Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people

Carolyn Kiel
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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. 9H AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Fashion model & artist with Down syndrome Sania Khimji

    MAR 23

    Fashion model & artist with Down syndrome Sania Khimji

    Sania Khimji is an accomplished artist, model, influencer, and international beauty pageant winner based in India who continues to redefine boundaries and inspire inclusivity in every space she enters. Living with Down syndrome, Sania celebrates her uniqueness as just one part of her powerful story that's rooted in creativity, confidence, and courage. Through her art, modeling, and advocacy, Sania continues to shine as a global voice for empowerment — showing the world that when you lead with passion, purpose, and pride, there are truly no limits to what you can achieve. During this episode, you will hear Sania talk about: What was it like growing up with Down syndrome The challenges and stereotypes she faced as someone with Down syndrome How she got interested in fashion and modeling What inspired her to become an artist who shows her art in India and around the world How she advocates for people with disabilities  Her goals for the future Follow or contact Sania on Instagram. 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.*

    9 min
  6. Addressing food insecurity with Meals in the Meantime

    MAR 16

    Addressing food insecurity with Meals in the Meantime

    This is a special Beyond 6 Seconds episode for Podcasthon, where for one week, thousands of podcasts are highlighting a nonprofit of their choice, to raise awareness and encourage support for charities around the world. The focus of this episode is Meals in the Meantime, a nonprofit organization addressing food insecurity in the Chicagoland south suburbs. Meals in the Meantime provides free, fresh, healthy, high-quality grocery bags of food at drive-thru, pop-up food pantries.  I interviewed Kevin M. Yates, President and Founder of Meals in the Meantime, about: What inspired him to start Meals in the Meantime How Meals in the Meantime achieves its mission of "filling the food gap with nourishment and dignity" How the nonprofit's philosophy of "What Would You Eat" (WWYE) influences the types of foods that Meals in the Meantime provides Why Meals in the Meantime is different from other types of food banks and food pantries Learn more about how you can support Meals in the Meantime at MealsInTheMeantime.org and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. Visit podcasthon.org to discover charities featured by podcasters from around the world. 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.*

    17 min
  7. Living with Dyscalculia

    MAR 9

    Living with Dyscalculia

    Psychotherapist Ivy Rizzo has a master's degree, speaks multiple languages, and owns her own business... but she struggles with doing basic math, remembering important dates, and recalling events in chronological order. Dyscalculia is often dismissed as just being "bad at math," but for Ivy, it has a wide-ranging effect on her life.  In this episode, Ivy talks about: How the severity of her dyscalculia impacts her math, memory and sequencing skills What it was like for her growing up with dyscalculia in the 1980s-1990s How dyscalculia impacts her adult life, including work, parenting and friendships Her viral post about how she visualizes the months of the year The shame of being misunderstood by educators and supervisors, who misinterpreted her dyscalculia in traumatic ways How her neurodivergence helps her support and strengthen her client relationships Using her strengths and tech tools to help accommodate her dyscalculia To find out more about Ivy and her work, visit her website and follow her on Threads. If you enjoyed this episode about dyscalculia, you may also enjoy my episode about dyscalculia education and advocacy with Elena Chambers (episode 190). 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.*

    43 min
  8. Schizoaffective disorder with Sonido Reyes

    FEB 23

    Schizoaffective disorder with Sonido Reyes

    Sonido Reyes is an award-winning and bestselling author who is best known for tackling difficult topics through a hopeful lens. They write stories celebrating their own queer and Mexican identities, including The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School, The Luis Ortega Survival Club, The Broposal, and The Golden Boy's Guide to Bipolar. They also have contributed short stories to the anthologies Transmogrify! and For the Rest of Us. Sonido is also the vice-president of My Galvanized Friend, a nonprofit focused on providing access to and amplifying LGBTQ+ writing, art, and creators. During this episode, you will hear Sonido talk about: How they were diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder What life was like growing up with schizoaffective disorder  How manic episodes have affected their writing What they want people to understand about schizoaffective disorder How they choose the topics of the stories they write The importance of representation in books How they became involved with the nonprofit My Galvanized Friend Visit SonidoReyes.carrd.co for links to Sonido's website, writing and social media. If you enjoyed this episode, you may also enjoy my conversation about schizoaffective disorder with Sally Littlefield on episode 243 of this podcast. This episode is sponsored by Tas Kronby, Accessibility Consultant & Designer: Parallax scrolling, scroll bar hijacking, flickering, and neon colors are ruining your design—they trigger dizziness, migraines, and vertigo. You've audited for vision and hearing compliance. But does your online content make people sick? Tas Kronby offers Vestibular Accessibility Audits that go beyond compliance. Learn what you need to make your business truly inclusive. Tas will help you Design with All in Mind. Visit TasTheArtist.com/design-services/ to schedule your free consultation. 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.*

    27 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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