The Neurodivergent Connection / The Curious Storyteller

Reid

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. From helping ADHD students to finally seeing herself

    9h ago

    From helping ADHD students to finally seeing herself

    Late ADHD Diagnosis, Grief, and Rebuilding Life in Small Steps What happens when the person helping others finally realizes the story is also their own? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Dahl to talk about late ADHD diagnosis, masking, grief, trauma, and what it means to rebuild a life when your brain needs a different kind of support. This conversation is honest, practical, and deeply human. We talk about the shock and relief that can come with finally having a name for what you've lived with for years. Then we get into something many people don't say out loud: what it feels like when ADHD overlaps with loss, exhaustion, and major life changes. Dr. Jennifer shares why “trying harder” often misses the point, and why small shifts can make a real difference when big systems fall apart. If you've ever wondered why some advice works for other people but not for you, or how to move forward without pretending you have it all together, this episode will give you a lot to think about. About the Guest Dr. Jennifer Dahl has spent more than 25 years supporting students and adults with ADHD. After her own diagnosis, along with experiences of grief, trauma, and brain injury, her work took on an even deeper lived understanding. Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Dr. Jennifer Dahl and we begin with her path to understanding ADHD 1:46 - The familiar signs that were hard to name 7:45 - Why structure helps until it suddenly disappears 11:32 - Her diagnosis, grief, and traumatic brain injury collide 16:51 - The mix of relief, grief, and anger after a late diagnosis 22:56 - What real support looked like during the hardest season 32:44 - Why small shifts can matter more than big plans 43:42 - ADHD advice that fails, and what actually helps 49:40 - What I hope newly diagnosed listeners hear most Dr Jen's Resources: ADHD Holistically - Dr. Jennifer Dahl’s main website and hub for her work. She shared it as the best place to learn more, join her newsletter, and connect with her resources: adhdholistically.com. Newsletter - Available through ADHD Holistically. Dr. Dall recommended joining it to keep up with her work and updates. Instagram - One of the platforms where Dr. Dall shares ideas and stays in touch with people who follow her work. She invited listeners to follow her there for ongoing support and updates. LinkedIn - Another platform Dr. Dall mentioned for connecting online. She noted that she is posting there more and encouraged people to reach out. If this speaks to you, listen to the full episode and share it with someone who needs to feel seen. #ADHD #Neurodiversity #LateDiagnosis #GriefSupport #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.

    58 min

  2. 2d ago

    How a late ADHD diagnosis changed the way she works and heals

    Late ADHD Diagnosis, Grief, and Rebuilding Life in Small Steps What happens when the person helping others finally realizes the story is also their own? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Dahl to talk about late ADHD diagnosis, masking, grief, trauma, and what it means to rebuild a life when your brain needs a different kind of support. This conversation is honest, practical, and deeply human. We talk about the shock and relief that can come with finally having a name for what you've lived with for years. Then we get into something many people don't say out loud: what it feels like when ADHD overlaps with loss, exhaustion, and major life changes. Dr. Jennifer shares why “trying harder” often misses the point, and why small shifts can make a real difference when big systems fall apart. If you've ever wondered why some advice works for other people but not for you, or how to move forward without pretending you have it all together, this episode will give you a lot to think about. About the Guest Dr. Jennifer Dahl has spent more than 25 years supporting students and adults with ADHD. After her own diagnosis, along with experiences of grief, trauma, and brain injury, her work took on an even deeper lived understanding. Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Dr. Jennifer Dahl and we begin with her path to understanding ADHD 1:46 - The familiar signs that were hard to name 7:45 - Why structure helps until it suddenly disappears 11:32 - Her diagnosis, grief, and traumatic brain injury collide 16:51 - The mix of relief, grief, and anger after a late diagnosis 22:56 - What real support looked like during the hardest season 32:44 - Why small shifts can matter more than big plans 43:42 - ADHD advice that fails, and what actually helps 49:40 - What I hope newly diagnosed listeners hear most If this speaks to you, listen to the full episode and share it with someone who needs to feel seen. #ADHD #Neurodiversity #LateDiagnosis #GriefSupport #MentalHealth Dr. Jens Resources: ADHD Holistically - Dr. Jennifer Dall's main website and hub for her work. She shared it as the best place to learn more, join her newsletter, and connect with her resources: adhdholistically.com. Newsletter - Available through ADHD Holistically. Dr. Dall recommended joining it to keep up with her work and updates. Instagram - One of the platforms where Dr. Dall shares ideas and stays in touch with people who follow her work. She invited listeners to follow her there for ongoing support and updates. LinkedIn - Another platform Dr. Dall mentioned for connecting online. She noted that she is posting there more and encouraged people to reach out. 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.

