Spicy Brain

Lara Sullivan
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Spicy Brain is the podcast host Lara Sullivan wished existed when she was diagnosed with autism as an adult. Each week, Lara welcomes guests from across the neurodivergent community for thoughtful conversations that challenge stereotypes, celebrate differences, and highlight the humour and joy that only come from shared life experiences. Spicy Brain is for those diagnosed later in life, those still seeking clarity, or allies of neurodivergent children who want to better understand the world around them.

  1. 6h ago

    Elena Sullivan: GROWING UP WITH AN AUTISTIC SISTER | Siblings, Late Diagnosis & Family

    In this very special episode of Spicy Brain, host Lara Sullivan is joined by her sister and best friend Elena for an honest, emotional conversation about growing up with an undiagnosed autistic sibling and what changed when the diagnosis finally came. Elena has been by Lara’s side through everything. She shared her friends, stood up to the bullies, picked up on what Lara couldn’t say out loud and was there in the room on diagnosis day. Together they look back at their childhood through a new lens, from the early signs nobody recognised to moving schools seven times, Lara’s mental health crisis, and the relief and guilt the whole family felt when the answer was finally autism. The episode explores: 🌶️ The childhood signs of autism that only make sense in hindsight 🌶️ What it’s like being the sibling of an undiagnosed autistic child 🌶️ Bullying, school anxiety and having someone to speak up for you 🌶️ The weight of responsibility siblings can carry, and why it isn’t all on them 🌶️ How to support a loved one through a mental health crisis 🌶️ Diagnosis day and the mix of relief and guilt a family can feel 🌶️ Why a diagnosis is a learning journey for the whole family 🌶️ How having an autistic sister shapes Elena as a mum 🌶️ Advice for anyone with an autistic sibling This episode is a thank you to the siblings, parents and loved ones who show up for neurodivergent people, often without anyone noticing. Tune in for a heartfelt chat full of laughs, tears and a lot of sister love. Timestamps 00:00:00 Introducing Elena, Lara’s Sister 00:03:34 Growing Up as Sisters 00:08:33 Did Anyone Know About Autism Back Then? 00:09:20 Childhood Signs of Autism in Hindsight 00:12:31 Communication and Sensory Needs as a Child 00:16:29 A Sibling Bond Like No Other 00:20:15 The People Who Protected Lara 00:22:48 Moving Schools Seven Times 00:25:07 Blurred Childhood Memories and School Anxiety 00:26:49 Bullying and Standing Up for Your Sibling 00:30:56 Sharing Friends with an Autistic Sibling 00:33:31 The Responsibility Siblings Carry 00:37:36 How Constant Change Built Resilience 00:39:23 Supporting a Sister Through a Mental Health Crisis 00:42:57 How to Support a Loved One Who’s Struggling 00:45:35 The Road to an Autism Diagnosis 00:49:43 Diagnosis Day: Relief and Guilt 00:51:39 Autism Doesn’t Define You 00:54:41 A Learning Journey for the Whole Family 00:55:30 How Their Relationship Changed After Diagnosis 00:58:13 Becoming a Mum with an Autistic Sister 01:01:05 Hope for the Next Generation 01:03:12 Advice for Anyone with an Autistic Sibling 01:04:13 The Spicy Run Club 01:06:04 Why It’s OK to Ask Questions 01:08:32 Spicy Fire Round 01:13:29 A Thank You to the Siblings Support This episode includes a conversation about suicidal thoughts. If you’re struggling, or worried about someone you love, you’re not alone: Samaritans: call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.org Mind: mind.org.uk Contact Spicy Brain: Email: hello@spicybrainmedia.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: www.instagram.com/spicybrain.podcast/ Follow Lara: Website: linktr.ee/Sullivanlara Instagram: www.instagram.com/sullivanlara/ #SpicyBrain #AutisticSiblings #LateDiagnosis #Autism #AutisticWomen #Neurodivergent #NeurodivergentFamily #NeurodivergentPodcast

  2. Oct 20

    Cassia Tierney Clarke: AUTISTIC BURNOUT & REBUILDING YOUR LIFE | Late Diagnosis, CPTSD & Unmasking

    In this episode of Spicy Brain, host Lara Sullivan is joined by Cassia Tierney Clarke, host of the 9 lives podcast, for a raw and honest conversation about autistic burnout, late diagnosis and rebuilding your life from the ground up. From the outside, Cassia had it all. A viral weight loss and sobriety journey, millions of views, a running career, brand deals, a business and a podcast. Behind the scenes, she was falling apart. After stepping away from public life for a year, Cassia opens up about the breakdown that forced everything to stop, being diagnosed with CPTSD, and finally finding out she is autistic and ADHD after 31 years of masking. The episode explores:🌶️ Going viral overnight and building a life she never felt built for🌶️ How undiagnosed autism can leave women vulnerable in relationships🌶️ Burnout, collapse and stepping away from public life🌶️ Trauma in the body, shutdowns and going nonverbal🌶️ Getting diagnosed autistic and ADHD after a CPTSD diagnosis🌶️ The all-or-nothing brain, from alcohol to running to work🌶️ Why she stopped running, and what movement looks like now🌶️ “Stop calling yourself lazy when you’re exhausted”🌶️ Rebuilding, reclaiming autistic joy and becoming herself again Whether you’re in burnout right now, reinterpreting your whole life after a diagnosis, or wondering who you are once the old version of you no longer fits, this conversation is a reminder that rebuilding is possible. Tune in for an honest chat about burnout, identity and finding your way back to yourself. Timestamps00:00:00 Introducing Cassia Tierney00:03:00 Going Viral: Weight Loss, Sobriety and Running00:07:59 Running, Nature and Reconnecting with Your Inner Child00:11:02 Why Race Day Is So Hard for Autistic Runners00:12:35 Building a Business on Social Media00:15:36 How Nine Lives Began00:16:50 The Breakdown Behind the Success00:20:35 Saying Yes to Everything and Stepping Away00:23:11 Moving Home and Physically Collapsing00:24:32 A CPTSD Diagnosis Before Autism00:26:45 Validation, Success and Hating Social Media00:28:52 Heightened Senses, Smells and Memory00:30:47 Misdiagnosis in Autistic Women00:31:24 Trauma in the Body, Shutdowns and Going Nonverbal00:34:09 Childhood Signs and Why They Get Missed00:35:55 Family, Community and an Autistic Dad00:41:06 Getting Diagnosed Autistic and ADHD00:44:06 31 Years of Masking and Feeling “More Autistic”00:46:49 Redefining Success00:47:59 Boundaries and Telling Friends00:50:30 Unmasking and Stepping Away from Running00:54:30 Dating After Diagnosis00:57:38 Living with Autism and ADHD and Daily Self-Forgiveness01:00:13 The All-or-Nothing Brain: Alcohol, Sobriety and Work01:04:09 A Task a Day and the Ego Death01:06:37 Stop Calling Yourself Lazy When You’re Exhausted01:09:04 Rebuilding and Reclaiming Autistic Joy01:12:29 What She’d Tell Her Past Self01:13:48 Losing Followers and Finding a New Audience01:17:01 Spicy Fire Round01:19:46 Advice for Anyone in Burnout SupportThis episode discusses suicidal thoughts, self-injury and abusive relationships. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone:Samaritans: call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.orgNational Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 or nationaldahelpline.org.uk Contact Spicy Brain:Email: hello@spicybrainmedia.com Follow us on social media:Instagram: www.instagram.com/spicybrain.podcast/ Follow Lara:Website: linktr.ee/SullivanlaraInstagram: www.instagram.com/sullivanlara/ Follow Cassia:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassiatierney/Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/9lives_podcast/?hl=en #SpicyBrain #AutisticBurnout #LateDiagnosis #AuDHD #Autism #ADHD #Unmasking #NeurodivergentPodcast

  3. Oct 13

    Millie Gooch: ALCOHOL & THE NEURODIVERGENT BRAIN | Hangxiety, Addiction & Going Sober

