The Sunflower Conversations

In this episode of Sunflower Conversations, James Dunn speaks with Sophie Riggs about autism, late diagnosis, and the everyday reality of being disbelieved because disability is not visible. 

We discuss what genuine inclusion looks like in schools, workplaces, airports, and major sporting venues when people actually listen and make small adjustments. 

• early childhood assessments, multiple diagnoses and what it feels like to be kept in the dark 
• why classrooms can be overwhelming, plus the supports Sophie wishes she had
• living with POTS, ARFID, anxiety, fibromyalgia and other co-occurring conditions 
• how the Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyard helps at airports through pre-boarding, staff awareness and sensory spaces 
• what makes Adelaide Oval feel inclusive for staff and visitors, including breaks and the sensory space 

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To understand more about arthritis, we are joined by Marc Williams from Arthritis Action. With over 100 different forms, we focus on the main two, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and touch upon gout.

We clear up myths about arthritis, from who it affects to what is actually happening inside the joints. Marc discusses the importance of recognising early warning signs to support positive changes that can help manage physical and mental symptoms.

• Arthritis as an umbrella term
• Osteoarthritis explained 
• Rheumatoid arthritis explained 
• “Wear and tear” 
• Early symptoms 
• Pain descriptions 
• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower as a way to ask for help 

If you are concerned about any of the subjects discussed in the podcast, please follow up with your healthcare practitioner for support.

For support:

• Arthritis Action - UK
• Arthritis Society Canada
• American Arthritis Foundation
• Arthritis Ireland
• Arthritis Australia

Hosted by Chantal Boyle, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a rating and review.

Find out more about the Sunflower by visiting the website hdsunflower.com

Music by © Sandee Facy / Michael Saleta www.sandeefacy.com.au

This episode discusses living with sickle cell disease and its impacts. We are joined by SOuL Just Be co-editor Ayuk Besong Anne-Chantal and Dr Lewis Thomas to explore the complexities of living with sickle cell disease. Both guests bring their lived experience and professional expertise to shed light on the physical, emotional, and social challenges individuals with this condition face.

• What sickle cell is 
• How sickle cell affects work, education, emotions and relationships
• What a sickle cell crisis is 
• Recognising triggers 
• Why sickle cell is global, and the link to malaria
• Stigma and misinformation
• Racial bias
• The helpful role of the Sunflower in preventing being misjudged

If you are concerned about any of the subjects discussed in the podcast, please follow up with your healthcare practitioner for support.

For support:

Sickleverse

• Website: sickleverse.com
• Instagram: @sicklecellcoach, TikTok: @drlewisthomas, Facebook: Dr Lewis Thomas, YouTube: @sicklecellhelp, LinkedIn: Dr Lewis Thomas

SOuL Just Be

• SOuL Just Be E-mag
• LinkedIn @A&A Consulting and Engineering services
• YouTube sickle cell podcast @A&ConsultingServices
• SCD Champs Game App

Charities

• The Sickle Cell Society - UK
• Sickle Cell Society Ireland
• Sickle Cell Disease Association of America 
• Sickle Cell Disease Association of Canada 

Hosted by Chantal Boyle, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a rating and review.

Find out more about the Sunflower by visiting the website hdsunflower.com

Music by © Sandee Facy / Michael Saleta www.sandeefacy.com.au

In this episode of Sunflower Conversations, James Dunn speaks with Nicole Quinlan about her journey living with a non-visible disability following a life-changing cancer diagnosis.

Nicole shares her experience of being dismissed by healthcare professionals, advocating for answers, navigating treatment and living with lymphedema, while highlighting the importance of kindness and understanding. 

• noticing a rapid physical change after childbirth and trusting your instincts 
• being repeatedly dismissed in primary care and persisting until answers arrive 
• managing lymphedema day to day with pain, swelling triggers, and practical tools 
• learning how kindness from clinicians and strangers can change everything 
• discovering the Hidden Disability Sunflower and reducing judgement in public spaces 

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Content warning: This podcast episode discusses female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C), including its physical, emotional, and psychological impacts. Some listeners may find this content distressing. Listener discretion is advised. If you have been affected by the issues discussed, please consider seeking support from a healthcare professional.

In this episode, Huda Mohammed, who is an FGM Specialist and Pelvic Health Midwife from the charity Vavengers, discusses the Impact of FGM on Women's Health.

Women who have undergone FGM often face a myriad of health complications that can affect them throughout their lives. We discuss:

• Physical Pain: Chronic pain and discomfort during intercourse, menstrual cycles, and childbirth.
• Psychological Trauma: Many women report feelings of trauma, anxiety, and depression related to their experiences with FGM.
• Infections and Complications: Increased risk of urinary tract infections, complications during childbirth, and infertility issues.

