The I Can't Stand Podcast

After 313 days of setbacks, heartbreak and relentless determination, I finally started freezing my eggs. From a devastating fall to the daily sting of IVF injections, this episode shares the raw reality of what it took to get here as a disabled woman navigating a system that wasn’t built for me. This is the most personal part of the story yet and the one I fought hardest to tell. Let's Make...

This is the story of how persistence and advocacy helped me reclaim my hope and take the final steps toward freezing my eggs. A journey of heartbreak that pushed me closer to the edge of total despair, than I ever had been before. Then after months of setbacks, I found a team that believed in me and my right to choose motherhood. Let's Make IVF Ableism A Thing Of The Past: Please reach out to me d...

What happens when disability isn't part of the plan? From inaccessible medical equipment to dismissive policies, I uncover the systemic challenges of freezing my eggs with cerebral palsy. This episode is about resilience, advocacy, and finding the strength to fight for what’s right. Let's Make IVF Ableism A Thing Of The Past: Please reach out to me directly through my email icantstandpodcast...

Motherhood was never part of my original plan—until one moment changed everything. Join me as I share the doubts, hope, and resilience behind my decision to freeze my eggs as a disabled woman. This is where my journey begins, and the barriers start to show. Let's Make IVF Ableism A Thing Of The Past: Please reach out to me directly through my email icantstandpodcast@gmail.com or via social m...

Eggs is a compelling limited podcast series that follows the journey of a disabled woman navigating the deeply personal and challenging process of freezing her eggs. What should have been a straightforward medical procedure turned into a fight for dignity, access, and equality. This series sheds light on the barriers disabled women face when trying to take control of their reproductive futures&mda...

As 2024 comes to a close, join Peta for a special highlight episode of The I Can’t Stand Podcast . Reflecting on her favourite moments from Season Four, Peta revisits powerful stories of acceptance, resilience, allyship, and the importance of disability employment. Whether you’re a long-time listener or new to the podcast, this episode celebrates the voices and experiences that made th...

In this episode, Peta speaks with Carolyn Campbell-McLean and Jaxon Taylor, two people living with Muscular Dystrophy. Carolyn reflects on her decades of experience as a woman with MD, emphasising the importance of purpose and connection in navigating life’s challenges. Meanwhile, Jaxon offers insights as a young man in his late teens, sharing his confidence, determination, and passion for fosteri...

Happy International Day for People with Disability! Today, we’re joined by Hayden Moon, a 2024 Ambassador for this significant day. In this episode, Hayden shares their remarkable journey as a queer, trans, legally blind advocate and leader. Together, we explore the importance of diverse representation in disability advocacy and his experiences at Parliament House to push for systemic change last...

This week on The I Can't Stand Podcast , Ronan Soussa shares his journey as an advocate, performer, and ambassador living with autism. He opens up about finding love on Love on the Spectrum , his passion for raising awareness about invisible disabilities, and his goals for a more inclusive future. With warmth and positivity, Ronan inspires listeners to embrace their authentic selves and celebrate...

Michael Coles delves into the profound reality of autistic burnout, sharing how masking and the demands of navigating school, work, and social environments contributed to his experiences. He opens up about the emotional and physical toll of burnout, offering insights into his recovery journey and the strategies that have helped him rebuild. Michael also highlights the importance of community and s...

This week, Peta chats with Rosie Anderson, an ambulatory wheelchair user, model, and advocate for inclusivity in fashion. Rosie shares her experiences navigating the modelling industry with a disability, from tokenism to authentic representation, openly embracing her feeding tube and championing accessible sets. She sheds light on what true inclusivity looks like and the meaningful changes still n...

Twelve years ago, Mandy McCracken’s life changed overnight, leaving her with limited guidance on how to navigate her new reality as a disabled person. Now, through Get Started Disability Support Australia , Mandy is on a mission to help others who have just acquired a disability, providing the practical advice and support she wishes she had.  Connect with Mandy:  Website:  https://www.getstarteddi...

Peta talks to Simone Eyles, the founder of Disinfluencer, a platform focused on improving disability representation in media and advertising. Simone shares her journey of creating opportunities for disabled talent to be authentically featured in campaigns, while also helping businesses and brands become more inclusive.  Connect with Simone:  Website: https://www.disinfluencer.co Instagram: https:/...

In this episode, Julie Jones talks about the creation of Have Wheelchair Will Travel and how it has become a valuable resource for disabled travellers. She shares personal stories of travelling with her son Braeden, who also makes an appearance in the episode via assistive technology. Together, Peta and Julie explore how travel can enhance connection and stress the importance of accessibility and...

Michael Hingson shares his incredible story of surviving the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog, Roselle. Michael reflects on how fear can be harnessed as a tool for leadership and resilience, drawing lessons from his own experiences and his partnerships with guide dogs. Together, Peta and Michael explore the misconceptions around disability and the power of teamwork, trust, and purpose i...

In this solo episode, I’m back from a much-needed holiday, and I wanted to give you all an update. The holiday was lovely, but as we all know, life with a disability doesn’t take a break. I faced some challenges—from my beach wheelchair losing power, to my hoist sparking, and my car battery failing twice. It wasn’t the relaxing break I’d hoped for, but I’m sharing the reality of what happened and...

Originally recorded in January 2022 As Disney continues to shape the imaginations of children around the world, one question remains: where are the disabled princesses? In this encore episode, disability activist Hannah Diviney shares her passion for changing how the world, and Disney, see disability.  From viral petitions to meaningful cultural change, Hannah dives into why representation matters...

Originally recorded in June 2022 Ben Aldridge’s story is one of resilience, strength, and honesty. In this listener-favourite episode, Ben reflects on his time in the military, his experiences with mental health challenges, and what it’s like to live with a disability.  As mental health and disability continue to intersect in so many people’s lives, this conversation is an important reminder of th...

Originally recorded in October 2021. n this special replay, we revisit one of my favourite conversations with Carly Findlay. Carly’s journey as a writer, speaker, and activist has not only shaped disability advocacy in Australia but also inspired countless people globally. If you missed this episode the first time, now’s your chance to hear how Carly uses her platform to challenge perceptions and...

Peta sits down with Paralympian Karni Liddell to discuss the growing NDIS crisis, the realities of disabled motherhood, and whether Australia’s Paralympic team is facing an unprecedented decline. Connect with Karni Liddell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karniliddell/?hl=en Karni's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/ Karni's Tedx Talk: https://youtu.be/GFTeBdp__Rg?feature=shared Conne...

Deanna shares how she transforms her MRI scans into vibrant artwork, reframing her experience with Multiple Sclerosis. We explore her journey of managing chronic pain and endometriosis, advocating for mental health, and the importance of representation for invisible disabilities.   Connect with Deanna: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/circularblooms/   Deanna also mentioned Honor Eastly  https...

In this episode, Peta chats with LK Bowen, author of the suspenseful novel For Worse . LK shares how her vision impairment influenced her writing, turning disability vulnerability into a powerful narrative tool. Discover how her personal experiences shape her gripping storytelling, offering a unique perspective on crafting suspense through a disabled lens. Buy For Worse by LK Bowen: https://www.am...

This week on The I Can't Stand Podcast, Peta chats with the inspiring team behind Sprung Dance Theatre. Discover how this unique organisation supports disabled and deaf artists in Northern NSW, providing them with the tools and opportunities to thrive as professionals. With insights from Artistic Director Daniele Constance, Ensemble Artist Manager Katie Cooper-Wares, and performer Tara Coughlan, t...

Tigger Warning Sexual Assault Join Peta as she chats with Annie Crowe, a neurodivergent disability rights lawyer, who reflects on her journey to receiving her autism and ADHD diagnoses. Annie delves into how these diagnoses helped her make sense of her past, particularly in relation to her experiences with sexual assault and eating disorders. Her story is one of empowerment, as she now dedicates h...

In this episode, Peta chats with Khadija Gbla, a remarkable black, autistic, and disabled human rights advocate. Khadija shares their powerful journey from being a refugee to becoming a strong voice for multiple marginalised communities, including the disability, neurodivergent, and immigrant communities. They discuss the importance of embracing one's identity, the challenges of navigating interse...