Blether with Barberra

“I’m blind, not stupid. Ask me.” Those were Carly’s words when adults spoke about her instead of speaking directly to her. In Part 2 of my conversation with Jill Thompson , we hear much more about Carly herself — an intelligent, determined and fiercely independent little girl living with an exceptionally rare genetic condition. Jill recalls the relief of finally finding a school that recognised Ca...

In this episode of Blether with Barberra , Brian continues his conversation with writer, speaker, photographer and paraeducator Michelle Steiner about hidden disability, success and identity. Michelle discusses a common assumption she encounters: because she has achieved things in her life, people sometimes believe she must have “overcome” her learning disability. But success and disability are no...

In this episode of Blether with Barberra , Brian continues his conversation with Lawrence C. Harris to explore self-worth, validation, journaling and the emotional gaps people often try to fill through behaviour, relationships, distraction or approval. Lawrence speaks honestly about trying to fill an internal void with external validation, before learning to reflect, journal and ask what was actua...

In this episode of Blether with Barberra , Brian speaks again with Dr Nikhit Anilbhai about continuous vital-sign monitoring, patient safety, real-time data and what happens when healthcare systems only see snapshots instead of the full pattern. Dr Nikhit discusses his move from clinician to founder, the challenge of building medical technology, and why better data could help clinicians understand...

In this episode of Blether with Barberra , Brian speaks again with Heather Gibson about pets, purpose, trauma, emotional support and the role animals can play in helping people reconnect with life. Brian reflects on how his rescue dog Barbara gave him purpose during a difficult period, while Heather shares examples of cats, service dogs, pressure therapy and the emotional power of having another l...

In this episode of Blether with Barberra , Brian speaks with Alexey Dmitriyev about what happens when healthcare support becomes transactional. Alexey discusses patient advocacy, support networks, case management, healthcare silos, insurance systems, time pressure and why people can still feel unsupported even when multiple services are technically involved. This conversation explores the differen...

In this episode of Blether with Barberra , Brian speaks with Jill Thompson about her daughter Carly , the signs Jill noticed when Carly was still a baby, and the long struggle to get diagnosis, recognition, help and support. Jill shares how she knew from around six months that something was not right, how she was dismissed and made to feel like the problem, and how life became a battle across heal...

In this episode of Blether with Barberra , Brian is joined again by Paul Lagerstedt for a conversation about drinking culture, alcohol-related discomfort, moderation, intention and why different drinks can affect people in different ways. Paul challenges the common idea that feeling rough after drinking is always simply about dehydration, and explains why he became interested in what is actually i...

In this episode of Blether with Barberra , Brian is joined by Rachel Baldock for an honest conversation about survival mode, breathwork, self-connection, emotional suppression and learning how to feel again. Rachel shares her journey from nursing into yoga, breathwork and intuitive coaching, and speaks openly about chronic anxiety, depression, people-pleasing, addiction, recovery and purpose. Toge...

In this episode of Blether with Barberra , Brian is joined by Dr Marlene Siegel and Dan Stachofsky for a fascinating conversation about EMFs, modern technology, pet health and the hidden environmental stressors affecting our lives . Together, they explore whether EMF concerns are being dismissed too quickly, how modern living may be contributing to overload in both humans and animals, and why curi...

In this episode of Blether with Barberra , Brian is joined by Michelle Steiner for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about hidden disability , judgement, accessibility and advocacy. Michelle shares what it is like living with a disability that many people cannot immediately see, and why assumptions can be so damaging. Together, Brian and Michelle explore disability visibility, public un...

Why do some young people stop caring about the future? In this powerful episode of Blether with Barberra , Brian Caldwell-White speaks with youth speaker and author Lawrence C. Harris about what really sits underneath apathy, low motivation and emotional shutdown in young people. Drawing from his own lived experience of autism, childhood abuse, bullying, therapy and being kicked out at a young age...

In this episode of Blether with Barberra, Brian Caldwell-White speaks with Dr Nikhit Anilbhai, a medical doctor and healthcare technology founder, about patient monitoring, healthcare innovation and the human cost of missed warning signs. Dr Nikhit shares how his experience working as a doctor during the pandemic, losing patients, and later losing his own father shaped his mission to improve the w...

In this special audio-only episode, Brian Caldwell-White appears as a guest on The Choosing Woo Podcast with Rachel Baldock for an open and honest conversation about trauma, cancer, mental health, autism, resilience, healing and hope. This episode is different from the usual Blether with Barberra format, as it was originally recorded externally as an audio podcast. It is shared here as part of Bri...

Can animals help people heal? Heather Gibson joins Brian Caldwell-White to discuss the extraordinary relationship between humans and animals and why that connection can be life-changing for people experiencing trauma, anxiety and emotional challenges. Drawing from her experience as a foster parent, ethical breeder and advocate for animal-assisted support, Heather shares powerful stories about chil...

What happens when people stop feeling seen, heard and supported? In this episode of Blether with Barberra , Brian Caldwell-White is joined by New York social worker and patient advocate Alexey Dmitriyev for a powerful conversation about healthcare, human connection and the importance of advocacy. Together they discuss: • Why trust in healthcare has been damaged • The difference between treating pe...

Paul Lagerstedt never expected to enter the alcohol industry. A former diesel mechanic turned entrepreneur, Paul became frustrated by the headaches, fatigue and poor sleep he experienced after drinking, despite consuming alcohol in moderation. In this episode of Blether with Barberra, we explore how our relationship with alcohol has changed, why some drinks affect us differently and what might rea...

Rachel Baldock is the host of the Choosing Woo podcast and helps women reconnect with themselves through intuition, community and lived experience. In this episode, Rachel joins Brian Caldwell-White to discuss why so many women have lost trust in themselves, how modern society has disconnected us from our inner wisdom, and why authentic communities can be transformative for mental wellbeing and pe...

In this final episode with Dr Robb Kelly, we explore addiction recovery, abandonment, success, money, trauma, identity and the deeper emotional work that remains after someone appears to have “made it”.

Dr Robb Kelly discusses addiction recovery, reconnecting with his daughters, fatherhood, family trauma, celebrity addiction and why he believes parents should never give up on their children.

Dr Robb Kelly explains how addiction connects to trauma, brain patterns, repetition and survival responses. This episode explores why addiction is often misunderstood and why recovery requires more than willpower.

Dr Robb Kelly discusses homelessness, alcoholism, trauma, recovery, and how lived experience shaped his work treating addiction.

This episode explores what it means to feel different, struggle with identity, and search for belonging. Through honest conversation, we discuss confidence, mental health, and the journey toward self-acceptance.

What does it mean to truly belong? In this episode, we explore identity, community, and mental health through the lens of drag and life in a rural setting. From navigating toxic environments to building something meaningful, this conversation reveals how connection, visibility, and authenticity can transform lives. This isn’t just about drag — it’s about finding your people, being yourself, and cr...

What’s the reality of being a drag performer in a small town? In this raw and honest episode, we explore the hidden pressures behind drag, the mental health impact of competitiveness, and what it really feels like to live openly as part of the LGBTQIA + community in a rural setting. From bullying and fear to confidence and identity, this conversation exposes the parts of the drag scene — and being...