3Spoonies On Preparing for the Peaks: Community Questions

3Spoonies: On Money and Mental Health Episode Number: 68, 12 November 2026     Money worries don't stay neatly inside your bank account. Financial stress can affect sleep, physical health, relationships, work and your ability to deal with the very money problems causing the stress in the first place. In this episode we are joined by Anita Pickersgill, the self-described “debt collector with a heart”, to discuss the connection between money and mental health, the cost-of-living squeeze, debt, disability, benefits, self-employment and why financial problems can become completely overwhelming. We also explore practical ways to reduce money-related stress, including understanding your numbers, checking forgotten subscriptions, recognising the true cost of credit, asking for help before debts escalate and learning more about your rights and available support. We discuss why financial literacy should be taught in schools, the shame that still surrounds money problems, and why being able to talk honestly about struggling financially matters — especially for disabled people and small business owners.   Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials  Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/  Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies    If you’d like to find out more about our hosts; Jo O’Neil Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness    Claire Napper  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper Website: www.strangelittleobsessions.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Strangelittleobsessions   Karen Duncan Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses    Guest Anita Pickersgill With over 30 years of experience working within the business to business arena, spanning across Insolvency, Commercial Finance, Manufacturing and Debt Collection I have not only worked hand in hand to resolve financial problems but also navigated my own financial problems almost losing my house and narrowly avoiding Bankruptcy twice.   Financial Health is real and it matters , I spend a lot of my time promoting financial awareness and understanding. Not everyone is a natural born calculator, many are good with their hands but not with the theory. Factor in that we have Dyspraxia amongst us, Dyslexia , ADHD being diagnosed much more and noticeably in adults how we approach and handle finance and where we place our trust personal wellbeing plays a vital role in our personal life.   Every business owner is a consumer, and every Director is a consumer but above all they are all human, but finance is still an area that many misunderstand.  www.linkedin.com/in/anitapickersgill   https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-heart-of-debt-collection-7322236570059608064/   Sponsors A HUGE thank to our Main Sponsor for this Season: Disability Is My Strength with Vicki Admin Fairy  Vicki Wilson is an author, business owner and disability advocate who was born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Her memoir, Disability Is My Strength: A Life Built Without Limits, Labels or Permission, is an honest, funny and powerful account of a life spent challenging assumptions, building her independence and refusing to let disability or other people’s expectations define what she could achieve. Vicki is also the founder of Vicki Admin Fairy®, where she helps self-employed people bring order to their admin chaos and gain greater confidence in their businesses. Disability Is My Strength is published on 5 November and will be available from Amazon or through Vicki’s website: https://vickiadminfairy.co.uk/disability-is-my-strength-vicki-wilson/ https://www.facebook.com/Disabilityismystrength  https://www.instagram.com/disabilityismystrength/   And to our Feature Sponsors!  The Smart Bear Suzi Brown is the founder and owner of The Smart Bear which  was launched in 2013 as a website design and development company for small businesses - offering a range of website and SEO services to suit different budgets. And since 2021, the business is now prioritising being more ethical and responsible by offering eco and accessibility options for websites, as well as adhering to The Ethical Move’s pledge.  https://thesmartbear.co.uk  http://thewebsiteclub.co.uk    Cockleshell Creative Coaching   Cockleshell Creative Coaching is run by Mary Duggan, a productivity coach based in Wakefield. Mary spent years managing other people's projects, but when she started working for herself she found that traditional productivity approaches just didn't work for her mindset or the demands on her time. So she built something that did: a way of working that flexes around the day you actually have — small steps, a proper break after each one, and nothing lost when you get interrupted. She coaches women who are running a business alongside everything else. If you'd like to try her approach before booking anything, start with her free tool, Untangle the Knot, at cockleshellcreative.com.  https://www.facebook.com/CockleshellCreative/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-duggan-creative-coach/    Their support allows us to keep showing up every week, having these conversations, and making the podcast what it is — so if you can, please do go and check them out and support them in return.   Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies

3Spoonies: On Conspiracy Theories: Community Questions Episode Number: 67.5, 5 November 2026     What if Paul McCartney died in 1966 and was secretly replaced? What if Right Said Fred were blacklisted by the Illuminati? And what if every pigeon you've ever seen is actually a government surveillance drone? In this bonus Halloween episode we take a lighter-hearted look at some of the strangest conspiracy theories they could find. From Beatles replacement theories and secret societies to the famous "Birds Aren't Real" movement, we explore how these ideas start, why they spread, and just how ridiculous some of them can become. Along the way we discuss Beatles clues, backwards messages, mystery lookalikes, surveillance birds, Shakespeare's birds in America, and whether anyone can really keep a secret that big. This episode is a fun companion to our main Conspiracy Theories discussion and proves that sometimes the most entertaining conspiracy theories are the ones nobody could possibly take seriously. Or could they? Let us know in the comments: What's the strangest conspiracy theory you've ever heard? Subscribe for more conversations about disability, chronic illness, accessibility, neurodiversity, business and the occasional journey into absolute nonsense.   Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials  Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/  Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies    If you’d like to find out more about our hosts; Jo O’Neil Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness    Claire Napper  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper Website: www.strangelittleobsessions.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Strangelittleobsessions   Karen Duncan Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses    Sponsors Hi, I’m Angie, and welcome to Heart-and-craftz! 💖 Heart-and-craftz is my little creative business where I love turning ideas into fun, personalised and practical gifts for all ages. From mugs, notebooks and notepads, to glass chopping boards, calendars, planners, pet gifts, Christmas goodies and so much more — there’s always something new being created! I love making products that are a little bit different, whether you’re treating yourself, looking for a special gift, or just want something personalised. Everything is created with lots of love, creativity and a little bit of me behind it. So if you love unique gifts, affordable prices and supporting a small business, come and join me at Heart-and-craftz. Let’s get crafting! 💕✨ https://heart-and-craftz.ueniweb.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/768690121232996 https://www.tiktok.com/@heartandcraftz?_r=1&_t=ZN-99BRTigngGs   Their support allows us to keep showing up every week, having these conversations, and making the podcast what it is — so if you can, please do go and check them out and support them in return.   Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies

3Spoonies: On Conspiracy Theories Episode Number: 67, 29 October 2026   It's Halloween, so we're diving into some of the strangest, most controversial and most harmful conspiracy theories we've encountered. In this special episode we explore conspiracy theories ranging from anti-vaccine misinformation and cancer cure myths to eugenics, disability benefits, mobility scooters and even claims about what's really in our food. Along the way we explore where some of these theories came from, why people believe them, and the real-world consequences they can have for disabled people and society as a whole. This episode mixes humour, history, lived experience and evidence-based discussion to examine some of the stories that refuse to disappear. Whether you're fascinated by conspiracy theories, interested in disability rights, or simply enjoy a good Halloween discussion, this episode is packed with thought-provoking conversation. Let us know in the comments: What's the strangest conspiracy theory you've ever heard? Subscribe for more conversations about disability, chronic illness, accessibility, neurodiversity and inclusive living.   Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials  Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/  Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies    If you’d like to find out more about our hosts; Jo O’Neil Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness    Claire Napper  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper Website: www.strangelittleobsessions.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Strangelittleobsessions   Karen Duncan Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses    Sponsors A HUGE thank to our Main Sponsor for this Season: Disability Is My Strength with Vicki Admin Fairy  Vicki Wilson is an author, business owner and disability advocate who was born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Her memoir, Disability Is My Strength: A Life Built Without Limits, Labels or Permission, is an honest, funny and powerful account of a life spent challenging assumptions, building her independence and refusing to let disability or other people’s expectations define what she could achieve. Vicki is also the founder of Vicki Admin Fairy®, where she helps self-employed people bring order to their admin chaos and gain greater confidence in their businesses. Disability Is My Strength is published on 5 November and will be available from Amazon or through Vicki’s website: https://vickiadminfairy.co.uk/disability-is-my-strength-vicki-wilson/ https://www.facebook.com/Disabilityismystrength  https://www.instagram.com/disabilityismystrength/   And to our Feature Sponsors!  