Navigating Disability

When Jo Chambers' mum unexpectedly transitioned into a wheelchair and aged care, Jo found herself thrust into the world of caregiving, advocacy, and grief. But what started as a mission to bring light into her mum’s new life became a bold business venture, Colour My Wheels , that’s now reshaping the way we view mobility aids in Australia. In this emotionally raw and inspiring episode, Jo shar...

How does a globe-trotting NBA executive become a powerhouse disability advocate? In this deeply moving episode, Phil Hayes-Brown, CEO of Wallara  and devoted father to Phoebe, his nonverbal daughter who lives with an intellectual disability, shares the inspiring personal journey that transformed his path from corporate boardrooms to compassionate care rooms. Phil opens up about the realities of be...

What does it really mean to provide neuroaffirming support for young people with disabilities? In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of Navigating Disability , we sit down with Breanna Jenkins, founder of Soul Support , to unpack her journey as a late-diagnosed autistic woman, carer, and disability advocate. From lived experience to founding a thriving support agency, Breanna shares how feelin...

In this raw episode of Navigating Disability, hosts Kate Read and Jenn Abbott sit down with Bruce Simpson, a seasoned trial lawyer, disability advocate, and survivor of a profound mental health crisis. Bruce opens up about what led to the moment his life nearly ended. A missed court deadline during recovery from a brain bleed, a career built on perfectionism, and decades of silent suffering brough...

In this profoundly moving episode, we sit down with Giuliana Ferretti, mother, advocate, Advanced Enrolled Nurse, and founder of both Plan Wise Living and the not for profit charity Genovation. During this deeply personal conversation we discuss raising her daughter Gabriella, who lives with a rare genetic disorder. Giuliana shares how a mother’s gut instinct defied medical doubt, how love evolved...

What happens when you spend 27 years hiding a part of yourself the world told you to be ashamed of? In this raw and powerful episode, Chris Ruden opens up about growing up with a limb difference, the emotional toll of internalised ableism, and the liberating journey toward radical self-acceptance. From years of hiding his hand, even from romantic partners, to a viral moment that sparked a wave of...

What happens when you live with a disability no one can see, and few believe? In this deeply moving episode of Navigating Disability , Chanelle Morris shares her powerful journey from shame and silence to self-acceptance and advocacy. Born with only 30% vision and legally blind in one eye, Chanelle’s condition remains undiagnosed and invisible to the world around her. Growing up, she felt forced t...

What does it take to transform trauma into triumph? In this inspiring episode of Navigating Disability, we speak with Chris Davis, an elite para-archer, mental health professional, and proud husband. Paralysed at five due to a polio-type virus, Chris recounts his early years, 25-year career in Queensland Health, and his groundbreaking gold medal win at the 2023 World Archery Championships. From tr...

Laura Lewis is a woman of resilience, revolution, and relentless love. In this emotionally rich episode, Laura shares her journey of being a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD adult, a mental health survivor, and an advocate who turned adversity into action. From experiencing a traumatic breakdown to rising as a fierce champion for her son Clay, a young autistic entrepreneur, Laura’s story reveals t...

What happens when a life-changing injury collides with an unshakable dream? In this unforgettable episode, we sit down with Dr. Dinesh Palipana, the first quadriplegic medical intern in Queensland, as he shares his powerful story of loss, resilience, and redefining what’s possible. Born during civil war in Sri Lanka, Dinesh immigrated to Australia at age 10. After completing a law degree and battl...

What happens when your child’s autism diagnosis becomes the mirror that reveals your own? In this moving and empowering episode, we sit down with Mel Spencer OAM—fierce Autistic advocate, CEO of Different Journeys, and mum to three Autistic teens. Mel shares her personal journey from initial resistance to diagnosis, through grief, PTSD, and burnout, to building an award-winning support organisatio...

What if the thing you thought would break you… actually made you unstoppable ? At just four years old, Peter Dempsey experienced a life-altering stroke that took away his ability to walk, speak, and connect. Doctors had no answers. His parents were told to prepare for the worst. But Peter chose a different path—one of relentless curiosity, quiet rage, and unshakable hope. In this extraordinary epi...

