lABLEd

About this Episode

Liam Virgo discusses his nine-year battle with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), which began at age 12 and worsened at 13, leading to severe symptoms like incontinence and loss of mobility. Despite extensive testing and misdiagnoses, he was finally diagnosed at 13. Liam recounts his struggles, including being bedridden for three years and facing misunderstandings and stigma. He highlights his recovery, including learning to walk again and visiting London, a dream he achieved. Liam emphasizes the need for awareness and understanding of FND, sharing his journey to inspire others and raise awareness.

About our Guest

Liam Virgo LIVES Nottinghamshire, UK, who has Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). He is an awareness advocate who has shared his personal story in various news outlets to highlight the challenges of living with FND and the need for greater understanding of the condition. Liam has gained some public recognition, with his story featured on BBC News and in a video message from the cast of the ITV show Loose Women, who became part of his rehabilitation journey. He shares updates on his progress, often visiting his favourite place, London, as part of his recovery

Follow Liam on Instagram

About the Show & How to Support

Support this Podcast

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lABLEd Podcast is currently self-funded. Please consider donating to our GoFundMe

Production Team

Hosts: Alice Evans, Daisy Holder, and Lucy Wood

Editor: Adam Hull

Music: Maisy Crunden

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About this Episode

The lABLEd Podcast episode delves into the history of Joseph Merrick, also known as the Elephant Man. Joseph was born on August 5, 1862, in Leicester, with significant physical deformities. He faced societal rejection, including being abandoned by his stepmother and working as a hawker. Merrick's life improved when he became a human exhibit, attracting medical and social attention. He lived in the London Hospital for years, receiving care and attention from high-society benefactors. Merrick's cause of death remains debated, with theories including accidental asphyxiation. His skeleton and medical samples are preserved at Queen Mary University.

To download transcripts of this, and every episode visit www.labledpodcast.co.uk, enjoy bonus episodes and a little bit more lABLEd, sign up to our Substack

About the Show & How to Support

Support this Podcast

Like LABLEd Podcast on Facebook

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Follow LABLEd Podcast on Instagram

Got a comment or Question? Email us!

lABLEd Podcast is currently self-funded. Please consider donating to our GoFundMe

Production Team

Hosts: Alice Evans, Daisy Holder, and Lucy Wood

Editor: Adam Hull

Music: Maisy Crunden

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About this Episode

In the final episode of their Institutionalization Spotlight Season, Alice and Lucy welcome Rob Gee - a former mental health nurse turned stand-up poet who uses humour as a powerful tool for empowerment.

Rob shares fascinating insights into institutional care, discussing how creativity and comedy can help people reclaim their voice and dignity. Through hilarious and poignant stories from his work in mental health wards, prisons, and care homes, Rob explores the complex dynamics of care, burnout, and human connection.

Expect laugh-out-loud moments, thoughtful reflections on disability, and a nuanced look at how humour can be a radical act of resistance against dehumanizing systems.

To download transcripts of this, and every episode visit www.labledpodcast.co.uk, enjoy bonus episodes and a little bit more lABLEd, sign up to our Substack

About the Show & How to Support

Support this Podcast

Like LABLEd Podcast on Facebook

Tweet lABLEd Podcast

Follow LABLEd Podcast on Instagram

Got a comment or Question? Email us!

lABLEd Podcast is currently self-funded. Please consider donating to our GoFundMe

Production Team

Hosts: Alice Evans, Daisy Holder, and Lucy Wood

Editor: Adam Hull

Music: Maisy Crunden

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About this Episode

In this fABLEd episode of lABLEd, we dive deep into Ken Kesey's novel "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" with special guest Julia Miele Rodas, a professor of English specializing in disability studies. Join us as we explore the complex world of psychiatric disability, institutional power, and individual resistance through the lens of this iconic book and film.

Academic, Julia, alongside Lucy and Alice unpack the nuanced representation of psychiatric patients, the tyrannical Nurse Ratched, and the rebellious Randle McMurphy, revealing how the story critiques societal norms and the treatment of people with mental health conditions in the late 1950s. We'll discuss themes of Mad Pride, the anti-psychiatry movement, and how the narrative challenges perceptions of disability.

Partly recorded on location at the Story Museum in Oxford, this episode promises to be both enlightening and provocative. Tune in for a deep dive into a landmark text that continues to challenge our understanding of mental health, individuality, and power.

To download transcripts of this, and every episode visit www.labledpodcast.co.uk, enjoy bonus episodes and a little bit more lABLEd, sign up to our Substack

About the Show & How to Support

Support this Podcast

Like LABLEd Podcast on Facebook

Tweet lABLEd Podcast

Follow LABLEd Podcast on Instagram

Got a comment or Question? Email us!

lABLEd Podcast is currently self-funded. Please consider donating to our GoFundMe

Production Team

Hosts: Alice Evans and Lucy Wood

Editor: Adam Hull

Music: Maisy Crunden

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About this Episode

In this episode of lABLEd we dive deep into the world of disability and education with special guest Paige Tabone. Paige shares her transformative experiences at Treloars, a specialist school for students with physical disabilities, exploring the complex realities of institutional education.

Join Lucy, Alice and Paige as they explore the nuanced experiences of disabled students, discussing topics like emotional development, social integration, and the transition to mainstream life. Paige offers raw insights into the support systems (and gaps) she encountered, her journey of self-discovery, and her reflections on what education could and should look like for disabled young people.

Whether you're interested in disability advocacy, education, or personal storytelling, this episode offers a compelling, honest look at one person's journey through a specialized educational environment

To download transcripts of this, and every episode visit www.labledpodcast.co.uk, enjoy bonus episodes and a little bit more lABLEd, sign up to our Substack

About the Show & How to Support

Support this Podcast

Like LABLEd Podcast on Facebook

Tweet lABLEd Podcast

Follow LABLEd Podcast on Instagram

Got a comment or Question? Email us!

lABLEd Podcast is currently self-funded. Please consider donating to our GoFundMe

Production Team

Hosts: Alice Evans and Lucy Wood

Editor: Adam Hull

Music: Maisy Crunden

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About this Episode

In our first episode of lABLEd's series focusing on institutionalisation, Alice, Lucy and Daisy dive deep into the complex history of disability and institutionalization. Exploring a challenging yet crucial topic, they unpack the evolution of asylums from the 19th century through the 20th century, examining how society treated individuals with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and communication impairments.

From the shocking language of historical medical records to the legal battles like Ricky Wyatt's lawsuit in Alabama, the team provides a nuanced look at institutional care. They discuss the stigma, the gradual improvements in patient rights, and the ongoing journey of understanding and supporting disabled individuals.

Expect a mix of heart-breaking historical insights and moments of unexpected humour as the hosts navigate this sensitive subject. The episode offers a compelling exploration of self-advocacy, societal attitudes, and the importance of recognizing the humanity of all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

Content warning: Contains historical terms and discussions about institutional treatment that some listeners may find distressing.

To download transcripts of this, and every episode visit www.labledpodcast.co.uk, enjoy bonus episodes and a little bit more lABLEd, sign up to our Substack

About the Show & How to Support

Support this Podcast

Like LABLEd Podcast on Facebook

Tweet lABLEd Podcast

Follow LABLEd Podcast on Instagram

Got a comment or Question? Email us!

lABLEd Podcast is currently self-funded. Please consider donating to our GoFundMe

Production Team

Hosts: Alice Evans, Daisy Holder, and Lucy Wood

Editor: Adam Hull

Music: Maisy Crunden

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About this Episode

Lucy and Alice discuss the first two films of "A Quiet Place," highlighting the film's premise of aliens sensitive to noise and the use of American Sign Language (ASL) by the deaf character, played by Millicent Simmons. They explore the film's representation of disability and its impact on the cinematic landscape. Lucy praises the film's authenticity, while Alice notes criticisms about reinforcing stereotypes. They also discuss the third film's departure from the family-centric storyline and its setting in New York. The conversation concludes with reflections on disability representation in media and a humorous segment about their fictional superhero roles.

To download transcripts of this, and every episode visit www.labledpodcast.co.uk

About the Show & How to Support

Support this Podcast

Like LABLEd Podcast on Facebook

Tweet lABLEd Podcast

Follow LABLEd Podcast on Instagram

Got a comment or Question? Email us!

lABLEd Podcast is currently self-funded. Please consider donating to our GoFundMe

Production Team

Hosts: Alice Evans, Daisy Holder, and Lucy Wood

Editor: Adam Hull

Music: Maisy Crunden

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About this Episode

Alice and Lucy are joined by guest Ross Lannon to chat about experiences with disability, illness, and difference. They humorously address their personal challenges, such as haircuts and public interactions.

