“Some days we run businesses. Some days we just run out of spoons.” That’s the kind of honesty that has made the 3Spoonies Podcast such a vital space in the UK’s disabled, chronically ill and neurodivergent community. Hosted by Claire, Karen and Jo — three disabled entrepreneurs juggling life, work and fluctuating health — the show blends humour, realism and practical advice.
For those unfamiliar to the term, “spoonies” is a nickname born from the spoon theory — a metaphor used by people with energy-limiting conditions to describe the finite energy (“spoons”) they have each day. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Through that lens, 3Spoonies explores what it means to live, work and thrive in a world that isn’t always accessible — and how to do it with a sense of community and joy.
“We wanted to make something that was both educational and entertaining,” explains co-host, Claire. “There’s a lot of advice out there for small businesses or for disabled people, but rarely do the two overlap — and that’s where we live.”
Real talk, real challenges, real solutions
Each episode dives into a topic that affects the disabled and chronically ill community — from employment and accessibility to creativity and rest.
In Energy-Limiting Conditions, the hosts answer community questions about returning to work, upskilling and communicating with employers. Exercising When You’re Disabled features disability fitness coach, Luna Rose and Adaptive Yoga Live founder, Miranda McCarthy, tackling the barriers to inclusive fitness. Their feature-length Discrimination episode invites a panel to discuss ableism and systemic exclusion, while Business Planning redefines success as knowing your “why,” not just writing a plan.
But it’s not all serious talk. The hosts’ chemistry and wit shine through in lighter episodes about gaming, TV, and the everyday hilarity of living life differently.
A platform for representation and change
At its heart, 3Spoonies aims to change how disabled people are represented — not as inspiration, but as experts in our own lives. It’s about showing that chronic illness and entrepreneurship aren’t mutually exclusive, and that accessibility benefits everyone.
Listeners describe the show as “like chatting with friends who get it” — part podcast, part community lifeline.
You can listen to the 3Spoonies Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, or visit: www.3spoonies.co.uk for episodes, resources and updates.
