The Neurodivergent 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. The Curious Storyteller: You don’t need a lab to think like a scientist and Helen shows why

    21H AGO

    The Curious Storyteller: You don’t need a lab to think like a scientist and Helen shows why

    What the Ocean Is Doing Right Now That Most of Us Never See When I sat down with Helen Czerski, I wanted to ask a simple question: what are we missing when we look at the ocean? What followed changed the way I think about waves, weather, and our place in the world. In this episode, I explore how the ocean shapes far more than coastlines. Helen helps me see why it affects climate, rain, and daily life, even if you never live near the sea. She also shares why calling the ocean a “mystery” may keep us from understanding just how connected we are to it. We also talk about science in a way that feels human. I ask Helen why stories matter so much in science communication, how curiosity starts in ordinary life, and why you do not need a lab coat to think like a scientist. There’s one everyday example she gives that makes this point beautifully. About the guest: Helen Czerski is a physicist, ocean scientist, author, and broadcaster. She studies the physical world and is known for making science clear, vivid, and worth caring about. If you’ve ever looked at the sea and felt something bigger than words, this conversation will give that feeling more shape. Key Timestamps 0:02 - Why the ocean is a hidden force shaping our planet 2:38 - What Helen sees beneath a breaking wave 7:57 - The moment the ocean became real to her as a physical system 12:13 - Why people underestimate the ocean’s influence 14:30 - Why Helen pushes back on calling the ocean “mysterious” 20:52 - Why science needs narrative, not just data 29:39 - Why anyone can think like a scientist 39:01 - The map that shows the world as one connected ocean Listen in, then tell me: after this conversation, will you ever look at the ocean the same way again? #OceanScience #HelenCzerskii #ScienceCommunication #ClimateEducation #CuriousStoryteller Helen's Website: https://www.helenczerski.net/ 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.

    46 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Living in Survival Mode with Autoimmune Illness What Helped Annie Take Her Life Back

    What Happens After a Life-Changing Diagnosis? Annie Toro Lopez Shares What Helped Her Find Hope Again What do you do when your body stops feeling safe, and the people around you can’t fully see what you’re carrying? In this conversation, I sit down with Annie Toro Lopez to talk about diagnosis, grief, trauma, food, and the long road back to trusting your body. Annie shares what it was like to be diagnosed with lupus in her early 20s, how years of pain and medical fear shaped her life, and what shifted when she decided her diagnosis would not define her future. We also talk about the emotional weight of loss, the shock of a later celiac diagnosis, and why mindset, nutrition, and self-compassion mattered so much in her healing story. If you or someone you love is facing a new diagnosis, chronic illness, or the quiet exhaustion that comes with being misunderstood, this episode will give you something many people need most: hope without pressure. You’ll hear how Annie rebuilt connection, found her voice, and created support instead of waiting for it to appear. About the Guest Annie Toro Lopez is a writer, speaker, cookbook author, and community builder who shares from lived experience with lupus, celiac disease, trauma recovery, and healing. Key Timestamps 0:03 - I welcome Annie Toro Lopez and begin with her lupus diagnosis story 8:56 - The hardest parts of living with autoimmune illness in the early years 17:48 - How therapy and mindset changed the way she saw her body and life 26:05 - The meaning behind reaching a negative ANA after years of illness 31:23 - Grief, celiac diagnosis, and what that season took out of her 42:22 - Why Annie wrote Simply Gluten-Free and who it helps 53:38 - Her message for anyone facing a hard diagnosis right now 57:25 - Where to find Annie’s book, website, and latest work If this conversation speaks to you, listen to the full episode and share it with someone who needs a little more understanding and a little less fear. #NeurodivergentConnection #ChronicIllness #LupusAwareness #CeliacDisease #HealingJourney 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.

