Podcasts about bbc ouch

As 2021 has been a strange old year, the BBC Ouch team decided to look back at some of their favourite podcasts from the past 365 days. From space travel on the “vomit comet” to Love Island, Covid-19, climate change and adoption – we really have covered it all with our own unique and disabled look at the world. Some podcasts were sad, some were happy but all (we like to think) were insightful. Merry Ouchmas! Presented by Emma Tracey, Beth Rose and Keiligh Baker Produced by Keiligh Baker Subscribe to this podcast on BBC Sounds or say "Ask the BBC for Ouch" to your smart speaker.

With COP26, the big UN climate conference, kicking off in Glasgow next week, the BBC Ouch team got wondering - how will the one billion disabled people living around the world be impacted by the climate emergency? Whether it's heatwaves, hurricanes or rising sea levels there is plenty to think about. From escape routes being inaccessible to vital medication which makes it difficult for the body to moderate heat, research suggests that 20% of those most vulnerable to climate change are disabled. So why is this? And what's being done about it? Professor Sébastien Jodoin, from McGill University in Montreal, and Dr Mary Keogh, the disability inclusion director for charity CBM Global, join us on this episode alongside cameos from a 'lockdown' puppy and a hammering builder - Happy Halloween! Presented by Keiligh Baker. Produced by Damon Rose and Emma Tracey. Useful links if you'd like to learn more: https://www.disabilityinclusiveclimate.org https://ukcop26.org/the-conference/green-zone-programme-of-events/ https://www.cbmuk.org.uk/news/disability-inclusion-in-climate-action-new-guide-published/ https://cbm-global.org/news/disability-and-climate-change-report/

With just days to go before the Tokyo Paralympics, an international campaign called WeThe15 has been launched to improve the lives of the 1.2bn disabled people around the world. Meet South African Eddie Ndopu. He is an internationally acclaimed writer, or “mover and shaker”, who also works for the United Nations. Eddie, disabled himself, gives us the lowdown of WeThe15 on this podcast. You'll love him. He also hopes to become the first disabled person in space. While he might have signed several NDAs on these “imminent” plans, Eddie couldn't help but spill some of the secrets to BBC Ouch. According to the World Health Organisation, 15% of the world's population is disabled, hence WeThe15. Spearheaded by the International Paralympic Committee and International Disability Alliance, the project has brought together organisations from Unesco to The Valuable 500 big businesses for the first time. Presented by Beth Rose and Emma Tracey.

Love Island is back in full swing and this year it features its first ever physically disabled contestant. Hugo Hammond is a 24-year-old PE teacher who was born with a club foot. The show's producers have previously said the villa can't be adapted for disabled contestants due the cost of insurance and "budget constraints" - and with Hugo's disability they didn't have to change anything. But we, at BBC Ouch, were wondering – could the Love Island villa be made accessible? And if so, how much would it cost? BBC entertainment reporter Alex Taylor, Kamran Mallick, the CEO of Disability Rights UK and access consultant Natasha Davies all get grafting to see if accessibility and Love Island can couple up – or will it lead to someone getting pied? Presented and produced by Keiligh Baker.

The UK has just marked one year since it officially went into its first Covid-19 lockdown. It’s the anniversary no one wanted. On this episode we discuss the highs and lows of those 365 days for disabled people across the country. Nikki Fox, the BBC’s disability correspondent, has spent the past year finding out how disabled people are managing in the pandemic and practicing her ukulele. She’s joined by Jonny Benjamin MBE, an author, vlogger and mental health campaigner who talks about the rollercoaster of emotions the pandemic brought up for him, and how he ended up in a psychiatric hospital in the middle of it. BBC Ouch producer and mum Emma Tracey chats about doing the online shop and what lockdown’s been like for blind and visually impaired people, while writer and campaigner Ciara Lawrence reveals what the pandemic has been like for people with learning disabilities - and why she wrote to Boris Johnson. Presented by Nikki Fox. Produced by Keiligh Baker. If you’d like to get in contact with the team, email ouch@bbc.co.uk. You can hear our latest podcast by saying “Ask the BBC for Ouch” to your smart speaker, plus you can listen and subscribe on the BBC Sounds app.

   Simon Minty has delivered consultancy, training and public speaking in the field of diversity, specialising in disability, since early 2000s. Based in London, his work is international. He works with many clients from a small NGO to a multinational corporation. This international work has helped Simon develop a broader under-standing of different cultural approaches to disability. He also has a creative side, helping im-prove the portrayal of disabled people in media and has worked with BBC, Channel 4, Endemol Shine, All Three Media, Warner and Sky. He's produced numerous videos and co-produced and performed in the sell out Edinburgh Fringe comedy show Ab-normally Funny People in 2005 and 2015. Abnormally Funny People performed virtually for London's Southbank Centre in 2021 via Zoom. He co-hosts two podcasts, BBC Ouch! and The Way We Roll. His client list is substanAal and includes BBC, Barclays, BriAsh Council, Buckingham Palace, Google, Lloyds Banking and Open Society FoundaAon. In addiAon, Simon is a Non-execuAve director of Motability Opera>ons. He is on the board of The National Theatre and is a trustee of Improbable Theatre and of StopGap Dance. He is an Ambassador to the Business Disability Forum and Busi-ness Disability Interna>onal. He also helped establish the Disability Media Alli-ance Project in California. Simon has a Post Graduate diploma in Dis-ability Management at Work and a BSc (Joint Hons) in Philosophy and Sociology, both from City University in London. A keen traveller, he won the Travel X Travel Writer of the Year 1999 – Best Television Feature for his Channel 4 travel pro-gramme in China. In 2016 GQ named him as one of the 100 best connected men in the UK. He has fea-tured on the Power 100 List of disabled people for many years. He has personal experience of disability being of short stature and limited mobility. He uses a mobility scooter for distance. 

The government has finally released its recommendations on how to modernise the Mental Health Act. The act is used to detain - section - someone if they are considered to be a risk to themselves or others. Many of the recommendations focus on ensuring patients are seen as individuals who should be involved in discussions about their medication and treatment plans. Raf was sectioned at 18 and spent five years in a forensic mental health unit receiving treatment for schizoaffective disorder which has similar symptoms to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Learning support assistant Ashley was detained under the Mental Health Act twice, once in January 2018 and then in June 2018. For this BBC Ouch special, Ashley and Raf share their experiences of being detained under the act. Presented by Beth Rose. Produced by Beth Rose and Keiligh Baker. If you’d like to get in contact with the team, email ouch@bbc.co.uk. You can hear our latest podcast by saying “Ask the BBC for Ouch” to your smart speaker, plus you can listen and subscribe on the BBC Sounds app.

