What happens when the world refuses to see who you really are?

When Khadija Gbla was diagnosed as autistic in their 30s, it brought relief — and grief for all the years spent masking, misunderstood. In this powerful episode, they reflect on cultural stigma, disability, racism, and how becoming a parent helped them begin to heal and rewrite the story.

Born in Sierra Leone and resettled in Australia as a teenager, Khadija’s story is one of survival, identity, and fierce love — especially for their son, Sammy, who is also autistic.

With honesty and strength, Khadija shares how racism, ableism and cultural stigma collided throughout their life, and how they’re now rewriting the narrative — for themselves and for the next generation.

“I wish I had had somebody like me to realise that Black girls can also be disabled.”

Listen now to hear a story of strength, claiming identity, and the power of self-acceptance and understanding.

Download the transcript for Black people can be disabled: Breaking the cycle of disability stereotypes

For Trudy and Chris, love wasn’t about grand gestures. It was in the little things - train rides to nowhere, shared jokes, holding hands, or quietly sitting side by side in the sun.

In this moving episode of the Purple Orange Podcast, we share the story of a relationship shaped by love, disability, and intimacy. Trudy and Chris remind us that life’s most meaningful moments are often small, deliberate, and full of care.

This story also honours Trudy, who passed away before the episode was released. Her husband, Chris, wanted the world to hear it.

Trudy's warmth, humour, and spirit live on through her words.

Have you ever tried to support someone but ended up making them uncomfortable instead? 😬

Join Belle Owen and Dr. Ellen Fraser-Barbour, two proud disabled women, as they share powerful stories and insights about:

• The difference between performing allyship vs living it
• Why listening is more powerful than fixing
• How curiosity and humility open up space for real inclusion
• The invisible impact of everyday actions

This episode will challenge assumptions and help build your confidence to be a better ally- in workplaces, communities, and everyday life.

Read the transcript for Unseen, but felt: The art of allyship

Watch Unseen, but felt: The art of allyship on Youtube

"My psychologist said go for a walk every day. So I did!" - Terra Roam

What does it take to truly find yourself? For Terra, it began with a walk—and turned into a 17,200 km journey that changed their life.

Along the way, Terra, who is neurodivergent, found freedom, recovery, and authenticity after years of masking and overcoming challenges like domestic violence and self-doubt.

Listen in as Terra shares:

• The healing power of nature.
• Surprising truths about identity.
• The strength in being unapologetically yourself.

View Terra Roam's website.

Download transcript of Becoming Terra Roam.

Have you ever wondered what we lose when stories are simply framed as 'inspiration' pieces? 🤔

In this episode of the Purple Orange Podcast, Jessie opens up about her journey to becoming a champion equestrian while navigating loss and life with a disability—and how her beloved horse and best friend, Storm, was by her side to see her through her darkest moments.

Tune in to hear Jessie’s reflections on grief, resilience, purpose, and the unfiltered reality of disability.

Listen to Stella Young's TED talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K9Gg164Bsw

Download transcript of Lend me your legs: Pursuing passion amid grief

Have you ever wondered how changing a single word can change someone's experience? 🤔

In this episode of The Purple Orange Podcast, Belle Owen and Dr. Ellen Fraser-Barbour dive deep into why language matters. Language is more than just words—it's a tool that shapes identity, influences perceptions, and can either empower or marginalise.

From rejecting outdated terms to embracing identity-first language, Ellen and Belle share how their views on disability have evolved over the years and the impact of these shifts.

Listen to their powerful conversation to learn how you can make meaningful changes with something as simple (and free!) as language.

Click here to download a transcript of Language Matters.

Dating can be challenging. Especially in today’s brave new world of dating apps.

How much of yourself do you put in your profile for all to see? How much do you leave for a later conversation?

Daniella shares insights into her dating experiences, her thought process on whether or not to disclose her differences and the layers and complexities built around why and why not as she walks through some of her raw reflections on her journey through the dating landscape.

Click here to download a transcript of Let's talk about dating.

Have you ever felt stuck in a rut? Or like life is kind of a drag? You wait for change to come. And you wait, and you wait…

And then it hits you, it’s not going to change. Not unless you make it happen.

Join Matt as he breaks out of his comfort zone and faces his fears, creating the change he was waiting for in order to truly live.

Click here to download a transcript of Breaking out of the safe zone.