    1h 2m

  3. 5D AGO

    When Your Brain Burns Out by Noon How Structure Can Help You Work With It

    When Your Mind Works Differently: Trauma, Leadership, and Finding What Fits If you’ve ever felt like your brain doesn’t follow the same map as everyone else’s, this conversation will likely hit close to home. In this episode, I sit down with Blaz Merlot to talk about what it means to move through the world feeling different, and how that can shape the way we lead, work, and understand ourselves. We get into the tension between structure and individuality, why some environments feel calming while others leave us drained, and how trauma can affect the way we think, react, and function day to day. What stood out to me most is how Blaz connects his path from a difficult childhood to West Point, then into business leadership and coaching. We also explore a question many people quietly carry: Is this just how my mind works, or is it connected to what I’ve lived through? That part of the conversation opens up a much bigger one about identity, resilience, burnout, and how to build a life that actually fits your brain. About the Guest Blaz Merlot is a former military officer and West Point graduate who now helps service-based founders build stronger systems, reduce overwhelm, and lead without chaos or burnout. Key Timestamps 0:00 - I welcome Blaz and start with his early story 3:33 - Why military structure felt meaningful to him 5:38 - How West Point changed the way he thought 10:48 - What the military taught him about leadership and trust 16:31 - How he defines neurodivergence for himself 19:39 - The strengths and challenges of a different-thinking brain 24:37 - Trauma, brain development, and the questions he still carries 36:04 - Why founders get stuck in chaos and burnout 43:01 - What healthy leadership looks like now 48:30 - What he wants neurodivergent listeners to remember If this episode speaks to your experience, listen all the way through and share it with someone who needs a reminder that they’re not broken—they may just work differently. #Neurodivergent #TraumaAndHealing #Leadership #MentalHealth #AutismAndADHD 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.

    51 min
  4. The Curious Storyteller: Stuck Between Pop and Opera Sonya Shares How She Makes Both Worlds Fit

    MAY 11

    The Curious Storyteller: Stuck Between Pop and Opera Sonya Shares How She Makes Both Worlds Fit

    Finding Your Voice When the Path Doesn’t Make Sense Yet What happens when your voice belongs to more than one world? In this conversation, I sit down with Sonia Sohn to talk about art, identity, and the strange in-between space where so many creative lives are built. Sonya is known for her viral performances with Julian the piano player, including the flash mobs that have caught millions of eyes across Europe. But in this episode, I go past the polished videos and into the real story behind the voice. We talk about what it means to feel called to something before you can explain it, why training can help and still get in your way, and how self-doubt can show up even when the talent is obvious. Sonia also shares what it was like growing up between musical worlds, studying opera in Germany, building a pop sound of her own, and learning to live with uncertainty instead of waiting for a perfect plan. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re allowed to be more than one thing, or how people keep creating when they still don’t have it all figured out, this episode will stay with you. About the Guest Sonya aka Sone Sings is a singer and performer with roots in opera, pop, and live viral performance. She has appeared in widely shared musical collaborations across Europe and continues to create music that blends technical skill with personal expression. Key Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Sonia Sohn and introduce her viral music background 0:35 - Sonia shares her early life, family influence, and first major performances 6:21 - We talk about the emotional feeling of singing opera for the first time 7:43 - Sonia explains the hard part of finding her own sound after formal training 17:11 - We explore the tension between her trained voice and personal voice 24:01 - Sonia reveals what people don’t see behind songwriting and recording 32:37 - She reflects on health, growth, and what her younger self would think now 41:07 - We revisit the flash mob videos and the moment everything changed If this conversation speaks to you, listen to the full episode and tell me what part stayed with you most. Subscribe for more conversations on creativity, voice, storytelling, and the messy middle of becoming who you are. #SoneSings #TheCuriousStoryteller #MusicInterview #CreativeProcess #FindingYourVoice 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.

    53 min
  5. The Question That Changed How She Saw Her Whole Life

    MAY 1

    The Question That Changed How She Saw Her Whole Life

    What a Late Autism Diagnosis Can Reveal About ADHD, School, and Self-Understanding I sat down with Carly Faye to talk about what happens when a late autism diagnosis suddenly puts years of questions into focus. In this conversation, I explore Carly’s path from educator to functional nutrition practitioner and coach, and how her ADHD and recent autism diagnosis changed the way she sees her past, her work, and herself. We talk about the students she felt drawn to, the school experiences that didn’t quite fit, and the quiet signs that made more sense only later. What stayed with me most is how often neurodivergent people are misunderstood, especially when they look “fine” from the outside. Carly shares what it meant to realize she had support needs all along, why certain advice never fit, and how that awareness is shaping the way she now helps others. There’s also a powerful part of this conversation about grief, relief, identity, and learning to stop treating difference like something that needs fixing. About the Guest Carly Faye is a former educator, functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner, and coach. She supports clients through nutrition, emotional processing, and nervous system-aware care, with a strong understanding of neurodivergence and inclusion. Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Carly Faye and we begin with her background in education 1:09 - What her classroom looked like for students who learned differently 5:04 - Carly shares her ADHD diagnosis and recent autism diagnosis 11:00 - Why tests, language, and “right answers” can feel so complicated 20:17 - What led her to explore autism at 41 24:16 - What the diagnosis process was really like 26:14 - Relief, grief, and making sense of a late diagnosis 39:15 - How understanding her neurodivergence changed the way she supports clients 43:38 - What schools still miss about neurodivergent kids 52:46 - What Carly wants teachers, coaches, and helpers to know if they’re quietly wondering about themselves Carlys Links: https://www.instagram.com/carlyinfocus https://www.carlyinfocus.com/ If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, overlooked, or unsure why certain things seem harder than they “should,” I think this episode will stay with you. Listen in, and see what clicks for you. #AutismDiagnosis #ADHD #Neurodivergent #LateDiagnosed #Inclusion 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.

    58 min

  6. APR 29

    From denied twice to approved what changed in our SSI case

    SSI Pitfalls: What No One Tells You About Disability Benefits (with Former SSA Attorney Spencer) Fighting for SSI isn’t simple. I’m exposing the hidden hurdles—and how to avoid costly mistakes that put benefits at risk. I’ve battled Social Security myself, and I know how confusing and exhausting it can feel—especially with autism, ADHD, or other invisible disabilities. In this episode, I sit down with Spencer, a former Social Security attorney who spent 11 years inside the system writing and reviewing disability decisions. Together, we pull back the curtain on why mental health and neurodivergent claims get denied so often, what the law actually weighs, and how to prepare without getting tripped up by technicalities. You’ll discover what really drives denials, the role of vocational experts (and why their “jobs list” isn’t about you), and the key moments in an appeal that can change your outcome. I also ask Spencer the questions I wish I had answers to when I first applied—like what “partial wins” mean, when back pay gets reduced, and why waiting can quietly cost you your case. About the Guest Spencer is a former Social Security attorney who spent 11 years at the agency—seven writing disability decisions and four reviewing appeals. He’s the author of Social Security Disability Revealed and runs https://www.bishinspublishing.com/ where he educates claimants and professionals on the SSDI/SSI process. Timestamps 0:02 – Why I call SSI a trap (and my own case) 1:33 – Meet Spencer: 11 years writing and reviewing SSA decisions 6:57 – The mental health gap: why neurodivergent claims face extra scrutiny 10:34 – “It’s not over after approval”: ongoing reviews and common cutoffs 13:13 – The $2,000 asset rule and easy mistakes that end benefits 25:48 – Denied? Your 60-day appeal window and what most people miss 32:53 – Full vs. partial awards and what really affects back pay 42:19 – How disability lawyers get paid (and why you still lead your case) 53:54 – If you’re just starting: the one thing I want you to know 58:32 – When you feel overwhelmed: what to hold onto next Keywords: Social Security Disability, SSI, SSDI, disability appeal, vocational expert, back pay, autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, mental health, benefits review Call to action: If this episode helps, share it with a parent, educator, or friend who’s in the thick of it. Subscribe for more accessible conversations around neurodiversity and practical support. Explore Spencer’sresources at bishenspublishing.com, or request his book at your local library. #Neurodiversity #SSI #DisabilityBenefits #Autism #ADHD 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.

    1h 7m
  7. You’re not broken and here’s how we live like it

    APR 24

    You’re not broken and here’s how we live like it

    Late Diagnosis, Grief, and Growth with AuDHD Coach Jenny Lucas Late diagnosis can feel like a relief and a gut punch. In this episode, I sit with Jenny Lucas to name both—then move forward. I talk with Jenny about what the world saw versus what was really happening inside, the moment she heard “autistic” and “ADHD,” and the very real grief that followed. You’ll hear how she began unmasking in small, practical ways, what shifted in her marriage and parenting, and why she chose to become the support she couldn’t find. We also explore how AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot help with tone, clarity, and day-to-day overwhelm. I reveal the questions I ask guests about burnout, people-pleasing, and work boundaries—plus the simple experiments Jenny used to figure out what she actually needed. You’ll discover how she reframed self-worth, how she talks to her AuDHD daughters after school, and the one message she wants every late-diagnosed person to hear tonight. By the end, you’ll be thinking: What can I let go of? Where am I masking without realizing it? And how could small supports change my day this week? About the Guest Jenny Lucas is a late-diagnosed autistic ADHDer, mom to two AuDHD daughters, former high school music teacher, and creator of resources for neurodivergent women. She’s the author of “Your No-Guide to Life After Late Diagnosis” and shares accessible support across Instagram, TikTok, Substack, and more. Key Timestamps 0:02 – Welcome and Jenny’s story: teacher, burnout, and late diagnosis 7:11 – “Why does this feel harder for me?” and the cost of people-pleasing 11:14 – The ADHD and autism diagnoses: shock, numbness, validation 20:12 – The grief no one warns you about—and why capacity dips 22:07 – Mourning old coping skills and rethinking energy 24:40 – When the diagnosis started to feel empowering 27:12 – Using AI for tone, clarity, and daily support 31:22 – Becoming the person she needed when support wasn’t there 39:17 – What unmasking actually looked like day to day 41:39 – How relationships changed at home and at work 43:54 – Parenting two AuDHD daughters with more compassion 46:25 – “You’re not broken”: inside Jenny’s book 52:03 – What clients say in the first conversation 55:45 – A message for anyone late diagnosed or questioning 56:37 – Where to find Jenny online If this helped, share it with a parent, educator, or friend who needs real-talk support. Subscribe for more conversations on autism, ADHD, and life after diagnosis. #Neurodiversity #Autism #ADHD #AuDHD #LateDiagnosis 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.

    1h 2m

  8. APR 22

    Choosing to show up a father’s playbook for Autism at home

    When a Dad Chooses to Show Up: Autism, Ego, and the Moment That Changed Everything We often hear autism stories from moms—today, I sit with a dad who faced denial, checked his ego, and chose to show up for his child. In this conversation, I open a door many families don’t talk about: what it takes for a father to move from “I’m fine” to “I’m here.” You’ll hear how one moment—unexpected and ordinary—shifted everything. I ask what cracked the armor, how he rebuilt trust at home, and the simple changes that helped him support his child with less friction and more care. You’ll discover the mindset shift that made behaviors easier to read, the quiet routine that steadied their evenings, and the approach he now brings to meetings with teachers and therapists. I also share the questions I use with dads who feel stuck so you can try them at home or in the classroom. Want to know what finally moved him from silence to advocacy—and what he wishes he’d said on day one? That’s in here. If you’re a parent, educator, or caregiver navigating an autism diagnosis, this one will feel honest and practical. Come for real talk, leave with clarity—and a few next steps you can use right away. About the Guest My guest is a father to an autistic child who has shifted from quiet uncertainty to active support at home and at school. He speaks candidly about identity, partnership, and learning to lead with curiosity. If this helped, subscribe, share it with someone who needs it, and join our community for more conversations on autism, ADHD, and neurodiversity. #AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity #DadLife #SpecialNeedsParenting #IEP 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.

    1h 12m
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4.9
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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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