Voice FM Southampton: D-Word Focusing on everything disability-led. https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/ Mon, 25 May 2026 08:54:16 +0000 en Copyright 2026 Voice FM Southampton Aiir http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss D IS FOR DEFICT Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/d-is-for-defict/ o754-1891-69e686e7507e3 Peter Langton D-Word D’s for Deficit, as in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) which we discussed as Made In Chelsea, I’m A Celebrity… Staying Relevant star, Sam Thompson’s releasing a book called You, Me and ADHD. D could’ve also been for Doughnutting. A move that can be done by a wheelchair user in a night club, however one such person didn’t even get the opportunity as she was told to leave the bar because of her wheelchair being a fire hazard. Was the Equalities Act breached? Most definitely! We also cover a particular episode of Sort Your Life Out, needing more people to play power-chair ball and can either of us play air hockey?

 

Peter's chat with Kaitlin and Charlie on air were shortened, however, you can hear the full versions here!

Kaitlin

 

Charlie

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/84641 D is for DISORGANISED Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/d-is-for-disorganised/ o754-1891-69aff75c4114b Peter Langton D-Word D’s for Disorganised, as in the chaotic disorganisation that our guest Max Levine has experienced when it comes to his care since becoming a tetraplegic. On top of this interview, we also cover a couple of stories, including films and feedback, as well as the finale of my recent Guide Dog journey.

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/84043 D FOR DECEPTION Blog post D’s for Deception, as we talk about BBC’s The Traitors. The awareness that contestant Jesse has managed to raise for those with a stammer and also if we think we would fair well on the show. Would we prefer to be a traitor or a faithful? We also interview Phoebe Stanton about wheelchair rugby! Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/d-for-deception/ o754-1891-697916e69608a Peter Langton D-Word  

D’s for Deception, as we talk about BBC’s The Traitors. The awareness that contestant Jesse has managed to raise for those with a stammer and also if we think we would fair well on the show. Would we prefer to be a traitor or a faithful? We also interview Phoebe Stanton about wheelchair rugby, as well as the adapted chair she needs for the sport (see link below!). There’s a couple of stories to go alongside all of this, including modelling, tennis and doing a 5K.

 

 

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/83554 D IS FOR DOLLS! The D’s for Dolls this week as we discuss the new autistic Barbie! Tue, 20 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/d-is-for-dolls/ o754-1891-696e53804ad8a Peter Langton D-Word D’s for Dolls as we discuss the new autistic Barbie and what else could be on the way. We also discuss how a mandatory medical helped a contestant on the traitors, an adapted wheelchair and who has the same height as the length of an iguana?

 

If you wish to hear the episode again, or you missed it, you can listen to it again, or for the first time using our catch up service!

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/83330 D id for Delivering! Tue, 30 Dec 2025 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/d-id-for-delivering/ o754-1891-695412b97e024 Peter Langton D-Word  

D’s for Delivering, as we cover a woman being a surrogate for her best friend who was born without a womb. It is also when chatting about what 2025 has delivered and what 2026 has install. D could also be for Darts as we include a small Luke Littler story or Downunder, as we discuss the recent social media law and f it’s disability friendly. Enjoy and happy New Year.

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/83155 D FOR DECEMBER! Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/d-for-december/ o754-1891-694a9e478d531 Peter Langton D-Word D’s for December, as we discuss our Christmas traditions that will take place on 25 December. Before we get to that though, we delve into flooding, masking and some sporty stories. We also chatted about Calum's house move. You can hear this episode on the catch up button - and find it on the link here - https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/player/on-demand/d-word/

 

You'll also find our last Christmas special podcast episode on our YouTube channel - which also marks Peter's last podcast episode for us too. It will be shown on Christmas Day at 6.00pm.

 

But, that's not all!  if you want to see a certain individual podcast interview, you can do so on this link from Boxing Day at midday!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLltQp3GcxWBtIGnx7bMUZtjOhzFTS_Y9W

 

Of course, Merry Christmas to those who celebrate it and if you don’t, have a good Thursday and we shall talk to you again on Tuesday 30th for our last D Word show of 2025!

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/83137 D FOR DENCH D’s for Dench, as we discuss Dame Judie Dench joining the visually impaired community and MORE! Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/d-for-dench/ o754-1891-692eeac2c5915 Peter Langton D-Word D’s for Dench, as we discuss Dame Judie Dench joining the visually impaired community. In addition we chat about the most capped England blind footballer and the UK’s first disabled referee. The man in question has cerebral palsy. Just like one of us so we go more into depth about what the condition entails, as well as some questions people may ask those who are hard of hearing.

 

Also, there's a podcast release now on the YouTube channel for today!

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/82965 DECISONS IS THIS WEEK'S D WORD! Tue, 07 Oct 2025 18:35:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/decisons-is-this-weeks-d-word/ o754-1891-68e55cd1e0ed3 Peter Langton D-Word D’s for Decisions as in Bethany Firth deciding to return to paraswimming after having a baby. We also have Callum, spelt incorrectly (according to host Calum) playing disability football. We also discuss world cerebral palsy day, Calum's recent comedy exploits and have you ever heard - literally - of a deaf rave?

 

Re-listen to the 7th October episode here - https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/on-air/player/on-demand/d-word/ and we shall return next Tuesday at 2pm!

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/82464 D for DIFFERENCE D’s for Difference as we discuss the government’s recently announced contact to work scheme, a disgruntled NHS employee and more troubles with aeroplane accessibility for wheelchair users. Wed, 10 Sep 2025 16:45:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/d-for-difference/ o754-1891-68c1a8bcc19e7 Peter Langton D-Word D’s for Difference as we discuss the government’s recently announced contact to work scheme, a disgruntled NHS employee and more troubles with aeroplane accessibility for wheelchair users. We also chat about the difference politeness makes when being offered help.

 

Catch up under the programme tab and tune in for next week's episode (16th September)!

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/82148 DATING is the D WORD this week! The D’s for Dating, as we’re joined by Kiran Rodriguez, the founder of NeuroMatch, a dating and friendship app for people with neuro diversities. Tue, 02 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/dating-is-the-d-word-this-week/ o754-1891-68b5e2ead7334 Peter Langton D-Word This week's D stands for... 

DATING!

 

This week, we’re joined by Kiran Rodriguez, the founder of NeuroMatch, a dating and friendship app for people with neuro diversities. Why has Kiran chose to take on this venture? What inspired her to do so? The things we will discuss along with our own dating histories, as well as Pete‘s trip to Luxembourg.

 

What a diversity of topics!

 

If you want to hear it, you can under the catch up button and click on D Word. Check it out on the 2nd September episode, and we'll see you again next Tuesday.

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/82035 D’s for DUO D’s for Duo, as we were joined by two Pauls! Wed, 20 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/ds-for-duo/ o754-1891-68a5de2402121 Peter Langton D-Word D’s for Duo, as we’re joined by Paul McHugh and Paul Brackley. The former chats about about comedy, his books and how he got arthritis. The latter tells us all about his new venture, Equal Goal. We also added on a little discrimination discussion.

 

You can find, listen and even download the episode under 'On Air' and the 'listen again' tabs!

 

To hear of the Equal Goal Football Hub opportunity that was spoken about yesterday, you can watch and listen to it below!

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/81899 A DOUBLE D WORD - DEATH DEFYING!! D’s for Death Defying this week... why? Click to find out! Tue, 12 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/a-double-d-word-death-defying/ o754-1891-689b195e5eac2 Peter Langton D-Word D’s for Death Defying, as we discussed the achievements of Lily Rice and Charles Brice. Both of which have gone beyond what many would have expected. Stevie Wonder also is involved in our chats, as well as revisiting Big Brother.

 

You can revisit the episode (12th August) under the 'ON AIR' tab, and click on D Word and see you next Tuesday!

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/81830 D’s for disgraceful D’s for Disgraceful, as we’re joined by two lovely guests!! Tue, 05 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/ds-for-disgraceful/ o754-1891-6890ed83816a0 Peter Langton D-Word D’s for Disgraceful, as we’re joined by Kay Millar to tell us about her Terrible Travel Lodge experiences. This leads us onto our own experiences when staying in hotels and the difference in our accessibility needs. The sailing sensation Jazz Turner’s also guests to chat about her impressive journey around the British Isles, which saw her become the first disabled person to do so. Discussions then include Jazz’s plans to now go across the Atlantic and once again, become the first in her position to do so.

 

If you missed today's episode, you can catch up under the catch up tab! There is also a podcast episode coming out now (4pm) so tune in and we'll see you next Tuesday (12th)!

 

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/81717 D FOR DIFFICULTIES... AGAIN!!! This week's guest, Gabby, shares how pursuing her philosophy degree and the lack of accessible venues have limited her gigs, and how she’s navigated those challenges—find out more here. Tue, 29 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/d-for-difficulties-again/ o754-1891-68878bac31e96 Peter Langton D-Word D’s for Difficulties as we’re joined by Gabby Rolls, an aspiring comedian, just like our Calum.

 

She hasn’t been able to do as many gigs as she’d have liked due to gaining her philosophy degree, however also because of a lack of accessible venues. Why could this be the case? What ways has she tried to deal with it? How has she got into any of the inaccessible buildings? Despite the barriers, Gabby’s heading to Edinburgh in August to continue her comedy journey.

