The Neurodivergant Connection / The Curious Storyteller

Reid
  • 4.9 (8)
  • 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. From sleepless nights to calmer bedtimes with autistic kids

    16H AGO

    From sleepless nights to calmer bedtimes with autistic kids

    Autistic Kids and Sleep: What Parents Often Miss (and What Actually Helps) Exhausted at 2 a.m.? You’re not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Ann Riley Smith to talk real-world fixes for autistic sleep struggles. Kelly’s a neurodivergent former teacher, a mom of four neurodivergent kids, and an autism-and-anxiety sleep specialist. We get honest about what “my child doesn’t sleep” really means, why bedtime isn’t the true starting point, and how anxiety, sensory needs, and the nervous system all tangle together at night. About the Guest Kelly Ann Riley Smith is an autism and anxiety sleep specialist supporting parents of autistic children. She’s a former teacher and neurodivergent mom of four, including a son with high support needs. Find Kelly on Instagram, Facebook, her parent group Sleep Success for Autistic Children, or email kellyann@autismsleepsuccess.com. Key Timestamps 0:02 – Meet Kelly Ann Riley Smith and why sleep matters so much 2:11 – Lived experience vs. professional training 8:43 – What “my autistic child doesn’t sleep” looks like in real life 10:10 – Falling asleep, staying asleep… or both? 12:06 – The bedtime routine myth many parents follow 13:15 – The most misunderstood part: sleep starts long before bedtime 14:37 – Autism and anxiety: how closely they connect at night 20:16 – What bedtime anxiety can look like 21:23 – The nervous system on high alert and why sleep won’t come 24:34 – Light, sound, temperature: what matters more than you think 33:21 – Room color and visual “noise” that keep brains alert 35:08 – Weighted blankets: helpful or harmful? 37:31 – White noise vs. silence (and real-life sleep setups) 39:04 – Is perfect sleep hygiene realistic for neurodivergent families? 40:12 – The toll on parents: from burnout to PTSD-like symptoms 41:27 – If you feel like you’re failing, hear this 51:35 – A message for the 2 a.m. listener 52:29 – Where to find Kelly and get support If this helped, share it with a parent, educator, or caregiver who needs support. Subscribe for more neurodiversity conversations, practical strategies, and community resources. #Neurodiversity #AutismParenting #SleepSupport #Anxiety #SensoryProcessing 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.

    57 min
  2. From burnout to book builder how Kristy found quiet power

    2D AGO

    From burnout to book builder how Kristy found quiet power

    Writing as a Lifeline: AuDHD, Burnout, and Building Soul Scribe with Kristy Lee Rackham What if the story you’re scared to share is the one that helps someone heal? In this candid conversation, I sit down with Kristy Lee Rackham AuDHD mom, former nurse, boutique publisher, and creator of the Wisdom Keepers series. You’ll hear how she went from full burnout to building Soul Scribe Publishing, why writing became a practical path to wellness, and the quiet moment that changed everything. We get into fear of visibility, why highly sensitive people hesitate to be seen, and how multi-author books create ripple effects inside hospitals, families, and communities. I reveal the simple shift Kristy uses to help writers move past imposter syndrome, you’ll discover how she blends science and spirituality without losing the plot, and we touch on her Mee Map an accessible way to come back to who you’ve always been. Want to know the unexpected first win most new authors feel? You’ll have to listen. About the Guest Kristy Lee Rackham is an AuDHD publisher, holistic counselor, and former nurse who founded http://www.soulscribegroup.com/. She mentors highly sensitive and neurodivergent writers and curates the multi-author Wisdom Keepers series. Key Timestamps 0:20 – Kristy’s AuDHD story and raising autistic teens 4:04 – The moment writing shifted from hobby to healing 12:52 – Blending science, spirituality, and storytelling 16:49 – Burnout, stillness, and a clarinet at night 27:37 – Visibility, worth, and the fear beneath publishing 40:06 – A nonverbal writer steps into leadership 45:22 – The Mee Map explained in plain language 47:58 – Energy awareness you can use today Explore Kristy’s work at solscribegroup.com. or to learn more about you can go to her link tree: www.linktr.ee/kristyleerackham Subscribe for more practical conversations on autism, ADHD, and real-world support. Share this with someone who’s sitting on a story. #Neurodiversity #AuDHD #WritingForHealing #ParentingAutism Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 10m
  3. Dani Donovan on ADHD, Executive Dysfunction & The Anti-Planner: Working With Your Brain Instead of Against it