For support:

• Vavengers - UK
• Action to End FGM/C - Global

Hosted by Chantal Boyle, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.
If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a rating and review.
Find out more about the Sunflower by visiting the website hdsunflower.com
Music by © Sandee Facy / Michael Saleta www.sandeefacy.com.au

Content warning: This podcast episode discusses female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C), including its physical, emotional, and psychological impacts. Some listeners may find this content distressing. Listener discretion is advised. If you have been affected by the issues discussed, please consider seeking support from a healthcare professional.

We talk with Sema Gornell, the charity Vavenger's CEO, about one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding FGM/C: that it is a medical necessity. In reality, there are no health benefits to the practice; rather, it can lead to severe physical and psychological harm. Sema points out that the female genitalia is one of the most sensitive areas of the body, containing over 10,000 nerve endings. The removal or alteration of this area can result in lifelong complications, including chronic pain, reproductive issues, and mental health struggles.

We also challenge the myths that stop progress. FGM is not “just culture”, and it is not a private issue that communities are comfortable with. Sema explains how demand and misogynistic norms shape expectations of women’s bodies, and why men and boys must be champions if we want prevention to work.

For support:

• Vavengers - UK
• Action to End FGM/C - Global

Hosted by Chantal Boyle, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.
If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a rating and review.
Find out more about the Sunflower by visiting the website hdsunflower.com
Music by © Sandee Facy / Michael Saleta www.sandeefacy.com.au

In this episode of Sunflower Conversations, James Dunn speaks with Yvette O'Dowd, who first showed symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) at 32 years old and has now been living with the condition for over 30 years. An advocate and author of the children's book Granny Has Wobbly Legs, Yvette shares her experience of living with MS, exploring fatigue, brain fog, stigma, and the practical adjustments, including the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, that help make everyday life more accessible.

• Early MS signs, diagnosis and living with uncertainty
• Hidden symptoms including fatigue, brain fog, numbness and heat sensitivity
• Managing energy through pacing and spoon theory
• The emotional impact of invisible disability and being misunderstood
• Treatment decisions, lifestyle changes and daily coping strategies
• Explaining MS to children through Granny Has Wobbly Legs
• Simple accessibility changes that make a meaningful difference
• How the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower supports understanding and confidence

Visit our website, Facebook, or Instagram for more resources.

In this episode of Sunflower Conversations, James Dunn speaks with Vikesh Anand, TEDx speaker and founder of STUTTA (Australian Stuttering Association), about living with a stutter and advocating for greater awareness and acceptance.

 • What stuttering is, including different types of speech blocks and covert vs overt stuttering
 • The mental load of masking speech, including anxiety, shame and constant self-monitoring
 • Finding community at 28 through a stuttering support group, shifting towards acceptance
 • Moving into advocacy and creating spaces like “Speak Freely” through STUTTA
 • The importance of patience and not finishing sentences for people who stutter
 • How the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower supports confidence and awareness in daily life

Visit our website, Facebook, or Instagram for more resources.

We talk about motor neurone disease (MND), also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), with Pauline from the MND Association and Joff, who shares what diagnosis and day-to-day life really look like. We explore how symptoms show up, why support and research urgency matter, and how small acts of understanding can make public spaces safer and kinder. 

• What MND is and why symptoms vary so much 
• The long process of ruling out other conditions 
• Prevalence 
• Resilience and adapting to change
• The helpful role of the Sunflower in preventing being misjudged

If you are concerned about any of the subjects discussed in the podcast, please follow up with your healthcare practitioner for support.

For support

• MND Association UK
• Irish Motor Neurone Disease
• The ALS Association USA
• ALS Canada

Hosted by Chantal Boyle, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.
 
If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a rating and review.
 
Find out more about the Sunflower by visiting the website hdsunflower.com

Music by © Sandee Facy / Michael Saleta www.sandeefacy.com.au

In this episode of Sunflower Conversations, James Dunn speaks with Nicole Trimboli about surviving two cancers, living with a permanent stoma and ostomy bag, and rebuilding confidence when your body and life change fast. 

• Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a young mum and the mental scars that can linger 
• Daily life with an ostomy bag, diet planning and body image. 
• Writing What a Shit Show as a guide, a story and a form of therapy 
• Travelling with a hidden disability, airport security, toilets and the Sunflower lanyard 
• The harm of judging who uses accessible toilets and why visibility is not proof

Purchase a copy of Nicole's book "What a Shit Show"  

Visit our website, Facebook, or Instagram for more resources.