Nerding out on Neurodiversity

Dr. Matt Zakreski
  • 5.0 (8)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

This podcast is hosted by myself, Dr. Matt Zakreski, a clinical psychologist and speaker, alongside our co-host and producer Jake Noonan, an educational coach and humanities teacher. We are here to leverage our personal and professional experiences as neurodivergent specialists to inform and entertain the world around us. And, since we can’t do that on our own, we’ve collected an incredible group of professionals from all walks of life who use their time and talent to support the neurodivergent community. When we know more, we do better, and the goal of the #NooN podcast is to provide our listeners with as much information as possible to make your lives better. Because, as Dr. Matt always says, we can’t always make your lives EASY, but we can make them EASIER – and that is just as important! If you’re neurodivergent, someone who loves a neurodivergent person, or works with neurodivergent people, then Nerding out on Neurodiversity is the show for you. Come on this journey with us! We’ll laugh, cry, learn, and make obscure nerdy pop culture references, we’ll have fun – we promise!

  1. 1D AGO

    Ep 50 -- Podcast is Now in Session, All Rise for the Honorable Haley Moss!

    This episode, we have the immense privilege to speak with Haley Moss! An attorney, an author, and a neurodiversity advocate, Haley truly is a leader in the field. Diagnosed with autism at the age of 3, Haley has been working diligently and passionately to help the world be more understanding and inclusive across the board. At the same time, Haley is an educator and a keynote speaker -- giving her first presentation at age 13! -- highlighting her story and life experiences, knowing that making a difference in even one person's life makes everything worth it. As a result, Haley has rapidly become a critical voice for neurodiversity awareness! Together, we dive deep into Haley's experience and her overall life. We loved hearing about Haley's life as a lawyer -- and all the multifaceted layers that come with being in the role in tandem with autism. This is truly important; the future is neurodiverse and accepting. Who better to genuinely live that than someone like Haley Moss?! At the same time, Haley discusses what it was like growing up as an autistic girl and the myriad of challenges that socially, and culturally, come alongside that. We know that Haley's story is one that everyone will benefit immensely from hearing. Haley, it was such a joy and pleasure speaking with you -- especially being able to talk and nerd out about Pokemon! Thank you for sharing about your favorite Pokemon -- and why you love the fire types🦄🥳🦄! -- Own what makes you, YOU. -- (You also might learn about our favorite Pokemon...) Haley Moss can be found at her website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter/'X', and YouTube! Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jake@theneurodiversitycollective.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you'd like to learn more, please follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 2m

  2. MAR 3

    Ep 49 -- From Student to Sous-dent, with 'Chef' Evan McComb

    This is another special episode for us! What makes today's episode another especially special one is our guest, Evan McComb. Another old student of ours, and another absolute pleasure and joy to know today. It was inspiring and a great privilege being able to share in even a small part of your journey. If you enjoyed Devin's story, you will love Evan's. (Also, Evan was another continuous delight to teach!) Initially going to school for engineering, Evan shifted gears -- now, he goes to culinary school! Evan takes us through his journey, exploring his thoughts on his educational journey, especially the external pressures that he was putting on himself. Throughout the whole conversation, Evan showed a sincere openness and vulnerability that we know is part of the essence of who Evan is. We genuinely appreciate how much you shared about your life, celebrations, struggles, and all. Anyone who has ever felt out of place, uncertain of their future path, or just curious about current neurodivergent struggles would benefit from hearing Evan's story and experiences!🥳🎉 Evan, we are so, so incredibly proud of who you are and the authentic, curious, and passionate person you continue to become. You continue to shine, just by being you. -- Things will always get better. -- Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jake@theneurodiversitycollective.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you'd like to learn more, please follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    48 min

  3. FEB 24

    Ep 48 -- OT The Places You'll Go! with Cynthia Miller-Lautman

    This episode, we have the great joy of speaking with Cynthia Miller-Lautman! Cynthia is an Occupational Therapist based in Canada, specializing in neurodiversity through sensory integration and developing fine/gross motor skills. She works with schools, educators, caregivers, and a myriad of others. In her role, Cynthia makes sure that these complex sensory processing concepts are easy to understand and accessible for all. Alongside this, Cynthia has worked closely and intentionally with various Indigenous communities while being cognizant and sensitive of various cultural nuances and needs. As a result, Cynthia co-develops wonderful and supportive approaches to aid with regulation through a sensory lens. Together, we dive deep into what makes an Occupational Therapist -- as well as various myths and misconceptions. We loved our time with Cynthia and learned a ton about how different sensory processing needs manifest for different individuals. Hearing about Cynthia's experiences and expertise with sensory processing was inspirational, especially with the purpose and need for the various internal systems that we all feel. We know that everyone will benefit immensely from hearing Cynthia's story and understanding of neurodiverse individuals. Cynthia, it was such a privilege and pleasure speaking with you and hearing all about your experiences and journey🦄🥳🦄! -- Make the world Sensory Safe! -- Cynthia Miller-Lautman can be found at her website, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jake@theneurodiversitycollective.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you'd like to learn more, please follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    55 min

  4. FEB 17

    Ep 47 -- A Movement of Hope, with Dr. Laura Berssenbrugge

    This episode, we have the pleasure of hearing from Dr. Laura Berssenbrugge! She is the co-founder of The Modern Asian Parent, as well as Gramercy Psychology. Professionally, Dr. Laura specializes in working with teenagers and adults in navigating neurodiversity through therapy. With a deep understanding and appreciation towards cultural identities, and how multiculturality manifests, Dr. Laura encourages curiosity and vulnerability, understanding and celebrating that things are fluid! For her, everyone's experience deserves to be validated, seen, and respected -- that is foundational. Throughout our conversation, Dr. Laura dives into the broad socio-cultural history throughout human experience -- and how we are all impacted as a result. We loved being able to discuss such nuanced and complex topic with Dr. Laura. What does the future look like for the upcoming generations? How can we culturally internalize hope as a movement? Dr. Laura reminds us that we can all empower ourselves to find strength within our personal values, something foundational to what it is to be you, and how we can anchor ourselves to those values. Dr. Laura, thank you so incredibly much for your perspective, positivity, and insight. We are beyond grateful for your vulnerabilities and we know that everyone will immensely benefit from hearing from you: the Capricious Capricorn!🦄🥳🦄 -- Remember: You affect change. Every. Single. Day. -- Dr. Laura Berssenbrugge can be found on LinkedIn and Instagram, as well as through the websites for Gramercy Psychology and The Modern Asian Parent! Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jake@theneurodiversitycollective.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you'd like to learn more, please follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min

  5. FEB 10

    Ep 46 -- Loud? Brash? And Badass? It's Dr. Naz!

    Ready for an emotional sledgehammer of an episode? 'Cause we are! 🥳 This episode, we are privileged to be joined by none other than the Dr. Nazeer T. Zerka. More colloquially known by Dr. Naz, he founded the national nonprofit, Different Spectrums. Through his role as a specialized therapist, Dr. Naz intentionally designed Different Spectrums to be dedicated to supporting autistic, ADHD, and neurodivergent communities, especially within Black and Brown populations. Dr. Naz leads with authenticity, making it known that he is an autistic and neurodivergent clinician -- as such, he brings a level of understanding, cultural context, and lived empathy that traditional therapy often lacks. Perhaps most admirably, Dr. Naz's work is rooted not just in his doctorate and clinical training, but also in his upbringing in Flint and Saginaw, Michigan -- where he learned resilience, humor, and how to show up authentically for others. Together, we get very personal while opening up on topics within systemic struggles and how Dr. Naz has been personally impacted. He shares about his unique journey to becoming a caring and valued therapist. We delve into how protective he is (with the occasional consequence), how joyful and appreciative he is, and all of the intense, nuanced, "let's be ourselves" mentality with which he approaches the world, his practice, and our entire conversation. It was a genuine pleasure to speak with Dr. Naz -- especially with his frequent jabs at Dr. Matt! We had immense fun talking with Dr. Naz and we know you will too!🦄🥳🦄 -- Take care of yourselves. Or don't... jackasses. 💝 -- Dr. Naz can be found on any and all social media platforms via his LinkTree, as through the Different Spectrums website! Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jake@theneurodiversitycollective.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you'd like to learn more, please follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 2m

  6. FEB 3

    Ep 45 -- Ostensibly Meme, with Bella!

