Chats From A Chair

Darcy Cogdale - From Dr*g Addict And Time In Jail To Helping Others Get Clean

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +1000

In this episode, I speak with Darcy Cogdale about his battle with substance abuse, his time spent in jail and the family tragedy that made him turn his life around and make his family proud. Darcy is incredibly open and honest about his past, as we discuss the way that he helps people get sober today.

Fletch Crowley – The Double Backflip That Left Me Paralysed

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 04:00:00 +1000

In this episode, I speak with Fletch Crowley about the day that he attempted a double backflip that resulted in paralysis. We chat about why he was so determined to land the difficult trick, his attitude towards his disability since the start, we explore some of the extreme and relatively dangerous activities he still gets up to these days and how the support from his friends has allowed him to continue to live an adrenaline fueled life, including an overseas trip that he has booked with very minimal planning.

Peter Dempsey – The Day I Was Buried Alive

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 04:00:00 +1000

In this episode I speak with my dad, Peter Dempsey about the day that he was buried alive. We discuss the events leading up to the moment a trench caved in on him, what was going through his head while he was trapped and struggling to breathe, the very lucky hat that led to him being rescued, as well as exploring the way it still impacts him over 30 years later.

Sam Rose - My Sister And I Were Both Diagnosed With Friedreich's Ataxia

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +1000

I speak with Sam Rose, as she opens up about her and her older sister both being diagnosed with a rare, inherited neurological disorder known as Friedreich's Ataxia. We discuss the events that led to the surprising diagnosis, how she feels watching her sister progressively get worse, the way that she expresses her sexuality online, her use of sex workers and how she makes the most of every day as she lives with "1 foot in the grave."

Theresa Rongonui - The Day My Daughter Was Paralysed

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +1000

In this episode, I speak with Theresa Rongonui about the day that her daughter, Anamia, became a quadriplegic. We discuss the events that led to the innocent yet devastating accident, the reaction of family members that witnessed it happen, the significant role that their Māori culture and spiritual beliefs have played in their journey thus far, as well as the way that they are now trying to use their experience to give back to people in need.

Dan Boardman – Support Worker For A Ventilated Quadriplegic

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +1000

I chat with Dan Boardman, who has been a support worker for a ventilated quadriplegic since he was 21 years old. We chat about the rewards and challenges associated with working so closely with someone in their own home, some of the close calls they have had with the ventilator disconnecting, the emotional support they provide for each other and the importance of having interests outside of the workplace.

Matt Greer – My Battle With Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +1000

I chat with Matt Greer, who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, commonly referred to as MS, 20 years ago. We discuss the early signs that led to his diagnosis, the emotional toll when noticing changes from a degenerative disease, the impact on his family life and how he has adopted his positive attitude and making the most out of life.

Nathan Stapleton – From NRL Player To Ventilated Quadriplegic

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +1000

In this episode, I speak with former NRL player, now ventilated quadriplegic, Nathan Stapleton. We chat about his life as a professional athlete, how he sustained an injury that resulted in him now relying on a ventilator to breathe, how he has adapted to fatherhood as a quadriplegic and how he has been able to return to work on his farm but in a different capacity.

Candice and Myself – My Experiences With Sex & Dating As A Quadriplegic And Candice's Work As A Psychosexual Therapist

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:00:00 +1000

A unique 2 in 1 episode where psychosexual therapist, Candice Care-Unger interviews me about my experiences with sex, dating and relationships as a quadriplegic and then I chat to her about her work as a clinical psychosexual therapist, working with people with disabilities. Nothing is off limits in this chat.

Michelle Massey – Running A Disability Travel Company

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +1000

In this episode I chat with Michelle Massey, owner of a disability travel company called Amplify: Accessible Travel Specialists. We discuss the different range of disabilities that she has worked with to help travel, things you need to plan for when travelling with a disability, some of the more significant problems that they have had to overcome, memorable experiences they have helped create and we chat about some of the more surprising locations around the world that have a high level of accessibility.

Hayley Grantham - My Husband And I Both Had A Stroke

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +1000

In this episode, I speak with Hayley Grantham who sustained a stroke just 12 months ago, 13 years after her husband also had a stroke. Hayley shares the details of the day leading up to her stroke, the difference between watching and helping someone you love go through recovery compared to going through it yourself, the way it has changed the dynamic of their relationship and how her daughter is able to support her and make light of some situations to aid her in her recovery.

