3Spoonies

3Spoonies: On Long Covid: Community Questions
Episode Number: 66.5, 22 October 2026  
What’s the difference between Long COVID and ME/CFS? Can getting sick again make Long COVID worse? How do you avoid infections when germs are everywhere? And how on earth do you explain chronic fatigue to someone else?
In this Community Questions episode we are joined once again by Amy Butterworth and Emma Brackenbury to answer questions from the community about living with Long COVID.
 
Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials 
Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk
Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/ 
Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies 
 
If you’d like to find out more about our hosts;
Jo O’Neil
Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness 
 
Claire Napper 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper
Website: www.strangelittleobsessions.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Strangelittleobsessions
 
Karen Duncan
Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk 
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses 
 
Guests
Amy Butterworth
Amy had a career in comedy, theatre and music before turning to youth work, focusing on young people who were systemically under-served. She designed award-winning inclusive youth programmes for the Scouts, before getting long covid in 2021. Since then she has become a disability activist, and accessibility consultant, using intersectional, universal design principles, ensuring the workplace is inclusive for all. 
You can find her work at @LongCovidRockstar (Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn), and you can sign her petition to Make Disability Leave the Law at https://the.organise.network/campaigns/network-make-disability-leave-a-statutory-right-for-every-worker-in-the-uk-6fb0dfca8bf17b65.
 
Emma Brackenbury
I am a Costume maker and tutor, I Have worked in Film and Tv and taught at universities as well as my own events – the corsetry retreat. I have long covid and juggle a busy life style with minimal energy. 
Since getting long covid life has changed and I now split my working time between 2 businesses, Emma Brackenbury Costume, and The Corsetry Retreat. Emma Brackenbury costume is my freelance costume work I do from home around my energy, and The Corsetry Retreat is a wonderful but intense teaching event that I really have to plan my energy around.
 
Emma Brackenbury Costume Links:
https://www.instagram.com/emmabrackenbury.costume/ 
https://www.facebook.com/emmabrackenburycostumeandjewellery/ 
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6433353/ 
 
The Corsetry Retreat Links:
https://thecorsetryretreat.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/705744647745192
https://www.instagram.com/thecorsetryretreat/ 
 
Sponsors
Hi, I’m Angie, and welcome to Heart-and-craftz! 💖
Heart-and-craftz is my little creative business where I love turning ideas into fun, personalised and practical gifts for all ages.
From mugs, notebooks and notepads, to glass chopping boards, calendars, planners, pet gifts, Christmas goodies and so much more — there’s always something new being created!
I love making products that are a little bit different, whether you’re treating yourself, looking for a special gift, or just want something personalised.
Everything is created with lots of love, creativity and a little bit of me behind it.
So if you love unique gifts, affordable prices and supporting a small business, come and join me at Heart-and-craftz.
Let’s get crafting! 💕✨
https://heart-and-craftz.ueniweb.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/768690121232996
https://www.tiktok.com/@heartandcraftz?_r=1&_t=ZN-99BRTigngGs
 
Their support allows us to keep showing up every week, having these conversations, and making the podcast what it is — so if you can, please do go and check them out and support them in return.
 
Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies

3Spoonies: On Long Covid
Episode Number: 66, 15 October 2026 
 
In this episode we are joined by Amy Butterworth and Emma Brackenbury for an open and honest conversation about living with Long COVID and the enormous impact it can have on your health, work, identity and everyday life.
Long COVID doesn't look the same for everyone. Symptoms can change, fluctuate and appear unexpectedly, while things that would once have been completely ordinary can suddenly require careful planning and days of recovery.
And being able to do something once doesn't mean they'll be able to do it again tomorrow.
This is a conversation about Long COVID, but it's also about living with chronic illness, learning to listen to your body and building a life that works with the energy you actually have.
If you live with Long COVID, we'd love to hear about your experience in the comments. What do you wish more people understood?
 
Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials 
Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk
Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/ 
Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies 
 
If you’d like to find out more about our hosts;
Jo O’Neil
Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness 
 
Claire Napper 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper
Website: www.strangelittleobsessions.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Strangelittleobsessions
 
Karen Duncan
Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk 
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses 
 
Guests
Amy Butterworth
Amy had a career in comedy, theatre and music before turning to youth work, focusing on young people who were systemically under-served. She designed award-winning inclusive youth programmes for the Scouts, before getting long covid in 2021. Since then she has become a disability activist, and accessibility consultant, using intersectional, universal design principles, ensuring the workplace is inclusive for all. 
You can find her work at @LongCovidRockstar (Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn), and you can sign her petition to Make Disability Leave the Law at https://the.organise.network/campaigns/network-make-disability-leave-a-statutory-right-for-every-worker-in-the-uk-6fb0dfca8bf17b65.
 
Emma Brackenbury
I am a Costume maker and tutor, I Have worked in Film and Tv and taught at universities as well as my own events – the corsetry retreat. I have long covid and juggle a busy life style with minimal energy. 
Since getting long covid life has changed and I now split my working time between 2 businesses, Emma Brackenbury Costume, and The Corsetry Retreat. Emma Brackenbury costume is my freelance costume work I do from home around my energy, and The Corsetry Retreat is a wonderful but intense teaching event that I really have to plan my energy around.
 
Emma Brackenbury Costume Links:
https://www.instagram.com/emmabrackenbury.costume/ 
https://www.facebook.com/emmabrackenburycostumeandjewellery/ 
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6433353/ 
 
The Corsetry Retreat Links:
https://thecorsetryretreat.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/705744647745192
https://www.instagram.com/thecorsetryretreat/ 
 
Sponsors
A HUGE thank to our Main Sponsor for this Season: Disability Is My Strength with Vicki Admin Fairy 
Vicki Wilson is an author, business owner and disability advocate who was born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Her memoir, Disability Is My Strength: A Life Built Without Limits, Labels or Permission, is an honest, funny and powerful account of a life spent challenging assumptions, building her independence and refusing to let disability or other people’s expectations define what she could achieve. Vicki is also the founder of Vicki Admin Fairy®, where she helps self-employed people bring order to their admin chaos and gain greater confidence in their businesses. Disability Is My Strength is published on 5 November and will be available from Amazon or through Vicki’s website:
https://vickiadminfairy.co.uk/disability-is-my-strength-vicki-wilson/
https://www.facebook.com/Disabilityismystrength 
https://www.instagram.com/disabilityismystrength/
 
And to our Feature Sponsors! 
The Smart Bear
Suzi Brown is the founder and owner of The Smart Bear which  was launched in 2013 as a website design and development company for small businesses - offering a range of website and SEO services to suit different budgets. And since 2021, the business is now prioritising being more ethical and responsible by offering eco and accessibility options for websites, as well as adhering to The Ethical Move’s pledge. 
https://thesmartbear.co.uk 
http://thewebsiteclub.co.uk 
 
Cockleshell Creative Coaching
 
Cockleshell Creative Coaching is run by Mary Duggan, a productivity coach based in Wakefield. Mary spent years managing other people's projects, but when she started working for herself she found that traditional productivity approaches just didn't work for her mindset or the demands on her time. So she built something that did: a way of working that flexes around the day you actually have — small steps, a proper break after each one, and nothing lost when you get interrupted. She coaches women who are running a business alongside everything else. If you'd like to try her approach before booking anything, start with her free tool, Untangle the Knot, at cockleshellcreative.com. 
https://www.facebook.com/CockleshellCreative/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-duggan-creative-coach/ 
 
Their support allows us to keep showing up every week, having these conversations, and making the podcast what it is — so if you can, please do go and check them out and support them in return.
 
Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies

3Spoonies: On Camping when Disabled: Community Questions
Episode Number: 65.5, 8 October 2026  
 
How do you keep medication refrigerated while camping? What's the easiest way to transport all your gear when you're disabled? And how do you keep phones, medical devices and other essential gadgets charged when you're living in a tent? In this 3Spoonies Community Questions episode, we answer your practical questions about making camping more accessible, from contacting campsites about refrigerated medication storage and choosing bags that work with your mobility to rucksacks, trolleys, vans and some surprisingly inventive festival transport solutions.
We also talk power banks, charging facilities, solar panels, battery-saving tricks and why you should test your chargers and cables before disappearing into a field. Whether you're planning an accessible festival, a weekend campsite stay or your first camping trip with a disability or chronic illness, the biggest lesson is that there's no single correct setup — plan around your body, your equipment and what makes camping manageable for you.
 
Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials 
Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk
Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/ 
Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies 
 
If you’d like to find out more about our hosts;
Jo O’Neil
Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness 
 
Claire Napper 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper
Website: www.strangelittleobsessions.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Strangelittleobsessions
 
Karen Duncan
Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk 
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses 
 
Sponsors
Hi, I’m Angie, and welcome to Heart-and-craftz! 💖
Heart-and-craftz is my little creative business where I love turning ideas into fun, personalised and practical gifts for all ages.
From mugs, notebooks and notepads, to glass chopping boards, calendars, planners, pet gifts, Christmas goodies and so much more — there’s always something new being created!
I love making products that are a little bit different, whether you’re treating yourself, looking for a special gift, or just want something personalised.
Everything is created with lots of love, creativity and a little bit of me behind it.
So if you love unique gifts, affordable prices and supporting a small business, come and join me at Heart-and-craftz.
Let’s get crafting! 💕✨
https://heart-and-craftz.ueniweb.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/768690121232996
https://www.tiktok.com/@heartandcraftz?_r=1&_t=ZN-99BRTigngGs
 
Their support allows us to keep showing up every week, having these conversations, and making the podcast what it is — so if you can, please do go and check them out and support them in return.
 
Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies

3Spoonies: On Camping when Disabled
Episode Number: 65, 1 October 2026  
Can you still go camping when you're disabled or chronically ill — and what can make it actually manageable? In this episode of 3Spoonies, we share our experiences of camping at different stages of disability, from Scouts and LARP events to Claire's recent experience of accessible camping at Download Festival. We talk about choosing a tent you can actually get in and out of, why extra space matters, accessible campsites, managing walking and fatigue, getting a decent night's sleep, staying warm, toilets, mobility aids and why sometimes taking more stuff is exactly what accessibility requires.
We also share the practical camping adaptations we've learned along the way, including keeping medication and essentials accessible, camp beds and sleeping mats, comfortable chairs, lighting, power banks and charging medical equipment. Most importantly, we talk about giving yourself permission to camp differently: if you need a bigger tent, an air mattress, a walking stick, accessible viewing areas or a bag full of things that help you get through the day, take them. Camping when disabled doesn't have to look like anybody else's version of camping.
 
Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials 
Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk
Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/ 
Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies 
 
If you’d like to find out more about our hosts;
Jo O’Neil
Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness 
 
Claire Napper 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper
Website: www.strangelittleobsessions.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Strangelittleobsessions
 
Karen Duncan
Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk 
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses 
 
Sponsors
A HUGE thank to our Main Sponsor for this Season: Disability Is My Strength with Vicki Admin Fairy 
Vicki Wilson is an author, business owner and disability advocate who was born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Her memoir, Disability Is My Strength: A Life Built Without Limits, Labels or Permission, is an honest, funny and powerful account of a life spent challenging assumptions, building her independence and refusing to let disability or other people’s expectations define what she could achieve. Vicki is also the founder of Vicki Admin Fairy®, where she helps self-employed people bring order to their admin chaos and gain greater confidence in their businesses. Disability Is My Strength is published on 5 November and will be available from Amazon or through Vicki’s website:
https://vickiadminfairy.co.uk/disability-is-my-strength-vicki-wilson/
https://www.facebook.com/Disabilityismystrength 
https://www.instagram.com/disabilityismystrength/
 
