Only half of working-aged Australians with disability are employed — and that has a major impact on mental health. In this episode, Dr Marissa Shields and Dr Zoe Aitken from the University of Melbourne unpack what’s behind the stats, and how better jobs and inclusive workplaces can change lives.

Don't miss out! Subscribe and listen on your favourite platforms:

- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4YeHM7Ln2hNj2f3Hw8La6R

- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/that-was-unexpected/id1729956349

- Audible: www.audible.com.au/pd/That-Was-Unexpected-Podcast/B0CV7C7P11

Discover more from our amazing host, Lisa Cox! Explore her website and connect on social media:

- Website: lisacox.co

- Instagram: instagram.com/lisacox.co

- Facebook: facebook.com/lisacoxwriter

- Twitter: twitter.com/LISACOX_CO

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

In this powerful first episode of our miniseries on disability and employment, host Lisa is joined by Samantha and Jamie-Lee—two vibrant women living with Friedreich’s Ataxia, who share their real-world experiences navigating the workforce.

From inclusive modelling and content creation to copywriting, they challenge outdated stereotypes and unpack the realities of workplace barriers. With honesty, humour, and heart, this episode explores self-employment, systemic bias, and the myth of “overcoming” disability.

Whether you’re an employer, ally, or job-seeker with a disability, this conversation offers vital insight into what real inclusion can, and should look like. You won’t want to miss it!

Don't miss out! Subscribe and listen on your favourite platforms:

- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4YeHM7Ln2hNj2f3Hw8La6R

- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/that-was-unexpected/id1729956349

- Audible: www.audible.com.au/pd/That-Was-Unexpected-Podcast/B0CV7C7P11

Discover more from our amazing host, Lisa Cox! Explore her website and connect on social media:

- Website: lisacox.co

- Instagram: instagram.com/lisacox.co

- Facebook: facebook.com/lisacoxwriter

- Twitter: twitter.com/LISACOX_CO

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

Need some help navigating the NDIS?

We're joined by special guests Sarah Krause (Youngcare Connect), and Matthew Cameron (Choices and Rights) to chat about Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Supported Independent Living (SIL)—two game-changers for people with complex disabilities.

Together we'll unpack the nitty gritty and debunk some of the common myths surrounding disability housing and support.

Don't miss out! Subscribe and listen on your favourite platforms:

- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4YeHM7Ln2hNj2f3Hw8La6R

- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/that-was-unexpected/id1729956349

- Audible: www.audible.com.au/pd/That-Was-Unexpected-Podcast/B0CV7C7P11

Discover more from our amazing host, Lisa Cox! Explore her website and connect on social media:

- Website: lisacox.co

- Instagram: instagram.com/lisacox.co

- Facebook: facebook.com/lisacoxwriter

- Twitter: twitter.com/LISACOX_CO

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

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Dr. Dinesh Palipana, the first quadriplegic medical intern in Queensland. After a life-changing spinal cord injury during medical school, Dinesh became a doctor, lawyer, researcher, and advocate. Named Queensland Australian of the Year in 2021, he continues to break barriers in medicine and disability advocacy. In this inspiring conversation, Dinesh shares his journey, the challenges he's faced, and the lessons he's learned along the way.

Don't miss out! Subscribe and listen on your favourite platforms:

- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4YeHM7Ln2hNj2f3Hw8La6R

- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/that-was-unexpected/id1729956349

- Audible: www.audible.com.au/pd/That-Was-Unexpected-Podcast/B0CV7C7P11

Discover more from our amazing host, Lisa Cox! Explore her website and connect on social media:

- Website: lisacox.co

- Instagram: instagram.com/lisacox.co

- Facebook: facebook.com/lisacoxwriter

- Twitter: twitter.com/LISACOX_CO

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

Did you know, 1 in 5 Australians have a disability and 85% of those are non-visible disabilities? So, chances are you have been impacted by disability whether you realise it or not. In this enlightening episode, Lisa speaks with Justin Bruce, the Director of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Australia and New Zealand, to help us all understand a little more about non-apparent disabilities. 

Whether you are connected to the Youngcare cause or just looking for inspiration to get through a tough time, you won't want to miss this episode.

Don't miss out! Subscribe and listen on your favourite platforms:

- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4YeHM7Ln2hNj2f3Hw8La6R

- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/that-was-unexpected/id1729956349

- Audible: www.audible.com.au/pd/That-Was-Unexpected-Podcast/B0CV7C7P11

Discover more from our amazing host, Lisa Cox! Explore her website and connect on social media:

- Website: lisacox.co

- Instagram: instagram.com/lisacox.co

- Facebook: facebook.com/lisacoxwriter

- Twitter: twitter.com/LISACOX_C

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

The Story of Clare Stewart: From Trauma to Triumph

In this enlightening episode of That Was Unexpected we meet Clare Stewart - Youngcare's incoming CEO. You'll hear Clare's remarkable journey from surviving a traumatic accident, to becoming the first female Mayor of Noosa and now, continuing her advocacy as CEO for the organisation that unexpectantly changed her life!

