Jennifer Barnable: Storyteller, Disability Advocate

Join Jenna for a Finding Avalon Season One finale with highlights of this empowering showcase of disability inclusion advocacy through storytelling.

Disabled, chronically ill and neurodivergent life is diverse, intersectional and something we need to see much more of, so that our stories are told by us, not about us.

#NothingAboutUsWithoutUs

About this Episode

Episode Title: “Finding Avalon: A Journey of Empowerment. (Season One Finale)” with Jennifer Barnable (S1E18)

Episode Summary: In this season one finale of the Finding Avalon podcast, host Jennifer Barnable reflects on the journey of disability inclusion advocacy through storytelling. She speaks about her passion and priority to celebrate and center diverse Disabled voices and stories for both education and empowerment.

Jennifer highlights the diverse experiences of her guests, emphasizing Disabled resilience and humour, as well as the importance of authentic representation and intersectionality in disability narratives.

A brief summary of Finding Avalon’s first season, the episode thanks guests, listeners and collaborators while discussing the challenges faced during production as a Disabled creator. She also discusses listener engagement, recognition received and personal reflections on the impact of the podcast.

In a touching conclusion, Jennifer dedicates the podcast to her beloved late grandmother, Elizabeth, who lived with disabilities and chronic pain for most of her life. Her “Nan” was the original and early catalyst that ignited her passion for disability inclusion advocacy – long before Jennifer became disabled and chronically ill herself, a lifetime later.

In closing season one and celebrating a 20 episode first try at podcasting, Jennifer shares that a second season will be planned for later in 2026. She calls all listeners and supporters to follow, like, share and comment – and shares ways that people can donate or sponsor the show.

The show’s finale ends with commitment to continue advocating for disabled rights and inclusion in future seasons and in future series.

Takeaways

• Finding Avalon centers and elevates authentic disabled voices.
  
• The podcast showcases the resilience and humour of disabled people. Disabled folks are some of the innovative people you’ll ever meet.
  
• Sharing stories through advocacy helps us know we are not alone and fosters community.
  
• The Finding Avalon Podcast aims to stop the tropes reducing disabled stories to polarizing tragedies or uplifting inspirations. Disabled, chronically ill, and neurodivergent life is diverse and intersectional.
  
• The 20-installment audio podcast features 16 diverse guests from various backgrounds and around Canada and the world, as well as an introduction episode, finale episode (both with Jenna exclusively) and two bonus episodes!
  
• The vibrant picture painted in season one is the representation modern media needs now.
  
• Finding Avalon prioritizes and centers marginalized perspectives. Season One featured a variety of guests, including artists, advocates, allies, educators and healthcare professionals.
  
• Special thanks was given for the podcast’s theme music, which was contributed with permissions by the creators of the unreleased feature song “Coal Miner” by Naomi Kavka and collaborators Steve Hoskins, Brin Porter and Tony Castelic
  
• Listener engagement has been strong and encouraging with most of its audience being from Canada, France, Australia, the US and the UK.
  
• Finding Avalon’s listeners are engaged and diverse, spanning various age groups and backgrounds, including:  78% women ranging in age from 20s to 50s. 11% non-binary and 11% men, both ranging in age from 30s to 50s.
  
• Youngest listeners are 16 and eldest are 60+, making an accurate representation of the diverse demographics that disability impacts worldwide.
  
• Recognition for the podcast in 2025 came in the form of multiple nominations, shortlists, awards and media coverage. This highlights Finding Avalon’s (and Barnable’s) impact in advocacy and early impact for a new podcast and Disabled creator.
  
• Personal reflections reveal the challenges faced during production as a Disabled podcast producer and host creating a talk show for the first time from scratch.
  
• Barnable was recognized as a finalist and recipient of various awards in the inaugural year of the Finding Avalon Podcast.
  
• The podcast is dedicated to the memory of Barnable’s beloved grandmother, who also lived with disability. She was the host’s early and very personal catalyst for her advocacy passion and drive.
  
• Finding Avalon will return for Season Two, with future series and content continuing to advocate for disability inclusion.
  
• “Together we really are Finding Avalon – one story at a time.”

Listen to Episode 18 here

Episode 18: Season One Finale is available wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for supporting a disabled creator with a follow, share, comment and like!

Learn more

• Make a Donation or Become a Sponsor to keep Finding Avalon’s lights on! Contact hello@jenniferbarnable.com to find out ways to contribute in support of a Disabled creator
• Ways to Support Jenna and Finding Avalon
• Finding Avalon Podcast Blog
• Finding Avalon Season One Episode List

Accessibility: All episodes have been uploaded with transcripts across all platforms.