Professor James St John - Leading A World First Human Trial To Find A Cure For Spinal Cord Injuries

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +1000

In this episode, I chat with Professor James St John who is head of the Clem Jones Centre for neurobiology and stem cell research. His team have developed a world leading stem cell treatment that is hoped to cure or treat spinal cord injuries and in collaboration with others, will be conducting a world first human trial using these cells. I chat with James about what the trial involves, how these nasal cells were discovered to be effective in spinal-cord injury treatment, the science behind how they will help people with spinal injuries and how he came to be head of this research.

Jim and Genny – Owning A Neuro Rehab Centre, Finding A Cure For SCI And Building A Community Beyond Just A Gym

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +1000

In this episode I speak with Jim and Genny, the Directors of a world leading Neuro rehab centre on the Gold Coast called Making Strides. Jim and Genny explain their excitement about being involved in a world first human trial to find a cure for spinal cord injuries, discuss the events that led to them starting the centre despite coming from different sides of the world, share both the tough and rewarding moments in the gym, the unique community that's been built there and what is involved in a typical rehab session.

Ryan Wiggins – From Wishing I Didn’t Wake Up, To Fatherhood As A Quadriplegic

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +1000

In this episode I chat with Ryan Wiggins who became a quadriplegic after diving into a friend's pool. We discuss the day leading up to his injury, why he was placed in an induced coma and his family told to say their goodbyes, how he overcame his darkest days in hospital and is now tackling fatherhood as a quadriplegic.

Matt Curran – Sustaining A Brain Injury, Burns To My Body And Losing A Leg

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +1000

In this episode, I speak with Matt Curran who sustained significant injuries from a motorbike crash in 2020. Matt sustained burns to 20% of his body, acquired a brain injury and had a leg amputated following the incident. We chat about the difficulties he has faced since his crash, the complexities around the different injuries as well as some of the exciting activities he's able to do today in an adaptive way.

Avalon – Sex Worker Servicing People With Disabilities

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +1000

In this episode I speak with Avalon, who is a sex worker specialising in servicing people with high care needs and physical disabilities. She tells us how and why she got into the sex work industry, shares some of her experiences of servicing people with physical disabilities and gives her advice for able bodied people and people with disabilities looking to engage in sexual activity.

Matina Jewell – Experiences From An Active War Zone

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +1000

In this episode, I speak with army veteran Matina Jewell, who shares her experiences from an active war zone. We discuss her rapid rise up through the army ranks, her active service where she completed intense training such as the incredibly demanding Navy divers course, fast roped from helicopters on-board smuggler ships in the Arabian gulf and served as a UN peacekeeper in an active war zone as well as much more.

Tony Pinto – Trauma, Sex And My New Identity As A Quadriplegic

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 08:00:00 +1000

In this episode I speak with fellow quadriplegic, Tony Pinto who sustained a spinal cord injury whilst on holidays. He shares the details of his injury which he remembers very vividly, the struggles he has with his new identity, he opens up about his decision to engage with a sex worker to explore his new body and his decision to move to Australia to pursue a cure.

Xavier Coates – NRL Superstar

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 08:00:00 +1000

In this episode I speak with NRL superstar, Xavier Coates as we discuss how he almost gave up playing rugby league, his unique pathway into the NRL, his decision to move from the Brisbane Broncos down to the Melbourne Storm, backlash he received after deciding to represent Australia rather than Papua New Guinea, as well as other challenges he's experience throughout his career.

Kai and Brooke Colless - I Tried To Get Out Of Bed But I Was Paralysed

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +1000

In this episode I speak with Brooke Colless and her son Kai, who is a wheelchair user following a very rare spinal condition. We discuss the nomadic lifestyle the family were living, the concerning progression of Kai's condition, the day he tried to stand up and was paralysed, as well as the way that he is now dominating the adaptive surfing world.

Chanelle Morris - Life With 30% Vision

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +1000

In this episode, I speak with Chanelle Morris who has a rare eye condition that leaves her with around 30% vision. We explore the ways that impacts her day-to-day, dating with a disability and her change in mindset that has enabled her to live a more fulfilling and adventurous life.

Max Lynch - Retiring From The AFL Because Of Concussions

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +1000

In this episode I speak with former AFL player, Max Lynch who had to retire at just 24 years old due to ongoing concussion issues. Max opens up and shares the immediate affects that the head knocks had on him, his emotions around retiring from the AFL, some of the ways it has impacted his life behind close doors including the way it affected relationships with loved ones and how he feels about it all moving forward with the rest of his life.

Shayna Jack - My Fight To Prove That I'm Not A Drug Cheat

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +1000

*This Episode Contains Discussion Around Mental Health* In this episode, I speak with Australian swimmer, Shayna Jack as she opens up about a ban she received from all competition for ingesting a band substance. We discuss how the positive drug test came about, the battles she faced behind close doors, how close she came to giving up swimming forever and what the future holds for her in an out of the pool.

Jarrad Seng - From Part Time Hobby To World Renowned Photographer

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 08:00:00 +1000

In this episode I speak with world renowned photographer, Jarrad Seng as he shares how he was able to turn a hobby into a very successful career. Jarrad recounts some of the amazing adventures he's been on with a camera in his hand, an exciting new project that he's working on now, as well as sharing some life lessons he's learnt along the way that we can all apply to our own lives.

Dr Richard Harris, OAM – Thai Cave Rescue Hero

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 08:00:00 +1000

In this episode I speak with joint 2019 Australian of the year, Dr Richard Harris, OAM, who you might know as the anaesthetist and cave diver that played a pivotal role in the rescue of the Thai soccer team that became trapped in a flooded cave in 2018. I speak with him about how he came to be involved in the rescue efforts, the risks associated with the sedating the young boys and diving them out through a narrow cave, the feelings he had when realising they had all survived and how he views it all now, five years on.

Tom & Kell Reese (ReeseBro's) - Making A Career From Social Media

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 08:00:00 +1000

In this episode I speak with brothers Tom and Kell Reese or as they're better known on Instagram and TikTok, the Reese Bros. These two have amassed over 800,000 followers across the two platforms and have over 38.5 million likes on TikTok alone with their very funny and relatable skits. I speak with them about how all this started, how they come up with ideas for their videos, explore some of the negative aspects that come with being in the public eye and what the future holds for them.

Sam Harrison and Henry Bradford - Alcohol Abuse, Paralysis and Motor Neuron Disease

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +1000

In this episode I speak with great mates Sam Harrison and Henry Bradford as they each share their own stories and one that brings them together. Sam discusses his unhealthy relationship with alcohol, how he battled that as a professional athlete and recounts events that led to him deciding to become sober. Henry shares the story that left him on the ground and unable to move his legs for a period of time and the effects he still deals with today. As an extra layer to the story, they both have a good friend that was diagnosed with MND in his early 30's so we discuss how they reacted to finding out the news and chat about a very impressive feet they accomplished as a fundraiser for him and his family.

Mitchell And Rhys Dempsey- Discussing My Accident And Disability With My Brothers

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +1000

In this episode I speak with my two older brothers about the night of my accident and my disability as a whole. We recount the events leading up to my injury, we explore the way it has impacted them, what they have seen of me from the outside and how they view my disability now. As we have never spoken about this, you get a first hand and very real view of our relationship.

Sean Phillip - From Suicide Attempts To Starting A Men's Mental Health Movement

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 13:00:00 +1000

WARNING – This episode contains discussions around suicide and mental health.
In this episode I speak with the founder of 'The Shaka Project', Sean Phillip. Sean speaks openly and honestly about his own mental health battles that lead to him making multiple attempts to take his own life, and how he was able to turn his battle into a positive men's mental health movement. He details how The Shaka Project started, what they are doing today to help young men and people in crisis and what the future holds as the organisation continues to grow. Sean's raw and emotional honesty has helped thousands and will continue to do so.

Corey Webb - Having Cancer Treatment With My Dad

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +1000

In this episode I speak with Corey Webb as he opens up about the unique experience of cancer within his family. He shares the emotional ups and downs as his Dad went through cancer treatment, the journey that led to his own diagnosis, and how the family were able to support each other through the tough battle.

Perry Cross - Life As A Ventilated Quadriplegic

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 09:00:00 +1000

I speak with Perry Cross AM as he shares details on the incident that resulted in him now being a C2 ventilated quadriplegic, the amazing list of things he has achieved since, his passion behind starting the PerryX Foundation and their work to find a cure for paralysis, as well as details of the time his ventilator stopped working while overseas.

#22 - Cristy Jacka (The Unaffected)

Sun, 02 Oct 2022 15:00:00 +1000

In this episode, Cristy Jacka shares her families journey around a missed diagnosis of her late husband, Karl. She recounts the events leading to Karl's correct diagnosis, how she was able to be strong for their daughter, the way they continue Karl's legacy today and stresses the importance of knowing your body.

#21 - Allison and Sally Wilcox (The Unaffected)

Sun, 04 Sep 2022 15:00:00 +1000

In this episode we speak with sisters, Allison and Sally Wilcox as they share their incredible journey. Allison shares details of how she sustained a spinal cord injury in 2009 following a traumatic accident, the ongoing health complications since her injury and Sally opens up on the impact it has had on her seeing her little sister battle. We also discuss the further family tragedies they have faced together and how they remain so positive and with an amazing outlook on life after everything they have been through.

#20 – Makayla Jensen (The Unaffected)

Sun, 10 Jul 2022 15:00:00 +1000

We chat with Makayla Jensen as she shares the story of her brother Beau following his acquired brain injury. Beau suffered a hypoxic brain injury following an accident in the surf that saw him almost drown. Makayla shares her experience from the day of Beau's accident, what the weeks and months following have look like for the family, a heartwarming story of how his mates have continued to support him and explains where Beau is at in his ongoing rehabilitation.

#19 – Marny Kennedy (The Unaffected)

Sun, 12 Jun 2022 14:00:00 +1000

We speak with actor, Marny Kennedy about how having an older brother on the autism spectrum has influenced her and her family's life, the challenges they faced and some of the things Marny still struggles with today today. We chat about how her relationship with Braeden differs to that of other siblings and how they have been able to achieve more than many thought possible as a family.

#18 - Vitori Buatava (The Unaffected)

Sun, 15 May 2022 14:00:00 +1000

In this episode we chat with support worker and founder of CareMatch Australia, Vitori Buatava. Vitori has been a support worker for over 13 years so we discuss with him how he became a carer, how he perceives his job compared to how others may think of it and we talk about what lead him to start his own care company.

#17 – Ebonie Stirling–Gatt (The Unaffected)

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 12:00:00 +1000

WARNING: This episode contains discussions around suicide and mental health. In this episode we chat with Ebony Stirling–Gatt, a brave and resilient person who shares with us how she overcame the challenge of losing her mum to suicide at a young age. We explore her childhood and the time leading up to the tragedy as well as the years following, how she dealt with the situation and tactics she found helpful that others might find helpful also. Ebonie opens up about her own mental health both at the time as well as now and we discuss what her life looks like these days.

#16 – Will O’Dwyer (move for Lex) (The Unaffected)

Sun, 13 Mar 2022 15:00:00 +1000

In this episode we chat with Will O’Dwyer, boyfriend of Alexa Leary who sustained a brain injury after a biking accident. You might know her story from the Instagram page @moveforLex. We chat with Will about how he’s been able to stay so strong and positive by Lex’s side in the time since her injury, how their life together looks at the moment and what the future holds for them.

#15 – Candy Bartels–Waller (The Unaffected)

Sun, 20 Feb 2022 11:00:00 +1000

In this episode we speak with Candy, wife of Heath who suffered a spinal cord injury over 15 years ago. The first few years for the couple were extremely tough for the couple trying to navigate the new life whilst raising a new baby. We discuss what the darkest days looked like, how Heath injury changed her life and how the couple were able to come out the other side stronger than ever and go on to have more children.

#14 – Katie & Brigid Kelly (The Unaffected)

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 14:00:00 +1000

In this episode we speak with Brigid Kelly and her incredibly inspiring sister, Katie Kelly. Katie was diagnosed with usher syndrome which affects both eyesight and hearing with it slowly degenerating over time. Despite this Katie won a gold medal at the Paralympics in Rio in the triathlon while tethered to a guide, she has received the Order of Australia Medallion, started a foundation that gives grants to young disabled athletes and continues to inspire every day. We are privileged to share this incredible story and hope you gain a lot from it.

#13 – Nick and Jack (The Unaffected)

Sun, 05 Dec 2021 15:00:00 +1000

In this episode we do something a little bit different. There is no guest, but instead we have an open and honest chat about our mental health battles, how it has affected us and how we have seen it affect our loved ones. Struggles with mental health is something so prevalent in today's society and so often goes untreated and even unspoken about. We hope that by opening up about our mental health, we can help encourage others to do the same and get the help they need.

#12 – Zoe Hoad (The Unaffected)

Sun, 21 Nov 2021 13:00:00 +1000

In this episode we chat with successful model and actor Zoe Hoad, who in her past has battled an eating disorder that saw her admitted to an eating disorder clinic on three separate occasions and weigh just 39kg at one stage. She discusses how her weight-loss got so out of hand and what it was that allowed her to recover, as well as the impact she saw it have on her friends and family.

