The Neurodivergent Connection / The Curious Storyteller

Reid
  • 4.9 (10)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Biweekly

Reid Miles Podcasts Two shows. One curiosity-driven mission: telling human stories that matter. Hosted by Reid Miles, this podcast feed is home to two distinct but connected conversations. The Neurodivergent Connection centers neurodivergent voices lived experience, late diagnosis, advocacy, creativity, and the realities of navigating a world not built for autistic minds. These episodes focus on understanding, accessibility, and belonging, grounded in honesty and real conversation rather than clinical distance. The Curious Storyteller began as a celebration of remarkable people and the stories that shaped them. It has since evolved into deeper, reflective conversations about identity, resilience, reinvention, and the quiet moments that change us. Guests include creators, athletes, leaders, and thinkers not to be interviewed, but to be heard. Both shows share the same foundation: unscripted conversations, emotional intelligence, and curiosity over performance. This isn’t about polished success stories or neat conclusions — it’s about connection, reflection, and telling the truth while the story is still being written. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  1. 2d ago

    From Surviving in Silence to Finding Your Voice After Autism and C PTSD

    What Happens When Autism, C-PTSD, and Self-Worth Finally Start to Make Sense What if the hard parts of your past finally started to make sense—and you realized you still had a say in what comes next? In this episode, I sit down with Lawrence Harris for an honest conversation about autism, C-PTSD, emotional regulation, and what it takes to rebuild self-worth when life has taught you to question it. We talk about what it feels like to grow up misunderstood, how trauma can shape relationships and daily life, and the quiet shift that happens when surviving turns into something more intentional. Lawrence shares parts of his story with real honesty, from childhood abuse and abandonment wounds to the tools that helped him start seeing himself more clearly. We also talk about why journaling became such a powerful practice for him, what progress actually looked like, and how he turned painful experiences into work that now helps young people feel less alone. If you've ever wondered why certain patterns keep showing up—or how healing can begin to feel possible—this conversation will give you a lot to think about. And there are a few moments in this episode that may stay with you long after it ends. About the Guest Lawrence Harris is a speaker and content creator who shares his lived experience with autism, C-PTSD, healing, and emotional growth to support young people who are still finding their footing. Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Lawrence and ask what life felt like before he had words for autism and C-PTSD3:21 - The moment therapy began helping things click into place6:44 - What C-PTSD looked like in everyday life, emotionally and physically14:03 - When Lawrence realized he wanted more than just getting through16:41 - The first real step he took toward healing17:28 - How journaling helped him build emotional awareness24:59 - Rebuilding self-worth after years of feeling misunderstood33:25 - What Lawrence does when old fears still show up43:03 - How his story became a way to help others50:36 - What lasting growth really looks like in real life Lawrence's Links: LawrenceCMpowers.com Show Affiliate https://shop.adhddd.com/NEURODIVERGENT_CONNECTION If this episode speaks to you, listen to the full conversation and share it with someone who needs the reminder that they are not alone. #NeurodivergentConnection #AutismAwareness #CPTSDHealing #MentalHealthSupport #SelfWorth Hosted by Reid Miles.Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush. 🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts🌐 More about the show and past episodes: https://podcast.ausha.co/neurodivergantconnection-thecuriousstroyteller📩 Guest inquiries & media: Reid@AspergersStudio.com Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  2. 4d ago

    The Curious Storyteller: How a Former Pastor Lost Certainty and Found a Faith That Felt Real