The Smart Bear Suzi Brown is the founder and owner of The Smart Bear which  was launched in 2013 as a website design and development company for small businesses - offering a range of website and SEO services to suit different budgets. And since 2021, the business is now prioritising being more ethical and responsible by offering eco and accessibility options for websites, as well as adhering to The Ethical Move’s pledge.  https://thesmartbear.co.uk  http://thewebsiteclub.co.uk    Cockleshell Creative Coaching   Cockleshell Creative Coaching is run by Mary Duggan, a productivity coach based in Wakefield. Mary spent years managing other people's projects, but when she started working for herself she found that traditional productivity approaches just didn't work for her mindset or the demands on her time. So she built something that did: a way of working that flexes around the day you actually have — small steps, a proper break after each one, and nothing lost when you get interrupted. She coaches women who are running a business alongside everything else. If you'd like to try her approach before booking anything, start with her free tool, Untangle the Knot, at cockleshellcreative.com.  https://www.facebook.com/CockleshellCreative/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-duggan-creative-coach/    Their support allows us to keep showing up every week, having these conversations, and making the podcast what it is — so if you can, please do go and check them out and support them in return.   Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies

3Spoonies: On Long Covid: Community Questions Episode Number: 66.5, 22 October 2026   What’s the difference between Long COVID and ME/CFS? Can getting sick again make Long COVID worse? How do you avoid infections when germs are everywhere? And how on earth do you explain chronic fatigue to someone else? In this Community Questions episode we are joined once again by Amy Butterworth and Emma Brackenbury to answer questions from the community about living with Long COVID.   Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials  Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/  Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies    If you’d like to find out more about our hosts; Jo O’Neil Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness    Claire Napper  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper Website: www.strangelittleobsessions.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Strangelittleobsessions   Karen Duncan Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses    Guests Amy Butterworth Amy had a career in comedy, theatre and music before turning to youth work, focusing on young people who were systemically under-served. She designed award-winning inclusive youth programmes for the Scouts, before getting long covid in 2021. Since then she has become a disability activist, and accessibility consultant, using intersectional, universal design principles, ensuring the workplace is inclusive for all.  You can find her work at @LongCovidRockstar (Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn), and you can sign her petition to Make Disability Leave the Law at https://the.organise.network/campaigns/network-make-disability-leave-a-statutory-right-for-every-worker-in-the-uk-6fb0dfca8bf17b65.   Emma Brackenbury I am a Costume maker and tutor, I Have worked in Film and Tv and taught at universities as well as my own events – the corsetry retreat. I have long covid and juggle a busy life style with minimal energy.  Since getting long covid life has changed and I now split my working time between 2 businesses, Emma Brackenbury Costume, and The Corsetry Retreat. Emma Brackenbury costume is my freelance costume work I do from home around my energy, and The Corsetry Retreat is a wonderful but intense teaching event that I really have to plan my energy around.   Emma Brackenbury Costume Links: https://www.instagram.com/emmabrackenbury.costume/  https://www.facebook.com/emmabrackenburycostumeandjewellery/  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6433353/    The Corsetry Retreat Links: https://thecorsetryretreat.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/705744647745192 https://www.instagram.com/thecorsetryretreat/    Sponsors Hi, I’m Angie, and welcome to Heart-and-craftz! 💖 Heart-and-craftz is my little creative business where I love turning ideas into fun, personalised and practical gifts for all ages. From mugs, notebooks and notepads, to glass chopping boards, calendars, planners, pet gifts, Christmas goodies and so much more — there’s always something new being created! I love making products that are a little bit different, whether you’re treating yourself, looking for a special gift, or just want something personalised. Everything is created with lots of love, creativity and a little bit of me behind it. So if you love unique gifts, affordable prices and supporting a small business, come and join me at Heart-and-craftz. Let’s get crafting! 💕✨ https://heart-and-craftz.ueniweb.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/768690121232996 https://www.tiktok.com/@heartandcraftz?_r=1&_t=ZN-99BRTigngGs   Their support allows us to keep showing up every week, having these conversations, and making the podcast what it is — so if you can, please do go and check them out and support them in return.   Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies

3Spoonies: On Long Covid Episode Number: 66, 15 October 2026    In this episode we are joined by Amy Butterworth and Emma Brackenbury for an open and honest conversation about living with Long COVID and the enormous impact it can have on your health, work, identity and everyday life. Long COVID doesn't look the same for everyone. Symptoms can change, fluctuate and appear unexpectedly, while things that would once have been completely ordinary can suddenly require careful planning and days of recovery. And being able to do something once doesn't mean they'll be able to do it again tomorrow. This is a conversation about Long COVID, but it's also about living with chronic illness, learning to listen to your body and building a life that works with the energy you actually have. If you live with Long COVID, we'd love to hear about your experience in the comments. What do you wish more people understood?   Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials  Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/  Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies    If you’d like to find out more about our hosts; Jo O’Neil Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness    Claire Napper  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper Website: www.strangelittleobsessions.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Strangelittleobsessions   Karen Duncan Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses    Guests Amy Butterworth Amy had a career in comedy, theatre and music before turning to youth work, focusing on young people who were systemically under-served. She designed award-winning inclusive youth programmes for the Scouts, before getting long covid in 2021. Since then she has become a disability activist, and accessibility consultant, using intersectional, universal design principles, ensuring the workplace is inclusive for all.  You can find her work at @LongCovidRockstar (Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn), and you can sign her petition to Make Disability Leave the Law at https://the.organise.network/campaigns/network-make-disability-leave-a-statutory-right-for-every-worker-in-the-uk-6fb0dfca8bf17b65.   Emma Brackenbury I am a Costume maker and tutor, I Have worked in Film and Tv and taught at universities as well as my own events – the corsetry retreat. I have long covid and juggle a busy life style with minimal energy.  Since getting long covid life has changed and I now split my working time between 2 businesses, Emma Brackenbury Costume, and The Corsetry Retreat. Emma Brackenbury costume is my freelance costume work I do from home around my energy, and The Corsetry Retreat is a wonderful but intense teaching event that I really have to plan my energy around.   Emma Brackenbury Costume Links: https://www.instagram.com/emmabrackenbury.costume/  https://www.facebook.com/emmabrackenburycostumeandjewellery/  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6433353/    The Corsetry Retreat Links: https://thecorsetryretreat.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/705744647745192 https://www.instagram.com/thecorsetryretreat/    Sponsors A HUGE thank to our Main Sponsor for this Season: Disability Is My Strength with Vicki Admin Fairy  Vicki Wilson is an author, business owner and disability advocate who was born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Her memoir, Disability Is My Strength: A Life Built Without Limits, Labels or Permission, is an honest, funny and powerful account of a life spent challenging assumptions, building her independence and refusing to let disability or other people’s expectations define what she could achieve. Vicki is also the founder of Vicki Admin Fairy®, where she helps self-employed people bring order to their admin chaos and gain greater confidence in their businesses. Disability Is My Strength is published on 5 November and will be available from Amazon or through Vicki’s website: https://vickiadminfairy.co.uk/disability-is-my-strength-vicki-wilson/ https://www.facebook.com/Disabilityismystrength  https://www.instagram.com/disabilityismystrength/   And to our Feature Sponsors!  The Smart Bear Suzi Brown is the founder and owner of The Smart Bear which  was launched in 2013 as a website design and development company for small businesses - offering a range of website and SEO services to suit different budgets. And since 2021, the business is now prioritising being more ethical and responsible by offering eco and accessibility options for websites, as well as adhering to The Ethical Move’s pledge.  https://thesmartbear.co.uk  http://thewebsiteclub.co.uk    Cockleshell Creative Coaching   Cockleshell Creative Coaching is run by Mary Duggan, a productivity coach based in Wakefield. Mary spent years managing other people's projects, but when she started working for herself she found that traditional productivity approaches just didn't work for her mindset or the demands on her time. So she built something that did: a way of working that flexes around the day you actually have — small steps, a proper break after each one, and nothing lost when you get interrupted. She coaches women who are running a business alongside everything else. If you'd like to try her approach before booking anything, start with her free tool, Untangle the Knot, at cockleshellcreative.com.  https://www.facebook.com/CockleshellCreative/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-duggan-creative-coach/    Their support allows us to keep showing up every week, having these conversations, and making the podcast what it is — so if you can, please do go and check them out and support them in return.   Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies

3Spoonies: On Camping when Disabled: Community Questions Episode Number: 65.5, 8 October 2026     How do you keep medication refrigerated while camping? What's the easiest way to transport all your gear when you're disabled? And how do you keep phones, medical devices and other essential gadgets charged when you're living in a tent? In this 3Spoonies Community Questions episode, we answer your practical questions about making camping more accessible, from contacting campsites about refrigerated medication storage and choosing bags that work with your mobility to rucksacks, trolleys, vans and some surprisingly inventive festival transport solutions. We also talk power banks, charging facilities, solar panels, battery-saving tricks and why you should test your chargers and cables before disappearing into a field. Whether you're planning an accessible festival, a weekend campsite stay or your first camping trip with a disability or chronic illness, the biggest lesson is that there's no single correct setup — plan around your body, your equipment and what makes camping manageable for you.   Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials  Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/  Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies    If you’d like to find out more about our hosts; Jo O’Neil Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness    Claire Napper  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper Website: www.strangelittleobsessions.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Strangelittleobsessions   Karen Duncan Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses    Sponsors Hi, I’m Angie, and welcome to Heart-and-craftz! 💖 Heart-and-craftz is my little creative business where I love turning ideas into fun, personalised and practical gifts for all ages. From mugs, notebooks and notepads, to glass chopping boards, calendars, planners, pet gifts, Christmas goodies and so much more — there’s always something new being created! I love making products that are a little bit different, whether you’re treating yourself, looking for a special gift, or just want something personalised. Everything is created with lots of love, creativity and a little bit of me behind it. So if you love unique gifts, affordable prices and supporting a small business, come and join me at Heart-and-craftz. Let’s get crafting! 💕✨ https://heart-and-craftz.ueniweb.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/768690121232996 https://www.tiktok.com/@heartandcraftz?_r=1&_t=ZN-99BRTigngGs   Their support allows us to keep showing up every week, having these conversations, and making the podcast what it is — so if you can, please do go and check them out and support them in return.   Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies

3Spoonies: On Camping when Disabled Episode Number: 65, 1 October 2026   Can you still go camping when you're disabled or chronically ill — and what can make it actually manageable? In this episode of 3Spoonies, we share our experiences of camping at different stages of disability, from Scouts and LARP events to Claire's recent experience of accessible camping at Download Festival. We talk about choosing a tent you can actually get in and out of, why extra space matters, accessible campsites, managing walking and fatigue, getting a decent night's sleep, staying warm, toilets, mobility aids and why sometimes taking more stuff is exactly what accessibility requires. We also share the practical camping adaptations we've learned along the way, including keeping medication and essentials accessible, camp beds and sleeping mats, comfortable chairs, lighting, power banks and charging medical equipment. Most importantly, we talk about giving yourself permission to camp differently: if you need a bigger tent, an air mattress, a walking stick, accessible viewing areas or a bag full of things that help you get through the day, take them. Camping when disabled doesn't have to look like anybody else's version of camping.   Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials  Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/  Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies    If you’d like to find out more about our hosts; Jo O’Neil Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness    Claire Napper  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper Website: www.strangelittleobsessions.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Strangelittleobsessions   Karen Duncan Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses    Sponsors A HUGE thank to our Main Sponsor for this Season: Disability Is My Strength with Vicki Admin Fairy  Vicki Wilson is an author, business owner and disability advocate who was born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Her memoir, Disability Is My Strength: A Life Built Without Limits, Labels or Permission, is an honest, funny and powerful account of a life spent challenging assumptions, building her independence and refusing to let disability or other people’s expectations define what she could achieve. Vicki is also the founder of Vicki Admin Fairy®, where she helps self-employed people bring order to their admin chaos and gain greater confidence in their businesses. Disability Is My Strength is published on 5 November and will be available from Amazon or through Vicki’s website: https://vickiadminfairy.co.uk/disability-is-my-strength-vicki-wilson/ https://www.facebook.com/Disabilityismystrength  https://www.instagram.com/disabilityismystrength/   And to our Feature Sponsors!  The Smart Bear Suzi Brown is the founder and owner of The Smart Bear which  was launched in 2013 as a website design and development company for small businesses - offering a range of website and SEO services to suit different budgets. And since 2021, the business is now prioritising being more ethical and responsible by offering eco and accessibility options for websites, as well as adhering to The Ethical Move’s pledge.  https://thesmartbear.co.uk  http://thewebsiteclub.co.uk    Cockleshell Creative Coaching Cockleshell Creative Coaching is run by Mary Duggan, a productivity coach based in Wakefield. Mary spent years managing other people's projects, but when she started working for herself she found that traditional productivity approaches just didn't work for her mindset or the demands on her time. So she built something that did: a way of working that flexes around the day you actually have — small steps, a proper break after each one, and nothing lost when you get interrupted. She coaches women who are running a business alongside everything else. If you'd like to try her approach before booking anything, start with her free tool, Untangle the Knot, at cockleshellcreative.com.  https://www.facebook.com/CockleshellCreative/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-duggan-creative-coach/    Their support allows us to keep showing up every week, having these conversations, and making the podcast what it is — so if you can, please do go and check them out and support them in return.   Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies

3Spoonies On Being Healthcare Professional with a Chronic Illness: Community Questions Episode Number: 64.5 Date: 24th September    Should you have surgery where you work? How do you ask for workplace adjustments? And what do you do when health needs start to feel… visible? In this Community Questions episode of 3Spoonies, we’re joined again by Shelley Gautam to answer real questions from healthcare professionals navigating chronic illness at work. We cover: Whether to have surgery at your workplace or elsewhere Balancing privacy vs convenience in healthcare settings How to ask for workplace adjustments (and when not to ask — just tell) Managing uniform policies with medical needs (like footwear) Handling workplace dynamics when you don’t want to be singled out Latex allergies, visibility and advocating for yourself Setting boundaries while maintaining professional relationships Why “it depends” is often the most honest answer If you’re working in healthcare while managing a chronic illness, this episode is full of practical advice to help you protect your health, your privacy and your career. Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments Subscribe for weekly conversations on disability, business and life   Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials  Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/  Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies  Newsletter Sign Up - Get the weekly episode straight to your inbox: https://subscribepage.io/Spoonieletter      If you’d like to find out more about our hosts; Jo O’Neil Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness    Claire Napper  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper Website: www.strangelittleobsessions.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Strangelittleobsessions   Karen Duncan Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses    Guest Info Shelley Gautam Shelley is a healthcare professional and career consultant who has built a fulfilling and flexible career while living with Lyme Disease. She helps other clinicians create meaningful careers that both align with their values and support their well-being. https://intro.co/shelleygautam   Sponsor A HUGE thank to our Community Sponsor for this Season: Vicky Wilson Vicki Admin Fairy® offers tailored administrative support to entrepreneurs, including those who are disabled or neurodivergent, helping them streamline their operations so they can focus on what they do best. With a flexible, client-centred approach, Vicki brings order and efficiency to small businesses across the UK. www.vickiadminfairy.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/VickiAdminFairy2021 https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-wilson1975/   Their support allows us to keep showing up every week, having these conversations, and making the podcast what it is — so if you can, please do go and check them out and support them in return.   Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies

3Spoonies On Being Healthcare Professional with a Chronic Illness Episode Number: 64 Date  17th September 2026   What happens when a healthcare professional becomes the patient? In this episode of 3Spoonies, we’re joined by Shelley Gautam to talk about the reality of working in healthcare while living with a chronic illness. From burnout and undiagnosed illness to remote work, career pivots and navigating the healthcare system from both sides, this is an honest and powerful conversation about what it really takes to build a sustainable career as a Spoonie. We cover: Burnout in healthcare and why it happens Living and working with undiagnosed chronic illness Lyme disease diagnosis and long-term impact Transitioning from clinical work to remote healthcare roles The reality of healthcare systems (US vs Europe) Why healthcare professionals struggle to care for themselves Stigma, shame and “pushing through” illness Flexible work, consulting and self-employment for Spoonies How chronic illness changes your perspective as a clinician Why careers don’t need to be linear to be successful If you’re a healthcare professional, living with chronic illness, or trying to build a career that works with your health — this episode is for you. Let us know your thoughts in the comments Subscribe for weekly episodes on disability, business and life   Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials  Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/  Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies  Newsletter Sign Up - Get the weekly episode straight to your inbox: https://subscribepage.io/Spoonieletter      If you’d like to find out more about our hosts; Jo O’Neil Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness    Claire Napper  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper Website: www.strangelittleobsessions.