In the media
I’m no stranger to the media
As an award-winning journalist and disability advocate, my work has been featured all over the globe.
But it doesn’t stop there. I’ve been interviewed and featured in news articles, on radio and podcasts, in documentaries, on TV, and much more.
My speaker topics
Typically, I talk about:
- Journalism (including ethical journalism)
- Disability (including mental health and chronic pain)
- SEO copywriting and editing
- What it was like to live through the 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires
- Bushfire recovery
- Working (and writing) with trauma
- Animal rights and veganism
- The power of storytelling for advocacy
- The importance of rest and self-care
- How to run a business while living with chronic pain
And more (I’m a bit of an open book!)
Zoe Simmons shared her story as part of the She’s the Boss and Stories that Stir® International Women’s Day event. She was real, raw and had me on the edge of my seat listening to her every word. I learnt a lot from listening to her story and left feeling more empathy for what people with disabilities go through. I also learnt some simple ways I can make sure my events are inclusive and inviting for those who live with a disability. I was very inspired by her courage and determination and am grateful I was given the opportunity to see the world from her perspective.
Zoe Simmons has been an invaluable collaborator on multiple CoAct projects, most recently presenting at our 2024 ConnectUp Conference. Her session on cultivating customer-centric, inclusive language was both passionate and thought-provoking, resonating deeply with our members. Zoe’s genuine approach, combined with her expertise in disability advocacy, made her presentation not only informative but also inspiring. Her ability to connect with the audience and elevate awareness of best practices for DES is truly commendable. We are grateful for her ongoing contributions to our work.
About me
I’m a self-confessed word nerd, after publishing my first article at the young age of 16.
Advocacy
I write to make a difference in the world. And there are many causes I advocate for.
Portfolio
Want a peak at some of my work? Then feel free to check out my portfolio.
Want me to speak at your event or on your podcast?
Interested in having me on your podcast, speak at or MC your event, or interview me on radio? Let’s chat.
Follow me on socials
Podcast and radio appearances
ABC Drive
My book and survival in the 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfires
Triple U FM and Thursday Drive
The Black Summer Bushfires and my book
Kickass Radio
The SDA Housing Podcast
Episode 97 with Zoe Simmons
Candid Conversations with Melanie Foulkes
Instagram interview
Working with Chronic Pain with Zoe Simmons
The Committed Creative Podcast
Managing a chronic illness while growing a business
Marketing and Me Podcast
Biz Success Radio
Radio interview
2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires
i98 Radio appearance
We burned and the world forgot
I Swear I Never podcast
Living with chronic pain, surviving a natural disaster and writing to smash stigmas
Get real: Talking about Mental Health and Disability podcast
Zoe Simmons on invisible disabilities, using mobility aids as a young person and her upcoming book on the Black Summer Bushfires of 2019/2020
A Woman Charged podcast
The Disability Community saved my life
The I Can’t Stand podcast
The journey to being a Disability Advocate
Heal Your Heart, Heal Your Life podcast
Integrate your personal mission into your work
The One that Works for You podcast
Episode 11 - Zoe Simmons
Emerge Australia Imagine podcast
Heartbreak high aka All Hail Queen Chloe Hayden
Psychocinematic podcast
INSPIRE with Zoe Simmons - multiple chronic illnesses
The Michael Brian Show
Integrate your personal mission into your work
Word Candy podcast
Living and working with chronic pain?
Biz Success Radio podcast
Being better in your business and writing inclusive copy
The Clever Copywriting podcast
Inclusive marketing matters with Zoe Simmons
Small Business Made Simple podcast
Appearances on TV & documentaries
AbiliTV
Why can’t everyone catch the train in Melbourne? The Rail FAIL Exposed | AbiliTV Ep 211
Women with Disabilities Victoria (WDV)
Pleasure and Empowerment
Women with Disabilities Victoria (WDV)
Curious Conversations About Pleasure and Consent
Women with Disabilities Victoria (WDV)
Challenging Stigma Around Pleasure
Women with Disabilities Victoria (WDV)
Building Trust and Respect
10 News First
The great resignation
Four corners
The stories behind the viral videos from Australia’s bushfire crisis
Laneway
A CTV News project
19 September 2025
Laneway
A CTV News projedt
3 October 2025
Laneway
A CTV News project
31 October 2025
Laneway
7 November 2025
Reframed
Olivia Hargroder and I discuss life with disabilities
All in (CTV+)
Season 1, Episode 2
All in (CTV+)
Season 1, Episode 4
All in (CTV+)
Season 1, Episode 6
University of Wollongong
Disability at work: #1 myth debunked
Articles & Blog appearances
I’ve written hundreds of articles. But I’m also often quoted and featured in pieces by other writers. Here’s a few!

Disability advocate criticises 'revolting' changes to NDIS
Published by Yahoo! news.

NDIS participants highlight mental toll of navigating 'complex' system
Published on ABC News.

Incident in Woolworths car parks highlights need for change on issue impacting millions
Published in Yahoo News.

Qantas passenger lashes out after airline commits infuriating act THREE times: 'We sincerely apologise'
Published in Daily Mail.

Co-designing the Questions: Shaping sexual safety research with Neurodivergent Communities
Published by the National Disability Research Partnership (NDRP).

30-year Disability advocate takes aim at illegal driver act
Published on news.com.au.

Qantas passenger hits out over hidden travel frustration for thousands of Aussies
Published in Yahoo News.

Aussie exposes major danger in new $13 billion rail project
Published in Yahoo! News.

How inclusive marketing can help you reach more customers in 2025
Published on Jenn Donovan’s blog.

Sinister side-effect of bosses' strict office rule
Published on news.com.au.

Zoe's wheelchair was damaged on a Qantas flight. The airline initially refused to repair it
Published in SBS News.

Qantas apologises after initially refusing to cover cost of woman's wheelchair left broken after flight
Published in Nine News.

Heard AI is coming for your job? For these copywriters, that 'future' arrived months ago
Published in ABC News.

Thousands of Australian residents had to take refuge on a beach as wildfires raged
Published in CNN World.

Storytelling on the Spectrum with Simmons
Published by Disability Support Guide.

Covid lockdown-weary Melburnians fleeing to country Victoria
Published by Sunday Herald Sun.

Meet Zoe Simmons, award-winning journalist, editor, copywriter, author, speaker and disability advocate
Published by Women Changing the World Awards.

What entrepreneurs and business people with a disability want you to know
Published by Kochie’s Business Builders.

‘It’s apocalyptic’: Popular tourist spots on NSW south coast devastated by fires
Published by Yahoo News Australia.

Zoe Simmons advocates for individuals with disabilities through her journalism
Published by Stevie Awards.

Australian Airlines Becoming Increasingly Unfriendly
Published by Reduced Mobility.

Australia fires: Thousands flee to beach to escape
Published in BBC news.

Good Vibes Only: The Dark Side of Positivity
Published by Women’s Health Magazine.

A Chronic Entrepreneur
Published by A Chronic Entrepreneur.

This Is Your Reminder That You’re Still Allowed To Call In Sick While Working From Home
Published by Pedestrian.

True Crime TV Shows Force Us To Face Society’s Misdeeds – but who are they really helping?
Published in Refinery 29.

'I'm 21 and have a very good reason why I never want children.'
Published by Mamamia.

Why Your Blog on Your Website is the Hub of Your Online Marketing
Published by Organic Growth.

Doing it differently with Zoe Simmons
Published by Laini Bennett.

Remembering loved ones affected by cancer on Valentine’s Day
Published by Cancer Council NSW.
Want to interview me?
Well, firstly, I’m flattered. Please feel free to get in touch today.