The Sunflower Conversations

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
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Welcome to the Sunflower Conversations, the podcast where we explore the experiences of disabled people with non-visible disabilities through the lens of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.   This is a space to hear authentic stories from disabled people navigating life with non-visible disabilities such as chronic illness, mental health conditions, neurodivergence, and more. While most episodes focus on lived experience, we also feature occasional insights from experts in healthcare, accessibility, and inclusion.   Whether you or someone you care about wears the Sunflower, our conversations aim to raise awareness, build understanding, and help create a more inclusive and compassionate world.   Empowering voices. Raising awareness. Challenging assumptions - one conversation at a time.

  1. 6d ago

    FGM/C Survivors with Huda Mohammed, Vavengers

    Content warning: This podcast episode discusses female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C), including its physical, emotional, and psychological impacts. Some listeners may find this content distressing. Listener discretion is advised. If you have been affected by the issues discussed, please consider seeking support from a healthcare professional. In this episode, Huda Mohammed, who is an FGM Specialist and Pelvic Health Midwife from the charity Vavengers, discusses the Impact of FGM on Women's Health. Women who have undergone FGM often face a myriad of health complications that can affect them throughout their lives. We discuss: Physical Pain: Chronic pain and discomfort during intercourse, menstrual cycles, and childbirth.Psychological Trauma: Many women report feelings of trauma, anxiety, and depression related to their experiences with FGM.Infections and Complications: Increased risk of urinary tract infections, complications during childbirth, and infertility issues. For support: Vavengers - UKAction to End FGM/C - Global Hosted by Chantal Boyle, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a rating and review. Find out more about the Sunflower by visiting the website hdsunflower.com Music by © Sandee Facy / Michael Saleta www.sandeefacy.com.au

    FGM/C Survivors with Huda Mohammed, Vavengers

  2. 6d ago

    FGM/C with Sema Gornall, Vavengers

    Content warning: This podcast episode discusses female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C), including its physical, emotional, and psychological impacts. Some listeners may find this content distressing. Listener discretion is advised. If you have been affected by the issues discussed, please consider seeking support from a healthcare professional. We talk with Sema Gornell, the charity Vavenger's CEO, about one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding FGM/C: that it is a medical necessity. In reality, there are no health benefits to the practice; rather, it can lead to severe physical and psychological harm. Sema points out that the female genitalia is one of the most sensitive areas of the body, containing over 10,000 nerve endings. The removal or alteration of this area can result in lifelong complications, including chronic pain, reproductive issues, and mental health struggles. We also challenge the myths that stop progress. FGM is not “just culture”, and it is not a private issue that communities are comfortable with. Sema explains how demand and misogynistic norms shape expectations of women’s bodies, and why men and boys must be champions if we want prevention to work. For support: Vavengers - UKAction to End FGM/C - GlobalHosted by Chantal Boyle, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a rating and review. Find out more about the Sunflower by visiting the website hdsunflower.com Music by © Sandee Facy / Michael Saleta www.sandeefacy.com.au

    FGM/C with Sema Gornall, Vavengers

  3. Aug 6

    Multiple Sclerosis with Yvette - Australia & New Zealand

    In this episode of Sunflower Conversations, James Dunn speaks with Yvette O'Dowd, who first showed symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) at 32 years old and has now been living with the condition for over 30 years. An advocate and author of the children's book Granny Has Wobbly Legs, Yvette shares her experience of living with MS, exploring fatigue, brain fog, stigma, and the practical adjustments, including the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, that help make everyday life more accessible. • Early MS signs, diagnosis and living with uncertainty • Hidden symptoms including fatigue, brain fog, numbness and heat sensitivity • Managing energy through pacing and spoon theory • The emotional impact of invisible disability and being misunderstood • Treatment decisions, lifestyle changes and daily coping strategies • Explaining MS to children through Granny Has Wobbly Legs • Simple accessibility changes that make a meaningful difference • How the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower supports understanding and confidence Visit our website, Facebook, or Instagram for more resources.

    Multiple Sclerosis with Yvette - Australia & New Zealand

  4. Jun 30

    Stutter With Vikesh - Australia & New Zealand

    In this episode of Sunflower Conversations, James Dunn speaks with Vikesh Anand, TEDx speaker and founder of STUTTA (Australian Stuttering Association), about living with a stutter and advocating for greater awareness and acceptance.  • What stuttering is, including different types of speech blocks and covert vs overt stuttering  • The mental load of masking speech, including anxiety, shame and constant self-monitoring  • Finding community at 28 through a stuttering support group, shifting towards acceptance  • Moving into advocacy and creating spaces like “Speak Freely” through STUTTA  • The importance of patience and not finishing sentences for people who stutter  • How the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower supports confidence and awareness in daily life Visit our website, Facebook, or Instagram for more resources.