Whether you are connected to the Youngcare cause or just looking for inspiration to get through a tough time, you won't want to miss this episode.

Clare will officially begin her role as Youngcare CEO on the 10th of February 2025.

Don't miss out! Subscribe and listen on your favourite platforms:

- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4YeHM7Ln2hNj2f3Hw8La6R

- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/that-was-unexpected/id1729956349

- Audible: www.audible.com.au/pd/That-Was-Unexpected-Podcast/B0CV7C7P11

Discover more from our amazing host, Lisa Cox! Explore her website and connect on social media:

- Website: lisacox.co

- Instagram: instagram.com/lisacox.co

- Facebook: facebook.com/lisacoxwriter

- Twitter: twitter.com/LISACOX_CO

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

Sam's story - taking life by the horns

Bull riding changed Sam’s life in more ways than creating a champion. The sport that was his biggest passion and life’s work, is the same sport that resulted in Sam’s physical disability. In this episode, Sarah recounts Sam's incredible journey from acquiring a physical disability to the new adventures life now takes him on. (Our host Lisa is on a well-deserved break, so this episode is hosted by Youngcare's Sarah!) 

Dive deeper into each episode with show notes, podcast transcripts, and more on our website: youngcare.com.au/podcast

Don't miss out! Subscribe and listen on your favourite platforms:

- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4YeHM7Ln2hNj2f3Hw8La6R

- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/that-was-unexpected/id1729956349

- Audible: www.audible.com.au/pd/That-Was-Unexpected-Podcast/B0CV7C7P11

Discover more from our amazing host, Lisa Cox! Explore her website and connect on social media:

- Website: lisacox.co

- Instagram: instagram.com/lisacox.co

- Facebook: facebook.com/lisacoxwriter

- Twitter: twitter.com/LISACOX_CO

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

With the festive season upon us there is so much to celebrate, but for some, this time of year doesn’t have the same sparkle. In this episode, we hear Chris’ journey of acquiring a sudden and life-altering disability, his Christmases trapped in the hospital system, and his remarkable ability to seek joy.   

Lisa is having a well-earned break, so, this episode welcomes back Ben (from The Power of Friendship episode) this time playing host! We will also hear a new voice – Emma from Youngcare, who is usually on the production team.  

Don't miss out! Subscribe and listen on your favourite platforms:

- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4YeHM7Ln2hNj2f3Hw8La6R

- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/that-was-unexpected/id1729956349

- Audible: www.audible.com.au/pd/That-Was-Unexpected-Podcast/B0CV7C7P11

Discover more from our amazing host, Lisa Cox! Explore her website and connect on social media:

- Website: lisacox.co

- Instagram: instagram.com/lisacox.co

- Facebook: facebook.com/lisacoxwriter

- Twitter: twitter.com/LISACOX_CO

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

We’ve shouted it from the rooftops, and we’ll keep saying it: the representation of people with disabilities in film and television is far too scarce! But this month, we’re thrilled to introduce advocates who are on a mission to change the narrative. 

In this episode, talented actress and writer Emily Dash, and Tracey Corbin-Matchett, the dynamic CEO of Bus Stop Films, share their insights on employment in the industry, the challenges and triumphs of being a diverse artist, and the power of true inclusion.  

Don’t miss this chance to be part of the movement for change! 

Don't miss out! Subscribe and listen on your favourite platforms:

- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4YeHM7Ln2hNj2f3Hw8La6R

- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/that-was-unexpected/id1729956349

- Audible: www.audible.com.au/pd/That-Was-Unexpected-Podcast/B0CV7C7P11

Discover more from our amazing host, Lisa Cox! Explore her website and connect on social media:

- Website: lisacox.co

- Instagram: instagram.com/lisacox.co

- Facebook: facebook.com/lisacoxwriter

- Twitter: twitter.com/LISACOX_CO

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

In the last of our 3-part series into accessible tourism, Lisa asks the tough questions to Airbnb country manager for Australia and New Zealand, Susan Wheeldon.

What is Airbnb doing to welcome disabled travellers?

What can they do better?

What does the future look like for Airbnb and people with disabilities?

Don't miss out! Subscribe and listen on your favourite platforms:

- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4YeHM7Ln2hNj2f3Hw8La6R

- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/that-was-unexpected/id1729956349

- Audible: www.audible.com.au/pd/That-Was-Unexpected-Podcast/B0CV7C7P11

Discover more from our amazing host, Lisa Cox! Explore her website and connect on social media:

- Website: lisacox.co

- Instagram: instagram.com/lisacox.co

- Facebook: facebook.com/lisacoxwriter

- Twitter: twitter.com/LISACOX_CO

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