ListenABLE

SESSION in PROGRESS

Challenge what you think it’s like to live with disability.  Hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin speak to people living with disabilities about their lives and ask them the questions you thought were off-limits. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll learn something. This is a podcast for everyone - disabled or abled, and hopes to break down stigmas, change perceptions, and to challenge what you think it’s like to live with disability.

  1. 21 SA. ÖNCE

    "Being Autistic Makes Me a Better Artist" artist daine

    Filipino-Australian singer-songwriter daine joins Dylan Alcott and Angus O'Loughlin for a conversation that is equal parts funny, raw, and genuinely important. daine lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), POTS, and autism and did not know she was disabled until she was 18. By that point she had already been dismissed by multiple neurologists and cardiologists who told her the chronic pain stopping her from climbing the stairs at school was "just anxiety." She is now preparing to drop her debut album and performing at Ability Fest for the second time. This episode covers late diagnosis, medical gaslighting, spoon theory, invisible illness, the suicide statistics for autistic women that daine thinks about every day, and why she believes being deeply, intensely autistic makes her a better songwriter. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. Ability Fest and what it actually means to be inclusivedaine has attended and performed at Ability Fest before and is back on the lineup for 2026. Dylan explains what the festival really is: not a festival for disabled people, but a fully accessible event where everyone can party together. Platforms, pathways, Auslan interpreters, sensory rooms, live captioning, and 100% of proceeds going to the Dylan Alcott Foundation. As Angus puts it, the real point is giving six able-bodied friends the chance to finally share a night out with the one person who could never get through the door before. Get your tickets here: https://megatix.com.au/events/ability-fest-2026 daine is a Filipino-Australian singer, songwriter, and producer living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, POTS, and autism. She is currently finishing her debut album and performing at Ability Fest 2026. Follow daine: https://www.instagram.com/d4ine/ 00:00 Cold open: doctors, stairs, and the diagnosis nobody saw coming02:39 Ability Fest: what it is, why it matters, and daine returning to the lineup04:24 A month in LA and the debut album07:09 Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: what it is and why it takes ten years to diagnose09:25 The hosepipe analogy: EDS, POTS, and circulation explained10:38 Growing up without a diagnosis and medical gaslighting12:31 Dynamic disability and passing as non-disabled14:27 Good days vs survival days: spoon theory explained16:52 How disability affects the creative process and studio sessions18:13 Why autism is daine's creative superpower19:54 Getting the autism diagnosis at 18 and what it meant21:08 Social battery, sensory overload, and the right kind of socialising23:12 Navigating the music industry with an invisible disability24:34 What a sustainable career looks like25:04 Autistic suicide risk and why visibility matters27:16 Making shows more accessible as an independent artist29:07 Best gig stories: first LA headline and Laneway 2019 in the rain with Charli XCX31:25 Spicy listener questions disability podcast Australia, ListenABLE podcast, daine musician, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome EDS podcast, autism and chronic illness, invisible disability, dynamic disability, spoon theory chronic illness, POTS dysautonomia, autistic artist Australia, Ability Fest Melbourne 2026, neurodiversity and music, medical gaslighting women, late autism diagnosis, autistic women mental health suicide risk, disability representation music industry, Dylan Alcott Foundation, Filipino-Australian artist autism | Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome | EDS | POTS | invisible disability | dynamic disability | spoon theory | medical gaslighting | late diagnosis | Ability Fest 2026 | neurodiversity | mental health | chronic illness | disability representation | Australian podcast | daine | Dylan Alcott | ListenABLE

    36 dk.

  2. 9 MAR

    Revenge attack at 5 - Surviving Childhood Trauma with Spencer Connelly

    In this episode of ListenABLE, Angus sits down with Spencer Connelly for a conversation that is confronting, inspiring and incredibly human. Spencer shares his lived experience after surviving a traumatic fire as a child, spending months in hospital, and learning to navigate the world with visible scars and amputations. He reflects on memory, trauma, recovery, self-image, the complexity of forgiveness, and why he now sees his scars as signs of strength rather than weakness. The conversation also explores disability identity, facial difference, confidence in public, representation in film, and Spencer’s growing dream of building a career in acting. That dream has already taken shape, with Spencer landing a speaking role in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, and he has publicly credited the KIDS Foundation with helping build his confidence after his injuries. If this episode resonates, share it with someone who needs to hear a story of resilience, perspective and hope. Key Topics: surviving severe childhood burns trauma and memory hospital recovery and rehabilitation living with facial difference disability identity scars and self-acceptance therapy and healing public perception and staring confidence and resilience acting, representation and Furiosa The Story: 00:00 Childhood trauma and the memory that stayed 01:00 Spencer’s story and entering the disability community 05:45 Living with disability and visible difference 07:20 Recovery, surgeries and life after hospital 11:10 Returning to school after trauma 14:50 The truth about what happened 17:40 Differently abled, disability and identity 19:00 Staring, confidence and moving through the world 20:40 Looking in the mirror after trauma 23:15 Forgiveness, healing and moving forward 27:20 Acting dreams and losing one career path 28:20 Meeting Sean Millis and working on Furiosa 35:30 Facial difference and representation in film 37:50 Halloween, scars and public perception 40:10 The bowl of uncomfortable 44:25 Life from here and what’s next

    55 dk.

  3. 22 ŞUB

    "My Heart Stopped for 3 Minutes, and It Changed Everything"

    When Joshua Ruff’s heart stopped for three minutes, everything changed. Living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) since childhood, Joshua had already navigated a lifetime of disability, adaptation, and resilience. But in 2020, a sudden cardiac arrest during the early days of COVID forced him into a profound reckoning with mortality, fear, and what actually matters. Unable to speak and communicating only through his eyes, Joshua was told he might never return home. Instead, that moment became the catalyst for a new way of living. One centred on human connection, creative purpose, and letting go of fear. In this powerful conversation, Joshua shares how surviving cardiac arrest reshaped his outlook on life, relationships, and ambition. He opens up about growing up with DMD, the emotional toll of teenage years, and the quiet pressure to always appear positive as a wheelchair user. We explore how gardening became both therapy and vocation, leading to the creation of Henle Gardens, a lavender farm producing oil, products, and community experiences. This episode is about disability, yes. But more than that, it is about meaning, independence, love, and choosing to live fully without apology. Key Topics Covered Surviving a cardiac arrest and communicating only through eye movement Living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and challenging early life expectancy narratives Letting go of fear after facing death Gardening as purpose, therapy, and business Building an accessible lavender farm and producing lavender oil Independence, support systems, and redefining success Why people with disability are elite problem solvers Relationships, self-worth, and rejecting the idea of being a burden Positivity, grief, and the danger of masking emotions Notable Moments “The most important thing is human connection. Everything else doesn’t matter.” “My heart stopped for three minutes, and somehow that freed me.” “I didn’t believe I deserved a relationship. That belief almost cost me one.” “People with disability are the best problem solvers because life never gives us the easy path.” “Independence for me is choice, not doing everything alone.” About Joshua Ruff Joshua Ruff is a gardener, lavender producer, and founder of Henle Gardens in regional Victoria. Living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Joshua has transformed personal adversity into creative expression, community connection, and entrepreneurship. After surviving cardiac arrest in 2020, he committed to building a life driven by purpose rather than fear. Today, his lavender farm produces oil, dried lavender products, and hosts garden visits, festivals, and community groups, proving that accessibility and beauty are not mutually exclusive.

    39 dk.