#11 – Taylor and Kaylee McKeown (The Unaffected)

Sat, 06 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +1000

In this episode we speak with Olympic medallists and sisters Taylor and Kaylee McKeown. Taylor and Kaylee's dad, Sholto passed away in August last year following a two-year battle with brain cancer. We speak with the girls about their reaction to finding out about their dad's diagnosis, how they were able to stay so focused on their training and what their dad would have made of Kaylee's post gold-medal interview slipup.

#10 – Teigan McKinnon (The Unaffected)

Sat, 23 Oct 2021 13:00:00 +1000

In this episode we chat with Teigan McKinnon, wife of former NRL player Alex McKinnon who sustained a spinal cord injury in a dangerous tackle while playing for Newcastle Knights in 2014. Alex is now classed as a C5 quadriplegic with complete paralysis from the chest down and partial paralysis of the arms. Teigan shares with us the incredible journey the 2 have been on including the early days following such a high profile injury, the struggles that come with becoming parents to 3 beautiful children and we explore the ways in which she has been able to stay so strong during the hard times.

#9 – Russell and Madison Leary (The Unaffected)

Sun, 10 Oct 2021 12:00:00 +1000

In this episode we chat with Russell and Madison Leary, father and sister of Alexa Leary who sustained a brain injury following a bike accident in July. We speak with them about the days following Alexa's injury, the rollercoaster journey the family have been on, the incredible support they have received from complete strangers, what the future looks like and all things about the move for Lex page and why they are moving for those who can't.

#8 – Ryan Boyd (The Unaffected)

Sun, 03 Oct 2021 12:00:00 +1000

Ryan is able to bring a unique perspective of being affected by disability as he is both the loved one of someone, and person with a disability. His father, his best mate, and then himself all sustained spinal cord injuries while riding dirt bikes. We chat with Ryan about how it affected him growing up having a parent with a disability, the toll it took seeing his best mate sustain an injury and if it ever made him think about giving up his motocross aspirations. He also shares the incredible journey the family have gone on together and how they are a strong team.

#7 – Millie Boyle (The Unaffected)

Sun, 19 Sep 2021 13:00:00 +1000

WNRL player, Millie Boyle speaks about how having a sister with Down syndrome has shaped her positive outlook on life. She shares the reasons for her sister year of silence, and why she is so invested in promoting positive mental health for people with disabilities.

#6 – Will Apps (The Unaffected)

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 15:00:00 +1000

Hear the story of Will Apps, whose brother Jason suffered a spinal cord injury when snowboarding overseas in Canada. Now needing full-time care, Will decided to drop out of university and take on the responsibility of helping out his little brother. We speak to Will about his reaction to finding out the devastating news, why he decided to alter his course in life and become his brothers full-time carer, as well as have him share their experience with big wave surfer, Mark Matthews.

#5 – Josh Hayes (The Unaffected)

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 14:00:00 +1000

(Nick) – In this episode we chat with one of my best mates, Josh Hayes. Josh was there on the night of my accident and witnessed me laying next to the pool after dislocating my neck. We discuss the impact it had on him seeing a good friend sustain a life changing injury, as well as explore the changing dynamic of our friendship.

#4 – Jake Parker (The Unaffected)

Sun, 01 Aug 2021 13:00:00 +1000

We chat with Jake Parker, whose mum Jane, passed away last year after a battle with Motor Neurone Disease. Following her diagnosis, Jake put his university studies and life largely on hold to care for his mum with the help of his brother, Daniel. We explore the journey the family went on together, the ups and downs, the impact it has had on him and the way it has shaped his life moving forward.

#3 – Tobie and Ella Cornelius (The Unaffected)

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 17:00:00 +1000

We chat with Tobie and Ella Cornelius whose mum Kate, has Multiple Sclerosis. They share their story of what it's like growing up helping support a parent with a disability and the highs and lows along the way. We also discuss what the future looks like for them as individuals and a family.

#2 - Lizzie Ward (The Unaffected)

Sun, 04 Jul 2021 18:00:00 +1000

We speak with Lizzie Ward, wife of former multiple time Speedway world champion Darcy Ward who sustained a spinal cord injury while riding in Poland. We cover what life was like before and after Darcy's life changing injury and all the challenges they face as a couple following. We also get Lizzie's fresh perspective on parenting a newborn with a partner who is a quadriplegic and all the challenges that brings.

Welcome to The Unaffected

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 16:00:00 +1000

Get to know the hosts of this new podcast as they discuss their experience with disability and how it has impacted them. Also find out what this podcast is all about as well as who the first guest is in the next episode.