Disabled and Proud

This episode marks the one-year anniversary of the Disabled & Proud podcast and Brooke has put together some of her favourite bits from her guests over the last year

From calling out society, learning to see disability through a different lens, finding the sex toys that work through to changing policy, statistics and being creative this is an episode not to be missed

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• They spent a year trying to fix but the pain was through the roof and having my leg chopped off was like being reborn, it changed me in a good way
• I used to class myself as chronically ill before I realised I was disabled as well
• I realised that the experiences of being disabled are very different and it’s not a bad thing
• Having a body that is different to someone else doesn’t make you any less of a person
• When you think of all the bad things that can go on in life not having an arm and shoulder is something I can overcome, the worst thing is that I can’t clap
• Inadequacy is always directed at our broken bodies instead of looking at what can be changed
• I was able to see myself and my disability through a different lens
• It became very apparent that a lot of the sex toys weren’t accessible for people with dexterity issues
• Disabled people are more creative and better at problem-solving because of being in a society that isn’t built for disabled people 

 BEST MOMENTS

‘My body is not here to entertain you or make you feel better about your body’

‘I’d rather concentrate on what I can do, instead of what I can’t’

‘There is so much that can be fixed but people just don’t see 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 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

Winston and Mayfair Clement talk with Brooke about why they share their interabled relationship on social media and their mission to create a more inclusive world for people with disabilities

This is a powerful and thought-provoking conversation that highlights the ways in which disability is viewed and why if you see something that could be better or different you should be trying to make it better or different  

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Our mission is to create a world that is successful and supports people from all backgrounds and abilities to thrive and reach their potential
• Now I look at my disability through the lens of the social model of disability
• Relationships are often seen as off-limits for disabled people and it can be perceived that an interabled relationship is not an equal one
• If you see something that should be better or different then try to make it better or different
• It really helped me to find my tribe and my people, being with people who you resonant with makes a difference
• You can be accepting of your disability but it may have been a journey to accepting disability to get to that point
• We are an interabled couple and proud of it, it feels amazing to be in love and find someone you can share your life with and it’s a bonus to be able to be contributing online and hopefully showing others that there is so much joy in it

BEST MOMENTS

‘Life as an interabled couple is what we know

‘Our mission is to create a world that is more inclusive for people with disabilities

‘I’m disabled in the context of society and the world not having the things set up  to allow me to access what everyone else can access’

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 Anoushe Husain about her experiences of three different disability worlds and how as a ‘total silver lining girl’ she always finds a positive in the immense challenges she has had to overcome

They talk about climbing as an active meditation and why as a role model Anoushe is always pushing to make a positive impact and inspire others

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Climbing was infectious it wasn’t just a hobby it became a lifestyle’
• When you are on the training wall its active meditation
• It’s about having to adapt a movement even if it’s very subtly                                       
• When you are so actively present in the moment you escape your world and that so important
• You are more than you think you are
• Keep believing in the impossible
• More people are now more confident using their voices despite how they may be seen or judged, it’s a huge shift in our society
• It can be a heavy thing being a role model and knowing you are held to account by others, especially in the social media space
• When I encounter a difficult situation I try and educate, because people don’t self-educate themselves about disability

BEST MOMENTS

‘Finding your zone gives you a breather from your regular life’

‘I’m totally a silver lining girl, it doesn’t matter what the hardship is I believe something good will come out of it’

‘The people who don’t get heard are making themselves heard’

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 with  Damian who is talking about having Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and his work to change the conversation around sex for disabled people

They discuss the access to learning and why there should be a much wider approach and better inclusivity to sex education and …. discusses some of the questions he is asked and why representation and knowledge  are such important elements  

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Disabled children are a health and safety nightmare for education
• It had a profound effect on me trying to hide it from my peers through college and university. Now I’m a wheelchair user my disability is much more visible
• Hidden disability is a huge issue and it has a massive impact on the individual
• I concentrated on sex toys and sourcing those that were accessible
• Now I work with companies to ensure that all aspects of sex toys are accessible from the packaging onwards
• There isn’t any representation of disabled people, sex and disabled people are still a taboo
• No one taught me how my disability would affect my sex life, there is a gap in knowledge and there shouldn’t be
• Everyone’s experience of sex and sex toys is different, it’s a very individual thing
• Don’t be afraid to show your disability, it’s part of who you are, be yourself

BEST MOMENTS

‘We need to be more open about disability and how it affects things’

‘We need to educate people about respect’

‘I’m always willing to listen and I love learning from other people’

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 chatting with Sophie about being disabled in a capitalist society and why disabled people are so frequently left out of the conversation about work

They discuss masking and how autism presents differently along with the stereotypes and how everyone is unique and why a different perspective is so valuable

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• It’s beneficial to be diagnosed, because it means you take steps can manage things better in your environment and with your community
• Work is based on money, not on the value you bring and the capitalist work culture is not sustainable for many people
• It’s a huge struggle not being able to properly financially support yourself and have options, choices and freedom as a disabled person
• People learn to mask through necessity for a range of different reasons
• It’s like a paradigm shift seeing things differently
• The amount we know about our bodies is really underestimated and undervalued
• No one is looking out for you except you, it’s not your fault and you know what’s best for you