  4. 8 ŞUB

    “Some Girls Won’t Date Me Because of My Disability” (Colin Judge’s Truth)

    Colin Judge was born with one arm and no legs, and today he is a Paralympic table tennis player, speaker, and analyst living in Dublin. In this episode of ListenABLE, Colin opens up about dating with a disability, rejection, and why you do not need to prove your worth to the wrong people. He shares the moment a short video about dating stopped the scroll online, and how learning to value the people who choose you changed the way he sees relationships and confidence. Colin also takes us through his journey to the Paralympics, the hidden grind of elite sport, and what people do not see behind the scenes of Paralympic competition. From being excluded as a teenager, to finding his sport, to navigating reclassification and identity, this conversation explores resilience, adaptability, and self-belief in a way that goes far beyond disability. We also talk about fear of rejection, finding your voice on social media, taking initiative when it feels uncomfortable, and why accessibility is often more about mindset than infrastructure. This is a powerful, honest conversation about confidence, self-worth, and becoming more than the labels placed on you. Follow Colin Judge on Instagram: @colinjudge100

    44 dk.

  5. 26 OCA

    “A Diagnosis Changed Everything… and Nothing” | Kelly Berger (Rare Disease Story)

    What happens when you finally get the diagnosis that explains your whole life… and what doesn’t it change at all? In this powerful episode of ListenABLE, Angus sits down with disability advocate and podcaster Kelly Berger, who shares her journey living with an ultra-rare form of congenital muscular dystrophy, Collagen 6. After years of misdiagnosis, Kelly received her genetic confirmation as an adult, a moment that brought clarity, community and a new sense of direction, without changing who she fundamentally is. Kelly speaks candidly about the emotional weight of diagnosis, navigating healthcare systems, building community, and what real accessibility actually looks like in daily life. From the realities of infrastructure in the US to the gaps between performative inclusion and genuine integration, this conversation goes well beyond awareness and into what meaningful change requires. We also dive into Kelly’s podcast 'Wheel Talk', her advocacy work, and how she’s helping reshape how disability, rare disease and identity are spoken about in public spaces. This is a conversation about resilience, identity, leadership and how visibility changes everything. Living with Collagen 6 congenital muscular dystrophy The emotional impact of finally receiving a genetic diagnosis Rare disease advocacy and disability representation Accessibility in infrastructure and public spaces Navigating healthcare systems and misdiagnosis Disability identity and pride Building community with and without disability Language, inclusion and allyship Performative vs meaningful disability representation Creating podcasts within the disability community Why visibility matters Kelly Berger is a disability advocate, podcaster and rare disease community leader living with Collagen 6 congenital muscular dystrophy. She is the co-host of Wheel Talk, a podcast exploring disability, identity and lived experience through honest, accessible conversations. Kelly works actively in advocacy, accessibility awareness and rare disease representation. ListenABLE is a podcast created to amplify disability voices, challenge stereotypes and explore what inclusion actually looks like in practice. Hosted by Angus O’Loughlin alongside Dylan Alcott, the show brings real stories, lived experience and meaningful conversations into the mainstream. Podcast: Wheel Talk with Kelly and Averyhttps://www.instagram.com/thewheeltalkpodcast/

    37 dk.

  6. FRAGMAN

    The Day Kelly Finally Got Answers After Years of Misdiagnosis

    Episode out Tuesday!

    1 dk.
  7. Disability Pride, Para Sport and the Power of Storytelling with Elizabeth Wright

