Podcasts are a dime a dozen these days, but a new one about to be launched in West Footscray should still stand out from the crowd.
Breaking Barriers is made by people with a disability for people with a disability, but also for the broader community.
The podcast has been in the works since late last year at a purpose built recording studio in West Footscray.
Pamella Kochhar works in the disability sector and has been involved in the development of Breaking Barriers from the start.
She said podcast host Chithic Machar was the driving force behind it.
“He wanted to share stories and inspire others and share with others his personal story,” Ms Kochhar said of Mr Machar.
“He found people often have misconceptions about what disability is and he wanted to create a platform for himself and others.”
Those others include disabled people who’ve already been interviewed, but also people with a disability who’ve been employed to work on the podcast, doing everything from producing and scheduling, to setting up the studio.
“We found they were given jobs they weren’t suited for or they were doing the same repressive tasks that weren’t allowing them to expand their skills,” said Ms Kochhar of those who’ve been employed.
The first episode of Breaking Barriers will go live later this week and feature an interview with adaptive clothing brand Jam the Label.
Ms Kochhar said they were looking for more people to get involved too.
“Anyone who wants to be interviewed, who has a story to share or who wants to get involved. It’s a platform for the wider community but focused on disability.”
Details: www.instagram.com/breakingbarriers_media?igsh=eHIzZDh1cHRzeG0x
