What happens when you finally get the diagnosis that explains your whole life… and what doesn’t it change at all?

In this powerful episode of ListenABLE, Angus sits down with disability advocate and podcaster Kelly Berger, who shares her journey living with an ultra-rare form of congenital muscular dystrophy, Collagen 6. After years of misdiagnosis, Kelly received her genetic confirmation as an adult, a moment that brought clarity, community and a new sense of direction, without changing who she fundamentally is.

Kelly speaks candidly about the emotional weight of diagnosis, navigating healthcare systems, building community, and what real accessibility actually looks like in daily life. From the realities of infrastructure in the US to the gaps between performative inclusion and genuine integration, this conversation goes well beyond awareness and into what meaningful change requires.

We also dive into Kelly’s podcast 'Wheel Talk', her advocacy work, and how she’s helping reshape how disability, rare disease and identity are spoken about in public spaces.

This is a conversation about resilience, identity, leadership and how visibility changes everything.

• Living with Collagen 6 congenital muscular dystrophy

• The emotional impact of finally receiving a genetic diagnosis

• Rare disease advocacy and disability representation

• Accessibility in infrastructure and public spaces

• Navigating healthcare systems and misdiagnosis

• Disability identity and pride

• Building community with and without disability

• Language, inclusion and allyship

• Performative vs meaningful disability representation

• Creating podcasts within the disability community

• Why visibility matters

Kelly Berger is a disability advocate, podcaster and rare disease community leader living with Collagen 6 congenital muscular dystrophy. She is the co-host of Wheel Talk, a podcast exploring disability, identity and lived experience through honest, accessible conversations. Kelly works actively in advocacy, accessibility awareness and rare disease representation.

ListenABLE is a podcast created to amplify disability voices, challenge stereotypes and explore what inclusion actually looks like in practice. Hosted by Angus O’Loughlin alongside Dylan Alcott, the show brings real stories, lived experience and meaningful conversations into the mainstream.

Podcast: Wheel Talk with Kelly and Averyhttps://www.instagram.com/thewheeltalkpodcast/

Episode out Tuesday!

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

• 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 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

• 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 Australia

See 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.

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

• 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 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.

In this episode of ListenABLE, hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin sit down with Carly Salmon – athlete, teacher, and captain of the Para Matildas. Carly opens up about her journey with cerebral palsy, how sport shaped her identity, and why representation in disability sport matters now more than ever.

From her early years in athletics to leading Australia’s Para Matildas, Carly shares the highs and lows of competing, teaching, and empowering others. She reflects on the impact of women’s football, the importance of mental health in sport, and her mission to inspire young people to see their disabilities as strengths.

Follow their journey:

Carly's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlysalmon

ParaMatildas: https://www.instagram.com/paramatildas/

Para Volley: https://www.instagram.com/ausparavolley/

Key Takeaways

• Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 18 months, Carly has grown into a leader in sport and education.

• Represented Australia in athletics before transitioning into football.

• Captain of the Para Matildas, leading by example on and off the field.

• Teaching is central to her advocacy – showing kids that disability doesn’t limit potential.

• Women’s football’s rise has created more visibility and momentum for para athletes.

• Advocates strongly for funding and support to grow para sports in Australia.

• Believes sport is a powerful way to build identity, community, and empowerment.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast and Guests
03:09 – Carly Salmon's Journey with Cerebral Palsy
05:55 – Teaching and Impact on Students
08:59 – Realizations of Disability in School
11:43 – Finding Strength in Disability
14:46 – Transitioning from Athletics to Football
17:49 – Leadership in Team Sports
20:44 – The Rise of Women's Football and Its Impact
23:49 – Pride in Disability Beyond Sports
26:37 – Future Goals for the Para Matildas
29:56 – Addressing Funding and Support for Para Sports

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.