Inadequate Mother

• Autism diagnosis Processes and emotions- Inclusive story telling _ Pamela Aculey

  Welcome to the “Inadequate Mother” podcast a space dedicated to real conversations about feeling inadequate, breaking barriers, and building true inclusivity. Each month, we feature a special guest to explore powerful stories and random topics that challenge the single narrative and help us all feel less alone. This season, we’re diving deep into issues like representation, neurodiversity, and the impact of technology on accessibility.Weekly, join us as we learn to embrace the inadequate feeling when learning British Sign Language (BSL) together, discussing the challenges and triumphs of integrating into the Deaf community as hearing learners. We’ll share honest reflections on feeling lost, misunderstood, or anxious, and offer practical tips to promote understandingToday’s episode features Pamela Aculey, award-winning author, entrepreneur, and founder of Just Like Me Books and MIXD Reality. Pamela pioneered the UK’s first inclusive, interactive children’s picture books using augmented reality (AR) technology—transforming how stories are told for children of all backgrounds and abilities. Inspired by her autistic son, Pamela’s mission is to champion diversity, neurodiversity, and accessibility in education. We discuss how her technology could revolutionise communication and representation in the Deaf community, and why inclusive storytelling matters for everyone. Listen now to hear how Pamela’s journey is changing the narrative for children and families everywhere.

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• Why BSL Felt Like Home: Dyslexia, Interpreting & the Power of Sign Language

  If you’ve ever found yourself drawn to British Sign Language and thought, Why does this just make sense to me? — You’re not alone.This Part 2 of my signlanguage series In this week’s episode of Inadequate Mother, I’m going full Hayley Brown waffle about how BSL became not just a job, but part of my identity. I share how learning sign language helped me come to terms with my dyslexia in a whole new light, and how it shaped my career as a sign language interpreter.This episode is part of the honest, messy series where I open up about becoming an interpreter while dealing with all the other hats we wear — mum, friend, daughter, all while battling the never-ending voice of feeling not enough.I talk about: • Why sign language made sense for my dyslexic brain • How interpreting helped me understand myself • The absolute chaos of jumping from BSL Level 3/4 to Level 6 • Short-term memory struggles (cheers, menopause) • And why we need more honest conversations in the BSL communityIf you’re a single mum trying to build a career, a student trying to get through your BSL levels, or just someone who’s felt like a bit of an outsider – this one’s for you.I’ve been chatting about all this over on Instagram @hayleybrownandco — come and say hi, share your thoughts, and let’s keep this conversation going. We need more interpreters, and we need to talk about how hard it actually is.Subscribe, share, and stick around – I’ll be here waffling as long as you’re listening#BritishSignLanguage #DyslexiaAndProud #InadequateMotherPodcast #SingleMumCareer #BSLInterpreterJourney

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• My Journey Into Sign Language PART 1 | Becoming a BSL Interpreter | An Inadequate Mother Podcast

  In this heartfelt episode of INADEQUATE Mother, I share my personal journey into the world of British Sign Language (BSL) and becoming a BSL interpreter. This is the first in a series where I’ll speak openly about the path into this beautiful, challenging, and often misunderstood career — especially for those of us who didn’t grow up in the Deaf community.👉 If you’re learning sign language, training to become an interpreter, or simply curious about what it takes to step into the Deaf community as an outsider — this episode is for you.🎓 I answer some of the questions I’ve received from the trainee BSL community on Instagram, reflecting on everything from mental health, imposter syndrome, and motherhood, to identity, purpose, and perseverance.For me, becoming a sign language interpreter wasn’t just a job — it was a calling. I found this path during one of the hardest chapters of my life: I was grieving the loss of my mum to alcoholism, navigating life as a single parent, and surviving a toxic relationship. Amidst the chaos, I graduated with my degree (while pregnant with my second daughter, Ava!) — and that moment changed everything.✨ Learning sign language is more than just gaining a skill — it’s a mirror into how you connect, communicate, and care. I truly believe sign language belongs in all schools, not just for Deaf pupils but for hearing ones too.📺 This episode is fully BSL interpreted on YouTube.🔔 Hit subscribe to follow the series and hear more about my lived experiences.💬 Got questions, worries, or doubts about learning BSL or becoming an interpreter? Share them in the comments — let’s build a supportive space for everyone trying to find their way.

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• Reshaping mixed heritage with Jassa Ahluwalia: Actor and Author of 'Both not Half'

  00:00 Introduction & welcoming Jassa Ahluwalia  01:47 Jassa's background and dual heritage  05:22 Growing up British-Indian and navigating identity  09:10 Language, accent, and being ‘not Punjabi enough’  13:35 Jassa’s journey into acting and early career experiences  17:20 Being mixed race in the media industry  21:45 Creating #BothNotHalf and its impact  27:12 The power of storytelling and reclaiming narratives  33:00 Shifting perspectives on masculinity and emotions  39:05 Reflections on privilege, responsibility, and allyship  45:50 Jassa’s advice for young creatives  48:30 Final thoughts and where to find Jassa onlineIn this episode of The Inadequate Mother, Hayley Brown sits down with actor, writer, and dual heritage advocate Jassa Ahluwalia for an open and honest chat about identity, belonging, and breaking binary thinking. Known for his work on TV (including Some Girls and Unforgotten) and for his powerful online movement around the phrase “Both Not Half”, Jassa shares his experiences growing up with mixed British-Indian heritage, feeling disconnected from both cultures, and the journey towards embracing all sides of who he is.Hayley and Jassa delve into the language of identity, the limits of labels like “half-Indian” or “not Indian enough”, and how parenthood, society, and systemic thinking can shape the way we see ourselves. It’s a heartfelt and reflective conversation full of real talk, mutual discovery, and compassion—for ourselves and our children.Find out more about Jassa’s work and his book Both Not Half here:🌐 https://www.jassaahluwalia.com📘 Order the book: https://www.jassaahluwalia.com/bookFollow Hayley on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hayleybrown_andco/

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  1:21:07
• What’s Changing in Botox? Aesthetician Leanne Edge Explains

  0:00:09 - Introduction of Leanne Edge and her background0:05:00 - Discussion about working as a single mom and business flexibility0:11:48 - Challenges of parenting teenagers0:20:00 - Conversation about family dynamics and single parenting0:34:57 - Discussion about Botox regulations changes0:40:35 - Introduction of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatment for hair loss0:42:00 - Details about PRP treatment and its benefitsIn this episode of Inadequate Mother, Hayley Brown sits down with aesthetician and salon owner Leanne Edge of Edge Studio (Nuneaton) to chat about motherhood, business, and the beauty world — including the major changes to Botox rules coming into effect on June 1.Leanne explains what these UK Botox regulation changes mean for practitioners and clients, how it will impact pricing, and what women need to know if they are booking treatments.They also dive into:Life as single mothers balancing teens and businessSetting boundaries and handling mom guiltPRP treatments for hair loss and skin rejuvenationThe emotional load of parenting and why repair mattersThis is an open, relatable, and insightful chat about beauty, self-care, and motherhood, with plenty of tips and laughs along the way.Don’t forget to subscribe, comment, and follow for more accessible, honest conversations.Find Leanne at: https://www.instagram.com/edge.studio.uk/Follow Hayley at: https://www.instagram.com/hayleybrown_andco/

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