The first week of November saw the clocks go back and the highest levels of loneliness since the coronavirus pandemic began, according to the Office for National Statistics. It said 4.2million people felt “always and often lonely” during that week, but previous studies have found disabled people are far more likely to feel lonely than non-disabled people. So, how do you battle feelings of isolation? BBC Ouch’s Emma Tracey spoke to award-winning bloggers, Elin Williams and Chloe Tear, and disability rights campaigner George Baker to find out their top-tips. Produced by Keiligh Baker and Drew Miller Hyndman. Say to your smart speaker "Ask the BBC for Ouch" to get the latest show, and subscribe via BBC Sounds. If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast, BBC Action Line has a list of organisations and charities offering advice and support.

It's 1968 and Sue is in the toilet at a pop festival. Abortion, which has just been legalised, provides a moment of liberation. But for wheelchair user Sue, it also throws up difficult questions about her body and her beliefs. A whirlwind romance has left her pregnant. What should she do now? This story is part of CripTales, a series of fictional monologues, based on factual research and the lived experience of disabled people spanning British history since 1970. Funny, inventive, dramatic and sexy, each one places disabled voices centre stage. Originally recorded for television, BBC Ouch is sharing three of the monologues to mark 25 years since the Disability Discrimination Act was passed. Subscribe to this podcast on BBC Sounds or say "Ask the BBC for Ouch" to your smart speaker.

In this monologue starring Liz Carr, Meg thinks her neighbour is a benefits cheat. She is compiling details about him in order to shop him for fraud. But, unexpectedly, he forges a friendship with her and encourages her to claim more benefits for herself. The Real Deal is part of CripTales, a series of fictional monologues based on factual research and the lived experience of disabled people spanning British history since 1970. Funny, inventive, dramatic and sexy, each one places disabled voices centre stage. Originally recorded for television, BBC Ouch is sharing three of the monologues to mark 25 years since the Disability Discrimination Act was passed. Subscribe to this podcast on BBC Sounds or say "Ask the BBC for Ouch" to your smart speaker.

In this monologue from the series CripTales, disabled actor Mat Fraser sits in the waiting room before an audition, dreading how it will turn out. He relives some of his best and worst moments in auditions in the past, taking us back to his childhood, where he unlocks the reasons for his fears, before finding the way to triumph. Or does he? CripTales is a series of fictional monologues, based on factual research and the lived experience of disabled people spanning British history since 1970. Funny, inventive, dramatic and sexy, each one places disabled voices centre stage. Originally recorded for television, BBC Ouch is sharing three of the monologues to mark 25 years since the Disability Discrimination Act was passed. Subscribe to this podcast on BBC Sounds or say "Ask the BBC for Ouch" to your smart speaker.

From online learning to entire halls of residences being placed in lockdown, students across the country have found themselves at university in extremely testing circumstances. Those with a disability could potentially find it extra tough. BBC Ouch’s Keiligh Baker speaks to students from the University of Aberdeen, where more than 100 people tested positive for Covid-19 at the start of October. Bea is a third year linguistics student who worries disabled students are being treated as an afterthought by universities. She became convener of the Disabled Students Forum to help change that. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Esme is a fresher and lives opposite the halls of residence where everyone is in quarantine … Produced by Kirstie Brewer. Subscribe to this podcast on BBC Sounds or ask 'Ask the BBC for Ouch' to your smart speaker.

Kate Monaghan has been isolating with her wife Holly and daughter Scout since March. Kate has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and endometriosis and Holly is the recipient of a kidney transplant and falls within the 'high risk' category. They shielded during lockdown and kept an audio diary for BBC Ouch. In this highlights episode, we hear why they suddenly disappeared from your podcast feeds, (Spoiler: It's good news!) and recall some of the best bits. And remember back in April when the supermarket shelves were empty and everyone was stockpiling toilet roll? Or the fear and confusion of that dreaded government text advising strict shielding for 12 weeks? Kate and Holly have been refreshingly honest throughout and many have found this podcast both comforting and laugh out loud funny. Produced and Presented by Amy Elizabeth. Subscribe to this podcast on BBC Sounds or ask 'Ask the BBC for Ouch' to your smart speaker.

Welcome to this new pop-up podcast to see you through the days of Covid-19. Let's get started. We've all heard the information that coronavirus can be easily managed unless "you are vulnerable and have an underlying health condition" - but what if you ARE one of those people? Among the doom and gloom of the pandemic is BBC Ouch! A bunch of journalists who will keep it real. Turns out you may have one-up on the general population if you're disabled - you might be used to self-isolating, cutting back on social occasions and working from home. Maybe this is really your time to show the world the way. Emma Tracey is in Scotland and has blind-person concerns about relying on touch so much to get around, Octavia Woodward has SMA with only 25% lung capacity and is about to flee to Somerset because her care-package has gone haywire, and fresh from receiving a food delivery is Natasha Lipman who's a-ok and totally used to working from home 99% of the time. Oh and there's Beth Rose, our token non-disabled. The least we can do is humour her worries about a touch of isolation and bring her around to our way of thinking. Subscribe to 'Ouch - The Cabin Fever Podcast' on BBC Sounds or say to your smart speaker "Ask the BBC for Ouch".

When Ellen and Beth posted a TikTok video before they went out for the night, little did they know it would go viral by morning. The students from Northern Ireland happened to leave the blood sugar monitors in shot. They are are fixed to their arms and help them manage their type one diabetes, and the world wanted to know more. Now the two women from Belfast create TikTok videos as the Diabetic Duo - often just a few seconds long - to show what life with type one diabetes is really like, but in a light-hearted and sometime frivolous way - like the weirdest places they’ve injected insulin into themselves (think a cheerleading human pyramid) and what to do if your blood sugar levels drop at exactly the same time. The Diabetic Duo reveal what its like to become social media stars overnight and how unusual it is that two best friends would both be diagnosed as type one diabetics, a predisposed condition not affected by lifestyle, which only affects 8% of all diabetics. If you have diabetes, please consult a health care professional before drinking alcohol. Presented by Kate Monaghan and Simon Minty. Subscribe to Ouch as a podcast on BBC Sounds or ask your smart speaker for BBC Ouch.

Getting around at an unfamiliar place is never easy, but it can become even more challenging if you’re blind or partially sighted.   We spoke with Reece Finnegan, who recently performed as part of the BBC Ouch series at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.   Talking with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley about getting lost a lot and raising awareness about sight loss, Reece highlights the importance of being able to laugh at yourself.   For Reece’s blog follow: https://reecefinnegan.wordpress.com (https://reecefinnegan.wordpress.com/)   (Photo shows Reece dressed in a red t-shirt and jeans. He’s holding a mic and performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2019. Photo credit: BBC News) 

If you are disabled and believe that a product to solve your problem doesn’t exist yet, listen up. A network of volunteer engineers are on-hand to help. When Sarah Stones realised leaning heavily on her left arm was taking its toll but couldn’t find a device to help, she reached out to Remap, a charity that makes bespoke solutions for disabled people. Engineer Akshaya Ahuja made her an armband with a pressure-sensitive alarm that would make her straighten up. About to go to market is an accessible toy kitchen which is suitable both for kids who use wheelchairs, and those who stand. Designer Bex French works for Demand, a similar charity to Remap which creates cool stuff for disabled people. We put Bex and Akshaya on the spot with challenges from listeners, the presenters, and blind geek extraordinaire Robin Christopherson. Will Kate get a new skin to stop her joints from moving out of place? Why was Simon admiring Sarah’s seat? And what’s all the hype about buckwheat pillows? Presented by Kate Monaghan and Simon Minty. Produced by Emma Tracey. Subscribe now to BBC Ouch in BBC Sounds or ask for us on your smart speaker by saying "play Ouch disability talk from the BBC"

I’ve known Simon Minty for many years in fact for a number of those years we were business partners, so I feel I know him pretty well. In this conversation, Simon talks about the things he finds invaluable in helping to maintain his level of independence and I must admit there were one or two surprises.  Simon has delivered training and consultancy in the field of equalities since 1997. He has personal experience of disability, being of short stature and of limited mobility. Based in London, Simon works throughout the UK and internationally. Simon’s passion for equality, his innate and learned knowledge of disability, his ability to listen and address the issue in hand combined with an infectious sense of humour has enabled him to successfully work with clients from a small NGO to a multi-national investment bank.   He’s produced numerous videos and co-produced and performed in the sell-out Edinburgh Fringe comedy show Abnormally Funny People in 2005, returning again in 2015. He is a host of BBC Ouch podcast and the Phil & Simon Show A keen traveller, he won the Travel X Travel Writer of the Year 1999 – Best Television Feature for his Channel 4 travel programme in China. Go Go Elite Traveller Plus http://bit.ly/2W08fxS Folding Step Stool Folding Step Stool (http://bit.ly/2UGH62u) Uber App https://apple.co/2VWNwen City Maps https://apple.co/2VXExtg Google Maps Step Free Access article http://bit.ly/2VVRe87

In a week where a tweet about a London pub went viral after a member of staff told a customer “we don’t serve disabled people”, meet the Mathies. Ben Mathie loves live music but venue options are limited because he’s only 12-years-old and uses a wheelchair and venues are often inaccessible. He was a regular at gigs in the local pub, The Harrow Inn Freehouse in Boughton, Nottinghamshire, before plans were made to shut it down. Then, in an unexpected move to save Ben's favourite venue, his mum and dad gave up their farm shop and took over the pub. Ben now has the important role of Events Manager and books all the live acts at the pub to ensure it’s as inclusive and welcoming as possible. Presented by Emma Tracey. Subscribe now to BBC Ouch in BBC Sounds or ask for us on your smart speaker by saying "play Ouch disability talk from the BBC".

The Shalva Band were favourites to represent host country Israel at Eurovision but pulled out when the dress rehearsal was scheduled for Friday - the Jewish holy day of rest. The group of eight musicians, who all have disabilities, had been voted through on a national TV programme. Their popularity rose at the same time research revealed 90% of parents in Israel didn't want their offspring to attend after-school clubs with disabled children. The band released a campaign song called Open The Door in response to the research. It went viral and they say it's changing attitudes to disability. Vocalists Anael and Dina told BBC Ouch they are now stopped for selfies wherever they go. Despite opting out of Eurovision, The Shalva Band will perform A Million Dreams, from The Greatest Showman, during the 2nd Eurovision semi-final on Thursday. With apologies for the occasional sound difficulty on the line from Jerusalem. Subscribe now to BBC Ouch in BBC Sounds or ask for us on your smart speaker by saying "play Ouch disability talk from the BBC".

Natalie Pearson is a primary school teacher and one of a few in the world to also have Tourette's syndrome. Tourettes causes her to swear, sometimes in class, and also jerk her body - but she says her students and colleagues have embraced it The science teacher was diagnosed with late-onset Tourette's syndrome at the age of 21 and believes a traumatic rape at university was the trigger. Natalie's story was originally heard on the BBC's Multi Story podcast. Presented by Becca Bryers. Subscribe now to BBC Ouch in BBC Sounds or ask for us on your smart speaker by saying "play Ouch disability talk from the BBC".

From being a working class disabled person to waiting for that brown envelope to arrive for your benefits reassessment. This show, recorded in front of a live audience, moves from one emotion to another. Comedian Jackie Hagan describes how she went from feeling she had to prove she could still do everything and more, after having one leg amputated, to realising she didn't actually have to become a hero. Performer Conor A has fibromyalgia, an impairment usually associated with women. He reveals how he was treated by doctors and how he learned to build access needs into his own show such as a prompter for when he goes all 'fibro fog'. Presented by Simon Minty and Kate Monaghan at the I'm Here, Where Are You? festival in Cambridge. A transcript will be available soon. Subscribe now to BBC Ouch in BBC Sounds or ask for us on your smart speaker by saying "play Ouch disability talk from the BBC".

Like many disabled people, Damon Rose is regularly approached by Christians who want to pray for him to be healed. Would-be healers claim they’re simply doing what Jesus himself did and what he instructed his followers to do. They may mean well, but the experience can leave disabled people feeling judged as ‘faulty’ and in need of repair. Is this really what Christianity teaches about disability? In this programme, Damon (a blind journalist and open-minded non-believer) investigates different Christian approaches to disability, combining cutting-edge theology with personal stories of faith, hope and human frailty. He joins a group of Christians as they offer healing on the street, attends a healing service and meets the disabled Christians carving out a new ‘theology of disability’. Interviewees include: Lyndall Bywater, a Christian writer and prayer leader in the United Kingdom Jonathan Conrathe, founder of Mission 24 – a Christian ministry that works with churches all over the world Becky Tyler, who preached at the Greenbelt Christian festival Candida Moss, the Edward Cadbury Professor of Theology at the University of Birmingham Rev Zoe Hemming, vicar of St Andrews Church in the village of Aston in Shropshire, England. If you would like to contact BBC Ouch please email damon.rose@bbc.co.uk (Image: Damon on the tube, Credit: Sarah Dousse)

This week continues Mike’s chat with author & fellow podcaster, Frank Burton regarding his new book: One Hundred. As this is part 2 of their chat, their discussion surrounding One Hundred continues - they start with discussing different people’s perspectives, followed by commuting, not requiring fruitful conversations with strangers all the time, bad customer service, the process of recording & releasing an audiobook, what defines consciousness, if life has meaning or if it’s purely chaos, Frank’s religious views, the importance of community and much more – they even get into conspiracy theories towards the end! Part 1 was released last week so if you haven’t checked that out, be sure to listen first! Part 1 primarily focuses on Frank’s writing-process, what inspired him to write a 100-chapter short-story book, the central themes of the book, many of the thought experiments the book delves into, the idea of solitude not being a bad thing, why the world of One Hundred is such an interesting one, what Frank & Mike define “milking” a series is (using examples of Star Wars & Doctor Who), Frank’s storytelling history & many other fruitful topics! You can listen to One Hundred for free (name your price to download) on bandcamp. Frank’s podcast - Frank’s site, including his books & more - Frank’s appearance on BBC Ouch regarding his epilepsy Frank has been on the podcast before – in episode 34 Frank discussed his podcast, art & music, how he became an author, his epilepsy & the many misconceptions surrounding it, as well as much more! Promo by In The Black Podcast Genuine Chit-Chat is also a part of the Brit Pod Scene, so be sure to check out the other members of the family as well as the BPS podcast – www.britpodscene.com Instagram – Twitter – Facebook – YouTube – Stitcher - Podbean - Spotify You can also email us at GenuineChitChat@outlook.com with any reviews, comments or suggestions.

Award winning comedian and wheelchair user Aaron Simmonds talks strip Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit, phantom limbs and manscaping. Additional production support provided by BBC Ouch.

This week provides a treat for bookworms & storytellers alike, with Mike’s guest, Frank Burton (no relation to our glorious host) and as well as being the creator & host of the Ragbag Podcast, a father and an all-round nice guy, Frank is the author of two books; The History Of Sarcasm (2009) and One Hundred (2019). In this chat, Mike & Frank delve into many of the ideas surrounding Frank’s recent book “One Hundred” as well as many of the concepts within it, his writing process and so much more, so whether or not you’ve read/listened to One Hundred, this is a great chat (although there’s a link below where you can check the book out for free so there’s no excuse)! Part 1 of this chat primarily focuses on Frank’s writing-process, what inspired him to write a 100-chapter short-story book, the central themes of the book, many of the thought experiments the book delves into, the idea of solitude not being a bad thing, why the world of One Hundred is such an interesting one, what Frank & Mike define “milking” a series is (using examples of Star Wars & Doctor Who), Frank’s storytelling history & many other fruitful topics! Part 2 will be released next week and their discussion surrounding One Hundred continues, where they start with discussing different people’s perspectives, commuting, not requiring fruitful conversations with strangers all the time, bad customer service, the process of recording & releasing an audiobook, what defines consciousness, if life has meaning or if it’s purely chaos, the importance of community and much more – they even get into conspiracy theories towards the end! You can listen to One Hundred for free (name your price to download) on bandcamp. Frank’s podcast - Frank’s site, including his books & more - Frank’s appearance on BBC Ouch regarding his epilepsy Frank has been on the podcast before – in episode 34 Frank discussed his podcast, art & music, how he became an author, his epilepsy & the many misconceptions surrounding it, as well as much more! Promo by Which Murderer Genuine Chit-Chat is also a part of the Brit Pod Scene, so be sure to check out the other members of the family as well as the BPS podcast – www.britpodscene.com Instagram – Twitter – Facebook – YouTube – Stitcher - Podbean - Spotify You can also email us at GenuineChitChat@outlook.com with any reviews, comments or suggestions.

Martin O'Brien has lived beyond his life expectancy twice - first at the age of five, and then again at 30. He was born with the life-limiting disease, cystic fibrosis. Now aged 31, he identifies as a Zombie - half-dead and half-alive - which he tries to convey through his physical artwork - he even spent his 30th birthday in a morgue, for art's sake. Sometimes controversial, he talks about how he uses the sexual, and consensual, practice of BDSM to illustrate life with a chronic illness and where the line between raising awareness and exploitation is drawn. Presented by Beth Rose with Emma Tracey. A transcript will be available soon. Subscribe now to BBC Ouch in BBC Sounds or ask for us on your smart speaker by saying "play Ouch disability talk from the BBC".

After years on the circuit, American comedian Tim Renkow has just released his first TV series - Jerk. The BBC Three show follows a "heightened" version of Renkow, who has cerebral palsy. TV Tim is "too lazy" to sort out his own visa, so instead he plays on and uses his disability to mess with people and take advantage of every situation. Tim reveals to BBC Ouch how much truth was behind the sitcom, how he got The Soprano's actress Lorraine Bracco to play his mother and what it was like to have a fist-fight with fellow comedian and Britain's Got Talent winner, Lost Voice Guy, who also has cerebral palsy. Bashir Aziz, who has vitiligo, and Rachel Reynolds who has thousands of tumours on her body, talk about living with visible differences and what it was like to live together for 10 days in new Channel Five show, The House of Extraordinary People. Presented by Simon Minty and Kate Monaghan. Subscribe now in BBC Sounds or ask for us on your smart speaker by saying "play Ouch disability talk from the BBC". Picture courtesy of Roughcut Television Ltd.