    FEB 13

    Dani Donovan on ADHD, Executive Dysfunction & The Anti-Planner: Working With Your Brain Instead of Against it

    Dani Donovan is an ADHD advocate, educator, and creator of The Anti-Planner, a revolutionary tool designed to help neurodivergent minds work with their brains instead of against them. Through her art, resources, and lived experience, Dani helps adults better understand executive dysfunction, self-compassion, and how to build systems that actually fit the way they’re wired. Growing up, Dani always felt out of place—curious, quick to finish tasks, and constantly getting in trouble for asking too many questions or working ahead of the lesson. Instead of praise, she got more work or was told to sit down and be quiet, which left her feeling isolated and misunderstood. It wasn’t until college, when life became overwhelming and adult responsibilities piled up, that she finally heard the word “ADHD” attached to her struggles. Suddenly, the confusing mess of missed laundry, forgotten deadlines, and emotional meltdowns had a name, and that changed everything. Dani realized she wasn’t lazy or broken—she just hadn’t been given the right tools or language to understand herself. Finding that label, and later discovering others like “anticipatory anxiety” and “rejection sensitivity,” felt like a lifeline. It meant she could finally talk about her challenges without shame and start searching for real solutions, not just blame.,Dani’s journey with ADHD started long before she even knew what it was. As a kid, she was always outpacing her classmates, asking questions, and getting in trouble for not fitting the mold. Teachers didn’t know what to do with her, and instead of support, she got more work or was told to stop disrupting. This left Dani feeling like she was always the problem, never quite understanding why everyday things felt so hard. It wasn’t until college, when life threw her into the deep end of “adulting,” that she finally got her ADHD diagnosis. That moment was a revelation—suddenly, all the things that made her feel different started to make sense. For the first time, she could let go of some of the self-blame and see her challenges as part of a bigger picture, not a personal failing. Discovering the right words and connecting with others who shared her experiences helped her turn confusion into clarity and isolation into community. Visit Dani Donovan's website with her ADHD comics at adhdd.com (ADHD with DD, her initials, after it). Visit AntiPlanner.com to see the Anti Planner book and access digital PDF bundles that are currently on sale. Follow Dani Donovan on social media platforms at @DaniDonovan (D A N I D O N O V A N) for more content. Watch Jessica McCabe’s YouTube channel, especially her video about why showering is hard, for ADHD-related insights. Try the Kanban board method using Post-it notes on your computer monitor as described by Dani Donovan for task management. Contact Me: https://www.facebook.com/TheNeurodivergentConnection https://aspergersstudio.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/reidmiles/ https://www.youtube.com/@AspergersStudio https://www.twitter.com/AspergersStudio Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 5m
  4. When schools miss the signs and what parents can do next

    FEB 13

    When schools miss the signs and what parents can do next

    When Schools Don’t Fit: How to Advocate for Neurodivergent Kids with Janet Krebs I sit down with Janet Krebs to talk about raising neurodivergent kids in unkind education systems—and what actually helps. In this episode I ask the tough questions parents avoid: why schools still treat difference like a problem, how to push back when meetings feel hostile, and what parenting leadership actually looks like when the stakes are your child’s future. Janet shares real stories from decades in classrooms and with families, and I reveal the mindset shifts and practical frameworks that help parents move from fear to focused action. You’ll discover why consistency often fails, when “resets” actually make things worse, and one powerful way to reframe labels so children get support without being boxed in. We tease specific strategies and systems I use with clients so you can advocate more confidently—but I save the step-by-step for the episode. Who should be in the room? When is accountability necessary? How do you keep your cool so solutions can happen? Listen to find out. About the Guest Janet Krebs – Educator, consultant, and strategic partner to families. With over 30 years in classrooms and working alongside parents of neurodivergent kids, Janet focuses on practical advocacy, vision-driven planning, and helping families build confidence to raise capable adults. Key Timestamps 0:21 - Janet’s background: why she centers teaching and learning 1:10 - How education can be unkind to kids who don’t fit the mold 6:49 - Visual learning and why some kids need different ways to process 15:52 - When school discipline misses the mark: the “reset” example 31:45 - How to show up and advocate in IEP and school meetings 48:46 - Leadership for parents: L.E.A.D. framework 62:07 - How parents find support and stay grounded during slow progress 65:46 - Where to find Janet online: janetkrebs.com Want more episodes like this? Subscribe and share with a parent, teacher, or caregiver who needs a better way into these rooms. Visit janetkrebs.com to connect with Janet. #Neurodiversity #Parenting #InclusiveEducation #ADHD Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 11m

