Rights Upfront

In this episode, my guest Emma shares their personal experiences and reflections on living with a disability. They discuss identity, community, and the evolution of their acceptance of their disabled body from childhood. The conversation also delves into the challenges faced with societal perceptions, internalised ableism, and the impact of neurodivergence on their life. Additionally, they touch o...

In this episode, I’m joined by Scott Whitney, a passionate social entrepreneur and founder of All 4 Inclusion , an award-winning social enterprise tackling loneliness in the disability community. Scott acquired his disability in 2020, and after an 18-month journey of adjustment, he turned his experience into a mission to support others. We dive into his journey of adapting to disability, the impac...

Navigating the world while living with a learning disability and a hearing impairment is no easy feat, but Patrise's journey is nothing short of inspiring. From her early struggles with memory and requiring support for everyday tasks to overcoming barriers in education and employment, Patrise shares her story of resilience and determination. Her candid conversation reveals the challenges she...

Join me on an emotional and insightful journey as we explore the transition from creating humorous TikTok videos to becoming an advocate for mental health. In this episode, Rachel shares their personal story of coping with the loss of their mum seven years ago and the recent diagnosis of OCD. Discover how social media became a platform for serious discussions about grief, self-care, and mental hea...

In this powerful and emotive episode of our podcast, we sit down with an inspiring advocate for disability rights who began her journey at Leeds Uni in 2016. With the evolution of her blog into a force for societal transformation, she challenges us to rethink our perceptions of disability. Join us as we delve into topics such as Down Syndrome Day, the personal impact of living with a disability, a...

In this episode, Pete's Ascent Beyond Boundaries in Para climbing, where we delve into the extraordinary journey of Pete, an athlete with cerebral palsy who defies all odds in the competitive world of climbing.  Pete's story is not just about scaling physical walls but also about overcoming societal attitudes and financial challenges that athletes with disabilities often face. From his e...

"Embracing Differences and Finding Community With Neurofibromatosis" is a podcast episode that brings to the forefront the inspiring stories of individuals living with neurofibromatosis (NF). Join me as, I speak with Kristen, a personal trainer / senior manager at an advertising agency, from New York City, whose life has been shaped by the condition since infancy. From the physical manif...

In this episode, I speak to Kiera about being diagnosed with a brain tumour. Immerse yourself in our conversation which looks at the challenges in getting support and the impact of diagnosis on friends, family, and how to live well and embrace disability.  highlights of each Podcast episode: The onset of headaches & the path to diagnosis  Coming to Terms with having a brain tumor diagnosis Fin...

Join me as for this episode of the Rights Upfront podcast as I speak to Kelly Gordon, a wheelchair user, mother, and a trailblazer in advocating for disability inclusivity in creative industries. Kelly shares her transformative journey from the competitive world of football to becoming a voice for change in advertising and creative production.  Episode Highlights 🎙️ - Kelly's path to becoming...

In this episode, I sit down with Joe, the inspiring force behind Dystrophy Dad and Sons of Dystrophy, to explore his transformative journey through the world of muscular dystrophy. Joe candidly shares how his personal experiences with the condition evolved into a global mission to connect and empower others affected by different forms of dystrophy. Listen as we delve into the creation of worldwide...

In this episode I meet Madelyn, a 21-year-old advocate from Minnesota, bravely living with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Madelyn shares her intimate battle with these invisible chronic illnesses, revealing the day-to-day adversities she overcomes and the triumphs that define her resilient spirit. Listen to Madelyn discuss the stigmas surrounding...

Join us for this enlightening episode with Danielle from Boston, who shares her vibrant journey as a disability advocate. Despite living with an unidentified muscle disease, Danielle's narrative is one of humor, resilience, and empowerment. We delve into the evolution of disability rights, the influence of films like "Crip Camp," and the digital era's role in shaping advocacy....

In this epiosode, I am joined by Amit Ghose, who opens up about his life with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a condition that's shaped his identity and advocacy journey. Amit shares the highs and lows, from the stinging stigma he faced growing up to the unconditional support from his family and wife, which has been a cornerstone of his resilience. His viral leap into social media advocacy pa...