Suzanne Bull loves live music. But after several accidents, including getting crushed at a gig, she wanted to challenge venues that weren’t accessible to her and other disabled music fans. Taking matters into her own hands she started up Attitude is Everything in 2000 - a disability-led charity that aims to improve Deaf and disabled peoples’ access to live music venues. Since then, she’s been made an MBE and was included in Music Week's Women in Music Roll of Honour. Suzanne tells BBC Ouch what it’s like to be honoured by the Queen and what being recognised as a disabled woman in the music industry tells us about the changing landscape for accessibility. She also gives us a glimpse into the organisation’s plans for the future. Presented by Niamh Hughes. Subscribe now in BBC Sounds or ask for us on your smart speaker by saying "play Ouch disability talk from the BBC".

Thriller writer Liz Nugent deals in dark worlds with flawed characters, but she has experienced her fair share of challenges and tough times too. After falling from the stair banister aged six onto her brother’s tricycle she experienced a brain haemorrhage. A second accident in her 20s triggered Dystonia, a condition which causes the muscles in her leg to uncomfortably contract, making walking difficult. Her recovery has so far included an accidental stint in a psychiatric ward, plenty of Botox (cosmetic and medical) and learning to type her award-winning novels with one hand. The Irish writer chats about her latest novel – Skin Deep – and how she has perfected her streamlined writing style, with minimum description, because every word costs her energy. There are even a few tips for aspiring writers in there too. Presented by Emma Tracey with Beth Rose. A transcript will is available here - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/disability-46864514 Please subscribe to BBC Ouch on BBC Sounds and get in touch on Email: ouch@bbc.co.uk; Twitter: @bbcouch or find us on Facebook.

Happy New Year from the BBC Ouch team! As a little treat, we thought we’d give you another chance to listen to some of our fabulous performers on BBC Ouch: Storytelling Live at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2018. Going out is meant to be fun, but add in an unpredictable disability or mental health problem and you could have an unwanted challenge or serious embarrassment on your hands - especially if these real-life tales are anything to go by. From the agoraphobic woman who took an extreme 15-hour bus journey so she didn't have to remain overnight after her best friend's wedding, to a man with Crohn's disease desperately hunting for a toilet in the unfamiliar flat of the person he spent the night with. Plus, the woman who faced a beautician's interrogation when she was trying to get to grips with depression and anxiety and just wanted to buy some soap. Lucy Jollow, Philip Henry and Laura Lexx revealed their embarrassing encounters for BBC Ouch: Storytelling Live, a show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on the theme of Going Out. Hosted by Lost Voice Guy. And watch out for updates on how you can get involved in the 2019 show! Subscribe to Ouch, or wherever you get your podcasts from. Like us, rate us and leave a nice review - this helps others find our programmes. Email ouch@bbc.co.uk Tweet @bbcouch or find us on Facebook.

Merry Christmas from the BBC Ouch team! As a little gift to you from us, we thought we’d give you another chance to listen to some of our fabulous performers on BBC Ouch: Storytelling Live at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2018. Going out can be fun, but add in a disability or mental health problem and it can become fraught with challenges - and embarrassment - if these real-life tales are anything to go by. From passionately kissing your "mum" to prove a point, to suffering a wardrobe malfunction in the middle of Manchester and receiving a diagnosis of ADHD after risking everything and taking a pill in a nightclub - you're probably going to have second thoughts about ever leaving your house again after hearing these stories. Aaron Simmonds, Fran Aitken and Jessica Donohoe revealed their embarrassing encounters for BBC Ouch: Storytelling Live, a show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Hosted by Lost Voice Guy. And watch out in 2019 for the opportunity to step onto that stage yourself - Merry Christmas! Subscribe to Ouch, or wherever you get your podcasts from. Like us, rate us and leave a nice review - this helps others find our programmes. Email ouch@bbc.co.uk Tweet @bbcouch or find us on Facebook.

Why does self-employment often suit disabled people better than the nine to five? Three winners of this year’s Stelios Award describe their businesses, explain why they like working for themselves and give tips for future disabled business-owners. BBC Ouch's Emma Tracey meets Joshua Wintersgill, who has developed an aircraft sling for wheelchair users, chocolatier Samona Williams and Rachel Shapey who has designed a music-making app. A full transcript is available below. For more Disability News, follow BBC Ouch on Twitter and Facebook, and subscribe to the weekly podcast on BBC Sounds.

The Great British Bake Off contestant Briony Williams has a missing left hand but some viewers didn’t spot it until episode three. How did she get by in that famous tent without any help or disability adjustments? BAFTA-nominated Ruth Madeley is currently filming with Emma Thompson, but in the summer she made a Horizon documentary about her impairment, spina bifida. Ruth got to watch pioneering surgery on an unborn baby with the condition and ask how her own mum reacted when told she was carrying a disabled daughter. Kitch, the rapper with a stammer and a great back story, performs at the end of the show. Presented by Simon Minty and Shannon Murray. A full transcript will be available soon. For more Disability News, follow BBC Ouch on Twitter and Facebook, and subscribe to the weekly podcast on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts from.

It's been a week of triumph and celebration at the Invictus Games in Australia as 500 servicemen and women competed on the sports field. But for one competitor the memories of the battlefield returned as an overhead helicopter triggered his PTSD. Find out which song, from a popular animated film, helped get him through it. And BBC presenter, Alex Jones, learned a "mortifying" lesson at the event, according to her co-host JJ Chalmers, which he decided to spill to BBC Ouch. Presented by Beth Rose with JJ in Australia.

This week Mike is joined by fellow podcaster Frank, who shares the same last name as our glorious host (Burton)! They discuss Frank’s Ragbag Podcast and the freedom of podcasting, followed by their opinions on art & music, how Frank got into being an author and info about his book releases before discussing the bulk of the chat; Frank’s epilepsy (finished off by a discussion about mental illness & medication). Regarding epilepsy, Frank talks about some of the misconceptions surrounding it (including ones he had himself before being diagnosed), how it affected his life & family, as well as how some of the techniques he uses have helped him take control of epilepsy so that epilepsy doesn’t control him – all of this and more is discussed in this incredibly personal & informative chat! Frank’s site, including his book, podcast & more - The BBC Ouch show Frank appeared on Last week Mike spoke with Belynda, about the conservation of animals and more specifically, her area of interest; birds of prey! They also discuss Belynda’s time at Sparsholt college, her experience of working in Marwell Zoo, breeding programs for animals (especially endangered ones), how eco-systems need insects & about certain insects becoming endangered too, along with how damaging poaching is and their appreciation for the great Sir David Attenborough, as well as much more! Promo by Shooting Breezes Genuine Chit-Chat is now a part of the Brit Pod Scene, so be sure to check out the other members of the family as well as the BPS podcast – www.britpodscene.com Instagram – Twitter – Facebook – YouTube – Stitcher - Podbean - Spotify You can also email us at GenuineChitChat@outlook.com with any reviews, comments or suggestions.

Being a parent is hard, but when you're disabled it can come with its own unique set of challenges and advantages. From the mum who insisted on building an accessible house extension so her husband had to do night-duties, to the visit to A&E with a child who had jammed his leg a wheelchair spoke after using it as a climbing frame. Three disabled dads on the comedy circuit - Chris McCausland, Steve Day and Laurence Clark - take over the BBC Ouch podcast to talk parenting skills, wins and fails. Produced by Emma Tracey.

Gianluca Trombetta, who is deaf, confesses he hated it when his girlfriend talked before he was ready to listen, so he decided to teach her a lesson. This story was recorded in March 2017 at an event held by BBC Ouch at the Backyard Comedy Club in London. Share this page on social media and pop over to iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts from, and be sure to rate and review the Ouch podcast. Tell us what you think by emailing ouch@bbc.co.uk tweet @bbcouch or find us on Facebook.

Shoes - it’s a hot topic amongst disabled people. Buying them and wearing them can be a nightmare, especially if it means regularly wearing them out. Throughout the ages, shoes have been either practical or decorative but rarely both and we in the disabled community often have to adapt what’s on offer to suit our needs. So, why do so many of us have to pick function over fashion – and does having that choice really matter? BBC Ouch chats all things shoes to lifestyle and fashion YouTuber, Jessica Kellgren-Fozard, whose vintage style and taste for high heels often raises eyebrows in the context of her disabilities. Actor and comedian Tim Renkow also joins us in the studio. He has Cerebral Palsy but doesn’t wear shoes because, he says, they’re just not worth the hassle. Presented by Niamh Hughes with Beth Rose.

Everyone has a story to tell and this could be your chance to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival on the BBC’s main stage. BBC Ouch is presenting Storytelling Live on 9 August and wants you to be part of the show. All you've got to do is tell a true story on the theme of Going Out (whatever that means to you) which relates to your disability or mental health challenge. It’s as simple as that, but to help you along, we’ve got some top tips from award-winning comedy producer, Ed Morrish, about what makes a good story and how to make yours stand out. If you get through to the show, you’ll get to work with Ed before the performance. Presented by Beth Rose with Ed Morrish, Frank Burton who performed at the event last year and Damon Rose from the BBC Ouch team. If this opportunity sounds up your street take a closer look at the application requirements in the link below and send your story to ouch@bbc.co.uk by 09:00 on 18 June.

Everyone has a story to tell and this could be your chance to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival on the BBC’s main stage. BBC Ouch is presenting Storytelling Live on 9 August and wants you to be part of the show. All you've got to do is tell a true story on the theme of Going Out (whatever that means to you) which relates to your disability or mental health challenge. It’s as simple as that, but to help you along, we’ve got some top tips from award-winning comedy producer, Ed Morrish, about what makes a good story and how to make yours stand out. If you get through to the show, you’ll get to work with Ed before the performance. Presented by Beth Rose with Ed Morrish, Frank Burton who performed at the event last year and Damon Rose from the BBC Ouch team. If this opportunity sounds up your street take a closer look at the application requirements here and send your story to ouch@bbc.co.uk by 09:00 on 18 June.

Reading is often one of the first things to go when you're busy - your bag's already full and you've got your phone to play with - but could picking up a book be one simple way to help boost or maintain your mental health? It's Mental Health Awareness Week and here at BBC Ouch we're not missing out so this podcast is all about how a good book could be a good thing - and we're not talking self-help books - we're talking any and every genre. It's thought books can help you set targets and find focus, even if you can't get out of bed because of depression. They let you see that awkward situation you've been anxious about for weeks from someone else's perspective and you might even learn how to be empathetic or find your way into a new community. Presented by Niamh Hughes with Beth Rose, blogger Harriet Allner and academic Dr Paula Byrne

The game Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice has won many awards and fans for its story and the way it depicts psychosis. It follows Nordic warrior, Senua, on a quest to rescue the soul of her dead lover. She hears voices, and experiences hallucinations throughout, disorientating the player. Gamers and experts rate its portrayal of the mental illness - but does it go down well with people who have psychosis in real life? Danny Bowyer first experienced psychosis in his early 20s and has played the game. He explains how he hears voices continually - including while talking to the BBC Ouch team on this podcast. Presented by Beth Rose with Kathleen Hawkins and Niamh Hughes.

Inspirational speaking and work has long been a part of the disability landscape. But how do you inspire without sounding like a cliché? It’s a confidence boosting takeover on this week’s BBC Ouch podcast. Martyn Sibley and Amar Latif, both of whom are disabled, talk about how they try to instill positive thoughts in others, often using their own achievements to get people into a go-ahead mode. But they are both well aware that the word 'inspiration' can be used in a less than positive way when applied to disabled people. If you have an idea for a future programme, email ouch@bbc.co.uk. Subscribe to Ouch as a weekly podcast and, if you wouldn't mind, we'd be delighted if you reviewed us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts from - it helps other people find us.

This week Amit Patel, owner of Kika the guide dog, has been in the news again. Last year BBC Ouch made a video about how he straps a video camera to her harness in order to record the looks, stares and reactions from people around him on the street. When he comes home, he shows it to his wife who gives him a commentary on what happened that Amit wasn't aware of ... or was suspicious of. Now that camera has caught a fellow London Underground commuter persistently asking Amit to move to one side on the escalator so he could pass - even though it might be dangerous. This podcast is a re-run of an interview with Amit a couple of weeks after his story gained all that initial attention last year. It's very interesting indeed. Stand by for a transcript. Like us, favourite us, share us. You can get in touch by emailing ouch@bbc.co.uk or tweeting @bbcouch - we're also on Facebook.

