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
64 episodes
Ep 63: Creative Hobbies That Make Life More Fun (Part 1)
In today’s episode, we explore hobbies, creativity, and the little things that make life interesting.From arts and crafts, gaming, and poetry to baking, bird-watching, and even quirky guilty pleasures,we share the passions that re...
Ep 62: BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee Wants More Disabled Makers & Sewists
In today’s episode, we’re delighted to welcome Alexia Barrett from The BBC’s The Great British Sewing Bee. We’ll be talking about inclusivity, life behind the scenes of the show, and why she is encouragi...
Ep 61: Confidence, Self-image & Looking Good
Today we’re talking about confidence, self-image, and the idea of “looking good.”Does looking good make us feel good?We’ll look at how appearance affects confidence, from bad hair days to clothes, weight, and all the messages we p...
Ep 60: Laurent’s RA Summer Show Journey & Pet Peeves – the little things that drive us nuts!
In today’s episode, we’re talking all about pet peeves - the little things people say and do that can be frustrating, awkward, or just plain annoying!We’ll also talk to Laurent about his exciting Royal Academy Summer Show news, and discu...
Ep 59: Anxiety Special: How It Affects Us and What to Do About It
In today’s episode, we talk openly and honestly about anxiety — what it really feels like, how it shows up in our everyday lives, and why it can be so difficult to manage.We share our personal experiences, explore simple coping st...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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-...
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...
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.
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
