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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

38:36

Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy (Best Disease) with...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2026/04/07

In this first episode of Season 3, James Dunn returns as our new host, bringing thoughtful and engaging conversations to the forefront. He is joined by Fiona, an organisational design and HR leader with over 18 years’ experience, who shares her experience of living with vitelliform macular dystrophy (VMD), also known as Best disease, and how it has shaped her perspective on identity, accessibility, and inclusion. Growing up with a childhood diagnosis and navigating the evolving impact of prog...

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39:53

Autism - my life diagnosed with Aspergers with Alex...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2026/04/02

We talk with Alex Manners, an autistic speaker and author. In this episode, Alex explains what autism feels like for him, from literal language and sensory stress to special interests, like football, that genuinely help him cope. We also explore how improved communication and practical inclusion tools, such as the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, can make everyday life more accessible. In this episode, we cover a lot from school to employment. Below are just some of the topics we cover: W...

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33:39

Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis to charity building...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2026/03/15

Terri Louise Brown, founder of Talks with MS joins us in this episode. We learn how to create a charity from scratch and discover the importance of community support for those living with multiple Sclerosis. Terri has relapse-remitting spinal MS and shares why she feels the power of community is essential, and her journey from an online group to creating a registered charity. We explore the inclusive Empowerment Awards, the importance of supportive educators, the use of technology for g...

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22:45

AuDHD with Courtney Rosato – Australia & New Zealand

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2026/03/02

In this episode, Flic Manning chats with disability inclusion leader, Courtney Rosato, about her late diagnosis of Autism and ADHD, navigating diverse professional spaces, and how her lived experience informs systemic change. Late diagnosis and its impact on personal and professional identityThriving in dynamic, fast-paced environments as a neurodivergent professional.Challenging workplace misconceptions about capability and communicationEmbedding proactive adjustments and neuroaffirming lead...

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43:02

Palindromic Rheumatism, Comorbidities and...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2026/02/01

Danielle is neurodivergent and lives with palindromic rheumatism, undifferentiated connective tissue disorder, endometriosis, and adenomyosis. We hear how her conditions intersect and why comorbidities complicate care. Danielle explains fascia and its effects on her body and organs. She also clarifies what palindromic rheumatism is: during flare-ups, pain moves around the body in episodes lasting hours or months, and a defining feature is the absence of joint damage, which often delays diagno...

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21:57

POTS and ME/CFS with James - Australia and New Zealand

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/12/01

In this episode, Flic Manning chats with sunflower advocate, James Dunn on sudden onset of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), the long road to diagnosis, and how he rebuilt identity and purpose after stepping away from a legal career. • Energy budgeting and daily structure • Identity loss after leaving work and values reframing • Navigating public spaces with a hidden disability • Travel barriers, q...

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47:28

FND with Simone Round

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/11/30

Simone Round shares how a hand tremor evolved into a complex FND diagnosis, now consisting of tics, chronic migraines, non‑epileptic seizures, and the reality of becoming an ambulant wheelchair user. In this episode, Simone talks us through her journey from an active lifestyle and career, working over 70 hours a week, to the steps she now takes to support her mental health and wellbeing. She explains how she now takes pleasure in a much slower pace of life, mindfulness and connection with peo...

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27:54

Type 2 Diabetes with Ashwin Soni

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/11/14

Ashwin Soni joins the Sunflower Conversations to discuss Type 2 diabetes, which began to affect him four years ago. We learn about the symptoms Ashwin experienced and the changes he has had to make to manage the condition effectively. Also discussed are the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, providing a better understanding and greater awareness of what to look out for to seek a diagnosis. Whether you're supporting a loved one or just trying to refine your routine, you'll f...

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21:37

AuDHD with Madeleine - Australia and New Zealand

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/11/04

Flic Manning chats with Madeleine Jaine Lobsey about Autism and ADHD, and how we can move from deficit thinking to joyful, neuroinclusive design across events and workplaces. They discuss: • Finding relief and reframing after an autism and ADHD diagnosis • Honouring personal needs as part of everyday life • Challenging common myths in leadership and creative roles • How lived experience helps shape inclusive cultures • Practical ways leaders can make inclusion re...

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23:36

Mental Health with Kelly Winstanley, Mental Heath...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/10/10

Content warning: In this episode, we are talking about the topic of mental health and refer to self-harm and suicide. If any of the conversation causes you distress and you need to speak to someone, please consider contacting a family member or friend for additional support. However, if you need professional help, please contact NHS 111 option 2 (in the UK) or your region’s emergency response number, or healthcare practitioner. Kelly Winstanley, the National Clinical Lead from the charity Men...

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17:21

Autism with Nicole - Australia and New Zealand

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/10/06

In this episode, Flic Manning chats with inclusion strategist Nicole Marshall on late autism diagnosis, unmasking, and the simple changes that make work humane and effective. • Self-discovery through adult autism diagnosis and identity work • The cost of masking and energy management • Common workplace misconceptions about neurodivergence • Lessons from teaching to inclusion strategy • Inclusion as good business and good practice Visit our website, Facebook, or Instagram for more resou...

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46:38

Living with an Ostomy, with Keely Cat-Wells and Nate...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/10/04

Nate Hadlock and Cat Keely-Wells, advocates from the United Ostomy Associations of America, join us to address common questions and dispel myths and the stigma about living with an ostomy. Millions of people worldwide have a stoma, yet there is a significant lack of knowledge and awareness about ostomies and the life-saving treatment they provide. Sharing their own journeys as ostomates, we discuss: Explanation of ostomy terminology, including different types: colostomy, ileostomy, uros...

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51:33

Hearing Loss with Lidia Best, European Federation of...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/09/27

Lydia Best, President of the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People (EFHOH), shares her personal journey with hearing loss and explains the barriers faced by the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. We discuss the emotional impact of hearing loss, technological solutions like cochlear implants, and practical ways to create more inclusive communication environments. Lidia explains what accessibility challenges exisit in various settings and explores what businesses and individuals can do...

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40:49

Dementia with Paul Hoskins and Tim Wilkins,...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/09/21

Tim Wilkins from the Alzheimer's Society and Paul Hoskins join us to discuss dementia. The stigma and misconceptions around dementia often paint a bleak picture of life after diagnosis. Paul has a different story to tell as he is living with frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's. "Some days can be very hard. Some days are a lot easier," Paul explains, offering a glimpse into the reality of living with dementia. Far from withdrawing from life, Paul has embraced new activit...

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21:16

Post-Concussion Syndrome with Catherine - Australia...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/09/01

In this episode, Flic Manning chats with Catherine Hanna, a proud Sunflower and road safety advocate. Catherine shares her journey with post-concussion syndrome, the misconceptions surrounding an invisible brain injury, and how writing poetry has helped her process trauma and rebuild her identity. • Post-concussion syndrome can occur without hitting your head or losing consciousness • Brain injuries don't always show up on CT scans as damage can be at a cellular level • The "mild" in mild tr...

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41:44

ME / CFS with Hollie Christian Brookes, Yawn

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/08/31

This episode was recorded on Instagram Live. Hollie Christian Brooks joined us to discuss her new play "Yawn: A Chronically Fatigued Play", which draws from her personal experience with ME/CFS to educate audiences about non-visible disabilities and create new connections with the community. We discuss everything, from symptoms and periods to self-discovery and the power of the Sunflower. ME/CFS often develops following viral infections like glandular fever, with Hollie’s diagnosis...

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31:23

Chronic illness with with Tasha Sorhaindo,...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/08/24

Tasha Sorhaindo shares her journey living with multiple chronic health conditions and founding her charity, Chronically Marvellous, that supports individuals with non-visible disabilities. Tasha is autistic and lives with systemic lupus, dilated cardiomyopathy leading to heart failure, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, arthritis and osteoporosis. After being able to run marathons and becoming gravely ill with only two weeks to live, Tasha decided to set up Chronically Marvellous to support others in a...

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17:19

ADHD and Hearing Loss with Ant - Australia and New...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/08/03

Ant Raje shares his journey of living with ADHD and deafness in one ear, exploring how they impact focus, communication, and identity. He challenges common misconceptions, reflects on the power of empathy, and shares why creating spaces where people feel seen and heard matters more than having all the answers. • Living with both ADHD and hearing loss creates unique challenges as paying attention (needed for hearing) is complicated by ADHD-related focus issues • Common misconceptions about AD...

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29:12

PIP with Murray Goulder

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/07/06

Murray Golder shares his experience with epilepsy and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), highlighting how this support enables him to continue working full-time while managing his condition safely. Murray explains that his absence seizures, which can cause him to lose awareness for 20 seconds to 2 minutes, can place him in danger as he isn’t conscious of what he is doing. And more recently, as a consequence of the medication, Murray's memory function has deteriorated rapidly. PIP provides e...

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17:25

Cerebral Palsy and BPD with Laura - Australia and New...

The Sunflower Conversations ·

2025/07/01

Laura Pedernuzzo shares her experiences living with multiple disabilities and provides invaluable insights into disability advocacy. She explains how both visible and invisible disabilities shape her daily interactions with the world, highlighting the unique challenges of each. • Living with cerebral palsy creates physical barriers, but the fatigue it causes is often misunderstood • People with borderline personality disorder are often mischaracterised as manipulative when they're simply try...

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