    When Doubt Doesn’t Break Faith, but Makes It More Honest What happens when the beliefs you inherited no longer fit, but your faith doesn’t disappear? In this episode, I sit down with Brent Johnson to talk about what comes after certainty starts to crack. We talk about growing up in a strict Christian world, how hard it can feel to question what you were taught, and why doubt isn’t always the enemy people make it out to be. Brent shares how years in ministry pushed him to ask harder questions about church, identity, leadership, and what faith looks like when performance falls away. If you’ve ever wrestled with religious doubt, spiritual pressure, or the fear of asking honest questions, this conversation may stay with you. I’m also sharing what surprised me most in our discussion about community, belonging, and why some people leave systems while still holding onto God. About my guest: Brent Johnson is a former pastor, author of Broken Before God: When Faith and Calamity Collide, and host of the More to Church podcast. He speaks openly about faith deconstruction, church culture, and finding a more grounded belief on the other side. Key Timestamps 0:02 - Why this conversation about doubt, certainty, and faith matters1:20 - Brent’s upbringing in a strict Christian home5:28 - The slow moment when inherited beliefs started to crack10:22 - Ministry, church culture, and the questions that wouldn’t go away14:52 - Why deconstruction didn’t lead Brent away from faith22:49 - When church identity starts replacing personal identity25:36 - What felt more real after letting go of old assumptions38:42 - The fear that comes with rethinking childhood beliefs49:06 - Being a pastor, identity, and life outside official roles56:13 - What parts of Christianity remained after everything was questioned73:41 - What Brent wants people with doubts to know80:01 - What a healthy Christian community could look like now Brandt's Links: Instagram: @bcj5_10TikTok: TicTok: brandtjohnson2Email: somethingmorepod@gmail.com Help me get my book published: https://paypal.me/fullconversation?locale.x=en_US&country.x=US Show Affiliate: https://shop.adhddd.com/NEURODIVERGENT_CONNECTION If this episode speaks to something you’ve been carrying, listen all the way through and share it with someone who’s asking quiet questions of their own. #FaithDeconstruction #SpiritualAbuse #ChristianCommunity #ReligiousDoubt #PodcastInterview Hosted by Reid Miles.Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush. 🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts🌐 More about the show and past episodes: https://podcast.ausha.co/neurodivergantconnection-thecuriousstroyteller📩 Guest inquiries & media: Reid@AspergersStudio.com Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    The Curious Storyteller: How a Former Pastor Lost Certainty and Found a Faith That Felt Real

  3. Sep 2

    She Thought Picture This Was Just a Phrase Until One Question Changed Everything

    What If “Picture This” Doesn’t Work for You? What if the way I’ve been told to think, remember, or heal was built for a different kind of mind? In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Paulina Trevenna to talk about ADHD, aphantasia, memory, and why so many therapy and hypnosis methods quietly assume that everyone can visualize. If you’ve ever felt like certain tools just don’t land for you, this episode may help you see why. We talk about the moment Paulina realized people really do “see” images in their minds, how that changed her understanding of imagination, and why that discovery led her into research. We also get into the hidden gap between common hypnosis techniques and neurodivergent inner experiences, including what can happen when practitioners mistake difference for resistance. You’ll hear why this matters for people with ADHD, autism, aphantasia, and anyone supporting neurodivergent people. More importantly, I’m sharing a conversation that asks a bigger question: how many systems were built around one kind of brain? About the Guest Dr. Paulina Trevenna is a researcher, speaker, and hypnotherapist focused on aphantasia, hypnosis, and neurodivergence. She also leads the Aphantasia World community and teaches practitioners how to better support people who can’t visualize in the usual way. Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Dr. Paulina Trevenna1:35 - Feeling different before having the words for it7:40 - The therapy session that revealed aphantasia13:43 - Entering hypnosis without visualization22:50 - What happens when standard techniques don’t work32:50 - The two big research questions Paulina set out to answer36:05 - What thinking feels like without mental images47:20 - Why therapy and meditation often miss neurodivergent minds55:17 - Adapting hypnosis for different inner experiences66:40 - What aphantasia reveals about human thinking70:14 - Where to find Paulina online If this episode speaks to you, listen through and share it with someone who’s been told they’re “doing it wrong” when they may just be wired differently. #Aphantasia #ADHD #Neurodivergent #Hypnosis #MentalHealth Hosted by Reid Miles.Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush. 🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts🌐 More about the show and past episodes: https://podcast.ausha.co/neurodivergantconnection-thecuriousstroyteller📩 Guest inquiries & media: Reid@AspergersStudio.com Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  4. Aug 31

