ListenABLE

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 GrowthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 designSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Senator Jordon Steele-John joins Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin to share what life is really like inside Parliament as a wheelchair user and one of the few disabled politicians in Australia. From rushing to Senate votes without extra time allowances to reshaping accessibility in politics, Jordon gives a candid and inspiring look at how inclusion, policy, and representation intersect in Australia’s most powerful building. The conversation spans his journey from a 23-year-old Greens candidate from WA to a national advocate for accessibility, neurodiversity, and disability rights. Jordon opens up about moments of misunderstanding on the campaign trail, how his ADHD and cerebral palsy shape his leadership, and why true inclusion starts with “getting our own house in order.” This episode is full of insight, humour, and practical advice for anyone—disabled or not—who wants to create change in their community. Connect with Jordon: https://www.instagram.com/jordonsteelejohn/?hl=en  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordon-steele-john-656ba917a/  Key Topics Life as a Senator with disability Accessibility barriers in Parliament House Ableism in political systems How Parliament handles (or doesn’t handle) disability inclusion The power of lived experience in politics Jordon’s journey to the Senate at age 23 Disability pride and representation ADHD, cerebral palsy, and leadership Advice for young people with disability wanting to enter politics Building collective action for change Quotes “If Parliament is going to make laws that fix accessibility in the community, we’ve got to literally get our own house in order first.” – Jordon Steele-John “People thought I was collecting for charity, not running for office. That moment showed how deeply society equates disability with needing help, not giving leadership.” – Jordon Steele-John “Politics should represent every voice—including people with intellectual and cognitive disabilities. The system can and should be rebuilt to meet everyone’s access needs.” – Jordon Steele-John About Jordon Steele-John Jordon Steele-John is an Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia and the youngest person ever elected to the Australian Senate. A proud disabled man with cerebral palsy and ADHD, Jordon has been a leading advocate for disability rights, climate justice, and inclusive reform since 2017. His work includes helping establish the Disability Royal Commission and pushing for systemic accessibility across Australian institutions.   Jordon Steele-John, Dylan Alcott, Angus O’Loughlin, ListenABLE podcast, Australian Parliament accessibility, disability politics Australia, cerebral palsy, ADHD, Greens Senator WA, disability representation, ableism in politics, Disability Royal Commission, inclusion, accessibility reform, disabled leaders, advocacy AustraliaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the ListenABLE with Karni Liddell she opens up about her incredible journey from being diagnosed with a neuromuscular condition at birth to becoming a world class Paralympian, advocate, and mother. Karni reflects on her experiences in elite sport, the evolution of disability representation, and the personal challenges that shaped her strength and perspective. She speaks candidly about the realities of motherhood with a disability, the significance of the Paralympics in shifting public perception, and the ongoing fight to ensure people with disabilities are supported and seen.   Follow Karni: https://www.instagram.com/karniliddell/ https://au.linkedin.com/in/karniliddell   Key Takeaways• Karni was diagnosed at birth with a neuromuscular wasting disease and was told she wouldn't live a long life.• Sport became a powerful avenue for confidence, independence, and connection.• The Paralympic movement has transformed dramatically over the past 25 years.• Motherhood brought new purpose along with new challenges.• Visibility and media representation play a critical role in changing perceptions. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest05:37 Karni Liddell’s Journey with Disability18:38 Motherhood and Disability24:39 Celebrating 25 Years of the Paralympics25:39 Reflections on the 1996 Paralympics28:11 The Impact of Sydney 200030:00 The Evolution of Disability Representation32:54 The Future of Paralympic Sports35:39 Challenges and Triumphs in Swimming37:30 The New Generation of Paralympians40:10 Representation in Media and Personal Identity Karni Liddell, Paralympian, disability advocacy, motherhood, neuromuscular disease, Paralympic movement, representation, inclusion, athlete stories, resilienceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Discussion02:01 — Meet Sean Pollard: A Snowboarder’s Journey05:53 — The Shark Attack Experience11:51 — Life After the Attack: Adapting to Disability17:23 — Snowboarding: Finding Freedom on the Slopes23:30 — Preparing for the Paralympics29:20 — Reflections on Identity and Life Lessons  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.