3Spoonies

Claire, Jo and Karen

We are 3Spoonies - entrepreneurs navigating our way through life and business with not enough spoons. This is a podcast for business people with chronic illness, disabilities, neurospiciness or anyone who wants to be more inclusive. We include honest discussions, useful tips and expert guests to give different perspectives on life and business with a disability. We cover topics such as business planning, knowing your limits, access to work and so much more. Join us every Thursday for a group discussion, special guest, or community questions on the last topic!

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    3Spoonies On Comedy and Disability

    3Spoonies Episode Number 52, 2nd April 2026 With Karen Duncan , Jo O’Neil and Claire Napper    What happens when you mix disability, chronic illness, dark humour, and stand-up comedy? In this episode of 3Spoonies, we’re joined by comedian Suzi Payton to talk about the role of humour in surviving life with chronic illness and disability — and why disabled people so often use comedy as a coping mechanism. This is an honest, funny, and thoughtful conversation about how laughter can coexist with pain — and why comedy is often one of the few safe outlets disabled people have.   Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials  Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/  Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies  Newsletter Sign Up - Get the weekly episode straight to your inbox: https://subscribepage.io/Spoonieletter      If you’d like to find out more about our hosts; Jo O’Neil Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness    Claire Napper LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper Website: www.blackveilstationery.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Blackveilstationery   Karen Duncan Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses    Guest - Suzi Payton  www.suzipayton.com  Suzi Payton | LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/suzipayton_audhdspeaker.comedy/ https://www.facebook.com/suzipaytonadhd https://www.tiktok.com/@suzipaytonaudhdcomedian https://www.youtube.com/@suzipayton   Sponsors A HUGE thank to our main episode sponsor:  Lisa Greener – Green Cat Books Founded in 2017 by fellow spoonie Lisa Greener, Green Cat Books has supported nearly 70 authors and published over 120 titles. We handle the production side of publishing so authors can focus on writing, work, or simply taking time to rest. Our catalogue includes children’s books, sci-fi, romance, and poetry, alongside audiobooks and videobooks, with selected titles now available on Spotify and Audible. We also promote independent creators and offer an affiliate programme for book lovers who want to share and earn. Find out more: www.greencatbooks.com   And to our advert sponsors!  Helen Pugh Ablepreneurs We believe talent doesn’t fade because of illness or disability; it just needs the right environment to shine. www.ablepreneurs.co.uk    Nic Gray The Anti-Hustle Hub is a supportive online community for neurodivergent entrepreneurs who want accountability, connection and sustainable ways of working, without burnout. https://nicgray.co.uk/the-anti-hustle-hub  https://nicgray.co.uk https://facebook.com/nicgrayadhd   Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies   _____ Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:23 Sponsor: Green Cat Books 00:59 Introducing the Guest 02:03 How Comedy Became Part of Her Journey 04:38 Using Comedy to Talk About Disability 08:12 Challenging Stereotypes Through Humour 12:47 Audience Reactions and Changing Perceptions 17:21 The Power of Representation in Comedy 21:54 Balancing Humour and Serious Topics 26:38 Comedy as Advocacy 31:16 Advice for Disabled People Interested in Comedy 35:42 Final Thoughts _____

    37 min
  2. 26 MAR

    3Spoonies On Setting Boundaries with Clients and Partners: Community Questions

    3Spoonies Episode Number 51.1, 26th March 2026 With Karen Duncan , Jo O’Neil and Claire Napper    In this community questions episode of 3Spoonies, we talk honestly about setting boundaries with clients — especially around messages, interruptions, notifications, and business hours. If you’ve ever felt pressured to reply the second a client messages you… If seeing “online” makes people assume you’re available… If voice notes, constant pings, or out-of-hours messages drain your energy… You’re not alone — and you’re not being unreasonable. We answer real community questions about how to explain to clients that “just a quick message” can be a big interruption, especially for neurodivergent business owners and people with limited energy or capacity. This is a supportive, real-life conversation about boundaries in business — without hustle culture, toxic productivity, or pressure to be constantly available.   Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials  Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/  Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies  Newsletter Sign Up - Get the weekly episode straight to your inbox: https://subscribepage.io/Spoonieletter      If you’d like to find out more about our hosts; Jo O’Neil Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness    Claire Napper LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper Website: www.blackveilstationery.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Blackveilstationery   Karen Duncan Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses    Sponsors A HUGE thank to our main episode sponsor:   Outside the Box: Neurodiverse Coaching and Mentoring® Supporting neurodivergent adults to finally thrive in a world that sees their brilliance Website: https://amandamckay.com/  Support Needs Wheel download: https://amandajharman.com/supportneedswheel/ Book a discovery call with AJ: https://calendar.app.google/DoCLrD9DhaFv3w7B8   Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies   _____ Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:23 Sponsor 00:59 Community Questions Intro 01:36 Dealing with Capacity Questions from Clients 04:52 Being Honest About Availability 07:42 Managing Expectations and Boundaries 10:58 Handling Last-Minute Requests 13:44 Communicating Your Limits Professionally 16:52 Building Sustainable Client Relationships 19:38 Final Thoughts _____

    10 min
  3. 19 MAR

    3Spoonies On Setting Boundaries with Clients and Partners

    3Spoonies Episode Number 51, 19th March 2026 With Karen Duncan , Jo O’Neil and Claire Napper    In this episode of 3Spoonies, we talk honestly about setting boundaries with clients and partners, especially when you’re disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, or running a business with limited energy. We unpack why so many of us fall into people-pleasing, over-committing, and pushing ourselves past our limits — and how that leads to burnout, resentment, and crashes we could have avoided. Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, employee, or just someone trying to survive modern life with not enough spoons — this episode will help you rethink what healthy boundaries really look like.   Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials  Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/  Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies  Newsletter Sign Up - Get the weekly episode straight to your inbox: https://subscribepage.io/Spoonieletter      If you’d like to find out more about our hosts; Jo O’Neil Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness    Claire Napper LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper Website: www.blackveilstationery.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Blackveilstationery   Karen Duncan Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses    Sponsors A HUGE thank to our main episode sponsor:   Lisa Greener – Green Cat Books Founded in 2017 by fellow spoonie Lisa Greener, Green Cat Books has supported nearly 70 authors and published over 120 titles. We handle the production side of publishing so authors can focus on writing, work, or simply taking time to rest. Our catalogue includes children’s books, sci-fi, romance, and poetry, alongside audiobooks and videobooks, with selected titles now available on Spotify and Audible. We also promote independent creators and offer an affiliate programme for book lovers who want to share and earn. Find out more: www.greencatbooks.com   And to our advert sponsors!  Nicci Lou – Amplify to Thrive Neurodiversity Specialist and AuDHDer Nicci Lou, an ex-nurse turned ICF Certified Coach, invites you to Unmask Without Fear a completely free workshop you can attend at a time that suits you, with no sales pitch. You’ll learn a simple three-step approach to unmasking, helping you move away from burnout, stop performing, and better understand what you truly need. Sign up at: bemorezebra.me   Caroline Buist – Above & Beyond VA Are you spending more time working in your business than on it? If admin and content marketing are eating up your week, it might be time to get support. Caroline Buist of Above & Beyond VA is an award-winning VA and copywriter, offering tailored admin and writing services for neurospicy creatives and coaches so you can focus on growing your business. Find out more: abovebeyondva.co. w: https://abovebeyondva.co.uk  e: caroline@abovebeyondva.co.uk LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-buist-the-copy-queen/   Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies   _____ Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:23 Sponsor: Green Cat Books 00:59 Introducing the Topic 01:51 What Self-Employment Looks Like for Spoonies 03:54 Why Traditional Work Doesn’t Always Fit 06:32 Flexibility vs Stability 09:14 The Reality of Running Your Own Business 12:22 Managing Energy and Expectations 15:41 The Emotional Side of Self-Employment 18:46 Setting Boundaries with Clients 22:34 Creating Sustainable Work Patterns 26:18 Letting Go of Traditional Success Models 29:47 Advice for Spoonies Considering Self-Employment 32:58 Final Thoughts _____

    31 min
  4. 12 MAR

    3Spoonies On Representation in Print Media: Community Questions

    3Spoonies Episode Number 50.5, 12th March 2026 With Karen Duncan , Jo O’Neil and Claire Napper    How should disabled people be represented in newspapers, magazines, and print media — and who should be telling those stories? In this community questions episode of 3Spoonies, we respond to listener questions about disabled representation in print media, media bias, misinformation, and the emotional toll of seeing disability misrepresented in headlines. This episode is for disabled people, allies, creators, journalists, and anyone who wants to better understand why representation isn’t just about visibility — it’s about accuracy, respect, and power.   Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials  Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/  Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies  Newsletter Sign Up - Get the weekly episode straight to your inbox: https://subscribepage.io/Spoonieletter      If you’d like to find out more about our hosts; Jo O’Neil Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness    Claire Napper LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper Website: www.blackveilstationery.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Blackveilstationery   Karen Duncan Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses    Guests Maddy Alexander-Grout is a visibility strategist, ADHD coach, and advocate for people with hidden disabilities. Links: https://stan.store/maddyalexandergrout  Buy the Book, Mad about Money: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1394299729?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_4XCQ1VWRX9J2NXHW860J&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_4XCQ1VWRX9J2NXHW860J&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_4XCQ1VWRX9J2NXHW860J&bestFormat=true    Victoria-Jayne Scholes www.legallypowered.co.uk https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/author/profile/321956.Victoria-Jayne_Scholes/   Sponsors Outside the Box: Neurodiverse Coaching and Mentoring® Supporting neurodivergent adults to finally thrive in a world that sees their brilliance Website: https://amandamckay.com/  Support Needs Wheel download: https://amandajharman.com/supportneedswheel/ Book a discovery call with AJ: https://calendar.app.google/DoCLrD9DhaFv3w7B8   Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies   _____ Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:23 Sponsor 00:59 Community Questions Intro 01:42 Asking About Accessibility Needs 03:32 Why Open Conversations Matter 05:28 Accessibility Assumptions vs Reality 07:41 Invisible Disabilities and Misconceptions 10:09 Representation and Media Responsibility 13:33 Improving Accessibility Awareness 16:48 Advice for Businesses and Event Hosts 19:52 Final Thoughts 21:03 Outro _____

    13 min
  5. 5 MAR

    3Spoonies On Representation in Print Media

    3Spoonies Episode Number 50, 5th March 2026 With Karen Duncan, Jo O’Neil and Claire Napper    How disabled people are represented in newspapers, magazines, and print media has a real impact — on public opinion, policy, employment, and how safe it feels to exist in the world. In this episode of 3Spoonies, we’re talking honestly about disabled representation in print media: what’s improved, what’s still harmful, and why “good intentions” aren’t always enough. We also explore how print media intersects with online spaces, activism, and lived experience — and why accountability matters just as much as intent.   Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials  Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/  Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies  Newsletter Sign Up - Get the weekly episode straight to your inbox: https://subscribepage.io/Spoonieletter      If you’d like to find out more about our hosts; Jo O’Neil Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness    Claire Napper LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper Website: www.blackveilstationery.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Blackveilstationery   Karen Duncan Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses    Guests Maddy Alexander-Grout is a visibility strategist, ADHD coach, and advocate for people with hidden disabilities.   Links: https://stan.store/maddyalexandergrout  Buy the Book, Mad about Money: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1394299729?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_4XCQ1VWRX9J2NXHW860J&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_4XCQ1VWRX9J2NXHW860J&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_4XCQ1VWRX9J2NXHW860J&bestFormat=true    Victoria-Jayne Scholes www.legallypowered.co.uk https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/author/profile/321956.Victoria-Jayne_Scholes/   Sponsors A HUGE thank to our main episode sponsor:   Lisa Greener – Green Cat Books Founded in 2017 by fellow spoonie Lisa Greener, Green Cat Books has supported nearly 70 authors and published over 120 titles. We handle the production side of publishing so authors can focus on writing, work, or simply taking time to rest. Our catalogue includes children’s books, sci-fi, romance, and poetry, alongside audiobooks and videobooks, with selected titles now available on Spotify and Audible. We also promote independent creators and offer an affiliate programme for book lovers who want to share and earn. Find out more: www.greencatbooks.com   And to our advert sponsors!  Men Forge Forward Men Forge Forward is a free online community where professional men under pressure reclaim their edge through brotherhood, accountability, and the 30-day FireUP Challenge. menforgeforward.com The Createry The Createry is a friendly coworking and content creation studio space located in the heart of Nottingham. TheCreatery.co  https://www.instagram.com/TheCreateryUK   Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies _____ Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:23 Sponsor: Green Cat Books 01:00 Meet the Hosts and Guests 02:28 Guests’ Experience with Print Media 03:06 Being Misrepresented in the Press 06:03 Harmful Labels and Media Narratives 09:03 Why Victoria Started Writing 11:59 Media Narratives and Disability Policy 14:56 Neurodivergence and Media Bias 18:02 Harmful Headlines and Public Perception 21:57 Behind the Scenes of Media Coverage 26:10 Do Positive Stories Sell? 29:55 Impact of Representation on Disabled People 32:56 Media Narratives vs Reality 35:55 Positive Representation Can Work 39:02 Challenging Stereotypes 39:57 Where to Find the Guests 40:30 Outro _____