    This episode, we have the joy of talking with Bella -- a full-time dog foster parent, Yakuza enthusiast, Discord server admin, and overall inspirational person. Together, we dive into her experiences growing up neurodivergent and what navigating that looked and felt like. From family history to dating struggles, Bella embodies authenticity in growth and introspection. We also loved being able to take the time to trace some of Bella and Jake's friendship through the years! What starts off with semi-catching up quickly becomes a deep appreciation for Bella's fostering passions. We loved hearing about the infamous Meme* (featured picture) and her Viagra prescription -- not to mention the joys that she brought to Bella and the world. At the same time, we meander through endless pop-culture connections and references! We loved talking with you Bella, and we know you, our audience will, too! Thank you for your time, authenticity, and vulnerabilities!🦄🥳🦄 -- Try to be curious! -- Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jake@theneurodiversitycollective.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you'd like to learn more, please follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    57 min

  7. JAN 27

    Ep 44 -- Missives from Little Miss Gifted

    Today, we have the living embodiment of all things glitter, sparkles, and phenomenalness -- Stephanie Higgs, or, as the iconic, Little Miss Gifted! She is an award-winning gifted educator and differentiation coach from Nashville. In every aspect of life, Stephanie is energetic, passionate, and positive, always encouraging and inspiring those around her. At the same time, she presents at various conferences, always making sure to remember to focus on what is actually useful for teachers. For her, teachers are so, so critical, the best humans in the world! Being a gifted teacher, Stephanie makes sure to 'leave some sparkle' wherever she goes -- and we know that she is beyond successful in that! Together, we explore the world of conferences, education, and giftedness -- all while sprinkling in various aspects of neurodiversity and smiles. We loved our time with Stephanie, and we are absolutely positive that you will as well. As Dr. Matt says, Stephanie is like if you "took glitter, a couple of Red Bulls, and a lot of southern charm" and mixed it all together. It was such a joy and privilege speaking with you and hearing all about your experiences and journey... and your tragic dating life🦄🥳🦄! -- Teachers are my Superheroes -- Stephanie Higgs can be found on Instagram and her website! Her 'Differentiated Math' video can be found on YouTube! Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jake@theneurodiversitycollective.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you'd like to learn more, please follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min

  8. JAN 20

    Ep 43 -- Parenting in the Fast 'Laine, with Elaine Taylor-Klaus

    Today, we have the immense privilege of speaking with Elaine Taylor-Klaus! She is a Master Certified Coach and adult educator in the areas of coaching, neurodiversity, and parenting. At the same time, Elaine is a coach, author, speaker, and Co-Founder of ImpactADHD® and ImpactParents. Both Impact groups work to provide neurodiversity-informed coaching skills for parents working with "complex" kids -- and the professionals who support them. Her book, The Essential Guide to Raising Complex Kids is a critical read for understanding the neurodiverse population with ample wisdom and expertise! We loved being able to dive into the world of parenting, coaching, and what enthusiasm and understanding truly looks like from a parent -- and professional -- lens. We dive into a myriad of complex ideas and topics with Elaine Taylor-Klaus, all focused on neurodiversity and her life's journey/work. As the parent of neurodiverse children, we loved being able to explore the parental side of Elaine's experiences -- especially knowing her immediate connection to Voltron! We know that everyone will benefit from hearing Elaine's story and her wisdom. It was such a pleasure speaking with you, Elaine -- thank you for your time, care, and passions🦄🥳🦄! -- Change comes from challenging your assumptions -- Elaine Taylor-Klaus can be found on LinkedIn, Instagram, and the Impact Parents Website! You can also sign up for the keystone training, Sanity School through this link! Sanity School® is a foundational training in a model that blends coaching skills with neurodiversity -- for both parents AND professionals. Only delivered live every year or so, it's a rare opportunity! Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jake@theneurodiversitycollective.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you'd like to learn more, please follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    53 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

This podcast is hosted by myself, Dr. Matt Zakreski, a clinical psychologist and speaker, alongside our co-host and producer Jake Noonan, an educational coach and humanities teacher. We are here to leverage our personal and professional experiences as neurodivergent specialists to inform and entertain the world around us. And, since we can’t do that on our own, we’ve collected an incredible group of professionals from all walks of life who use their time and talent to support the neurodivergent community. When we know more, we do better, and the goal of the #NooN podcast is to provide our listeners with as much information as possible to make your lives better. Because, as Dr. Matt always says, we can’t always make your lives EASY, but we can make them EASIER – and that is just as important! If you’re neurodivergent, someone who loves a neurodivergent person, or works with neurodivergent people, then Nerding out on Neurodiversity is the show for you. Come on this journey with us! We’ll laugh, cry, learn, and make obscure nerdy pop culture references, we’ll have fun – we promise!

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