    07.12.2025

    Disability Pride, Para Sport and the Power of Storytelling with Elizabeth Wright

    In this episode, Elizabeth Wright shares her journey from being a Paralympic swimmer to becoming a sports journalist. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of her career, the importance of representation in media, and her personal experiences with disability. Elizabeth emphasises the need for more coverage of Paralympic sports and the significance of embracing one's identity and pride in the face of ableism. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of disability representation in journalism and the importance of community support. Connect with Elizabeth  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethlwright/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-wright-ply-300610129/  Website: http://www.elizabethwright.net/  What we cover: Elizabeth Wright transitioned from Paralympic swimmer to sports journalist. She emphasizes the need for more representation of disabled individuals in media. The Sydney 2000 Paralympics were a turning point for public support of para sports. Elizabeth faced challenges in her identity after retiring from swimming. She found empowerment through photography and art. Living with a disability requires daily practice of self-acceptance. Elizabeth advocates for more coverage of Paralympic sports. She reflects on the ableist perceptions in society. The importance of community pride in disability is highlighted. Elizabeth aims to inspire more disabled individuals to pursue journalism.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:58 Elizabeth Wright's Journey in Sports Journalism 05:51 Reflections on the Paralympic Games 09:05 Life After Competitive Swimming 11:51 Exploring Identity Through Art and Photography 14:54 Understanding Disability and Personal Experience 21:19 The Journey of Adaptation 22:34 Prosthetics: Tools of Empowerment 26:54 Disability Pride: A Daily Practice 31:10 The Future of Disability Representation in Journalism 33:43 Confronting Ableism: Personal Experiences and Growth See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    39 dk.
  8. Designing Beauty with Disability in Mind | Storm Menzies and Holly Sultana

    23.11.2025

    Designing Beauty with Disability in Mind | Storm Menzies and Holly Sultana

    In this episode of ListenABLE, Dylan and Angus sit down with Storm and Holly, the founder and brand ambassador of ByStorm Beauty, a trailblazing inclusive beauty brand designed for people with disabilities. They explore the challenges of inaccessible makeup, the importance of representation in beauty, and how ByStorm is creating products that empower the disability community while building a profitable, inclusive business. Storm shares the journey from co-designing accessible tools to collaborating with major brands, while Holly reflects on the personal impact of independence, confidence, and visibility. Discover how thoughtful design, community consultation, and advocacy are reshaping the beauty industry—and learn why accessibility benefits everyone. Connect with Holly and Storm: Storm: https://www.linkedin.com/in/storm-menzies/  ByStorm: https://bystormbeauty.com/  Holly: linkedin.com/in/holly-sultana-b37410212  Chapter Titles & Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Welcome to Listenable 00:01 – Accessible Makeup Inspiration: How breaking a hand led to a new approach 01:40 – Meet Storm & Holly: Founders and ambassadors of ByStorm Beauty 03:00 – Empowerment Through Representation: How ByStorm impacts the disability community 06:10 – The Problem With Inaccessible Beauty: Everyday struggles and barriers 07:27 – Normalizing Struggle: Holly’s perspective on accessibility and independence 08:33 – Overcoming Ableism in Beauty: Challenges convincing others accessibility matters 12:12 – Building a Disability-Led Business: From prototypes to a thriving brand 16:20 – What is Accessible Makeup?: Tools, attachments, and co-design 18:08 – Collaborations & Industry Impact: Celeste Barber and mainstream engagement 19:43 – Representing ByStorm: The ambassador experience and social impact 25:08 – Community & Advisory Board: Lived experience shaping product development 27:00 – Retail & Global Expansion: Inclusion in stores and future plans 31:04 – Time & Independence: How accessibility saves time and fosters autonomy 33:06 – Product Design Details: Shapes, grips, and user experience 34:52 – Packaging & Unboxing: Accessibility beyond the product itself   accessible makeup, inclusive beauty, disability advocacy, disability-led business, ByStorm Beauty, makeup for disabilities, co-design products, empowerment, representation in beauty, inclusive product design See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 dk.
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Challenge what you think it’s like to live with disability.  Hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin speak to people living with disabilities about their lives and ask them the questions you thought were off-limits. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll learn something. This is a podcast for everyone - disabled or abled, and hopes to break down stigmas, change perceptions, and to challenge what you think it’s like to live with disability.

Bilgi

  • Kanal
    SESSION in PROGRESS
  • Yaratıcı
    SESSION in PROGRESS
  • Aktif Yıllar
    2020 - 2026
  • Bölümler
    187
  • Sınıflandırma
    Uygun
  • Telif Hakkı
    © SESSION in PROGRESS
  • Şovun Web Sitesi
    ListenABLE

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