Meet Jumoke Abdullahi and Kym Oliver: The Triple Cripples

On this week’s episode of Let’s Go Together, the first podcast from iBestTravel, host Kellee Edwards is joined by two inspiring guests who are not letting anything stop them from seeing and experiencing the world in all its splendor—despite their disabilities.

The Dynamic Duo Behind The Triple Cripples

Jumoke Abdullahi and Kym Oliver are the London-based videography and podcast duo behind The Triple Cripples, a platform dedicated to increasing visibility and highlighting the narratives of Black and non-Black women, femmes, and non-binary people of color living with disabilities.

A Journey of Resilience

Wearing a leg brace and using crutches due to childhood polio has not hindered Abdullahi from exploring the globe. She has traveled to over 30 countries and has even swum with sharks and gone skydiving. Oliver, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in her early 20s and reliant on a wheelchair, found a kindred spirit in Abdullahi. They bonded over shared experiences. As Oliver explained, “Before I met Jumoke, I didn’t know anyone who was young, Black, and disabled, who was having the experience that I was having.”

Exploring the Intersection of Identity

During the episode, the duo elaborated to Edwards about how their identities as Black women with disabilities sparked the creation of The Triple Cripples. Abdullahi explained, “The triple within the cripple is to highlight the three layers of marginalization: race, gender, and ability. It’s about examining these intersections and how they affect our lives and those like us.”

Sharing Personal Experiences and Aspirations

Both Abdullahi and Oliver openly shared their personal experiences living with conditions that impact their daily lives as well as their journeys as passionate travelers. Abdullahi conveyed her urgent desire to experience the world, emphasizing the importance of grasping opportunities while her body allows it. “People often think they have all the time in the world to travel, but I received an early wake-up call,” she stated.

Traveling Together and Future Adventures

Abdullahi and Oliver also reflected on their travels together, including an emotionally impactful trip to Ghana. They discussed their hopes for future travels, aiming for vibrant destinations like Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and the Caribbean islands.

Tune Into Their Unique Perspectives

Discover more about Jumoke Abdullahi and Kym Oliver, the remarkable duo behind The Triple Cripples, on Let’s Go Together, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.