    Stutter With Vikesh - Australia & New Zealand

  5. Jun 21

    Motor Neurone Disease MND / ALS with Pauline Matheson Marks, MND Association and Jon Machel

    We talk about motor neurone disease (MND), also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), with Pauline from the MND Association and Joff, who shares what diagnosis and day-to-day life really look like. We explore how symptoms show up, why support and research urgency matter, and how small acts of understanding can make public spaces safer and kinder.  What MND is and why symptoms vary so much The long process of ruling out other conditions Prevalence Resilience and adapting to changeThe helpful role of the Sunflower in preventing being misjudged If you are concerned about any of the subjects discussed in the podcast, please follow up with your healthcare practitioner for support. For support MND Association UKIrish Motor Neurone DiseaseThe ALS Association USAALS Canada Hosted by Chantal Boyle, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.   If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a rating and review.   Find out more about the Sunflower by visiting the website hdsunflower.com Music by © Sandee Facy / Michael Saleta www.sandeefacy.com.au

    Motor Neurone Disease MND / ALS with Pauline Matheson Marks, MND Association and Jon Machel

  6. Jun 5

    Bowel Cancer and Living with an Ostomy with Nicole Trimboli - Australia & New Zealand

    In this episode of Sunflower Conversations, James Dunn speaks with Nicole Trimboli about surviving two cancers, living with a permanent stoma and ostomy bag, and rebuilding confidence when your body and life change fast.  • Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a young mum and the mental scars that can linger  • Daily life with an ostomy bag, diet planning and body image.  • Writing What a Shit Show as a guide, a story and a form of therapy  • Travelling with a hidden disability, airport security, toilets and the Sunflower lanyard  • The harm of judging who uses accessible toilets and why visibility is not proof Purchase a copy of Nicole's book "What a Shit Show"   Visit our website, Facebook, or Instagram for more resources.

    Bowel Cancer and Living with an Ostomy with Nicole Trimboli - Australia & New Zealand

  7. May 23

    Understanding Schizophrenia with Alex Phillips, Mind in Camden

    The topic for this episode is mental health and schizophrenia. If you are affected by anything we discuss, please follow up with your healthcare provider.  We talk with Alex Phillips from Mind in Camden about schizophrenia and hearing voices, focusing on lived experience rather than frightening labels. We explore how people can recover, how families can offer support, and how everyday compassion reduces stigma.  Hearing voices as an umbrella for different sensory experiences Why some experiences can feel positive or meaningful Living well and recovery without forcing voices to disappear Stigma in society and responding with a compassionate human approach How the Hidden Disability Sunflower can signal a need for patience If you are concerned about any of the subjects discussed in the podcast, please follow up with your healthcare practitioner for support. For support Intervoice - InternationalNational Hearing Voices Network - UK Hosted by Chantal Boyle, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.   If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a rating and review.   Find out more about the Sunflower by visiting the website hdsunflower.com Music by © Sandee Facy / Michael Saleta www.sandeefacy.com.au

    Understanding Schizophrenia with Alex Phillips, Mind in Camden

  8. May 10

    Early onset Alzheimer’s with Jay Reinstein, VOA Foundation

    We talk with Jay Reinstein about his early-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis, from the first confusing moments at work to the fear, stigma, and family impact that followed. We also dig into what helps day-to-day, how advocacy restores purpose, and why practical support like the Sunflower lanyard can change a journey from panic to confidence.  Noticing early cognitive changes in a high-responsibility job and seeking assessment Emotional shock of diagnosis, including anxiety, depression, and worry about being a burden Rebuilding purpose through boards, projects, and staying socially connected Daily adjustments Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyard and how it improves airport support for non-visible disabilities  For support VOA Foundation - USAAlzheimer's Society UKAlzheimer's Society IrelandAlzheimer's Society Canada If you are concerned about any of the subjects discussed in the podcast, please follow up with your healthcare practitioner for support. Hosted by Chantal Boyle and Lynn Smith, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.   If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a rating and review.   Find out more about the Sunflower by visiting the website hdsunflower.com Music by "The Emerald Ruby" Emerald Ruby Bandcamp and Emerald Ruby website

    Early onset Alzheimer’s with Jay Reinstein, VOA Foundation
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About

Welcome to the Sunflower Conversations, the podcast where we explore the experiences of disabled people with non-visible disabilities through the lens of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.   This is a space to hear authentic stories from disabled people navigating life with non-visible disabilities such as chronic illness, mental health conditions, neurodivergence, and more. While most episodes focus on lived experience, we also feature occasional insights from experts in healthcare, accessibility, and inclusion.   Whether you or someone you care about wears the Sunflower, our conversations aim to raise awareness, build understanding, and help create a more inclusive and compassionate world.   Empowering voices. Raising awareness. Challenging assumptions - one conversation at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    156
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Sunflower Conversations
  • Show Website
    The Sunflower Conversations

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