 

Hear about this and so much more on today's D Word programme - check it out under the catch up service - and follow her on social media on @cerebralrollsy .

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/81631 D’s for Dwarfism D’s for Dwarfism, as a group of entertainers with the disability were hired to perform at the 18th birthday of Barcelona wonder kid, the blog post for today’s show, Lamine Yamal. Wed, 23 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/ds-for-dwarfism/ o754-1891-687fd923dca91 Peter Langton D-Word D’s for Dwarfism, as a group of entertainers with the disability were hired to perform at the 18th birthday of Barcelona wonder kid, the blog post for today’s show, Lamine Yamal. We also discussed our own thoughts on the situation, as well as a young lad losing all of his limbs, a sports centre being shut down and what we got up to this past weekend.

 

You can revisit today's show under the catch up service and selecting The D Word programme and join us again next Tuesday!

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/81559 DISAGREEMENTS... DISAGREEMENTS... NOT REALLY, IT'S ONLY OUR D WORD FOR THIS WEEK! Wed, 16 Jul 2025 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/disagreements/ o754-1891-6877dac51a96e Peter Langton D-Word D’s for Disagreements, as we discuss the evolution of what counts as a disability,  alongside the issues faced by people hidden disabilities when using an accessible toilet and blue badge parking space. Doctor Who returned as a topic,, with a book that is raising money for a couple of autistic charities and we also chat about mixed ability sports. 

 

Catch up on the D Word programme on the website, and see you next Tuesday (22nd)!

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/81498 DISTRESSING IS THE D WORD D’s for Distressing as we continue the seemingly never ending benefits battle, which has now spread to EHCP. Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/distressing-is-the-d-word/ o754-1891-686ec8f561ee2 Peter Langton D-Word D’s for Distressing this week!! as we continue the seemingly never ending benefits battle, which has now spread to EHCP. This along with people being rejected from vehicles and buildings with their Guide Dogs and the 20th anniversary of 7/7 can be distressing. There’s lessons though in the attitude of no hands, no limits.

 

Do check this week's episode (8th July) under the catch up tab here and join us again next week (15th) for more D Words!!

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/81413 Debra is this week's D Word! D’s for DEBRA, as we were joined by Joe Fortis who has an upcoming charity gig at the Attic in Totton on 10th July! Wed, 25 Jun 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/debra-is-this-weeks-d-word/ o754-1891-685beffde1a76 Peter Langton D-Word D’s for DEBRA, as we were joined by Joe Fortis who has an upcoming charity gig at the Attic in Totton. Taking place on 10 July, raising money for the Epidermolysis Bullosa charity. This went alongside us revisiting the benefit proposals, discussing whether we can cook or not and wondering how unpleasant it would be to have been walking in a poop emoji costume in the recent heat.

 

Do listen to both parts of the show before next Tuesday!

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/81206 D’s for Daunting Wed, 18 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/ds-for-daunting/ o754-1891-6852d366990b6 Peter Langton D-Word D’s for Daunting as we discuss Deborah Daniels taking on the challenge of paradriving and Leonard Mullen constructing a heartfelt letter after both were paralysed in their lives. Our conversation also included how parents can be daunted by their children getting older and stronger, as well as how we and others could feel when coming out as disabled.

 

Check out this Tuesday 17th June under the catch up service, and we shall see you next Tuesday 24th!

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/81106 D's FOR DIFFICULTIES This week's D’s for Difficulties, as we were joined by guest Ryan McManus, a member of the Southampton SEND Local Offer team. Wed, 11 Jun 2025 17:20:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/ds-for-difficulties/ o754-1891-6849ba4939a43 Peter Langton D-Word D’s for Difficulties, as we were joined by Ryan McManus, a member of the Southampton Send Local Offer who want to lessen the challenges faced by younger people and slightly older with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, etc when receiving help in education. The difficulties then continue with more airline travel, people being seemingly too old for a disabled social Centre and being ridiculed for an idea.

 

Check out the 10th June episode on the catch up service on this website and we'll see you again next Tuesday at 2pm!

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/81008 D’s for Determination! Wed, 04 Jun 2025 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/ds-for-determination/ o754-1891-6840932319d48 Peter Langton D-Word D’s for Determination, as Jazz Turner set off on Monday to become the first disabled person to sale around the British Isles. We also have a negative example of determination as Neil Pemberton wouldn’t accept change, however back on the positive side we have a disabled rugby league player determined to start the transition to refereeing. There is also chitchat about Doctor Who, the Crystal Maze and the lesser known blind sport Showdown.

 

View the D Word Tuesday 3rd June audio under the Catch Up tab and see you next Tuesday with a guest appearing!!

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/80902 This week's D is for determination!! Wed, 21 May 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/this-weeks-d-is-for-determination/ o754-1891-682cc45e19e84 Peter Langton D-Word D’s for Determination, as we explore the stories of Megan Dixon.

 

The 20 year-old sufferer of functional neurological disorder (FND( and her slow but determined journey to better health. We also discuss the aims of the organisation Free Trike, the achievements of comedians, Rosie Jones and either Graham when completing the London Marathon and our own determination that is often required when arranging travel.

 

Do catch up using this link: https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/on-air/podcasts/voice-fm-southampton-catch-up/ and look for yesterday's D Word (Tuesday 20th) and we shall see you next Tuesday - the 27th!

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/80683 D WORD IS DEAFNESS FOR LOCAL BSL FESTIVAL Wed, 30 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/d-word-is-deafness-for-local-bsl-festival/ o754-1891-68122f7a19865 Peter Langton D-Word D’s for Deafness as our first hour focuses on what we got up to at BSL Fest, which was hosted this year in Southampton and took place from Tuesday 22 April till Saturday 26th April. We watched a primarily signed film, heard about ways that deaf people can use technology and also got to experience some live British Sign Language (BSL) performances. This then linked to this past Saturdays Doctor Who episode, where the show Incorporated BSL for the third ever episode. What did we think about the episode? Did we feel like having a disabled character was handled well?

 

 

Check out our Tuesday 29th show on the Catch Up tab and please do join us again next Tuesday (6th May) at 2pm.

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/80377 D FOR DOCTOR D’s for Doctor Who this week! Wed, 23 Apr 2025 13:15:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/d-for-doctor1/ o754-1891-6808f68e081da Peter Langton D-Word D’s for Doctor Who, as we cover the upcoming episode with Rose Ayling-Ellis, which will feature British Sign Language (BSL). This nicely connects to the discussion on what’s to come in BSL Fest this week. Doctor Who also returns when Pete chats about what preparation he needs to make for going to the convention in LA next February. How does that vary from what he had to do for his trip to the Isle of Man though? There may be some funding issues in the conversation too, just like the next series of everybody’s favourite time traveller.

 

 

Join us again next Tuesday (29th) at 2pm!

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/80252 DYYNAMO IS THE D'S WORD Wed, 16 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/dyynamo-is-the-ds-word1/ o754-1891-6808f73fc11ce Peter Langton D-Word D’s for Dynamo this week, as we discuss The now Steven Frayne and the disability-shaped hurdles he’s had to overcome.  There’s also a vlind climber who has big dreams and is a dynamo himself up and down the walls. We also chat about a celebrity attended March for autism, the making of a new Paralympic Stadium and a para-sport you may be less familiar with.

 

 

Catch up now on the Voice FM website under 'Catch Up' - Tuesday 15th April - that's there until next Tuesday. See you on Tuesday 22nd at 2pm!

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/80253 REPAIR SHOP REVIEW ON THE D WORD D’s for Descendants this week! Click and see what Peter and Calum spoke about this week! Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:35:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/repair-shop-review-on-the-d-word1/ o754-1891-6808f774754fe Peter Langton D-Word D’s for Descendants this week!

 

Peter and Calum chatted about BBC’s The Repair Shop, where a family had a braille watch rejuvenated, so it would be able to be passed down through the generations. What adaptations have we had done in our lives? This main story, something co-host Calum knows only too well about.

The below link is of the Repair Shop discussion on braille watches and adaptations.

 

 

The conversation also included Pegleg the parasurfer, both sides of autism and doesn’t Jack Black seem like a nice guy? Click on the 'catch up' tab and listen to Tuesday 8th's show. 

 

Join us on Tuesday 15 April for another D Word.

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/80254 POLITICS, SPORT AND MUSIC ON THE D WORD POST-SHOW REVIEW Wed, 19 Mar 2025 15:40:00 +0000 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/d-word/post/politics-sport-and-music-on-the-d-word-post-show-review/ o754-1891-6808f7a7e9d72 Peter Langton D-Word Yesterday's show was overshadowed by the Government's disability benefits conversation that happened in the Commons.

 

D Word hosts Peter Langton and Calum Brennan discusses the story in detail and explores the impact it may have if the law goes to pass.

 

Tune in next Tuesday (25th March) for more information!

 

Then to lighten the mood, they also covered some disability snooker, a non-ear musician not called Beethoven and northern Ireland winning gold in the buildup to St Patrick’s Day. To listen to those stories, do go to the Catch-Up tab and click on Tuesday 18th and it's under the two hours of ;the D Word'.

]]> https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/_app_pages/stations/4705/blogs/posts/80255