That Was Unexpected

Today’s guest is Bianca Stern, Head of Impact and founding member of All Things Equal, a Melbourne-based social enterprise creating award-wage jobs and career pathways in hospitality for people with disability. Named on Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia for 2025, Bianca is a leader in inclusive employment, disability advocacy, and social impact. She’s passionate about shifting community attitudes and building scalable models that empower people with disability to lead and thrive. With qualifications in education and social impact, Bianca combines strategic insight with hands-on experience. Fun fact: she loves her scrambled eggs with Vegemite and an iced long black— even in winter. Don't miss out! Subscribe and listen on your favourite platforms:- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4YeHM7Ln2hNj2f3Hw8La6R- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/that-was-unexpected/id1729956349- Audible: www.audible.com.au/pd/That-Was-Unexpected-Podcast/B0CV7C7P11Discover more from our amazing host, Lisa Cox! Explore her website and connect on social media:- Website: lisacox.co- Instagram: instagram.com/lisacox.co- Facebook: facebook.com/lisacoxwriter- Twitter: twitter.com/LISACOX_CO

Only half of working-aged Australians with disability are employed — and that has a major impact on mental health. In this episode, Dr Marissa Shields and Dr Zoe Aitken from the University of Melbourne unpack what’s behind the stats, and how better jobs and inclusive workplaces can change lives.Don't miss out! Subscribe and listen on your favourite platforms:- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4YeHM7Ln2hNj2f3Hw8La6R- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/that-was-unexpected/id1729956349- Audible: www.audible.com.au/pd/That-Was-Unexpected-Podcast/B0CV7C7P11Discover more from our amazing host, Lisa Cox! Explore her website and connect on social media:- Website: lisacox.co- Instagram: instagram.com/lisacox.co- Facebook: facebook.com/lisacoxwriter- Twitter: twitter.com/LISACOX_CO

In this powerful first episode of our miniseries on disability and employment, host Lisa is joined by Samantha and Jamie-Lee—two vibrant women living with Friedreich’s Ataxia, who share their real-world experiences navigating the workforce.From inclusive modelling and content creation to copywriting, they challenge outdated stereotypes and unpack the realities of workplace barriers. With honesty, humour, and heart, this episode explores self-employment, systemic bias, and the myth of “overcoming” disability.Whether you’re an employer, ally, or job-seeker with a disability, this conversation offers vital insight into what real inclusion can, and should look like. You won’t want to miss it!Don't miss out! Subscribe and listen on your favourite platforms:- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4YeHM7Ln2hNj2f3Hw8La6R- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/that-was-unexpected/id1729956349- Audible: www.audible.com.au/pd/That-Was-Unexpected-Podcast/B0CV7C7P11Discover more from our amazing host, Lisa Cox! Explore her website and connect on social media:- Website: lisacox.co- Instagram: instagram.com/lisacox.co- Facebook: facebook.com/lisacoxwriter- Twitter: twitter.com/LISACOX_CO

Need some help navigating the NDIS? We're joined by special guests Sarah Krause (Youngcare Connect), and Matthew Cameron (Choices and Rights) to chat about Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Supported Independent Living (SIL)—two game-changers for people with complex disabilities. Together we'll unpack the nitty gritty and debunk some of the common myths surrounding disability housing and support.Don't miss out! Subscribe and listen on your favourite platforms:- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4YeHM7Ln2hNj2f3Hw8La6R- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/that-was-unexpected/id1729956349- Audible: www.audible.com.au/pd/That-Was-Unexpected-Podcast/B0CV7C7P11Discover more from our amazing host, Lisa Cox! Explore her website and connect on social media:- Website: lisacox.co- Instagram: instagram.com/lisacox.co- Facebook: facebook.com/lisacoxwriter- Twitter: twitter.com/LISACOX_CO

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Dr. Dinesh Palipana, the first quadriplegic medical intern in Queensland. After a life-changing spinal cord injury during medical school, Dinesh became a doctor, lawyer, researcher, and advocate. Named Queensland Australian of the Year in 2021, he continues to break barriers in medicine and disability advocacy. In this inspiring conversation, Dinesh shares his journey, the challenges he's faced, and the lessons he's learned along the way.Don't miss out! Subscribe and listen on your favourite platforms:- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4YeHM7Ln2hNj2f3Hw8La6R- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/that-was-unexpected/id1729956349- Audible: www.audible.com.au/pd/That-Was-Unexpected-Podcast/B0CV7C7P11Discover more from our amazing host, Lisa Cox! Explore her website and connect on social media:- Website: lisacox.co- Instagram: instagram.com/lisacox.co- Facebook: facebook.com/lisacoxwriter- Twitter: twitter.com/LISACOX_CO

Did you know, 1 in 5 Australians have a disability and 85% of those are non-visible disabilities? So, chances are you have been impacted by disability whether you realise it or not. In this enlightening episode, Lisa speaks with Justin Bruce, the Director of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Australia and New Zealand, to help us all understand a little more about non-apparent disabilities. Whether you are connected to the Youngcare cause or just looking for inspiration to get through a tough time, you won't want to miss this episode.Don't miss out! Subscribe and listen on your favourite platforms:- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4YeHM7Ln2hNj2f3Hw8La6R- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/that-was-unexpected/id1729956349- Audible: www.audible.com.au/pd/That-Was-Unexpected-Podcast/B0CV7C7P11Discover more from our amazing host, Lisa Cox! Explore her website and connect on social media:- Website: lisacox.co- Instagram: instagram.com/lisacox.co- Facebook: facebook.com/lisacoxwriter- Twitter: twitter.com/LISACOX_C

The Story of Clare Stewart: From Trauma to TriumphIn this enlightening episode of That Was Unexpected we meet Clare Stewart - Youngcare's incoming CEO. You'll hear Clare's remarkable journey from surviving a traumatic accident, to becoming the first female Mayor of Noosa and now, continuing her advocacy as CEO for the organisation that unexpectantly changed her life!Whether you are connected to the Youngcare cause or just looking for inspiration to get through a tough time, you won't want to miss this episode.Clare will officially begin her role as Youngcare CEO on the 10th of February 2025.Don't miss out! Subscribe and listen on your favourite platforms:- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4YeHM7Ln2hNj2f3Hw8La6R- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/that-was-unexpected/id1729956349- Audible: www.audible.com.au/pd/That-Was-Unexpected-Podcast/B0CV7C7P11Discover more from our amazing host, Lisa Cox! Explore her website and connect on social media:- Website: lisacox.co- Instagram: instagram.com/lisacox.co- Facebook: facebook.com/lisacoxwriter- Twitter: twitter.com/LISACOX_CO

Sam's story - taking life by the hornsBull riding changed Sam’s life in more ways than creating a champion. The sport that was his biggest passion and life’s work, is the same sport that resulted in Sam’s physical disability. In this episode, Sarah recounts Sam's incredible journey from acquiring a physical disability to the new adventures life now takes him on. (Our host Lisa is on a well-deserved break, so this episode is hosted by Youngcare's Sarah!) Dive deeper into each episode with show notes, podcast transcripts, and more on our website: youngcare.com.au/podcastDon't miss out! Subscribe and listen on your favourite platforms:- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4YeHM7Ln2hNj2f3Hw8La6R- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/that-was-unexpected/id1729956349- Audible: www.audible.com.au/pd/That-Was-Unexpected-Podcast/B0CV7C7P11Discover more from our amazing host, Lisa Cox! Explore her website and connect on social media:- Website: lisacox.co- Instagram: instagram.com/lisacox.co- Facebook: facebook.com/lisacoxwriter- Twitter: twitter.com/LISACOX_CO