The Special Interest The Special Interest Podcast

(TW:Talk about substances + suicide)

In episode fifty-nine, Alex and Karly introduce the pod to Vas.

From Vas: I am from Stockton CA. I graduated from UC Berkeley in 2020. I had a couple-year long career in case management, harm reduction, therapy, and social work, which was rewarding but drove me into the ground and didn’t give me the time to properly care for myself. I was suffering from autistic burnout (pre-diagnosis) and the problem was worsened by my frustration with my burnout symptoms impacting my ability to “function like normal”.
After taking a few months off to move back home and focus on my health, I was diagnosed (at 25 years old) with Autism. My diagnosis made me kinder on myself and more understanding of my challenges in light of the new diagnosis, and after learning to work with (as opposed to against) my brain I am now looking into doing Harm Reduction work (in direct service and policy) and potentially pursuing a PhD in Public Policy. I still don’t “function like normal”, but who the hell wants ‘normal’ anyway !

In this episode, Vas shares about their experiences with substance use, ways society can provide support and direction in harm reduction. This episode may be triggering to some, but is an important topic to learn about.

Thank you for listening! 3

-A+K

Connect with Vas: IG @vas.meatsuit

Reach out to us-

Email: pod.thespecialinterest@gmail.com

IG: @thespecialinterestpod

Join our Patreon: patreon.com/TheSpecialInterestPodcast

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Coaching with Karly: rewildtoroot.com / @rewildtoroot / rewildtoroot@gmail.com

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Music: Pretty Late

In episode fifty-eight, Alex and Karly arrive burnt out af. They tirelessly go on about tv shows and the importance of comfort tv while feeling burnt out. They share a listeners story and give shout outs to all their amazing Patreon members!

Thank you for listening! 3

-A+K

Next Monthly Meeting: April 25 @ 7PM EST

Reach out to us-

Email: pod.thespecialinterest@gmail.com

IG: @thespecialinterestpod

Join our Patreon: patreon.com/TheSpecialInterestPodcast

Discord: https://discord.gg/vn6RGPdqrT

Coaching with Karly: rewildtoroot.com / @rewildtoroot / rewildtoroot@gmail.com

Facebook: The Special Interest Podcast

Facebook Group: The Special Interest Podcast Fans!

Music: Pretty Late

In episode fifty-seven, Alex and Karly introduce the pod to Pete Wharmby. Pete was diagnosed with autism at 34 and then went on to writing two books, at the same time! In this episode, Pete shares about his journey as a late diagnosed autistic author, the importance of special interests, and advice for those who have learned they are autistic later in life.

Thank you for listening! 3

-A+K

Connect with Pete:

Twitter - @commaficionado Facebook - Pete Wharmby, Autistic Author Instagram - @petewharmby YouTube - /peterwharmby

Books: Un-Typical: How the World isn’t Built For Autistic People and What We Should All Do About It

What I Want To Talk AboutReach out to us-

Email: pod.thespecialinterest@gmail.com

IG: @thespecialinterestpod

Join our Patreon: patreon.com/TheSpecialInterestPodcast

Discord: https://discord.gg/vn6RGPdqrT

Coaching with Karly: rewildtoroot.com / @rewildtoroot / rewildtoroot@gmail.com

Facebook: The Special Interest Podcast

Facebook Group: The Special Interest Podcast Fans!

Music: Pretty Late

In episode fifty-six, Alex and Karly reminisce on emo music, blockbuster, and birthdays. They then go into talking about what this autism month means to them and their journeys.

Thank you for listening! 3

-A+K

Reach out to us-

Email: pod.thespecialinterest@gmail.com

IG: @thespecialinterestpod

Join our Patreon: patreon.com/TheSpecialInterestPodcast

Discord: https://discord.gg/vn6RGPdqrT

Coaching with Karly: rewildtoroot.com / @rewildtoroot / rewildtoroot@gmail.com

Facebook: The Special Interest Podcast

Facebook Group: The Special Interest Podcast Fans!

Music: Pretty Late

In episode fifty-five, Alex and Karly introduce the pod to Abby Lastowski. Abby is the author and illustrator of the Actually Owltistic web comic series, illustrator of "Slipper the Penguin: A Story About Embracing Neurodivergence", and mother of two daughters. After being diagnosed with autism and ADHD at 28 years old, Abby used her creativity and journey to help others feel more understood and built a community of fellow owls. In this episode, she shares about her journey and the joy that has unfolded from sharing her art. Thank you for listening! 3

-A+K

Connect with Abby:

IG/ Facebook / Kofi: @actuallyowltistic

Reach out to us-

Email: pod.thespecialinterest@gmail.com

IG: @thespecialinterestpod

Join our Patreon: patreon.com/TheSpecialInterestPodcast

Discord: https://discord.gg/vn6RGPdqrT

Coaching with Karly: rewildtoroot.com / @rewildtoroot / rewildtoroot@gmail.com

Facebook: The Special Interest Podcast

Facebook Group: The Special Interest Podcast Fans!

Music: Pretty Late

In episode fifty-four, Alex and Karly meet Robert Smythe. Robert Smythe is an award-winning theater artist who learned he was autistic when he was 50 years old. He was 59 when he had his first conversation with another autistic person, and that experience made everything in his life finally click into place. As a result of that revelation, he started and produces A Team, a podcast about the thrills and challenges of living with autism. Now in its 4th season, thousands of people in over 50 countries listen to it weekly. At least one clinical psychologist in New Zealand credits A Team with helping patients overcome depression and suicidal thoughts due to a late in life autism diagnosis.

In this episode, Robert talks about growing up without the autistic language and knowledge we now have. He shares his authentic autistic self and the journey that has brought him here.

Thank you for listening! 3

-A+K

Connect with Robert:

IG: @voicesmythe

Podcast: A Team

Reach out to us-

Email: pod.thespecialinterest@gmail.com

IG: @thespecialinterestpod

Join our Patreon: patreon.com/TheSpecialInterestPodcast

Discord: https://discord.gg/vn6RGPdqrT

Coaching with Karly: rewildtoroot.com / @rewildtoroot / rewildtoroot@gmail.com

Facebook: The Special Interest Podcast

Facebook Group: The Special Interest Podcast Fans!

Music: Pretty Late