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.

Paralympian, and unapologetic voice for change—Al Viney joins ListenABLE hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O'Loughlin for a bold conversation about disability, elite sport/rowing, and the systems that still need fixing.

"Differentiating between an injury was bad and my disability is not bad".

Al breaks down what really happens after a life-changing injury, from navigating inaccessible medical language to challenging the rules of Paralympic classification. She shares the highs and hard truths of competing on the world stage, and why the separation between the Paralympics and Olympics still needs to be discussed.

This episode cuts through the fluff—touching on adaptive tech, sport governance, the realities of drunk driving, and what meaningful inclusion actually looks like in healthcare and high performance sport.

Whether you're in the disability space or just catching up, this one’s essential listening.

Want to support Al? Check our the links below!

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/al.viney/
• Mazenod Panthers All Ability Football Club

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/56OY2SgJ4Ac

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.

“Hello I'm Rosie, I'm disabled, I'm here, I'm proud of it listen to us make us in the conversation because we are not ever going to go away!”.

On this episode of ListenABLE, Angus O'Loughlin is joined by the unstoppable Rosie Jones — comedian, writer, actor, and all-round legend. With her razor-sharp wit and deliciously dark humour, Rosie doesn’t just take up space in the comedy world — she owns it.

She spills on everything from growing up with cerebral palsy to tackling the stand-up circuit with jokes that hit harder than a British winter. Along the way, we get into her comedy and writing credits (Sex Education, thank you very much), her kids’ books that actually get it right when it comes to disability (The Amazing ED Eckhart series), and why being trolled online won’t stop her from saying exactly what she thinks.

Rosie’s not here to be your inspiration — she’s here to make you laugh, and maybe rethink a few things. This episode is a mix of sharp observations, real talk about ableism, and plenty of “did she just say that?” moments. It’s bold, smart, and totally Rosie.

Want to support Rosie? Check our the links below!

• Melbourne Comedy Festival: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/rosie-jones/
• Website: https://rosiejonescomedy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josierones/
• Documentary 'Am I a R*tard?': https://tv.apple.com/gb/show/rosie-jones-am-i-a-rtard/umc.cmc.26vz2vwf2t4fdzp7e4djyeqmy

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/ULvMJw4FRtc

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 sit down with Charles Brice, a quadriplegic journalist and ABC News Breakfast presenter, to discuss his career and experiences in the media industry.

"I don't want to be pigeonholed as a 'Disability Reporter'... I've got many other interests outside my injury. So I've thought that was really important for my career"

After a motorbike accident at 19, Charles transitioned from an aspiring pilot to a journalist, using his platform to cover a wide range of stories, including disability advocacy, accessibility, and major sporting events like the Paralympics.

Charles shares his perspective on disability representation in the media, the challenges of navigating the industry as a journalist with a spinal cord injury, and his role in Wheel to Walk, which has raised over $300,000 for spinal cord injury research, but what does it mean for him when it comes to finding a 'cure'?

Whether you're interested in journalism, disability rights, or media representation, this episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of storytelling and advocacy.

In this conversation, we explore:

✅ The Removal of Barriers in a Career
✅ The Adaptability of Flying a Plane
✅ The Behind the Scenes of a National News Show
✅ Restrictions of Travelling with a Disability
✅ Representation in the Media

Give Charles a follow on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/charlesbrice/

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.