The Neurodivergent Connection / The Curious Storyteller

Reid
  • 4.9 (10)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Biweekly

Reid Miles Podcasts Two shows. One curiosity-driven mission: telling human stories that matter. Hosted by Reid Miles, this podcast feed is home to two distinct but connected conversations. The Neurodivergent Connection centers neurodivergent voices lived experience, late diagnosis, advocacy, creativity, and the realities of navigating a world not built for autistic minds. These episodes focus on understanding, accessibility, and belonging, grounded in honesty and real conversation rather than clinical distance. The Curious Storyteller began as a celebration of remarkable people and the stories that shaped them. It has since evolved into deeper, reflective conversations about identity, resilience, reinvention, and the quiet moments that change us. Guests include creators, athletes, leaders, and thinkers not to be interviewed, but to be heard. Both shows share the same foundation: unscripted conversations, emotional intelligence, and curiosity over performance. This isn’t about polished success stories or neat conclusions — it’s about connection, reflection, and telling the truth while the story is still being written. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  1. 10h ago

    The Breakfast That Looked Healthy but Made Everything Harder

    When Mental Health Recovery Needs More Than Rest What if burnout, brain fog, and mood swings aren’t just “in your head” but signs your body is asking for help? In this episode, I sit down with Mick Pozin to talk about a side of mental health recovery that many people rarely hear about. We get into burnout, mental health leave, ADHD, food sensitivities, blood sugar, and why rest alone may not be enough when your system is already running on fumes. Mick shares how undiagnosed gluten and dairy issues shaped his mood, focus, and sense of self for years. Then we talk about the deeper thread behind it all: how energy, environment, and physiology can affect everything from irritability and procrastination to sleep and resilience. If you’ve ever wondered why therapy helps but still feels incomplete, this conversation will give you a new lens to consider. You’ll hear why some people miss the signs until they crash, what often gets overlooked during mental health leave, and why recovery may need more than a break from work. There’s a lot here for neurodivergent people, caregivers, and anyone trying to make sense of burnout without shame. About the Guest Mik Pozin studies the connection between metabolism, energy, and mental health. His work focuses on helping people recover from burnout, especially during mental health disability leave. Timestamps 0:42 - How food sensitivities changed Mick’s mood and focus 7:23 - What people misunderstand about mental health leave 10:05 - Why a vacation or job change may not fix burnout 14:47 - The moment blood sugar changed how Mick viewed mental health 28:32 - Realizing “this isn’t just who I am” 50:37 - Why burnout can hit especially hard for people with ADHD 55:07 - The one thing I want you to remember about recovery Mik’s Website: https://www.feelsila.com/ Show Affiliate: https://shop.adhddd.com/NEURODIVERGENT_CONNECTION Help Bring Fearless Footsteps in the World: https://paypal.me/fullconversation?locale.x=en_US&country.x=US If this episode speaks to you, listen through and share it with someone who needs a more compassionate way to think about burnout, ADHD, and mental health recovery. #MentalHealth #BurnoutRecovery #ADHD #Neurodivergent #MentalHealthLeave Hosted by Reid Miles.Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush. 🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts🌐 More about the show and past episodes: https://podcast.ausha.co/neurodivergantconnection-thecuriousstroyteller📩 Guest inquiries & media: Reid@AspergersStudio.com Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    The Breakfast That Looked Healthy but Made Everything Harder

  2. 2d ago

    Your Credentials Are Not the Reason People Remember You

    What ADHD Costs Us Quietly, and Why Your Real Story Still Matters If you’ve ever wondered why small tasks can carry such a heavy price with ADHD, this conversation will likely hit close to home. In this episode, I sit down with Jill Ivey to talk about late-realized ADHD, masking, distraction, and the hidden costs that many neurodivergent people carry without anyone seeing them. We also get into something just as important: how our lived experience shapes the stories we tell about ourselves, at work and in life. Jill shares what changed when she spoke publicly about her ADHD, why so many women miss the signs for years, and how everyday systems often fail neurodivergent brains. Then the conversation shifts into storytelling, identity, and why a polished bio can miss the most human part of who we are. We also touch on AI, writing, and the big question many people are asking right now: can a tool really capture your voice, or does it miss the part that matters most? If you’re neurodivergent, support someone who is, or you’re still finding the words for your own story, I think this episode will leave you feeling seen. About the Guest Jill Ivey is a writer, content strategist, and story expert who helps people find the personal stories that set them apart. She’s also spoken openly about her own ADHD experience and the real-life impact it can have. Timestamps 0:01 - I welcome Jill Ivey and we begin with her ADHD story0:27 - How late-realized ADHD showed up during the pandemic7:49 - The hidden financial and daily costs of ADHD12:54 - What happened after Jill shared her story publicly21:25 - How Jill helps people find the story behind their work29:30 - The small details that reveal a bigger story33:17 - Why AI can’t fully capture lived experience43:44 - How your story can stay honest as you change50:35 - The story Jill is still learning to tell Jill's Resources: Website: https://jilletante.com/Website: https://www.jillianivey.com/ Show Affiliate: https://shop.adhddd.com/NEURODIVERGENT_CONNECTION Help Bring Fearless Footsteps into the World: https://paypal.me/fullconversation?locale.x=en_US&country.x=US If this conversation resonates, listen to the full episode and share it with someone who needs clearer, kinder language around ADHD, autism, and neurodivergence. #ADHD #Neurodivergent #LateDiagnosis #Storytelling #AutismAcceptance Hosted by Reid Miles.Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush. 🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts🌐 More about the show and past episodes: https://podcast.ausha.co/neurodivergantconnection-thecuriousstroyteller📩 Guest inquiries & media: Reid@AspergersStudio.com Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Your Credentials Are Not the Reason People Remember You

  3. 4d ago

    The Curious Storyteller: How Zolal Habibi Turned Grief Into a Lifelong Stand for Iran

    What Freedom Costs: My Conversation with Zulal Habibi on Iran, Loss, and Resistance What happens when freedom isn’t an idea, but something your family has paid for in blood? In this episode, I sit down with Zolal Habibi for a powerful conversation about Iran, grief, courage, and why real change must come from the people themselves. Zolal shares how activism shaped her life from childhood, how personal loss changed her path, and why silence can carry its own cost. As we talk, she helps me see the human side of headlines that are often reduced to politics, numbers, or quick opinions. You’ll hear why she believes Iran’s future can’t be reduced to war or acceptance, what younger generations are showing the world right now, and why the role of women matters far beyond what most people hear in the news. There’s also a deeper question running through this whole conversation: what responsibility do we carry when we live in freedom while others are still fighting for it? About the Guest Zulal Habibi is an Iranian human rights advocate and longtime supporter of the Iranian Resistance. Her work focuses on raising awareness of the people of Iran, political repression, and the ongoing fight for democratic change. Timestamps 0:46 - I welcome Zolal and begin with her earliest connection to Iran 6:54 - When fear became part of everyday life 15:18 - Why she says the solution is not war or appeasement 27:46 - How her life became tied to the Resistance 35:53 - The personal cost of speaking publicly for Iran 47:26 - One story of courage she has never forgotten 54:50 - The central role of women in Iran’s Resistance 66:57 - Why Iran’s future must come from its own people 73:30 - What younger Iranians are doing differently now 79:10 - What she hopes to do the day Iran is free Zolal's Resources: ncr-iran.org MaryamMajaviForChange.com oiac.org iranfreedom.org https://shop.adhddd.com/NEURODIVERGENT_CONNECTION If this conversation moved you, listen to the full episode and share it with someone who needs a more human picture of Iran, resistance, and freedom. #Iran #HumanRights #Freedom #WomenInResistance #TheCuriousStoryteller Hosted by Reid Miles.Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush. 🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts🌐 More about the show and past episodes: https://podcast.ausha.co/neurodivergantconnection-thecuriousstroyteller📩 Guest inquiries & media: Reid@AspergersStudio.com Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    The Curious Storyteller: How Zolal Habibi Turned Grief Into a Lifelong Stand for Iran

  4. Sep 9

    From Surviving in Silence to Finding Your Voice After Autism and C PTSD

    What Happens When Autism, C-PTSD, and Self-Worth Finally Start to Make Sense What if the hard parts of your past finally started to make sense—and you realized you still had a say in what comes next? In this episode, I sit down with Lawrence Harris for an honest conversation about autism, C-PTSD, emotional regulation, and what it takes to rebuild self-worth when life has taught you to question it. We talk about what it feels like to grow up misunderstood, how trauma can shape relationships and daily life, and the quiet shift that happens when surviving turns into something more intentional. Lawrence shares parts of his story with real honesty, from childhood abuse and abandonment wounds to the tools that helped him start seeing himself more clearly. We also talk about why journaling became such a powerful practice for him, what progress actually looked like, and how he turned painful experiences into work that now helps young people feel less alone. If you've ever wondered why certain patterns keep showing up—or how healing can begin to feel possible—this conversation will give you a lot to think about. And there are a few moments in this episode that may stay with you long after it ends. About the Guest Lawrence Harris is a speaker and content creator who shares his lived experience with autism, C-PTSD, healing, and emotional growth to support young people who are still finding their footing. Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Lawrence and ask what life felt like before he had words for autism and C-PTSD3:21 - The moment therapy began helping things click into place6:44 - What C-PTSD looked like in everyday life, emotionally and physically14:03 - When Lawrence realized he wanted more than just getting through16:41 - The first real step he took toward healing17:28 - How journaling helped him build emotional awareness24:59 - Rebuilding self-worth after years of feeling misunderstood33:25 - What Lawrence does when old fears still show up43:03 - How his story became a way to help others50:36 - What lasting growth really looks like in real life Lawrence's Links: LawrenceCMpowers.com Show Affiliate https://shop.adhddd.com/NEURODIVERGENT_CONNECTION If this episode speaks to you, listen to the full conversation and share it with someone who needs the reminder that they are not alone. #NeurodivergentConnection #AutismAwareness #CPTSDHealing #MentalHealthSupport #SelfWorth Hosted by Reid Miles.Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush. 🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts🌐 More about the show and past episodes: https://podcast.ausha.co/neurodivergantconnection-thecuriousstroyteller📩 Guest inquiries & media: Reid@AspergersStudio.com Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  5. Sep 7

    The Curious Storyteller: How a Former Pastor Lost Certainty and Found a Faith That Felt Real

    When Doubt Doesn’t Break Faith, but Makes It More Honest What happens when the beliefs you inherited no longer fit, but your faith doesn’t disappear? In this episode, I sit down with Brent Johnson to talk about what comes after certainty starts to crack. We talk about growing up in a strict Christian world, how hard it can feel to question what you were taught, and why doubt isn’t always the enemy people make it out to be. Brent shares how years in ministry pushed him to ask harder questions about church, identity, leadership, and what faith looks like when performance falls away. If you’ve ever wrestled with religious doubt, spiritual pressure, or the fear of asking honest questions, this conversation may stay with you. I’m also sharing what surprised me most in our discussion about community, belonging, and why some people leave systems while still holding onto God. About my guest: Brent Johnson is a former pastor, author of Broken Before God: When Faith and Calamity Collide, and host of the More to Church podcast. He speaks openly about faith deconstruction, church culture, and finding a more grounded belief on the other side. Key Timestamps 0:02 - Why this conversation about doubt, certainty, and faith matters1:20 - Brent’s upbringing in a strict Christian home5:28 - The slow moment when inherited beliefs started to crack10:22 - Ministry, church culture, and the questions that wouldn’t go away14:52 - Why deconstruction didn’t lead Brent away from faith22:49 - When church identity starts replacing personal identity25:36 - What felt more real after letting go of old assumptions38:42 - The fear that comes with rethinking childhood beliefs49:06 - Being a pastor, identity, and life outside official roles56:13 - What parts of Christianity remained after everything was questioned73:41 - What Brent wants people with doubts to know80:01 - What a healthy Christian community could look like now Brandt's Links: Instagram: @bcj5_10TikTok: TicTok: brandtjohnson2Email: somethingmorepod@gmail.com Help me get my book published: https://paypal.me/fullconversation?locale.x=en_US&country.x=US Show Affiliate: https://shop.adhddd.com/NEURODIVERGENT_CONNECTION If this episode speaks to something you’ve been carrying, listen all the way through and share it with someone who’s asking quiet questions of their own. #FaithDeconstruction #SpiritualAbuse #ChristianCommunity #ReligiousDoubt #PodcastInterview Hosted by Reid Miles.Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush. 🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts🌐 More about the show and past episodes: https://podcast.ausha.co/neurodivergantconnection-thecuriousstroyteller📩 Guest inquiries & media: Reid@AspergersStudio.com Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    The Curious Storyteller: How a Former Pastor Lost Certainty and Found a Faith That Felt Real

