Spark Launch: Neurodiversity Ignited

Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

You’ve landed at Spark Launch — the guide star for embracing what it means to be neurodiverse. Hosted by Chaya Mallavaram (the artsy ADHD brain behind Spark Launch) and Mike Cornell (a peer support specialist who reminds us that imperfection is where the magic happens), this podcast dives deep into the messy, beautiful, and often challenging realities of neurodivergent life. Each episode blends personal stories with expert insights to tackle issues affecting our community, such as mental health, parenting strategies, emotional regulation, workplace dynamics, executive function hacks, and neurodiversity advocacy. Whether you’re navigating life with ADHD, Autism Spectrum, or other neurodevelopmental conditions — or supporting someone who is — this is a space where neurodivergent voices can unmask, embrace their weirdness, and celebrate human diversity. Subscribe now to ignite your mind, elevate your essence, and spark something extraordinary. https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds. Available soon on iOS and Android.  - Play on any tablet or phone. Ready to Ignite Your Child’s Confidence and Curiosity? Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time. https://play.sparkade.app/ Follow Mike & Chaya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followshisghost https://www.instagram.com/the_sparklaunch Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free: https://followyourghostcoach.com/ ADHD Learning Solutions https://www.sparklaunch.ai

  1. 4d ago

    Game On Autism: Blending Esports & Education w/ Marc Joubert (Season 3 Finale)

    Mike and Chaya sit down with Marc Joubert, founder of Ruckus Media Group, who uses gaming and esports to create overlooked opportunities for learning and connection. Marc shares how working with autistic people changed the way he understood communication, patience, and his own responsibility to adapt. They explore why dismissing a child’s interests can close off more than entertainment, how games can make learning accessible, and why supporting neurodivergent people means questioning the systems around them. We Also Cover:Building opportunities for young people through esports in educationUnderstanding individual gaming preferences without generalizing the autistic experienceHow sound, flashing lights, and storylines affect a player's experienceExploring games that support creativity, logical thinking, and social skillsWorking with Autism South Africa to develop educational resourcesRecognizing the difference between accepting gaming and leaving kids unsupervisedWhy game-based learning can reach students who struggle with traditional teaching methodsLearning how platforms like Roblox work to better support online safetyMaking room for individual growth without forcing someone else's timelineQuotes:“The biggest lesson has been to remain  open to new ideas, to new ways of doing things.” — Marc Joubert“The toughest task I’ve had to really get accustomed to is actually slowing myself down.” — Marc Joubert“You can’t force the crops to grow. They have got to go through their cycle.”  — Marc JoubertAbout Marc Joubert:An innovative marketer and sports/gaming enthusiast with extensive through-the-line experience in Brand, Product & Financial Services Marketing across the Motor, Clothing, Furniture Retail and most recently, Sports Media Sectors. Marc has a history of delivering ROMI/ROI and sales growth through customer-focused solutions in diversifed and changing markets. Marc's aim is to highlight the issues facing young sportsmen/women and to develop the platforms to allow them to showcase their skills in their drive to become World Class. The recent COVID-19 pandemic fast-tracked Marc's mission to help build a more sustainable local esports ecosystem, leading to becoming an official NASEF Affiliate and the development of the, first-of-its-kind in SA, esports learning management system. Connect with Marc Joubert:Ruckus Media Group: https://www.ruckusmedia.co.zaEmail: Marc@ruckusmedia.co.za Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds https://play.sparkade.app/ Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive. Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time. Available soon on iOS and Android. - Play on any tablet or phone. Stay Connected: Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/All podcast listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.aiChaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunchMike on Instagram: @followshisghostMike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation: https://followyourghostcoach.com/As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Game On Autism: Blending Esports & Education w/ Marc Joubert (Season 3 Finale)

  2. Sep 25

    Better Tools, Not Different Kids: The Future of Neuroaffirming Tech w/ Amy Stratbucker

    Mike and Chaya sit down with Amy Stratbucker, co-founder and CEO of Hello, My Friend, a neuroaffirming AI companion that supports autistic and neurodivergent kids. Amy shares how parenting her neurodivergent son changed the way she understood support, independence, belonging, and why children need tools that meet them where they are instead of where they're told they should be. We Also Cover:What neuro-affirming support looks like in everyday lifeWhy parenting from good intentions doesn't always translate into the right supportNeurodivergent kids masking at school and decompressing at homeWhy social skills support and social-emotional learning should build confidence, not complianceSupporting parents, therapists, teachers, and children as one ecosystemBuilding independence without creating dependence on technologyQuotes:“If more kids could be more confident in who they are, just as they are, wow. Do we benefit as a community? And as a society?” — Amy Stratbucker“We are building this to build independence, not dependence.” — Amy Stratbucker“Having him feel a sense of belonging and comfort in who he really was, which is what I’m hopeful to provide for other kids; a space where they can show up and be who they are and not have to mask.” — Amy StratbuckerAbout Amy Stratbucker:As Co-Founder and CEO of BridgeSpace, Amy leads the development of an emotionally intelligent AI companion platform designed to empower neurodivergent children in exploring conversations and emotions confidently beyond the therapy room. There’s no reason to accept struggle as the standard… when we can build tools that create a path forward. With nearly two decades of consulting experience, she brings expertise in succession planning, new business development, and organizational consulting to drive impactful solutions. Through her work at AJS Consulting, she has spent over 19 years developing and implementing innovative strategies that help organizations navigate change and thrive in VUCA environments. Guided by a dedication to collaboration and integrity, her focus remains on enabling organizations to build resilience, enhance performance, and foster transformative growth. Connect with Amy Stratbucker:Hello, My Friend: https://hellomyfriend.io/Email Amy:  amy@hellomyfriend.ioAmy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/astratbucker/ Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds https://play.sparkade.app/ Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive. Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time. Available soon on iOS and Android. - Play on any tablet or phone. Stay Connected: Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/All podcast listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.aiChaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunchMike on Instagram: @followshisghostMike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation: https://followyourghostcoach.com/As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Better Tools, Not Different Kids: The Future of Neuroaffirming Tech w/ Amy Stratbucker

  3. Sep 18

    You Expect Everything, But Believe Nothing: Parenting Better w/ Donna Kargel

    Mike and Chaya sit down with Donna Kargel, founder of Lotus Coaching and veteran educator, to talk neurodivergent parenting, the education system, and how early labels can shape a kid’s identity for life. Donna breaks down why standard milestones often backfire for divergent thinkers—and what actually helps kids build curiosity, confidence, and self-trust. We Also Cover:Why high expectations mean nothing without genuine belief in your child's capabilityWhy neurodivergent parenting has to start with connection at homeWhat to do when your kid is labeled “learning disabled” (and starts believing it)How labels can become identities children spend adulthood trying to undoWhy “good grades” can hide a kid who’s quietly burning outThe neurobiology of early attachment and how it shapes lifelong beliefsHow to support a neurodivergent child in school without turning them into a projectThe difference between praising intelligence and recognizing effort, persistence, and processWhy education loses the child when data, standards, and college pipelines take overHow parental modeling of emotional regulation shapes what kids believe is possibleThe role of belonging, autonomy, and safety in learningQuotes:“You can plant the seed, and you can water it ... But you’re not in charge of the growing.” — Donna Kargel"Where do you go when no one's watching? When you're daydreaming, when you checked out of the teacher talking, your mom talking... Tell me where you go because that's your creativity." — Donna KargelAbout Donna Kargel:Donna Kargel is a veteran educator, former principal, academic success coach, and founder of Lotus Coaching. She draws on her own neurodivergent experience—including being labeled learning disabled as a young child—to help families question the assumptions placed on children and young adults. Her work centers on connection, authenticity, resilience, and finding a person’s real access point for learning and work. Through coaching, career exploration, assessments, and free parent workshops, Donna helps young people recognize the strengths they already carry instead of forcing themselves into a path chosen by someone else. Connect with Donna Kargel:Website: https://coachlotus.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095357930612Recommended Reading:Carol Dweck - Mindset: The New Psychology of Success: Research on growth mindset and how feedback shapes belief and achievementGabor Maté - Scattered: How Attention Deficit Disorder Originates and What You Can Do About It: On neurodevelopment, attachment, and how early experiences shape identity Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds https://play.sparkade.app/ Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive. Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time. Available soon on iOS and Android. - Play on any tablet or phone. Stay Connected: Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/All podcast listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.aiChaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunchMike on Instagram: @followshisghostMike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation: https://followyourghostcoach.com/As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    You Expect Everything, But Believe Nothing: Parenting Better w/ Donna Kargel

