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PODCAST

The Sunflower Conversations

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

Welcome to the Sunflower Conversations, the podcast where we explore the experiences of disabled people with non-visible disabilities through the lens of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.This is a space to hear authentic stories from disabled people navigating life with non-visible disabilities such as chronic illness, mental health conditions, neurodivergence, and more. While most episodes focus on lived experience, we also feature occasional insights from experts in healthcare, accessibility, and

health & fitness mental health

All Episodes

12:53

Multiple invisible disabilities with Zoe Simmons -...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/03/01

“...we really need more representation of this so we can smash these attitudes for all disabilities.” Peta Hooke interviews Zoe, a disabled journalist, copyright, author and public speaker. Zoe is a passionate advocate fighting against ableism and removing the stigma. She discusses attitudinal barriers and how someone may have a disability that is not visible, but their reactions are, and we should pay attention to this. Although Zoe is yet to receive appropriate support wearing the Sun...

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52:41

Epidermolysis Bullosa with Karen Thackray, DEBRA UK...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/02/23

Karen Thackray from DEBRA UK and Lisa Irvine joined us to discuss the rare skin condition epidermolysis bullosa (EB), sometimes known as butterfly skin. Lisa and her daughter live with EB and offer first-hand insights into the genetic skin condition that causes painful blisters. Karen breaks down the four main types of EB and their varying impacts. Through our conversation, we aim to raise awareness and foster a deeper understanding of EB as a dynamic disability that causes severe pain, as we...

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24:47

Leprosy with Chris Stratta, The Leprosy Mission

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/02/02

Chris Stratta from The Leprosy Missions is our guest this week on the podcast to educate us about how Leprosy, a curable disease often associated with stigma, affects thousands globally today. This episode explores its symptoms, the challenges those diagnosed face, and the critical role of education in combatting fear and discrimination. We discuss the importance of early detection and treatment to eradicate Leprosy, which is found in countries with poor sanitation and nutrition. Education ...

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12:04

Autism with Amelia Wright - Australia and New Zealand

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/02/01

“I think it's important for people to realise that disabled people can be successful.” Peta Hooke interviews Amelia, a queer, autistic and very opinionated social justice advocate (her words). Amelia combines the professional expertise as a social worker with her personal understanding of the intricacies of living with a non-obvious disability and talks about some of the unique challenges that often go unnoticed. Amelia demonstrates how someone can use the Sunflower to be seen and valid...

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27:54

The LEGO Group collaboration with Lauren von Stackelberg

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2024/12/22

Join us as we welcome Lauren von Stackelberg, the Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at the LEGO Group, to the podcast to learn more about the new Sunflower customisable minifigures and LEGO sets featuring the official Sunflower.Lauren leads us through the iconic toy brand’s disability inclusion journey that started in 2011 beginning with a LEGO DUPLO character in a wheelchair, expanding over time to include the first Minifigure in a wheelchair, hearing aids, cochlear implants, a Minifig...

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37:34

Airport Travel with Michael Connolly, Skywise Solutions

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2024/12/15

This episode was recorded at Rise4Disability.Experience the world of accessible travel in aviation with Michael Connolly as we welcome him to the Sunflower Conversations podcast at the Rise4Disability event in Milton Keynes. Michael shares his vast knowledge of the hurdles faced by travellers with disabilities and how innovations like the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower are making a difference. The challenges and barriers faced by disabled passengers are varied. We discuss the varied level...

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14:54

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with Fran White - Australia...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2024/12/01

“…the mental, challenges are as great as perhaps the physical ones.“ Peta Hooke interviews Fran, an ambassador for MS Australia. Fran chats about confronting her late diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and some of the individualised challenges that people with MS face, including heat sensitivity, fatigue, visual impairment and mobility issues.MS is the most common acquired chronic neurological disease and, in Australia, affects three times more women than men. In MS, the body’s immune ...

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44:11

Cerebral Palsy and Mental Health with Eva Abley

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2024/11/24

This podcast was recorded as an Instagram Live.Meet Eva Abley, the unstoppable force behind the memoir "The Good, The Bad and The Wobbly." At only 16 years old, Eva takes us on a journey through her life, from managing her symptoms of cerebral palsy to her experiences in the educational system and the highs of performing on stage.Eva is honest in our chat about her life, which hasn't been plain sailing. Through harmful attitudinal experiences at school with friendship groups and teachers, Eva...

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31:41

Functional Neurological Disorder and Fibromyalgia...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2024/11/03

Gabrielle Hine shares her life-altering journey with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and fibromyalgia. Gabby experiences symptoms such as paralysis, non-epileptic seizures and blindness daily. Gabby paints a vivid picture of how these misfired signals within her nervous system have reshaped her life, leading to a cascade of challenges like anxiety and not being able to work.We talk about the societal misconceptions that often accompany non-visible disabilities. From the frustration of ...

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11:02

Autism with Ashlee Law - Australia and New Zealand

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2024/11/01

“People say to me things like, oh, you can't be autistic. That's not right. You make eye contact, or you do public speaking for your job… I didn't disclose it until I was forced to due to work issues.”Peta Hooke interviews Ashlee, an autistic woman and a mother of three amazing children who are also autistic. Ashlee talks about coping with unexpected change, the challenges of invisibility and the pressure to disclose. She also talks about how wearing the Sunflower can provide comfort and a fe...

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53:45

Cerebral Palsy with Richard Luke, Scope and Karen...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2024/10/13

Richard Luke from Scope and Karen Watson from Cerebral Palsy (CP) Adult Advice Service UK joined the podcast to answer questions from the Sunflower community about CP. Cerebral Palsy develops before, during or soon after birth, and in this conversation, we discuss the fundamental issue of NHS care after childhood, leaving a gaping void in ongoing support. The episode also uncovers why CP, a complex condition, remains shrouded in misconceptions.Richard and Karen generously share personal...

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10:12

Tourette's Syndrome and Mental Health with Joshua...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2024/10/01

“You have mental health challenges, but you are still who you are.”Peta Hooke interviews Joshua about Mental Health and Tourette’s Syndrome. Joshua discusses challenges in public places that cause severe anxiety, and how the Sunflower can help. Joshua would like to see stronger support across essential services such as public transport networks and supermarkets.Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn w...

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39:06

Employment - Empowering Disabled Freelancers with...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2024/09/08

Unlock the secrets to thriving as a self-employed individual with disabilities in our latest episode featuring Lydia Wilkins, a freelance journalist and editor at Disability Review magazine. Hear Lydia's compelling personal journey as she navigates the workforce as an autistic person living with long COVID. We tackle the significant disability employment gap in the UK and explore why traditional nine-to-five office jobs often fall short in accessibility, making a strong case for the financial...

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13:48

Pompe Disease with Hele Borup - Australia and New...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2024/09/01

“People judge before they stand back and think, you know, there might be another reason for, for a person behaving the way that they do.”Peta Hooke interviews Helle about Pome disease and some of the everyday challenges Helle faces from getting dressed, to speaking to getting around. Pompe disease is a rare, inherited, and without treatment, often fatal muscular disorder. Pompe Disease is caused by a deficiency or total lack of the enzyme acid alpha glucosidase. This enzyme is responsib...

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40:55

Cushing's Syndrome with Gretchen Jordan

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2024/08/04

Discover the vital role of the pituitary gland and its impact on our health with Gretchen Jordan, Associate Director of the Cushing Support and Research Foundation. Gretchen shares her compelling personal journey with Cushing's disease from diagnosis to advocacy. This episode uncovers the critical functions of cortisol and the often-overlooked symptoms of this rare condition, emphasising the need for greater awareness and early diagnosis.Learn how non-specific symptoms like weight gain, high ...

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11:24

Autism and ADHD with Isabella Fantastia - Australia...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2024/08/01

“My brain is having to put in a lot of coping mechanisms to be able to just be in that space or in that place.”Peta Hooke interviews Isabella about intersectionality in youth, disability and mental health. Isabella (Belle) identifies as a neurodivergent (autistic & ADHD) Greek (CALD) queer/asexual empath with binge eating disorder (BED), learning and psychosocial (permanent & ongoing anxiety & depression) disabilities. Belle chats about challenges caused by general misunderst...

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18:46

Tourette's Syndrome with Leighton, Uncle Tics -...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2024/07/29

Language warning: Strong language used in this podcast.Content Warning: Please be advised that this episode contains strong language and discusses suicide. Tourette Syndrome (Tourette's) is a neurological condition that causes individuals to make involuntary vocal noises and movements called tics. Swearing or saying inappropriate things only affects 10% of people with Tourette's. For more information about Tourette's Syndrome, please visit here."...If you don't get out and build your bridge y...

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13:16

Schizoaffective disorder with Alana - Australia and...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2024/06/30

This month, our Sunflower Conversations Podcaster in Australia and New Zealand, Peta Hooke, interviews Alana talking about schizoaffective disorder, a combination of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Alana discusses her experience with hallucinations and multi-sensory delusion, and how the Sunflower can help in employment and education environments.Schizoaffective disorder is a combination of two mental illnesses – schizophrenia and a mood disorder. The main types of associated mood disorde...

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38:44

Acromegaly with Martin Cornally

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2024/06/23

Martin Cornally shares his experience of the rare pituitary disease called acromegaly. Hear firsthand how a pituitary tumour led to excessive production of growth hormone, causing severe physical changes, including osteoarthritis. Despite undergoing two surgeries, Martin continues to fight this chronic and life-long condition, shedding light on the crucial need for early diagnosis and increased awareness among medical professionals. Explore the differences between acromegaly and gigantis...

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56:25

PTSD and CPTSD with Rachel Bilksi, PTSD UK

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2024/06/16

Our guest is Rachel Bilski from the charity PTSD UK. PTSD stands for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and is typically associated with veterans. However, it isn't only veterans who can develop it – And Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, CPTSD, is less well known and, therefore, can take longer to diagnose.Rachel's lived experiences of CPTSD contribute to her work as a lecturer and supervisor for the Minded Institute for Yoga Therapy Training Institute. We put your questions to Rachel...

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