    In this episode of Spicy Brain, host Lara Sullivan is joined by Millie Gooch, founder of Sober Girl Society and author of Hangxiety: How Alcohol Messes with Your Mind, for an honest conversation about alcohol and the neurodivergent brain. Millie started drinking at university, where alcohol became the thing that switched off her brain, gave her confidence and helped her feel “normal”. Years of blackouts and days-long hangovers later, she went sober at 26. It took another seven years and a psychiatric assessment for her book to find out she is autistic and ADHD. Looking back, so much of it suddenly made sense. The episode explores:🌶️ Why alcohol can feel like a shortcut to a neurotypical brain🌶️ What actually happens in your brain when you drink, and the next day🌶️ Hangxiety, rumination and why hangovers hit neurodivergent people harder🌶️ Blackouts, memory and “drunk words are sober thoughts”🌶️ ADHD, impulsivity and why stopping at two drinks is so hard🌶️ The “addictive personality” myth and why neurodivergent people are overrepresented in addiction settings🌶️ The alcohol industry, “drink responsibly” and what other countries do differently🌶️ Sobriety vs self-optimisation culture🌶️ Practical first steps if you want to change your relationship with alcohol Whether you’ve already stopped, are thinking about cutting back, or have never understood why alcohol hits you so hard, this is a judgement-free look at how your drinking might be connected to your neurodivergence. Tune in for a conversation full of science, lived experience and a lot of nodding along. Timestamps00:00:00 Introducing Millie Gooch00:02:00 Starting to Drink at University00:03:47 Realising She Didn’t Drink Like Everyone Else00:09:29 Going Sober at 26: The Final Hangover00:16:13 Early Sobriety, Panic Attacks and Therapy00:20:52 What Alcohol Does to Your Brain00:25:40 Can Your Brain Recover? Addiction on a Spectrum00:30:52 Hangxiety and Why Hangovers Hit Neurodivergent People Harder00:37:36 Drunk Words, Sober Thoughts and Lost Memories00:42:12 Why Nobody Links Alcohol and Mental Health00:47:52 Getting Diagnosed Autistic and ADHD00:56:02 How Alcohol Affects the Neurodivergent Brain00:58:08 The Addictive Personality Myth01:00:52 ADHD, Impulsivity and Not Being Able to Stop01:01:52 Addiction Services and Neurodivergence01:03:47 The Alcohol Industry and “Drink Responsibly”01:07:35 How Other Countries Restrict Alcohol01:09:51 What Needs to Change in the UK01:15:20 Sobriety vs Self-Optimisation01:20:32 Practical Tips to Drink Less01:22:19 Spicy Fire Round SupportIf anything in this episode has affected you, these organisations offer free advice and support:Alcohol Change UK: alcoholchange.org.ukWe Are With You: wearewithyou.org.ukNacoa (for anyone affected by a parent’s drinking): nacoa.org.uk Contact Spicy Brain:Email: hello@spicybrainmedia.com Follow us on social media:Instagram: www.instagram.com/spicybrain.podcast/ Follow Lara:Website: linktr.ee/SullivanlaraInstagram: www.instagram.com/sullivanlara/ Follow Millie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milliegooch/Sober Girl Society: https://sobergirlsociety.com/Hangxiety: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hangxiety-Alcohol-Messes-Your-Mind/dp/1837826641/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0

  4. Oct 6

    Anna Archer: LATE DIAGNOSED AUTISTIC & ADHD AT 24 | Unmasking, Regression & Life After Diagnosis

    Spicy Brain Season Two kicks off with Anna Archer!  Host Lara Sullivan sits down with vlogger, business owner, investor and running community favourite Anna Archer, who spent 24 years not knowing she was autistic and ADHD. From the outside, Anna's life looked sorted. The vlogs, the running community, the friendships, the business. Underneath it was a very different story. Anna opens up about growing up online, rewatching her old videos for signs she missed, and what it's been like looking back at her whole life through a completely new lens. The episode explores: 🌶️ Growing up online, work-life balance and female friendships 🌶️ Getting diagnosed with both autism and ADHD 🌶️ Social stigma, telling friends and going quiet on social media 🌶️ Being vulnerable with an online audience and showing up as yourself 🌶️ The push and pull of being AuDHD 🌶️ ADHD medication, the hormonal cycle and lifestyle regulation 🌶️ Skill regression, unmasking and taking steps before you feel ready This conversation is an honest look at post-diagnosis self-doubt, what's still hard, and why not having it all figured out is a normal part of the process.Tune in for a real conversation about late diagnosis, identity, and what life actually looks like after finding out you're AuDHD. Timestamps00:00:00 How Lara and Anna Met00:06:07 Rewatching Old Videos for Signs of Autism and ADHD00:09:45 Growing Up Online, Work-Life Balance and Female Friendships00:24:42 Getting Diagnosed with ADHD and Autism00:37:34 Autism Stigma, Telling Friends and Going Quiet on Social Media00:46:05 Vulnerability Online and Being More Yourself00:56:28 The Opposites of Being AuDHD01:03:01 ADHD Medication, Hormonal Cycles and Regulation01:14:24 Regression, Unmasking and Starting Before You Feel Ready01:24:42 Spicy Fire Round Contact Spicy Brain: Email: hello@spicybrainmedia.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: www.instagram.com/spicybrain.podcast/ Follow Lara: Website: linktr.ee/Sullivanlara  Instagram: www.instagram.com/sullivanlara/ Follow Anna: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annaarcher/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnnaArcherFitness

  5. Oct 2

    Season Two Teaser | Behind the Scenes with Producer Vickey

    Spicy Brain Season Two Teaser | Behind the Scenes with Producer Vickey Spicy Brain is back! In this Season Two teaser, host Lara Sullivan is joined by Spicy Brain producer Vickey from Voices & Visuals for a behind-the-scenes chat about how the podcast came together, how they met, what Season One taught them both, and what listeners can expect from the brand-new season. From the very first nervous studio session to a growing community of autistic people, ADHDers and neurodivergent listeners who finally feel seen, Lara talks about the importance of building a neurodiverse team and what's on the horizon for Spicy Brain. In this trailer:🌶️ Growing a neurodivergent team🌶️ What it's like making a neurodivergent podcast from behind the mic🌶️ How Lara and Vickey met 🌶️ How the Spicy Brain community has grown🌶️ A first look at what's coming in Season Two New episodes land very soon. Hit follow so you don't miss the first one. Contact Spicy Brain:Email: hello@spicybrainmedia.com Follow us on social media:Instagram: www.instagram.com/spicybrain.podcast/ Follow Lara:Website: linktr.ee/SullivanlaraInstagram: www.instagram.com/sullivanlara/

  6. Aug 21

    Spicy Brain Season 1 Finale! What We've Learned About Neurodiversity

    In this special season one finale of Spicy Brain, host Lara Sullivan reflects on the journey of creating the podcast, from overcoming her own fear of being in the studio to building a community where neurodivergent people can share their experiences openly and without judgement. Lara revisits the conversations and key lessons from guests exploring everything from workplace accommodations and late diagnosis to relationships, nutrition, OCD, ADHD, autism and the realities of living as a neurodivergent person. In this season finale, Lara explores:🌶️ What she learned from each guest throughout Season One🌶️ Why workplace accommodations should be based on individual needs🌶️ The different realities and support needs within the autistic community🌶️ ADHD, hormones, OCD and other co-occurring experiences🌶️ Why lived experience matters when understanding neurodivergence🌶️ How the Spicy Brain community has grown beyond the podcast🌶️ Why neurodivergent people should be at the centre of conversations about neurodivergence🌶️ What’s coming next! Tune in for a heartfelt look back at season one, the lessons Lara has taken from her guests, and the community that has made Spicy Brain what it is. Contact Spicy BrainThanks for tuning in to Spicy Brain, the podcast Lara Sullivan created after her own late autism diagnosis. Each week, Lara sits down with guests from across the neurodivergent community to challenge stereotypes, celebrate differences, and laugh through the shared realities of life. For more content visit our website or follow us on your favourite social platform to stay connected. Find out more:Email: hello@spicybrainmedia.com    Follow us on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spicybrain.podcast/ Follow Lara:Website: https://www.linktr.ee/SullivanlaraInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sullivanlara/