  4. Sep 11

    Big Feelings & Calm Parenting w/ Devora Segall

    Mike and Chaya sit down with Devora Segall, therapist, parenting coach, and founder of Segall Coaching, who helps overwhelmed parents build calmer, more connected relationships at home. Devora opens up about her own experience of overwhelmed parenting, shares trauma-informed and DBT-based tools for pausing before reacting, and explains why emotional regulation is often the first step toward real change. We Also Cover:Why extreme reactions are often the clearest sign to pause before respondingHow a deep breath and a 30-second pause can interrupt automatic parenting patternsNoticing body sensations, thoughts, and emotions in real timeThe difference between go skills and slow skills in emotional regulationWhy neurodivergent parenting can come with more emotional intensity, not less capacityHow parents can reconnect with their “wise mind” in stressful momentsWhat the “inner child” really means and why it matters in parentingHow repeated rupture affects trust between parent and childWhy repair is possible, even after years of reactive parentingGetting to the root issue instead of only focusing on behaviorQuotes:"It's really a matter of degree and intensity because every human being has big feelings. People who are neurodivergent have them more often and more intensely.""The inner child is usually the part of you that's still hurting."About Devora Segall:Devora Segall, LCSW, is a parenting coach, therapist, author, and founder of Segall Coaching. She helps overwhelmed moms move from yelling and guilt toward calm, confidence, and connection through practical, DBT-based parenting support. Devora is the author of Sensitive Hearts Strong Minds and The Peaceful Parenting Solution, and her work focuses on emotional regulation, breaking old patterns, and building stronger parent-child relationships. Connect with Devora Segall:Segall Coaching: https://segallcoaching.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devora-segall-8288a6299/ Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds https://play.sparkade.app/ Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive. Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time. Available soon on iOS and Android. - Play on any tablet or phone. Stay Connected: Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/All podcast listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.aiChaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunchMike on Instagram: @followshisghostMike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation: https://followyourghostcoach.com/As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Big Feelings & Calm Parenting w/ Devora Segall

  5. Sep 4

    Finding Your Fit: Tailoring Education to Neurodiverse Needs w/ Cassie Olguin

    Mike and Chaya sit down with Cassie Olguin, a Partnerships Specialist at Outschool and homeschool mom of 11+ years. Cassie shares how her family moved from a traditional-school mindset to homeschooling, and then navigated a new layer of needs as one of her twins was diagnosed with OCD, autism, and ADHD. Together, they explore what it looks like to protect a child’s spirit, redefine “success” beyond test scores, and build a learning life that flexes with mental health, sensory needs, and curiosity. We Also Cover: Why testing high doesn't always translate to actually understanding the material The hidden cost of comparison culture and chasing standardized grades The real-world benefits of homeschooling neurodivergent kids When it's time for academics to step back for mental and physical health How interest-based learning benefits all students Using creative platforms like Minecraft and art to teach math What to consider with online learning vs public school for neurodivergent kids Practical ways working parents can integrate alternative schooling Leveraging dual enrollment pathways for high schoolers Giving yourself permission to pivot and ditch a curriculum that isn't working Quotes: “We don’t need a billion mathematicians… we need creatives.” — Cassie Olguin “Just because you started something doesn’t mean you have to finish it.” — Cassie Olguin “None of my kids could read at what would be considered grade level until the sixth grade… and now they are all way above grade level.” — Cassie Olguin “Some of what we view as accommodations for neurodivergent learners are just the right way to teach anybody anything.” — Mike Cornell About Cassie Olguin: Cassie Olguin is a Partnerships Specialist at Outschool and has homeschooled her three daughters for 11+ years (one in high school and twin middle schoolers, one of whom is neurodiverse). A former paralegal with a Political Science degree, she transitioned from the legal field into home education—using a California homeschool charter while exploring a wide range of curricula and approaches. At Outschool, she focuses on community engagement and content development, working closely with educators and families to build supportive, student-centered learning environments. Cassie advocates for flexible, personalized options across public, private, homeschool, and hybrid models, and believes every child deserves an education that fits their unique needs. Connect with Cassie Olguin: Outschool: https://outschool.com/ Cassie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassieolguin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassies.hs.corner/ Outschool Resources for Parents: https://outschool.com/parents Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds https://play.sparkade.app/ Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive. Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time. Available soon on iOS and Android. - Play on any tablet or phone. Stay Connected: Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/All podcast listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.aiChaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunchMike on Instagram: @followshisghostMike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation: https://followyourghostcoach.com/As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Finding Your Fit: Tailoring Education to Neurodiverse Needs w/ Cassie Olguin

  6. Aug 28

    The Unedited Self: Dropping the Script on Late-Diagnosed Autism w/ Kristin Walker

    Mike and Chaya sit down with Kristin Walker, founder and CEO of Mental Health News Radio Network, who returns to the show to share the profound impact of receiving an autism and ADHD diagnosis in her 50s. Kristin opens up about the strange and beautiful work of unmasking after a later-in-life autism and ADHD diagnosis, shedding old survival patterns, and rejecting the deficit mindset often placed on neurodivergent minds. We Also Cover: The grief, relief, and disorientation of late-diagnosed autism and ADHD Building the Mental Health News Radio Network across 12 years while fully masked and unaware Why neurodivergent masking can hide your strengths, not just your struggles How relationships can help us find our way back to ourselves Slow processing and the exhaustion of performed competence Learning boundaries without abandoning connection How threat-mapping shapes neurodivergent relationships Letting go of scripts, shortcuts, and conversational over-prep The difference between living from self-protection and living from self-trust How deficit-based views of neurodivergence are a trap Quotes: "I got diagnosed with autism and ADHD right after I turned 54… that has been a really trippy ass journey." — Kristin Walker "I’m done editing myself. I’m done. The best parts of me are the unedited parts." — Kristin Walker "That’s not Mike that’s talking. That’s scripts that are talking, and I don’t really script so much anymore." — Mike "Every time I peel back something else and bring something out into the open... every time I say no, another chamber opens that I get to explore." — Kristen Walker About Kristin Walker: Kristin Walker is the founder and CEO of Mental Health News Radio Network, a platform for conversations about mental health, trauma, neurodivergence, behavioral health, and lived experience. She is also connected to everythingEHR, where her work bridges behavioral health, technology, and systems-level support. As an Electronic Health Records Expert for Behavioral Health Organizations, she regularly speaks at healthcare conferences and consults with hospital systems across the country. Kristin's unique approach emphasizes collaborative leadership and creating inclusive spaces for different perspectives on mental health, making her a respected voice in both the technology and mental health communities. Connect with Kristin Walker: Mental Health News Radio Network: https://www.mentalhealthnewsradio.com/ Mental Health News Radio Podcast: https://www.mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/our-shows/mental-health-news-radio/ Lawn Chairs in Space Podcast: https://www.mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/our-shows/lawn-chairs-in-space/ Kristin Walker on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kristinswalker Mental Health News Radio Network on Instagram: @mhnrnetwork Mental Health News Radio Network on Facebook: facebook.com/MentalHealthNewsRadioNetwork Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds https://play.sparkade.app/ Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive. Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time. Available soon on iOS and Android. - Play on any tablet or phone. Stay Connected: Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/All podcast listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.aiChaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunchMike on Instagram: @followshisghostMike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation: https://followyourghostcoach.com/As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Unedited Self: Dropping the Script on Late-Diagnosed Autism w/ Kristin Walker

