Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people

Carolyn Kiel

First impressions can take only 6 seconds to make! But if you're neurodivergent, those quick judgments about you can be misleading. That's where the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast comes in! Join me, Carolyn Kiel, as I talk with neurodivergent entrepreneurs, creators, advocates & more about their lives and identities. Their stories shatter misconceptions, break stigma and showcase the vibrance of neurodiversity.

  1. vor 4 Std.

    Disability representation in music

    Torina Gedler is a musician who is also known as DEĀ EX MACHINĀ, which means "Goddess from the machine" in Latin. With their lush synth-pop sound, DEĀ EX MACHINĀ promotes harmony and inclusion in society through authentic Disability representation in music.  DEĀ EX MACHINĀ advocates for the arts, LGBTQIA+ rights and Environmental and Disability Justice. Their debut EP, APO/THECARY, comes out on July 29, 2026. During this episode, DEĀ EX MACHINĀ discusses: Their work as a musician before and after being disabled by a brain injury Why it's important to have disability representation in music The main themes of their debut EP How joining RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities) influenced their work as a musician Their EP release party on July 29 in Des Moines, Iowa Learn more about DEĀ EX MACHINĀ at www.DeaExMachina.music and listen to their music on Subvert, Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. Learn more about Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities (RAMPD) at RAMPD.org. Listen to other Beyond 6 Seconds episodes with neurodivergent musicians: Adin Boyer (episode 227):  https://www.beyond6seconds.net/227  Kaishawna (episode 187):  https://www.beyond6seconds.net/187   Support or sponsor this podcast: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=IldZ1PQYP4E Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/dea-ex-machina Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192 Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider  *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

    Disability representation in music
  2. 13. Juli

    Neurodivergent creativity with Luke from the Howdy Beans Podcast

    Luke hosts the Howdy Beans Podcast, where he reviews movies, TV shows, video games, books, and all things pop culture. He is dyslexic with an overlap of dyspraxia and dyscalculia, and he's currently on the waiting list for an autism assessment. Luke is an avid reader who writes short stories and poems, and he's currently writing a dark fantasy novel. During this episode, you will hear Luke talk about: ●    How he discovered that he was neurodivergent at a young age ●    Why he doesn't take reading and writing for granted ●    His passion for writing stories ●    What led him to start the Howdy Beans Podcast and how he's kept it going for five years Listen to the Howdy Beans Podcast on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/74Pe9IWfTxxbVgEcTt47SG?si=af480bede172486c&nd=1&dlsi=0d644bd85ad24e46  Follow the Howdy Beans Podcast on Instagram and YouTube @thehowdybeanspodcast and on TikTok @the_howdybeans_podcast. Support or sponsor Beyond 6 Seconds: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: youtu.be/3RGlfliUoIQ Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/luke-howdy-beans-podcast Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192  Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

    Neurodivergent creativity with Luke from the Howdy Beans Podcast
  3. 29. Juni

    How ADHD Shaped a Career in Cancer Research and Health Equity – with Eugene Manley

    Dr. Eugene Manley Jr. is a cancer scientist, health equity leader, and longtime patient advocate working at the intersection of biomedical sciences, cancer care, AI ethics, and leadership. As a Black healthcare advocate and founder of SCHEQ (STEMM* & Cancer Health Equity), a nonprofit focused on cancer health equity, Eugene runs an annual lung cancer summit that brings together patients, clinicians, researchers, and industry to co-create solutions to disparities in screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Eugene has ADHD, which didn't get diagnosed until he was in graduate school.  *STEMM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine. Content note: This episode discusses medical/healthcare trauma and physical injuries. During this episode, you will hear Eugene talk about: Discovering his ADHD later in life, and how ADHD shaped him as a person  How his academic interests, education and career experiences led him to start his nonprofit The impact of a recent traumatic experience he had as a patient in the healthcare system How SCHEQ helps people understand their rights and options in healthcare settings Learn more about Eugene's work at SCHEQ.org. Support or sponsor this podcast: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H13-WoQuP9o Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/eugene-manley-scheq Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192 Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider  *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

    How ADHD Shaped a Career in Cancer Research and Health Equity – with Eugene Manley
  4. 15. Juni

    Your voice makes a difference – a conversation with the Othering Podcast

    As the hosts of the Othering Podcast, Mike and Dory advocate for marginalized communities. Their podcast provides a platform where neurodivergent, disabled and LGBTQ+ people can share their stories.  During this episode, you will hear Dory and Mike talk about: Why they started the Othering Podcast, and how they came up with the name of the show Sharing their own lived experiences of neurodivergence and disability on their podcast How they select their podcast guests and topics Why is it important to amplify the stories of disabled and LGBTQ+ people Learning from the feedback they have received about their podcast  The long-term impact they want their podcast to have Listen to the Othering Podcast interviews mentioned in this episode: Joseph Kibler: otheringpodcast.com/podcast/episode/6e011856/joseph-kibler-talks-about-disability-hiv-and-lgbtq-representation-in-hollywood  Mychal Threets: otheringpodcast.com/podcast/episode/7810e147/mychal-threets-reading-rainbow-adhd  You can find all episodes of the Othering Podcast at OtheringPodcast.com. Support or sponsor Beyond 6 Seconds: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/othering-podcast Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192  Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

    Your voice makes a difference – a conversation with the Othering Podcast
  5. 1. Juni

    Job searching for Black, Disabled, LGBTQ+ folks with Jasmine Williams-Jacobs of Black Remote She

