Disabled and Proud

Brooke meets Rachel Charlton-Dailey, a writer and activist, to talk about their experiences and perspectives on disability. They discuss the importance of using the term "disabled" as an umbrella term that encompasses various disabilities, the impact of medical misogyny on disabled women, and the lack of guidelines in the media for writing about disability. Rachel also shares their journey of embr...

Brooke welcomes guest Warren Stapley to discuss a wide range of topics, including disability, LGBTQ+ issues, and the importance of inclusive language. Warren shares his personal experiences as a person with a hearing impairment and his journey navigating the corporate world as a disabled individual. They delve into the challenges faced by disabled children in school settings and the impact of inte...

Brooke welcomes Vicky Foxcroft, the Labour MP for Lewisham, Deptford, who shares her journey of being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis later in life and how it has impacted her personal and professional life. They discuss the complexities of identifying as disabled and the internalised ableism that often comes with invisible disabilities. Vicky also talks about her role as an MP and the challen...

Brooke welcomes Jordan Jarrett Bryan to discuss his experiences as a below-the-knee amputee, looking at topics such as the journey of learning to walk, and the impact of his disability on their childhood and teenage years. They also explore the positive impact of Jordan's disability on his career, particularly in the media industry, touching on the importance of representation and Jordan's own pro...

Brooke welcomes Lyndsay Watterson, who shares her journey of becoming an amputee and navigating life with a disability. They discuss the challenges of adjusting to a new identity, the impact of visible disabilities on social interactions, and the importance of finding a supportive community.  Lyndsay also shares her experience of starting her own business, creating unique acrylic walking sticks, a...

Brooke welcomes Keron Day, an actor and disability advocate., to discuss the journey of embracing disability and using the term "disabled" proudly. They delve into the importance of representation in film and TV, challenging ableist narratives, and creating a more inclusive and realistic portrayal of disabled people. Keron also talks about what it's like to work in the film and TV industry, highli...

Brooke interviews Amanda Leduc, author of the book "Disfigured." They discuss Amanda's journey of self-acceptance as a disabled woman and how her perspective on disability has evolved over time. Amanda shares her experiences with cerebral palsy, chronic pain, and the impact of societal attitudes on disabled individuals. They delve into the themes explored in Amanda's book, including the representa...

Brooke meets Kris Foster, who shares his personal journey as a disabled individual and his journey towards self-acceptance and self-love. He proudly identifies as autistic and has a form of Down syndrome called Arslaugh syndrome. Kris emphasises the importance of embracing one's disability and not letting it define them. He also discusses the need for unity within the disabled community and the po...

Brooke welcomes writer and advocate Lucy Webster to discuss disability, activism, and journalism. They dive into various topics, including how they refer to their disabilities, the importance of access needs, and the pressure to share personal disability stories. They also explore their experiences as disabled individuals during childhood and the challenges they faced in school, as well as highlig...

Brooke meets Michael Grimmett, who shares his unique experiences and insights regarding topics such as how he refers to his disability as an impairment rather than being defined by it. He reflects on his childhood, including attending mainstream school in Saudi Arabia and transitioning to an all-disabled person's school in the UK. Michael also talks about his career choices, which have been influe...

Brooke interviews Aoife Madden, who lives with Fowler's Syndrome, a chronic bladder condition. They discuss the challenges and misconceptions surrounding invisible disabilities, as well as the importance of understanding and empathy. Aoife shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with Fowler's Syndrome at 16 and how it has impacted her life and career as a primary school teacher. She also ta...

Brooke is joined by Mark Webb, who shares his personal journey with multiple sclerosis (MS) and how he has embraced his disability. Mark discusses the symptoms and challenges of living with MS, including intense nerve pain and mobility issues. He reflects on his diagnosis and the support he received from his employer, highlighting the importance of acceptance and understanding in the workplace. Ma...

