Disabled and Proud

Brooke Millhouse
  • 5.0 (27)
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Disabled and Proud

Disabled and Proud is the show brought to you by top adaptive athlete Brooke Millhouse bringing listeners a different perspective on disability, each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. This podcast is an opportunity to show the world that there is beauty in disability; it is not to be feared, gawked at, pitied but to be celebrated - this is the place to revel in the splendour of the disabled whilst learning and growing as a collective. Disabled & Proud does exactly what is says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without need to conform for society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection!

  1. 1 OCT

    Finding My Voice Again - Life with a Trachea

    Brooke talks with Nana, who shares his unique perspective on living with a disability. Nana discusses his childhood experiences, including the moment he learned about his tracheostomy and how it shaped his understanding of himself. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating school systems that often lack proper support for disabled students, as well as the impact of societal perceptions on career choices. Nana emphasises the importance of resilience and self-advocacy, encouraging listeners to ask questions and challenge uncomfortable norms.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Disability is viewed as a unique entity rather than a limitation. This perspective emphasises the importance of individual experiences and how one chooses to define their own identity. Growing up with a disability can lead to feelings of confusion and disconnect, especially when parents do not openly discuss the nature of the disability. Understanding one's condition can take time, often not fully realised until adolescence. The educational system often lacks adequate support for students with disabilities. There can be significant gaps in understanding and resources, leading to periods of exclusion from school and a lack of tailored support. Career paths can be influenced by one's disability, with many individuals gravitating towards roles that allow them to help others. Personal experiences can foster a desire to advocate for disabled individuals in the workforce. BEST MOMENTS "I think if I was to be in that era again, I would be very forthcoming and wanting to know why am I like this?"  "I don't allow someone's negativity towards how I look or how I sound to determine how I walk through life."  "I think now, because the buzzword of EDI is being flung around, we're being put in a position where, okay, we have to take this box."  VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves.  The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational.  Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”.  As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

    29 min

  2. 17 SEPT

    Navigating the Uncomfortable: Honest Conversations About Disability and Identity with Terri

    Brooke sits down with Terri, a passionate advocate for disability representation and the founder of a charity focused on supporting individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Terri shares her journey of navigating life with an invisible disability, discussing the challenges of obtaining a diagnosis and the misconceptions surrounding disabilities. The conversation highlights the importance of community, representation, and the power of embracing one's disability as a catalyst for personal growth and change.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Embracing disability can lead to personal growth and new opportunities, such as becoming an author or starting a consultancy, which may not have been pursued otherwise. There is a significant lack of diverse representation in the disability community, particularly for people of colour. Creating visibility for different experiences is crucial for fostering inclusivity. The journey to diagnosis can be fraught with challenges, including medical misogyny and delays in receiving information. Personal experiences highlight the need for better communication and understanding within the healthcare system. Establishing a charity that connects individuals with similar disabilities fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation. Events and experiences can help individuals engage socially and feel supported. Developing patience is essential when dealing with medical professionals and navigating the complexities of disability. Embracing one's journey and focusing on helping others can provide purpose and strength. BEST MOMENTS "I feel like it's almost pushed me to do things that I might not have done if I was quote unquote well."  "I didn't want to stay in a space where I was unhappy and it was causing me more stress."  "I feel like people also forget that I have the same diagnosis that the charity is based around."  "You can't choose how people feel towards a situation."  VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves.  The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational.  Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”.  As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

    41 min

  3. 10 SEPT

    The Accessible Taxi Company: Unlocking Freedom For All

    Brooke talks to Ahbid Choudry, a passionate advocate for disability rights and the founder of Cabability, a service dedicated to providing wheelchair-accessible transportation. Ahbid shares his personal journey of living with a disability, emphasising the importance of dignity over equality and the need for compassion in the treatment of disabled individuals. He reflects on his challenging childhood, the misdiagnoses he faced, and how these experiences shaped his perspective on life and work. The discussion delves into the significance of education, the power of acceptance, and the three key steps to achieving personal goals: taking ownership of one's life, recognising individual abilities, and striving for achievement.  KEY TAKEAWAYS True respect and acknowledgment comes from recognising and maintaining a person's dignity rather than merely treating them as equals. The journey of living with a disability from childhood through adulthood has shaped the understanding of challenges faced. Acceptance of one's disability is crucial for personal growth and empowerment. The creation of Cabability stemmed from personal experiences with inaccessible transportation. The focus on compassion and understanding the specific needs of disabled individuals is central to providing effective services. Education is highlighted as a vital tool for personal development. Learning and understanding one's abilities can lead to greater achievements and a more fulfilling life. BEST MOMENTS "I am disabled, but I don’t feel disabled... I don’t have the time to dwell on my disability because I’m working and trying to provide for myself and my family." "It’s not equality that we need as disabled people. Equality is just a big word that sounds good. As a person with a disability, I want dignity." "When you put your life in the hands of facilitators, you lose ownership. Take ownership of your life; no one else will." "I think there's a lot to be said in almost not having that time to ruminate on anything and just cracking on." "Disabled people are probably the most ignored in society. This needs to be highlighted." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves.  The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational.  Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”.  As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

