Shows
Something Shifted with Sean LootsI phoned The Chaeli Campaign for Podcasthon 2025My plan was to visit The Chaeli Campaign HQ. But life happened.
So instead, I picked up the phone and spoke to the CEO, Zelda Mycroft.
Zelda shares The Chaeli Campaign's mission to drive social justice and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Highlighting the crucial role of advocacy in changing how society views and supports those with disabiliities, we speak about initiatives such as inclusive education and adaptive sports.
Listen to how Athletics South Africa came to include wheelchair athletes to their rulebook because of the advocacy work done by The Chaeli Campaign.
2025-03-2426 min
The TangentIntroducing The TangentThere's a point... and we'll get there.Through The Tangent, I invite you to explore the intricate and captivating details of living with a disability. In each episode of this immersive journey we dive deep into the behind-the-scenes narratives, untold stories, and unexpected tangents that shape life while navigating the world with a disability and how to build resilience and all that. Join me for candid conversations - sharing triumphs, challenges, and the everyday moments that make life extraordinary. This podcast goes beyond conventional narratives, celebrating the diverse experiences within the disability community while also w...2025-02-2001 min
The TangentI have too many notebooks!In this episode of The Tangent, I’m getting real about the systems and strategies I’m using (and still figuring out) to be more productive and happier in 2025. Productivity isn’t just about doing more - it’s about doing what matters in a way that feels good. I share what’s working for me, what I’m still tweaking, and how we can build habits that support both our goals and our well-being. No perfect formulas here, just an honest look at how we can set ourselves up for a year of focus, fulfillment, and maybe even a little fun...2025-02-2027 min
Something Shifted with Sean Loots"Whose afraid of little old me?"Today’s story is a little different to some of our previous episodes.
We generally meet guests post-life quake, who have the benefit of hindsight, and we learn how "That Big Thing" has changed the direction of their life - but we meet them on stable ground.
Not everyone is on the other side of an event that has changed the way they see how they fit into the world… sometimes we meet someone that is mid-quake.
Chaeli has cerebral palsy and is a full-time wheelchair user. A big part of her journey is being able...2025-02-1028 min
The TangentNew year, same me, better systems"I'm going on quests"2025 is here and I'm excited about it! In this episode, we reflect on 2024, look forward to what I'm keen to achieve in 2025, and a few new approaches and nuggets I'm bringing with me. Let's do the thing!Support the show2025-01-1620 min
The TangentWhat happened when I got bladder botox (ft. casual ableism)"not one of the thousands of questions was asking what my disability is"Advocacy doesn't look the same every time you do it. Being an advocate for myself in hospitals or medical settings is one of the most difficult for me. In this episode, I wanted to share just talk about my first experience with bladder Botox, but it evolved into a storytime of my hospital experience from start to finish. Lessons learned, ableism endured, trauma shared. Let's do the thing!Support the show2024-12-2935 min
The TangentCape Town Marathon was chaotic for us"Your body can rally for you, if you solve the right problem."I love running so much. If you ask a thousand marathon runners what their favourite thing about doing these races is, you'd probably find a thousand answers, but there are so many common threads that bring us together as we overcome challenges through these events. There are also so many things that can (and do) go wrong, and that's where some of the best stories come from! In this episode, we go through our 2024 Cape Town Marathon, as an adaptive duo team. Let me just...2024-11-0429 min
The TangentI don't think balance is a thing"I don't think it's about balance at all, I think it's about prioritising"We focus a lot of energy on finding balance and keeping all the plates spinning in the air. What if that is an unrealistic goal for our lives? In this episode, we're exploring this question and a few other ideas like gratitude, people pleasing and owning our enthusiasm so we can find our heart & soul people with more ease.So let's do the thing! Support the show2024-10-2123 min
The TangentVoting As a Disabled Person in 2024“don’t let the system, and the admin and the bureaucratic bullshit get you down”I didn't realise that claiming my right to vote in 2024 would be as trying and involve so many people, so many tears, and some fresh, borrowed rage. In this episode, we go through all the hoops of getting an ID (and a temporary one too) as a physically disabled, wheelchair-using South African. Support the show2024-10-0729 min
