Ahead of the 2024 Paris Paralympics Opening Ceremony Thursday Morning (Australian time) the ListenABLE Podcast has 2 special episodes speaking with our past and competing Australian Paralympians.

In this episode you'll hear:
Jarryd Clifford is set to compete in the 1500m and 5000m events and speaks about the hilarious reason why he doesn't use a guide even though he is legally blind
Paul Harpur is a Paralympian across two different sports! Goalball and athletics. He speaks about setting a PB at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics in front of his friends and family.
Sarah Kate-Rose: Sitting in the stands at the Sydney 2000 Paralympics Sarah was inspired to play sport and she excelled in swimming across multiple future events.
Kelly Cartwright talks about her $20,000 running leg and the fact about the spikes on her shoes that blew Angus and Dylan's mind!



Make sure you subscribe to not miss next weeks Part two special on the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

Watch this episode with captions here: https://youtu.be/kMwkBGyDRzI

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

Grab our first merch release at our website From Your Pocket https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

Ahead of the 2024 Paris Paralympics Opening Ceremony Thursday Morning (Australian time) the ListenABLE Podcast has 2 special episodes speaking with our past and competing Australian Paralympians.
In this episode you'll hear:
<ul>
<li>Jarryd Clifford is set to compete in the 1500m and 5000m events and speaks about the hilarious reason why he doesn't use a guide even though he is legally blind</li>
<li>Paul Harpur is a Paralympian across two different sports! Goalball and athletics. He speaks about setting a PB at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics in front of his friends and family.</li>
<li>Sarah Kate-Rose: Sitting in the stands at the Sydney 2000 Paralympics Sarah was inspired to play sport and she excelled in swimming across multiple future events.</li>
<li>Kelly Cartwright talks about her $20,000 running leg and the fact about the spikes on her shoes that blew Angus and Dylan's mind!</li>
</ul>
 
Make sure you subscribe to not miss next weeks Part two special on the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
Watch this episode with captions here: <a href="https://youtu.be/kMwkBGyDRzI">https://youtu.be/kMwkBGyDRzI</a>
Recorded, edited and produced by Angus' Podcast Company: <a href="http://www.sessioninprogress.com.au">www.sessioninprogress.com.au</a>
Grab our first merch release at our website From Your Pocket <a href="https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch">https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch</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

'Preparing for the Paralympics' - Hosted by 4 time Gold Medal winner Dylan Alcott

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

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&nbsp;
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethlwright/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/elizabethlwright/?hl=en</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-wright-ply-300610129/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-wright-ply-300610129/</a>&nbsp;
Website: <a href="http://www.elizabethwright.net/">http://www.elizabethwright.net/</a>&nbsp;
What we cover:
<ul>
<li>Elizabeth Wright transitioned from Paralympic swimmer to sports journalist.</li>
<li>She emphasizes the need for more representation of disabled individuals in media.</li>
<li>The Sydney 2000 Paralympics were a turning point for public support of para sports.</li>
<li>Elizabeth faced challenges in her identity after retiring from swimming.</li>
<li>She found empowerment through photography and art.</li>
<li>Living with a disability requires daily practice of self-acceptance.</li>
<li>Elizabeth advocates for more coverage of Paralympic sports.</li>
<li>She reflects on the ableist perceptions in society.</li>
<li>The importance of community pride in disability is highlighted.</li>
<li>Elizabeth aims to inspire more disabled individuals to pursue journalism.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
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

