Four-time Paralympian and gold medal winner Ellen Keane has launched a new podcast supported by Allianz Insurance.
The ‘D-Word’ will explore the world of disability through conversations with leaders in their field who live with a disability or are involved in the disabled community.
In each episode, Ellen and her guest will reflect on the challenges faced by those with disabilities, including anxiety, the reaction of others, finding love and the best part about being different. Episode one features James Scully, a two-time Paralympic swimmer and former teammate of Ellen, who retired in 2019.
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The new podcast will launch on October 27 on all podcast streaming platforms and comprises six weekly episodes.
Speaking about the launch of her podcast, Ellen Keane said: “The most empowering thing I’ve ever done has been to share my story about my disability. I used to hide my arm because I was so embarrassed to be different. I was terrified of rejection, of being unlovable. I tried to disappear.
“But then I found the courage to try and embrace my arm, to love my body and this paid off. It’s my magic that has given me so many incredible opportunities in my life and makes me unique.
“By sharing my story, I’ve learnt that there are so many people going through what I went through.
“There are so many people, not just with disabilities, but with insecurities who feel alone in their thoughts.
“When we share our own experiences, we not only become relatable to those who feel alone, but we educate society about the reality of living with a disability which is why I am really delighted to be starting my own podcast ‘The D Word’ and to have Allianz’s continued support with this new venture”
Sean McGrath, Allianz Insurance CEO, also commented on the announcement saying: “In Allianz, we have supported Ellen since 2017, over those years we’ve seen Ellen go from strength to strength in the pool, establishing herself as one of Ireland’s great sports stars and as a role model to children and adults throughout Ireland through her can-do attitude, courage, dedication and the work she does to normalise disability.
“We are all different in our own way. It’s those differences that make us special, that allow us to see the world in different ways, to innovate, to create positive impact and to create a more accepting and considerate society.
“Allianz has always believed in celebrating our differences, diversity and inclusion in our work place is incredibly important to us and we are delighted to support Ellen and this series as she continues to advocate for inclusion in society.”
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