    1h 1m

  4. 3 SEPT

    Embracing Differences: A Journey of Self-Love and Acceptance with Vitiligo

    Brooke talks to Nirjeet - otherwise known as The Vitiligo Sikh - who's here this week to talk about his journey of self-acceptance and empowerment. Nirjeet shares his experiences with vitiligo, a skin condition that has led to myths, stigma, and judgment throughout his life. He talks about the importance of self-love, embracing differences, and challenging societal norms, as well as his unexpected journey into modelling, where he found a community of like-minded individuals with vitiligo. Through his initiative, Vitiligo Allies, Nirjeet aims to raise awareness, provide support, and debunk myths surrounding vitiligo.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding the real you and what makes you happy is essential for self-love and acceptance. Embracing differences and being proud of who you are can lead to empowerment and confidence. Vitiligo is not contagious and is not passed on to children, debunking common myths associated with the condition. Building a supportive community and raising awareness can help individuals with vitiligo feel less alone and more empowered. Self-love and self-acceptance are key to overcoming societal judgments and embracing one's uniqueness. BEST MOMENTS "I'd say I'm the same as anyone else, right? We all are. But obviously the society or the people that ask the judgment and comments make you feel that you're different" "I feel like it's very important that the amazing work we continue to give, for example, video podcasts, you're giving back to the community, you're raising more and more awareness, you're talking about these subjects, you're breaking that society norms. It's very important" "I absolutely love my vitiligo. And on that initiative, we've started an initiative called Vitiligo Allies. And Vitiligo Allies is all about raising awareness, creating support groups, meet-ups, events, partnering with pharmaceutical companies, clinics."  "It's a big thing to put yourself out there and to do that and embrace your differences and accept your differences and I think that's really brilliant." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves.  The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational.  Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”.  As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

    50 min

  5. 27 AUG

    My Stoma Saved My Life - with Adam Fare

    Brooke is joined by the marvellous Adam Fare, who shares his journey of living with multiple disabilities, including autism, ADHD, chronic bowel issues, and an eating disorder. He reflects on his childhood, struggling with undiagnosed conditions and the challenges he faced in school. Despite facing burnout and difficult medical decisions, Adam emphasises the importance of setting boundaries and being true to oneself. He discusses the impact of his disabilities on his relationships with family and friends, highlighting the value of empathy and support. Adam also touches on the misconceptions and odd questions he has encountered regarding his colostomy bag, emphasising the need for understanding and respect towards individuals with disabilities.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Adam prefers to use identity-first language to refer to his disabilities, highlighting the importance of personal preference in how individuals identify themselves. Growing up with undiagnosed autism, ADHD, and chronic health issues made childhood difficult for Adam, emphasising the challenges of navigating life without proper understanding and support. Adam's experience highlights the importance of recognising and respecting personal boundaries, especially in managing disabilities and coping with changing circumstances over time. Through his struggles, Adam developed a strong sense of empathy and support for others, showcasing the positive impact of personal challenges on fostering compassion and understanding. Adam's story underscores the need for society to move beyond superficial campaigns and embrace genuine acceptance and respect for individuals with disabilities. BEST MOMENTS "I use identity first language personally for my disability, so I class myself as a disabled person."  "I think people just need to judge less, to be honest with you."  "It's almost like in a cycle. for me. So I go through cycles where I think I can manage it and I just burn out, burn out, burn out, burn out, crisis."  "I think people are naturally very curious, which is great. Curiosity is actually really interesting." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves.  The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational.  Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”.  As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

    42 min

  6. 6 AUG

    Our Chaotic Adventure: Traveling with Disabilities and Embracing Differences - with Kirsty and Xander

    Brooke welcomes Kirsty and Xander from Our Chaotic Adventure, a couple who met while playing wheelchair basketball. They talk about their personal experiences with disability, including Kirsty's journey from childhood with a disability to becoming an amputee, and Xander's sudden spinal injury that led to paralysis. They discuss their perspectives on disability, the medicalisation of disabilities, and the importance of representation in the medical field. Xander, a medical student, shares his efforts to advocate for disability inclusion in medical education. The couple also reflects on their relationship, long-distance challenges, and their upcoming wedding.  KEY TAKEAWAYS It's vital to have disabled individuals in the medical field to provide a holistic view of care and treatment. Overcoming societal perceptions and ignorance about disabilities is key, especially in professions like medicine. Embrace disability and push boundaries to achieve personal and professional goals. We must better advocate for a shift towards a more inclusive and less medicalised approach to disability. We should always push to demonstrate that disabilities should not limit one's aspirations or capabilities, but rather open up new possibilities and perspectives. BEST MOMENTS "I see disabled people now and I'm like, come on, just do it. I would definitely not give sound medical advice to a disabled person. Buy the book, don't do that." "I think it's opened up a lot of different avenues that I didn't expect in different sports. And also as well, I've just actually heard today that I received a place on a master's program for physiotherapy." "I think it's one of those things that actually it's really important to prove that. So that's why I'm quite amped about trying to improve that. Because I think it's an awesome job and I want more disabled people to do it." "I've spoken to a lot of people, I genuinely have spoken to a lot of people that have said to me that I would love to do medicine but I'm in a wheelchair." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves.  The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational.  Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”.  As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

    55 min

  7. 30 JUL

    Disabled and Proud: Pippa's Journey from Dancer to Writer with ME

    Brooke talks to Pippa, a guest with ME, about her journey so far, including the challenges of managing symptoms like fatigue and chronic pain. She highlights the importance of trusting one's intuition and seeking answers when dealing with a chronic illness. The conversation also delves into the impact of Pippa's diagnosis on her life, from being a dancer to transitioning to a writer. Pippa also touches on the unsolicited advice and bizarre questions she receives in public about her disability, emphasising the need for understanding and respect.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Despite challenges, Pippa expresses gratitude for her abilities and newfound ambition, driven by her chronic illness experience. We often receive unsolicited advice and questions about our disabilities, emphasising the need for better understanding and respect. Through blogging and writing a book, Pippa finds a platform to share her experiences and advocate for those with chronic illnesses. There is a level of absurdity of ableism in society, which requires listening and understanding rather than offering unsolicited advice. BEST MOMENTS "I tailor my answer depending on who's asking a lot of the time, but in a nutshell I say I have a chronic illness called ME."  "I think the fact that people see a younger wheelchair user, and I'm also aware that I look a lot younger than I actually am, I think people have this desire to help but don't realise that their interpretation of helping just makes things so much worse." "I'm more ambitious now, even though I have so much less usable energy per day, I feel as though I've got a stronger desire to do what I can and figure out what I can do with that level of ambition."  "I do think it's important not to do things purely for other people because I've fallen into that trap in the past but if you're able to do something that fulfils you on a personal level but It also provides support or entertainment or just something of substance for other people." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves.  The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational.  Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”.  As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

    48 min

  8. 23 JUL

    Journey to Self-Acceptance: Reflections on Disability Pride

    Brooke takes a solo approach to highlight the powerful messages shared by the audience about Disability Pride Month. Through reading and discussing four standout responses, she delves into the importance of embracing disability pride, breaking societal molds, promoting visibility, and advocating for representation in various spheres of life.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Disability pride is an antidote for internalised ableism and a way to combat societal biases and expectations towards disabled individuals. It is important to raise awareness, promote visibility, and ensure representation of disabled people in leadership roles to inspire younger generations and break stereotypes. Disability pride is a journey that involves self-acceptance, resilience, and embracing one's authentic self, even in the face of societal challenges. Celebrating diversity and showcasing the talents and achievements of disabled individuals helps challenge preconceived notions and promotes inclusivity. By sharing lived experiences, advocating for change, and believing in oneself, disabled individuals can pave the way for a more inclusive and accepting society. BEST MOMENTS "Disability pride is almost the... the cure is not the right word, because I don't like the word cure, but I think it's the thing that really tackles ableism the most, is being able to have pride in who you are as a disabled person."  "Without disability, there's no ingenuity."  "Disability pride is about breaking out of the box so that we can fit to us."  "Disability pride offers me the chance to reflect on my self-acceptance journey over the years." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves.  The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational.  Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”.  As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection! INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

    39 min
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5
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Disabled and Proud is the show brought to you by top adaptive athlete Brooke Millhouse bringing listeners a different perspective on disability, each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. This podcast is an opportunity to show the world that there is beauty in disability; it is not to be feared, gawked at, pitied but to be celebrated - this is the place to revel in the splendour of the disabled whilst learning and growing as a collective. Disabled & Proud does exactly what is says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without need to conform for society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection!

Information

  • Creator
    Brooke Millhouse
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Brooke Millhouse
  • Show Website
    Disabled and Proud

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