In this episode of Listenable, hosts Angus O'Loughlin and Dylan Alcott sit down with Sean Pollard, a para snowboarder and shark attack survivor whose story embodies resilience, courage, and reinvention. Sean opens up about the life-changing moment in 2014 when he lost both arms to a shark attack, and how he transformed that trauma into motivation—becoming an elite athlete with his sights set on the Paralympics.

The conversation explores the emotional and physical recovery process, the role of mindset in overcoming adversity, and how Sean found freedom and purpose through snowboarding. It’s an inspiring discussion about identity, adaptability, and redefining what’s possible after loss.

Key Takeaways

• Dylan Alcott hints at a potential comeback to tennis.

• Sean Pollard introduces himself as a para snowboarder.

• Sean lost both arms in a shark attack in 2014.

• He uses a split hook prosthetic for daily activities.

• Sean prefers the hook over an electronic hand for versatility.

• He recalls the traumatic details of the shark attack.

• Sean stresses the power of mindset in recovery.

• He found freedom and purpose through snowboarding.

• Sean is training for the upcoming Paralympics.

• He reflects on how the attack reshaped his identity and outlook on life.

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction and Comeback Discussion
02:01 — Meet Sean Pollard: A Snowboarder’s Journey
05:53 — The Shark Attack Experience
11:51 — Life After the Attack: Adapting to Disability
17:23 — Snowboarding: Finding Freedom on the Slopes
23:30 — Preparing for the Paralympics
29:20 — Reflections on Identity and Life Lessons

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of ListenABLE, hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin sit down with Carly Salmon – athlete, teacher, and captain of the Para Matildas. Carly opens up about her journey with cerebral palsy, how sport shaped her identity, and why representation in disability sport matters now more than ever.

From her early years in athletics to leading Australia’s Para Matildas, Carly shares the highs and lows of competing, teaching, and empowering others. She reflects on the impact of women’s football, the importance of mental health in sport, and her mission to inspire young people to see their disabilities as strengths.

Follow their journey:

Carly's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlysalmon

ParaMatildas: https://www.instagram.com/paramatildas/

Para Volley: https://www.instagram.com/ausparavolley/

Key Takeaways

• Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 18 months, Carly has grown into a leader in sport and education.

• Represented Australia in athletics before transitioning into football.

• Captain of the Para Matildas, leading by example on and off the field.

• Teaching is central to her advocacy – showing kids that disability doesn’t limit potential.

• Women’s football’s rise has created more visibility and momentum for para athletes.

• Advocates strongly for funding and support to grow para sports in Australia.

• Believes sport is a powerful way to build identity, community, and empowerment.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast and Guests
03:09 – Carly Salmon's Journey with Cerebral Palsy
05:55 – Teaching and Impact on Students
08:59 – Realizations of Disability in School
11:43 – Finding Strength in Disability
14:46 – Transitioning from Athletics to Football
17:49 – Leadership in Team Sports
20:44 – The Rise of Women's Football and Its Impact
23:49 – Pride in Disability Beyond Sports
26:37 – Future Goals for the Para Matildas
29:56 – Addressing Funding and Support for Para Sports

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. In this episode of ListenABLe, we explore the complex and often overlooked connection between disability and sexuality with guest Oliver Morton Evans, a leading disability and sexuality advocate. Oliver shares his personal story of growing up with cerebral palsy, the unique challenges of navigating intimacy, dating, and relationships, and how accessibility barriers continue to shape the lives of people with disabilities. The conversation dives into the role of sex work, the impact of recent NDIS funding changes, and the importance of advocacy to ensure equal rights to intimacy, connection, and inclusion.

Hire him to model your clothes or brand: https://theright.fit/talent/oliver-m-1

Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivermorton-evans

Get your ‘Sambrella’ here: https://sammysworldofcolour.com/products/sambrella

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/HqevPrCAUNo

Recorded, edited and produced by Angus' Podcast Company: www.sessioninprogress.com.au

Key Takeaways

• Conversations around disability and sexuality should be normalised and accessible.

• Oliver Morton Evans is a passionate advocate for inclusion in dating, relationships, and intimacy.

• Growing up with cerebral palsy created significant barriers to forming intimate connections.

• In pursuit of learning intimacy, Oliver once joined a meetup group that revealed itself as a sex cult.

• Accessibility in both social and sexual spaces remains a major challenge.

• Recent NDIS restrictions limit funding for sexual services, affecting many in the disability community.

• Sex work can play a vital role in providing connection, intimacy, and advocacy for people with disabilities.

• There is a pressing need for better sex education that is inclusive of people with disabilities.

• Oliver has produced erotic film content showcasing disabled bodies and intimacy to challenge stigma.

• Advocacy continues for the right of people with disabilities to access sexual expression and services.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Disability and Sexuality Conversations
02:11 – Oliver's Journey and Advocacy in Disability
07:19 – Navigating Intimacy and Dating as a Person with Disability
12:50 – Accessibility Challenges in Social and Sexual Spaces
18:59 – The Role of Sex Work in Disability Advocacy
23:46 – Funding and Support for Sexual Services in Disability
26:04 – Future Aspirations and Ongoing Advocacy

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.