In this episode of the ListenABLE Podcast, your hosts Dylan and Angus are joined by John Mckenna, a renowned disability advocate, podcaster, and expert with over 60 years of lived experience navigating life with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. John is a passionate advocate for disability rights, independence, and the importance of community support for people with disabilities.

John's journey highlights the evolution of assistive technologies, from early electric wheelchairs to cutting-edge gadgets, and explores the challenges of growing up with a disability in the 1960s and 1970s. The conversation also delves into the societal impacts of institutionalisation of that time and the critical role of disability advocacy in shaping more inclusive communities for the future.

As a key figure in the development of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), John shares his insights on how lived experience informs policy and why inclusive disability policy is crucial for social change. The episode also covers the often-overlooked intersection of disability and sexuality, discussing the importance of representation and breaking taboos.

Want to support John? Check our the links below!

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmckennajp/
• Website: https://johnmckenna.com.au/

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/mnWV0tVApPk

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

Recorded, edited and produced by Angus' Podcast Company: www.sessioninprogress.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of ListenABLE, hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O'Loughlin speak with Peta Hooke, a podcaster and disability advocate living with Cerebral Palsy. As the creator and host of The I Can’t Stand Podcast, Peta brings a practical perspective to disability representation, drawing from her personal experiences and conversations within the disabled community.

Peta discusses what it’s like to live independently with a physical disability, the ongoing role of support workers, and the reality of navigating healthcare systems that often lack accessibility. The conversation also covers the complexities of fertility treatment for disabled people, including access to IVF and the ableism that can shape medical experiences.

"Unfortunately, I had massive issues, particularly around ableism.
And it took 313 days to get approval".

Peta shares her thoughts on parenting as a disabled person and why disability is simply one part of her life—not something to be overcome.

In addition to her podcast work, Peta is an accessibility consultant and recently launched Eggs, a limited-series podcast focused on fertility and disability. 

Want to support Peta? Check our the links below!

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petahooke/
• The 'I Can't Stand Podcast': https://tr.ee/kcSeq-lNJ4
• The 'Egg's Podcast': https://tr.ee/tnkRdoeiOZ

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/J-kRHBrRim

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

Recorded, edited and produced by Angus' Podcast Company: www.sessioninprogress.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Dempsey is an Australian disability advocate, motivational speaker, and content creator whose life changed dramatically after a diving accident on his 21st birthday left him with a spinal cord injury and quadriplegia. While celebrating with friends at his parents’ home, he misjudged a dive into a shallow backyard pool, dislocating his neck upon impact.

"Just after talking about how good my mates are, they broke my neck and then went down to the pub..."

Nick has since become a powerful voice in the disability community. He shares his journey candidly on platforms like TikTok and through his podcast “Chats From A Chair,” where he explores life with a disability and broader issues of representation and accessibility.

In an episode of the ListenABLE podcast, Nick discussed his lived experience and the innovative solutions he’s developed to maintain independence—including an adaptive drinking glove he designed himself. He also speaks openly about the mental health challenges and relationship dynamics that come with life post-injury.

Nick’s efforts go beyond advocacy. He has become a registered marriage celebrant, further proving that life after injury can still be filled with purpose, creativity, and connection. His story highlights the importance of normalising disability through storytelling, embracing vulnerability, and finding strength in community.

Want to support Nick? Check our the links below!

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickkdempsey/
• The Rolling Celebrant: https://www.instagram.com/the_rolling_celebrant/
• Drinking Buddy: https://www.instagram.com/_drinkingbuddy_/
• Chats from a Chair: https://www.instagram.com/chatsfromachair_podcast/

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/gTxHIdWFz1A

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

Recorded, edited and produced by Angus' Podcast Company: www.sessioninprogress.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paralympian, and unapologetic voice for change—Al Viney joins ListenABLE hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O'Loughlin for a bold conversation about disability, elite sport/rowing, and the systems that still need fixing.

"Differentiating between an injury was bad and my disability is not bad".

Al breaks down what really happens after a life-changing injury, from navigating inaccessible medical language to challenging the rules of Paralympic classification. She shares the highs and hard truths of competing on the world stage, and why the separation between the Paralympics and Olympics still needs to be discussed.

This episode cuts through the fluff—touching on adaptive tech, sport governance, the realities of drunk driving, and what meaningful inclusion actually looks like in healthcare and high performance sport. 

Whether you're in the disability space or just catching up, this one’s essential listening.

Want to support Al? Check our the links below!

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/al.viney/
• Mazenod Panthers All Ability Football Club

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/56OY2SgJ4Ac

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

Recorded, edited and produced by Angus' Podcast Company: www.sessioninprogress.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Hello I'm Rosie, I'm disabled, I'm here, I'm proud of it listen to us make us in the conversation because we are not ever going to go away!”.

On this episode of ListenABLE, Angus O'Loughlin is joined by the unstoppable Rosie Jones — comedian, writer, actor, and all-round legend. With her razor-sharp wit and deliciously dark humour, Rosie doesn’t just take up space in the comedy world — she owns it.

She spills on everything from growing up with cerebral palsy to tackling the stand-up circuit with jokes that hit harder than a British winter. Along the way, we get into her comedy and writing credits (Sex Education, thank you very much), her kids’ books that actually get it right when it comes to disability (The Amazing ED Eckhart series), and why being trolled online won’t stop her from saying exactly what she thinks.

Rosie’s not here to be your inspiration — she’s here to make you laugh, and maybe rethink a few things. This episode is a mix of sharp observations, real talk about ableism, and plenty of “did she just say that?” moments. It’s bold, smart, and totally Rosie.

Want to support Rosie? Check our the links below!

