Originally recorded in June 2022

Ben Aldridge’s story is one of resilience, strength, and honesty. In this listener-favourite episode, Ben reflects on his time in the military, his experiences with mental health challenges, and what it’s like to live with a disability.

 As mental health and disability continue to intersect in so many people’s lives, this conversation is an important reminder of the power of vulnerability and the need for community support. Whether you’re revisiting or discovering it for the first time, Ben’s story is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Connect with Peta:

Instagram: @petahooke

Website: www.icantstandpodcast.com

Email: icantstandpodcast@gmail.com

Episode Transcript:https://www.icantstandpodcast.com

Originally recorded in June 2022
Ben Aldridge’s story is one of resilience, strength, and honesty. In this listener-favourite episode, Ben reflects on his time in the military, his experiences with mental health challenges, and what it’s like to live with a disability.
 As mental health and disability continue to intersect in so many people’s lives, this conversation is an important reminder of the power of vulnerability and the need for community support. Whether you’re revisiting or discovering it for the first time, Ben’s story is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Connect with Peta:
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/petahooke/" data-hook="WebLink">@petahooke</a>
Website: <a href="http://www.icantstandpodcast.com/" data-hook="WebLink">www.icantstandpodcast.com</a>
Email: <a href="mailto:icantstandpodcast@gmail.com" data-hook="WebLink">icantstandpodcast@gmail.com</a>
Episode Transcript:<a href="https://www.icantstandpodcast.com/post/ben-aldridge-the-military-mental-health-and-living-with-my-disability">https://www.icantstandpodcast.com</a>

Have you ever wondered what it is like to live with a disability? The I Can't Stand Podcast is for everyone who has a question or just wondered about disability. No questions are off-limits any question you have is allowed.

Every week Peta will answer any question you have, based on her experiences as a single, 30- something woman who has Cerebral Palsy. Have a question?

Ask Peta on Instagram, contact her via the website or send her an email via icantstandpodcast@gmail.com 

 

Have you ever wondered what it is like to live with a disability? The I Can't Stand Podcast is for everyone who has a question or just wondered about disability. No questions are off-limits any question you have is allowed.
Every week Peta will answer any question you have, based on her experiences as a single, 30- something woman who has Cerebral Palsy.&nbsp;Have a question?
Ask Peta on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/petahooke/">Instagram</a>, contact her via the <a href="https://www.icantstandpodcast.com">website </a>or send her an email via <a href="mailto:icantstandpodcast@gmail.com">icantstandpodcast@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Have you ever wondered what it is like to live with a disability? The I Can't Stand Podcast is for everyone who has a question or just wondered about disability.

The I Can't Stand Podcast

Have you ever wondered what it is like to live with a disability? The I Can't Stand Podcast is for everyone who has a question or just wondered about disability. No questions are off-limits any question you have is allowed.

Every week Peta will answer any question you have, based on her experiences as a single, 30- something woman who has Cerebral Palsy. Have a question?

Ask Peta on Instagram, contact her via the website or send her an email via icantstandpodcast@gmail.com

Replay: Ben Aldridge on Mental Health, Disability, and Life After the Military

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/49e74897-e634-4025-b835-b1ec00216e6a/transcript

Nas Campanella is the National Disability Affairs Reporter at the ABC and one of the most recognisable disabled voices in Australian media. In this episode, she reflects on the responsibility of reporting on disability in Australia and the issues shaping the lives of disabled people today, from the NDIS to employment and education.

We also talk about representation in journalism, living with blindness and Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy, and navigating motherhood as a disabled woman.

This episode marks the final conversation of season five of The I Can’t Stand Podcast. Season six will return later in 2026.

Connect with Nas:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nascampanella/

Read or watch Nas' work: https://www.abc.net.au/news/nas-campanella/8869846

Connect with Peta Hooke:

Instagram: @petahooke

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@petahooke

Website: www.icantstandpodcast.com

Email: icantstandpodcast@gmail.com

Transcript: https://www.icantstandpodcast.com/episodes

Nas Campanella is the National Disability Affairs Reporter at the ABC and one of the most recognisable disabled voices in Australian media. In this episode, she reflects on the responsibility of reporting on disability in Australia and the issues shaping the lives of disabled people today, from the NDIS to employment and education.
We also talk about representation in journalism, living with blindness and Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy, and navigating motherhood as a disabled woman.
This episode marks the final conversation of season five of The I Can&rsquo;t Stand Podcast. Season six will return later in 2026.
Connect with Nas:
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nascampanella/">https://www.instagram.com/nascampanella/</a>
Read or watch Nas' work: <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/nas-campanella/8869846">https://www.abc.net.au/news/nas-campanella/8869846</a>
Connect with Peta Hooke:
Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/petahooke" data-start="1672" data-end="1721">@petahooke</a>
Tiktok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@petahooke">https://www.tiktok.com/@petahooke</a>
Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.icantstandpodcast.com/" data-start="1733" data-end="1795">www.icantstandpodcast.com</a>
Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:icantstandpodcast@gmail.com">icantstandpodcast@gmail.com</a>
Transcript: <a href="https://www.icantstandpodcast.com/episodes">https://www.icantstandpodcast.com/episodes</a>