  6. Sep 2

    She Thought Picture This Was Just a Phrase Until One Question Changed Everything

    What If “Picture This” Doesn’t Work for You? What if the way I’ve been told to think, remember, or heal was built for a different kind of mind? In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Paulina Trevenna to talk about ADHD, aphantasia, memory, and why so many therapy and hypnosis methods quietly assume that everyone can visualize. If you’ve ever felt like certain tools just don’t land for you, this episode may help you see why. We talk about the moment Paulina realized people really do “see” images in their minds, how that changed her understanding of imagination, and why that discovery led her into research. We also get into the hidden gap between common hypnosis techniques and neurodivergent inner experiences, including what can happen when practitioners mistake difference for resistance. You’ll hear why this matters for people with ADHD, autism, aphantasia, and anyone supporting neurodivergent people. More importantly, I’m sharing a conversation that asks a bigger question: how many systems were built around one kind of brain? About the Guest Dr. Paulina Trevenna is a researcher, speaker, and hypnotherapist focused on aphantasia, hypnosis, and neurodivergence. She also leads the Aphantasia World community and teaches practitioners how to better support people who can’t visualize in the usual way. Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Dr. Paulina Trevenna1:35 - Feeling different before having the words for it7:40 - The therapy session that revealed aphantasia13:43 - Entering hypnosis without visualization22:50 - What happens when standard techniques don’t work32:50 - The two big research questions Paulina set out to answer36:05 - What thinking feels like without mental images47:20 - Why therapy and meditation often miss neurodivergent minds55:17 - Adapting hypnosis for different inner experiences66:40 - What aphantasia reveals about human thinking70:14 - Where to find Paulina online If this episode speaks to you, listen through and share it with someone who’s been told they’re “doing it wrong” when they may just be wired differently. #Aphantasia #ADHD #Neurodivergent #Hypnosis #MentalHealth Hosted by Reid Miles.Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush. 🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts🌐 More about the show and past episodes: https://podcast.ausha.co/neurodivergantconnection-thecuriousstroyteller📩 Guest inquiries & media: Reid@AspergersStudio.com Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  7. Aug 31

    The Curious Storyteller: Why Knowing What to Do Still Does Not Lead to Action

    Why Knowing Isn’t Enough to Change, and What Actually Helps You Move Forward I sat down with Dr. Radhika Achari for a conversation that felt both practical and deeply personal: why some things come naturally, why other things feel painfully hard, and why knowing what to do still doesn’t mean we’ll do it. In this episode, I explore how growth mindset, environment, and self-story shape the way we act. We talk about the hidden space between intention and action, why simple advice can fall apart in real life, and how small wins can change the way you see yourself. If you’ve ever felt stuck, behind, or tired of comparing yourself to everyone else, this one will likely hit home. I also get into how systems can reduce stress, why confidence often comes after action, and what it means to build support that fits the person instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all answer. There’s a lot here for parents, educators, neurodivergent people, and anyone trying to make change feel possible again. About the Guest Dr. Radhika Achari is a clinician, behavior analyst, and organizational leadership expert. She blends behavior science with a people-focused view of growth, helping individuals and families build skills, reduce barriers, and create change that fits real life. Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Dr. Achari and ask what first shaped her curiosity about growth 4:20 - We talk about comparison, competition, and learning to value different strengths 13:31 - Why knowing what to do is rarely enough to create change 15:28 - How systems reduce stress and support executive functioning 22:53 - Why simple advice can feel almost impossible to follow 32:18 - How the stories we tell ourselves keep us stuck 36:05 - A simple “what if” question that can help you start again 41:06 - What behavior analysis and leadership taught her about people 45:00 - How workplaces can create burnout without meaning to 47:52 - How to pursue growth without turning life into a constant self-fix project 54:20 - The question that reveals what’s really blocking progress 55:08 - Why waiting for confidence usually keeps us frozen 66:13 - What helps people feel psychologically safe enough to grow 72:27 - What growth really looks like when life hasn’t gone to plan Dr Achari's Links: Website:analyzeandact.com Instagram:@analyze_n_act Help bring Fearless Footsteps into the World: https://paypal.me/fullconversation?locale.x=en_US&country.x=US Show Affiliate: https://shop.adhddd.com/NEURODIVERGENT_CONNECTION If this conversation speaks to you, listen to the full episode and share it with someone who needs a gentler, clearer way to think about growth. #GrowthMindset #Neurodiversity #ExecutiveFunctioning #ParentingSupport #PersonalGrowth Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    The Curious Storyteller: Why Knowing What to Do Still Does Not Lead to Action

  8. Aug 28

    How One Autism Diagnosis Helped a Mother See Herself More Clearly

    When Autism Changes How I See Parenting, Identity, and Connection What if understanding an autistic child starts with seeing yourself more clearly? In this episode, I sit down with Irini Hara for a deeply personal conversation about raising an autistic son, living through years of uncertainty, and rethinking what “normal” even means. We talk about the early signs she noticed, the loneliness many parents carry in silence, and the moment she began looking at both her son and herself through a different lens. What stayed with me most is how this conversation moves beyond labels. Irini shares why self-regulation matters so much in parenting, why acceptance can change the whole relationship, and why some of the biggest struggles families face are often missed by schools, systems, and even the medical world. She also opens up about the questions she’s still asking about trauma, autism, and support. If you’re a parent, educator, caregiver, or someone finding your own way through neurodivergence, I think this episode will leave you feeling seen—and maybe questioning a few things in the best way. About the Guest Irini Hara is a researcher, facilitator, and mother who shares conversations around autism, trauma, healing, and family systems. She also hosts Autism 360 Degrees and creates content for parents and families looking for wider support and understanding. Key Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Irini and we begin with the first signs she noticed in her son3:19 - We talk about the emotions that came with uncertainty before diagnosis5:43 - Irini shares how she began noticing autistic traits in herself11:40 - What changed how she understood her son14:01 - What parenting an autistic child taught her about connection17:34 - The powerful lesson her son taught her about “normal”20:25 - How motherhood led her toward trauma work and healing practices29:02 - Why she started questioning traditional explanations of autism38:15 - The conversations she wishes the medical world would have47:34 - What she hopes her son never loses as he grows up50:10 - Her message to overwhelmed parents listening right now If this episode speaks to you, listen all the way through and share it with someone who needs more support around autism, parenting, and neurodivergence. #AutismAwareness #NeurodivergentConnection #ParentingSupport #Neurodiversity #AutisticChildren Hosted by Reid Miles.Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush. 🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts🌐 More about the show and past episodes: https://podcast.ausha.co/neurodivergantconnection-thecuriousstroyteller📩 Guest inquiries & media: Reid@AspergersStudio.com Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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Reid Miles Podcasts Two shows. One curiosity-driven mission: telling human stories that matter. Hosted by Reid Miles, this podcast feed is home to two distinct but connected conversations. The Neurodivergent Connection centers neurodivergent voices lived experience, late diagnosis, advocacy, creativity, and the realities of navigating a world not built for autistic minds. These episodes focus on understanding, accessibility, and belonging, grounded in honesty and real conversation rather than clinical distance. The Curious Storyteller began as a celebration of remarkable people and the stories that shaped them. It has since evolved into deeper, reflective conversations about identity, resilience, reinvention, and the quiet moments that change us. Guests include creators, athletes, leaders, and thinkers not to be interviewed, but to be heard. Both shows share the same foundation: unscripted conversations, emotional intelligence, and curiosity over performance. This isn’t about polished success stories or neat conclusions — it’s about connection, reflection, and telling the truth while the story is still being written. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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