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In this episode of Invisible Me, podcast host Pat Porter talks with Tom Haigh about her own diagnosis journey and gives an insight into her background. Growing up in Northern Ireland and later moving to England, Pat delves into how her adventures and experiences have shaped who she is today.

Along with her personal life, Pat talks about how she keeps countless plates spinning. Juggling various business ventures and engineering problem-solving, we hear about innovative and life-changing products which have been brought to life by Pat, from pen and paper to mass-manufacture.

YouTube - InvisibleMePodcast

Intro music by Ben Blanchard. 

Edited by Benedict Jones.

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In this episode of Invisible Me, host Pat Porter welcomes Jodie Hill from Thrive Law to discuss her neurodivergence. Jodie discusses her combined ADHD diagnosis aged 32, the diagnostic process, and how this affected her wider mental health and career.

The conversation also touches on the benefits to companies and employees of fostering inclusive work environments and the value of neurodivergent individuals in the workplace. Jodie's own business, Thrive Law, is showcased for modelling a work environment that supports its neurodivergent employees.

YouTube - @JodieHill
Facebook - Thrive Law
Instagram - @thrive_law
X - @Thrive_law 

Intro music by Ben Blanchard. 

Edited by Tom Haigh.

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In this episode of Invisible Me, host Pat Porter welcomes Julie Kent MBE, who shares her recent experience of undergoing a lumpectomy to remove two cancerous lumps from her breast.

Julie talks about noticing an unusual change to her breast, the swift and efficient care she received, and beginning the emotional and physical journey of recovery. Pat and Julie discuss the importance of early detection and encourage listeners to seek medical advice if they notice any changes in their breasts. Julie also shares her coping mechanisms, and the support and advice received from friends undergoing cancer treatment.

Instagram - @juliekentmbe
Facebook - Julie Kent MBE
X - @juliekentmbe
juliekentmbe.com

Intro music by Ben Blanchard. 

Edited by Tom Haigh.

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In this episode of Invisible Me, host Pat Porter welcomes Abi Withey, who shares her harrowing experience of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017.

Abi recounts the events of that night and the long-term impact on her mental health, including her experience of PTSD. She discusses the support she received from friends, colleagues and professionals; her coping mechanisms; and how over time she has been able to follow her career goals despite working in potentially triggering environments.

Abi's business, Tailor-Made Social, and offers bespoke social media solutions to a wide range of clients.

Intro music by Ben Blanchard. 

Edited by Tom Haigh.

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In this episode of Invisible Me, host Pat Porter speaks with Mathilde Barker, who shares her experiences with endometriosis, a condition that affects one in ten women.

Mathilde discusses her long journey to a diagnosis, the challenges of being misunderstood by medical professionals, and the impact of the condition on her life and education. Pat and Mathilde discuss resilience, the importance of self-advocacy and pushing for answers when experiencing unexplained pain.

Instagram - @mathildebarker
TikTok - @mathildebarker
YouTube - @Mathildebarker
heylink.me/mathilde

Intro music by Ben Blanchard. 

Edited by Tom Haigh.

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In this episode of Invisible Me, Denise Lewis shares her journey with brain surgery.

After experiencing subtle symptoms like headaches and vivid dreams, Denise went on to develop auras and fainting spells. After passing out while driving, she was finally diagnosed with epilepsy, while a routine scan revealed a brain tumour, leading to surgery and the road to recovery. 

Denise chats with Pat about the physical and emotional challenges she faced. She also touches on the impact her condition had on her family and the importance of communication and support. Having also had a recent diagnosis of fibromyalgia, Denise discusses her path to acceptance and learning to live with the impact of her condition.

Intro music by Ben Blanchard. 

Edited by Tom Haigh.

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In this episode of Invisible Me, host Pat Porter speaks with Steph Carr about her experiences living with anxiety and ADHD.

Steph discusses her struggles with social anxiety from a young age, the challenges she faced in school, and her journey towards receiving a diagnosis for ADHD as an adult. Steph also shares the difficulties she has encountered in getting her son assessed, diagnosed and treated for suspected ADHD.

As a teacher, Steph shares her insights on how the education system could be reformed to better accommodate students with special educational needs (SEN), with a focus on greater awareness, understanding, and individual support.

Intro music by Ben Blanchard. 

Edited by Tom Haigh.

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In this episode of Invisible Me, host Pat Porter speaks with Rebecca Killick, Professor of Statistics at Lancaster University, about their experiences with neurodivergence and ADHD.

Rebecca and Pat share their personal stories of being diagnosed as neurodivergent as adults, and the challenges and misconceptions they've faced in their personal and professional lives. They discuss navigating a world that doesn't always understand neurodiversity, the emotional impact of judgment and misunderstanding, and the necessity and burden of educating others about their differences.

Rebecca shares some of the tools and techniques they use to manage their neurodiversity, like carrying small objects to fidget with and taking walking meetings.

Intro music by Ben Blanchard. 

Edited by Tom Haigh.

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In this episode of Invisible Me, Janet Taylor shares her experiences living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Janet discusses the background to her diagnosis, the challenges she faced adjusting to the news, its effect on work and life, and the ongoing management of her condition.

As well as reflecting on how her diagnosis made sense of pre-existing symptoms, Janet and Pat address the challenges Janet has encountered living with an invisible condition, as well as her triumphs, including her active lifestyle and continued passion for competitive running. Janet also offers practical tips and a positive outlook for those navigating life with MS. 

Intro music by Ben Blanchard. 

Edited by Tom Haigh.

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In this episode of Invisible Me, host Pat Porter meets Tash Willmore, who has rebuilt her life after a life-changing car accident 18 years ago that left her with full-body arthritis. Tash opens up about the challenges she faced, including learning to walk again and managing chronic pain. 

Beyond physical adversities, Tash shares the emotional toll of living with a hidden disability. She discusses the societal judgments she has encountered and her determination to not be defined by her disability. Tash emphasises the importance of reframing her perspective, focusing on what she can control, and finding tools and support systems to enable her to pursue a fulfilling life and career. 

Intro music by Ben Blanchard. 

Edited by Tom Haigh.

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