What happens when the world tells you you're too different to belong—but you build a space anyway? In this powerful and vulnerable episode, we sit down with Storm Hassett: queer, neurodivergent, Indigenous leader and founder of The Identity Clinic. From navigating the complexities of foster care to founding a revolutionary mental health service for LGBTQIA+ people, Storm shares their story of...

What happens when a life of systemic exclusion fuels a passion for transformative leadership? In this powerful episode, Kate and Jenn sit down with El Gibbs, newly appointed CEO of DANA and longtime disability rights advocate, writer, and policy strategist. El shares her journey from early medical trauma and poverty to discovering a place of belonging in the disability community—and ultimately bec...

Today on Navigating Disability , we welcome the unstoppable Seamus Evans—comedian, speaker, and neurodiversity champion.  Diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome and ADHD as a child, Seamus shares his remarkable journey of overcoming bullying, embracing self-acceptance, and breaking societal stereotypes around disability. With humor, candor, and vulnerability, he unpacks what it means to live unapologe...

Robb Evans on Losing His Daughter to Anorexia | Eating Disorder Advocacy & Liv’s Legacy In this powerful and emotional podcast episode, we sit down with Robb Evans—high-performance coach, health strategist, and father—who shares the heartbreaking story of losing his 15-year-old daughter, Liv, to anorexia. What started as subtle warning signs spiraled into 40+ hospital admissions, medical misdi...

What does it mean to lose a part of yourself—physically and emotionally—and still rise to fight for others? In this raw and deeply human episode of Navigating Disability , we sit down with advocate, speaker, and changemaker Skye Shannon, whose journey from living with Spina Bifida to becoming an amputee will stay with you long after the episode ends. Skye opens up about growing up in a small town...

This week on Navigating Disability , we’re joined by Robbie Phelan—carpenter by trade, changemaker by mission, and Director and Founder of Modular Transport Access Solutions (MODTAS). Based in Melbourne, Robbie is leading a quiet revolution in transport accessibility—and it all started with a personal tragedy and a simple idea. After witnessing preventable incidents on public transport and reflect...

*Trigger Warning: This show mentions trauma, suicide, depression, mental health and societal conditioning. If you or anyone you know needs help, call 13 11 14 in Australia* Dr Richard Fejo, better known as Richie, is a Larrakia man of direct male descent, through his father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Dr Fejo has devoted his life to improving education and health outcomes for Aboriginal an...

Strap yourself in for this show where all the touchy subjects are touched! Work, friendship, sex, dating, love, inclusivity, discrimination, people of colour, disability.... And so much more!!  As super candid and raw conversation with one of the most inspiring humans talking about all the subjects we keep behind closed doors and are too scared to normalise!  Meet Jordan Jarrett Bryan.... Wow! Wha...

We are so inspired by Veronica this week and very excited to bring you someone so committed to the cause of awareness and education around disability!  This weeks show is REALLY highlighting the ABILITY in disability!!  "As an LGBTQIA+ cisgender woman living with AuDHD and multiple chronic illnesses, I’ve had many challenges. As a result, I have become involved in group advocacy and activism...

Dr Ashleigh Moreland is the founder of Re-MIND Institute, an organisation dedicated to helping individuals overcome challenges and build meaningful, connected lives. Alongside her professional expertise in neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and healing, Ashleigh brings a deeply personal perspective to her work. As a carer for her son, who has multiple diagnoses, as well as having a top drawer f...

What an incredible story of taking on the system and finding success that is helpful for his family and parents. Ward's commitment to finding solutions, creating support and helping YOU discover the supports that are available 'out there' is evident in every word in this show! Navigating aged care and the NDIS can be a mine field and this show will give you direction, education and...

Dive into this weeks podcast for a heart warming and empowering show where Kate & Jenn dive down the rabbit hole and share stories and experiences with a fellow neurodivergent mum, juggling the challenges, the wins and the beautiful discoveries all at once! Meet Deb, a neurodivergent (late-diagnosed) mum to two boys, now 12 and 14 who has learned many hard yet incredible life lessons from her...

Dr. Hoby Wedler is a celebrated chemist and entrepreneur, noted for his innovative work at the nexus of flavor science, organic chemistry, and sensory perception. Holding a Ph. D. in physical organic chemistry from the University of California, Davis, Dr. Wedler has carved out a unique niche by focusing on how sensory experiences shape human emotions and reactions. His innovative organic chemistry...