Disability Pride, Para Sport and the Power of Storytelling with Elizabeth Wright

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

In this episode of&nbsp;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&mdash;and learn why accessibility benefits everyone.
Connect with Holly and Storm:
<ul>
<li data-start="1084" data-end="1219">Storm: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/storm-menzies/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/storm-menzies/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li data-start="1084" data-end="1219">ByStorm: <a href="https://bystormbeauty.com/">https://bystormbeauty.com/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li data-start="1084" data-end="1219">Holly: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-sultana-b37410212">linkedin.com/in/holly-sultana-b37410212</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="1638" data-end="1641">
Chapter Titles &amp; Timestamps
<ul data-start="1679" data-end="3013">
<li data-start="1679" data-end="1725">
00:00 &ndash; Intro: Welcome to Listenable
</li>
<li data-start="1726" data-end="1814">
00:01 &ndash; Accessible Makeup Inspiration: How breaking a hand led to a new approach
</li>
<li data-start="1815" data-end="1893">
01:40 &ndash; Meet Storm &amp; Holly: Founders and ambassadors of ByStorm Beauty
</li>
<li data-start="1894" data-end="1990">
03:00 &ndash; Empowerment Through Representation: How ByStorm impacts the disability community
</li>
<li data-start="1991" data-end="2076">
06:10 &ndash; The Problem With Inaccessible Beauty: Everyday struggles and barriers
</li>
<li data-start="2077" data-end="2168">
07:27 &ndash; Normalizing Struggle: Holly&rsquo;s perspective on accessibility and independence
</li>
<li data-start="2169" data-end="2265">
08:33 &ndash; Overcoming Ableism in Beauty: Challenges convincing others accessibility matters
</li>
<li data-start="2266" data-end="2353">
12:12 &ndash; Building a Disability-Led Business: From prototypes to a thriving brand
</li>
<li data-start="2354" data-end="2431">
16:20 &ndash; What is Accessible Makeup?: Tools, attachments, and co-design
</li>
<li data-start="2432" data-end="2522">
18:08 &ndash; Collaborations &amp; Industry Impact: Celeste Barber and mainstream engagement
</li>
<li data-start="2523" data-end="2604">
19:43 &ndash; Representing ByStorm: The ambassador experience and social impact
</li>
<li data-start="2605" data-end="2693">
25:08 &ndash; Community &amp; Advisory Board: Lived experience shaping product development
</li>
<li data-start="2694" data-end="2773">
27:00 &ndash; Retail &amp; Global Expansion: Inclusion in stores and future plans
</li>
<li data-start="2774" data-end="2860">
31:04 &ndash; Time &amp; Independence: How accessibility saves time and fosters autonomy
</li>
<li data-start="2861" data-end="2935">
33:06 &ndash; Product Design Details: Shapes, grips, and user experience
</li>
<li data-start="2936" data-end="3013">
34:52 &ndash; Packaging &amp; Unboxing: Accessibility beyond the product itself
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
accessible makeup, inclusive beauty, disability advocacy, disability-led business, ByStorm Beauty, makeup for disabilities, co-design products, empowerment, representation in beauty, inclusive product design

Designing Beauty with Disability in Mind | Storm Menzies and Holly Sultana

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

Australian Senator&nbsp;Jordon Steele-John joins Dylan Alcott and Angus O&rsquo;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&rsquo;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 &ldquo;getting our own house in order.&rdquo;
This episode is full of insight, humour, and practical advice for anyone&mdash;disabled or not&mdash;who wants to create change in their community.
Connect with Jordon:
<ul>
<li data-start="1084" data-end="1219"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jordonsteelejohn/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/jordonsteelejohn/?hl=en</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li data-start="1084" data-end="1219"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordon-steele-john-656ba917a/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordon-steele-john-656ba917a/</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="1221" data-end="1224">
Key Topics
<ul data-start="1247" data-end="1716">
<li data-start="1247" data-end="1284">
Life as a Senator with disability
</li>
<li data-start="1285" data-end="1331">
Accessibility barriers in Parliament House
</li>
<li data-start="1332" data-end="1364">
Ableism in political systems
</li>
<li data-start="1365" data-end="1432">
How Parliament handles (or doesn&rsquo;t handle) disability inclusion
</li>
<li data-start="1433" data-end="1478">
The power of lived experience in politics
</li>
<li data-start="1479" data-end="1523">
Jordon&rsquo;s journey to the Senate at age 23
</li>
<li data-start="1524" data-end="1563">
Disability pride and representation
</li>
<li data-start="1564" data-end="1604">
ADHD, cerebral palsy, and leadership
</li>
<li data-start="1605" data-end="1674">
Advice for young people with disability wanting to enter politics
</li>
<li data-start="1675" data-end="1716">
Building collective action for change
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="1718" data-end="1721">
Quotes
<blockquote data-start="1740" data-end="1904">
&ldquo;If Parliament is going to make laws that fix accessibility in the community, we&rsquo;ve got to literally get our own house in order first.&rdquo; &ndash; Jordon Steele-John
</blockquote>
<blockquote data-start="1906" data-end="2104">
&ldquo;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.&rdquo; &ndash; Jordon Steele-John
</blockquote>
<blockquote data-start="2106" data-end="2307">
&ldquo;Politics should represent every voice&mdash;including people with intellectual and cognitive disabilities. The system can and should be rebuilt to meet everyone&rsquo;s access needs.&rdquo; &ndash; Jordon Steele-John
</blockquote>
<hr data-start="2309" data-end="2312">
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.
<hr data-start="2792" data-end="2795">
&nbsp;
Jordon Steele-John, Dylan Alcott, Angus O&rsquo;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

'Preparing for the Paralympics' - Hosted by 4 time Gold Medal winner Dylan Alcott

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