Terminology 101: Disabled vs Differently-Abled

Terminology 101: Disabled vs Differently-Abled

Have you ever given a compliment that completely backfired?  Or wondered what you "should" say when asking about someone's visible difference?  In today’s episode, we sit down to unpack the everyday phrases, questions, and "well-meaning" comments that actually carry incredibly heavy emotional weight.  From being called "brave" just for buying a latte, to the deeply frustrating "at least it's not cancer," we’re clearing the air on what it's really like navigating the world with alopecia and a physical disability.  There's no official rulebook, but our golden rule is simple: read the room, and let the other person lead. SUPPORT THE SHOW: Faith is running a half-marathon this May for the Little Lady Locks fundraiser!  Donate HERE [https://www.justgiving.com/page/faith-hiles?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL] If you learned something new today, hit follow, share this with a friend, and leave us a review!  Follow us for more: 📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji 🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod #DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

The Met Gala’s Big Win vs. A Podcast Major Miss

From the highest peaks of fashion to major media slip-ups, we are looking at the state of representation right now. In this episode, Zara and Faith break down the massive historic shift at the 2026 Met Gala. From fully accessible layouts to the incredible Sinead Burke and Aariana Rose Philip taking over the carpet. But it wasn’t all wins.  We are diving deep into why Germany’s Next Top Model completely missed the mark with a highly controversial bald cap runway challenge, and why Faith feels it was a total cop-out. Plus, we address the viral backlash surrounding Louise Thompson and Ryan Libbey’s He Said She Said podcast comments about parenting statistics, why it deeply triggered the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) community. Finally, we wrap up with some beautiful insights from International Face Equality Week and give you a sneak peek into our upcoming episode on language and disability terminology. Follow us for more: 📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji 🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod #DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

The "Sob Story" Trap: Why We Said No to BGT & Married at First Sight

Is "Reality TV" ever actually real? 📺 This week, Zara and Faith are diving into the addictive, dramatic, and often scripted world of reality television. We’re sharing the behind-the-scenes stories we’ve never told before, including why Faith turned down Britain’s Got Talent after they asked her to use her alopecia as a "sob story," and why Zara declined an offer for Married at First Sight. We also tackle the "dating rejection" that left us with our jaws on the floor, the 3 AM thoughts about the Love Island villa’s accessibility, and why we’re still waiting for a bald woman to walk into the villa. Follow us for more: 📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji 🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod #DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

The "Body Positivity" Trap | Are Gyms Still Failing Us?

Happy May! We are kicking off a brand new month by diving into the complex world of body positivity, fitness, and diet culture. Faith shares a massive personal update: she’s running a half-marathon for Little Lady Locks! We discuss why she’s doing it "bald and brave" (no wig, no lashes, no brows) to support children with hair loss.  Meanwhile, Zara gets real about the "gym-timidation" of being a wheelchair user, from inaccessible changing rooms to the "inspiring" comments that actually aren't that inspiring. To donate, click HERE  [https://www.justgiving.com/page/faith-hiles?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL] Follow us for more: 📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji 🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod #DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels

The Nurse’s Perspective | 35 Years on the Frontlines with Angela

"It’s not really a job, it’s a vocation." This week on Sit Down with Us, we’re getting up close and personal with Angela. As a nurse specializing in brains and spines, she’s seen it all and busts a few myths along the way. Angela opens up about the "heartstrings" that get pulled when a patient’s life changes forever and how she uses her daughter’s experience to comfort women facing hair loss before/after brain surgery.  We talk about resilience, the power of a cup of tea in the middle of the night, and why being a nurse makes you a "brutal" but empathic mum. Whether you’re in the medical profession or have ever been a patient, this conversation is a beautiful reminder of the human connection behind the diagnosis. Follow us for more: 📸 Instagram: @sitdownwithuspod @faith_hiles @zaraborji 🎵 TikTok: @sitdownwithuspod #DisabilityAwareness #Alopecia #ZaraAndFaith #WheelchairLife #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Podcast #ZebedeeModels