The TangentWe went to the Eras Tour!“I know I’m going to be pretty insufferable for the people around me if anyone tells me that something is not possible”I have been a Taylor Swift fan forever and after nearly two decades of being a Swiftie we missioned across the world to see her in person. Unhinged? Probably. Worthwhile? A million times, yes! Support the show2024-07-2938 min
The Sias du Plessis ShowMark "Muddy" Ferreira - Episode 57Meet the incredible or crazy, Mark "Muddy" Ferreira, depending on your opinion. A man who goes above and beyond the call of duty to inspire and create awareness for the Chaeli Campaign, he decided a while back to do the 7-in-7 Challenge, running 6 consecutive ultramarathons before finishing the Comrades marathon, all while pushing Chaeli Mycroft in her buggy for every step of the journey. This 90km ultramarathon draws thousands of people each year and is a true test of the body and mind. A truly inspirational story from a truly inspirational man.2024-06-0752 min
The TangentMy service dog got explosive diarrhoea!"That was a humbling experience for sure..."I got my service dog, Eden, in my 3rd year of university and she changed my life. In this episode, we go through some stories that I haven't really shared before and some behind-the-scenes journey of being a working dog mom. Let's do the thing!Support the show2024-05-3140 min
The TangentCan I park here?"I'm not saying we're bad drivers"I've had so many debates and arguments about disabled parking, so let's get into it. This episode is just a quick intro of my perspective on this part of disabled life. Let's do the thing!Support the show2024-04-2422 min
The TangentI had emergency surgery and then ran the Comrades! "It wasn't best case scenario but it wasn't worst case scenario either, so that's a win"When plans don't go to plan in dramatic ways the only thing to do is go with the flow. In 2023 we decided to create and attempt the 7in7 Challenge - running 7 ultra-marathons in 7 days finishing with the Comrades Marathon on day 7. Insane, I know.In this episode, you're getting the backstory of what happened when my body decided to throw a spanner in the works 16 days before the Comrades Marathon. It was a wild time and definitely memorable.2024-03-2735 min
The TangentThat's not the compliment you think it is"It can get heavy always letting things go." I'm constantly engaging with other people. Over the years have had some pretty entertaining things said to me, but sometimes it doesn't hit the mark as you may think. In this episode, we're talking about some things that are said to me on the regular, that don't feel like compliments, and aren't that funny from my side. This is all about learning and taking a second to think about what you're saying, and an opportunity to do better next time. So, let's do the thing! 2024-03-1113 min
The TangentMy body can be a hard place to live"the level of denial I had about this was unparalleled in my life"Being disabled can be really rough sometimes and we don't always get the chance to acknowledge this and talk about it. We're busy living our lives but it's also fine to show the hard parts too. This episode is exactly that, taking a moment to talk about the hard parts of living in my disabled body. Support the show2024-02-2631 min
The TangentLife is risky in a wheelchair, but it's assessed risk"Everybody falls, but you learn from it"We all have moments where we do something embarrassing and it leads to a story shared for years to come. For me, my wheelchair and my disability have added many stories to my catalog. In this episode, you'll get a few of the more memorable disabled fail moments that (mostly) ended in laughter and learning. Let's do the thing. Support the show2024-02-1236 min
Our Journey to HopeEpisode 34 - A Conversation With Chaeli Mycroft - Hope Unleashed!Send us a textEvery now and then we come across someone in our life that leaves us breathless. Such was my reaction from my recent aquaintance with Michaela (Chaeli) Mycroft of Cape Town South Africa. This remarkable woman has won international recognition from such agencies as the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates as an advocate for the disabled. She has literally climbed mountains and run marathons to bring attention to the disabled. And she's done all that while being disabled herself with cerebral palsy. Do not use the word cannot with Chaeli!As you l...2024-02-0258 min
The TangentThere are so many models!"I just registered the overwhelm people have... there are so many models!"The history and theory of disability can be an intriguing place to start investigating the way disabled people exist in society. In this episode, we're getting a little knowledge share-y, looking at how history and the development of different models of disability across the decades impact how disabled people live life. We take on these models as they're used to create policies and largely dictate how we are perceived by those around us.Support the show2024-01-3123 min
The TangentHow do we even talk about this?"There's always a disability caveat... here's mine"We're generally not great at communicating about things that we don't understand or 'touchy subjects' that are complicated to unpack. Disability is seen as one such topic. In this episode of The Tangent, we dive into the complexities and nuances of disabled life. There are many different experiences, perspectives, and approaches to unpack, so let's take a deep breath and start here.Let's do the thing!Support the show2024-01-2131 min
The TangentWhat's the point?"I'm not an expert but I do know everything about my own experiences"Welcome to the ridiculousness! If you've ever wondered about living with disability and had questions that you weren't sure how to ask, this is the place for you. Start here and listen up for little knowledge nuggets that I've learned (so far) throughout my full, beautiful, and messy disabled life.The first episode of The Tangent explores where I've come from, where I find myself now, and why we should embrace all the random places life takes us and all of the...2024-01-2122 min
Navigating the TwentiesChaeli Mycroft – Unapologetically AbleIn Episode 6 of Navigating the Twenties, your host Zinhle Novazi sits down with the inspiring Chaeli Mycroft, co-founder of the Chaeli Campaign, accomplished author, activist, and captivating speaker. Together, they delve into the powerful theme of "Being Unapologetically Able."In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Chaeli addresses the nuances of being an ally to disabled individuals, offering invaluable advice on how abled-bodied individuals can be more sensitive and supportive. With unwavering honesty, Chaeli invites us to examine our own behaviors and attitudes, encouraging us all to be part of a more...2023-11-0855 min
Zen SammichZen Sammich #62 | Able to Achieve Great Heights w/ Chaeli MycroftChaeli Mycroft is a South African ability activist with cerebral palsy and says that DOES, in fact, help define who she is. She became the first female quadriplegic to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain on the African continent. She has completed ultra-marathons of over 89km (55miles). And she isn’t simply “along for the ride.” It takes a toll on her body each time. Chaeli is also the author of "Unapologetically Able: 25 Years of Living and Laughing with my Disability," a memoir that provides insight into how she sees the world.You can purchase Unapologetically Able on Ama...2021-10-2632 min
DL LINK2021.10.14 – Chaeli Mycroft on her book Unapologetically Able2021-10-1513 min
Leigh-Anne WilliamsWarrior Woman: Chaeli MycroftLeigh-Anne Williams chats to South African Ability Activist, Chaeli Mycroft. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Chaeli has defied the odds throughout her life, including climbing Kilimanjaro, being a PHD candidate, a recipient of the International Children's Peace Award and became the first wheelchair athlete to complete the Comrades Marathon. She shares more about her new book, Unapologetically Able, which chronicles the life, laughs and oft-unspoken vulnerabilities of those living with disability.2021-10-0607 minLeigh-Anne WilliamsSABC Disability 360: Zelda Mycroft (The Chaeli Campaign)Leigh-Anne Williams chats to Zelda Mycroft from The Chaeli Campaign, which is a non-profit organisation based in Cape Town and focuses on mobilising the minds and bodies of children with disabilities. She shares more about the organisation and how they plan on celebrating their 17th birthday this August. 2021-08-0206 min
A Different Way of Seeing42 - Climbing Kilimanjaro with Chaeli Mycroft (Part 2)Following on from the previous episode, Lois Strachan continues the conversation with Chaeli Mycroft, an ability activist in Cape Town, South Africa.
In this episode, Chaeli speaks about summiting mount Kilimanjaro and shares some of her other experiences travelling internationally in her wheelchair.
Today's travel quote Simon Raven: "Since life is short and the world is wide, the sooner you start exploring it, the better."
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.2021-02-0345 minLois Strachan42 - Climbing Kilimanjaro with Chaeli Mycroft (Part 2)Following on from the previous episode, Lois Strachan continues the conversation with Chaeli Mycroft, an ability activist in Cape Town, South Africa.
In this episode, Chaeli speaks about summiting mount Kilimanjaro and shares some of her other experiences travelling internationally in her wheelchair.
Today's travel quote Simon Raven: "Since life is short and the world is wide, the sooner you start exploring it, the better."
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.2021-02-0345 min
A Different Way of Seeing41 - Climbing Kili with Chaeli (Part 1)In this episode, Lois Strachan chats with Chaeli Mycroft, an ability activist based in Cape Town, South Africa, about a number of topics related to accessible travel and Chaeli's summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak on the African continent.
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.2021-01-1830 minLois Strachan41 - Climbing Kili with Chaeli (Part 1)In this episode, Lois Strachan chats with Chaeli Mycroft, an ability activist based in Cape Town, South Africa, about a number of topics related to accessible travel and Chaeli's summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak on the African continent.