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Strangelittleobsessions   Karen Duncan Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses    Guest Info Shelley Gautam Shelley is a healthcare professional and career consultant who has built a fulfilling and flexible career while living with Lyme Disease. She helps other clinicians create meaningful careers that both align with their values and support their well-being. https://intro.co/shelleygautam   Sponsor A HUGE thank to our Main Sponsor for this Season: Maddy Alexander-Grout  Maddy Alexander-Grout is a visibility strategist, ADHD coach, and advocate for people with hidden disabilities. She’s the founder of Mad About Money, an inclusive platform that provides practical financial advice for neurodivergent individuals, and also runs Invisible to Influential, a brand that helps entrepreneurs turn their vulnerabilities into visibility.  https://stan.store/maddyalexandergrout  Buy the Book, Mad about Money: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1394299729?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_4XCQ1VWRX9J2NXHW860J&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_4XCQ1VWRX9J2NXHW860J&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_4XCQ1VWRX9J2NXHW860J&bestFormat=true    And to our Feature Sponsor!  Liz Drury As a multi award winning professional voice over artist, working from a broadcast quality home studio since 2013, I’m a safe voice for your project. As the saying goes, first impressions last, and your business needs to sound as good as it looks. Let me help you with that! https://lizdrury.com/    Their support allows us to keep showing up every week, having these conversations, and making the podcast what it is — so if you can, please do go and check them out and support them in return.   Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies

3Spoonies On Preparing for the Peaks: Community Questions Episode Number: 63  Date: 10th September 2026   How do you get back into work after taking time off? How do you stop yourself overcommitting months in advance? And how do you survive the run-up to Christmas without completely burning out? In this Community Questions episode of 3Spoonies, we answer listener questions about workload management, busy seasons, planning, burnout and balancing business with chronic illness, disability and neurodivergence. Topics include: returning to work after a break easing back into routines ADHD overwhelm and task management planning around fluctuating health saying no to work realistic capacity planning using wall planners and visual scheduling preparing for Christmas workloads preventing burnout during busy seasons self-employment and chronic illness pacing and energy management setting deadlines and boundaries seasonal fatigue and winter burnout planning ahead to reduce stress We also share practical tips that genuinely help us manage the peaks — from batching tasks and building buffers to pre-prepping Christmas veg to make life easier. Because productivity isn’t just about doing more. Sometimes it’s about making things manageable enough to survive them. What helps you manage busy seasons? Do you struggle to say no to future commitments? What’s your best burnout-prevention tip?   Subscribe for weekly conversations about disability, chronic illness, neurodivergence, work, business and life with limited spoons.   Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials  Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/  Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies  Newsletter Sign Up - Get the weekly episode straight to your inbox: https://subscribepage.io/Spoonieletter      If you’d like to find out more about our hosts; Jo O’Neil Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness    Claire Napper  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper Website: www.strangelittleobsessions.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Strangelittleobsessions   Karen Duncan Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses    Sponsor A HUGE thank to our Community Sponsor for this Season: Vicky Wilson  Vicki Admin Fairy® offers tailored administrative support to entrepreneurs, including those who are disabled or neurodivergent, helping them streamline their operations so they can focus on what they do best. With a flexible, client-centred approach, Vicki brings order and efficiency to small businesses across the UK. www.vickiadminfairy.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/VickiAdminFairy2021 https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-wilson1975/   Their support allows us to keep showing up every week, having these conversations, and making the podcast what it is — so if you can, please do go and check them out and support them in return.   Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies