I want people to celebrate the process
• A flexible approach to cooking can also be applied to life, what you can do one day will be different to what you can do the next day

BEST MOMENTS

‘I was so happy when I was first able to cook something and I thought if it helped me it might help someone else’

‘Every day is different and it's about being able to cook in different ways each day and if you go away and cook something that’s amazing’

‘There is something really beautiful about taking time to cook’

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

Shannon  talks with Brooke about why she wants to make disability as visible as possible and how getting online with Instagram and finding a community changed everything
She shares her experiences of growing up and her journey from thinking negatively about herself to being disabled and proud and why everyone should celebrate the differences because it’s the differences that are really valuable

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Disability looks different on every single person there is no one way to be disabled
• I constantly felt like an animal confined in a cage where everyone was looking at me, I intensely hated myself for so many years, I was sick of feeling like that
• The more I posted the more amazing responses I got and people told me it changed their lives
• I want to make disability as visible as possible so the generation growing up now can see themselves represented
• It all worked out the way it was meant to  be, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been and I’m doing what I was put on the earth to do
• You are who you are, don’t hide yourself it doesn’t matter what other people think, the only thing that matters is what you think
• There is no such thing as normal everyone is different in every single way, celebrate who you are, your differences are what’s valuable

BEST MOMENTS
‘Don’t give up it gets brighter and it gets sunnier, trust me’
‘I wrote beautiful on my hand and posted it online, I never thought it would be a picture that made a difference’
‘Don’t try and change yourself there is nothing wrong with how you are’

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

In this episode, Brooke is  talking  with Chandy about learning to love yourself, and your disability
From trying to fit in, through to learning to curate your own self-love, they chat about how learning to love yourself is a journey, the importance of community and why in life you just need to ‘do you’

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• People will tell you things when you are disabled but you don’t have to believe it
• Learning to love who you are and your disability is a journey
• Self-love is so important and you have to learn to curate your own self-love
• It is a journey and I spent a lot of time growing up trying to fit in by being what I thought other people wanted me to be
• There is support out there and there are people and your community who will lift you up in the moments you need it
• In life you just need to ‘do you’ and surround yourself with people who understand you, that group of solid humans around you are so important
• Being disabled has made my empathy and belief that things can be better really strong

BEST MOMENTS
‘Sometimes I have days where I just don’t want to acknowledge my disability, so having different levels of how I can talk about it really helps
‘Having a disability has given me some of my worst moments but also some of my best’
‘Life is a marathon, not a sprint and you have to do your own thing’

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

Autistic ADHDer Ellie talks with Brooke about masking and getting the answers about things she has struggled with her entire life
She discusses how masking affected her growing up and how a late diagnosis was the key to being who she truly is  and brought the understanding of how she could successfully work with herself
Listen in and hear about why doing what’s right for you and focusing on those who like you for who you are is key to becoming  the person you are meant to be

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• These people are getting answers to things they have struggled with their whole entire  lives, it should be a joyous moment where they understand who they are, forgive themselves and understand how to work with themselves
• It was therapeutic to get it all out in my book - “The Mask” It’s an overall top view of all things neurodivergent and late diagnosis and is written to help people navigate their way through.
• Focus on the people who love you, rather than the ones who don’t  I spent a huge amount of time trying to fit in and being who people wanted me to be but if I id
• If I’d focused on being and accepting my quirky, weird nervy self I could have found a weird quirky group where I belonged
• Focus on those who like you for who you are and don’t worry about the ‘shoulds’ in life do what feels right for you

BEST MOMENTS
‘I’m autistic it’s a part of my being in the same way being a woman is but the language around ADHD doesn’t allow for that at the moment’
‘The labels I had been given just didn’t really fit’
‘There is a wave of people having these discoveries which are sadly met with grief from the media’

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

Punkeet talks with Brooke about redefining himself  and his journey as an activist and  advocate for others

He discusses the different ways disability is viewed and how sometimes staying in your comfort zone is the right thing to do

He also chats about being confident and successful and why this can make others feel uncomfortable and shares why he couldn’t be prouder to call himself disabled

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• When I redefined myself as a person with dyspraxia I realised that all my life before was just me masking and trying to fit in.
• It’s a balancing act, and now I ignore the negative comments and look towards a positive society and the impact I can have on the world
• Try and find your people and a place where you are safe and secure and then you can have fun
• Our needs are not special they are our needs our basic human rights
• People disassociate confidence and success with disability, but we can be confident successful and do great things in our lives
• Most disabilities are not visible and are not apparent and it is time for that to be recognised
• Politeness and being nice is not equal to being non-ableist or non-homophobic   

BEST MOMENTS

‘We need to work it out but I believe we are going in the right direction’

‘I was always an activist at heart and now it’s become a project about advocacy’

‘Some kind of difference doesn’t mean we are lacking something, it should be celebrated’ 

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