In this episode of Sunflower Conversations, James Dunn speaks with Vikesh Anand, TEDx speaker and founder of STUTTA (Australian Stuttering Association), about living with a stutter and advocating for greater awareness and acceptance.

• What stuttering is, including different types of speech blocks and covert vs overt stuttering
• The mental load of masking speech, including anxiety, shame and constant self-monitoring
• Finding community at 28 through a stuttering support group, shifting towards acceptance
• Moving into advocacy and creating spaces like “Speak Freely” through STUTTA
• The importance of patience and not finishing sentences for people who stutter
• How the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower supports confidence and awareness in daily life

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We talk about motor neurone disease (MND), also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), with Pauline from the MND Association and Joff, who shares what diagnosis and day-to-day life really look like. We explore how symptoms show up, why support and research urgency matter, and how small acts of understanding can make public spaces safer and kinder.

• What MND is and why symptoms vary so much
• The long process of ruling out other conditions
• Prevalence
• Resilience and adapting to change
• The helpful role of the Sunflower in preventing being misjudged

If you are concerned about any of the subjects discussed in the podcast, please follow up with your healthcare practitioner for support.

For support

• MND Association UK
• Irish Motor Neurone Disease
• The ALS Association USA
• ALS Canada

Hosted by Chantal Boyle, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a rating and review.

Find out more about the Sunflower by visiting the website hdsunflower.com

Music by © Sandee Facy / Michael Saleta www.sandeefacy.com.au

In this episode of Sunflower Conversations, James Dunn speaks with Nicole Trimboli about surviving two cancers, living with a permanent stoma and ostomy bag, and rebuilding confidence when your body and life change fast.

• Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a young mum and the mental scars that can linger
• Daily life with an ostomy bag, diet planning and body image.
• Writing What a Shit Show as a guide, a story and a form of therapy
• Travelling with a hidden disability, airport security, toilets and the Sunflower lanyard
• The harm of judging who uses accessible toilets and why visibility is not proof

Purchase a copy of Nicole's book "What a Shit Show"

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