    41 min
  6. 26 FEB

    3Spoonies On Creating a Flexible Schedule that Works: Community Questions

    3Spoonies Episode Number 49.5, 26th february 2026 With Karen Duncan , Jo O’Neil and Claire Napper    In this community questions episode of 3Spoonies, we’re answering real listener questions about creating a flexible schedule that actually works in real life — especially when you’re disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, or living with fluctuating energy. Flexible scheduling is often talked about as a productivity hack, but for many of us it’s about survival, sustainability, and protecting our health. In this episode, we unpack what flexibility really looks like when your capacity changes day to day — and why rigid “perfect routines” often make things worse, not better. This episode is gentle, practical, and grounded in lived experience — no hustle culture, no toxic productivity, and no pretending that flexibility means “doing everything whenever you want.” If you’ve ever felt like scheduling advice wasn’t made for your body or brain, this one’s for you.   Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials  Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/  Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies  Newsletter Sign Up - Get the weekly episode straight to your inbox: https://subscribepage.io/Spoonieletter      If you’d like to find out more about our hosts; Jo O’Neil Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness    Claire Napper LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper Website: www.blackveilstationery.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Blackveilstationery   Karen Duncan Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses    Sponsors A HUGE thank to our main episode sponsor:   Outside the Box: Neurodiverse Coaching and Mentoring® Supporting neurodivergent adults to finally thrive in a world that sees their brilliance Website: https://amandamckay.com/  Support Needs Wheel download: https://amandajharman.com/supportneedswheel/ Book a discovery call with AJ: https://calendar.app.google/DoCLrD9DhaFv3w7B8   Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies   _____ Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:28 Late Diagnosis and Self-Understanding 02:32 Recognising Neurodivergent Traits 03:46 Adjusting Expectations of Yourself 05:05 Working Differently, Not Wrong 06:28 Communicating Your Needs 07:49 Finding What Works for You 09:02 Letting Go of Internalised Pressure 10:35 Outro _____

    11 min
  7. 19 FEB

    3Spoonies On Creating a Flexible Schedule that Works

    3Spoonies, Episode Number 49, 19th February 2026 Traditional schedules assume consistent energy, predictable health, and the ability to push through — which makes them a terrible fit for many disabled, chronically ill, and neurodivergent people. In this episode of 3Spoonies, we explore what it actually means to create a flexible schedule that works in real life — not just on paper. This episode is about permission: permission to work differently, rest without guilt, and design a schedule that supports your health, your work, and your life — even when no two days look the same.   Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials  Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/  Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies  Newsletter Sign Up - Get the weekly episode straight to your inbox: https://subscribepage.io/Spoonieletter      If you’d like to find out more about our hosts; Jo O’Neil Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness    Claire Napper LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper Website: www.blackveilstationery.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Blackveilstationery   Karen Duncan Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses    Sponsors A HUGE thank to our main episode sponsor:  Lisa Greener – Green Cat Books Founded in 2017 by fellow spoonie Lisa Greener, Green Cat Books has supported nearly 70 authors and published over 120 titles. We handle the production side of publishing so authors can focus on writing, work, or simply taking time to rest. Our catalogue includes children’s books, sci-fi, romance, and poetry, alongside audiobooks and videobooks, with selected titles now available on Spotify and Audible. We also promote independent creators and offer an affiliate programme for book lovers who want to share and earn. Find out more: www.greencatbooks.com   And to our advert sponsors!  Men Forge Forward Men Forge Forward is a free online community where professional men under pressure reclaim their edge through brotherhood, accountability, and the 30-day FireUP Challenge. menforgeforward.com   The Createry The Createry is a friendly coworking and content creation studio space located in the heart of Nottingham. TheCreatery.co  https://www.instagram.com/TheCreateryUK   Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies   _____ Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:41 Why This Episode Was Rescheduled 03:24 Why Flexibility Matters 04:08 Planning vs Adapting 06:10 Energy-Limited Scheduling 09:32 Letting Go of Rigid Expectations 13:18 Creating Realistic Schedules 17:42 Flexible Systems and Backup Plans 22:05 Communicating with Clients 26:48 Batching and Energy Cycles 31:14 Redefining Productivity 35:52 Progress Over Perfection 39:17 Avoiding Boom-and-Bust 41:12 Recognising Progress 42:22 Final Thoughts _____

    43 min

About

We are 3Spoonies - entrepreneurs navigating our way through life and business with not enough spoons. This is a podcast for business people with chronic illness, disabilities, neurospiciness or anyone who wants to be more inclusive. We include honest discussions, useful tips and expert guests to give different perspectives on life and business with a disability. We cover topics such as business planning, knowing your limits, access to work and so much more. Join us every Thursday for a group discussion, special guest, or community questions on the last topic!