Dis-labled - Community Focus Arts Radio
Welcome to Dis-labled, the magazine show that amplifies voices, challenges stereotypes, and celebrates ability over disability. We're here to break barriers, share stories, and remind the world that we are more than labels. It's time to listen, learn, and redefine what's possible.
Community Focus is an inclusive arts centre for adults and young people with additional needs, including learning, physical, mental health, and autism. Serving the London Borough of Barnet community since 1978.
Episodes
59 episodes
Ep 58: Why Music Matters - The Songs That Shape Our Lives
Why do we listen to music? Why can one song feel like home, while another takes us straight back to a moment in time?In today’s episode, we’re talking all about music. The songs we love. The genres that shape us. And the tracks th...
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Episode 58
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29:00
Ep 57: Bonus Episode! Return to Oak Lodge School – Where Are Our Pupil Podcasters Now?
We're returning to Oak Lodge School – and we couldn't be more excited!In this bonus episode, we head back to Oak Lodge to catch up with our brilliant pupil podcasters wh...
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Episode 57
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29:00
Ep 56: 45 Nowhere St Omnibus - Six Episodes of our Spooky Soap Opera Back to Back!
Welcome back to the Dis-Labled Podcast!Today we are doing something a little bit different because this episode is an omnibus of our soap opera ‘45 Nowhere Street’.We (the students of Community Focu...
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Episode 56
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Ep 55: Bonus Episode! The Written Word: Poems & Stories by CF Students
In today’s episode, we celebrate the written word through poems and talking tales written and performed by CF students. Featuring original voices and creative storytelling, this episode brings together spoken word and narrative piec...
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Episode 55
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Ep 54: The Cost of Happiness, Restaurant Nightmares & Carol Time!
Today we’re asking the big question: How much does the journey to happiness really cost? Carol shares a moving poem on emotions, while Julia and Nadine bring a hilarious Talking Tale about a diner’s argument with...
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Episode 54
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Ep 53: Combatting Loneliness: Barnet Friends Join Us in the Studio
In today’s episode, we’re talking about something that touches many lives — loneliness. Joining us in the studio is Adam Wilson, a representative from Barnet Friends, a local organisation dedicated to supporting ...
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Episode 53
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Ep 52: Are We Introvert or Extrovert? Plus Annie & Phil Share Their Amazing News
In today’s episode, we are celebrating! Annie has completed her Foundation year at Chickenshed, and we’re so proud of all she’s achieved. She also shares some insight into what it’s like to study on a course with additional needs, and the amazi...
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Episode 52
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Ep 51: Happy New Year! We Talk About Doubting Ourselves & Our Hopes For 2026
Welcome back to the world-famous Dis-labled Podcast! It’s a new year, and we’re kicking it off with a discussion about our doubts and hopes for this year. Whether you’re here to laugh, learn, or just hang out, we’re glad you’re star...
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Episode 51
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Ep 50: It’s our 50th Episode! We Celebrate with the Incredible Musician: Genesis Brown
In today’s episode, we’re celebrating a huge milestone — our 50th podcast episode! To mark the occasion, we’re joined by a very special guest, Genesis Brown, an autistic savant performer whose incredible talent and story has inspi...
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Episode 50
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Ep 49: The Holiday Super-Show: Jokes, Quizzes & Festive Feasts
Welcome back to the show! Today’s episode is full of festive fun. We’re talking about our holiday plans - some of us celebrating Christmas, others celebrating Hannukah, and plenty of traditions in between.We’ve got a sleigh-load of seaso...
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Episode 49
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Ep 48: Fixations, Obsessions or Just Passionate? Maria's Day-trip & What Causes us Pressure
In Episode 48, we’re thrilled to introduce our newest voice — Dean joins the crew! We dive deep into the world of fixations and obsessions — the good, the tricky, and how they show up in everyday life.Mari...
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Episode 48
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Ep 47: Anti Bullying Week Special - Our Presenters Share Their Stories
Welcome to an important episode of the podcast. This week, in recognition of Anti-Bullying Week, we’re doing something a little different — and a little heavier than usual.In this episode, we open up about our own real experiences...
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Episode 47
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Ep 46: Holiday Special: Accessibility, TV Comedies & Richard's Amazing Talent
In this special half term episode, we’re diving into some big topics and plenty of laughs. First up, we’re talking accessibility—everything from getting into buildings to accessing meaningful work, and why these things matter.Then...
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Episode 46
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Ep 45: Remi Returns! How She Raised £7K to Buy Power-Assisted Wheels
We welcome back friend of the show, Remi!She tells us all about the Be:Loved night, we catch up on how everyone’s doing, and we hear Carol’s Talking Tale.Remi also shares her struggle to get ...
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Episode 45
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Ep 44: We Meet the Artist, Flo Perry: Finding Joy in Art and Teaching
In this episode, we chat with the incredible Flo Perry — a fine artist who found her way to painting via an unusual path: chemistry!Flo shares her artistic influences, her inspiring career change, and how she’s discovered happiness and b...
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Episode 44
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29:00
Ep 43: The Return of the CF Choir! What Music Means to Us
In today's episode, we are thrilled to be back with the CF choir, guided by our singing teacher Sarah.We'll be exploring some brilliant tunes, such as Sunshine on My Shoulders and Wake Me Up Before You Go-...
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Episode 43
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Ep 42: We Meet Hasel, an Artist With Asperger's & Discuss How Opening Up Makes Us Feel
In today’s episode, we interview the incredible artist Hasel, who began creating art during lockdown and now produces a new piece almost every day. She opens up about living with Asperger’s and shares how painting and drawing have boosted her c...
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Episode 42
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Ep 41: Meet Maria, Fitbit Anxiety & the 'Hidden Disabilities' Lanyard
In this episode, we welcome our newest member, Maria, and get to know her story. We ask about her life experiences and discover how she navigates the world with restricted eyesight—always with resilience and an incredible sense of humour.
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Episode 41
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29:00
Ep 40: Inside Bubble Club – London’s Most Inclusive Night: A Club Without Barriers
It’s Pride Week at Community Focus – and we’re throwing the spotlight on one of London’s most joyful, inclusive celebrations of all: Bubble Club!This week, we’re stepping away from our usual format to dive into the world of
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Episode 40
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Ep 39: Oak Lodge Takeover – Pupil Podcasters Give Us a Glimpse Inside Their Amazing School
In this episode Oak Lodge School is taking over the show – cue the cheers! 🎉Meet our brilliant new pupil podcasters from Oak Lodge as they jump behind the mic for the very fir...
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Episode 39
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29:00
Ep 38: ARTiculate Special - Employment Advice if you have a Disability
In this episode, we’ve been taken over by our brilliant young ARTiculate group—a creative collective of young people with additional needs who use the arts to express their v...
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Episode 38
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29:00
Ep 37: Are Gigs Accessible to People with Disabilities? Plus the Return of Poetry Corner!
In this episode, we dive into the world of live music to ask: are concerts and gigs truly accessible for people with disabilities? We share some of our own experiences to find out. We also reflect on our visit to
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Episode 37
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29:00
Ep 36: A Visit to CJ's Bakery – Creating Meaningful Employment for Adults with Learning Disabilities
Welcome to today’s episode, where we take you inside one of North London’s most inspiring hidden gems—CJ’s Bakery! But this isn’t just any bakery. It’s a place where passion meets purpose, where ev...
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Episode 36
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29:00
Ep 35: Interview with Ben Wilson and Who is Lightbulb Man?
In this episode, we catch up on how everyone’s been doing and chat with Ben Wilson—a creative writing and drama tutor. Ben also happens to be the mastermind behind our spooky soap opera, 45 Nowhere Street.And finally, we ...
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Episode 35
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29:00
Ep 34: Don't Patronise Me – How It Feels and What We’d Say Back
In this episode, we talk about being patronised—how it makes us feel and what we would say to those who have patronised us in the past. Listen carefully—you might learn something! You could be patronising others without...
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Episode 34
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