The Neurodivergent Connection / The Curious Storyteller

Reid
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Semiweekly

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. 23h ago

    The Curious Storyteller: A Diagnosis May Name Something But It Does Not Tell the Whole Story

    When a Label Helps, Hurts, or Hides the Person Beneath It What happens when we trust a diagnosis more than we trust the person living it? In this conversation, I sit down with Andre Maurice Davis to explore that question from several angles, and it leads us somewhere deeper than labels alone. We talk about ADHD, autism, identity, trust, and the stories people tell themselves after a diagnosis. But this episode isn’t about easy answers. Instead, I’m opening up a thoughtful conversation about how people think differently, why labels can both help and limit us, and what it means to really see the human experience underneath the words. Andre Maurice Davis is a creator and systems thinker whose work spans music, web applications, educational tools, and data projects. Throughout our conversation, he brings a sharp, reflective lens to questions about community, culture, language, and self-understanding. You’ll hear us wrestle with how society responds to diagnosis, why context matters more than most people realize, and what thriving communities might look like if people listened more carefully to each other. If you’ve ever wondered whether a name brings clarity, confusion, freedom, or all three, this one will stay with you. About the Guest Andre Davis is a multidisciplinary creator focused on music, technology, educational tools, and data systems. He’s deeply interested in communication, culture, human behavior, and the ways people make meaning from their experiences. Key Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Andre and ask where his fascination with people began5:04 - We get into ADHD, ADD, and what makes diagnosis so complex8:02 - Andre shares why labels can be helpful, but also risky12:22 - We explore whether people trust the label more than the person20:19 - Freedom vs. confusion when there’s no diagnosis25:34 - What healthy self-understanding looks like27:18 - How workplace culture reveals growth or stagnation in a community40:37 - Andre describes what a thriving community could look like45:00 - We talk about his creative work and the thread connecting it all57:20 - The one question he believes everyone should ask themselves If this conversation speaks to you, listen through to the end and share it with someone who’s questioning how we talk about neurodivergence, identity, and belonging. #Neurodiversity #ADHD #AutismAwareness #CommunityCare #MentalHealthConversations 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. 2d ago ·  Bonus

    The Other Side: Dating, Loneliness, Rejection and What I’ve Learned About Myself

    What Dating Feels Like for Me as an Autistic, ADHD Adult In this episode, I hand the mic to Kailee Rae and open up about something I don’t usually talk about this personally: dating, rejection, loneliness, and what I hope a future partner understands about me. We talk about what it’s like to date as an autistic, ADHD adult, why being understood matters so much to me, and how past relationships shaped what I want now. I also share the quiet fears that can make dating feel harder than people realize, especially when neurodivergence is often misunderstood. If you’ve ever wondered how to talk about your neurodivergence while dating, how to handle rejection without letting it define you, or what a healthy relationship can look like when your brain works a little differently, this conversation will give you a lot to think about. And while we touch on some hard moments, we also get into hope, connection, and what real understanding can look like. You’ll hear me share what I’m looking for, what I’ve had to learn the hard way, and one dating shift that may change how you see relationships moving forward. About the Guest Kailee Rae is a relationship coach who helps people build healthier, more honest connections. In this conversation, she brings thoughtful questions and practical insight as she interviews me from the other side of the mic. Timestamps 0:04 - I share why this episode is more personal than usual 1:05 - Kaleigh Rae takes over and asks about my dating life 4:34 - What I’m looking for in a partner now 5:36 - What “understanding my neurodivergence” really means to me 7:04 - Why dating apps haven’t felt right for me 12:37 - My idea of a better first date 17:28 - The pain of being rejected because I’m neurodivergent 20:01 - What I hope a future partner knows about me 29:14 - Why I don’t lead with my diagnosis right away 40:01 - What relationships have taught me about moving too fast 44:12 - A dating experience that left me feeling used 46:27 - What a healthy relationship looks like to me 54:11 - My advice for neurodivergent people who are dating 55:16 - What neurotypical partners should understand before dating someone neurodivergent You can learn more about me here: https://aspergersstudio.com/ If this episode speaks to you, listen all the way through and share it with someone who needs this reminder: you’re not too much, and you’re not alone. #NeurodivergentDating #AutismAndADHD #DatingWithAutism #Neurodiversity #Relationships 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.

