In this episode of the ListenABLE podcast, hosts Angus and Dylan sit down with Sara Shams — a pharmacist, model, and disability advocate — to share her inspiring journey as a bilateral above-knee amputee living with the rare genetic condition tibial hemimelia.

Sara opens up about her early life and multiple surgeries, how advances in prosthetics technology have shaped her independence, and the confidence she’s built through advocacy and representation in media. The conversation dives into cultural perspectives on disability, the impact of the Shift 20 initiative on increasing authentic representation, and how brands can move beyond tokenism to embrace true inclusion.

From breaking into the modelling industry to launching consultancy work for accessible runways, Sara shares the importance of personal choice in mobility aids, resilience in the face of stigma, and the power of visibility in changing perceptions.

What You’ll Learn:

• How prosthetic advancements are transforming independence and mobility.

• Why authentic representation matters for the disability community.

• The business and social impact of the Shift 20 initiative.

• How to address tokenism through education and cultural change.

• The role of confidence, resilience, and personal choice in disability advocacy.

Get in contact with Sara: https://sarashams.au/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarashams

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/ux5keqFJjTM

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

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests
03:00 Sara Shams: A Journey Through Disability
05:53 Understanding Tibial Hemimelia and Its Impact
08:56 Surgical Journey and Early Life Experiences
12:04 Evolution of Prosthetics and Technology
15:01 Building Confidence and Embracing Disability
17:54 Cultural Perspectives on Disability
18:25 The Journey into Modeling
21:37 Advocacy through Shift 20 Initiative
22:42 Navigating Tokenism and Authentic Representation
26:51 Launching her Consultancy
30:16 The Balance of Representation and Tokenism

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode of ListenABLE, we’re joined by Jessica Horner, a neurodivergent journalist and policy advisor living with autism, ADHD, and multiple medical disabilities. Jessica offers a powerful and deeply personal conversation about what it means to navigate life and work through the lens of disability and neurodivergence.

Together, we explore the dynamic nature of disability and how traditional models often fall short of recognising the full spectrum of lived experience. From unpacking the emotional and physical toll of masking and autistic burnout, to examining the recent rise in ADHD diagnoses, Jessica reflects on the evolving language, systems, and stigmas surrounding neurodivergence.

We also delve into how medical disabilities intersect with mental health, the role of support systems, and the importance of creating safer spaces for disclosure, especially in workplaces where harassment and bias remain widespread. Drawing from her background in journalism, Jessica discusses how the media shapes public perception of disability and why self-diagnosis is a valid and vital part of identity for many.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in disability advocacy, inclusive mental health practices, and challenging the assumptions we make about what disability looks like.

Trigger Warning: Themes of Suicide Discussed

Want to connect with Jessica? Check out the links Below!

• Website: https://www.spoonfulsofwhimsy.com.au/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spoonfulsofwhimsy
• Email: horner.jessica@outlook.com

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/4yAC4QLQ1ec

If you feel like you need support after today's episode please look at the links below:

• Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636): https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
• Lifeline Australia (13 11 14): https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of ListenABLE, registered psychologist Kellie Forrest shares her experiences living with cerebral palsy and working in mental health. As both a parent and a professional, Kellie provides insight into how internalised ableism, societal attitudes, and systemic gaps impact people with disability in day-to-day life.

Kellie speaks candidly about parenting with a disability, navigating hospitals and schools, and the assumptions she’s encountered as a disabled parent. She reflects on how these experiences intersect with her work as a psychologist, where she supports neurodivergent clients and applies trauma-informed and behaviour support frameworks.

The conversation dives into the complexity of the NDIS, including inconsistent access to support and difficulties with innovative treatments. Kellie also recounts her personal experience with a car accident and the barriers faced during the insurance claims process—especially when dealing with modified vehicles.

Throughout the episode, Dylan and Angus explore how lived experience can shape professional practice, and why representation within psychology and healthcare matters.

Want to contact Kellie? Reach out to her clinic: info@assessable.com.au

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/Yul1SVSnomA

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of ListenABLE, Angus O'Loughlin and Dylan Alcott are joined by Rita Havea, a model, content creator and disability advocate living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a progressive genetic neuromuscular condition,

"Went and saw a genetic counsellor, linked myself to CMT support groups, did as much research as possible,'cause I felt that made me feel stronger in myself".

The conversation also delves into how disability can affect family dynamics, particularly when conditions go unrecognised across generations. Rita reflects on her mother’s undiagnosed CMT and how this shaped their family’s understanding of disability.

As someone working within the fashion and creative industries as a model/creator, Rita shares her perspective on disability representation in media and modelling, and why change often feels cosmetic rather than structural. She also touches on genetic counselling, community support, and her shift towards creative direction and public speaking.

This episode offers a grounded conversation about disability, inclusion and identity — avoiding clichés and focusing instead on lived experience, structural barriers, and the importance of visibility that goes beyond aesthetics.

