Love in Motion

In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood welcomes Denise Cesare for an open-hearted conversation entitled "Love in Motion." Denise shares her journey of resilience and innovation, moving from a traumatic voice loss caused by spasmodic dysphonia to creating inclusive, empowering fashion with her swimwear brand T Suit. They explore the intersection of mental health, disability advocacy, and body positivity, weaving Denise’s lived experiences with broader themes of belonging, self-love, and navigating societal expectations. Joanne and Denise examine the pressures and prejudices surrounding body image, the deficiencies in mental health support post-COVID, and the importance of mindful living for personal growth and collective inclusion.

Denise is a published author, keynote speaker, and specialist in social emotional learning, championing disability rights and body confidence. Her advocacy is grounded in personal experience as a speech language pathologist who reconsidered what it means to have—and lose—one’s voice. Her brand T Suit, founded on the premise that "we are not a size, we are a fit," offers swimmable cover-ups designed to enable anyone to feel confident and comfortable at the poolside. Denise has also penned "Moments in Motion with Love," a book born from the challenges of remote learning during the pandemic, aiming to reconnect young people with mindfulness and emotional resilience. Her holistic approach radiates through each project, seamlessly combining practical compassion with creative design.

Joanne and Denise discuss the impact of polarised politics, instant gratification culture, and the ways social media warps perceptions of self-worth. They underscore the significance of loving oneself, healing the “inner child,” and replacing judgement with acceptance, especially when supporting those facing adversity. The episode addresses how fashionable innovations, like Denise's T Suit, can drive social change by resisting exclusion and encouraging authenticity.

The key takeaway from this episode is the transformative power of practical compassion—whether in the classroom, at home, or through fashion. By advocating for fit over size and self-acceptance over conformity, Denise reminds listeners that resilience is rooted in self-love and belonging. Tune in for actionable insights, uplifting narratives, and a push to make inclusion visible, felt, and lived.