  3. 3d ago

    The Curious StoryTeller: How a Brain Injury Changed One Man’s Life and Led Him Back to Purpose

    What a Brain Injury Took, What Purpose Gave Back What happens when the life you built disappears, and you have to figure out who you are from the ground up? In this episode, I sit down with Herb for an honest conversation about traumatic brain injury, depression, identity loss, and the slow work of rebuilding a life that no longer fits the old rules. He shares what changed after a snowboarding accident, why invisible injuries are so hard to explain, and how he found his way back to focus, purpose, and hope. We talk about the kind of struggle people often can’t see from the outside: the fear, the shutdown, the frustration of looking capable while feeling anything but. At the same time, Herb also shares the shift that helped him stop chasing his old life and start building a new one with meaning. If you’ve ever felt like your future got knocked off course, or you support someone living through that kind of loss, I think this conversation will stay with you. You’ll hear the small wins that mattered most, the mindset that kept him moving, and the question many people in pain are quietly carrying. About the Guest Herb is an entrepreneur and brain training coach who helps people recover lost capacity after brain injury, stroke, and other life-altering setbacks. His work is shaped by his own lived experience of rebuilding after traumatic brain injury. Timestamps 0:15 - Herb’s life before the brain injury and the business he was building2:20 - How everything started falling apart after the accident5:14 - The turning point that made him want to be alive again12:17 - When traumatic brain injury became part of the story15:40 - Why depression was harder than the physical pain21:53 - What the early days felt like from the inside30:21 - The first signs that brain training was changing daily life42:41 - Letting go of the idea of “going back”56:11 - What rebuilding really looked like in real life79:52 - Why purpose mattered so much in recovery86:06 - What Herb hopes others hear when their future feels lost Herb's Links Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bringing-education-home/id1651695357Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herbert.heaghavrittWebsite: https://herb-brain-training.vibepreview.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUrd5JleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMXp5a2doaGZkTEs5RnJVMVVzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeo69t99Xf--_wUo61TC09egmfKKxi4pYwLoybHg70szFNy3PBGERf8UA_4i4_aem_d7sNLV90HodgTDE0iMEi0g 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 may need that extra bit of hope today. #BrainInjuryRecovery #TraumaticBrainInjury #MentalHealthAwareness #PurposeAfterPain #InvisibleInjury Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    The Curious StoryTeller: How a Brain Injury Changed One Man’s Life and Led Him Back to Purpose

  4. 5d ago

    When a Diagnosis Feels Heavy: How to Keep a Label From Becoming Your Life.

    When Life Breaks the Old Map: Belonging, Labels, and Finding Yourself Again I sat down with Sabrina D’Amato for a conversation that starts with loss and reinvention, then moves into something even deeper: what happens when the version of you that once made sense no longer fits. In this episode, I explore Sabrina’s path from professional ballet dancer to breathwork coach and hypnotherapist, and how pain, identity shifts, and self-forgiveness changed the way she sees herself and the world. We talk about belonging, being seen as different, and why so many neurodivergent people wrestle with labels that explain something real but can also start to feel too small. You’ll hear us get into the question that followed her for years, the moment she stopped letting old stories define her, and why “fitting in” may not be the goal after all. We also touch on consciousness, healing, and the hidden ways people hold themselves back without even knowing it. If you’ve ever felt out of place, boxed in by a diagnosis, or unsure how to reconnect with who you are beneath everyone else’s expectations, this one will stay with you. About the Guest Sabrina D’Amato is a breathwork coach, hypnotherapist, and mentor who shares conversations around the subconscious, metaphysics, and personal healing. Her work focuses on helping people reconnect with themselves and see value in the parts of life they once wanted to hide. Key Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Sabrina and ask how her “quest” has changed over the years 1:12 - When her old life stopped working after ballet and injury 5:53 - The question that followed her the longest: “Why am I here?” 10:16 - Feeling different and not fitting in from an early age 15:17 - What breathwork and hypnotherapy have taught her about people 20:35 - Her growing interest in psychic abilities and consciousness 29:39 - Belonging, neurodivergence, and the weight of labels 44:23 - The chapter of life she believes she’s living in now 48:27 - The detours that shaped her most, including injury and motherhood 55:02 - The one question she wants listeners to sit with after this conversation Sabrina's Website: https://sabrinadamatomentor.com/ Show Affiliate: https://shop.adhddd.com/NEURODIVERGENT_CONNECTION Help Bring Fearless Footsteps in the World: https://paypal.me/fullconversation?locale.x=en_US&country.x=US If this conversation speaks to you, listen to the full episode and share it with someone who needs the reminder that they are more than any label placed on them. #NeurodivergentConnection #Neurodiversity #Belonging #SelfAcceptance #Healing Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    When a Diagnosis Feels Heavy: How to Keep a Label From Becoming Your Life.

  5. Sep 28

    The Curious Storyteller: From Sunday Roasts to Food Network How Simon Majumdar Built a New Life After 40

    How Simon Majumdar Found Home Through Food, Memory, and a Life Rebuilt What if one meal could take you back home, while also pushing you toward a completely new life? In this conversation, I sit down with Simon Majumdar to talk about the family table that shaped him, the cultures he grew up between, and the bold choice that changed everything after 40. We talk about food, yes, but we also get into identity, grief, belonging, love, and what it means to keep living fully when time feels more precious. Simon shares how his Welsh and Indian roots shaped the way he sees the world, why certain dishes still carry the weight of memory, and how a single decision to leave publishing led to a life of travel, television, writing, and deep human connection. Along the way, he also opens up about illness, purpose, and the kind of meal that matters most when everything else falls away. About the Guest Simon Majumdar is a food writer, television personality, and the host of Eat My Globe. Many people know him from Food Network, but in this episode, I get to the person behind the public role: a curious, thoughtful cook whose story reaches far beyond the plate. Key Timestamps 0:40 - Simon’s childhood table and the meals that still feel like home 8:22 - Growing up between Welsh and Indian cultures 11:50 - When he first realized his family was seen as different 26:41 - How food shaped his view of the world 40:28 - Losing his mother and what it changed 52:39 - Leaving publishing to go everywhere and eat everything 76:37 - Meeting his wife in Brazil 83:54 - What becoming an American citizen meant to him 95:54 - How Eat My Globe began 109:29 - The final meal he would choose Simon's Links Substack:simonmachondo.substack.com Website:simonmajumdar.com Podcast handle:@eatmyglobe Find him on his socials under Simon Majumdar Help me Show Affiliate: https://shop.adhddd.com/NEURODIVERGENT_CONNECTION Help Bring Fearless Footsteps in the World: https://paypal.me/fullconversation?locale.x=en_US&country.x=US If this conversation speaks to you, listen to the full episode and come with an appetite for story, memory, and meaning. #SimonMajumdar #FoodHistory #CuriousStoryteller #IdentityAndBelonging #FoodAndMemory 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: From Sunday Roasts to Food Network How Simon Majumdar Built a New Life After 40

  6. Sep 25

    The One Inheritance Mistake That Can Cost SSI and Medicaid

    What Happens to My Child When I’m Gone? A Hard but Necessary Conversation If you’ve ever quietly wondered what happens to your disabled child in the future, this conversation is for you. In this episode, I sit down with Michael Ringel to talk about one of the biggest fears many families carry: how to plan ahead without making a costly mistake that affects benefits, housing, care, or long-term stability. We get into why so many families wait, what can go wrong with gifts or inheritance, and why “good intentions” can still create real problems later. What stood out to me most is that this isn’t just about money on paper. It’s about reducing panic, creating more choice, and making sure support still works in real life. We also talk about ABLE accounts, special needs trusts, family communication, and the question many people avoid until it becomes urgent. If you’ve felt overwhelmed by SSI rules, Medicaid concerns, or planning for adulthood and beyond, I think this episode will give you a clearer place to start while still leaving you with a few important questions to think through. About the Guest Michael Ringel works with families on long-term financial planning for disabled and neurodivergent loved ones. He focuses on helping families prepare for “two lifetimes” so future care, benefits, and financial support are better protected. Key Timestamps 0:12 - The question many parents are afraid to ask out loud 3:04 - The mistake that can put benefits at risk 5:27 - Why support on paper can fail in real life 10:56 - Gifts and inheritance problems families often miss 15:19 - What ABLE accounts can and cannot do 20:04 - When a special needs trust may still matter 24:34 - Why these talks should happen before a crisis 32:34 - How to create a “playbook” for future caregivers 35:06 - When fear of losing benefits starts limiting life 38:48 - Where to find Michael’s book and resources Michael's Resources: Website:planningfortolifetimes.com Book: Free download on the website, or purchase on Amazon for $5 Phone:917-734-4748 Email:mringle@strategiesforwealth.com Affiliate: https://shop.adhddd.com/NEURODIVERGENT_CONNECTION Help Bring Fearless Footsteps into the World: https://paypal.me/fullconversation?locale.x=en_US&country.x=US If this episode speaks to where you or your family are right now, listen all the way through and share it with someone who needs this conversation too. #NeurodivergentConnection #SpecialNeedsPlanning #DisabilitySupport #ABLEAccount #SSI Hosted by Reid Miles.Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    The One Inheritance Mistake That Can Cost SSI and Medicaid

  7. Sep 23

    What Lockdown Revealed About ADHD That Success Had Hidden for Years

    Late Diagnosis, Perimenopause, and the Career Questions No One Prepared Us For What happens when your routines fall apart, your symptoms get louder, and a late diagnosis suddenly makes your whole life look different? In this episode, I talk with Gina Molinas about what it was like to be diagnosed during lockdown while also moving through perimenopause—and why that combination changed everything. We talk about the grief, relief, anger, and clarity that can show up after a late diagnosis. Gina shares how old memories started to make new sense, why some workplaces drain neurodivergent people more than others, and what many professionals get wrong when they blame themselves for struggles that may be tied to environment, burnout, or masking. We also get into career transitions, rejection sensitivity, and the question so many people quietly ask: Do I need a new job, or do I just need a workplace that fits me better? There’s a lot in this conversation that may leave you rethinking your own story. About the Guest Jeanna Malines is an ADHD coach and career transition guide who supports neurodivergent professionals. Through her company, Trajekta, she helps people better understand how they work, what they need, and where they can thrive. Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Gina and we get into her late diagnosis during lockdown 5:24 - What became easier to notice when routines disappeared 14:26 - The grief that can follow a late diagnosis 16:53 - How perimenopause complicated ADHD traits 20:15 - Rebuilding your identity after diagnosis 33:05 - What neurodivergent professionals struggle with during career transitions 46:42 - New career or wrong environment? 56:37 - What employers still misunderstand about neurodivergent workers 59:57 - Becoming the support you once needed Jeanna;s Links: Trajekta:https://www.trajekta.net Show Affiliate: https://shop.adhddd.com/NEURODIVERGENT_CONNECTION Help Bring Fearless Footsteps in the World: https://paypal.me/fullconversation?locale.x=en_US&country.x=US If this episode speaks to you, listen to the full conversation and share it with someone who needs to hear they’re not broken—and they’re not alone. #Neurodivergent #ADHD #LateDiagnosis #Perimenopause #CareerSupport 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.

    What Lockdown Revealed About ADHD That Success Had Hidden for Years

  8. Sep 21

    The Curious Storyteller: OCPD Is Not OCD and That Difference Changes Everything

    What OCPD Really Feels Like, and Why It’s So Often Misunderstood What if the thing you’ve called perfectionism your whole life was actually something deeper? In this episode, I sit down with Janice Russell for an honest conversation about living with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, or OCPD. We talk about what life felt like before she had a name for it, why OCPD is so often confused with OCD, and what people around her rarely see: the constant mental noise, the pressure to get things right, and the exhaustion that follows. What stayed with me most is how Janice describes the gap between how someone looks on the outside and what’s happening inside. If you’ve ever replayed conversations, felt trapped by perfectionism, or wondered why your brain won’t slow down, you’ll likely hear something familiar here. Janice Russell is a speaker, writer, and coach who helps people manage overwhelm. In our conversation, she shares her lived experience with OCPD, along with the perspective that came after diagnosis and years of self-awareness. I’m also sharing a question that runs through the whole episode: when does a coping pattern become part of your identity, and what do you do with that once you see it clearly? Timestamps 0:13 - What life felt like before Janice knew she had OCPD 10:56 - Her reaction to the diagnosis 12:31 - Why OCPD and OCD are not the same 19:05 - What a day inside her mind actually feels like 36:26 - How perfectionism shows up in everyday life 42:00 - When wanting it done right makes it harder to finish 45:43 - The difference between wanting control and needing it 56:26 - One small thing to do when overwhelm hits 61:33 - What she’d tell herself after diagnosis Janice's Links https://janicerussell.com/ https://www.facebook.com/JaniceRussellCoach https://www.instagram.com/janice.russell.coach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicerussell/ https://www.youtube.com/@JaniceRussellCoach Show Affiliate: https://shop.adhddd.com/NEURODIVERGENT_CONNECTION Help Bring Fearless Footsteps in the World: https://paypal.me/fullconversation?locale.x=en_US&country.x=US if this conversation speaks to you, listen to the full episode and subscribe to The Neurodivergent Connection for more honest stories about neurodivergence, identity, and being human. #OCPD #NeurodivergentConnection #MentalHealth #Perfectionism #Neurodivergence Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    The Curious Storyteller: OCPD Is Not OCD and That Difference Changes Everything
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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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