Nate Hadlock and Cat Keely-Wells, advocates from the United Ostomy Associations of America, join us to address common questions and dispel myths and the stigma about living with an ostomy.

Millions of people worldwide have a stoma, yet there is a significant lack of knowledge and awareness about ostomies and the life-saving treatment they provide.

Sharing their own journeys as ostomates, we discuss:

• Explanation of ostomy terminology, including different types: colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy and loop ileostomy
• Common reasons people need ostomies
• Daily life with an ostomy: emptying the bag, hygiene considerations, and travel preparations
• Myth-busting: hygiene, activity, relationships

Nate and Keely share their own experiences with the psychological and emotional journey of adapting to life with an ostomy and dealing with public perception.

If you are experiencing any issues discussed in this podcast, please contact your healthcare practitioner.

Support

• The United Ostomy Associations of America
• Colostomy UK
• Crohn’s and Colitis UK
• IA Northern Ireland
• Crohn’s’ and Colitis Ireland

Hosted by Chantal Boyle, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a rating and review.

Find out more about the Sunflower by visiting the website hdsunflower.com

Music by "The Emerald Ruby" Emerald Ruby Bandcamp and Emerald Ruby website

Lydia Best, President of the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People (EFHOH), shares her personal journey with hearing loss and explains the barriers faced by the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. We discuss the emotional impact of hearing loss, technological solutions like cochlear implants, and practical ways to create more inclusive communication environments.

Lidia explains what accessibility challenges exisit in various settings and explores what businesses and individuals can do to support those living with hearing loss and deafness.

If you are experiencing any issues discussed in this podcast, please contact your healthcare practitioner.

Support

• European Federation of Hard of Hearing
• National Association of Deafened People UK
• RNID UK
• Chime The National Charity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People in Ireland
• Irish Deaf Society
• Hearing Loss Association of America
• Canadian Hard of Hearing Association

Hosted by Chantal Boyle, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a rating and review.

Find out more about the Sunflower by visiting the website hdsunflower.com

Music by "The Emerald Ruby" Emerald Ruby Bandcamp and Emerald Ruby website

Tim Wilkins from the Alzheimer's Society and Paul Hoskins join us to discuss dementia.
The stigma and misconceptions around dementia often paint a bleak picture of life after diagnosis. Paul has a different story to tell as he is living with frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's.

"Some days can be very hard. Some days are a lot easier," Paul explains, offering a glimpse into the reality of living with dementia. Far from withdrawing from life, Paul has embraced new activities since his diagnosis – from cricket and bowling to tapestry clubs and community involvement. His story challenges the notion that a dementia diagnosis means the end of an active, engaged life.

Tim explained that dementia is not simply one condition, but rather an umbrella term for symptoms caused by different diseases that affect the brain—emphasising that "dementia is not a natural part of ageing" – a crucial misconception that needs addressing.

If you are experiencing any issues discussed in this podcast, please contact your healthcare practitioner.

Support

• Alzheimer's Society UK
• Alzheimer's Society Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society Canada
• Alzheimer's Society America
• Alzheimer's Society Australia

Hosted by Chantal Boyle, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a rating and review.

Find out more about the Sunflower by visiting the website hdsunflower.com

Music by "The Emerald Ruby" Emerald Ruby Bandcamp and Emerald Ruby website