Disability Journalism in Australia with Nas Campanella, ABC National Disability Affairs Reporter

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/7164ace1-c164-4c96-88d4-b40e0188f349/transcript

What does it mean to live with the constant background noise of ableism? Actor Kiruna Stamell shares her experiences of disability representation, discrimination and building a career in the acting industry.

Connect with Kiruna Stamell:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirunastamell/?hl=en

Agent website: https://libertyartistmgt.com.au/actor/kiruna-stamell/

Connect with Peta Hooke:

Instagram: @petahooke

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@petahooke

Website: www.icantstandpodcast.com

Email: icantstandpodcast@gmail.com

Transcript: https://www.icantstandpodcast.com/episodes

What does it mean to live with the constant background noise of ableism? Actor Kiruna Stamell shares her experiences of disability representation, discrimination and building a career in the acting industry.
Connect with Kiruna Stamell:
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kirunastamell/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/kirunastamell/?hl=en</a>
Agent website: <a href="https://libertyartistmgt.com.au/actor/kiruna-stamell/">https://libertyartistmgt.com.au/actor/kiruna-stamell/</a>
Connect with Peta Hooke:
Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/petahooke" data-start="1672" data-end="1721">@petahooke</a>
Tiktok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@petahooke">https://www.tiktok.com/@petahooke</a>
Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.icantstandpodcast.com/" data-start="1733" data-end="1795">www.icantstandpodcast.com</a>
Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:icantstandpodcast@gmail.com">icantstandpodcast@gmail.com</a>
Transcript: <a href="https://www.icantstandpodcast.com/episodes">https://www.icantstandpodcast.com/episodes</a>

Living With The Background Noise of Ableism With Kiruna Stamell

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/7e09dc8d-df12-48d4-9846-b405004415f1/transcript

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Caroline Bowditch is a performance artist and arts leader who has spent more than two decades shaping disabled culture in Australia and the UK. A recipient of the Sidney Myer Creative Fellowship for 2025 to 2026, she continues to influence how disability is understood in dance and the wider arts sector.

We explore her pivotal work Falling in Love with Frida, and how reclaiming Frida Kahlo through a disabled lens transformed her artistic voice. Caroline also shares her move from freelance performer to leading Arts Access Victoria, why disabled people need to be inside institutions to create real change, and what disabled dance looks and feels like in practice.



Grace Spence Green Book: https://www.booktopia.com.au/

Connect with Peta Hooke:

Instagram: @petahooke

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@petahooke

Website: www.icantstandpodcast.com

Email: icantstandpodcast@gmail.com

Transcript: https://www.icantstandpodcast.com/episodes

 

Caroline Bowditch is a performance artist and arts leader who has spent more than two decades shaping disabled culture in Australia and the UK. A recipient of the Sidney Myer Creative Fellowship for 2025 to 2026, she continues to influence how disability is understood in dance and the wider arts sector.
We explore her pivotal work Falling in Love with Frida, and how reclaiming Frida Kahlo through a disabled lens transformed her artistic voice. Caroline also shares her move from freelance performer to leading Arts Access Victoria, why disabled people need to be inside institutions to create real change, and what disabled dance looks and feels like in practice. 
Grace Spence Green Book: <a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/to-exist-as-i-am-grace-spence-green/book/9781800814486.html?srsltid=AfmBOoosYRotF5IuU_4vKDxXSsE-pgNZ8vFQ2roDVZif9f38CD1oM-ad">https://www.booktopia.com.au/</a>
Connect with Peta Hooke:
Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/petahooke" data-start="1672" data-end="1721">@petahooke</a>
Tiktok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@petahooke">https://www.tiktok.com/@petahooke</a>
Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.icantstandpodcast.com/" data-start="1733" data-end="1795">www.icantstandpodcast.com</a>
Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:icantstandpodcast@gmail.com">icantstandpodcast@gmail.com</a>
Transcript: <a href="https://www.icantstandpodcast.com/episodes">https://www.icantstandpodcast.com/episodes</a>
&nbsp;

Reclaiming Frida Kahlo and Disabled Dance with Caroline Bowditch

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/4fea131d-25d1-4e35-b775-b3f6001fa702/transcript

Replay: Ben Aldridge on Mental Health, Disability, and Life After the Military

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