This week on The I Can't Stand Podcast, Ronan Soussa shares his journey as an advocate, performer, and ambassador living with autism. He opens up about finding love on Love on the Spectrum, his passion for raising awareness about invisible disabilities, and his goals for a more inclusive future.

With warmth and positivity, Ronan inspires listeners to embrace their authentic selves and celebrate their unique strengths.

Connect with Ronan: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronan.soussa/?hl=en

Connect with Peta:

Instagram: @petahooke

Website: www.icantstandpodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Episode Transcript:https://www.icantstandpodcast.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Coles delves into the profound reality of autistic burnout, sharing how masking and the demands of navigating school, work, and social environments contributed to his experiences. He opens up about the emotional and physical toll of burnout, offering insights into his recovery journey and the strategies that have helped him rebuild.

Michael also highlights the importance of community and self-acceptance in finding balance and thriving as an autistic person.

Connect with Michael:

Website: http://www.deepdiveau.net 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedeepdiveau/

Tiktok: http://www.tiktok.com/@thedeepdiveau & http://www.tiktok.com/@michaelcoles3

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-deep-dive-podcast

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheDeepDiveAU

Connect with Peta:

Instagram: @petahooke

Website: www.icantstandpodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Episode Transcript:https://www.icantstandpodcast.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Peta chats with Rosie Anderson, an ambulatory wheelchair user, model, and advocate for inclusivity in fashion. Rosie shares her experiences navigating the modelling industry with a disability, from tokenism to authentic representation, openly embracing her feeding tube and championing accessible sets. She sheds light on what true inclusivity looks like and the meaningful changes still needed in today’s media landscape.

Join us as we explore fashion inclusivity, disability representation, and the push for a more inclusive future in fashion.

 

Connect with Rosie: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_rosieanderson/

Book Rosie via Zebedee Talent:  https://www.zebedeetalent.com/aus/mainboard/she/

Connect with Peta:

Instagram: @petahooke

Website: www.icantstandpodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Episode Transcript:https://www.icantstandpodcast.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twelve years ago, Mandy McCracken’s life changed overnight, leaving her with limited guidance on how to navigate her new reality as a disabled person. Now, through Get Started Disability Support Australia, Mandy is on a mission to help others who have just acquired a disability, providing the practical advice and support she wishes she had. 

Connect with Mandy: 

Website: https://www.getstarteddisability.org.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetStartedDisability

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getstarteddisability/

Connect with Peta:

Instagram: @petahooke

Website: www.icantstandpodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Episode Transcript:https://www.icantstandpodcast.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peta talks to Simone Eyles, the founder of Disinfluencer, a platform focused on improving disability representation in media and advertising. Simone shares her journey of creating opportunities for disabled talent to be authentically featured in campaigns, while also helping businesses and brands become more inclusive. 

Connect with Simone: 

Website: https://www.disinfluencer.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disinfluencer.co/

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Peta:

Instagram: @petahooke

Website: www.icantstandpodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Episode Transcript:https://www.icantstandpodcast.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Julie Jones talks about the creation of Have Wheelchair Will Travel and how it has become a valuable resource for disabled travellers. She shares personal stories of travelling with her son Braeden, who also makes an appearance in the episode via assistive technology.

Together, Peta and Julie explore how travel can enhance connection and stress the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in the tourism industry.

 

Connect With Julie:

Have Wheelchair Will Travel: https://havewheelchairwilltravel.net

Travel Magazine: https://travelwithoutlimits.com.au

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/havewheelchairwilltravel/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaveWheelchairWillTravel/?_rdr

 

Connect with Peta:

Instagram: @petahooke

Website: www.icantstandpodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Episode Transcript:https://www.icantstandpodcast.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Hingson shares his incredible story of surviving the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog, Roselle. Michael reflects on how fear can be harnessed as a tool for leadership and resilience, drawing lessons from his own experiences and his partnerships with guide dogs.

Together, Peta and Michael explore the misconceptions around disability and the power of teamwork, trust, and purpose in overcoming life’s challenges.

Connect with Michael: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Peta:

Instagram: @petahooke

Website: www.icantstandpodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Episode Transcript:https://www.icantstandpodcast.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this solo episode, I’m back from a much-needed holiday, and I wanted to give you all an update. The holiday was lovely, but as we all know, life with a disability doesn’t take a break. I faced some challenges—from my beach wheelchair losing power, to my hoist sparking, and my car battery failing twice. It wasn’t the relaxing break I’d hoped for, but I’m sharing the reality of what happened and how I coped.

I also have something exciting to share—🥚there is a little easter egg waiting for you 🥚

Thanks for sticking with me, and I’m so excited to get back on track with fresh episodes coming next week!

Connect with Peta:

Instagram: @petahooke

Website: www.icantstandpodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Episode Transcript:https://www.icantstandpodcast.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Originally recorded in January 2022

As Disney continues to shape the imaginations of children around the world, one question remains: where are the disabled princesses? In this encore episode, disability activist Hannah Diviney shares her passion for changing how the world, and Disney, see disability. 

From viral petitions to meaningful cultural change, Hannah dives into why representation matters and how one princess could change the lives of millions. Whether you’ve heard this before or it’s your first time, this conversation is as relevant as ever.

Sign the petition for a disabled Disney princess: https://www.change.org/p/disneystudios-create-a-disney-princess-with-disabilities

Buy Hannah's book: https://www.booktopia.com.au/i-ll-let-myself-in

See Hannah at The Press Club: https://www.npc.org.au/speaker/2024/1343-hannah-diviney 

Connect with Peta:

Instagram: @petahooke

Website: www.icantstandpodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Episode Transcript:https://www.icantstandpodcast.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Originally recorded in June 2022

Ben Aldridge’s story is one of resilience, strength, and honesty. In this listener-favourite episode, Ben reflects on his time in the military, his experiences with mental health challenges, and what it’s like to live with a disability.

 As mental health and disability continue to intersect in so many people’s lives, this conversation is an important reminder of the power of vulnerability and the need for community support. Whether you’re revisiting or discovering it for the first time, Ben’s story is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Connect with Peta:

Instagram: @petahooke

Website: www.icantstandpodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Episode Transcript:https://www.icantstandpodcast.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.