The Blue Badge Bunch and Living with Cerebral Palsy -Re-visiting The Episode with Benny Shakes

As we draw season 1 of The Able to Care Podcast, to a close we revisit some old favourite episodes from our very first year. Season two starts on the 5th of November - remember remember!

On this recording Andy Baker and co-host Nadine Sutton are joined by stand-up comedian and disability advocate Benny Shakes. Benny shares his inspiring journey living with cerebral palsy (CP) and how it has shaped his career as a speaker and comedian. He discusses his challenges growing up, the stigma around disabilities, and his mission to raise awareness through his comedy and talks in schools.

Benny opens up about his childhood experiences, including how he wasn't fully aware of his condition until his teenage years, and how that realisation impacted his mental health. He talks candidly about the difficult times he faced, including turning to alcohol, and how he eventually found his purpose through comedy. Benny also reflects on the role his parents played in helping him navigate his disability and how their push for independence helped him become the person he is today.

Key Points Discussed:

• Benny’s journey with spastic cerebral palsy, from diagnosis at a young age to finding his identity as a teenager.
• The mental health challenges he faced growing up with CP and how he overcame them.
• The different types of cerebral palsy and their impact on mobility and daily living.
• Benny’s work as a disability awareness speaker in schools and corporate settings, promoting respect and understanding for people with disabilities.
• The importance of respect, representation, and the role of comedy in addressing misconceptions around disability.
• Benny’s experience at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the launch of his project, Blue Badge Bunch.

Benny's unique perspective, humour, and resilience make this episode an enlightening listen for anyone interested in disability awareness, mental health, and personal growth.

Connect with Benny Shakes:

• Website: Blue Badge Bunch
• Blue Badge Bunch is a disability awareness game show designed to educate and entertain audiences while breaking down stereotypes.

Be sure to check out Benny's latest comedy show Benny Shakes Gets Respect and his book Blue Badge Bunch with Benny Shakes, available on Amazon. You can also reach out to Benny for signed copies or bookings via the contact information provided on his website.

Enjoyed this episode? Don't miss out on future conversations! Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for upcoming episodes featuring insightful guests and fantastic hosts.

Stay connected! Follow us on social media @abletraining on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, @abletocarepodcast on TikTok)  for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and community engagement.

Want to delve deeper into topics discussed on the show? Visit our training website  https://www.able-training.co.uk/  for valuable resources and courses to support caregivers on their journey.

Thank you for listening! Your support means the world to us. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations