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People

Her mother’s disability ended her career; producer Chanel Bowen won’t let it happen again

In our latest podcast, host Em Herbert talks to Chanel about returning to the film industry and healthcare services in regional Western Australia. 

Like her mother, Chanel acquired a disability in her 20s. At the time, Chanel had already established herself in the film and TV industry and, after a period of recovery, she returned to set only to be told: “You’re a liability to our insurance.” 

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PHOTOGRAPHY SARAH ENTICKNAP

For Chanel, whose mother has always been a powerful role model, this act of discrimination wasn’t about to end her career. In fact, as she tells Em Herbert in the latest Life on the Land podcast episode: “I suddenly realised I had stories that needed to be heard.” 

In this frank and insightful conversation, Chanel discusses her return to the industry and the need for better specialist services for people in regional areas. She talks about the language we use and what to do when your curious kid approaches someone in a wheelchair. 

Produced by Jayne Cuddihy, this season of our Life on the Land podcast tells the stories of young women on the land. They come from all sectors, ranging from film to events, but all are disruptors, thought-leaders and changemakers.⁠

You can hear this Life on the Land episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast platforms. 

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