Want to see more of Rita and her work? Check our the links below!

• Website: https://www.silverfoxmgmt.com.au/portfolios/rita-havea
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamrita_h/

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/0YKK4wE4ViM

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of ListenABLE, hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin speak with Cherie Clonan — autistic business leader, digital marketing expert, and founder of The Digital Picnic. Diagnosed with Autism later in life, Cherie shares her lived experience as a neurodivergent woman, parent of autistic children, and CEO of one of Australia’s most human-centric digital agencies.

"The way I parent, the way I show up in my marriage, I'm a better friend for that diagnosis sitting in my life now..."

Listeners will hear how Cherie transformed The Digital Picnic from a small business into a multi-million dollar, award-winning agency known for prioritising mental health, inclusivity, and neurodiverse-friendly work practices. She explains how discovering her neurodivergence reshaped her personal life, improved her relationships, and empowered her leadership style.

This episode delves into the importance of normalising disability, challenging ableism in the workplace, and creating supportive environments for neurodivergent employees. Cherie also discusses the impact of late diagnosis, the power of self-understanding, and how investing in employee wellbeing leads to business success.

Whether you're interested in autism advocacy, inclusive leadership, or neurodiversity in business, this inspiring conversation offers practical insights and real-life experiences that will resonate with many.

Want to see more of Cherie and The Digital Picnic? Check our the links below!

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherie-clonan/
• Website: https://www.thedigitalpicnic.com.au/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedigitalpicnic/

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/mnWV0tVApPk

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the ListenABLE Podcast, your hosts Dylan and Angus are joined by John Mckenna, a renowned disability advocate, podcaster, and expert with over 60 years of lived experience navigating life with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. John is a passionate advocate for disability rights, independence, and the importance of community support for people with disabilities.

John's journey highlights the evolution of assistive technologies, from early electric wheelchairs to cutting-edge gadgets, and explores the challenges of growing up with a disability in the 1960s and 1970s. The conversation also delves into the societal impacts of institutionalisation of that time and the critical role of disability advocacy in shaping more inclusive communities for the future.

As a key figure in the development of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), John shares his insights on how lived experience informs policy and why inclusive disability policy is crucial for social change. The episode also covers the often-overlooked intersection of disability and sexuality, discussing the importance of representation and breaking taboos.

Want to support John? Check our the links below!

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmckennajp/
• Website: https://johnmckenna.com.au/

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/mnWV0tVApPk

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of ListenABLE, hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O'Loughlin speak with Peta Hooke, a podcaster and disability advocate living with Cerebral Palsy. As the creator and host of The I Can’t Stand Podcast, Peta brings a practical perspective to disability representation, drawing from her personal experiences and conversations within the disabled community.

Peta discusses what it’s like to live independently with a physical disability, the ongoing role of support workers, and the reality of navigating healthcare systems that often lack accessibility. The conversation also covers the complexities of fertility treatment for disabled people, including access to IVF and the ableism that can shape medical experiences.

"Unfortunately, I had massive issues, particularly around ableism.
And it took 313 days to get approval".

Peta shares her thoughts on parenting as a disabled person and why disability is simply one part of her life—not something to be overcome.

In addition to her podcast work, Peta is an accessibility consultant and recently launched Eggs, a limited-series podcast focused on fertility and disability.

Want to support Peta? Check our the links below!

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petahooke/
• The 'I Can't Stand Podcast': https://tr.ee/kcSeq-lNJ4
• The 'Egg's Podcast': https://tr.ee/tnkRdoeiOZ

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/J-kRHBrRim

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Dempsey is an Australian disability advocate, motivational speaker, and content creator whose life changed dramatically after a diving accident on his 21st birthday left him with a spinal cord injury and quadriplegia. While celebrating with friends at his parents’ home, he misjudged a dive into a shallow backyard pool, dislocating his neck upon impact.

"Just after talking about how good my mates are, they broke my neck and then went down to the pub..."

Nick has since become a powerful voice in the disability community. He shares his journey candidly on platforms like TikTok and through his podcast “Chats From A Chair,” where he explores life with a disability and broader issues of representation and accessibility.

In an episode of the ListenABLE podcast, Nick discussed his lived experience and the innovative solutions he’s developed to maintain independence—including an adaptive drinking glove he designed himself. He also speaks openly about the mental health challenges and relationship dynamics that come with life post-injury.

Nick’s efforts go beyond advocacy. He has become a registered marriage celebrant, further proving that life after injury can still be filled with purpose, creativity, and connection. His story highlights the importance of normalising disability through storytelling, embracing vulnerability, and finding strength in community.

Want to support Nick? Check our the links below!

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickkdempsey/
• The Rolling Celebrant: https://www.instagram.com/the_rolling_celebrant/
• Drinking Buddy: https://www.instagram.com/_drinkingbuddy_/
• Chats from a Chair: https://www.instagram.com/chatsfromachair_podcast/

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/gTxHIdWFz1A

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.