Brooke talks to Sukjeen Kaur about disability, identity, and the importance of self-care. Sukhjeen reflects on her personal journey of discovering their disabilities, including ADHD and autism, and how it has shaped their understanding of disability rights and advocacy. They also discuss the challenges faced in school, including racial abuse and the struggle to express themselves. Sukhjeen also sh...

Today Brooke and guest Damian Wetherald delve into the often overlooked subject of disability and its intersection with sexuality. They bring to the forefront the scarcity of representation and information concerning this matter, emphasizing the necessity for candid dialogues and inspiring role models. The duo explores the hurdles that people with disabilities encounter in obtaining inclusive and...

In today's interview, Brooke talks with Lindsey Depledge, who bravely discusses her journey living with epilepsy. Lindsey shares her evolution from initially ignoring her diagnosis to embracing her identity as an epileptic. She highlights the challenges of an unseen disability and the importance of epilepsy awareness. Lindsey also touches on navigating healthcare, securing accommodations, and find...

Brooke is chatting with Ian about food, disability and why tearing up the rule book and trying something new is the key to changing your mindset Cooking can help change your mindset and Ian chats about how when you  apply a flexible approach, move out of your lane and tear up the rule book the possibilities are endless and there is always something new and exciting to celebrate KEY TAKEAWAYS When...

Shannon  talks with Brooke about why she wants to make disability as visible as possible and how getting online with Instagram and finding a community changed everythingShe shares her experiences of growing up and her journey from thinking negatively about herself to being disabled and proud and why everyone should celebrate the differences because it’s the differences that are really valuable KEY...

In this episode, Brooke is  talking  with Chandy about learning to love yourself, and your disabilityFrom trying to fit in, through to learning to curate your own self-love, they chat about how learning to love yourself is a journey, the importance of community and why in life you just need to ‘do you’ KEY TAKEAWAYS People will tell you things when you are disabled but you don’t have to believe it...

Autistic ADHDer Ellie talks with Brooke about masking and getting the answers about things she has struggled with her entire lifeShe discusses how masking affected her growing up and how a late diagnosis was the key to being who she truly is  and brought the understanding of how she could successfully work with herselfListen in and hear about why doing what’s right for you and focusing on those wh...

Punkeet talks with Brooke about redefining himself  and his journey as an activist and  advocate for others He discusses the different ways disability is viewed and how sometimes staying in your comfort zone is the right thing to do He also chats about being confident and successful and why this can make others feel uncomfortable and shares why he couldn’t be prouder to call himself disabled   KEY...

Dee talks with Brooke about her rare genetic condition and how she is disabled and proud. They discuss ableism and why disabled people are so strong, confident and able to advocate for themselvesIt's one step at a time on any journey and the steps can be big or small, the important thing is to keep making them KEY TAKEAWAYS There is a stigma around using mobility aids but they are something that c...

In this episode Lee is with Brooke talking about how his journey has helped me to become more resilient and resourceful and has led to a pathway that means he now makes an impact on the world every dayAs a disabled entrepreneur Lee is passionate about what people can do and discusses with Brooke why disabled entrepreneurs have the skills and creative approaches that can make them the best and most...

Nicole talks with Brooke about her journey, from being part of a very small community to winning the title of Miss Iowa and taking part in the Miss America Pageant along with the transition from being a disabled child to a disabled adult and how the attention changes. They discuss the importance of community and body autonomy and why Niccole is proud to be disabled   KEY TAKEAWAYS Every day, in my...

Scott talks with Brooke about the use of the term disability and his own journey with, as he describes it, the most common conditions that very few people have heard of, FNDHe discusses the journey to being diagnosed and the groups and people who helped him the most. They also discuss inclusivity and the importance of flexibility for businesses through understanding that everyone is unique and ind...

Kelly Gordon is Brooke’s guest and shares her own story and talks about the visibility of disabled people  and how her disability is part of who she is They discuss being empowered and stepping into who you really are and why embracing it and working to be the best person you can be are so important. Kelly also discusses being tenacious and why she wouldn’t want to be anyone except the amazing per...