• Melbourne Comedy Festival: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/rosie-jones/
• Website: https://rosiejonescomedy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josierones/
• Documentary 'Am I a R*tard?': https://tv.apple.com/gb/show/rosie-jones-am-i-a-rtard/umc.cmc.26vz2vwf2t4fdzp7e4djyeqmy

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/ULvMJw4FRtc

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

Recorded, edited and produced by Angus' Podcast Company: www.sessioninprogress.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of ListenABLE, hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin sit down with Charles Brice, a quadriplegic journalist and ABC News Breakfast presenter, to discuss his career and experiences in the media industry.

"I don't want to be pigeonholed as a 'Disability Reporter'... I've got many other interests outside my injury. So I've thought that was really important for my career"

After a motorbike accident at 19, Charles transitioned from an aspiring pilot to a journalist, using his platform to cover a wide range of stories, including disability advocacy, accessibility, and major sporting events like the Paralympics.

Charles shares his perspective on disability representation in the media, the challenges of navigating the industry as a journalist with a spinal cord injury, and his role in Wheel to Walk, which has raised over $300,000 for spinal cord injury research, but what does it mean for him when it comes to finding a 'cure'?

Whether you're interested in journalism, disability rights, or media representation, this episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of storytelling and advocacy.

In this conversation, we explore:

✅ The Removal of Barriers in a Career
✅ The Adaptability of Flying a Plane
✅ The Behind the Scenes of a National News Show
✅ Restrictions of Travelling with a Disability
✅ Representation in the Media

Give Charles a follow on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/charlesbrice/ 

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

Recorded, edited and produced by Angus' Podcast Company: www.sessioninprogress.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Formston is a world champion surfer, Paralympian, and Guinness World Record-holder, known for surfing 51-foot waves at Nazaré and breaking barriers in not only his sport but his own perceptions of himself.

"I’ve worked out it’s because I was fearful of being different... Now, I’m proud of my disability, and it’s part of who I am," 

Discover his unique approach to surfing, where his "front foot becomes my cane," and hear how his safety team and spotters help him navigate extreme waves with a whistle system. But at what point do these extreme sports become too risky with two kids at home?

In this conversation, we explore:
✅ Navigating Identity and Insecurity
✅ Fear and Risk in Extreme Sports
✅ Love Beyond Sight
✅ Breaking Barriers at Bedtime
✅ Macular Degeneration

Want to know more about Matt? Check out the links below:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattformston/
Website: https://www.mattformston.com/

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/7BjA-8xPXr8

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

Recorded, edited and produced by Angus' Podcast Company: www.sessioninprogress.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tommy Quick, a true testament to resilience and determination to "prove people wrong" every single day of his life

At just 12 years old, Tommy had a stroke, leaving him in a coma for five weeks. His recovery was nothing short of extraordinary—relearning life skills and overdelivering on people's expectations of him through sheer perseverance.
Bringing on such high stakes challenges such as the 'gruelling' Kokoda trail.

Tommy shares his ambitious mission: cycling to the four furthest points of Australia on a recumbent trike, raising awareness for disability advocacy and stroke research. His journey took an unexpected turn when he was involved in a serious car accident, yet his spirit remained unshaken. His story is a testament to human strength, self-advocacy, and the power of community support.

In this conversation, we explore:
✅ The challenges of recovering from a childhood stroke
✅ Why self-advocacy is crucial for individuals with disabilities
✅ How Tommy is breaking barriers and changing perceptions
✅ The importance of empathy, inclusion, and human connection

Want to support Tommy on his next journey? Check out 4 Points Australia

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/7BjA-8xPXr8

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

Recorded, edited and produced by Angus' Podcast Company: www.sessioninprogress.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s it like to live with Usher syndrome, a condition that causes both progressive vision loss and deafness? 

"I really, really struggle with the fact that my hearing loss is almost a hidden disability?"

In this episode, Malaine Robinson shares her experience of adapting to life with dual disabilities, from early diagnosis to becoming a guide dog handler and falling in love with her 'partner in crime' Dessi.

 What You’ll Learn:

• The challenges of navigating daily life with Usher syndrome.
• How guide dogs provide independence and mobility support.
• The role of technology in accessibility and communication.
• Malaine’s career journey and the adjustments she’s made along the way.
• Her take on accessible dining and why it matters.

Whether you’re interested in the responsibility of owning a guide dog, or just want to hear a firsthand account of living without sight and sound, this episode offers a practical look at the challenges and solutions that shape Melanie’s day-to-day life.

Want to work with Mel? Check out the links below!

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaine-robinson-42068449/
• Speaker Reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csXzL9f4Dz4

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/Ohd6IdrZhaw

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

Recorded, edited and produced by Angus' Podcast Company: www.sessioninprogress.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"There is no way that I'm getting back in the water... and I never thought I would go back again"

In this episode of the ListenABLE Podcast, hosts Angus O'Loughlin and Dylan Alcott dive into the extraordinary journey of retired Paralympic swimmer Ellie Cole, one of Australia's most celebrated athletes. With 17 Paralympic medals, including six gold, Ellie has not only redefined success in the pool but is now making waves as a prominent media personality and advocate for inclusion.

Ellie shares her inspiring story of resilience, from losing her right leg to cancer at age three to becoming a trailblazer in Paralympic sports. She reflects on her transition from elite athlete to motherhood, her time on I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, and her exciting role as a host of the 2024 Olympic Games coverage in Australia.

The discussion dives into the importance of representation in sports, challenges faced by athletes with disabilities, and her mission to break down societal barriers. As the 2022 Australian Paralympian of the Year, Ellie continues to inspire with her advocacy for inclusion and visibility. 

Want to keep up to Ellie, follow her Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/elliecoleswim/

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/zBmmcQ4pWig

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

Recorded, edited and produced by Angus' Podcast Company: www.sessioninprogress.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.