3Spoonies

3Spoonies On Language and Labels
Episode Number: 60 Date: 23rd July 2026  
 
What happens when a label helps you understand yourself… but also changes how other people see you?
In this episode of 3Spoonies, we discuss language, labels and identity — from disability and chronic illness to neurodiversity, race, mental health and representation.
We explore the labels that helped us, the ones that hurt and the complicated relationship many people have with identity, diagnosis and belonging.
Topics include:
disability identity and accepting labels
autism, ADHD and neurodivergence
growing up with labels and assumptions
race, representation and prejudice
gifted child burnout
chronic illness and invisible disability
person-first vs identity-first language
reclaiming language and community identity
“inspiration porn” and harmful media narratives
words like brave, suffering, confined to and overcoming
media portrayals of disability and chronic illness
PIP, systems and medical labels
mental health stigma
why empathy matters
This is an honest conversation about the power language has — to support, exclude, explain and connect.
Because sometimes finding the right word changes everything.
What labels have helped or hurt you? Let us know in the comments
Subscribe for weekly conversations about disability, chronic illness, neurodivergence and business
 
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 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. 
 
Links: 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 PTSD: Community Questions 
Episode Number: 59.5 Date: 16th July 2026
 
How do you manage PTSD triggers, find grounding techniques that still work, or access therapy if leaving the house feels unsafe?
In this episode of 3Spoonies, we’re joined again by wellbeing specialist Christine Spencer to answer community questions about PTSD, trauma recovery and mental health support.
We discuss:
How to manage triggers in group settings
Grounding techniques when old methods stop working
Why coping tools are personal and need refreshing
Journaling, hobbies and wellbeing habits
Can therapy be done online?
Support for people who feel unsafe leaving home
How to choose the right therapist
PTSD recovery and feeling safe again
This practical and compassionate episode is full of real advice for anyone living with PTSD, anxiety or trauma responses — or supporting someone who is.
If this topic feels sensitive for you, please take care while listening and use the support resources in the show notes.
 
Subscribe for weekly conversations on disability, health, business and real 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
My name is Christine Spencer and I am the owner of C & D Learning Solutions at Mental Strength and Wellbeing.
Having worked for many years in the corporate world, I set up my own business developing leaders and bring leadership and wellbeing together.
 
I also experienced trauma, resulting in my own poor mental health and becoming a mental health first aider helped me to understand the trauma I had experienced that led to depression.
With this experience I wanted to know more and became a Mental Health First Aid Instructor. From here I started to learn more about the world of wellbeing; including Suicide intervention and prevention, Neurodiversity, Womens Mental Health and have continued to personally and professionally develop. 
 
At ‘MENTAL STRENGTH and WELL-BEING’ we specialise in wellbeing for everyone and support organisations and individuals to learn more about Mental Health and Well-Being.
Our aim is to remove the stigma and discrimination attached to Mental Health and Suicide by educating more people in Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health First Aid, Suicide Prevention and Neurodiversity, that creates a greater understanding and improved knowledge to be able to support others when they are struggling.  
 
We work with you to elicit the solutions to your issues through coaching.
We help you work through your trauma using a therapeutic intervention
We work with you to create a culture of wellbeing in your workplace
We help you become more neurodiverse to support others
We help you work out the best solutions for you and your business, whether that be using training, coaching or therapy.
Website https://www.mentalstrengthandwellbeing.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/christine.spencer.3760/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-spencer-/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mentalstrengthandwellbeing/
 
Sponsors
A HUGE thank to our Main/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 PTSD  
Episode Number: 59 Date: 9th July 20206
 
What is PTSD, how does it show up, and how can you support someone living with it?
In this episode of 3Spoonies, we’re joined by mental health and wellbeing specialist Christine Spencer for an honest and informative conversation about PTSD, trauma, triggers and recovery.
We discuss:
What PTSD actually is
The difference between PTSD and CPTSD
Symptoms of trauma and emotional triggers
How PTSD can develop after accidents, abuse, childbirth, grief and more
How to support a loved one who is struggling
Why people often minimise their trauma
Therapy, journaling and practical coping tools
PTSD in the workplace and everyday life
This episode is compassionate, practical and packed with insight for anyone living with trauma or supporting someone who is.
If this topic feels heavy for you, please take care while listening and use the support resources linked in the show notes.
Subscribe for weekly conversations on disability, health, business and real 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
My name is Christine Spencer and I am the owner of C & D Learning Solutions at Mental Strength and Wellbeing.
Having worked for many years in the corporate world, I set up my own business developing leaders and bring leadership and wellbeing together.
I also experienced trauma, resulting in my own poor mental health and becoming a mental health first aider helped me to understand the trauma I had experienced that led to depression.
With this experience I wanted to know more and became a Mental Health First Aid Instructor. From here I started to learn more about the world of wellbeing; including Suicide intervention and prevention, Neurodiversity, Womens Mental Health and have continued to personally and professionally develop. 
At ‘MENTAL STRENGTH and WELL-BEING’ we specialise in wellbeing for everyone and support organisations and individuals to learn more about Mental Health and Well-Being.
Our aim is to remove the stigma and discrimination attached to Mental Health and Suicide by educating more people in Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health First Aid, Suicide Prevention and Neurodiversity, that creates a greater understanding and improved knowledge to be able to support others when they are struggling.  
 
We work with you to elicit the solutions to your issues through coaching.
We help you work through your trauma using a therapeutic intervention
We work with you to create a culture of wellbeing in your workplace
We help you become more neurodiverse to support others
We help you work out the best solutions for you and your business, whether that be using training, coaching or therapy.
Website https://www.mentalstrengthandwellbeing.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/christine.spencer.3760/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-spencer-/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mentalstrengthandwellbeing/
 
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. 
Links: 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: Accessible Web Design: Community Questions
Episode Number: 58.5 Date: 2nd July
 
How do you choose accessible website colours? Are captchas excluding users? What’s the best way to display lots of images on mobile without slowing your site down?
In this episode of 3Spoonies, we welcome back digital accessibility expert Chris Naylor to answer community questions on accessible web design, WordPress, mobile UX and inclusive websites.
We discuss:
Best colour combinations for accessible websites
WCAG colour contrast checkers explained
Why font weight and line thickness matter
Are image captchas inaccessible?
Better alternatives to captcha verification
How to display image galleries on mobile properly
Faster websites, lazy loading and user experience
Digital poverty and why slow websites exclude users
Website plugins and accessibility tools for WordPress
Ethical marketing and inclusive digital growth
Whether you run a business website, blog or online shop, this episode is full of practical ways to make your site easier to use for everyone.
Subscribe for weekly conversations on disability, business, life and tech.
 
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 
Chris Naylor
I’ve worked within the digital industry for over 25 years now, and while it’s still my passion, there have been some things that just haven’t sat well with me. Why aren’t accessibility and environmental considerations the ’standard’ and seem to be the ‘obscure’ within modern digital practices?
Do you know if your website is currently inclusive towards the 𝟮 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗞? How about the 𝟯 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲? Or the 𝟮.𝟴 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 neurodivergent?
How about digital sustainability? Do you know how much monthly CO2 your website produces? Bnode helps by approaching your marketing with strong ethics at heart to help you be more inclusive towards your current and potential new customers, and all while reflecting the type of company that you are.
https://bnode.co.uk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-naylor-digital-director/ 
 
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: Accessible Web Design 
Episode Number: 58 Date: 25th June 2026
 
Is your website accessible — or quietly turning people away?
In this episode of 3Spoonies, we’re joined by digital accessibility expert Chris Naylor to talk about accessible website design, user experience, SEO and why most businesses are missing a huge opportunity online.
We discuss:
Why website accessibility still isn’t taught enough
Common web design mistakes that overwhelm users
How inaccessible websites lose customers and sales
Why accessibility should be built in from the start
Colour contrast, font size, navigation and screen readers
Dark mode, mobile users and real-life website testing
Why flashy websites often perform worse
The “Purple Pound” and the business case for inclusion
Accessibility plugins: do they actually work?
Whether you run a business website, eCommerce store or personal brand, this episode is packed with practical advice to make your website easier to use for everyone.
Subscribe for weekly conversations on disability, business, life and tech.
 
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: 
Chris Naylor
I’ve worked within the digital industry for over 25 years now, and while it’s still my passion, there have been some things that just haven’t sat well with me. Why aren’t accessibility and environmental considerations the ’standard’ and seem to be the ‘obscure’ within modern digital practices?
Do you know if your website is currently inclusive towards the 𝟮 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗞? How about the 𝟯 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲? Or the 𝟮.𝟴 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 neurodivergent?
How about digital sustainability? Do you know how much monthly CO2 your website produces? Bnode helps by approaching your marketing with strong ethics at heart to help you be more inclusive towards your current and potential new customers, and all while reflecting the type of company that you are. https://bnode.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-naylor-digital-director/
 
Sponsors
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: Cooking When Disabled Community Questions
Episode Number: 57.5 Date: 18th June
 
How do you make meal planning easier when you’re already exhausted? Are reusable alternatives worth it if cleaning them takes too much energy? And what happens when long COVID changes your sense of taste and smell?
In this Community Questions episode of 3Spoonies, we answer real questions from listeners about cooking while disabled, accessibility in the kitchen, meal planning, food prep and adapting everyday tasks.
We discuss:
reusable alternatives to disposable kitchen items
silicone freezer bags and accessible food storage
meal planning with chronic illness
using AI and apps for food organisation
recipe lists and decision fatigue
food planning with fatigue and executive dysfunction
cooking with long COVID
loss of taste and smell
food safety and temperature probes
reducing waste and avoiding food anxiety
This episode is packed with practical kitchen ideas, accessibility tips and honest conversations about making food work around your body, energy and needs.
Share your own disabled cooking hacks in the commentsSubscribe for weekly conversations about disability, chronic illness, neurodivergence and business
 
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 
 
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: Cooking When Disabled
Episode Number: 57 Date: 11th June
Cooking while disabled isn’t just about recipes — it’s about energy, safety, accessibility and adapting everyday tasks to work for your body.
In this episode of 3Spoonies, we discuss the realities of cooking with chronic illness, fatigue, pain, mobility issues, sensory struggles and limited dexterity.
We talk about:
meal prep and freezer cooking
kitchen adaptations and accessibility tools
air fryers, slow cookers and rice cookers
hand spasms and knife safety
fatigue and standing in the kitchen
sensory overwhelm while cooking
pre-chopped vegetables and “easy” options
cooking safely with chronic illness
baking with limited energy
making food accessible without guilt
This episode is packed with honest conversations, practical kitchen hacks and realistic advice for disabled and chronically ill people trying to make cooking more manageable.
Because sometimes “easy meals” still aren’t easy.
Share your own accessible cooking tips in the commentsSubscribe for weekly conversations about disability, chronic illness, neurodivergence and business
 
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 
 
Sponsors
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 Episode Number 56.5, 4th June
With Karen Duncan, Jo O’Neil and Claire Napper 
 
This is the Season 7 finale of the 3Spoonies Podcast, where we answer your community questions about cerebral palsy, accessibility, disability in business, and balancing health with work. Joined once again by Vicki Wilson, founder of Vicki Admin Fairy, we discuss real-world accessibility, advocating for inclusive workplaces, and navigating professional life with cerebral palsy.
We explore how to respectfully ask about accessibility needs, what to do when workplaces become less accessible, and how disabled entrepreneurs and freelancers can create flexible work schedules that support their health and energy levels.
Vicki shares practical advice on communicating accessibility requirements, understanding your rights under the Equality Act, and why openness and flexibility are essential for building inclusive, sustainable careers.
 
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.blackveilstationery.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Blackveilstationery
 
Karen Duncan
Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk 
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses 
 
Guest
Vicki Wilson Guest Info
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/
 
Sponsors
A HUGE thank to our main episode sponsor: 
Outside the Box: Neurodiverse Coaching and Mentoring®
Supporting neurodivergent adults to finally thrive in a world that sees their brilliance
Website: https://amandamckay.com/
Support Needs Wheel download: https://amandajharman.com/supportneedswheel/
Book a discovery call with AJ: https://calendar.app.google/DoCLrD9DhaFv3w7B8
 
Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies
 
_____
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:26 Sponsor: Outside the Box Neurodiverse Coaching
01:16 Hosts intro and guest recap
02:18 Question: Asking about accessibility needs before meeting
04:37 Question: Addressing accessibility issues in shared workspaces
06:54 Question: Balancing work, life, and medical treatment
10:08 Guest plugs: Vicki’s books and resources
10:54 Outro
_____

3Spoonies Episode Number 56, 28th May 2026
With Karen Duncan , Jo O’Neil and Claire Napper 
 
What is it really like living with cerebral palsy as an adult? In this powerful episode we’re joined by Vicki, who shares her lived experience navigating cerebral palsy, healthcare systems, independence, and disability advocacy.
Vicki explains how cerebral palsy affects people differently, why adult support often drops off after childhood, and how exercise, physiotherapy, and persistence helped her maintain mobility and independence. She also shares the shocking reality of breaking her hip, advocating for the right treatment in hospital, and how that moment ultimately improved her long-term mobility and support.
This episode is essential listening for anyone with cerebral palsy, chronic illness, disability, neurodivergence, or those wanting to better understand disability, accessibility, and independence.
If you live with cerebral palsy or disability, share your experience in the comments.
 
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.blackveilstationery.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Blackveilstationery
 
Karen Duncan
Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk 
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses 
 
Guest
Vicki 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/
 
Sponsors
A HUGE thank to our main episode sponsor:  
Lisa Greener – Green Cat Books
Founded in 2017 by fellow spoonie Lisa Greener, Green Cat Books has supported nearly 70 authors and published over 120 titles. We handle the production side of publishing so authors can focus on writing, work, or simply taking time to rest.
Our catalogue includes children’s books, sci-fi, romance, and poetry, alongside audiobooks and videobooks, with selected titles now available on Spotify and Audible. We also promote independent creators and offer an affiliate programme for book lovers who want to share and earn.
Find out more:
www.greencatbooks.com
 
And to our advert sponsors! 
Strange Little Obsessions
Strange Little Obsessions is a curated horror and alternative culture event celebrating dark art, independent creators, and the beautifully unusual.
Website: https://strangelittleobsessions.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strangelittleobsessions
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strangelittleobsessions
 
Focus Guru
Rachael Chiverton (the Focus Guru) helps busy, neurodivergent solopreneurs step out of admin overwhelm and into calmer, clearer business days.
https://getfocus.guru/
Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies
 
_____
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:23 Sponsor: Green Cat Books
00:55 Hosts intro + guest introduction
01:32 Vicki’s business and cerebral palsy background
03:45 Childhood, treatment, and early medical experiences
09:59 Alternative therapies and physical improvements
16:28 Walking frame and life-changing mobility support
19:44 Sponsor break
21:42 Cerebral palsy in adulthood vs childhood care
27:41 NHS limitations and long-term condition support
33:32 Independence, mindset, and adapting over time
39:55 Running a business with cerebral palsy
43:22 Client relationships, flexibility, and support
44:48 Where to find Vicki
45:46 Outro
_____

3Spoonies Episode Number 55.5, 21st May 2026
With Karen Duncan, Jo O’Neil and Claire Napper 
 
In this community questions episode, we explore the real-world difference between inclusive technology and intrusive technology — and how small digital decisions can have a big impact on accessibility, trust, and autonomy.
This episode is about choice, clarity, and control — and why technology should adapt to people, not pressure them into compliance.
If you’re a business owner, creator, developer, or user trying to navigate accessibility, privacy, and ethics in modern tech, this episode will give you practical insights grounded in lived experience.
 
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.blackveilstationery.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Blackveilstationery
 
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 episode sponsor:  
Outside the Box: Neurodiverse Coaching and Mentoring®
Supporting neurodivergent adults to finally thrive in a world that sees their brilliance
Website: https://amandamckay.com/ 
Support Needs Wheel download: https://amandajharman.com/supportneedswheel/
Book a discovery call with AJ: https://calendar.app.google/DoCLrD9DhaFv3w7B8
 
Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies
 
_____
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:24 Sponsor: Outside the Box Neurodiverse Coaching
01:33 Community questions intro
01:49 Question: Alexa routines and automation
06:28 Question: Privacy and targeted ads
11:25 Question: Assistive tech and accessibility tools
17:34 Question: Trusting AI and new technology
21:43 Final thoughts
_____