The IAMPOSSIBLE Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Breaking Barriers: Disability, Theatre & Representation with Gracie McGonigal

In this episode, Nicole sits down with actor Gracie McGonigal to dive into the world of theatre, disability, and what it really takes to make the industry more inclusive. From their childhood love of Wicked to the challenges of auditioning for roles that weren’t designed with disability in mind, they unpack the highs, the hurdles, and why real representation on and off stage matters.

Gracie shares her journey navigating drama school auditions, the privilege of being a “passing” disabled person in the industry, and the moments that made her feel truly seen. Nicole reflects on her own experiences, the impact of visibility for younger generations, and the ways theatre is slowly (but not fast enough!) evolving.

Key topics:✨ The power of representation in iconic roles✨ How audition opportunities differ for disabled actors✨ Why disabled creatives need to be in decision-making roles✨ The role of social media in amplifying change (and negativity)✨ Fighting for inclusivity in drama schools and beyond

Theatre is changing, but there’s still work to do. If you care about representation, love the arts, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to push for progress, this is one you won’t want to miss.

In this conversation, Shelbee Clarke shares her journey as a pioneer in women's amputee football, discussing her role in the England Amputee Team and the team's fundraising efforts for the World Cup.

She reflects on her personal battle with cancer, the impact of football on her life, and the importance of representation in sports for young girls with disabilities.

Shelbee emphasises the growth of women's amputee football and the joy of coaching young players, highlighting the significance of creating a supportive community. Shelbee also shares her experiences and insights on adaptive football, the challenges and triumphs of living with a disability, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for children.

She discusses the rules of adaptive football, the training required to build confidence on crutches, and her journey from player to coach. Shelbee stresses the significance of community and support in sports, encouraging others to embrace their journeys and find their place in the world of football.

This is the IAMPOSSIBLE Podcast bringing together experts, scientists, Paralympians, adaptive sports professionals, authors and disability advocates to talk all things Limb difference, disability and inclusion.

Today Shannon is joined by Wolfgang Kern, a film maker who experienced an accident at work that resulted in an acquired limb difference. He shares his story, the impact on his mental health and both Shannon and Wolfgang find similarities in their limb difference journeys.

You can find Wolfgang over at @woifi_film

Check out his podcast over at @translatinglovepodcast

This is the IAMPOSSIBLE Podcast bringing together experts, scientists, Paralympians, adaptive sports professionals, authors and disability advocates to talk all things Limb difference, disability and inclusion.

This week producer and author Danny Jordan talks to Nicole about his journey from TV producer to inclusive childrens author, his promise to his wonderful daughter Emerson and the importance of representation in the media. 

We hear more about his first book 'Rae's First Day' which was released at the beginning of April. 

Danny also gives us the inside scoop on what's next for The Capables and we cannot wait!

There was laughter and tears but one thing is for sure - Danny has so much passion for advocating, being an ally and creating a world where children can see themselves as the hero of the story!

Find Danny Jordan on Instagram @dannyjordan & Follow @thecapables for more updates on The Capables Series. 

This is the IAMPOSSIBLE Podcast bringing together experts, scientists, Paralympians, adaptive sports professionals, authors and disability advocates to talk all things Limb difference, disability and inclusion.

Todays guest is The Great British Bake off star and Channel 4 Presenter Briony May Williams! She talks to Shannon about her experience in the public eye, representation of disability in the media, how to manage negative comments and disability as an identity. 

You wont want to miss this one! 

Go follow Briony over on instagram - @bryonybakes

Check out The IAMPOSSIBLE Community - @theiampossiblefoundation

Visit www.iampossiblefoundation.co.uk for more on our work and how you can support our cause. 

This is the IAMPOSSIBLE Podcast bringing together experts, scientists, Paralympians, adaptive sports professionals, authors and disability advocates to talk all things Limb difference, disability and inclusion.

Today Jessica Parham talks to Nicole about her book 'Good to be Me', the impact and conversations it is starting in households worldwide and the importance of inclusion and diversity in childrens literature. 

She also gives us a some exciting news on her next project!

You can follow Jessica on Instagram over at @goodtobemebook 

This is the IAMPOSSIBLE Podcast bringing together experts, scientists, Paralympians, adaptive sports professionals, authors and disability advocates to talk all things Limb difference, disability and inclusion.

Today our Trustee Shannon Crossland talks to Ambassador Lily George about dating, assumptions and not being defined by her limb difference.

This is the IAMPOSSIBLE Podcast bringing together experts, scientists, Paralympians, adaptive sports professionals, authors and disability advocates to talk all things Limb difference, disability and inclusion.

Our Guest today is two time Paralympian, World & European Silver Medallist and Adaptive CrossFit athlete Jude Hamer. Jude started playing wheelchair basketball in 2007 and has played 2 Paralympic Games and 9 Championships.

Today we talk about training for the delayed 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, her journey from surgery to Rio 2016 and experiences around mental health.

TW: We want to thank Jude for her open and honest discussion around her mental health and put a trigger warning at the start of the episode for those listening that may be impacted by discussions around depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

This is the IAMPOSSIBLE Podcast bringing together experts, scientists, Paralympians, adaptive sports professionals, authors and disability advocates to talk all things Limb difference, disability and inclusion.

Today our Founder Nicole talks to Trustee Shannon crossland about her journey to becoming a influencer within the disability community.

In 2019 Shannon started using her Instagram account as a platform to share her journey to body confidence. She joined the IAP team shortly after and over the last 2 years has become a strong and positive voice within the community. She has been featured in publications worldwide from METRO to Forbes whereby she has raised awareness around limb differences and held society accountable for its current treatment of those deemed as different. In 2020 Shannon joined us as a Trustee at IAMPOSSIBLE and is leading the development of the Support Committee.

Nicole Brennan, Founder of The IAMPOSSIBLE Foundation, talks about The IAMPOSSIBLE Podcast which debuts on March 26th 2021.