Do you procrastinate to the point that you get very little done? And how do you break free? Presenters Mark Brown and Seaneen Molloy-Vaughan call it the Faff Zone and say it hijacks your mind. It's a mental health takeover on this week's BBC Ouch podcast. Drop in on the two as their lively and reassuring discussions give a bit of necessary focus and humour to living with mental health difficulties. We welcome your feedback. email ouch@bbc.co.uk tweet @bbcouch or find us on Facebook. And please like, share and review the programme on your social media and podcast services - it helps those who would appreciate the programme to find it.

In a festive first we pit BBC Washington Correspondent Gary O’Donoghue against Watchdog’s Nikki Fox and BBC Ouch’s Simon Minty in a ferocious battle over disability dilemmas. Would they disturb a couple getting close in an accessible loo if they were desperate? Would they swipe left or right on a dating app if the person in question was also disabled and we get the lowdown on the horror stories of appearing on Celebrity Mastermind. Presented by Beth Rose. Produced and edited by Emma Tracey and Helen Weaver.

Robyn knows a lot about trumpet playing and Jamie watches hours of milling machine videos each night to wind down. They’re both autistic and love talking at length about what they call their “special interests” - that obsessive geekiness often considered a classic autism trait (just Google 'hacker' and 'Asperger' to get the gist). But while obsessing and learning can bring deep knowledge, its intensity can have a less positive side. (Scroll down the page to Related Links if you want to read the transcript) This is the first in a three-part series of the Robyn Jamie and Lion Show, where two autistic people and a helpful cuddly toy bring their unique perspective to BBC Ouch.

Lost Voice Guy uses an iPad to speak and has become an expert handler of awkward questions as a result. “Can you really not talk?” and “have you ever tried to speak to see what would happen?” are just two questions put to the comedian with cerebral palsy by drunk people after gigs. His many witty comebacks, including pretending he has a side-line as a satellite navigation system, are revealed in the 2nd of our podcasts from the BBC Ouch storytelling night at this year’s Edinburgh Festival. Also featured are Maura, an autistic woman with hair envy and “the social skills of a used teabag”, and Frank, who was rescued from a partial seizure by Al Pacino. The show is presented by Sofie Hagen and the producer is Ed Morrish. Subscribe to Ouch as a weekly podcast and, if you wouldn't mind, we'd be delighted if you could review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts from - it helps other people find us.

Awkward! This week’s podcast, the first of two recorded live in Scotland, is all about a badly timed dislocation, a wheelchair user who stunned a nun by walking and the depressed man who got too good at pretending to like people. BBC Ouch recently took five listeners and two comedians to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where they told awkward tales relating to their disability or mental health difficulty to a live audience. It happened to Abbi Brown when she stunned a praying Parisian nun by getting up and walking away from her wheelchair. Angela Clarke forgot to tell a masseuse that her bones regularly dislocate, with predictably humorous consequences. Mark Granger’s social butterfly persona masks his depression and a genuine dislike of people so well that even the briefest of interactions can give them the wrong impression – especially single ladies. And awkward interactions with people won’t stop comedian Juliette Burton talking about her mental health and eating disorders at gigs. Presented by Sofie Hagen. Produced by Ed Morrish. This is the first of two podcasts from Ouch’s Storytelling Live event in Scotland. Next week we’ll meet Lost Voice Guy, an autistic woman with hair-envy and the man with a surprising Al Pacino-related strategy for combatting his non-epileptic seizures. Subscribe to Ouch as a weekly podcast and, if you wouldn't mind, we'd be delighted if you could review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts from - it helps other people find us.

Listener Mike Kelly lost his sight in his thirties, shortly after he'd finished his training as an architect. He underwent intensive rehabilitation and has had a successful full time career in the civil service. Now aged 65 Mike has chosen to retire. Mixed in with the excitement of starting a new chapter in his life, he has some fears and concerns as well. David Black who has Retinitis Pigmentosa was attacked three times. Despite having studied martial arts he felt unable to defend himself as a blind person. He sought help from a charity in Scotland which runs self-defence courses for disabled people. David's confidence has sky-rocketed since and he now teaches the same course which helped to boost his confidence, to other blind people. Emma Tracey from BBC Ouch went along to meet David and and pick up one or two self-defence tricks. Presenter: Peter White Producer: Lee Kumutat.

This is the final in a series of seven entertaining and enlightening stories from people who are disabled or have mental health difficulties on the subject of love and relationships. In this edition, Harriet Dyer's best friend and boyfriend blamed her "paranoia" on her mental health difficulties, but she soon found out they were having an affair, a discovery which landed her in a police cell. The stories were recorded in March 2017 at an event held by BBC Ouch at the Backyard Comedy Club in London. Share this page on social media and pop over to iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts from, and be sure to rate and review the Ouch podcast. Tell us what you think by emailing ouch@bbc.co.uk tweet @bbcouch or find us on Facebook.

This is the sixth in a series of seven entertaining and enlightening stories from people who are disabled or have mental health difficulties on the subject of love and relationships. In this edition, Gianluca Trombetta, who is deaf, confesses he hated it when his girlfriend talked before he was ready to listen, so he decided to teach her a lesson. The stories were recorded in March 2017 at an event held by BBC Ouch at the Backyard Comedy Club in London. Share this page on social media and pop over to iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts from, and be sure to rate and review the Ouch podcast. Tell us what you think by emailing ouch@bbc.co.uk tweet @bbcouch or find us on Facebook.

This is the fourth in a series of seven entertaining and enlightening stories from people who are disabled or have mental health difficulties on the subject of love and relationships. In this edition, Georgie Morrell speaks about the loss of her sight in her 20s and having to give up her "sexy London life", until her brother played a prank on her - and taught her how to laugh and live life again. The stories were recorded in March 2017 at an event held by BBC Ouch at the Backyard Comedy Club in London. Share this page on social media and pop over to iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts from, and be sure to rate and review the Ouch podcast. Tell us what you think by emailing ouch@bbc.co.uk tweet @bbcouch or find us on Facebook.

