x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

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

9:05

Advocating for the Sunflower with Andrea Cartensen

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/06/13

Andrea Carstensen, a double Master's student at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and Sunflower Friend. Andrea discovered the Sunflower at Gatwick Airport after moving from the US to the UK for university. As a young person living with non-visible chronic health conditions, she shares her journey from Sunflower lanyard user to advocate. Through high-level UN advocacy and campus policy reform, Andrea has successfully championed the adoption of the Hidden Disabilities S...

en-gb

18:54

Stargardt Disease with Erin - Australia and New Zealand

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/05/28

Erin Philpott shares her journey with Stargardt disease, revealing how she navigated diagnosis as a teenager and now balances motherhood while advocating for invisible disabilities in the workplace and beyond. • Erin faces significant daily challenges with transportation as a legally blind mother to a five-year-old • Often encounters misconceptions as she doesn't "look blind" without using a cane or guide dog • Erin chairs an employee-led committee advocating for disability, accessibility and...

en-gb

21:42

Ankylosing Spondylitis with Sean Ewert and Manny...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/05/25

We welcome Sean Ewart and Manny Caro from the Spondylitis Association of America to provide an overview of Spondyloarthritis (SpA), a family of closely related inflammatory diseases that affect millions worldwide yet remain significantly under-recognised and diagnosed. Despite affecting more people than rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and ALS combined, SpA struggles with awareness. The primary disease in this family is ankylosing spondylitis (AS), also known as axial spondyloarthrit...

en-gb

49:16

Multiple Sclerosis with Terri Louise Brown, Talks...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/05/18

Terri Louise Brown has Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (MS), experiencing frequent relapses and daily pain. In this conversation, Terri shares her journey from MS diagnosis at 27 to founding the charity Talks With MS. The charity provides community support for those living with multiple sclerosis. Cultural attitudes in BAME communities can create barriers to seeking medical help for chronic conditions, which is why Terri is committed to being the voice for the voiceless and encou...

en-gb

18:55

Stroke with Saran - Australia and New Zealand

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/05/02

Saran Chamberlain shares her journey as a young stroke survivor, from experiencing a life-changing event at 38 to becoming a national advocate for the stroke community. • Initially misdiagnosed as a migraine, the stroke left her entire left side paralysed with no sensation • Saran discusses the challenges of identity shift and the unseen deficits like fatigue, depression, and sensory overload • Highlights the isolation younger stroke survivors often face in healthcare and rehabilitation set...

en-gb

42:59

Short Bowel Syndrome, feeding tubes and ostomy bag...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/04/09

Join us as we welcome Shaylee Raye Hunter, Miss Petite Utah, who shares her journey as an advocate for women's rights and disability visibility. Shaylee opens up about her personal lived experiences with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO), gastroparesis, and short bowel syndrome. In an open discussion, she shares how she manages her health conditions with medical interventions, such as a feeding tube and TPN, providing a unique glimpse into her life and the lifeline she depends on d...

en-gb

15:43

Autoimmune Diseases and Neurodivergence with Téa -...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/04/03

Téa Runback shares her personal journey living with multiple invisible disabilities, including autism, ADHD, and a collection of autoimmune conditions, while highlighting the barriers faced in healthcare and employment settings.

en-gb

35:31

Autoimmune Diseases with Kate Middleton, The Wren...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/03/16

Kate Middleton, CEO of The Wren Project, joins us for a special edition as part of the Podcasthon, which seeks to spotlight thousands of charities. In this episode, Kate shares her personal journey with multiple autoimmune diseases and explains how the body attacks itself instead of viruses. The Wren Project pairs individuals with dedicated volunteers for up to six months of regular support. It provides vital mental health support through dedicated listening services to those living with the...

en-gb

19:06

The Empowerment Awards and Multiple Sclerosis with...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/03/09

In this episode, we chat with Elisha Samuels, who recently won Hidden Disability Personality of the Year at The Empowerment Awards by Talks with MS. The award was sponsored by Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and presented by our podcast host, Chantal. Elisha shares her own unique experiences of living with multiple sclerosis, discussing her challenges, the importance of a supportive workplace, societal perceptions of living with a non-visible disability, and the Sunflower's value in making the ...

en-gb

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...

en-gb

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...

en-gb

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 ...

en-gb

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...

en-gb

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...

en-gb

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...

en-gb

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 ...

en-gb

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...

en-gb

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 ...

en-gb

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...

en-gb

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...

en-gb

150 results

Similar Podcasts

Доктор Тройняшкин

Доктор Тройняшкин

The Dry Eye Treatment PODCAST

Dry Eye Treatment

Différent et alors ?

PATRICK SULAY

Kyle Kingsbury Podcast

Kyle Kingsbury

The Real Weight Loss Coach

Matty Lansdown