Nick Dempsey is an Australian disability advocate, motivational speaker, and content creator whose life changed dramatically after a diving accident on his 21st birthday left him with a spinal cord injury and quadriplegia. While celebrating with friends at his parents’ home, he misjudged a dive into a shallow backyard pool, dislocating his neck upon impact.

"Just after talking about how good my mates are, they broke my neck and then went down to the pub..."

Nick has since become a powerful voice in the disability community. He shares his journey candidly on platforms like TikTok and through his podcast “Chats From A Chair,” where he explores life with a disability and broader issues of representation and accessibility.

In an episode of the ListenABLE podcast, Nick discussed his lived experience and the innovative solutions he’s developed to maintain independence—including an adaptive drinking glove he designed himself. He also speaks openly about the mental health challenges and relationship dynamics that come with life post-injury.

Nick’s efforts go beyond advocacy. He has become a registered marriage celebrant, further proving that life after injury can still be filled with purpose, creativity, and connection. His story highlights the importance of normalising disability through storytelling, embracing vulnerability, and finding strength in community.

Want to support Nick? Check our the links below!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickkdempsey/
The Rolling Celebrant:https://www.instagram.com/the_rolling_celebrant/
Drinking Buddy: https://www.instagram.com/_drinkingbuddy_/
Chats from a Chair: https://www.instagram.com/chatsfromachair_podcast/

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/gTxHIdWFz1A

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

Recorded, edited and produced by Angus' Podcast Company: www.sessioninprogress.com.au

Nick Dempsey is an Australian disability advocate, motivational speaker, and content creator whose life changed dramatically after a diving accident on his 21st birthday left him with a spinal cord injury and quadriplegia. While celebrating with friends at his parents&rsquo; home, he misjudged a dive into a shallow backyard pool, dislocating his neck upon impact.
"Just after talking about how good my mates are, they broke my neck and then went down to the pub..."
Nick has since become a powerful voice in the disability community. He shares his journey candidly on platforms like TikTok and through his podcast &ldquo;Chats From A Chair,&rdquo; where he explores life with a disability and broader issues of representation and accessibility.
In an episode of the ListenABLE podcast, Nick discussed his lived experience and the innovative solutions he&rsquo;s developed to maintain independence&mdash;including an adaptive drinking glove he designed himself. He also speaks openly about the mental health challenges and relationship dynamics that come with life post-injury.
Nick&rsquo;s efforts go beyond advocacy. He has become a registered marriage celebrant, further proving that life after injury can still be filled with purpose, creativity, and connection. His story highlights the importance of normalising disability through storytelling, embracing vulnerability, and finding strength in community.
Want to support Nick? Check our the links below!
<ul>
<li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nickkdempsey/">https://www.instagram.com/nickkdempsey/</a></li>
<li>The Rolling Celebrant: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the_rolling_celebrant/">https://www.instagram.com/the_rolling_celebrant/</a></li>
<li>Drinking Buddy: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_drinkingbuddy_/">https://www.instagram.com/_drinkingbuddy_/</a></li>
<li>Chats from a Chair: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chatsfromachair_podcast/">https://www.instagram.com/chatsfromachair_podcast/</a></li>
</ul>
Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: <a href="https://youtu.be/gTxHIdWFz1A">https://youtu.be/gTxHIdWFz1A</a> <a href="https://youtu.be/-ujdjuNvrrg"></a> Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress. <a href="https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch">https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch</a>
Recorded, edited and produced by Angus' Podcast Company: <a href="http://www.sessioninprogress.com.au">www.sessioninprogress.com.au</a>

Challenge what you think it’s like to live with disability.  Hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin speak to people living with disabilities about their lives and ask them the questions you thought were off-limits. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll learn something. This is a podcast for everyone - disabled or abled, and hopes to break down stigmas, change perceptions, and to challenge what you think it’s like to live with disability.

Challenge what you think it’s like to live with disability.

ListenABLE

Challenge what you think it’s like to live with disability.  Hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin speak to people living with disabilities about their lives and ask them the questions you thought were off-limits. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll learn something. This is a podcast for everyone - disabled or abled, and hopes to break down stigmas, change perceptions, and to challenge what you think it’s like to live with disability.

Instagram: @ListenABLE_Podcast

Challenge what you think it’s like to live with disability.  Hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin speak to people living with disabilities about their lives and ask them the questions you thought were off-limits. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll learn something. This is a podcast for everyone - disabled or abled, and hopes to break down stigmas, change perceptions, and to challenge what you think it’s like to live with disability.
Instagram: @ListenABLE_Podcast