BEST MOMENTS

‘If I’d known things earlier I think a lot of the mental health could have been managed better’

‘You are always just proud that you see it through to another day’

‘It’s so nice when you are with people who just get it and you don’t have to keep explaining, your disability isn’t the focus all the time’

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 with photographer Dylan talking about his journey and how he sees his disability as part of who he is

As someone with a hunger for kindness Dylan shares the ways he spreads a positive message and talks about the importance of both photography and activism and why right now the world needs much more kindness and positivity

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Photography has helped me to tell a story and tell people about how I see the world
• You should always keep going and pursue what you love to do
• Spend your time with the people who make you happy
• I want to keep spreading a positive message and when you make someone else smile it makes you feel happy to
• I see the world as an exploding volcano and right now it needs more kindness and positivity
• Having a hunger for kindness and wanting to put a smile on someone’s face is the attribute I’m most proud of, kindness is just a part of me and who I am

BEST MOMENTS

‘There are positives - my hearing aids can connect wirelessly to the phone and TV’

‘Being able to share about my disability through podcasts and the media is a really changing moment’

‘Social media has been a great place to share my photography’

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

Iman experiences chronic pain and chronic illness and was first diagnosed as a teenager

She talks with Brooke about how she has had to relearn who she is and learn how to navigate the world in a completely different way  

She chats about the vital role of community, how it helped her to connect with others and how when you are forced to adapt and do things differently you can create beautiful art that shows who you truly are

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• The biggest struggle as a teen was that everyone expects you to get better, but that wasn’t my reality 
• Now it’s about finding the hacks that can help me in the world as a disabled person 
• It’s a privilege being able to look after yourself and sometimes as a disabled person that’s not possible 
• Being part of a community makes me feel less isolated and alone and it’s empowering to be connected to other people
• When you are forced to adapt you can create beautiful art because you have to create something different 
• Being disabled has taught me how to really know myself 
• Disability is so much more complex than people think and finding myself within disability has been key 
• Disability made me feel like I’d lost my identity and it also made me put it all back together in a better way 

BEST MOMENTS

‘Sometimes I can do things and sometimes I can’t’ 

‘I’ve learned so much more about my identity through disability’

‘Realising I was disabled helped me to be kinder to myself’ 

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

Charlie is with Brooke talking about his journey and  why wearing his heart on his sleeve is key to being able to help others

He discusses his approach to life and why getting to know people and having a chat is such an important aspect of life and shares some of the amazing experiences and opportunities he has had so far in his life

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• My podcast is about open and honest conversations and breaking down stereotypes
• All disabled voices should be heard and valued
• Disabled people often share similar traits – a dark sense of humour, chaotic energy and hot-headed and really fun, I don’t know a disabled person who isn’t fun
• It’s about finding the right circle, focus on who’s around you because they are the people who are supporting and helping you
• Being an open book means I can always put people at ease
• I always think the more people know about me the more it means we can talk about the things that really matter
• The more you know about me the more comfortable you are going to be about me and the more we can talk about proper stuff
• People only know the things they are exposed to, you can help others from your experiences so use it to show them the way forward

BEST MOMENTS

‘Surround yourself with people who love you for who you are’

My favourite thing to do is to use my approachability to help others’

‘I can settle others down because I can relate to them’

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 with Allie who is talking about her journey and experiences as someone who is autistic

They discuss her upcoming book and how on her journey through life, she has overcome challenges and actively looked for and implemented her own coping mechanisms and strategies so that now she isn’t just surviving she’s thriving and being exactly who she is

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• There are strategies you can implement yourself that make a huge difference
• I love learning but school is not set up for neurodivergent brains
• You can feel that you have to live up to other people's expectations
• Every autistic person is different and everyone deserves to be heard and supported
• Don’t change yourself for anyone else but try and find the things that make life easier for you
• Experiment with different coping mechanisms and strategies and find what works for you
• You don’t have to change the world but you can change yourself

BEST MOMENTS

‘You can’t separate autism from the person’

‘My book is a guide to activities for autistic people’

‘For people who can’t make the leap between steps you need to spell out the way’

 RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE

The Autistic Guide to Adventure - Allie Mason

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

Brookes guest, Josh,  describes himself as having a complex C6 and C7 fracture spinal cord injury and in this episode discusses how the body adapts and why when one door closes other doors open and new opportunities reveal themselves

They chat about Josh’s career path changing and how he’s swopped a career behind a desk to one where he travels the world and sees amazing places and people as a full-time athlete

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• I’ve  had a great support network that’s really helped me
• Take all the opportunities you are offered because you never know where it might go or who you might meet
• When you are young there are so many opportunities to experience before you focus on one thing 
• I wouldn’t change anything I’m happy and loving life and excited about all the things I’ve yet to experience

BEST MOMENTS

‘One door shut but so many others opened at the same time’

‘I’ve experienced so many things by taking the opportunities offered’

‘I want to live my life and experience things’

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