Ross is an online disability blogger and radio presenter from Cornwall, joins the conversation. Ross shares his journey from a stable office job to radio presenting, influenced by the pandemic and his online presence. He emphasizes his goal of merging disability representation with mainstream media and discuss the challenges and joys of public life, including the potential for reality TV stardom and the impact of media on public perception.

To download transcripts of this, and every episode visit www.labledpodcast.co.uk

About our Guest

Ross Lannon – who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA Type 3) – is a lifestyle & disability blogger from Cornwall. Ross runs a blog called "A Life on Wheels" which documents his journey through adulthood, as a young man with a physical disability. He is also a radio presenter and produces regular shows on CHAOS Radio. Often described as a ‘cheeky chappy’, he uses his platforms to share comical lifestyle stories, as well as reviewing accessible events, activities and products. He is also a proud dog-dad to Ralph, the cockapoo.

Connect With them

Instagram - @rosslannon 

TikTok- @rosslannon 

Facebook.com/ALifeOnWheels

Blog: www.alifeonwheels.co.uk

About the Show & How to Support

Support this Podcast

Like LABLEd Podcast on Facebook

Tweet lABLEd Podcast

Follow LABLEd Podcast on Instagram

Got a comment or Question? Email us!

lABLEd Podcast is currently self-funded. Please consider donating to our GoFundMe

Production Team

Hosts: Alice Evans, Daisy Holder, and Lucy Wood

Editor: Adam Hull

Music: Maisy Crunden

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About this Episode

Our latest History Lesson subject is British singer-songwriter, Ian Dury, who rose to fame in the late 1970s punk and new wave era. Dury, who had polio, is covered in detail, including his life, work, and the condition itself. The hosts also delve into the history of polio, its symptoms, and treatments, highlighting the controversial methods of the past and the significant contributions of Elizabeth Kenny. The episode concludes with Dury's musical career, his provocative song "Spasticus Autisticus," and his impact on British culture.

To download transcripts of this, and every episode visit www.labledpodcast.co.uk

About the Show & How to Support

Support this Podcast

Like LABLEd Podcast on Facebook

Tweet lABLEd Podcast

Follow LABLEd Podcast on Instagram

Got a comment or Question? Email us!

lABLEd Podcast is currently self-funded. Please consider donating to our GoFundMe

Production Team

Hosts: Alice Evans, Daisy Holder, and Lucy Wood

Editor: Adam Hull

Music: Maisy Crunden

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About this Episode

In the latest episode of lABLEd, Alice and Lucy are joined by Zubee Kibria, a disabled entrepreneur, who discusses her journey in founding Access My Events, a consultancy aimed at making events accessible for disabled people. She also runs the My Voice podcast, which highlights the stories of disabled people from ethnic minority backgrounds. Zubee shares her challenges, including initial lack of response from businesses and the importance of persistence. She recounts her experience as the first disabled person in an Asian wedding fashion show and the positive feedback received. Zubee has recently secured funding from the National Lottery Community Fund and is looking for more businesses to collaborate with.

To download transcripts of this, and every episode visit www.labledpodcast.co.uk

About our Guest

Zubee is the founder of Access My Events, founded in September 2018. She started working in the hospitality industry and then moved on to work and volunteer for a number of different charities and an online disability lifestyle magazine, all of which helped her develop as a person, gain more confidence and skills to develop further in her career. She has over 10 years of volunteering experience but like many disabled people, she found it hard to find a job in the events industry so she decided to take the leap and start her own business. 

Connect with them

https://accessmyevents.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/AccessMyEvents

https://twitter.com/AccessMyEvents

https://www.instagram.com/accessmyevents/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/zubee-kibria/

About the Show & How to Support

Support this Podcast

Like LABLEd Podcast on Facebook

Tweet lABLEd Podcast

Follow LABLEd Podcast on Instagram

Got a comment or Question? Email us!

lABLEd Podcast is currently self-funded. Please consider donating to our GoFundMe

Production Team

Hosts: Alice Evans, Daisy Holder, and Lucy Wood

Editor: Adam Hull

Music: Maisy Crunden

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.