The Purple Orange Podcast

"I was grateful": Until I realised it was my right

Ayla Regione spent years hiding her deafness, trying to “keep up”, and pushing through without asking for what she needed. When barriers got in her way, she blamed herself.

But everything changed when someone reminded her that access isn’t a privilege — it’s a right.

This episode is a powerful story of identity, internalised ableism, and what it means to stop apologising for your needs and start claiming your space.

“I wasn’t the one that was failing the world. The world was failing me.”

(Audio) Come sit with us: Belle and Jasmine of Babes with Mobility Aids

You can sit with us 🦼

Join our host, Belle Owen, as she talks with Jasmin from Babes with Mobility Aids for a joyful and insightful conversation about naming and styling mobility aids, authentic representation in media, and the power of telling real stories online.

From calling out tired tropes to celebrating mobility aids as tools of freedom, this episode is full of sharp takes and big laughs.

(Video podcast) Come sit with us: Belle and Jasmine of Babes with Mobility Aids

You can sit with us 🦼

Join our host, Belle Owen, as she talks with Jasmin from Babes with Mobility Aids for a joyful and insightful conversation about naming and styling mobility aids, authentic representation in media, and the power of telling real stories online.

From calling out tired tropes to celebrating mobility aids as tools of freedom, this episode is full of sharp takes and big laughs.

"You Don't Look Sick": Living with Invisible Disability

When Nicole Edmunds first became unwell, doctors told her it was stress, anxiety, or poor sleep. But she knew her body — and she knew something wasn’t right.

After months of medical gaslighting and self-doubt, Nicole was diagnosed with POTS: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome — a form of dysautonomia that affects the autonomic nervous system and is often invisible to others.

In this honest and moving episode, Nicole shares what it’s like to live with an invisible disability in a world that rewards performance over rest, and productivity over pacing. She speaks about identity, relationships, and how exhausting it is to prove your pain when no one can see it.

Whether you have an invisible disability or want to understand how to be a better ally to someone who does — this story is for you.

Listen now and reflect on how we make space — or don’t — for people with invisible disability.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Australian POTS Foundation

• Dysautonomia International

• Standing Up to POTS

• The Ehlers-Danlos Society

Black people can be disabled: Breaking the cycle of disability stereotypes

What happens when the world refuses to see who you really are?

When Khadija Gbla was diagnosed as autistic in their 30s, it brought relief — and grief for all the years spent masking, misunderstood. In this powerful episode, they reflect on cultural stigma, disability, racism, and how becoming a parent helped them begin to heal and rewrite the story.

Born in Sierra Leone and resettled in Australia as a teenager, Khadija’s story is one of survival, identity, and fierce love — especially for their son, Sammy, who is also autistic.

With honesty and strength, Khadija shares how racism, ableism and cultural stigma collided throughout their life, and how they’re now rewriting the narrative — for themselves and for the next generation.

“I wish I had had somebody like me to realise that Black girls can also be disabled.”

Listen now to hear a story of strength, claiming identity, and the power of self-acceptance and understanding.

Listen to Khadija's TED talk about female genital mutilation.

Download the transcript for Black people can be disabled: Breaking the cycle of disability stereotypes

It's the little things

For Trudy and Chris, love wasn’t about grand gestures. It was in the little things - train rides to nowhere, shared jokes, holding hands, or quietly sitting side by side in the sun.

 

In this moving episode of the Purple Orange Podcast, we share the story of a relationship shaped by love, disability, and intimacy. Trudy and Chris remind us that life’s most meaningful moments are often small, deliberate, and full of care.

 

This story also honours Trudy, who passed away before the episode was released. Her husband, Chris, wanted the world to hear it. 

 

Trudy's warmth, humour, and spirit live on through her words.

Unseen, but felt: The art of allyship

Have you ever tried to support someone but ended up making them uncomfortable instead? 😬

Join Belle Owen and Dr. Ellen Fraser-Barbour, two proud disabled women, as they share powerful stories and insights about:

• The difference between performing allyship vs living it
• Why listening is more powerful than fixing
• How curiosity and humility open up space for real inclusion
• The invisible impact of everyday actions

This episode will challenge assumptions and help build your confidence to be a better ally- in workplaces, communities, and everyday life.

Read the transcript for Unseen, but felt: The art of allyship

Watch Unseen, but felt: The art of allyship on Youtube

Becoming Terra Roam

"My psychologist said go for a walk every day. So I did!" - Terra Roam

What does it take to truly find yourself? For Terra, it began with a walk—and turned into a 17,200 km journey that changed their life.

Along the way, Terra, who is neurodivergent, found freedom, recovery, and authenticity after years of masking and overcoming challenges like domestic violence and self-doubt.

Listen in as Terra shares:

• The healing power of nature.
• Surprising truths about identity.
• The strength in being unapologetically yourself.

View Terra Roam's website.

Download transcript of Becoming Terra Roam.

Lend me your legs: Pursuing passion amid grief

Have you ever wondered what we lose when stories are simply framed as 'inspiration' pieces? 🤔

In this episode of the Purple Orange Podcast, Jessie opens up about her journey to becoming a champion equestrian while navigating loss and life with a disability—and how her beloved horse and best friend, Storm, was by her side to see her through her darkest moments.

Tune in to hear Jessie’s reflections on grief, resilience, purpose, and the unfiltered reality of disability.

Listen to Stella Young's TED talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K9Gg164Bsw

Download transcript of Lend me your legs: Pursuing passion amid grief

Language matters

Have you ever wondered how changing a single word can change someone's experience? 🤔

In this episode of The Purple Orange Podcast, Belle Owen and Dr. Ellen Fraser-Barbour dive deep into why language matters. Language is more than just words—it's a tool that shapes identity, influences perceptions, and can either empower or marginalise.

From rejecting outdated terms to embracing identity-first language, Ellen and Belle share how their views on disability have evolved over the years and the impact of these shifts.

Listen to their powerful conversation to learn how you can make meaningful changes with something as simple (and free!) as language.

Click here to download a transcript of Language Matters.