If you don’t mind me asking…
Welcome to our podcast and webisode series.
Hosted by Business Disability Forum’s Taskforce Manager, Lucy Ruck and Senior Disability Business Partner, Daniel Cadey, “If you don’t mind me asking…” explores the lives of disabled people, how they see themselves and their experiences. Sharing stories is a big part of this series and our guests chat about all aspects of their lives – as consumers, at work, in society and as unique individuals.
Season 2 launched on 1 November 2023, and new episodes will be made available every 3 weeks on this page, our YouTube channel, and all podcast streaming platforms (search “Business Disability Forum”).
Season 2
Episode 2 – Linda Pike
Linda Pike, Security Bid Project Manager at BT Security, joins Lucy and Dan for a chat about managing multiple conditions, the challenges of navigating less-visible disabilities and menopause.
If you don’t mind me asking…with Linda Pike transcript
Episode 1 – Isaac Harvey MBE
Lucy and Dan talk to Isaac Harvey MBE about his many roles, why he’s become so much more vocal about disability on social media, and more.
If you don’t mind me asking… with Isaac Harvey Transcript
Watch the trailer for Season 2
Season 1
Episode 9 – Season recap
In the last episode of this series, Lucy and Daniel look back at a few of the highlights from this season.
Episode 8 – Chantel Emery
Lucy and Dan are joined by Business Disability Forum Advice Service Officer Chantel Emery who talks about her extraordinary journey from a life-changing car accident, the birth of her quadruplets, to dealing with loss, gratitude and learning to live for each day.
You can connect with Chantel here: Linkedin and Facebook
Watch Chantel’s TEDtalk
Episode 7 – Matthew Johnston
In this episode, Lucy is joined by Global Head of Disability Inclusion, Thoughtworks and Digital Accessibility Advocate Matthew Johnston, who talks about how accessible technology has impacted his life.
You can connect with Matthew here: Linkedin and Twitter
Episode 6 – George Wright
In episode 6, Lucy and Dan are joined by Business Disability Forum’s George Wright, who like millions of other people in the UK, is still having to take extra precautions around COVID-19. George speaks about how lockdown and the recent return to ‘normal’ has affected her everyday life.
You can connect with George here: Linkedin and Twitter
Episode 5 – Heather Lacey
In this episode, Lucy and Dan are joined by activist, writer, researcher and public speaker Heather Lacey who talks about her experiences with cerebral palsy, chronic pain, fatigue and mobility issues: “Disabled people are not going away… we are at least one in five of your workforces, and we need to make sure that there’s always things progressing and changing and there’s room for improvement… and we need to continue to keep this at the very top of the agenda,” says Heather.
You can connect with Heather here: Linkedin and Twitter
Episode 4 – LaMondre Pough
In this episode, Lucy and Dan are joined by LaMondre Pough, CEO of Billion Strong, an organisation aimed at empowering disabled people all over the world. Lamondre talks about his early childhood, how dangerous assumptions can potentially change the trajectory of a person’s life and career and the positive influence of his mother and sister.
You can connect with LaMondre here: Linkedin and Twitter
Episode 3 – Michael Vermeersch
Accessibility Go To Market Manager at Microsoft Michael Vermeersch talks about his career so far, life, insights from friends and family – and how the illuminating autism diagnosis he received led to a new level of self-advocacy.
You can connect with Michael here: Linkedin and Twitter
Episode 2 – Samantha Renke
Actress, author and disability campaigner Samantha Renke talks about her work, life, great shopping experiences, her innate confidence, working with Fearne Cotton on her new book and more.
You can connect with Samantha here: Instagram, Linkedin and Twitter.
Episode 1 – Lucy Ruck and Daniel Cadey
Lucy and Dan interview each other about their own lived experiences of disability.