  5. FEB 11

    How I Came Back From the Edge and Reclaimed Myself

    I Threw My Mask Away: Living AuDHD Out Loud with Nick Pagano Masking nearly cost my guest his life — and his honesty about it changed everything. In this episode I talk with Nick Pagano about what happens when you stop pretending and start living as AuDHD. I’ll share why this conversation matters: you’ll hear how chronic masking, suicidal thoughts, and unmasking intersect with work, relationships, and identity. Nick reveals the personal rules and small practices that helped him move from constant masking to steady growth — and I ask the hard questions that most people avoid. You’ll discover one surprising habit that helped Nick survive the worst moments, one place masking shows up most in daily life, and how reclaiming authenticity affected his job and relationships. I tease the frameworks and strategies we discuss, but I leave the “how” for the episode — because you need to hear Nick’s voice to feel it. About the Guest Nick Pagano (Real Conversations with Neurodivergent Nick) is a creator and host who speaks openly about living AuDHD, masking, and mental health. He uses candid storytelling and practical rules to help others recognize and grow from their neurodivergent traits. Timestamps 0:02 – Welcome and intro to Nick 0:55 – Nick’s turning point: depression and unmasking 3:39 – Realization at a basketball game: how his mind works 7:01 – Music, masking, and emotional expression 12:48 – Masking at work and being fired for honesty 21:02 – Self-diagnosis and responding to pushback 35:29 – Growth rule: “grow every day” and neuroplasticity 47:06 – Nick reads the poem that changed everything 52:50 – What Nick refuses to apologize for: existing 53:09 – Where to find Nick’s podcast and channels Listen to the full episode to hear Nick’s poem, the strategies he used to ask for help, and how he balances masking with being true to himself. If this resonated, subscribe and share — someone in your life might need to hear it. Find Nick: YouTube & Spotify — Real Conversations with Neurodivergent Nick (@therealconvoswithNDNick) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    58 min
  6. Part 2: From chaos to craft How one design built neurodivergent work tools

    FEB 6

    Part 2: From chaos to craft How one design built neurodivergent work tools

    Training for a World That Doesn’t Slow Down: Neurodivergent Tools, Food Rescue, and Real Vocational Pathways What if the world didn’t have to slow down for us — we just needed better tools to meet it on our terms? In this episode I talk with Shannon Dobbs about three decades of navigating disability, designing assistive tech, and building practical community systems that actually work. You’ll hear why Shannon built an AI-driven “just-in-time” training scaffold (think wearable or tablet-based guidance tuned for ADHD and autism), how a hotel chain used blast chillers to rescue millions of meals, and why community-scale grocery and vocational models matter more than traditional degrees right now. I reveal parts of Shannon’s blueprint for vocational pathways that pay while teaching real skills, and we tease the systems, certifications, and community networks that make this possible. You’ll discover the outcomes — more dignified work, anti-fragile neighborhoods, and meaningful roles for neurodivergent people — and you’ll be left asking: What would a local blast-chiller node look like in my city? How could “living resumes” change hiring? Which tools could help me or my student show capability, not just compliance? About the Guest Shannon Dobbs — retired military veteran, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder focused on regenerative food systems and assistive tech. Shannon combines satellite/signal experience with decades in small business and community organizing to build vocational pathways and scalable food-rescue solutions. Contact: shannon@ria.earth | ria.earth Timestamps 0:03 - Intro: why this conversation matters for neurodivergent communities 2:12 - The AI "goggles" concept: just-in-time, personalized skill scaffolding 12:53 - The spark: building community grocery solutions after confronting local barriers 24:00 - MGM’s blast-chiller model: rescuing meals and why nonprofits resisted 40:10 - Vocational pathways: earning while learning, HACCP, cold-chain skills, and living resumes 52:46 - Resilience reframed: community wisdom over lone toughness 61:27 - How to get involved: donate, volunteer, or help with tech at ria.earth Keywords: neurodivergent, ADHD, autism, vocational training, food rescue, regenerative, assistive tech, augmented reality, community resilience. I’d love for you to keep the conversation going — subscribe, share this episode with someone who cares about inclusive workforce design, or visit ria.earth to get involved. #Neurodiversity #FoodRescue #VocationalTraining #AssistiveTech Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 6m
  7. Small autism school needs help so I hiked a mountain

    FEB 4

    Small autism school needs help so I hiked a mountain

    About the Guest Gary Martinez Jr. — autism parent, Manitou Incline devotee, and fundraiser for Kishami Academy. He averages multiple laps per day, uses the trail to raise awareness, and shares practical sensory strategies learned parenting his daughter. Timestamps 0:04 - Episode open and intro to Gary's climb 1:19 - Gary explains the one-year Manitou Incline challenge 3:53 - Elevation, lap counts, and sponsor match 7:02 - Gary on discovering his own neurodivergent traits 18:52 - Daily sensory supports that help his daughter succeed 23:13 - Surprises from months of climbing 27:04 - How sponsors and community stepped up 36:40 - How listeners can help the school 37:53 - Where to find Gary and donate Want to help? Visit Gary's profiles (Gary Martinez Jr. on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) for the GoFundMe link and more. Please listen to the episode to hear the full story and consider donating or volunteering — every step counts. #AutismSupport #Neurodiversity #CommunityFundraising #ManitouIncline #ParentingTips Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    43 min
  8. From mystery to clarity a mom remeets her son after diagnosis

    JAN 30

    From mystery to clarity a mom remeets her son after diagnosis

    When a Diagnosis Opens the Door: A Mother’s Story of Autism, School Battles, and Small Wins I sit down with Anita G., a retired teacher and podcast host, to hear how one diagnosis changed everything for her family—and why that could matter to you. In this episode I talk with Anita about recognizing subtle signs of autism, the relief and confusion that followed her son Tyler’s diagnosis at 10, and the ways schools and doctors sometimes miss children who don’t fit a stereotyped image. You’ll hear why she started a podcast called G Family Chronicles, how being a former educator shaped her advocacy, and the quiet strategies that helped Tyler move toward college and independence. We also cover the emotional toll of fighting for accommodations, when to bring in an advocate or attorney, and the simple supports—like pets and captioned TV—that changed daily life. I reveal a few of the systems and paperwork she relied on, but I save the step-by-step for the episode because the details matter. Key Timestamps 0:02 – Episode intro 1:30 – Who Tyler is and early signs 4:06 – Receiving the diagnosis: relief and next steps 6:46 – Hopes and fears before the word “autism” 11:27 – How Anita’s view of autism changed 24:53 – What led to reevaluation in school 34:17 – The impact of “invisible” autism on treatment 68:12 – Avoiding burnout: advocates, attorneys, and supports 93:19 – Where to find Anita’s podcast and resources About the Guest Anita G. is a retired teacher, mother of Tyler (diagnosed with autism at 10), and host of the podcast G Family Chronicles. She shares candid stories from the classroom and home, focusing on practical advocacy for neurodivergent kids and their families. Want practical examples and real paperwork stories? Listen to the full episode to find out which strategies Anita used, when she brought in legal help, and what she wishes parents knew in year one after a diagnosis. Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation—links in the show notes. #Neurodiversity #AutismParenting #IEPAdvocacy Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 38m
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4.9
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About

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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