    The Curious Storyteller: Why Knowing What to Do Still Does Not Lead to Action

    Why Knowing Isn’t Enough to Change, and What Actually Helps You Move Forward I sat down with Dr. Radhika Achari for a conversation that felt both practical and deeply personal: why some things come naturally, why other things feel painfully hard, and why knowing what to do still doesn’t mean we’ll do it. In this episode, I explore how growth mindset, environment, and self-story shape the way we act. We talk about the hidden space between intention and action, why simple advice can fall apart in real life, and how small wins can change the way you see yourself. If you’ve ever felt stuck, behind, or tired of comparing yourself to everyone else, this one will likely hit home. I also get into how systems can reduce stress, why confidence often comes after action, and what it means to build support that fits the person instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all answer. There’s a lot here for parents, educators, neurodivergent people, and anyone trying to make change feel possible again. About the Guest Dr. Radhika Achari is a clinician, behavior analyst, and organizational leadership expert. She blends behavior science with a people-focused view of growth, helping individuals and families build skills, reduce barriers, and create change that fits real life. Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Dr. Achari and ask what first shaped her curiosity about growth 4:20 - We talk about comparison, competition, and learning to value different strengths 13:31 - Why knowing what to do is rarely enough to create change 15:28 - How systems reduce stress and support executive functioning 22:53 - Why simple advice can feel almost impossible to follow 32:18 - How the stories we tell ourselves keep us stuck 36:05 - A simple “what if” question that can help you start again 41:06 - What behavior analysis and leadership taught her about people 45:00 - How workplaces can create burnout without meaning to 47:52 - How to pursue growth without turning life into a constant self-fix project 54:20 - The question that reveals what’s really blocking progress 55:08 - Why waiting for confidence usually keeps us frozen 66:13 - What helps people feel psychologically safe enough to grow 72:27 - What growth really looks like when life hasn’t gone to plan Dr Achari's Links: Website:analyzeandact.com Instagram:@analyze_n_act Help bring Fearless Footsteps into the World: https://paypal.me/fullconversation?locale.x=en_US&country.x=US Show Affiliate: https://shop.adhddd.com/NEURODIVERGENT_CONNECTION If this conversation speaks to you, listen to the full episode and share it with someone who needs a gentler, clearer way to think about growth. #GrowthMindset #Neurodiversity #ExecutiveFunctioning #ParentingSupport #PersonalGrowth Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    The Curious Storyteller: Why Knowing What to Do Still Does Not Lead to Action

  5. Aug 28

    How One Autism Diagnosis Helped a Mother See Herself More Clearly

    When Autism Changes How I See Parenting, Identity, and Connection What if understanding an autistic child starts with seeing yourself more clearly? In this episode, I sit down with Irini Hara for a deeply personal conversation about raising an autistic son, living through years of uncertainty, and rethinking what “normal” even means. We talk about the early signs she noticed, the loneliness many parents carry in silence, and the moment she began looking at both her son and herself through a different lens. What stayed with me most is how this conversation moves beyond labels. Irini shares why self-regulation matters so much in parenting, why acceptance can change the whole relationship, and why some of the biggest struggles families face are often missed by schools, systems, and even the medical world. She also opens up about the questions she’s still asking about trauma, autism, and support. If you’re a parent, educator, caregiver, or someone finding your own way through neurodivergence, I think this episode will leave you feeling seen—and maybe questioning a few things in the best way. About the Guest Irini Hara is a researcher, facilitator, and mother who shares conversations around autism, trauma, healing, and family systems. She also hosts Autism 360 Degrees and creates content for parents and families looking for wider support and understanding. Key Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Irini and we begin with the first signs she noticed in her son3:19 - We talk about the emotions that came with uncertainty before diagnosis5:43 - Irini shares how she began noticing autistic traits in herself11:40 - What changed how she understood her son14:01 - What parenting an autistic child taught her about connection17:34 - The powerful lesson her son taught her about “normal”20:25 - How motherhood led her toward trauma work and healing practices29:02 - Why she started questioning traditional explanations of autism38:15 - The conversations she wishes the medical world would have47:34 - What she hopes her son never loses as he grows up50:10 - Her message to overwhelmed parents listening right now If this episode speaks to you, listen all the way through and share it with someone who needs more support around autism, parenting, and neurodivergence. #AutismAwareness #NeurodivergentConnection #ParentingSupport #Neurodiversity #AutisticChildren Hosted by Reid Miles.Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush. 🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts🌐 More about the show and past episodes: https://podcast.ausha.co/neurodivergantconnection-thecuriousstroyteller📩 Guest inquiries & media: Reid@AspergersStudio.com Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  6. Aug 26