    58 min

  3. 4d ago

    The Curious Storyteller: When Your Life Looks Fine but Feels Empty Here’s Where to Start

    When Life Looks Fine on Paper but Feels Empty Inside What happens when you do everything “right” and still feel like something is missing? In this conversation, I sit down with Laura Marie to talk about the quiet ache of living on autopilot, chasing productivity, and waking up to the fact that success on paper doesn’t always feel like peace in real life. Laura shares what changed when she hit midlife, lost her job, and finally had to face the question so many people avoid: Is this really the life I want? We talk about burnout, identity, hustle culture, and the small shifts that can help you notice your own life again before it passes in a blur. If you’ve been stuck in routine, feeling numb, or wondering why a “good” life still feels heavy, this episode will give you a lot to think about. I also ask Laura about redefining success, setting better boundaries, and why real joy often looks much simpler than we expect. About the Guest Laura Marie is a coach and guide who helps women question old expectations, reconnect with their values, and build a life that feels more honest, spacious, and fully their own. Key Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Laura Marie and we begin with the hidden emptiness behind a “successful” life 2:32 - Laura describes the quiet voice asking, “Is this all there is?” 7:31 - The signs she was living on autopilot for years 13:38 - What to do when you can’t leave your job but know something needs to change 16:24 - What burnout and overwhelm looked like in everyday life 21:08 - Why core values matter when you don’t know what you want 28:53 - The moment losing her job forced her to question success 34:20 - How she began redefining freedom, joy, and fulfillment 40:17 - What helped her stay committed when doubt showed up 47:07 - Why so many people stay stuck in the hustle cycle 53:18 - Laura’s starting point for anyone who feels trapped on autopilot Laura's Resources: www.wildawakewoman.com @livingwildawake on Facebook and Instagram If this conversation hits close to home, listen all the way through and share it with someone who may need it too. For more conversations on personal growth, burnout, midlife change, and living with intention, follow along and stay connected. #MidlifeAwakening #BurnoutRecovery #IntentionalLiving #PersonalGrowth #LifeOnAutopilot 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.

    59 min

  4. May 29

    When Everything Changed After We Finally Had Words for Our Family Story

    What Changes When a Whole Family Finally Has the Words for Autism and ADHD? What happens when years of chaos, guilt, and confusion finally start to make sense? In this episode, I sit down with Walter and Stephanie Parker for an honest conversation about raising three neurodivergent daughters while also making sense of their own diagnoses. We talk about what life looked like before they had language for autism, ADHD, alexithymia, and rejection sensitivity, and why getting answers changed the way they saw their marriage, parenting, and even themselves. What stayed with me most is how much this episode speaks to families who know something feels different but can’t quite explain it yet. We get into the grief, the relief, the missed signs, and the small shifts that can change everything at home. We also talk about stigma, burnout, masking, and why the right support can mean the difference between surviving and actually feeling understood. Walter and Stephanie are the founders of Divergent by Design, a growing online community focused on neurodivergent support, education, and coaching. Together, they’re helping families feel less alone and more seen. If you’ve ever wondered, Is this what’s been going on in my home all along? this is an episode you’ll want to hear all the way through. Key Timestamps 0:26 - What family life looked like before anyone had a diagnosis 2:58 - The moment autism started making sense 6:00 - How diagnosis changed their marriage and parenting 13:31 - Living with alexithymia in a neurodiverse home 16:44 - What a typical day looks like with three neurodivergent daughters 22:44 - The real impact of stigma at work and in public life 28:50 - Why building community is harder than it sounds 41:00 - How their family shaped Divergent by Design and Full Spectrum Lender 49:07 - The honest conversations people still avoid about autism and ADHD 64:10 - What they hope their daughters carry into the world Walter & Stephanie's Resources: Website:divergentbydesignllc.com — Stephanie’s life coaching and neurodivergence support site Facebook Group: Divergent by Design — community space for connection, education, and support Facebook Page: Divergent by Design LLC — updates, content, and resources TikTok: Divergent by Design LLC — short-form educational content Instagram: Divergent by Design LLC — visuals, tips, and community content Brand Mentioned: Full Spectrum Lender — Walter’s mortgage and real estate lending brand If this conversation resonates with you, listen to the full episode and share it with someone who needs clearer language, more support, or simply the reminder that they’re not alone. #AutismAwareness #ADHDSupport #NeurodivergentFamilies #Neurodiversity #ParentingSupport 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.

