Disabled and Proud

Brooke is talking with Ryann, disability advocate and registered nurse on wheels. They discuss careers, doing what you want to do when you want to accomplish everything along with being driven and how accepting your disability can be the key to your liberation Ryann also discusses how learning to do things differently and doing what’s right for you and your body can positively impact on your caree...

Brooke talks with Maya about how disabled people are represented and why you should be able to define your own joy and purpose They chat about the massively important role clothes and styling can play in life and why moving to a curated wardrobe of tailored clothing can help you to feel as good on the inside as you look on the outside KEY TAKEAWAYS Initially, I ran away from the definition of bein...

In this episode, Brooke is speaking with Shams about his work to bring attention to accessibility challenges in India and how he inspires others to believe they can achieve. Accessibility is a global issue but Shams, through his work, is focused on leaving a significant stamp on accessibility in India and explains how social media has helped him to bring positive change He shares his own journey a...

Ellie talks to Brooke about her journey how she has found her creative passion and the work she does as a founder of the LookDeeper zine With a wide ranging conversation they discuss access and how making people feel valid, valued and listened to is key for any individual. They also discuss the breadth of creativity and why it’s so important to reach out and find your people and community. KEY TAK...

Ashley who refers to his disability as a positive, shares his journey and how he found his home and community in disability sports and modelling In this in depth conversation He chats with Brooke about why you should never doubt yourself and use your disadvantage to your advantage because the sky is the only limit   KEY TAKEAWAYS I got involved with sports because I was inspired by seeing David We...

This episode marks the one-year anniversary of the Disabled & Proud podcast and Brooke has put together some of her favourite bits from her guests over the last year From calling out society, learning to see disability through a different lens, finding the sex toys that work through to changing policy, statistics and being creative this is an episode not to be missed KEY TAKEAWAYS They spent a yea...

Winston and Mayfair Clement talk with Brooke about why they share their interabled relationship on social media and their mission to create a more inclusive world for people with disabilities This is a powerful and thought-provoking conversation that highlights the ways in which disability is viewed and why if you see something that could be better or different you should be trying to make it bett...

Brooke is talking with Anoushe Husain about her experiences of three different disability worlds and how as a ‘total silver lining girl’ she always finds a positive in the immense challenges she has had to overcome They talk about climbing as an active meditation and why as a role model Anoushe is always pushing to make a positive impact and inspire others   KEY TAKEAWAYS Climbing was infectious i...

Brooke is with  Damian who is talking about having Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and his work to change the conversation around sex for disabled people They discuss the access to learning and why there should be a much wider approach and better inclusivity to sex education and …. discusses some of the questions he is asked and why representation and knowledge  are such important elements   KEY TAKEAWAYS...

Brooke is chatting with Sophie about being disabled in a capitalist society and why disabled people are so frequently left out of the conversation about work They discuss masking and how autism presents differently along with the stereotypes and how everyone is unique and why a different perspective is so valuable KEY TAKEAWAYS It’s beneficial to be diagnosed, because it means you take steps can m...

Brooke is with photographer Dylan talking about his journey and how he sees his disability as part of who he is As someone with a hunger for kindness Dylan shares the ways he spreads a positive message and talks about the importance of both photography and activism and why right now the world needs much more kindness and positivity   KEY TAKEAWAYS Photography has helped me to tell a story and tell...

Iman experiences chronic pain and chronic illness and was first diagnosed as a teenager She talks with Brooke about how she has had to relearn who she is and learn how to navigate the world in a completely different way   She chats about the vital role of community, how it helped her to connect with others and how when you are forced to adapt and do things differently you can create beautiful art...

Charlie is with Brooke talking about his journey and  why wearing his heart on his sleeve is key to being able to help others He discusses his approach to life and why getting to know people and having a chat is such an important aspect of life and shares some of the amazing experiences and opportunities he has had so far in his life KEY TAKEAWAYS My podcast is about open and honest conversations...

Brooke is with Allie who is talking about her journey and experiences as someone who is autistic They discuss her upcoming book and how on her journey through life, she has overcome challenges and actively looked for and implemented her own coping mechanisms and strategies so that now she isn’t just surviving she’s thriving and being exactly who she is KEY TAKEAWAYS There are strategies you can im...

Brookes guest, Josh,  describes himself as having a complex C6 and C7 fracture spinal cord injury and in this episode discusses how the body adapts and why when one door closes other doors open and new opportunities reveal themselves They chat about Josh’s career path changing and how he’s swopped a career behind a desk to one where he travels the world and sees amazing places and people as a full...

Celia Hensman talks with Brooke about her work at the disability policy centre, the first think tank of its kind in the UK, which is dedicated to developing and advancing policy for disabled people They discuss how policy and legislation are part of all our lives and how disabled people being consulted fully on everything is the missing piece of the jigsaw along with the many powerful and unique a...

Isaac talks with Brooke about how it’s the world that’s disabling its people and how it’s always the journey that’s the most important, not reaching an end destination He shares how when his mindset changed he was able to see that his disability is his strength and always had been even though he didn’t realise it Brooke and Isaac also talk about the magic and creativity in disability and how shari...

Ali shares her experiences and explains why when something is wrong you have to stand up and shout not only for yourself but for everyone else She discusses with Brooke the reality of discrimination in everyday life and how what businesses and brands say across social media isn’t always the reality of what’s happening in the workplace day to day and explains how her community are the coolest peopl...

Brooke is talking with Asta Philpot, Campaigner, Actor and Presenter about the importance of celebrating and promoting disabled people and why acceptance of who you are is the key to being confident and achieving your dreams When you shine who you are the whole world will shine with you and the possibilities are endless KEY TAKEAWAYS Being a kid was tricky but as I’ve grown older I’ve learnt to em...

Clara who has EDS and is a wheelchair user talks to Brooke about the journey to getting diagnosed and why her disability is a part of who she is but not what defines her as an individual She chats about modelling, disabled representation and being part of the change for inclusivity, seeing people like yourself in a positive space and being seen KEY TAKEAWAYS It’s a management process, pacing your...

Brooke is talking with Toby Addison about how he has exploded onto TikTok, and why he wants to use his platform to share his life and educate others Toby discusses the importance of having a Plan ‘A’ and a plan ‘B’ and why being prepared is the key to avoiding the unnecessary hassle and shares great advice on how to pursue what you really want in life KEY TAKEAWAYS My mindset now is about doing ev...

In this episode, Nina Tame, counsellor and disability advocate talks about her experiences and why society is ableist on every level Nina shares how the world perceives her differently with her wheelchair and discusses with Brooke why it isn’t the disability but everything and everyone else so learning to be kind to yourself is vital Nina also explains why it’s a “privilege and treat to be a part...

In this episode hear about Physical Disability Rugby League from player Nick KennedyHe explains how this sport, custom designed for disabled people changes lives bringing shared experiences and connections that last a lifetimeAs someone who is passionate about the sport, Nick explains how he got into it and shares the positives it has brought for him, listen in and be inspired KEY TAKEAWAYS PDRL h...

Sandie talks with Brooke about why she’s such a proud disabled human being and why disability brings a unique spectrum of colour to the world and prevents humanity from stagnatingShe discusses how her disability has made her stronger and helped her to reflect and move forward on a journey of growth, and exploration to be the person she wants to beSandie and Brooke also talk about why it's so impor...

Brooke is talking with Martin Dougan about his experiences growing up and in his career in broadcasting They discuss diversity and representation and the need for change along with how successful it can be when the disabled person creates the blueprint around what they need and don’t need in the workplace Martin also explains why being confident in your disability is what changes everything, liste...