ListenABLE

Tommy Quick, a true testament to resilience and determination to "prove people wrong" every single day of his life

At just 12 years old, Tommy had a stroke, leaving him in a coma for five weeks. His recovery was nothing short of extraordinary—relearning life skills and overdelivering on people's expectations of him through sheer perseverance.
Bringing on such high stakes challenges such as the 'gruelling' Kokoda trail.

Tommy shares his ambitious mission: cycling to the four furthest points of Australia on a recumbent trike, raising awareness for disability advocacy and stroke research. His journey took an unexpected turn when he was involved in a serious car accident, yet his spirit remained unshaken. His story is a testament to human strength, self-advocacy, and the power of community support.

In this conversation, we explore:
✅ The challenges of recovering from a childhood stroke
✅ Why self-advocacy is crucial for individuals with disabilities
✅ How Tommy is breaking barriers and changing perceptions
✅ The importance of empathy, inclusion, and human connection

What’s it like to live with Usher syndrome, a condition that causes both progressive vision loss and deafness? 

"I really, really struggle with the fact that my hearing loss is almost a hidden disability?"

In this episode, Malaine Robinson shares her experience of adapting to life with dual disabilities, from early diagnosis to becoming a guide dog handler and falling in love with her 'partner in crime' Dessi.

 What You’ll Learn:

• The challenges of navigating daily life with Usher syndrome.
• How guide dogs provide independence and mobility support.
• The role of technology in accessibility and communication.
• Malaine’s career journey and the adjustments she’s made along the way.
• Her take on accessible dining and why it matters.

Whether you’re interested in the responsibility of owning a guide dog, or just want to hear a firsthand account of living without sight and sound, this episode offers a practical look at the challenges and solutions that shape Melanie’s day-to-day life.

Want to work with Mel? Check out the links below!

"There is no way that I'm getting back in the water... and I never thought I would go back again"

In this episode of the ListenABLE Podcast, hosts Angus O'Loughlin and Dylan Alcott dive into the extraordinary journey of retired Paralympic swimmer Ellie Cole, one of Australia's most celebrated athletes. With 17 Paralympic medals, including six gold, Ellie has not only redefined success in the pool but is now making waves as a prominent media personality and advocate for inclusion.

Ellie shares her inspiring story of resilience, from losing her right leg to cancer at age three to becoming a trailblazer in Paralympic sports. She reflects on her transition from elite athlete to motherhood, her time on I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, and her exciting role as a host of the 2024 Olympic Games coverage in Australia.

The discussion dives into the importance of representation in sports, challenges faced by athletes with disabilities, and her mission to break down societal barriers. As the 2022 Australian Paralympian of the Year, Ellie continues to inspire with her advocacy for inclusion and visibility. 

"So it wasn't until I was introduced to wheelchair sports... then I think I found my tribe"

It's finally time... join us for an unforgettable episode featuring Louise Sauvage, a trailblazer in the Paralympic movement and a true icon in disability sports history. From dominating wheelchair racing tracks to shaping the future as a coach and podcast host, Louise shares her incredible story of her relationship with the Paralympics, and innovation, and impact she believes it's had on not only her life but the disability community as a whole.

In this episode, we explore:

• Louise's groundbreaking career in wheelchair racing and her thoughts on evolving sports technology.
• How she’s mentoring the next generation of athletes to redefine excellence in adaptive sports.
• Insightful reflections on the historical challenges and controversies within the Paralympic movement.
• A sneak peek into the exciting preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games and the push for accessibility and inclusion.
• And will Louise Sauvage make a comeback???

Whether you're passionate about disability history, Paralympic sports, or the power of mainstream media, this episode offers inspiration and a deeper understanding of what it takes to break barriers and drive change.

Listen now and be inspired by Louise Sauvage's remarkable legacy!

Wanna to check out more of Louise's content? Check out the links below!

In this episode of ListenABLE, host Angus O'Loughlin sits down with Amy Evans—a dynamic 26-year-old and owner of 'Little Black Dress Digital' marketing agency, living with a rare genetic condition called Nemaline Rod Muscular Myopathy.

Amy opens up about her journey growing up as a twin who has the same disability and the power of support systems. As well as the inclusive world of fashion, horse racing and what it's like to live in a day with Nemaline Myopathy.

Amy also shares a confronting behind the curtain look of the critical impacts of COVID-19 when it came to healthcare access for those with disabilities. 

"We are contributing members of our society that pay our taxes... why should someone like us not be prioritised..."

Want to support Amy and her business/content?