ListenABLE
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Recent Episodes
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 Growth
See 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
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00:00 – Intro: Welcome to Listenable
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00:01 – Accessible Makeup Inspiration: How breaking a hand led to a new approach
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01:40 – Meet Storm & Holly: Founders and ambassadors of ByStorm Beauty
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03:00 – Empowerment Through Representation: How ByStorm impacts the disability community
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06:10 – The Problem With Inaccessible Beauty: Everyday struggles and barriers
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07:27 – Normalizing Struggle: Holly’s perspective on accessibility and independence
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08:33 – Overcoming Ableism in Beauty: Challenges convincing others accessibility matters
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12:12 – Building a Disability-Led Business: From prototypes to a thriving brand
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16:20 – What is Accessible Makeup?: Tools, attachments, and co-design
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18:08 – Collaborations & Industry Impact: Celeste Barber and mainstream engagement
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19:43 – Representing ByStorm: The ambassador experience and social impact
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25:08 – Community & Advisory Board: Lived experience shaping product development
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27:00 – Retail & Global Expansion: Inclusion in stores and future plans
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31:04 – Time & Independence: How accessibility saves time and fosters autonomy
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33:06 – Product Design Details: Shapes, grips, and user experience
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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 design
See 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
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Life as a Senator with disability
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Accessibility barriers in Parliament House
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Ableism in political systems
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How Parliament handles (or doesn’t handle) disability inclusion
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The power of lived experience in politics
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Jordon’s journey to the Senate at age 23
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Disability pride and representation
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ADHD, cerebral palsy, and leadership
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Advice for young people with disability wanting to enter politics
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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 Australia
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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.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
05:37 Karni Liddell’s Journey with Disability
18:38 Motherhood and Disability
24:39 Celebrating 25 Years of the Paralympics
25:39 Reflections on the 1996 Paralympics
28:11 The Impact of Sydney 2000
30:00 The Evolution of Disability Representation
32:54 The Future of Paralympic Sports
35:39 Challenges and Triumphs in Swimming
37:30 The New Generation of Paralympians
40:10 Representation in Media and Personal Identity
Karni Liddell, Paralympian, disability advocacy, motherhood, neuromuscular disease, Paralympic movement, representation, inclusion, athlete stories, resilience
See 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
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Dylan Alcott hints at a potential comeback to tennis.
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Sean Pollard introduces himself as a para snowboarder.
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Sean lost both arms in a shark attack in 2014.
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He uses a split hook prosthetic for daily activities.
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Sean prefers the hook over an electronic hand for versatility.
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He recalls the traumatic details of the shark attack.
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Sean stresses the power of mindset in recovery.
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He found freedom and purpose through snowboarding.
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Sean is training for the upcoming Paralympics.
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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.