    When One Unanswered Text Feels Like Proof You Are Not Enough

    What Rejection Sensitivity Really Feels Like—and How I Start Moving Through It If you’ve ever read too much into a text, replayed a silence for hours, or felt one small moment hit far harder than it “should,” this conversation will likely feel very familiar. In this episode, I sit down with "BB" Brito to talk about rejection sensitive dysphoria in a way that feels real, human, and easy to understand. We get into what rejection can feel like in the mind and body, why uncertainty can send us into a spiral so fast, and why so many neurodivergent people end up apologizing, overexplaining, or pulling away before anyone else can. I’m also sharing parts of my own experience, so this isn’t just theory. It’s an honest conversation about ADHD, relationships, masking, people-pleasing, and the inner stories we tell ourselves when we feel left out or misunderstood. Bibi also shares a few gentle ways to create space between what happened and the meaning our brain adds to it. About my guest: "BB Brito" is a nurse, speaker, and RSD guide who helps neurodivergent women understand rejection sensitivity and build a steadier relationship with themselves. If rejection has been running the show in your friendships, family life, or sense of self, this episode may help you feel a little more seen—and a lot less alone. Key Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome BB and we define what RSD can feel like7:49 - When small moments turn into overwhelming pain13:29 - What “RSD survival” looks like in daily life15:01 - What rejection does to the nervous system22:08 - Why unanswered messages can feel so personal28:12 - A simple way to separate facts from the story in my head30:02 - The link between people-pleasing and fear of rejection42:01 - How to interrupt worst-case thinking57:03 - How rejection sensitivity can strain close relationships84:25 - What I want you to remember when your mind is spiraling Listen in, and if this episode speaks to you, share it with someone who needs language for what they’ve been feeling. #RejectionSensitivity #Neurodivergent #ADHD #AutismAwareness #MentalHealth Hosted by Reid Miles.Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush. 🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts🌐 More about the show and past episodes: https://podcast.ausha.co/neurodivergantconnection-thecuriousstroyteller📩 Guest inquiries & media: Reid@AspergersStudio.com Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  7. Aug 24

    The Curious Storyteller: How One House at a Time Can Build Freedom Without Waiting for Someday

    From Corporate Burnout to Building Wealth on Her Own Terms with Tanya Rooney What happens when a “secure” job stops feeling safe and your life starts running on autopilot? In this episode, I sit down with Tanya Rooney to talk about what it really took to walk away from corporate real estate, face the fear of leaving a steady paycheck, and start building wealth one property at a time. We get into the mental load, the risk, the hard conversations with a partner, and the part social media rarely shows when it comes to house flips and Airbnb ownership. Tanya shares how she went from burnout and routine to owning multiple properties and creating a business that fits her life better. We also talk about why some “good opportunities” are actually expensive mistakes, what new investors often miss, and why changing lanes doesn’t mean you failed. If you’ve been telling yourself “maybe someday,” this conversation might make you question what’s really holding you back. About the Guest Tanya Rooney is a real estate investor and business owner who built a short-term rental portfolio after leaving corporate real estate. She now helps women think differently about building long-term wealth through property ownership and practical action. Timestamps 0:12 - Tanya looks back on corporate life and when things started to feel off 4:11 - Why “security” means something very different now 6:44 - The moment real estate became more than a day job skill 15:16 - Why she finally left corporate and took the leap 22:32 - The hidden emotional cost of flipping houses 32:36 - How one stalled sale led to an Airbnb business 36:26 - Why Airbnb is not passive, no matter what people say 51:43 - Building wealth one house at a time 61:39 - What Tanya wants women to hear before they wait another year Tanya Links https://www.tanyarooney.com/ https://www.instagram.com/tanyarooneymn/ https://www.facebook.com/TanyaRooney28 https://www.youtube.com/@tanyarooneymn Show Affiliate https://shop.adhddd.com/NEURODIVERGENT_CONNECTION If this episode got you thinking about burnout, real estate investing, Airbnb, or building wealth in a way that fits your life, listen to the full conversation and let me know what part stayed with you most. #RealEstateInvesting #AirbnbBusiness #WomenInBusiness #BuildWealth #EntrepreneurMindset Hosted by Reid Miles.Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush. 🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts🌐 More about the show and past episodes: https://podcast.ausha.co/neurodivergantconnection-thecuriousstroyteller📩 Guest inquiries & media: Reid@AspergersStudio.com Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    The Curious Storyteller: How One House at a Time Can Build Freedom Without Waiting for Someday

