In this episode of ListenABLE, registered psychologist Kellie Forrest shares her experiences living with cerebral palsy and working in mental health. As both a parent and a professional, Kellie provides insight into how internalised ableism, societal attitudes, and systemic gaps impact people with disability in day-to-day life.

Kellie speaks candidly about parenting with a disability, navigating hospitals and schools, and the assumptions she’s encountered as a disabled parent. She reflects on how these experiences intersect with her work as a psychologist, where she supports neurodivergent clients and applies trauma-informed and behaviour support frameworks.

The conversation dives into the complexity of the NDIS, including inconsistent access to support and difficulties with innovative treatments. Kellie also recounts her personal experience with a car accident and the barriers faced during the insurance claims process—especially when dealing with modified vehicles.

Throughout the episode, Dylan and Angus explore how lived experience can shape professional practice, and why representation within psychology and healthcare matters.

Want to contact Kellie? Reach out to her clinic: info@assessable.com.au

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/Yul1SVSnomA

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

Recorded, edited and produced by Angus' Podcast Company: www.sessioninprogress.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of ListenABLE, Angus O'Loughlin and Dylan Alcott are joined by Rita Havea, a model, content creator and disability advocate living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a progressive genetic neuromuscular condition,

"Went and saw a genetic counsellor, linked myself to CMT support groups, did as much research as possible,'cause I felt that made me feel stronger in myself".

The conversation also delves into how disability can affect family dynamics, particularly when conditions go unrecognised across generations. Rita reflects on her mother’s undiagnosed CMT and how this shaped their family’s understanding of disability.

As someone working within the fashion and creative industries as a model/creator, Rita shares her perspective on disability representation in media and modelling, and why change often feels cosmetic rather than structural. She also touches on genetic counselling, community support, and her shift towards creative direction and public speaking.

This episode offers a grounded conversation about disability, inclusion and identity — avoiding clichés and focusing instead on lived experience, structural barriers, and the importance of visibility that goes beyond aesthetics.

Want to see more of Rita and her work? Check our the links below!

• Website: https://www.silverfoxmgmt.com.au/portfolios/rita-havea
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamrita_h/

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/0YKK4wE4ViM

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of ListenABLE, hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin speak with Cherie Clonan — autistic business leader, digital marketing expert, and founder of The Digital Picnic. Diagnosed with Autism later in life, Cherie shares her lived experience as a neurodivergent woman, parent of autistic children, and CEO of one of Australia’s most human-centric digital agencies.

"The way I parent, the way I show up in my marriage, I'm a better friend for that diagnosis sitting in my life now..."

Listeners will hear how Cherie transformed The Digital Picnic from a small business into a multi-million dollar, award-winning agency known for prioritising mental health, inclusivity, and neurodiverse-friendly work practices. She explains how discovering her neurodivergence reshaped her personal life, improved her relationships, and empowered her leadership style.

This episode delves into the importance of normalising disability, challenging ableism in the workplace, and creating supportive environments for neurodivergent employees. Cherie also discusses the impact of late diagnosis, the power of self-understanding, and how investing in employee wellbeing leads to business success.

Whether you're interested in autism advocacy, inclusive leadership, or neurodiversity in business, this inspiring conversation offers practical insights and real-life experiences that will resonate with many.

Want to see more of Cherie and The Digital Picnic? Check our the links below!

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherie-clonan/
• Website: https://www.thedigitalpicnic.com.au/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedigitalpicnic/

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/mnWV0tVApPk

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

Recorded, edited and produced by Angus' Podcast Company: www.sessioninprogress.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.