Navigating Disability
Welcome to the Navigating Disability Podcast Show!! Your hosts, Kate Read and Jenn Abbott are committed to changing the narrative around 'normal' and 'ability' and look so forward to sharing our weekly guests with you! Get ready to be inspired, empowered and enlivened as we dive into education, lived experiences, expert advice, behind the scenes on political movements and how YOU, our listeners can THRIVE within your community!
So this means, if you, your family, client or loved one are impacted by disability, you've landed on the right channel.
We know how daunting the future can seem from time to time, and when you know you can lean into expert advice and interviews to get your questions answered or your faith renewed, the journey can feel more achievable.
Be sure to subscribe and hit the alerts so you never miss an episode of NAVIGATING DISABILITY with your resident support experts and researchers, Kate Read and Jenn Abbott.
Navigating Disability
No Words. No Answers. Just Grit—and a Tiny Dog That Changed Everything.
What if the thing you thought would break you… actually made you unstoppable?
At just four years old, Peter Dempsey experienced a life-altering stroke that took away his ability to walk, speak, and connect. Doctors had no answers. His parents were told to prepare for the worst. But Peter chose a different path—one of relentless curiosity, quiet rage, and unshakable hope.
In this extraordinary episode of Navigating Disability, Kate and Jenn sit down with Peter to unpack what it means to live life on “hard mode”—and how he turned impossible odds into a blueprint for impact. From crawling to play sports to teaching professional speaking, Peter’s journey redefines resilience.
You’ll hear about:
- The misunderstood anger that shaped his teen years
- The tiny Fox Terrier that taught him how to love again
- How neuroplasticity opened doors doctors said were shut
- Why connection—not just recovery—is the real goal
Peter doesn’t just talk about disability. He lives the strategy, the grind, and the mindset that creates lasting change—for individuals, businesses, and communities. His story will shift how you view disability, strength, and your own potential.
🔔 Trigger Warning: This episode includes themes of trauma, mental health struggles, and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact Lifeline at 13 11 14.
🎙️ Share with someone who needs to hear it. And never forget—you are possible, too.