I Am Not Calm Podcast

Amanda Nicholson
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Discussing autism, my experiences and views on the world. iamnotcalm.substack.com

  1. With guest, Polly

    Jun 3

    With guest, Polly

    Bio: Polly has worked in the Arts, Heritage and Charity sector for over 15 years coordinating campaigns which have included the founding of Greater Manchester Housing Action Network, winning Selective Licensing policy change to protect tenants from unscrupulous landlords. She landed her dream job as the North West Campaign Coordinator with Friends of the Earth in 2016 but this was when she first hit burnout, and learned she was “different” neurologically to her peers. She recently stepped down from a co-directorship role due to the impact of AuDHD, bereavement & pregnancy loss. Currently she sits on the Board of Trustees for a baby loss charity & works freelance with Divergent Emergent CiC and The Portico Library, focused on Network Development, and Participation. Her ADHD diagnosis in 2025 has led to exploring new healing modalities whilst navigating the chaos of titration, and awaiting specialist care for M.E, and fibromyalgia. Sustained use of pain medication had adversely affected her health so she is now “chemical free”. When she’s able to Polly enjoys somatic practices such as yoga, writing, & very occasionally performing poetry, soundscape & videography. She is developing two multi media projects “Seer to Seen” and “Nostalgy” part of a wider practice of land-connection, and “rooting in place.” She is exploring a herbal pharmacology study pathway with the National Institute of Medical Herbalist (NIMH) whilst conducting self taught herbalism, and rewilding common land near her home in Langworthy. Get full access to I Am Not Calm at iamnotcalm.substack.com/subscribe

    30 min
  2. With Guest, Sammi Parkin

    May 27

    With Guest, Sammi Parkin

    A few weeks ago, I caught up with Sammi Parkin to talk about her book ‘Cola Bottle Girl’, and her motivation for writing it. About Sammi Sammi Parkin is an author, autism advocate, and a proud mum to three autistic children, each with their own unique and diverse needs. Driven by the lived experience of raising a neurodivergent family, she has dedicated her platform to bridging the gap between clinical diagnosis and the real-world reality of parenting. Her writing journey began at home, inspired by her high-masking autistic daughter. Seeing the lack of support and resources specifically tailored to those who "hide" their struggles to fit in, Sammi Parkin wrote The Cola Bottle Girl. The book serves as a vital guide for parents and high-masking girls alike, offering the understanding and tools she wished had been available when her family’s journey began.Beyond the page, Sammi Parkin is a prominent voice in the neurodivergent community. She has built a supportive TikTok platform of over 12,000 followers, where she shares daily advocacy, "real-talk" parenting insights, and educational content. Whether through her writing or her social media presence, her mission remains the same: to ensure that no high-masking girl feels invisible and that every parent feels empowered to support their child’s true, authentic self. Get full access to I Am Not Calm at iamnotcalm.substack.com/subscribe

    15 min
  3. With Guest, Gray Rodgers

    May 20

    With Guest, Gray Rodgers

    I spoke to Gray Rodgers about discovering and accepting their autism diagnosis, then going on to help other people. Trigger Warning: We talked about suicidal thoughts near the beginning of this podcast. About Gray: Gray Rodgers is a South Derbyshire–based multidisciplinary artist, writer, and neurodiversity advocate. Founder of the Swadlincote Aspergers Society, they’ve spent years supporting autistic people through community work, creative projects, and public speaking. Their work spans poetry, visual art, and digital content, often exploring identity, resilience, and mental health. Using the handle @sfvetneph, they share projects, collaborations, and advocacy across platforms, helping to raise awareness and push for more inclusive spaces both locally and beyond. Get full access to I Am Not Calm at iamnotcalm.substack.com/subscribe

    25 min
  4. The Overthinking Episode

    May 13

    The Overthinking Episode

    This week, I explain how the podcast is going to be changing for a little while, and I talk about overthinking. Get full access to I Am Not Calm at iamnotcalm.substack.com/subscribe

    3 min
  5. Courtney Ward and Lee McShane

    May 6

    Courtney Ward and Lee McShane

    I spoke to Courtney Ward and Lee McShane about AUDHD, creativity, and dealing with burnout, among other things. About Courtney: Courtney has been published in several anthologies including “Our Time and Space” by Writing East Midlands, “Speak Out” by The Word Association, and Sisterhood anthology for Sisterhood Festival in Bradford, been a featured artist at Prickly Pear, and Speak your Mind, among others, and also, talked at and collaborated with local charities, and performed at festivals, such as Kettfest, and Corby Pride. About Lee: Lee McShane is a Neurodivergent actor, filmmaker, and published writer/poet. He integrates neurodivergence into his creative work, often blending themes of mental health with elements of horror. His storytelling challenges stigma, offering unique perspectives shaped by lived experience and a passion for authentic, emotionally resonant, and genre-bending narratives. Get full access to I Am Not Calm at iamnotcalm.substack.com/subscribe

    23 min
  6. Poems by Pippa Bolton, and Joe Tetley

    Apr 30

    Poems by Pippa Bolton, and Joe Tetley

    About the poets: Pippa is a mum with Autism and ADHD, she has two girls, and is creative in many ways, such as being able to play multiple instruments, making jewellery, crocheting, singing, and painting. She is passionate about people with learning disabilities being accepted and supported, rather than just tolerated. Her faith (Christianity) keeps her grounded, no matter what life throws at her. *** Joe is a gay, autistic poet, living in Manchester. He uses poetry as a form of expression to record feelings and emotions that may otherwise be left unsaid, regularly performing at spoken word nights across the city. Get full access to I Am Not Calm at iamnotcalm.substack.com/subscribe

    3 min
  7. Poems by Amanda Nicholson, and Julia Webb

    Apr 29

    Poems by Amanda Nicholson, and Julia Webb

    Today I share one of my own poems, and a poem by Julia Webb. About Julia: Julia’s ambitions to be a writer started when she was six-years-old and read The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton. She later did her degree in creative writing at at the age of 40, before going on to do an MA in poetry at the University of East Anglia. Her book can be found at https://ninearchespress.com/publications/poetry-collections/grey-time Get full access to I Am Not Calm at iamnotcalm.substack.com/subscribe

    5 min
  8. Poems by Majella Whittaker, and David Hardy

    Apr 27

    Poems by Majella Whittaker, and David Hardy

    Today, I’m sharing poems by Majella Whittaker, and David Hardy. About the poets: Majella is a late identified autistic mum of 3 autistic boys. She is a full-time parent and carer and is a passionate writer and advocate - navigating the education system for 13 years, to get the right support for her children. *** David has written his poem about his daughter. He began by writing poems for family and friends, then in 2023, he published his debut poetry collection, which is called Off-Beat Spark. Get full access to I Am Not Calm at iamnotcalm.substack.com/subscribe

    3 min
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About

Discussing autism, my experiences and views on the world. iamnotcalm.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Amanda Nicholson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Amanda Nicholson
  • Show Website
    I Am Not Calm Podcast