Your Voice Matters

Your Voice Matters
Podcast Description
Welcome to Your Voice Matters, a podcast amplifying the voices of the SEND and neurodivergent community. Hosted by Asma Jacob, a dedicated SEND Therapist with 20+ years of experience, we create a safe space to share stories, build connections and inspire understanding.
In each episode, we explore powerful stories and perspectives from neurodivergent individuals, their families, and professionals dedicated to supporting the SEND community. Together, we address key topics like advocacy, mental health, navigating education, and building inclusive communities.
Your Voice Matters is a place where every voice is valued—because real change happens when we listen, learn, and embrace the diversity of human experience. Whether you’re part of the neurodivergent community or an ally, this podcast will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to make an impact.
Subscribe today and join the conversation—because your voice matters.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on vital themes such as advocacy, mental health, education navigation, and community inclusion. For example, episodes include discussions on self-love and understanding different learning styles with advocates like Antonio Myers, as well as the unique challenges of PDA with experts like Melanie Phipps, providing actionable insights for listeners.

Welcome to Your Voice Matters, a podcast amplifying the voices of the SEND and neurodivergent community. Hosted by Asma Jacob, a dedicated SEND Therapist with 20+ years of experience, we create a safe space to share stories, build connections and inspire understanding.
In each episode, we explore powerful stories and perspectives from neurodivergent individuals, their families, and professionals dedicated to supporting the SEND community. Together, we address key topics like advocacy, mental health, navigating education, and building inclusive communities.
Your Voice Matters is a place where every voice is valued—because real change happens when we listen, learn, and embrace the diversity of human experience. Whether you’re part of the neurodivergent community or an ally, this podcast will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to make an impact.
Subscribe today and join the conversation—because your voice matters.
Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of chronic illness, physical pain, medical trauma, and the emotional impact of living with invisible conditions. Listener discretion is advised.
“The more experience you have with something, the less hard it gets. The more knowledge, the more wisdom you have about it. It’s freeing your mind.” — Carolyne Shallop
In this episode, host Asma Jacob speaks with her niece, Carolyne Shallop, about life with two autoimmune conditions: rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis.
Carolyne opens up about her journey from diagnosis to acceptance, the emotional toll of chronic illness, and how her support network helped her find strength and purpose.
This conversation highlights the power of shared experience and the importance of being seen and understood. Whether you’re living with an invisible condition or supporting someone who is, this episode offers hope, honesty, and connection.
Key Takeaways:
It’s okay to do what works best for you, even if it looks different from others.
Leaning on trusted people can bring comfort, clarity, and strength.
Find supportive healthcare professionals who truly listen and advocate for you.
Connecting with others who have similar experiences can help ease feelings of isolation.
About Carolyne Shallop:
Carolyne Shallop was born in Sierra Leone to Lebanese parents. She moved to England aged 12, with her mum and siblings. For the past 13 and a half years, Carolyne has been living with 2 Autoimmune Disorders. In December of 2008, at the age of 21, she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, after about 9 months of symptoms the majority of which was joint pain. In January of 2014, Carolyne was diagnosed with Vasculitis, after a major flare-up, and in April of 2014, she was told the type of Vasculitis she has is Microscopic Polyangiitis.
Learn more about _Achievable Journey
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Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.