    Jasmine Williams-Jacobs is the founder and director of Black Remote She, a community-driven platform for Black queer, trans, non-binary, disabled people and allies interested in working and connecting remotely. Black Remote She connects community members to remote-flexible job postings at equitable work cultures, as well as to liberatory networks, mutual aid support and gender-affirming resources as tools for economic empowerment.  Black Remote She has been recognized in numerous publications, including Essence, Stonewall, Community Centric Fundraising, INTO More, and Inclusion Hub.  Jasmine is also a 2025 Disability Rising Fellow with Disability Culture Lab, where they are helping to build narrative power for disability justice. During this episode, Jasmine talks about: The layoff that inspired them to start Black Remote She  The specific job searching challenges that Black, LGBTQ+ and disabled people face  How Black Remote She connects people to jobs and support resources How employers are vetted before they can post job listings on Black Remote She Visit BlackRemoteShe.com for more information about job postings and resources. Connect with Jasmine at info [at] blackremoteshe.com. Support or sponsor this podcast: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGN6f_EoFRo Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/black-remote-she Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192  Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider  *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

    Job searching for Black, Disabled, LGBTQ+ folks with Jasmine Williams-Jacobs of Black Remote She
  6. 25. Mai

    Changing the narrative around accessible fashion with Maura Horton - Crossover episode with Made For Us

    This is a special crossover episode with Made For Us, a podcast that explores the intersection of innovation and inclusion. On Made For Us, host Tosin Sulaiman speaks to founders, designers and business leaders who are thinking deeply and creatively about how to build better and more inclusive products. Tosin's guest on this episode is Maura Horton, CEO and founder of MagnaReady, an accessible fashion brand that enables millions of people with limited dexterity and mobility to dress independently. Maura developed the concept for MagnaReady after her husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's and struggled to button his shirts. She invented and eventually patented a magnetic closure system that replaces buttons and has since licensed the technology to Fortune 500 Companies including PVH Corp, owner of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger. Maura also partnered with and advised Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, the first mainstream brand to launch a children's adaptive apparel line. In this episode, Maura talks about: The state of the adaptive clothing market before MagnaReady How Maura got the inspiration to infuse magnets into her husband's shirts The challenges she faced in the design and manufacturing process Why Maura thinks the term 'adaptive' is unhelpful Learn more about MagnaReady at magnaready.com and @magnaready on Instagram. Listen to other episodes of Made For Us: podfollow.com/made-for-us/view Follow Made For Us on social media: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast  Instagram: instagram.com/madeforuspodcast  Support or sponsor Beyond 6 Seconds: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/accessible-fashion-maura-horton-magnaready Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192  Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider  Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

    Changing the narrative around accessible fashion with Maura Horton - Crossover episode with Made For Us
  7. 18. Mai

    Learning to read at age 32 with Oliver James, author of Unread

    Oliver James is a California-based personal trainer, motivational speaker, literacy activist, and influencer. He has been featured by Today, NPR, the Jennifer Hudson Show, the Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, Rachael Ray, and ABC News, among many others. Additionally, he received the Barbara Bush National Literacy Award in 2023.   Oliver is the author of "Unread: A Memoir of Learning (and Loving) to Read on TikTok." His book is about teaching himself to read starting at the age of 32, and his experience with childhood learning disabilities and educational neglect. In just 365 days, he went from barely being able to read a restaurant menu, to closing in on his goal of finishing 100 books in a year. Oliver has become a TikTok/BookTok sensation for the way he's documented his decision to learn to read as an adult, and his struggles and triumphs along the way. During this episode, you will hear Oliver talk about: Why he describes himself as being "functionally illiterate" and how his experience with literacy "started wrong" What inspired him to share his journey to learn how to read on social media, at the age of 32 How reading has profoundly changed his perspective on life What it was like writing a book about his experience Buy Oliver's book "Unread": hachettebookgroup.com/titles/oliver-james/unread/9781454959403/ Follow Oliver at oliverspeaks1 on Instagram, TikTok, Threads and YouTube. Email Oliver at OliverSpeaks1 [at] gmail.com. Learn more about the Nardagani app that has helped Oliver learn how to read: nardagani.com Support or sponsor this podcast: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=xWGXsqQaloQ Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/oliver-james-unread Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192  Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider  *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

    Learning to read at age 32 with Oliver James, author of Unread
  8. 4. Mai

    Art and Disability Advocacy with Justin Valenti

    Justin Valenti is an artist and disability advocate. He enjoys creating artwork in his home studio and at the VisAbility Art Lab at VisArts in Rockville, Maryland. He is also the business owner of Artistic Expressions by Justin K Valenti, and has exhibited his artwork in Maryland, Virginia and California.  Justin has been an advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities since childhood. He has been on the Board of Directors for the Arc Maryland since 2020.  During this episode, you will hear Justin talk about: What his life was like growing up with disabilities How he discovered his passion and talent for art How creating art helps his mental health His proudest achievements as an artist and disability advocate Learn more about Justin and his work at JKValenti2014.com and VisArtsCenter.org or contact Justin directly at justin.k.valenti [at] gmail [dot] com. Support or sponsor this podcast: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=lbv80Y58CTU Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/justin-valenti Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192  Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider  *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

    Art and Disability Advocacy with Justin Valenti

Info

First impressions can take only 6 seconds to make! But if you're neurodivergent, those quick judgments about you can be misleading. That's where the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast comes in! Join me, Carolyn Kiel, as I talk with neurodivergent entrepreneurs, creators, advocates & more about their lives and identities. Their stories shatter misconceptions, break stigma and showcase the vibrance of neurodiversity.

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