Episodes

  • Exploring the art of blind fishing with James Griffiths

    Exploring the art of blind fishing with James Griffiths
    Dec 19 2024
    In this episode of Speak My Language: Disability we share the story of James Griffiths, a proud Wangaaypuwan man. After becoming blind in 2005, James has become a passionate First Nations advocate for disability inclusion. James is also an avid fisher and yarns to us about the art of blind fishing.
    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • Samantha Schmidt: An inspiring journey in Parasport

    Samantha Schmidt: An inspiring journey in Parasport
    Jan 6 2025
    In this episode of Speak My Language (Disability), Kerri-Lee Harding yarns with Samantha Schmidt, a para-athlete and proud Wakka Wakka and Gubbi Gubbi woman from Queensland. Samantha, who holds the Australian national record in women's F38 discus, shot put, and javelin, recently returned from representing Australia at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. Her journey in athletics, alongside her experience living with cerebral palsy, reveals the transformative power of sport and community.
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • Cass Best creating inclusivity for LGBTQI mob living with disability

    Cass Best creating inclusivity for LGBTQI mob living with disability
    Jan 8 2025
    Cass Best is a proud Gay Kamilaroi Mari who is non- binary and living with disability. They actively advocate for and engage with Mob and the LGBTQI+ community. Much of Cass’ advocacy focuses on intersectionality, working to create inclusive spaces for mob who are queer and live with disabilities. Being an advocate has not only improved Cass’ wellbeing, but has also improved inclusion and accessibility for others. In this episode Cass chats with Kerri-Lee Harding.
    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • Paul Constable Calcott: A Wiradjuri Artist Championing Inclusion

    Paul Constable Calcott: A Wiradjuri Artist Championing Inclusion
    Jan 14 2025
    Paul Constable Calcott, or Uncle Paul, a proud Wiradjuri man and artist, reflects on his life's journey from a childhood impacted by polio to becoming a UN delegate advocating for Indigenous artists with disabilities. Through his involvement in the NuunaRon Art Group, Uncle Paul continues to create safe spaces for storytelling and cultural expression, helping others to find their voices through art.
    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • Kerri Shying: Connecting culture through poetry

    Kerri Shying: Connecting culture through poetry
    Jan 17 2025
    In this compelling conversation with Lowanna Grant, Kerri Shying, a Wiradjuri poet with a mixed heritage including Chinese Australian ancestry, shares how poetry serves as a tool for emotional expression and cultural connection. Despite living with a degenerative disease, Kerri explains how poetry helped her regain her voice and connect with both her Indigenous roots and broader communities.
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • Dr Richard Fejo: Advocating for an Indigenous perspective in healthcare

    Dr Richard Fejo: Advocating for an Indigenous perspective in healthcare
    Jan 20 2025
    Dr Richard Fejo, who is more affectionately known as Uncle Richie, is a Larrakia man who has dedicated his life to cross-cultural education and improvement of outcomes for Indigenous people. Living with limb difference Richie draws on his experience to educate and advocate for the improved health outcomes of Indigenous Australians, particularly through his role as the Elder on Campus for Flinders University.
    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • Bianca Templar: Art, Culture and Advocacy

    Bianca Templar: Art, Culture and Advocacy
    Jan 22 2025
    Bianca Templar is an artist deeply rooted in her culture and an advocate for First Nations rights. Her creative journey is woven with tradition, community, and activism. In this episode Bianca yarns to Lowanna Grant as she shares the profound influence of the elders and mentors who have passed down traditional cultural art practices, shaping both her artistic expression and her identity.
    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • Fielding Dreams: Dr Alexander Smith on Physical Disability Rugby League

    Fielding Dreams: Dr Alexander Smith on Physical Disability Rugby League
    Oct 21 2025
    Dr Alexander Smith is passionate about football, and he backs it up on the field. An Australian representative in Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) and a proud Rabbitohs player, Alex sits down with Ngaire Pakai to share his journey in becoming PDRL ready, the impact of team sport for individuals and the community, and the bright future he sees for the game.
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins