Shows
Rights UpfrontEmbracing Identity and Community, Emma Farley's StoryIn this episode, my guest Emma shares their personal experiences and reflections on living with a disability. They discuss identity, community, and the evolution of their acceptance of their disabled body from childhood. The conversation also delves into the challenges faced with societal perceptions, internalised ableism, and the impact of neurodivergence on their life. Additionally, they touch on the importance of language, mental health, and the role of the social model in empowering disabled people. Stay tuned for the second part of this insightful discussion!00:00 Introduction: What Does Disability Mean to You?00:35 Growing Up with...
2025-03-1426 min
Rights UpfrontBuilding Community & Overcoming Disability Guilt with Scott WhitneyIn this episode, I’m joined by Scott Whitney, a passionate social entrepreneur and founder of All 4 Inclusion, an award-winning social enterprise tackling loneliness in the disability community.Scott acquired his disability in 2020, and after an 18-month journey of adjustment, he turned his experience into a mission to support others. We dive into his journey of adapting to disability, the impact on mental health, overcoming disability guilt, and the power of community in fostering inclusion.
2025-02-2524 min
Rights UpfrontOvercoming Barriers: Patrice's Journey of Resilience, Growth, and Self-EmpowermentNavigating the world while living with a learning disability and a hearing impairment is no easy feat, but Patrise's journey is nothing short of inspiring. From her early struggles with memory and requiring support for everyday tasks to overcoming barriers in education and employment, Patrise shares her story of resilience and determination. Her candid conversation reveals the challenges she has faced and her drive to step outside her comfort zones, ultimately showcasing her growth in confidence and self-empowerment.As Patrise recounts her experiences, she highlights the often-overlooked complexities faced by individuals with disabilities in the job market...
2024-12-1312 minRights UpfrontFrom TikToks to Therapy: Navigating Grief, OCD, and Self-Care on Social MediaJoin me on an emotional and insightful journey as we explore the transition from creating humorous TikTok videos to becoming an advocate for mental health. In this episode, Rachel shares their personal story of coping with the loss of their mum seven years ago and the recent diagnosis of OCD. Discover how social media became a platform for serious discussions about grief, self-care, and mental health support.From the struggles of finding the right therapist to understanding the impact of social media on well-being, we dive deep into what it means to be kind to oneself. Rachel...
2024-06-1416 minRights UpfrontFrom Frustration to Advocacy: A Journey of Disability Rights and Social ChangeIn this powerful and emotive episode of our podcast, we sit down with an inspiring advocate for disability rights who began her journey at Leeds Uni in 2016. With the evolution of her blog into a force for societal transformation, she challenges us to rethink our perceptions of disability. Join us as we delve into topics such as Down Syndrome Day, the personal impact of living with a disability, and the complex dynamics of social media interaction. My guest candidly shares the emotional toll that comes with her lived experience, emphasizing the need for empathy and allyship in t...
2024-05-3126 minRights UpfrontPete's StoryIn this episode, Pete's Ascent Beyond Boundaries in Para climbing, where we delve into the extraordinary journey of Pete, an athlete with cerebral palsy who defies all odds in the competitive world of climbing. Pete's story is not just about scaling physical walls but also about overcoming societal attitudes and financial challenges that athletes with disabilities often face. From his early days finding a sense of belonging in the Sheffield University climbing club to his current endeavours on the GB team, Pete exemplifies determination and resilience. 💪In this episode, we explore:- The transformation in p...
2024-05-0315 minRights UpfrontEmbracing Differences and Finding Community With Neurofibromatosis"Embracing Differences and Finding Community With Neurofibromatosis" is a podcast episode that brings to the forefront the inspiring stories of individuals living with neurofibromatosis (NF). Join me as, I speak with Kristen, a personal trainer / senior manager at an advertising agency, from New York City, whose life has been shaped by the condition since infancy. From the physical manifestations of NF to the social and emotional hurdles, Kristen has faced. Kristen shares the reality of chronic pain, the nuances of post-pandemic relationships, and the search for acceptance in a world that often overlooks disability. This episode is not just a...
2024-04-2625 minRights UpfrontLife with a brain tumour - Kiera MitchellIn this episode, I speak to Kiera about being diagnosed with a brain tumour. Immerse yourself in our conversation which looks at the challenges in getting support and the impact of diagnosis on friends, family, and how to live well and embrace disability. highlights of each Podcast episode:The onset of headaches & the path to diagnosis Coming to Terms with having a brain tumor diagnosisFinding what works for Kiera and how she adapted to health challenges#Podcast #BrainTumorAwareness #TriumphOverAdversity #JourneyToRecovery #Hope #Courage #NavigatingChallenges #StudentLife #HealthJourney
2024-04-1218 minRights UpfrontKelly Gordon on Transforming Disability Inclusivity in the Creative World | Empowering VoicesJoin me as for this episode of the Rights Upfront podcast as I speak to Kelly Gordon, a wheelchair user, mother, and a trailblazer in advocating for disability inclusivity in creative industries. Kelly shares her transformative journey from the competitive world of football to becoming a voice for change in advertising and creative production. Episode Highlights 🎙️- Kelly's path to becoming a Creative Director at Hot Octopus and CEO of her creative production agency, With Not For.- The challenges and triumphs of navigating life with spinal muscular atrophy.- The intersection of identity, disability, and se...
2024-04-0434 minRights UpfrontCreating a Global Movement and Changing Perceptions of DisabilityIn this episode, I sit down with Joe, the inspiring force behind Dystrophy Dad and Sons of Dystrophy, to explore his transformative journey through the world of muscular dystrophy. Joe candidly shares how his personal experiences with the condition evolved into a global mission to connect and empower others affected by different forms of dystrophy. Listen as we delve into the creation of worldwide "chapters" that foster a strong community spirit, mirroring the camaraderie of biker gangs but united by the challenges of living with dystrophy.We also engage in an honest dialogue about the societal misconceptions...
2024-03-2919 minRights UpfrontMadelyn's Journey with POTS and Ehlers-Danlos SyndromeIn this episode I meet Madelyn, a 21-year-old advocate from Minnesota, bravely living with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Madelyn shares her intimate battle with these invisible chronic illnesses, revealing the day-to-day adversities she overcomes and the triumphs that define her resilient spirit.Listen to Madelyn discuss the stigmas surrounding mental health, the overlooked hardships within the education system, and the financial burdens of managing chronic illness in America. With profound courage, she talks about embracing mobility aids as tools of independence, not defeat, and advocates for policy reform to better support those...
2024-03-1531 minRights UpfrontDanielle's Journey: Embracing Identity and Advocacy in Disability RightsJoin us for this enlightening episode with Danielle from Boston, who shares her vibrant journey as a disability advocate. Despite living with an unidentified muscle disease, Danielle's narrative is one of humor, resilience, and empowerment. We delve into the evolution of disability rights, the influence of films like "Crip Camp," and the digital era's role in shaping advocacy. Special guest Daniel brings a cross-cultural perspective, comparing the nuances of disability understanding between the UK and America. Tune in for a celebration of inclusivity and the strength of the human spirit.
2024-03-0832 minRights UpfrontEmbracing Authenticity: Amit GhoseIn this epiosode, I am joined by Amit Ghose, who opens up about his life with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a condition that's shaped his identity and advocacy journey. Amit shares the highs and lows, from the stinging stigma he faced growing up to the unconditional support from his family and wife, which has been a cornerstone of his resilience. His viral leap into social media advocacy paints a vivid picture of how one voice can ignite a global conversation on disability acceptance. Listen in as Amit discusses his recent leap of faith into full-time content creation and speaking engagements...
2024-02-2923 min