This is the third in a series of seven entertaining and enlightening stories from people who are disabled or have mental health difficulties on the subject of love and relationships. In this edition, John talks about how he liked to make sure everyone felt just as miserable as he did when he was depressed, until a chance argument over an audition led him to finding the "light in his life" in the form of his long-term girlfriend. The stories were recorded in March 2017 at an event held by BBC Ouch at the Backyard Comedy Club in London. Share this page on social media and pop over to iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts from, and be sure to rate and review the Ouch podcast. Tell us what you think by emailing ouch@bbc.co.uk tweet @bbcouch or find us on Facebook.

The CBT Team would like to thank you for your feedback and emails. Although we are unable to reply to every email we read every email we receive. We have picked out a few of our favourites to reply to. From Leo Bissonnette: Interested in confirming if the VizLens is available in the App Store. I am in Canada and didn't find it. Or, is the app still in a beta testing stage where the developers might be interested in getting testers. From Bruce Huffman: I cannot find vizlens in the "iOS” app store. From Rebecca Skipper: Hi, Although VizLens is impressive, I think it would be more useful as a orientation aid to appliances allowing the user to reduce the amount of labels needed. Labeling, in my view, should be used in case the app malfunctions or the user loses Internet connectivity. I am a Braille reader and find tactile feedback more efficient than apps or screen readers when identifying products. From Elexis Repetto: I am looking for recommendations for a new computer that can run ZoomText. Every computer I have ever used it with has not been able to handle the software. I want to buy a desktop or laptop or Mac and would love some input. Also, if there is a better screen reader than ZoomText that you would recommend I am open. I am a low vision user and rely both on magnification and screen reading. I am not looking for the cheapest solution but rather the best. Thank you for such an informative podcast, I listen to every one that has tech which may apply to my situation. Row 8 Column 2 From Beth Rose: Hi, I saw the post about the 3D models which can be printed to help visually impaired students during sex education lessons. I work for BBC Ouch - the disability strand of the BBC - and thought it might be interesting to learn a little more about it. At what stage are you at? Have any students road-tested this idea yet? Who came up with the idea and was there a particular reason why they did? Are there any images you can send me of the various models? I'm also presuming that this is just a US-based project at the moment? If you could let me know the answers to the above questions or provide me with any extra information that would be really helpful, Thanks!

The CBT Team would like to thank you for your feedback and emails. Although we are unable to reply to every email we read every email we receive. We have picked out a few of our favourites to reply to. From Leo Bissonnette: Interested in confirming if the VizLens is available in the App Store. I am in Canada and didn't find it. Or, is the app still in a beta testing stage where the developers might be interested in getting testers. From Bruce Huffman: I cannot find vizlens in the "iOS” app store. From Rebecca Skipper: Hi, Although VizLens is impressive, I think it would be more useful as a orientation aid to appliances allowing the user to reduce the amount of labels needed. Labeling, in my view, should be used in case the app malfunctions or the user loses Internet connectivity. I am a Braille reader and find tactile feedback more efficient than apps or screen readers when identifying products. From Elexis Repetto: I am looking for recommendations for a new computer that can run ZoomText. Every computer I have ever used it with has not been able to handle the software. I want to buy a desktop or laptop or Mac and would love some input. Also, if there is a better screen reader than ZoomText that you would recommend I am open. I am a low vision user and rely both on magnification and screen reading. I am not looking for the cheapest solution but rather the best. Thank you for such an informative podcast, I listen to every one that has tech which may apply to my situation. Row 8 Column 2 From Beth Rose: Hi, I saw the post about the 3D models which can be printed to help visually impaired students during sex education lessons. I work for BBC Ouch - the disability strand of the BBC - and thought it might be interesting to learn a little more about it. At what stage are you at? Have any students road-tested this idea yet? Who came up with the idea and was there a particular reason why they did? Are there any images you can send me of the various models? I'm also presuming that this is just a US-based project at the moment? If you could let me know the answers to the above questions or provide me with any extra information that would be really helpful, Thanks!

Ten years after BBC Ouch! first began we delve into the archives to look back at our own version of the parlour game Animal, vegetable or mineral? Our irreverent version - Vegetable, vegetable or vegetable? - involved our presenters trying to work out a caller's disability from their simple 'yes' or 'no' answers. But how does the game look in 2016 - is it still politically correct or should we play with caution?

This month’s guests are Damon Rose and Emma Tracey, creators and producers of #BBCOuch. We ask if Google maps is as accurate as a blind person might need it. We explain what trailing is and the often asked question - is the #Braille signage in the loo on trains actually useful? And is it ok to use your Guide dog or a mobility scooter when you’re drunk? We visit the perennial debate about disability on TV - specialist programmes like Channel 4’s Kitchen Impossible or integrated shows. Emma and Damon explain the origins of BBC Ouch and how some of their more risqué segments came about and there’s clips of their favourite moments. Steve Best as the token non-disabled host questions if the #disability #humour went too far and do you have to be ‘down with the #disability mood’ to appreciate it. Our regular contributor Robin Christopherson of Ability Net talks about accessible tech and Shannon Murray updates us on life in LA. #comedy

Sibby has drawn our attention to an ongoing debate on BBC Ouch regarding the word "disability" and whether it is now outdated. I make the case here that "human variance", a suggested potential alternative, moves us back towards A medical model of disability largely left behind for the social model. #Disability #Discussion #Ability #Social #Medical #Model #Semantics #HumanVariance

Simon Minty and Steve Best are joined by Mat Fraser (American Horror Story; Beauty and the Beast) and Liz Carr (Silent Witness). Liz and Mat used to present a podcast on BBC Ouch, and this is the first time they've been back in the studio together since they moved on. Both are active campaigners but perhaps now more widely known for their artistic work (including television). They speak about how this affects them, with a wisecrack or two along the way. Non-disabled Steve asks if the new RoboCop is a #disabled person, whilst Simon wonders if a #wheelchair is sacred space but a scooter public property (and should you charge if someone wants a ride?). #BBC Radio New Comedy Act 2014 Lost Voice Guy chips in with his thoughts on The Theory of Everything. It's a good one, tune in now. #disability #comedy #humour