Best Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Podcasts (2025)

1
Multiple Sclerosis with Terri Louise Brown, Talks With MS 49:16

4h ago49:16

49:16

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 c…

1
Stroke with Saran - Australia and New Zealand 18:08

17d ago18:08

18:08

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 l…

1
Short Bowel Syndrome, feeding tubes and ostomy bag with Shaylee Raye Hunter 42:59

1M ago42:59

42:59

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 healt…

1
Autoimmune Diseases and Neurodivergence with Téa - Australia and New Zealand 14:55

2M ago14:55

14:55

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.By Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

1
Autoimmune Diseases with Kate Middleton, The Wren Project - Podcasthon episode 35:31

2M ago35:31

35:31

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 volunte…

1
The Empowerment Awards and Multiple Sclerosis with Elisha Samuels 19:06

2M ago19:06

19:06

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 challenge…

1
Multiple invisible disabilities with Zoe Simmons - Australia and New Zealand 12:05

3M ago12:05

12:05

“...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 …

1
Epidermolysis Bullosa with Karen Thackray, DEBRA UK and Lisa Irvine 52:41

3M ago52:41

52:41

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.…

1
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower | Unified at Work Series S6:Pt2 | Ep.753 1:07:29

3M ago1:07:29

1:07:29

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's Unified at Work Series S6:Pt2: Paul White, CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower sits down with Award-winning Podcaster Daniel Smrokowski for a thorough understanding of the Sunflower initiative, its importance for people with hidden disabilities, and tune in to the final segment for an exciting ne…

1
Leprosy with Chris Stratta, The Leprosy Mission 24:47

4M ago24:47

24:47

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…

1
Autism with Amelia Wright - Australia and New Zealand 11:16

4M ago11:16

11:16

“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 …

1
Inspiration in Action | Daniel Smrokowski’s Journey Talk to Ingredion | Unified at Work Series S6:Pt 1 | Ep.750 1:06:40

4M ago1:06:40

1:06:40

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Presents Unified at Work Series S6:Pt 1: Amanda Spies from Special Olympics Illinois joins us for a presentation to Ingredion. Join us for an inspiring episode with Daniel Smrokowski, a pioneering advocate and original Special Olympics Service Ambassador at United Airlines. Host of the award winning podcast…

1
The LEGO Group collaboration with Lauren von Stackelberg 27:54

5M ago27:54

27:54

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 …

1
Airport Travel with Michael Connolly, Skywise Solutions 37:34

5M ago37:34

37:34

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 D…

1
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with Fran White - Australia and New Zealand 14:54

6M ago14:54

14:54

“…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…

1
Cerebral Palsy and Mental Health with Eva Abley 44:11

6M ago44:11

44:11

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…

1
Functional Neurological Disorder and Fibromyalgia with Gabrielle Hine 31:41

7M ago31:41

31:41

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 a…

1
Autism with Ashlee Law - Australia and New Zealand 10:14

7M ago10:14

10:14

“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 unexpec…

1
On The Job Celebrating Our 5 Yrs Workiversary | Unified at Work Series Season 5 Finale | Ep.603 52:20

7M ago52:20

52:20

This Week on the Special Chronicles Podcast: We are so excited to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October with the Season 5 Finale of our popular Unified at Work Series, celebrating the 5 Year Workiversary of United Airlines’ Special Olympics Service Ambassador (SOSA) Program. Join Award-winning Podcast Host and ORD SOSA…

1
On The Job with Sophia Gheblawi, IAD | Unified at Work Series S5:Pt10 | Ep.602 20:06

7M ago20:06

20:06

This Week on the Special Chronicles Podcast’s Unified at Work Series S5:P10: We're On The Job with IAD Service Ambassador Sophia Gheblawi sits down with ORD Service Ambassador and Award-winning Podcaster Daniel Smrokowski for an engaging conversation about: Becoming a Special Olympics Virginia Athlete, Journey Coming to United Airlines, and we hear…

1
On The Job with Colin Bellows, IAD | Unified at Work Series S5:Pt9 | Ep.601 46:41

7M ago46:41

46:41

This Week on the Special Chronicles Podcast’s Unified at Work Series S5:P8: We're On The Job with IAD Service Ambassador John Gionfriddo sits down with ORD Service Ambassador and Award-winning Podcaster Daniel Smrokowski for an engaging conversation about: Becoming a Special Olympics Virginia Athlete, Journey Coming to United Airlines, and we hear …

1
Cerebral Palsy with Richard Luke, Scope and Karen Watson, Cerebral Palsy Adult Services UK 53:45

7M ago53:45

53:45

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 s…

1
On The Job with John Gionfriddo, IAD | Unified at Work Series S5:Pt8 | Ep.600 52:23

7M ago52:23

52:23

This Week on the Special Chronicles Podcast’s Unified at Work Series S5:P8: We're On The Job with IAD Service Ambassador John Gionfriddo sits down with ORD Service Ambassador and Award-winning Podcaster Daniel Smrokowski for an engaging conversation about: Becoming a Special Olympics Virginia Athlete, Journey Coming to United Airlines, and we hear …

1
On The Job with Margaret Goodman, IAD | Unified at Work Series S5:Pt7 | Ep.599 36:36

7M ago36:36

36:36

This Week on the Special Chronicles Podcast’s Unified at Work Series S5:Pt7: We're On The Job with IAD Service Ambassador Margaret Goodman sits down with ORD Service Ambassador and Award-winning Podcaster Daniel Smrokowski for an engaging conversation about: Becoming a Special Olympics Virginia Athlete, Journey Coming to United Airlines, and we hea…

1
Tourette's Syndrome and Mental Health with Joshua Fletcher - Australia and New Zealand 9:24

8M ago9:24

9:24

“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 an…

1
Employment - Empowering Disabled Freelancers with Lydia Wilkins 39:06

8M ago39:06

39:06

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 empl…

1
Pompe Disease with Hele Borup - Australia and New Zealand 13:00

9M ago13:00

13:00

“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…

1
Cushing's Syndrome with Gretchen Jordan 40:55

10M ago40:55

40:55

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 symp…

1
Autism and ADHD with Isabella Fantastia - Australia and New Zealand 10:36

10M ago10:36

10:36

“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 …

1
Tourette's Syndrome with Leighton, Uncle Tics - Australia and New Zealand 17:58

10M ago17:58

17:58

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 affec…

1
Schizoaffective disorder with Alana - Australia and New Zealand 12:26

11M ago12:26

12:26

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 environmen…

1
Acromegaly with Martin Cornally 38:44

11M ago38:44

38:44

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…

1
PTSD and CPTSD with Rachel Bilksi, PTSD UK 56:25

11M ago56:25

56:25

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 con…

1
ADHD and Autism with Althea Rice - Australia and New Zealand 8:43

12M ago8:43

8:43

This month, our Sunflower Conversations Podcaster, Peta Hooke, interviews Althea, talking about ADHD and Autism. The Sunflower Conversations is a Podcast where we explore the experiences of people living with hidden disabilities and what the Sunflower means to them. It’s a space to share your experience and to empower and encourage more people to s…

1
On The Job From 2024 SOSA Summit | Ep.580

12M ago

—

On this special solo episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast’s Unified at Work Series S5:Pt6: ORD Service Ambassador and Award-winning Podcaster Daniel Smrokowski recaps the 2024 SOSA Summit, where last week United Airlines' 18 Service Ambassadors (SOSAs) traveled to ORD for a day of networking and professional development. United’s Airport Opera…

1
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) with Amy Kelly, Crohn's & Colitis Ireland 1:02:31

12M ago1:02:31

1:02:31

Our guest is Amy Kelly, Head of Communications and Fundraising at Crohn's & Colitis Ireland. Amy was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease when she was 27 and shares her lived experiences and the impacts and adjustments she has made to her life. Amy explained that inflammatory bowel disease is an autoimmune disease and how it differs from irritable bowel …

1
PMDD with Anna Cooper and Dr Rebecca Tomlinson, Menstrual Health Project 49:01

1y ago49:01

49:01

This podcast was recorded as an Instagram Live. CONTENT WARNING. The terms suicide and eating disorders are referenced. Please visit your healthcare provider if you are concerned about any issues relating to this topic. Anna Cooper, co-founder of the Menstrual Health Project, and Dr Rebeccah Tomlinson joined us to answer questions from the Sunflowe…

1
On The Job with Linda Jojo, Chief Customer Officer at United Airlines | Ep.576 58:57

1y ago58:57

58:57

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast’s Unified at Work Series S5:Pt5: ORD Service Ambassador Daniel Smrokowski also doubles as the host of this award-winning podcast "Special Chronicles." This week, he sat down with United Airlines Chief Customer Officer & EVP Linda Jojo to chat about inclusive service, first-ever accessibility showcas…

1
PMDD and Chemical Menopause with Amani Omejer 37:34

1y ago37:34

37:34

CONTENT WARNING. We touch upon suicide, eating disorders and self-harm. Our guest will talk about her lived experiences, and signposting to charities for support. Please visit your healthcare provider if you are concerned about any issues relating to this topic. This podcast was recorded as an Instagram Live. For years, Amani battled with anxiety, …

1
Parkinsons with Eve Jensch 44:13

1y ago44:13

44:13

Eve Jensch is 37 and was diagnosed with Parkinson's two years ago. Eve lives in Ireland with her three children and her husband and joins us to talk about her lived experience with Parkinson's. Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition, which means that it causes problems in the brain as the cells stop working correctly and, over time, st…

1
Autism and ADHD with Clare and Matilda Kemp 49:36

1y ago49:36

49:36

Clare and her daughter, Matilda, join us to discuss Matilda's school experiences. Matilda is nine years old and in year five at primary school; she is autistic and has ADHD. Friendships can be challenging because Matilda is autistic and doesn't always pick up on social cues. Having ADHD means she needs to be active. Matilda tells us about the adjus…

1
Optic Nerve Glioma with Michelle Culbert and Karina Smith 39:29

1y ago39:29

39:29

Our guests are Karina Smith and Michelle Culbert, from South Florida, who both have Optic Nerve Glioma, a rare eye condition affecting sight that typically affects young children. It is a slow-growing brain tumour in or around the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. As the tumour progresses, it presses on the optic nerve. Karina and M…

1
Stepping Stones to Unified Work | Ep.569 45:46

1y ago45:46

45:46

https://www.youtube.com/live/UWElttSN-o4?si=YEKr3whEAFz-FqX8 On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's Unified at Work Series S5:Pt4: Special Olympics Illinois Athlete Leader Bella Kurash and her mom Christine sit down with Sargent Shriver Global Messenger Alum and Award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski for a cheerful conversation a…

1
Eating Disorders, Autism and ADHD with Adam Fare 53:53

1y ago53:53

53:53

CONTENT WARNING. The topic is eating disorders, and throughout the podcast, our guest will talk about their lived experiences, as well as signposting to charities for support. Please visit your healthcare provider if you are concerned about any issues relating to this topic. Undiagnosed autism and ADHD have played a part in Adam developing an eatin…

1
Before Bitty and Beau's Coffee | Unified at Work Series S5:Pt3 | Ep.567 1:16:05

1y ago1:16:05

1:16:05

https://youtu.be/Hmh33c3XMgo?si=XC1ZmlT4LqFbJ5qX On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's Unified at Work Series S5:Pt3: In celebration of the 8 Year Anniversary of Bitty & Beau's Coffee and with our recent visit a month ago to their Savannah location, we are celebrating a human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop where people wit…

1
Learning Disabilities with Dorothy Watson and Marcus Tanner, The Sunnybank Trust 32:45

1y ago32:45

32:45

Our guests are Marcus Tanner and Dorothy Watson, CEO of The Sunnybank Trust. “The Sunnybank Trust supports adults with a learning disability across North East Surrey to have confidence, opportunities and control over their own lives and to be able to live without prejudice and discrimination.” In our conversation, we tackle the myths and stigma att…

1
Eating Disorders with Zoe Summers, BEAT UK 53:12

1+ y ago53:12

53:12

CONTENT WARNING. The topic is eating disorders, and throughout the podcast, our guest will talk about their lived experiences, as well as signposting to charities for support. Please visit your healthcare provider if you are concerned about any issues relating to this topic. Our guest, Zoe Summers, joins us to talk about eating disorders (ED), whic…

1
Spreading Happiness with John's Crazy Socks | Unified at Work Series S5:Pt2 | Ep.563 38:45

1+ y ago38:45

38:45

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's Unified at Work Series S5:Pt2: John and Mark Cronin, co-founders of John's Crazy Socks sit down with Award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski for a candid and honest conversation about their father & son business, spreading happiness through socks, Supporting Special Olympics, The Spreading Ha…

1
Stroke with Jo Aurora, Different Strokes, and Hayette Wilkinson 42:16

1+ y ago42:16

42:16

Jo joined us from the charity Different Strokes to answer Sunflower wearers' questions and to explain what a stroke is, the signs to look out for, and what action to take, as well as advice about the support available to patients. Hayette had a stroke at age 32 and has been on a long journey of rehabilitation and recovery; she talks us through the …

1
Disability:IN NextGen Leaders | Unified at Work Series S5:Pt 1 | Ep.560 45:56

1+ y ago45:56

45:56

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's Unified at Work Series S5:Pt1: Shannon Maher, Manger of NextGen Leader Initiatives at Disability:IN sits down with Award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski for a candid conversation about Disability:IN's NextGen Leadership Program and how students with disabilities are connected with Fortune 1…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen