Disability-focused publication Lifestyle Magazine is launching a podcast series about navigating life in a disabling world, the brand has announced, hosted by broadcaster and disability rights campaigner Samantha Renke and Lifestyle Magazine editor Sophie-Marie Odum.
Lifestyle Magazine is produced by content marketing agency Wonderly (part of PodPod’s parent company Haymarket Media Group) on behalf of national disability charity Motability, which focuses on transport accessibility.
“Lifestyle will be able to reach out to customers and the broader disability community in a new and fun way,” said Odum. “Millions of people listen to podcasts so it’s exciting to be branching out to the wider world. Working with Sam is great fun, she is a leading voice on inclusion and disability.”
The podcast, titled The Motability Lifestyle Pod, is produced in partnership with Wonderly and podcast production company Rethink Audio. The series is launching next week on 31 July and will explore a number of topics including accessible travel, dating with a disability, and more.
A number of guests from the disability community will also be joining Renke and Odum to discuss these topics, including Lifestyle Magazine Drive editor Matt Lizzimore giving listeners everything they need to know from the world of cars.
“At last a dream job with a dream team! I’m delighted to be co-hosting the new podcast from the powerhouse that is Motability, bringing you all the latest disability fun and frolics with The Motability Lifestyle Pod,” said Renke. “In a world that can often feel overwhelming and news forums that lean towards a negative bias narrative, I’m so happy to bring some light and wholesome content with lots of laughter and of course plenty of Samantha sass.”
“Known for my no bars held approach I will be bringing this in full force to The Motability Lifestyle Pod as we are all about amplifying the voices of disabled people.”
As part of its initiative to keep the podcast accessible and inclusive, the podcast will be available in video form with captions and a British Sign Language (BSL) signer provided by Red Bee Media through Wonderly, with written transcripts of the episodes available online.
“When Wonderly recommended we do a podcast, it was a no-brainer,” said Motability senior press and PR manager Gail Rossiter. “It’s a fantastic way to bring Lifestyle Magazine to a wider audience, especially on our 45th anniversary as we look to the future. And the fact that they have thought of all the ways to make it accessible is key. It has been a pleasure to work with Wonderly. They are such knowledgeable people and an absolute joy to work with.”