And to our Feature Sponsors! 
The Smart Bear
Suzi Brown is the founder and owner of The Smart Bear which  was launched in 2013 as a website design and development company for small businesses - offering a range of website and SEO services to suit different budgets. And since 2021, the business is now prioritising being more ethical and responsible by offering eco and accessibility options for websites, as well as adhering to The Ethical Move’s pledge. 
https://thesmartbear.co.uk 
http://thewebsiteclub.co.uk 
 
Cockleshell Creative Coaching
Cockleshell Creative Coaching is run by Mary Duggan, a productivity coach based in Wakefield. Mary spent years managing other people's projects, but when she started working for herself she found that traditional productivity approaches just didn't work for her mindset or the demands on her time. So she built something that did: a way of working that flexes around the day you actually have — small steps, a proper break after each one, and nothing lost when you get interrupted. She coaches women who are running a business alongside everything else. If you'd like to try her approach before booking anything, start with her free tool, Untangle the Knot, at cockleshellcreative.com. 
https://www.facebook.com/CockleshellCreative/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-duggan-creative-coach/ 
 
Their support allows us to keep showing up every week, having these conversations, and making the podcast what it is — so if you can, please do go and check them out and support them in return.
 
Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies

3Spoonies On Being Healthcare Professional with a Chronic Illness: Community Questions
Episode Number: 64.5 Date: 24th September 
 
Should you have surgery where you work? How do you ask for workplace adjustments? And what do you do when health needs start to feel… visible?
In this Community Questions episode of 3Spoonies, we’re joined again by Shelley Gautam to answer real questions from healthcare professionals navigating chronic illness at work.
We cover:
Whether to have surgery at your workplace or elsewhere
Balancing privacy vs convenience in healthcare settings
How to ask for workplace adjustments (and when not to ask — just tell)
Managing uniform policies with medical needs (like footwear)
Handling workplace dynamics when you don’t want to be singled out
Latex allergies, visibility and advocating for yourself
Setting boundaries while maintaining professional relationships
Why “it depends” is often the most honest answer
If you’re working in healthcare while managing a chronic illness, this episode is full of practical advice to help you protect your health, your privacy and your career.
Drop your thoughts or questions in the commentsSubscribe for weekly conversations on disability, business and life
 
Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials 
Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk
Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/ 
Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies 
Newsletter Sign Up - Get the weekly episode straight to your inbox: https://subscribepage.io/Spoonieletter   
 
If you’d like to find out more about our hosts;
Jo O’Neil
Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness 
 
Claire Napper 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper
Website: www.strangelittleobsessions.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Strangelittleobsessions
 
Karen Duncan
Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk 
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses 
 
Guest Info
Shelley Gautam
Shelley is a healthcare professional and career consultant who has built a fulfilling and flexible career while living with Lyme Disease. She helps other clinicians create meaningful careers that both align with their values and support their well-being.
https://intro.co/shelleygautam
 
Sponsor
A HUGE thank to our Community Sponsor for this Season: Vicky Wilson
Vicki Admin Fairy® offers tailored administrative support to entrepreneurs, including those who are disabled or neurodivergent, helping them streamline their operations so they can focus on what they do best. With a flexible, client-centred approach, Vicki brings order and efficiency to small businesses across the UK.
www.vickiadminfairy.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/VickiAdminFairy2021
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-wilson1975/
 
Their support allows us to keep showing up every week, having these conversations, and making the podcast what it is — so if you can, please do go and check them out and support them in return.
 
Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies

3Spoonies On Being Healthcare Professional with a Chronic Illness
Episode Number: 64 Date  17th September 2026
 
What happens when a healthcare professional becomes the patient?
In this episode of 3Spoonies, we’re joined by Shelley Gautam to talk about the reality of working in healthcare while living with a chronic illness.
From burnout and undiagnosed illness to remote work, career pivots and navigating the healthcare system from both sides, this is an honest and powerful conversation about what it really takes to build a sustainable career as a Spoonie.
We cover:
Burnout in healthcare and why it happens
Living and working with undiagnosed chronic illness
Lyme disease diagnosis and long-term impact
Transitioning from clinical work to remote healthcare roles
The reality of healthcare systems (US vs Europe)
Why healthcare professionals struggle to care for themselves
Stigma, shame and “pushing through” illness
Flexible work, consulting and self-employment for Spoonies
How chronic illness changes your perspective as a clinician
Why careers don’t need to be linear to be successful
If you’re a healthcare professional, living with chronic illness, or trying to build a career that works with your health — this episode is for you.
Let us know your thoughts in the commentsSubscribe for weekly episodes on disability, business and life
 
Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials 
Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk
Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/ 
Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies 
Newsletter Sign Up - Get the weekly episode straight to your inbox: https://subscribepage.io/Spoonieletter   
 
If you’d like to find out more about our hosts;
Jo O’Neil
Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness 
 
Claire Napper 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper
Website: www.strangelittleobsessions.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Strangelittleobsessions
 
Karen Duncan
Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk 
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses 
 
Guest Info
Shelley Gautam
Shelley is a healthcare professional and career consultant who has built a fulfilling and flexible career while living with Lyme Disease. She helps other clinicians create meaningful careers that both align with their values and support their well-being.
https://intro.co/shelleygautam
 
Sponsor
A HUGE thank to our Main Sponsor for this Season: Maddy Alexander-Grout 
Maddy Alexander-Grout is a visibility strategist, ADHD coach, and advocate for people with hidden disabilities.
She’s the founder of Mad About Money, an inclusive platform that provides practical financial advice for neurodivergent individuals, and also runs Invisible to Influential, a brand that helps entrepreneurs turn their vulnerabilities into visibility. 
https://stan.store/maddyalexandergrout 
Buy the Book, Mad about Money: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1394299729?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_4XCQ1VWRX9J2NXHW860J&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_4XCQ1VWRX9J2NXHW860J&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_4XCQ1VWRX9J2NXHW860J&bestFormat=true 
 
And to our Feature Sponsor! 
Liz Drury
As a multi award winning professional voice over artist, working from a broadcast quality home studio since 2013, I’m a safe voice for your project.
As the saying goes, first impressions last, and your business needs to sound as good as it looks. Let me help you with that!
https://lizdrury.com/ 
 
Their support allows us to keep showing up every week, having these conversations, and making the podcast what it is — so if you can, please do go and check them out and support them in return.
 
Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies

3Spoonies On Preparing for the Peaks: Community Questions
Episode Number: 63  Date: 10th September 2026
 
How do you get back into work after taking time off?
How do you stop yourself overcommitting months in advance?
And how do you survive the run-up to Christmas without completely burning out?
In this Community Questions episode of 3Spoonies, we answer listener questions about workload management, busy seasons, planning, burnout and balancing business with chronic illness, disability and neurodivergence.
Topics include:
returning to work after a break
easing back into routines
ADHD overwhelm and task management
planning around fluctuating health
saying no to work
realistic capacity planning
using wall planners and visual scheduling
preparing for Christmas workloads
preventing burnout during busy seasons
self-employment and chronic illness
pacing and energy management
setting deadlines and boundaries
seasonal fatigue and winter burnout
planning ahead to reduce stress
We also share practical tips that genuinely help us manage the peaks — from batching tasks and building buffers to pre-prepping Christmas veg to make life easier.
Because productivity isn’t just about doing more.
Sometimes it’s about making things manageable enough to survive them.
What helps you manage busy seasons?Do you struggle to say no to future commitments?What’s your best burnout-prevention tip?
 
Subscribe for weekly conversations about disability, chronic illness, neurodivergence, work, business and life with limited spoons.
 
Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials 
Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk
Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/ 
Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies 
Newsletter Sign Up - Get the weekly episode straight to your inbox: https://subscribepage.io/Spoonieletter   
 
If you’d like to find out more about our hosts;
Jo O’Neil
Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness 
 
Claire Napper 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper
Website: www.strangelittleobsessions.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Strangelittleobsessions
 
Karen Duncan
Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk 
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses 
 
Sponsor
A HUGE thank to our Community Sponsor for this Season: Vicky Wilson 
Vicki Admin Fairy® offers tailored administrative support to entrepreneurs, including those who are disabled or neurodivergent, helping them streamline their operations so they can focus on what they do best. With a flexible, client-centred approach, Vicki brings order and efficiency to small businesses across the UK.
www.vickiadminfairy.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/VickiAdminFairy2021
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-wilson1975/
 
Their support allows us to keep showing up every week, having these conversations, and making the podcast what it is — so if you can, please do go and check them out and support them in return.
 
Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies

3Spoonies On Preparing for the Peaks 
Episode Number: 63 Date: 3rd September 2026  
 
How do you prepare for busy periods when your energy is limited?
In this episode of 3Spoonies, we’re talking about preparing for the peaks — those busy seasons, unexpected projects, looming deadlines and periods where work suddenly explodes.
But what happens when you’re self-employed, disabled, neurodivergent or living with chronic illness?
We discuss:
preparing for busy work periods
managing seasonal workloads
working while disabled
self-employment with chronic illness
ADHD, autism and planning challenges
avoiding burnout during peak periods
recovery time after busy seasons
pacing and energy management
outsourcing and asking for help
batching, scheduling and systems
saying no to protect capacity
guilt around resting
co-working and accountability
planning around fluctuating health
balancing opportunity with recovery
From Christmas rushes and event planning to podcast production, creative businesses and service work, we share honest experiences of managing workload when your energy isn’t unlimited.
Because preparing for the busy times isn’t just about productivity.
It’s about surviving them.
Do you have busy seasons in your work?What helps you manage the peaks without burning out?
Subscribe for weekly conversations on disability, chronic illness, neurodivergence, business and life with limited spoons.
 
Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials 
Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk
Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/ 
Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies 
Newsletter Sign Up - Get the weekly episode straight to your inbox: https://subscribepage.io/Spoonieletter   
 
If you’d like to find out more about our hosts;
Jo O’Neil
Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness 
 
Claire Napper 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper
Website: www.strangelittleobsessions.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Strangelittleobsessions
 
Karen Duncan
Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk 
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses 
 
Sponsor
A HUGE thank to our Community Sponsor for this Season: Maddy Alexander-Grout 
Maddy Alexander-Grout is a visibility strategist, ADHD coach, and advocate for people with hidden disabilities.
She’s the founder of Mad About Money, an inclusive platform that provides practical financial advice for neurodivergent individuals, and also runs Invisible to Influential, a brand that helps entrepreneurs turn their vulnerabilities into visibility. 
https://stan.store/maddyalexandergrout 
Buy the Book, Mad about Money: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1394299729?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_4XCQ1VWRX9J2NXHW860J&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_4XCQ1VWRX9J2NXHW860J&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_4XCQ1VWRX9J2NXHW860J&bestFormat=true 
 
And to our Feature Sponsor! 
Liz Drury
As a multi award winning professional voice over artist, working from a broadcast quality home studio since 2013, I’m a safe voice for your project.
As the saying goes, first impressions last, and your business needs to sound as good as it looks. Let me help you with that!
https://lizdrury.com/ 
 
Their support allows us to keep showing up every week, having these conversations, and making the podcast what it is — so if you can, please do go and check them out and support them in return.
 
Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies

3Spoonies On Representation on TV: Community Questions 
Episode Number: 62.5 Date: 27th August 2026  
 
Want to work in TV, acting, editing or scriptwriting?
In this episode of 3Spoonies, we’re joined again by Samantha Renke to answer community questions from students about breaking into the television industry.
Samantha shares honest, practical advice on building confidence, using social media, getting experience, acting opportunities, working behind the camera, reasonable adjustments, disability inclusion in media, and writing disabled characters authentically.
We discuss:
How young people can get into TV and media
Is drama school the only route into acting?
How to gain confidence on camera
Behind-the-scenes TV jobs and accessibility
Reasonable adjustments in the workplace
Can writers create disabled characters they don’t personally relate to?
Why authentic representation matters
Whether you dream of acting, editing, producing, writing or presenting, this episode is packed with useful advice and real industry insight.
Subscribe for weekly conversations about disability, business, life and creativity.
 
Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials 
Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk
Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/ 
Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies 
Newsletter Sign Up - Get the weekly episode straight to your inbox: https://subscribepage.io/Spoonieletter   
 
If you’d like to find out more about our hosts;
Jo O’Neil
Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness 
 
Claire Napper 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper
Website: www.strangelittleobsessions.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Strangelittleobsessions
 
Karen Duncan
Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk 
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses 
 
Guest Info
www.samantharenkeofficial.com 
X – SamanthaRenke
Instagram – SamanthaRenke 
Linkedin – Samantha Renke PGCE
Facebook – Samantha Renke
 
Sponsors
A HUGE thank to our Community Sponsor for this Season:  Vicky Wilson
Vicki Admin Fairy® offers tailored administrative support to entrepreneurs, including those who are disabled or neurodivergent, helping them streamline their operations so they can focus on what they do best. With a flexible, client-centred approach, Vicki brings order and efficiency to small businesses across the UK.
www.vickiadminfairy.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/VickiAdminFairy2021
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-wilson1975/
Their support allows us to keep showing up every week, having these conversations, and making the podcast what it is — so if you can, please do go and check them out and support them in return.
 
Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies

3Spoonies On Representation on TV
Episode Number: 62 Date: 20th August 2026  
 
How far has disability representation on TV really come?
In this episode, we’re joined by Samantha Renke for an honest, powerful and often funny conversation about disability in television, media and advertising.
Samantha shares her experiences working in TV, the reality behind the famous Maltesers advert, online trolling, tokenism, inaccessible sets, diversity in casting, disabled pride, attraction stereotypes, and why representation means nothing without real accessibility.
We also discuss:
Has disability representation gone backwards?
Why disabled people are still overlooked in adverts
The hidden barriers disabled presenters face
Why being “inspirational” can be exhausting
The pressure disabled people face to always be resilient
What true inclusion should actually look like
This is one of our most honest and eye-opening episodes yet.
Subscribe for more real conversations on disability, business, life and everything in between.
 
Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials 
Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk
Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/ 
Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies 
Newsletter Sign Up - Get the weekly episode straight to your inbox: https://subscribepage.io/Spoonieletter   
 
If you’d like to find out more about our hosts;
Jo O’Neil
Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness 
 
Claire Napper 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper
Website: www.strangelittleobsessions.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Strangelittleobsessions
 
Karen Duncan
Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk 
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses 
 
Guest Info
www.samantharenkeofficial.com 
X – SamanthaRenke
Instagram – SamanthaRenke 
Linkedin – Samantha Renke PGCE
Facebook – Samantha Renke
 
Sponsor
A HUGE thank to our Main Sponsor for this Season: Maddy Alexander-Grout 
Maddy Alexander-Grout is a visibility strategist, ADHD coach, and advocate for people with hidden disabilities.
She’s the founder of Mad About Money, an inclusive platform that provides practical financial advice for neurodivergent individuals, and also runs Invisible to Influential, a brand that helps entrepreneurs turn their vulnerabilities into visibility. 
https://stan.store/maddyalexandergrout 
Buy the Book, Mad about Money: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1394299729?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_4XCQ1VWRX9J2NXHW860J&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_4XCQ1VWRX9J2NXHW860J&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_4XCQ1VWRX9J2NXHW860J&bestFormat=true 
 
And to our Feature Sponsor! 
Liz Drury
As a multi award winning professional voice over artist, working from a broadcast quality home studio since 2013, I’m a safe voice for your project.
As the saying goes, first impressions last, and your business needs to sound as good as it looks. Let me help you with that!
https://lizdrury.com/ 
 
Their support allows us to keep showing up every week, having these conversations, and making the podcast what it is — so if you can, please do go and check them out and support them in return.
 
Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies