Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people

Carolyn Kiel
  • 5.0 (111)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Biweekly

First impressions can take only 6 seconds to make! But if you're neurodivergent, those quick judgments about you can be misleading. That's where the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast comes in! Join me, Carolyn Kiel, as I talk with neurodivergent entrepreneurs, creators, advocates & more about their lives and identities. Their stories shatter misconceptions, break stigma and showcase the vibrance of neurodiversity.

  1. Job searching for Black, Disabled, LGBTQ+ folks with Jasmine Williams-Jacobs of Black Remote She

    16h ago

    Job searching for Black, Disabled, LGBTQ+ folks with Jasmine Williams-Jacobs of Black Remote She

    Jasmine Williams-Jacobs is the founder and director of Black Remote She, a community-driven platform for Black queer, trans, non-binary, disabled people and allies interested in working and connecting remotely. Black Remote She connects community members to remote-flexible job postings at equitable work cultures, as well as to liberatory networks, mutual aid support and gender-affirming resources as tools for economic empowerment.  Black Remote She has been recognized in numerous publications, including Essence, Stonewall, Community Centric Fundraising, INTO More, and Inclusion Hub.  Jasmine is also a 2025 Disability Rising Fellow with Disability Culture Lab, where they are helping to build narrative power for disability justice. During this episode, Jasmine talks about: The layoff that inspired them to start Black Remote She  The specific job searching challenges that Black, LGBTQ+ and disabled people face  How Black Remote She connects people to jobs and support resources How employers are vetted before they can post job listings on Black Remote She Visit BlackRemoteShe.com for more information about job postings and resources. Connect with Jasmine at info [at] blackremoteshe.com. Support or sponsor this podcast: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGN6f_EoFRo Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/black-remote-she Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192  Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider  *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

    29 min
  2. Changing the narrative around accessible fashion with Maura Horton - Crossover episode with Made For Us

    May 25

    Changing the narrative around accessible fashion with Maura Horton - Crossover episode with Made For Us

    This is a special crossover episode with Made For Us, a podcast that explores the intersection of innovation and inclusion. On Made For Us, host Tosin Sulaiman speaks to founders, designers and business leaders who are thinking deeply and creatively about how to build better and more inclusive products. Tosin's guest on this episode is Maura Horton, CEO and founder of MagnaReady, an accessible fashion brand that enables millions of people with limited dexterity and mobility to dress independently. Maura developed the concept for MagnaReady after her husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's and struggled to button his shirts. She invented and eventually patented a magnetic closure system that replaces buttons and has since licensed the technology to Fortune 500 Companies including PVH Corp, owner of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger. Maura also partnered with and advised Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, the first mainstream brand to launch a children's adaptive apparel line. In this episode, Maura talks about: The state of the adaptive clothing market before MagnaReady How Maura got the inspiration to infuse magnets into her husband's shirts The challenges she faced in the design and manufacturing process Why Maura thinks the term 'adaptive' is unhelpful Learn more about MagnaReady at magnaready.com and @magnaready on Instagram. Listen to other episodes of Made For Us: podfollow.com/made-for-us/view Follow Made For Us on social media: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast  Instagram: instagram.com/madeforuspodcast  Support or sponsor Beyond 6 Seconds: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/accessible-fashion-maura-horton-magnaready Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192  Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider  Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

    31 min
  3. Learning to read at age 32 with Oliver James, author of Unread

    May 18

    Learning to read at age 32 with Oliver James, author of Unread

    Oliver James is a California-based personal trainer, motivational speaker, literacy activist, and influencer. He has been featured by Today, NPR, the Jennifer Hudson Show, the Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, Rachael Ray, and ABC News, among many others. Additionally, he received the Barbara Bush National Literacy Award in 2023.   Oliver is the author of "Unread: A Memoir of Learning (and Loving) to Read on TikTok." His book is about teaching himself to read starting at the age of 32, and his experience with childhood learning disabilities and educational neglect. In just 365 days, he went from barely being able to read a restaurant menu, to closing in on his goal of finishing 100 books in a year. Oliver has become a TikTok/BookTok sensation for the way he's documented his decision to learn to read as an adult, and his struggles and triumphs along the way. During this episode, you will hear Oliver talk about: Why he describes himself as being "functionally illiterate" and how his experience with literacy "started wrong" What inspired him to share his journey to learn how to read on social media, at the age of 32 How reading has profoundly changed his perspective on life What it was like writing a book about his experience Buy Oliver's book "Unread": hachettebookgroup.com/titles/oliver-james/unread/9781454959403/ Follow Oliver at oliverspeaks1 on Instagram, TikTok, Threads and YouTube. Email Oliver at OliverSpeaks1 [at] gmail.com. Learn more about the Nardagani app that has helped Oliver learn how to read: nardagani.com Support or sponsor this podcast: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=xWGXsqQaloQ Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/oliver-james-unread Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192  Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider  *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

    25 min
  4. Art and Disability Advocacy with Justin Valenti

    May 4

    Art and Disability Advocacy with Justin Valenti

    Justin Valenti is an artist and disability advocate. He enjoys creating artwork in his home studio and at the VisAbility Art Lab at VisArts in Rockville, Maryland. He is also the business owner of Artistic Expressions by Justin K Valenti, and has exhibited his artwork in Maryland, Virginia and California.  Justin has been an advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities since childhood. He has been on the Board of Directors for the Arc Maryland since 2020.  During this episode, you will hear Justin talk about: What his life was like growing up with disabilities How he discovered his passion and talent for art How creating art helps his mental health His proudest achievements as an artist and disability advocate Learn more about Justin and his work at JKValenti2014.com and VisArtsCenter.org or contact Justin directly at justin.k.valenti [at] gmail [dot] com. Support or sponsor this podcast: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=lbv80Y58CTU Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/justin-valenti Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192  Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider  *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

    14 min
  5. Sharing autistic people's stories with Amy Richards of the Squarepeg podcast

    Apr 27

    Sharing autistic people's stories with Amy Richards of the Squarepeg podcast

    Amy Richards is a queer autistic podcaster and business owner from Cardiff in the UK. Amy became self-employed in 2015, after multiple burnouts culminated in a breakdown that ended her previous career as a high school English and Media teacher. With her business hat on, she offers business strategy sessions, builds websites and supports online business owners with their websites, email marketing and automation.  In 2020, Amy started a podcast called Squarepeg, where she chats with one autistic guest at a time about their autism discovery journey and what they've learned along the way. Amy is also a Nervous System Regulation practitioner, working with other autistic adults to help them become better regulated, less anxious and have more energy. During this episode, you will hear Amy talk about: Her life before her autism diagnosis, including the first moment she strongly suspected she was autistic What inspired her to begin sharing her autistic experiences publicly and start her podcast, Squarepeg Her approach to selecting her guests and editing her podcast episodes The importance of including a diverse range of guests on our podcasts How a listener's email led Amy to make a major change to her podcast  The most significant things she has learned while working on her podcast Learn more about Amy and her podcast on the Squarepeg website at https://squarepeg.community or by email at hello [at] squarepeg.community . Support or sponsor this podcast: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=u1jx3u_ev0E  Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/sharing-autistic-stories Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192  Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider  *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

    41 min
  6. From Undercover Boss to children's book author, with autistic advocate Pastiche Graham

    Apr 20

    From Undercover Boss to children's book author, with autistic advocate Pastiche Graham

    Pastiche Graham is a proud autism advocate, emerging motivational speaker, children's book author and powerhouse for change and inclusion. After being featured on the CBS Television show Undercover Boss in 2022 (Season 11, Episode 4), Pastiche's platform pivoted towards a lifelong journey of advocacy. Pastiche's first book, "Pia Pistachio Gets a Job," features much-needed representation of autistic girls in children's literature.  In this episode, we talk about Pastiche's journey from disheartened autistic child to enthusiastic autism advocate & author, the impact of appearing on Undercover Boss, and the inspiration for "Pia Pistachio Gets a Job." Pastiche also discusses the importance of autism representation: specifically for autistic women and girls in literature, and for autistic adults in the workplace. Learn more about Pastiche at PasticheGraham.com and buy "Pia Pistachio Gets a Job" on Amazon or wherever books are sold. Follow Pastiche on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Threads. Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds! Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes. *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

    33 min
  7. Disability self-advocacy and connection with Max Barrows

    Apr 13

    Disability self-advocacy and connection with Max Barrows

    Max Barrows is an award-winning disability rights leader and advocate based in Vermont. As the Outreach Director for Green Mountain Self-Advocates, Max mentors people with developmental disabilities to speak up for themselves and become leaders. Max is also the Assistant Director of Technical Assistance and Outreach for the Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC), where he works to strengthen local and state self-advocacy organizations across the United States. During this episode, you will hear Max talk about: What life was like growing up as an autistic person How he became involved in disability advocacy   Why self-advocacy and peer-to-peer connections are essential for people with disabilities How he grew more comfortable with public speaking as part of his advocacy work His role in helping to educate law enforcement about autism The harmful impact of negative rhetoric about autism Learn more about Green Mountain Self-Advocates and the Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC) where Max works. Contribute to Carolyn's tip jar to support the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast's disability advocacy. Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes. *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

    30 min
  8. Neurodivergence and corporate leadership with Kirsty Cullen-Campanelli

    Apr 6

    Neurodivergence and corporate leadership with Kirsty Cullen-Campanelli

    With a career across media, tech, and entertainment, Kirsty Cullen-Campanelli has held roles at the BBC, Netflix and Apple. Her experience as a corporate executive and a late-diagnosed Autistic woman with ADHD have shaped her neuroinclusive leadership style. On my latest episode, Kirsty shares what life is like for her as an autistic corporate executive with ADHD, and how discovering her autism and ADHD shifted her understanding of herself. She also discusses her approach to creating inclusive workplace cultures, managing teams, conducting job interviews, and navigating high-pressure environments.  Connect with Kirsty on LinkedIn. Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds! Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes. *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

    47 min
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About

First impressions can take only 6 seconds to make! But if you're neurodivergent, those quick judgments about you can be misleading. That's where the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast comes in! Join me, Carolyn Kiel, as I talk with neurodivergent entrepreneurs, creators, advocates & more about their lives and identities. Their stories shatter misconceptions, break stigma and showcase the vibrance of neurodiversity.

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