  7. Aug 21

    You Can't Out-Hustle Your ADHD (But You Can Team Up With It) w/ Ryan Mayer

    Mike and Chaya sit down with Ryan Mayer, a certified ADHD coach who helps neurodivergent adults stop trying to “discipline” their brains and start building systems that actually work. Ryan shares how drowning in corporate burnout, overwhelm, and the constant pressure to “try harder” pushed him toward a strengths-based approach to adult ADHD. Most importantly, he explains why self-care is a non-negotiable part of taking your life back. We Also Cover: The relief and regret that comes with an adult ADHD diagnosis Student services and ADHD college accommodations Why trying to "spreadsheet your way out of ADHD" always leads to burnout The realities of living with an invisible disability How to stop fixing your weaknesses and start leveraging your signature strengths Bypassing task paralysis through external accountability Why self-care isn't a luxury, but a strategic necessity for ADHD management Using "tiny experiments" instead of rigid routines to build momentum Using the "power of the pause" to slow down physical and mental hyperactivity How taking off the neurotypical filter changed Ryan’s life and business The growing need for neuro-inclusion in modern workplaces Quotes: "You can't just keep trying to swim across a raging river of consequences... you have to build a bridge." — Ryan Mayer "Self-care isn't just something nice to do. If you have ADHD, it's a strategic necessity." — Ryan Mayer "We spend way too much time focusing on our deficits instead of leveraging our signature strengths." — Ryan Mayer _"People have no idea how much harder it is for us to do anything... underneath they're paddling like crazy to try to keep up."_— Ryan Mayer About Ryan Mayer: Ryan Mayer is a certified ADHD coach who helps neurodivergent adults (especially late-diagnosed folks) manage overwhelm, procrastination, and the day-to-day chaos that comes from living in a world built for neurotypical systems. After spending over a decade in corporate roles, he hit the familiar wall: pushing harder didn’t create consistency—it created burnout. That shift led him into coaching and into building practical, strengths-based tools for working with an ADHD brain instead of constantly correcting it. Today, Ryan coaches clients globally and also supports companies through neuro-inclusion work—helping workplaces understand what ADHD really looks like on the inside (and what actually helps). You’ll also find him sharing tactical ADHD strategies across TikTok and YouTube through Ryan Mayer Coaching. Connect with Ryan Mayer: Website & Free Masterclass: https://ryanmayercoaching.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RyanMayerCoaching TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_coach_ryan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhd_coach_ryan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanmayerpeopleconnector/ Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/ADHDcoachRyan Free Resource - Conquer Your ADHD in the Workplace Guide: https://guides.ryanmayercoaching.com/?which\_resource\_are\_you\_most\_interested\_in=ADHD+at+Work Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds https://play.sparkade.app/ Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive. Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time. Available soon on iOS and Android. - Play on any tablet or phone. Stay Connected: Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/All podcast listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.aiChaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunchMike on Instagram: @followshisghostMike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation: https://followyourghostcoach.com/As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    You Can't Out-Hustle Your ADHD (But You Can Team Up With It) w/ Ryan Mayer

  8. Aug 14

    Fix The System: Neal Glendenning on ADHD Burnout, Neuroinclusion, and Care That Actually Works

    Mike and Chaya sit down with Neal Glendenning, founder of The Neuro Inclusion Project and NdCare Group, who is building neurodivergent care systems rooted in lived experience, compassion, and real-world support. Neal opens up about ADHD burnout, hospitalization, and the moment he realized that awareness alone was never going to be enough. He explains what it means to redesign healthcare, workplaces, and power structures so neurodivergent people are not just accommodated, but truly understood and empowered. We Also Cover: Neal’s personal experience with ADHD burnout and hospitalization Why current therapies often fall short for ADHD and AuDHD people Building an end-to-end ADHD care pathway from pre-diagnosis to lifelong support The difference between awareness and real neuroinclusion Why compromised systems often fail the people they were meant to serve How work environments strip meaning, creativity, and humanity from people Flexible work, productivity, and honoring neurodivergent energy patterns Why hierarchy blocks collective wisdom and system change The role of neurodivergent people in rebuilding broken systems Neal’s vision for public-first ADHD support through the NHS and beyond Quotes: "Any system is limited by the person that is actually in control of it." — Neal Glendenning "You shouldn't have to settle for some system that's compromised." — Neal Glendenning "We’ve taken industrialization too far because now we’re trying to industrialize human beings." — Neal Glendenning "The one benefit of the collapse is rebirth." — Neal Glendenning About Neal Glendenning: Neal Glendenning is the founder of The Neuro Inclusion Project, an ADHD advocate, innovator, and systems thinker working to create a world where neurodivergent people are not just accommodated, but fully understood, supported, and empowered. After navigating his own journey with ADHD, Neal saw how often the systems meant to support neurodivergent people fail to recognize the full picture: the strengths, the struggles, the creativity, the chaos, and the emotional toll of being misunderstood. Through therapy, psychoeducation, corporate training, and community outreach, Neal bridges the gap between neurodiversity awareness and meaningful action. His work challenges outdated narratives, breaks stigma, and helps individuals, teams, and organizations build ADHD-affirming systems rooted in compassion, evidence, lived experience, clarity, confidence, and authenticity. Connect with Neal Glendenning: The Neuro Inclusion Project: https://www.theneuroinclusionproject.co.uk/ Meet Neal and the Team: https://www.theneuroinclusionproject.co.uk/about-us/our-team/ Enquire About Speaking: https://www.theneuroinclusionproject.co.uk/neuro-inclusion-project/enquire-about-speaking/ Neal on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-glendenning-142406a4/ Recommended Reading: The Future Belongs to Systems That Can Tolerate Human Variability: https://www.theneuroinclusionproject.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/go-x/u/c939df17-d7f4-4a31-bcc8-aba68a41bb89/The-Future-Belongs-to-Systems-That-Can-Tolerate-Human-Variability.pdf Shame Is a System Maintenance Tool: https://www.theneuroinclusionproject.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/go-x/u/dceb5e25-377d-4d69-9e4b-98e0e4eb8120/Shame-Is-a-System-Maintenance-Tool.pdf ADHD: Beyond Inattention and Hyperactivity: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/neal-glendenning-142406a4_adhd-mentalhealthawareness-neurodiversity-activity-7333550656080818177-VEOy/ Stop Fixing Neurodivergent People. Fix the System.: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/neal-glendenning-142406a4_neurodiversity-inclusion-leadership-activity-7331782322406490112-9Z4P/ The Hidden Toll of Late Autism Diagnosis: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/neal-glendenning-142406a4_latediagnosis-autisminadults-neurodiversity-activity-7351506009971982338-rxfo/ Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds https://play.sparkade.app/ Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive. Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time. Available soon on iOS and Android. - Play on any tablet or phone. Stay Connected: Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/All podcast listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.aiChaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunchMike on Instagram: @followshisghostMike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation: https://followyourghostcoach.com/As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Fix The System: Neal Glendenning on ADHD Burnout, Neuroinclusion, and Care That Actually Works
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You’ve landed at Spark Launch — the guide star for embracing what it means to be neurodiverse. Hosted by Chaya Mallavaram (the artsy ADHD brain behind Spark Launch) and Mike Cornell (a peer support specialist who reminds us that imperfection is where the magic happens), this podcast dives deep into the messy, beautiful, and often challenging realities of neurodivergent life. Each episode blends personal stories with expert insights to tackle issues affecting our community, such as mental health, parenting strategies, emotional regulation, workplace dynamics, executive function hacks, and neurodiversity advocacy. Whether you’re navigating life with ADHD, Autism Spectrum, or other neurodevelopmental conditions — or supporting someone who is — this is a space where neurodivergent voices can unmask, embrace their weirdness, and celebrate human diversity. Subscribe now to ignite your mind, elevate your essence, and spark something extraordinary. https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds. Available soon on iOS and Android.  - Play on any tablet or phone. Ready to Ignite Your Child’s Confidence and Curiosity? Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time. https://play.sparkade.app/ Follow Mike & Chaya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followshisghost https://www.instagram.com/the_sparklaunch Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free: https://followyourghostcoach.com/ ADHD Learning Solutions https://www.sparklaunch.ai

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