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PODCAST

A Wheelie Good Chat

A Wheelie Good Chat is hosted by me, Sam Cole. I dive into real-life experiences of living with a physical disability.With raw honesty and a touch of humour, I explore everything from daily challenges to societal assumptions, shining a light on the stories that often go unheard.Each episode features open conversations and reflections that aim to break barriers, challenge the norm and inspire more inclusive thinking, one chat at a time.Follow along on Instagram: @awheeliegoodchat | @sam.bamalama

society & culture personal journals

All Episodes

31:34

37. Part 3 - Mum & Me: Independence, Resilience, and...

A Wheelie Good Chat ·

2025/08/28

In the final part of this three-part series, Mum and I reflect on our 24-year journey navigating disability, independence, and the future ahead. What began with a health scare that pushed us to accept outside help has grown into a new balance of care, freedom, and resilience. We open up about how smart home technology changed my independence, the reality of facing employment discrimination, and the tough but necessary conversations about ageing and what comes next. It’s a raw, honest chat a...

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40:33

36. Part 2 - Mum & Me: Teenage Angst, Brain Surgery,...

A Wheelie Good Chat ·

2025/08/21

Moving from a small country town to a massive Perth high school was life-changing for me, but not in a good way. I went from being “Sam” to “just the chick in the wheelchair,” and the isolation hit hard. I had no friends, no independence, and my mental health spiralled. In this second conversation with Mum, we revisit those volatile teenage years, the suicidal thoughts, and the heartbreak of Deep Brain Stimulation surgery, something I believed would change my life for the better but instead ...

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35:57

35. Part 1 - Mum & Me: Navigating Our Early Days of...

A Wheelie Good Chat ·

2025/08/14

What happens when a mother’s role changes overnight? In this heartfelt episode, I’m joined by my mum, Di, as we reflect on my sudden onset of dystonia at age eight and how it reshaped our family. Mum shares those first terrifying days, watching her active farm kid struggle to walk, endless hospital visits, and tests that offered no answers. We talk about my early optimism clashing with teenage reality, the emotional challenges that followed, and the life-changing decisions she faced about tr...

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24:42

34. When the Future Feels Fragile

A Wheelie Good Chat ·

2025/07/17

In this vulnerable episode, I open up about the emotional and practical challenges of ageing with a disability. From fears of physical decline and lack of medical answers, to the deep anxiety of one day losing my mum, who has been my primary caregiver since I was eight, this episode explores what it means to age when your independence is so closely tied to someone else’s care. I talk about the guilt, grief and hope that come with future planning, and my desire for sustainable support that do...

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43:09

33. Same App, Different Struggles with Sophie Brewer

A Wheelie Good Chat ·

2025/07/03

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Sophie to chat about our very different experiences on dating apps, me as a woman with a disability, and her as an able-bodied woman. From hiding my wheelchair in profile pics to getting invasive questions like “Can you feel it?” in the first few messages, I share what it’s really like trying to date in a world that often overlooks women with a disability. Meanwhile, Sophie deals with the usual ghosting and bad banter. We talk about how ableism sho...

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11:20

32. Dear Younger Me (plus an Update…)

A Wheelie Good Chat ·

2025/05/29

Have you ever wondered what you’d tell your younger self if you could? In this deeply personal episode, I read a letter to my younger self; the girl still fighting against her disability, feeling out of place, and unsure where she belonged. I reflect on the shift from denial to acceptance, and how making peace with my disability became the unexpected key to contentment. I talk about what’s still hard, what’s gotten easier, and what’s surprised me most. This isn’t just my story. It’s an invita...

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20:38

31. SOLO: Digital Validation Trap

A Wheelie Good Chat ·

2025/04/24

Ever deleted a post because it didn’t get enough likes? Or found yourself doomscrolling at 1am? Yeah—same. In this solo episode, I dive into how social media messes with our heads: from the trap of online validation to the anxiety spiral of endless scrolling. I share what’s helped me set better boundaries and reflect on the pressures of being a content creator in an always-on world. This isn’t just a disability chat—it’s a human one. Your worth isn’t defined by likes, and your peace is wort...

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25:18

30. Being Present But Unseen with Asha Callaghan

A Wheelie Good Chat ·

2025/03/20

What happens when you're consistently rendered invisible in your own conversations? Sam and her friend Asha unpack the frustrating and bizarre experience of being ignored or spoken over simply because of having a visible disability. This raw conversation explores the psychological impact of having questions redirected to companions instead of being addressed directly. Sam shares how these everyday interactions make her question her worth and visibility in society, while Asha offers a unique ...

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17:47

SOLO: PMDD – The Unspoken Challenge

A Wheelie Good Chat ·

2025/03/06

Send us a text In this solo episode of A Wheelie Good Chat, Sam opens up about the challenges of living with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). She shares her own experience, breaking down how this condition can cause intense emotional and psychological distress in the lead-up to a period. PMDD isn’t just mood swings—it’s a serious struggle that affects daily life, relationships, and mental well-being. Sam talks about why it’s so important to break the silence around PMDD and mental hea...

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30:09

28. Seeing is Believing

A Wheelie Good Chat ·

2025/02/06

Send us a text This episode explores the shifting landscape of media representation concerning individuals with disabilities. Sam shares her personal journey regarding the lack of relatable role models in her youth and the impact this had on her self-perception, while discussing the importance of authentic representation in fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion. • Reflection on the historical portrayal of disabilities in media • Discussion on the importance of visible role...

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29:47

27. Sammy Wrapped

A Wheelie Good Chat ·

2024/12/23

Send us a textThis episode reflects on a transformative year in Sam's life, exploring personal growth, victories, and challenges, particularly around advocating for inclusion and navigating discrimination. Through humour and heartfelt stories, Sam and Joel discuss the importance of community and friendships in fostering resilience and inspire listeners to embrace their own self-discovery path.Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thanks for listening. Follow the ...

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23:04

26. Redefining Respect in Medical Spaces

A Wheelie Good Chat ·

2024/12/10

Send us a textThrough personal stories and reflections, Sam and Joel aim to shatter the stigma surrounding disabilities while highlighting the significance of inclusive healthcare communication. In this candid conversation, Sam and Joel shed light on how Sam's health needs differ from those of able-bodied individuals, confronting assumptions about her physical condition and celebrating the strength she found in maintaining a generally healthy life despite mobility challenges.Discover the powe...

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19:01

25. The Joy of Tech in Everyday Life

A Wheelie Good Chat ·

2024/10/30

Unlock the secrets to a more independent and connected life with the latest episode. Join Sam and Joel as they explore how technology is reshaping the lives of people with disabilities. You'll gain insights into how devices like Alexa are revolutionising smart homes, offering newfound autonomy through voice-controlled environments. This discussion reveals how mainstream and assistive technologies are being cleverly adapted to bridge accessibility gaps, turning everyday tasks into seamle...

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1:01

Trailer: A Wheelie Good Chat

A Wheelie Good Chat ·

2024/10/27

Thanks for listening. Follow the podcast on Instagram @a.wheelie.good.chat.podcast and Sam @sam.bamalama Please review the podcast on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/a-wheelie-good-chat/id1654431839

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27:17

24. A Wheelie Fun Chat

A Wheelie Good Chat ·

2024/09/29

Ever wondered if you'd rather face off with 20 duck-sized horses or one horse-sized duck? In this fun-filled episode, Sam and Joel take a break from their usual serious topics and dive into a series of whimsical icebreaker questions that reveal their quirks, childhood fears, and practical strategies. They talk about their newfound guilty pleasures, like an addiction to chocolate bullets from Aldi, and explore their favourite beverages, whether it's a strong black coffee or a whiskey sour. Get...

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35:12

23. Navigating NDIS Challenges and Triumphs

A Wheelie Good Chat ·

2024/08/15

Curious about the intricacies of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia? Join Sam and Joel as they explore the complexities of this vital scheme, providing a clear understanding of its purpose and structure. They’ll walk you through the core, capital, and capacity-building funding categories and share personal anecdotes to demystify the often negative media portrayal of the NDIS. Whether you're new to the NDIS or seeking a deeper understanding, this episode is packed wit...

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7:47

Bonus Episode: A Little More on First Impressions

A Wheelie Good Chat ·

2024/08/05

In this bonus episode, Sam and Joel revisit the discussion on the job interview from the last episode, focusing on a critical aspect that Sam felt was not fully addressed: the hostility experienced during the job interview.Sam reflects on her recent interview where she encountered unexpected and challenging dynamics. Despite her best efforts to present herself professionally, the environment often felt hostile rather than collaborative. This atmosphere not only impacted her confidence but als...

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22:55

22. First Impressions Go Both Ways

A Wheelie Good Chat ·

2024/07/25

In this episode, we discuss Sam's recent experience of being interviewed for employment prospects - how they're so different? - why they were good and bad? what would been helpful?Be prepared to be gobsmacked at what an interviewer said to Sam! It still leaves us baffled! Thank you for the continued support, we are so appreciative!Sam & Joel :) Thanks for listening. Follow me on Instagram @a.wheelie.good.chat.podcast https://instagram.com/a.wheelie.good.chat.podcast?igshid=YWJh...

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27:27

21. Let’s Get Mental - The Bigger Picture

A Wheelie Good Chat ·

2024/06/30

Hey everyone, A change of pace with this episode. In this episode, Joel and I discuss mental health from the perspective of government supports, and how mental health support and disability support should be more interchangeable. We briefly touch on the NDIS, and the impact it's had on my life.Enjoy listening, and getting more insight into my world.Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention. Sam :))Thanks for listening. Follow me on Instagram @a.wheelie.good.chat....

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25:00

20. Ed-clusion with Sophie Brewer

A Wheelie Good Chat ·

2024/06/05

Definitely a change of pace in this episode, but an important topic to explore! Welcome back to the lovely Sophie, I always appreciate how open she has been to jumping on an episode - she’s certainly a special one!And as ways, thank you to Joel for being the question guy and making sure the conversation flows smoothly. Look forward to hearing what you all think of this episode!Sam :) xThanks for listening. Follow me on Instagram @a.wheelie.good.chat.podcast https://instagram.com/a.wheeli...

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