The Sunflower Conversations

Welcome to the Sunflower Conversations, the podcast where we explore the experiences of disabled people with non-visible disabilities through the lens of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

This is a space to hear authentic stories from disabled people navigating life with non-visible disabilities such as chronic illness, mental health conditions, neurodivergence, and more. While most episodes focus on lived experience, we also feature occasional insights from experts in healthcare, accessibility, and inclusion.

Whether you or someone you care about wears the Sunflower, our conversations aim to raise awareness, build understanding, and help create a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Empowering voices. Raising awareness. Challenging assumptions - one conversation at a time.

Guests

Guest

Chantal Boyle

Chantal is the Communications Manager at Hidden Disabilities Sunflower with responsibility for our UK social media channels.

Prior to this, Chantal was a Corporate Responsibility Executive where she managed community and staff engagement for the shopping centre landlord, intu.

Giving a voice to people who aren’t always heard or seen by everyone, is important to Chantal. “Many of us can’t imagine what a day in the life of someone with a disability is like – through the work we're doing, here at Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, we are educating both ourselves and others while increasing public awareness about the challenges that some people face.”

Guest appearance on:

Guest

Flic Manning

Flic Manning is the Founder and CEO of The Manning Institute. As a passionate advocate for chronic illness and disability awareness, Flic is an ambassador for multiple not-for-profits and uses her own lived experience to drive meaningful change in society.

An award-winning radio broadcaster, entrepreneur and published author, Flic’s expertise has been featured in Women’s Health Australia, OK! Australia, Lorna Jane, and SBS. Her book, Living Human, chronicles her journey from a disabled dancer to a leading wellbeing expert, offering practical strategies for thriving. She works regularly as a startup and business coach, and enjoys forging pathways for other disabled entrepreneurs in the startup ecosystem. Her work across industries promotes representation of those with disabilities and chronic illnesses, and Flic is dedicated to ensuring the next generation has opportunities in any field they wish to pursue.

https://flicmanning.com/

Guest appearance on:

Autoimmune Diseases and Neurodivergence with Téa - Australia and New Zealand