  7. Aug 4

    Amber Macintosh: NUTRITION AND NEURODIVERGENCE | Understanding Safe Foods

    Why are safe foods so often beige, and what does that tell us about neurodivergence? In this episode of The Spicy Brain Podcast, host Lara Sullivan sits down with ADHD nutrition coach Amber Macintosh to explore the complex relationship between neurodivergence, food and nutrition. As an autistic and ADHD woman herself, Amber shares her journey to diagnosis and how understanding her own sensory needs shaped the way she now supports other neurodivergent people. Together, they explore why safe foods are so often carb-based, how sensory sensitivities and dopamine-seeking behaviours can influence what we eat, and why nutrition advice needs to be practical and tailored to each person's individual needs. They also discuss blood sugar, the gut-brain connection, the importance of protein and key nutrients, and how to approach food during periods of autistic burnout. This episode explores: 🌶️ Why food and nutrition can be particularly complicated for neurodivergent people 🌶️ The connection between ADHD, autism and sensory sensitivities around food 🌶️ Why safe foods are often carb-based 🌶️ How dopamine and blood sugar interact with food cravings 🌶️ The importance of protein and key nutrients for neurodivergent brains 🌶️ The gut-brain connection and supporting gut health 🌶️ How to navigate selective eating and texture sensitivities 🌶️ Making food more accessible during autistic burnout 🌶️ The relationship between neurodivergence, disordered eating and eating disorders 🌶️ Why ‘fed is better than not fed’ when capacity is low Tune in for a compassionate conversation about nutrition and neurodivergence, and how small, realistic changes can help us better support our brains and bodies without getting lost in the nutrition rabbit hole. Contact Spicy Brain Thanks for tuning in to Spicy Brain, the podcast Lara Sullivan created after her own late autism diagnosis. Each week, Lara sits down with guests from across the neurodivergent community to challenge stereotypes, celebrate differences, and laugh through the shared realities of life. For more content visit our website or follow us on your favourite social platform to stay connected. Find out more: Email: hello@spicybrainmedia.com  Follow us on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spicybrain.podcast/ Follow Lara:Website: linktr.ee/Sullivanlara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sullivanlara/ Follow Amber: Website: https://www.ambermacintosh.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberscoaching

  8. Jul 28

    Ria Lina: WHAT’S FUNNY ABOUT AUTISM? | Comedy, Late Diagnosis & Autism in Women

    Can you still be autistic if you're the funniest person in the room? In this episode of The Spicy Brain Podcast, host Lara Sullivan sits down with award-winning comedian, writer, neuroscientist and late-diagnosed autistic woman Ria Lina for an honest and hilarious conversation about what autism really looks like beyond the stereotypes. Together, they explore why comedy can be the perfect home for neurodivergent minds, and how learning you're autistic can completely reshape the way you understand yourself. This episode explores: 🌶️ Why autistic women are often missed or misunderstood 🌶️ How comedy and dark humour can be a natural fit for autistic minds 🌶️ The hidden dynamics of female friendships and relational bullying 🌶️ Why autistic women often appear socially confident while struggling internally 🌶️ The identity shift that comes with a late autism diagnosis 🌶️ Why self-understanding matters more than the diagnosis itself 🌶️ Parenting, relationships, and challenging society's expectations as an autistic woman Tune in for a funny, heartfelt, and validating conversation that challenges outdated ideas about autism and celebrates the individuality and humour of autistic women. Contact Spicy Brain Thanks for tuning in to Spicy Brain, the podcast Lara Sullivan created after her own late autism diagnosis. Each week, Lara sits down with guests from across the neurodivergent community to challenge stereotypes, celebrate differences, and laugh through the shared realities of life. For more content visit our website or follow us on your favourite social platform to stay connected. Find out more: Email: hello@spicybrainmedia.com  Follow us on social media:Instagram: www.instagram.com/spicybrain.podcast/ Follow Lara:Website: linktr.ee/Sullivanlara Instagram: www.instagram.com/sullivanlara/ Follow Ria Lina: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rialina_ Website: https://rialina.com

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About

Spicy Brain is the podcast host Lara Sullivan wished existed when she was diagnosed with autism as an adult. Each week, Lara welcomes guests from across the neurodivergent community for thoughtful conversations that challenge stereotypes, celebrate differences, and highlight the humour and joy that only come from shared life experiences. Spicy Brain is for those diagnosed later in life, those still seeking clarity, or allies of neurodivergent children who want to better understand the world around them.

Information

  • Creator
    Lara Sullivan
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Lara Sullivan

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