The Tangent

For three years, I quietly endured bullying, exclusion and a school culture that left me feeling unsupported and unsafe, all while telling everyone I was fine. 

In Part 2 of Surviving High School, I share the moments that pushed me beyond my capacity to keep going, the anger that reminded me I deserved better, and the day I finally chose myself.

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High school felt like a double life: outside of school, I was a confident young activist surrounded by support; inside, I was making myself as small and convenient as possible. In Part 1 of Surviving High School, I unpack the impact of an inaccessible environment, internalised ableism and seemingly small experiences that pushed me from trying to fit in to simply trying to survive.

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Five years ago, one question from my therapist changed everything:
Do you actually want a PhD?

In this episode, I unpack my winding academic journey, the internalised ableism tangled up in my ambition, and the moment I realised I was pursuing something I didn’t truly want. Dropping out meant letting go of an identity I’d carried for almost a decade... with no clear plan for what came next. 

It was terrifying, freeing and one of the best decisions I’ve made.

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I’ve written two books and I’m working on a third, but saying “I’m an author” is still weird to me.

In this episode, I’m getting into the reality of writing about my own life... from the existential crisis sparked by my first book to the freedom that arrives when I finally release each story into the world. I share the best writing advice I’ve received, how the process has changed across my three books and what it means to let people into my experiences while still keeping ownership of my story.

If you'd like to get your own copy of any of these, purchase them at The Local Book Hive:
https://localbookhive.co.za/brand/author-chaeli-mycroft/

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What do underwear elastic, hand splints, lobsters and praying mantises have to do with disability pride?

In this episode, I unpack an analogy I was told as a child, and the surprising way it shaped how I understood my changing body for decades. I reflect on my complex relationship with splinting, the difference between supporting function and chasing “normal”, and why disabled people’s autonomy must remain at the centre of decisions about their bodies.

This is a conversation about the stories we unknowingly carry, the lasting impact of other people’s words and learning to work with your body as it is.

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What happens when race day arrives and you feel like you're not ready? 

In this episode, I share the very unplanned story of our Festival of Running 50km... from headaches and exhaustion to forgotten lap counts, endless opportunities to quit, and the mantra that kept us moving: we can do anything for one kilometre.

Let's do the thing!

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What does disabled joy actually look like?

In this episode, I'm sharing a few small moments that brought me genuine joy simply because I'm disabled... from thoughtful acts of allyship to everyday experiences that made me feel seen, included and independent. These moments may seem ordinary, but they create breathing room in a world that can often be hard work to navigate.

Let's talk about the nuance of disabled joy.

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For years, I celebrated Disability Pride quietly. In 2017, I stumbled across a Disability Pride exhibition in a Philadelphia subway station, and something clicked. This year, that celebration feels different as we launch a campaign sharing disabled people's stories throughout Disability Pride Month.

In this episode, I'm unpacking what Disability Pride has come to mean to me. We talk about internalised ableism, survival versus acceptance, the complicated grey areas of disability, and why claiming my disability now feels different than it did ten years ago. Disability Pride isn't about pretending everything is easy. It's about making space for disabled grief, disabled joy, and disabled pride to exist together.

I also share how allies can show up meaningfully during Disability Pride Month. This isn't a month to centre your learning; it's a month to centre disabled voices. Sometimes the best allyship is simply listening, holding space, and allowing disabled people to define their own experiences in their own words.

If you've ever wondered what Disability Pride really means beyond the hashtags, this conversation is for you.

Follow the podcast so you don't miss next week's episode, where we'll dive into why disabled people can have completely different relationships with disability—and why that's something we should celebrate, not simplify.

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After a year away, The Tangent is back.

This episode is a catch-up and a fresh start. I'm sharing where I've been, why I took a break, and what's ahead for the podcast.

As we're kicking off Disability Pride Month, you can expect lots of conversations celebrating disabled voices, lived experiences, and the power of authentic representation. Honest discussions, unexpected tangents, and stories that challenge assumptions while celebrating disability as a natural part of human diversity.

Whether you've been here from the beginning or you've just found the podcast, I'm glad you're here.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you follow The Tangent so you never miss a conversation. And if someone in your life would enjoy honest discussions about disability, inclusion, resilience, and finding joy in the everyday, share this episode with them. Every follow, rating, review, and share helps more people discover the podcast and join the conversation.

Let's get back into the conversation.

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There's a point... and we'll get there.

Through The Tangent, I invite you to explore the intricate and captivating details of living with a disability. 

In each episode of this immersive journey we dive deep into the behind-the-scenes narratives, untold stories, and unexpected tangents that shape life while navigating the world with a disability and how to build resilience and all that. Join me for candid conversations - sharing triumphs, challenges, and the everyday moments that make life extraordinary. This podcast goes beyond conventional narratives, celebrating the diverse experiences within the disability community while also weaving in unexpected tangents that delve into the intersectionality of identity, the role of technology, and insights into creating a more inclusive world. 

Whether you're a disabled person, a curious listener, or an advocate for genuine, human storytelling, "The Tangent" invites you to join me on an adventure where each episode unfolds as a new opportunity to broaden your perspective and embrace the richness that comes with diversity. 

Tune in and let's explore life's most captivating stories... one tangent at a time.

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