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.2021-01-1830 min
Leigh-Anne WilliamsDisability 360: The Chaeli Campaign#Disability360The Chaeli Campaign was founded on 6 August 2004 by five girls between the ages of 6 and 12. Chaeli and Erin Mycroft and their lifelong friends, Tarryn, Justine and Chelsea Terry, started a project to raise R20 000 for Chaeli’s motorised wheelchair. They managed to do this in 7 weeks by selling cards with their artwork on them and Sunshine Pots (DIY miniature pot plants).The five founders form the blueprint that embodies the can-do spirit that arises when inclusion is part of every-day life. It is this spirit of collaboration that is central to all their programmes.2020-06-2210 min
Crazy Good TurnsHow to Turn Adversity Into Opportunity: Chaeli and Zelda MycroftMichaela “Chaeli” Mycroft of Chaeli Campaign will change how you think about disabilities and show how personal struggles can lead you to great things.2020-02-0337 min
Words Words SpeakS1E4: DOING KILIMANJARO & THE COMRADES WITH CEREBRAL PALSY | MICHAELA MYCROFTChaeli was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 11 months old, however instead of allowing it to dictate how she lives her life; she decided to use her disability as a way to create change in the lives of other people living with disabilities. She began as an “ability activist” by co-founding The Chaeli Campaign in 2004 at just nine years old. We talked to Chaeli about how she has dealt with growing up with her disability, dealing with daily life and tackling challenges that most able bodied people would struggle with!
Take a look at the Chaeli Camp...2019-11-251h 28
5 Xtra Loud MorningsChaeli CampaignThis week Nicole caught up with Michaela Mycroft, from the Chaeli Campaign, who in 2011 she won the International Children's Peace Prize. Listen to the full interview here...2018-09-0906 min
Health MattersHealth Matters (Disability Report)ARI SEIRLIS, CEO of the QuadPara Association of South Africa who own “Rolling Inspiration” magazine talks about the David Lewis Lodge Accommodation and Air BnB as well as about NPO vs Social Entrepreneurship as a model for social change. www.rollinginspiration.co.zainfo@qasa.co.za / Phone: 0860 Rolling / www.qasa.co.zaMICHELLE BOTHA, Career Developer at the Cape Town Society for the Blind, talks about a joint initiative with the City of Cape Town to introduce an incentive scheme for cane and material weavers.Cape Town Society for the Blind www.ctsb.co.za2016-06-0755 min
Health MattersHealth Matters (Disability Report)ARI SEIRLIS, CEO of the QuadPara Association of South Africa who own “Rolling Inspiration” magazine gives us some feedback from the Presidential Working Group on Disability and also from the SASCA conference and giving us a eminder about the Wings for Life event.www.rollinginspiration.co.zainfo@qasa.co.za / Phone: 0860 Rolling / www.qasa.co.zaZELDA MYCROFT, Chief Executive Officer of the Chaeli Sports and Recreation Club, talks about Chaeli Mycroft and Anita Engelbrecht who will be the first wheelchair athletes ever to participate in the Comrades Marathonwww.chaelisports.co.zaW...2016-05-0355 min
Health MattersHealth Matters (Disability Report) incorrect upload keep offlineARI SEIRLIS, CEO of the QuadPara Association of South Africa who own “Rolling Inspiration” magazine gives us some feedback from the Presidential Working Group on Disability and also from the SASCA conference and giving us a eminder about the Wings for Life event.www.rollinginspiration.co.zainfo@qasa.co.za / Phone: 0860 Rolling / www.qasa.co.zaZELDA MYCROFT, Chief Executive Officer of the Chaeli Sports and Recreation Club, talks about Chaeli Mycroft and Anita Engelbrecht who will be the first wheelchair athletes ever to participate in the Comrades Marathonwww.chaelisports.co.zaW...2016-05-0349 min
Health MattersDisability ReportARI SEIRLIS, CEO of the QuadPara Association of South Africa who own “Rolling Inspiration” magazine spoke about this year’s Wings for Life event, medical aid reimbursement and what in the 2016 Budget for the disabled community.www.rollinginspiration.co.zainfo@qasa.co.za / Phone: 0860 Rolling / www.qasa.co.zaLACHLAN NICHOLSON, Journalist and wheelchair bound quadriplegic living with cerebral palsy, talks about his plans to travel to Cape Town to investigate the accessibility of the city.ZELDA MYCROFT, CEO of the Chaeli Campaign, talks about their upcoming production called No-Fun ction all Language.www...2016-03-0154 min
Health MattersHeath Matters (Disability Report)DR VICTOR DE ANDRADE, Audiologist and Lecturer in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology at Wits University, talks about the WHO report on noise induced hearing loss as well as about awareness around the discrimination of people who have hearing loss.September is the National Month of Deaf PeopleSouth African Speech Language Hearing Association 086 111 3297www.saslha.co.zaHANNL CRONJE, CEO of the Orion Organisation, talks about how far South Africa is lagging behind Europe when it comes to caring for its disabled community. She has just returned from a fact finding mission...2015-09-0156 min