Disability Disrupters

Dr Pam MacNeill
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  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

Disability Disrupters is brought to you by Disability Responsiveness New Zealand Ltd. It is a podcast featuring interviews with disabled people from around the globe. We delve into the lives of remarkable disabled people, learn how they have achieved their goals, and also canvas their views on the disability sector landscape, including how they perceive leadership and management within that sector by disabled people ourselves. Tune in to hear these insightful interviews, as well as updates and information about the ways in which we demand that society respond positively to our needs.

  1. FEB 28

    Kylee Maloneys award winning broadcast with Victoria Maxwell - Crazy for Life

    In this special edition of the Disability Disrupters podcast, Kylee Maloney presents her award winning broadcast, interviewing Victoria Maxwell about Victoria's one woman show called Crazy for Life. Kylee was February 2026's podcast guest, so check her episode, Episode 20, after this one. Victoria Maxwell Victoria Maxwell, BFA, BPP*  is a sought-after international (and funny) keynote speaker, performing artist and workshop leader. She uses her personal story of recovery from mental illness to increase awareness, transform negative beliefs and ignite powerful conversations about mental health. Blending 30 years as an actor, and 15 as a wellness warrior, Victoria inspires people to take immediate action to improve their well-being.  The Mental Health Commission of Canada has endorsed her one-of-a-kind keynote performances as one of the top anti-stigma interventions that creates lasting shifts. Two scientific studies have shown her theatrical keynotes reduce stigma. Learn about the research results here and here. She was named one of Canada’s top leaders in Mental Health by the National Centre for Addiction and Mental Health centre (CAMH) and honoured with the National Difference Makers award. Her plays, keynotes and other efforts have won or been nominated for over 14 awards. They include the Entertainment Industries Council PRISM Award, SAMHSA Voice Award, best foreign stage play at the Moondance International Film Festival, and one of Top Ten Entrepreneurs with Disabilities. Prior to her diagnosis, Victoria was an actress during the 90’s, playing small roles opposite actors such as X-Files’ David Duchovny, John Travolta and Johnny Depp. She’s blogged for Psychology Today for over 8 years. While her story is her own, the messages are universal. Even the most veteran of conference delegates are energized and enlightened by her keynotes and workshops. Victoria's website is here: https://victoriamaxwell.com/ 00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:21 Introduction to Podcast 00:44 Kylee and Victoria 29:13 Advert - Tipjar support for the podcast 30:06 Goodbye from Dr Pam Disability Self-empowerment: Module One: Take charge of your future! Available on amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Disability-self-empowerment-Module-charge-future-ebook/dp/B0FJLKGLTV Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/ Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters Read transcript

    30 min

  2. JAN 31

    Interview with Kylee Maloney - Creative and Student of Life

    Kylee Maloney Kylee Maloney has been a creative for as long as she can remember: from trying to make music with two hands on the piano at three to writing fanfiction at nearly 60, she has always enjoyed using her voice, words and music as modes of self-expression — and sometime employment. As a survivor of abuse in the care of RNZFB, she works as Administrator for the small group of survivors tasked with constructing a compensation and redress framework for positive change. She also enjoys reading, weight lifting, a decent glass of wine and setting the world to rights with a small and select group of friends. As a newly-diagnosed autist, she now proudly wears the sunflower and hopes to continue to help others through promotion of self-knowledge as a tool for growth. The song performed by Kylee after her interview is called, The Water is Wide, from her album, Early One Celtic Morning. The album is available on Spotify and Apple Music Connect with Kylee: Kylee has a professional clone of her voice on Eleven Labs. If you would her to read to you and you have Eleven Reader, add Kylee here: https://elevenlabs.io/app/voice-lab/share/c2b0aec5bdab1dd57f61079e0ad3a1d694cc1657aaa1dfef1e0e31bccf2c3f78/pcKdPWtbF6bM9o7NHjCI The link to Kylee's fanfic on AO3 is here: https://archiveofourown.org/users/TheKiwiCelt/works Kylee is featured in an interview here about her IT course on radio New Zealand Email Kylee with Subject line: Disrupters at silvercords@icloud.com Podcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:21 Introduction to Podcast Guest 01:05 Interview with Kylee Maloney 37:53 Goodbye from Dr Pam 38:07 Advert - Tipjar support for the podcast Dr Pam's Disability Self-empowerment: Module One: Take charge of your future! Available on amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Disability-self-empowerment-Module-charge-future-ebook/dp/B0FJLKGLTV Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/ Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters Read transcript

    39 min

  3. 12/31/2025

    Interview with Andrew Gadd - Disability Advocate and Content Creator

    Andrew Gadd Andrew is a passionate disability advocate, content creator and aspiring YouTuber. He has a passion for showcasing the positives of leading a fulfilling life with a physical condition.   You can connect with Andrew here: Linktree:  https://linktr.ee/AGGUIDES TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@andrew_gadd?_r=1&_t=ZN-92TAGl0r02Y YouTube:  https://youtube.com/@andrew_gadd?si=ymO5vaHGG8sCzn12 00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:21 Introduction to Podcast Guest - Andrew Gadd 01:04 Interview with Andrew Gadd 21:49 Employment Matters 25:20 Advert - Disability Self-empowerment: Module one: Take charge of your future! 26:35 Goodbye from Dr Pam 26:56 Advert - Tipjar support for the podcast Disability Self-empowerment: Module One: Take charge of your future! Available on amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Disability-self-empowerment-Module-charge-future-ebook/dp/B0FJLKGLTV Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/ Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeldhttps://youtube.com/@andrew_gadd?si=ymO5vaHGG8sCzn12 Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters Read transcript

    28 min

  4. 11/30/2025

    Interview with Mark Williams - Entrepreneur and National Sales Manager - NZ for HT Systems

    Mark Williams Mark is a successful entrepreneur, and National Sales manager - NZ for HT Systems (Kera sit2sit & Kera Travel hoists). Their first product, the Kera sit2sit hoist, has already made a huge difference in the lives of people living with disability. Mark has first hand experience as a User of the Kera Travel hoist and can help guide New Zealanders with NZ funding. Information on NZ funding can be found on the HT systems website here, and this is where Mark's contact details, such as email address and phone number are available.https://www.htsystems.co.nz Mark previously ran a lighting business for over two decades, and this business is now based in Auckland, NZ. Check out Flexilight New Zealand Mark has two short videos of his house/property lighting setup available to be viewed on youtube. Outside Christmas Lights - Napier NZ My house -Christmas 2024 Napier NEW ZEALAND Mark is also involved with custom made wheelchair spoke protector designs at Bazaa Wheels On a personal note, Mark is in the middle of writing a book about his work and life, so watch out for that announcement coming up. Emma Bennison This month Emma is reading us her blog article "Stop Mining our Ideas. Start Appointing Disabled Leaders" Audio Chapters 00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:21 Introduction to Podcast 00:51 Interview with Mark WIlliams 13:20 Advert - Tipjar support for the podcast 14:17 Stop Mining Our Ideas. Start Appointing Disabled Leaders 21:32 Advert - fast braille translation service 22:34 Goodbye from Dr Pam Footnotes Disability Self-empowerment: Module One: Take charge of your future! Available on amazon here Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters Read transcript

    23 min

  5. 10/31/2025

    Interview with Stephanie Birkhead - Author of Behind the Shutters (Memoir)

    Stephanie Birkhead Behind the Shutters is a deeply personal and moving memoir that lifts the lid on life behind closed doors. Stephanie Birkhead shares her powerful journey of survival, resilience, and hope after enduring experiences that shaped her life in unexpected ways. With raw honesty and courage, she invites readers to step inside her story — not just of struggle, but of strength, healing, and finding light after the darkest of times. Discover her memoir: Behind The Shutters Amazon link: https://mybook.to/jMM8 Connect with Stephie on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephie-birkhead-931762388 00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:21 Introduction to Podcast Guest 00:32 Advert - Disability Self-empowerment: Module one: Take charge of your future! 01:51 Interview with Stephie Birkhead 24:57 Advert - Fast braille translation service 25:58 Goodbye from Dr Pam 26:14 Advert - Tipjar support for the podcast Disability Self-empowerment: Module One: Take charge of your future! Available on amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Disability-self-empowerment-Module-charge-future-ebook/dp/B0FJLKGLTV Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/ Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters Read transcript

    27 min

  6. 10/01/2025

    Interview with Gemma O'Donnell - Barrister and Solicitor - Founder of Chronically Legal

    Gemma O'Donnell Gemma O’Donnell is an experienced Barrister and Solicitor. She is passionate about advocating for those with disabilities and older people. Gemma loves dark chocolate, books, and making food to share. About Gemma’s business - Chronically Legal Chronically Legal makes it easy to get your legal ducks in a row. Chronically Legal can help with: • Enduring Powers of Attorney, • Orders under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act (PPPR Act), • Residential Care Subsidies and • Trusts/ Incorporated Societies. We offer fixed fees (for everything but litigation) and bespoke instalment payment plans Email: gemma@chronicallylegal.co.nz Website: www.chronicallylegal.co.nz 00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:21 Introduction to Podcast Guest 00:44 Advert - Disability Self-empowerment: Module one: Take charge of your future! 02:07 Interview with Gemma O'Donnell 44:30 Denied right to learn Braille - Radio New Zealand 47:53 Employment Matters - part 4 52:00 Advert - Fast braille translation service 53:02 Goodbye from Dr Pam 53:19 Advert - Tipjar support for the podcast Dr Pam and Kylee Maloney's Interview sourced with permission from RNZ (Radio New Zealand) website: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/573515/denied-right-to-learn-braille-woman-shares-historical-experience-at-royal-new-zealand-foundation-of-the-blind-s-apology Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/ Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters Read transcript

    54 min

  7. 08/31/2025

    DARUMA movie - Best Actor Winners Tobias Forrest and John W. Lawson

    DARUMA (the Movie) On 1st September, DARUMA finally comes to Australia and New Zealand! From Oscar-winning executive producer Peter Farrelly comes the first film in US cinematic history to star two leads with disabilities in a narrative not about overcoming disability. DARUMA is a story about fatherhood, found family and forgiveness. Rent the film on Amazon Prime or Apple TV+ Starring: Christopher Reeve Best Actor Winner, Tobias Forrest Slamdance Best Actor Winner, John W. Lawson CBS Blue Bloods' Abigail Hawk And Golden Globe winner Barry Bostwick (The Rocky Horror Picture Show) DARUMA is available with open captions and has audio descriptions for free via All4Access. Download the app at https://all4access.com/ for audio descriptions of DARUMA. IndieFilm DisabilityRepresentation Movies AuthenticCasting Disability If you want to tag us the socials are here: INSTAGRAM: @darumamovie https://www.instagram.com/darumamovie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W12KK9poUV0 00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:30 Advert - Disability Responsiveness new Zealand (DRNZ) 00:53 Interview with John Lawson and Tobias Forrest 47:39 Goodbye from Dr Pam 47:55 Podcast Donations request Disability Self-empowerment Module One: Take charge of your future! Available on amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Disability-self-empowerment-Module-charge-future-ebook/dp/B0FJLKGLTV Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/ Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters Read transcript

    49 min

  8. 08/26/2025

    Interview with Neelu Jennings - Politician, Disability Advocate and Adventure athlete

    Neelu Jennings Neelu Jennings is a politician, disability advocate, and adventure athlete from Lower Hutt, New Zealand. A member of the Green Party, she has stood for both local and national office while raising two children as a full-time parent. Neelu brings deep expertise to her advocacy, holding a master’s degree in disability policy and a postgraduate diploma in public health, alongside professional experience with the Office for Disability Issues. As the founder of Integrated Sport NZ and a decorated para-athlete, she has broken barriers in sport—becoming the first blind person to complete the Coast to Coast and the Crazyman multisport races, as well as climbing Mt Aspiring and paddling across Cook Strait. Her leadership has been recognised with an Attitude Award and a Woman of Influence Award. In April 2025, Neelu and Optimed’s Craig Norman teamed up to race the Porirua Grand Traverse - the multisport event involved legs in a double kayak (12k), a tandem mountain bike (28k) and a supported trail run (18k). 00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:21 Introduction to Podcast Guest 00:40 Advert - Disability Self-empowerment: Module one: Take charge of your future! 01:58 Interview with Neelu Jennings 30:59 Employment Matters - part 3 35:04 Advert - Fast braille translation service 36:04 Goodbye from Dr Pam 36:20 Advert - Tipjar support for the podcast Disability Self-empowerment: Module One: Take charge of your future! Available on amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Disability-self-empowerment-Module-charge-future-ebook/dp/B0FJLKGLTV Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/ Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters Read transcript

    37 min
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About

Disability Disrupters is brought to you by Disability Responsiveness New Zealand Ltd. It is a podcast featuring interviews with disabled people from around the globe. We delve into the lives of remarkable disabled people, learn how they have achieved their goals, and also canvas their views on the disability sector landscape, including how they perceive leadership and management within that sector by disabled people ourselves. Tune in to hear these insightful interviews, as well as updates and information about the ways in which we demand that society respond positively to our needs.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Pam MacNeill
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Disability Responsiveness New Zealand (DRNZ)
  • Show Website
    Disability Disrupters