  8. Aug 21

    The Traits That Make You Vulnerable Can Also Help You Heal

    When Neurodivergence, Gaslighting, and Emotional Abuse Overlap What happens when being wired differently gets used against you? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Wanda Kaye to talk about why emotional abuse can hit neurodivergent people in ways that are confusing, isolating, and painfully hard to name. We talk about gaslighting, trauma bonds, pattern recognition, and why leaving an abusive dynamic can feel harder than it looks from the outside. Dr. Wanda also shares how family culture, ADHD, autism, and the need for predictability can all shape what abuse feels like from the inside. More importantly, I explore with her what healing can look like when your mind understands the harm, but your body still feels stuck. If you've ever questioned your reality, blamed yourself, or wondered why it takes so long to feel safe again, this conversation will give you language for experiences many people carry in silence. I also get into why community matters so much, and what early recovery can look like before life feels steady again. About the Guest Dr. Wanda is a clinician, professor, and the founder of Holisticated Health. Her work focuses on narcissistic emotional abuse recovery, somatic healing, and support for neurodivergent people working through complex relationship trauma. Timestamps 0:40 - I welcome Dr. Wanda and set up the conversation3:49 - Why neurodivergent traits can be targeted in abusive relationships10:36 - When emotional abuse becomes something deeper and distorting17:42 - The long road to realizing something isn’t right21:53 - Why gaslighting and trauma bonds can hit so hard37:33 - Why these patterns can take longer to break43:09 - When logic isn’t enough and the body still holds the pain48:33 - How the NEAR program came together52:40 - What Dr. Wanda wants stuck listeners to hear right now Dr Wanda's Site holisticatedhealth.com Show Affiliate https://shop.adhddd.com/NEURODIVERGENT_CONNECTIONIf this episode speaks to you, listen through to the end and share it with someone who needs clearer words for what they’ve been living through. #Neurodivergent #EmotionalAbuse #Gaslighting #TraumaHealing #AutismADHD Hosted by Reid Miles.Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush. 🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts🌐 More about the show and past episodes: https://podcast.ausha.co/neurodivergantconnection-thecuriousstroyteller📩 Guest inquiries & media: Reid@AspergersStudio.com Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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Reid Miles Podcasts Two shows. One curiosity-driven mission: telling human stories that matter. Hosted by Reid Miles, this podcast feed is home to two distinct but connected conversations. The Neurodivergent Connection centers neurodivergent voices lived experience, late diagnosis, advocacy, creativity, and the realities of navigating a world not built for autistic minds. These episodes focus on understanding, accessibility, and belonging, grounded in honesty and real conversation rather than clinical distance. The Curious Storyteller began as a celebration of remarkable people and the stories that shaped them. It has since evolved into deeper, reflective conversations about identity, resilience, reinvention, and the quiet moments that change us. Guests include creators, athletes, leaders, and thinkers not to be interviewed, but to be heard. Both shows share the same foundation: unscripted conversations, emotional intelligence, and curiosity over performance. This isn’t about polished success stories or neat conclusions — it’s about connection, reflection, and telling the truth while the story is still being written. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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