    1h 14m
  5. Small Daily Ways to Support Gut Health ADHD and a Busy Nervous System

    May 27

    Small Daily Ways to Support Gut Health ADHD and a Busy Nervous System

    What If Your Gut, Brain, and Nervous System Have Been Talking All Along? What if the symptoms you’ve been trying to “fix” are actually messages worth hearing? In this episode, I sit down with Heather Van Tassel to talk about the gut-brain connection, meditation, concussion recovery, and what it means to understand yourself when your mind and body don’t fit neat boxes. We get into the space between science and lived experience, and why that space matters more than most people realize. You’ll hear how Heather’s background in biochemistry, neuroscience, and nutrition shaped the way she thinks about chronic gut issues, nervous system stress, and mental health. We also talk about self-recognition, ADHD traits without a formal diagnosis, and why support doesn’t always start with a label. If you’ve ever felt dismissed, confused by mixed health advice, or unsure where to begin, this conversation will give you a new way to think about healing, regulation, and personalized care. And yes, we talk about one small daily habit that may be quietly making things worse. About the Guest Heather Van Tassel is a gut health coach and nutritionist with a background in biochemistry, neuroscience, and data science. Her work focuses on the connection between the gut, brain, and nervous system, with an emphasis on education and practical support. Key Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Heather and we begin with her early curiosity about the brain and body 3:00 - How a concussion changed her identity and deepened her connection to meditation 9:41 - The moment she began seeing how much the microbiome shapes health 14:14 - How she approaches chronic bloating, IBS, food sensitivities, and root-cause questions 19:31 - When science, nutrition, and lived experience stopped feeling separate 31:30 - What to remember if you feel stuck between Western care and other approaches 43:08 - Why symptoms may be signals to listen to, not just problems to silence 49:22 - Heather opens up about ADHD traits, self-awareness, and living without a formal diagnosis 58:02 - What most people misunderstand about the gut-brain connection 64:29 - A gentle place to begin if all the health advice feels like too much 65:50 - How we make meditation feel more accessible for neurodivergent minds 82:18 - What a world built with neurodivergent people in mind could look like Heather's resources: https://datadrivennutritionist.com/ If this conversation speaks to you, listen to the full episode and share it with someone who needs a gentler way into understanding mind-body health. #GutBrainConnection #NeurodivergentConnection #MentalHealthAwareness #ADHDSupport #NervousSystemHealth 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.

    1h 37m
  6. The Curious Storyteller: From late nights in a Hackspace to a Train Tracker people watch for comfort

    May 25

    The Curious Storyteller: From late nights in a Hackspace to a Train Tracker people watch for comfort

    Why a Real-Time Train Board Feels So Calming to Watch What starts as a story about a train board turns into something much bigger: pattern, comfort, design, and the quiet pull of watching a system move in real time. In this episode, I sit down with Griffin Van Horn, creator of Traintrakr.io, to talk about how a late-night makerspace idea became a product people connect with in ways no one fully expected. We get into the moment the project stopped feeling like an experiment, why simple design can say more than a screen full of data, and what happened when customers began sharing deeply personal reasons they loved it. I also explore something that really stayed with me: why movement, rhythm, and visible patterns can feel so grounding. If you’ve ever wondered why certain objects bring comfort, focus, or connection, this conversation will give you a lot to think about. About my guest: Griffin Van Horn is the creator of Train Tracker, a real-time transit display that turns live train data into a clean, visual experience. His work brings together engineering, design, and a strong respect for community-built ideas. You’ll hear how Train Tracker grew from a handmade prototype into something people use for far more than commute info—and why that matters. Key Timestamps 0:03 - I welcome Griffin Van Horn and introduce Train Tracker 0:21 - How the idea began in the Cambridge Hackspace 9:01 - The surprise behind what they were really building 17:57 - The moment the project started feeling real 20:36 - What the first version looked like behind the scenes 26:02 - What early users taught them about simplicity 32:21 - Why people connect with the feeling, not just the data 40:12 - The unexpected stories that made the work feel bigger 44:11 - Why trains and patterns can feel oddly calming 55:05 - Where to learn more about Traintrakr You can find out more at: Traintrackr.io If this episode speaks to you, listen to the full conversation and share it with someone who loves design, transit, or the comfort of patterns in motion. #TrainTrackr #DesignStory #TransitDesign #Makerspace #CuriousStoryteller 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.

