A Wheelie Good Chat
A Wheelie Good Chat is hosted by me, Sam Cole. I dive into real-life experiences of living with a physical disability.
With raw honesty and a touch of humour, I explore everything from daily challenges to societal assumptions, shining a light on the stories that often go unheard.
Each episode features open conversations and reflections that aim to break barriers, challenge the norm and inspire more inclusive thinking, one chat at a time.
Follow along on Instagram: @awheeliegoodchat | @sam.bamalama
Episodes
39 episodes
37. Part 3 - Mum & Me: Independence, Resilience, and What Comes Next with Di Jones
In the final part of this three-part series, Mum and I reflect on our 24-year journey navigating disability, independence, and the future ahead. What began with a health scare that pushed us to accept outside help has grown into a new balance o...
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31:34
36. Part 2 - Mum & Me: Teenage Angst, Brain Surgery, and Finding Our Way with Di Jones
Moving from a small country town to a massive Perth high school was life-changing for me, but not in a good way. I went from being “Sam” to “just the chick in the wheelchair,” and the isolation hit hard. I had no friends, no independence, and m...
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40:33
35. Part 1 - Mum & Me: Navigating Our Early Days of Change with Di Jones
What happens when a mother’s role changes overnight? In this heartfelt episode, I’m joined by my mum, Di, as we reflect on my sudden onset of dystonia at age eight and how it reshaped our family.Mum shares those first terrifying days, w...
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35:57
34. When the Future Feels Fragile
In this vulnerable episode, I open up about the emotional and practical challenges of ageing with a disability. From fears of physical decline and lack of medical answers, to the deep anxiety of one day losing my mum, who has been my primary ca...
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24:42
33. Same App, Different Struggles with Sophie Brewer
In this episode, I sit down with my friend Sophie to chat about our very different experiences on dating apps, me as a woman with a disability, and her as an able-bodied woman.From hiding my wheelchair in profile pics to getting invasiv...
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43:09
32. Dear Younger Me (plus an update…)
Have you ever wondered what you’d tell your younger self if you could? In this deeply personal episode, I read a letter to my younger self; the girl still fighting against her disability, feeling out of place, and unsure where she belong...
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11:20
31. SOLO: Digital Validation Trap
Ever deleted a post because it didn’t get enough likes? Or found yourself doomscrolling at 1am? Yeah, same.In this solo episode, I dive into how social media messes with our heads: from the trap of online validation to the anxiety spira...
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20:38
30. Being Present But Unseen with Asha Callaghan
What happens when you’re invisible in your own conversations?In this raw and honest chat, I sit down with my friend Asha to unpack the frustrating experience of being ignored or spoken over simply because I have a visible disability.
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25:18
29. SOLO: PMDD - The Unspoken Challenge
In this solo episode, I open up about living with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a condition that goes far beyond mood swings. I share how it affects my mental health, daily life and relationships, and why it’s so important we break th...
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17:47
28. Seeing is Believing
Growing up with dystonia, I rarely saw authentic disability representation in the media. In this episode, Joel and I reflect on the shift toward more inclusive portrayals and celebrate changemakers like Dylan Alcott, who have helped reshape how...
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30:09
27. Sammy Wrapped
What if you found out you had an extra rib and a third kidney? In this lighthearted wrap-up episode, Joel and I reflect on a year of growth, strange medical surprises, and personal wins, including landing a job I genuinely enjoy.We cele...
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29:47
26. Redefining Respect in Medical Spaces
Through honest stories and reflections, Joel and I open up about disability, healthcare and the importance of being heard. We explore how my health needs differ from those of able-bodied people and challenge assumptions around what living with ...
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23:04
25. The Joy of Tech in Everyday Life
In this episode, Joel and I dive into how technology is transforming life with a disability. From smart homes and voice assistants like Alexa to adaptive tools that make everyday tasks easier, we share how tech is helping build more independenc...
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19:01
24. A Wheelie Fun Chat
Would you rather fight 20 duck-sized horses or one horse-sized duck? In this light-hearted episode, Joel and I take a break from the heavy stuff and answer some classic icebreaker questions that reveal our quirks, guilty pleasures and childhood...
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27:17
23. Navigating NDIS Challenges and Triumphs
Curious about how the NDIS really works? In this episode, Joel and I break down the core, capital and capacity-building categories, and share how the scheme supports daily living, assistive tech and therapies that promote independence.W...
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35:12
Bonus Episode: A Little More on First Impressions
In this bonus episode, Joel and I revisit my recent job interview experience, which I spoke about in my previous episode, focusing on something I didn’t fully unpack at the time: the hostility I felt during the process.Despite doing eve...
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7:47
22. First Impressions Go Both Ways
Imagine going into a job interview only to be ignored and talked down to because of your disability. That’s exactly what I experienced, and in this episode, Joel and I unpack the frustration, isolation and deeper impact of that moment.W...
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22:55
21. Let’s Get Mental - The Bigger Picture
A change of pace in this episode.Joel and I open up about mental health, looking at it through the lens of government support systems. We talk about how mental health and disability supports often feel separate, when they should be far ...
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27:27
20. Ed-clusion with Sophie Brewer
Welcome back to the lovely Sophie. I’m always so grateful for how open she is to jumping on for a chat. She’s certainly a special one. This episode takes on an important topic, and I really valued having her perspective in the conversation....
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25:00
19. 32 Life Lessons - Part 2
If you haven’t already, I recommend listening to Part 1 first so this one flows properly for you.I hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did recording it. There were certainly a few good laughs along the way. As always, thank you to...
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27:00
18. 32 Life Lessons - Part 1
As I turn another year older this month, I thought this would be an insightful episode for both me and you, the listener. It’s a chance to reflect, and hopefully you’ll take something meaningful away from it. I know I certainly have, especially...
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17:25
17. Mirror Mirror on the Wall
This episode is a vulnerable one for me, and something I never thought I would be in a place to share. I really appreciate the way Joel asks the questions. He does it in a respectful manner, and for that I’m beyond grateful.It’s importa...
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22:36
16. A Diamond in the Rough with Sophie Brewer
I’m really loving being able to share some of my amazing supports with you on this platform. I feel so fortunate to have them in my life.It was great to have Sophie on this episode to chat about her experience getting into support work....
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28:54
15. Putting the Cute in Recruitment with Julia Edwards
Strap yourselves in! In this episode, we welcome back the amazing Julia Edwards as we dive into the world of recruitment and our different experiences with it. We chat about how my own approach to recruiting support workers has evolved over tim...
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46:11
