Unpacking Ableism – The Many Faces of Discrimination

2025-06-12

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Chandy and Emma explore the layered and often misunderstood realities of ableism—from external discrimination to internalised shame and lateral ableism within the disabled community. They unpack how media stereotypes, childhood conditioning, assumptions in healthcare, and even well-meaning “inspiration porn” shape the way society and disabled people view themselves. Through real-life stories and raw reflection, they dig into what it means to navigate the world with dignity in a society not built with you in mind. With moments of vulnerability, humour, and connection, this episode invit...

They unpack how media stereotypes, childhood conditioning, assumptions in healthcare, and even well-meaning “inspiration porn” shape the way society and disabled people view themselves. Through real-life stories and raw reflection, they dig into what it means to navigate the world with dignity in a society not built with you in mind.

With moments of vulnerability, humour, and connection, this episode invites listeners to rethink what we’ve all been taught about “normal.”

🎧 Call to Action:
What have you internalized as a personal failing that was actually structural?

🧠 Mental Health Support Resources

If anything discussed in this episode brought up difficult feelings or you’re in need of support, please know you’re not alone. Here are some places you can reach out to:

🇬🇧 UK Mental Health Support

Hub of Hope – A national mental health support database
🌐 hubofhope.co.uk
Samaritans – 24/7 free support
📞 Call 116 123
Mind – Information and mental health advocacy
🌐 mind.org.uk | 📞 0300 123 3393
In an emergency? – Call 999 or go to A&E

🇺🇸 US Mental Health Support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Free, 24/7 support
📞 Call or text 988 | 🌐 988lifeline.org
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
🌐 nami.org | 📞 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Crisis Text Line – Text support from trained counselors
📱 Text HELLO to 741741