    1 hr
  7. From feeling too much to finally making sense of an ADHD mind

    May 22

    From feeling too much to finally making sense of an ADHD mind

    What a Late ADHD Diagnosis Can Explain, and What It Can Change If you’ve ever thought, “Why does my brain work like this?” this conversation will likely hit close to home. In this episode, I sit down with Jax Crider to talk about what it’s like to live for years without the language for ADHD, and what can happen when that missing piece finally clicks into place. We get into the quiet guilt that can build before diagnosis, the relief that can follow, and why so many adults, especially women, are only now starting to connect the dots. Jax shares honest stories about being “too much,” forgetting everyday tasks, and dealing with the mental snowball that can turn one small moment into a flood of self-doubt. We also talk about something I think more people need to hear: ADHD isn’t only about struggle. There can be real strengths here too, if you know what to look for. About the Guest Jax Crider is an entrepreneur, mortgage professional, financial educator, and host of Financial Mastery Simplified. She speaks openly about late-diagnosed ADHD, business, money, and building a life that fits how your brain actually works. If you’re questioning your own ADHD, supporting someone who is, or trying to make sense of a late diagnosis, I think this episode will leave you feeling more seen. Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Jax and we start with life before diagnosis 4:39 - Jax explains the “snowball” of ADHD, anxiety, and depression 9:56 - A personal story about success, failure, and black-and-white thinking 25:30 - What Jax felt when she finally got her ADHD diagnosis 33:41 - What ADHD as a “superpower” looks like in real life 38:03 - Why AI can be useful for neurodivergent people 44:58 - Late diagnosis, guilt, and the question of what might have been 57:10 - What still isn’t being said enough about ADHD in adults 81:15 - What Jax wants listeners to hear if they’re just starting to figure this out Jax's Resources: jaxcridder.com Financial Mastery Simplified by Jax Rider - Podcast Listen in, and if this episode speaks to you, share it with someone who needs that reminder: you’re not broken, and you’re not alone. #ADHD #LateDiagnosis #Neurodivergent #MentalHealth #Neurodiversity 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.

    1h 28m
  8. The Quiet Relief Many Neurodivergent People Felt in 2020 and Why It Still Matters

    May 20

    The Quiet Relief Many Neurodivergent People Felt in 2020 and Why It Still Matters

    What Happens When Neurodivergence, Fatherhood, and Advocacy Collide What does it cost to stop masking—and what can happen when you finally let people see the real you? In this episode, I sit down with Dan Roth for an honest conversation about neurodivergence, rejection, work, parenting, and the quiet weight so many of us carry. We talk about what the pandemic changed, why that inner voice can be so hard to settle, and how being openly ADHD shaped the way Dan rebuilt his life when everything felt uncertain. What stayed with me most is how this conversation moves beyond careers. We get into the tension around disclosure, workplace bias, and accommodations, but we also go deeper into what it means to raise autistic children in systems that still miss the mark. Dan shares what shifted for him as a father, advocate, and community builder—and why some of his biggest work started with one simple act of care. If you're neurodivergent, parenting a neurodivergent child, or trying to build a more inclusive school or workplace, this one will likely hit close to home. I think you'll walk away feeling seen, and you may also start asking different questions about what support should really look like. About the Guest Dan Roth is a neurodivergent speaker, advocate, and community leader known for his work in hiring, inclusion, and special education support. He’s also a father of autistic daughters and a strong voice for more inclusive schools, workplaces, and communities. Key Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Dan Roth and we set the stage for a deeply personal conversation 0:17 - What the pandemic felt like for neurodivergent people 2:42 - Why rejection can feel so personal 5:02 - Dan opens up about self-doubt and the nonstop inner voice 9:26 - The moment social media became a turning point 13:49 - What it felt like to share his first public post 15:20 - Neurodivergence, job applications, and workplace accommodations 21:16 - When advocacy became bigger than employment 27:02 - The story behind an inclusive school project that still gives me chills 31:02 - How parenting autistic daughters made the mission personal 36:00 - What feels broken in hiring systems 44:38 - Dan’s message for parents wondering if they’re enough Dans Resources: Dan Roth Email: bookdantospeak@gmail.com Book:Breaking the Silence: Voices of Survivors on Amazon If this episode speaks to you, listen through to the end and share it with someone who needs this reminder: you’re not alone. #Neurodivergent #Autism #ADHD #ParentingSupport #WorkplaceInclusion Dans 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.

    52 min
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4.9
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

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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