Finding Avalon: Amplifying Disabled Voices

In this Season One finale, host Jenna highlights the diverse experiences of her guests, emphasizing Disabled resilience and humour, as well as the importance of authentic representation and intersectionality in disability narratives. She speaks about her passion for storytelling and priority to celebrate and center diverse Disabled voices for both education and empowerment in this 20 episode podcast.

In a touching conclusion, Jennifer dedicates the podcast toher beloved late grandmother, who lived with disabilities and chronic pain.

In summarizing the first season of the podcast, Jenna explains, "With Finding Avalon, I was determined to stop the all-too-common tropes of disabled stories being polarizing tragedies or uplifting inspirations. The vibrant picture this indie, Disabled-led , feminist podcast paints is the kind of representation and authenticity that modern media needs right now. Disabled is human. Disabled is diverse. Disabled stories must be told by disabled voices.”

Sailing Beyond Limits: Empowerment and Adventure withAdapted Sailing

In this episode of the Finding Avalon podcast, host JenniferBarnable speaks with Paul Tingley, a three-time Paralympic medallist and chair of Canada's AbleSail Network.

They discuss Paul's journey into adaptive sailing following a skiing accident, his experiences in competitive sailing, and the importance of adaptive sailing for people with disabilities.

Paul shares insights on how sailing can be inclusive foreveryone, the role of the Able Sail Network in promoting adaptive sailing in Canada, and the personal and community-related benefits of engaging in this exciting sport.

Episode Title: Risk, Trauma and Abuse: Disabled Women's Reality with Kristina Kyser
In this episode, host Jennifer (Jenna) Barnable speaks with Kristina Kyser, a former psychotherapist and now a psychospiritual teacher, about her journey through trauma, motherhood, and the systemic issues surrounding disability and abuse.

Kristina shares her personal experiences withintergenerational and childhood trauma, domestic violence, and the risk and inequity disabled women face.

Together, they discuss the importance of recognizing warning signs of abuse, the impact of trauma on mental health, and the need for societal change in how we view male violence against women as well as disability in general.

The conversations shines a light on the repeating cycles ofgenerational abuse and trauma, which disabled or neurodivergent women often witness growing up in the family home, only to be further exploited by predators and abusers, whether in the community and in future intimate partner relationships.

Kristina emphasizes the strength and wisdom ofneurodivergent individuals and the importance of creating a supportive environment for healing and growth.

Navigating Online Accessibility and Safety: Guidance for the Disability Community

In this episode of Finding Avalon, Jenna Barnable speaks with Ionatan Waisgluss, a private investigator and cybersecurityprofessional, about the intersection of online accessibility and safety.

They discuss the importance of accessibility in digital spaces, the risks faced by Disabled people online, and practical advice for protecting privacy.

The conversation also touches on cyberbullying and cyberstalking and the growing issue of digital hate andharassment of women, gender diverse and other marginalized people in Canada.

Ionatan emphasizes the need for allyship and understanding in creating safer online environments for all.

"Autism and Invisible Illness: Removing the Mask and Embracing Joy " with Láyla Messner

In this episode, Jenna Barnable speaks with Láyla Messner, a Canadian autistic art activist, about her journey with multiple invisible disabilities, the challenges of masking, and the impact of burnout on autistic individuals.

She talks about things that non-disabled people can learn from Disabled people, in a society built upon ableism thatdevalues disabled people and their humanity and promotes individualism and independence over healthy human interdependence.

They discuss the intersection of feminism and disabilityrights, the misconceptions surrounding invisible disabilities, and the importance of advocating for disabled joy.

Láyla shares her experiences and insights on the need for support and understanding within society, emphasizingthat disabled lives are valuable and worth living authentically.

Listen to a compilation of short previews of each guest episode from Season 1, with a quick word from each guest.

The Finding Avalon Podcast is a diverse collection of interviews showing the world a more accurate, empowered view of Disabled life and leadership.

It’s always a good time to learn from Disabled, chronically ill and neurodivergent advocates and leaders.

Whose stories will you listen to and share with others?

"Wellness and Allyship"

In this episode of Finding Avalon, Jenna Barnable interviewsAngel Reyes-Giacalone, a registered acupuncturist and ally to the disability community.

They discuss Angel's personal journey as a daughter of a disabled mother and as a wellness practitioner, the importance of listening to patients, the impact of ableism, and the need for anti-ableism in healthcare.

The conversation highlights the challenges faced bypeople with disabilities, the significance of allyship, and the necessity for compassion and understanding in the healthcare system.

Angel shares her experiences advocating for accessibility and the importance of creating a more inclusive society for all.

Episode 12: "Living and Leading with MS"

In this episode, host Jenna Barnable speaks with Candice Colwell, an MS Canada ambassador, about her journey with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and her advocacy work.

They discuss the complexities of living with MS, the importance of community support, and the misconceptions surrounding disabilities. Candice shares her personal experiences, the challenges of navigating life with a chronic illness, and the role of social media in shaping perceptions of disability.

The conversation emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding within the disabilitycommunity and beyond.

From Autism in Girls to Autism in Menopause with Gemma Gray

In this episode of Finding Avalon, host Jenna Barnable speaks with Gemma Gray, a PhD student, researcher, and advocate for autistic women. They discuss Gemma's journey to diagnosis, the challenges of masking, the importance of intersectionality in understanding autism, and the unique experiences of raising autistic girls to thrive.

They also explore the impact of menopause on neurodivergent people and challenge misconceptions about autism and disability. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness, education, and support for autistic people and their families.

From girlhood to womanhood, building resilience is facilitated through family, peer-to-peer and community support - and backed by #ActuallyAustistic research.

"Anti-Ableism and Advocacy: Not a Solo Mission" with host Jennifer (Jenna) Barnable.

In this bonus episode mid-way through Season 1, Jenna shares more about her personal journey with disability, the profound impact of ableism, and what drives her advocacy and activism.

Jenna speaks about the complex, systemic environmental and attitudinal barriers she has faced and witnessed in a society that disables people further with its stigma, barriers and inaccessibility.

She discusses the challenges faced by people living with non-apparent disabilities, the societal stigma surrounding disability, chronic illness and neurodivergence, and the importance of community allyship in dismantling ableism (also known as disability discrimination).

Through her experiences, Jenna highlights the need for greater awareness and education around disability and calls for collective action to join together in advocacy to create a more inclusive world for all people, regardless of their abilities or health status.