The Neurodivergent Connection / The Curious Storyteller

Reid
  • 4.9 (8)
  • 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. The Question That Changed How She Saw Her Whole Life

    MAY 1

    The Question That Changed How She Saw Her Whole Life

    What a Late Autism Diagnosis Can Reveal About ADHD, School, and Self-Understanding I sat down with Carly Faye to talk about what happens when a late autism diagnosis suddenly puts years of questions into focus. In this conversation, I explore Carly’s path from educator to functional nutrition practitioner and coach, and how her ADHD and recent autism diagnosis changed the way she sees her past, her work, and herself. We talk about the students she felt drawn to, the school experiences that didn’t quite fit, and the quiet signs that made more sense only later. What stayed with me most is how often neurodivergent people are misunderstood, especially when they look “fine” from the outside. Carly shares what it meant to realize she had support needs all along, why certain advice never fit, and how that awareness is shaping the way she now helps others. There’s also a powerful part of this conversation about grief, relief, identity, and learning to stop treating difference like something that needs fixing. About the Guest Carly Faye is a former educator, functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner, and coach. She supports clients through nutrition, emotional processing, and nervous system-aware care, with a strong understanding of neurodivergence and inclusion. Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Carly Faye and we begin with her background in education 1:09 - What her classroom looked like for students who learned differently 5:04 - Carly shares her ADHD diagnosis and recent autism diagnosis 11:00 - Why tests, language, and “right answers” can feel so complicated 20:17 - What led her to explore autism at 41 24:16 - What the diagnosis process was really like 26:14 - Relief, grief, and making sense of a late diagnosis 39:15 - How understanding her neurodivergence changed the way she supports clients 43:38 - What schools still miss about neurodivergent kids 52:46 - What Carly wants teachers, coaches, and helpers to know if they’re quietly wondering about themselves Carlys Links: https://www.instagram.com/carlyinfocus https://www.carlyinfocus.com/ If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, overlooked, or unsure why certain things seem harder than they “should,” I think this episode will stay with you. Listen in, and see what clicks for you. #AutismDiagnosis #ADHD #Neurodivergent #LateDiagnosed #Inclusion 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. APR 29

    From denied twice to approved what changed in our SSI case

    SSI Pitfalls: What No One Tells You About Disability Benefits (with Former SSA Attorney Spencer) Fighting for SSI isn’t simple. I’m exposing the hidden hurdles—and how to avoid costly mistakes that put benefits at risk. I’ve battled Social Security myself, and I know how confusing and exhausting it can feel—especially with autism, ADHD, or other invisible disabilities. In this episode, I sit down with Spencer, a former Social Security attorney who spent 11 years inside the system writing and reviewing disability decisions. Together, we pull back the curtain on why mental health and neurodivergent claims get denied so often, what the law actually weighs, and how to prepare without getting tripped up by technicalities. You’ll discover what really drives denials, the role of vocational experts (and why their “jobs list” isn’t about you), and the key moments in an appeal that can change your outcome. I also ask Spencer the questions I wish I had answers to when I first applied—like what “partial wins” mean, when back pay gets reduced, and why waiting can quietly cost you your case. About the Guest Spencer is a former Social Security attorney who spent 11 years at the agency—seven writing disability decisions and four reviewing appeals. He’s the author of Social Security Disability Revealed and runs https://www.bishinspublishing.com/ where he educates claimants and professionals on the SSDI/SSI process. Timestamps 0:02 – Why I call SSI a trap (and my own case) 1:33 – Meet Spencer: 11 years writing and reviewing SSA decisions 6:57 – The mental health gap: why neurodivergent claims face extra scrutiny 10:34 – “It’s not over after approval”: ongoing reviews and common cutoffs 13:13 – The $2,000 asset rule and easy mistakes that end benefits 25:48 – Denied? Your 60-day appeal window and what most people miss 32:53 – Full vs. partial awards and what really affects back pay 42:19 – How disability lawyers get paid (and why you still lead your case) 53:54 – If you’re just starting: the one thing I want you to know 58:32 – When you feel overwhelmed: what to hold onto next Keywords: Social Security Disability, SSI, SSDI, disability appeal, vocational expert, back pay, autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, mental health, benefits review Call to action: If this episode helps, share it with a parent, educator, or friend who’s in the thick of it. Subscribe for more accessible conversations around neurodiversity and practical support. Explore Spencer’sresources at bishenspublishing.com, or request his book at your local library. #Neurodiversity #SSI #DisabilityBenefits #Autism #ADHD 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 7m
  3. You’re not broken and here’s how we live like it

    APR 24

    You’re not broken and here’s how we live like it

    Late Diagnosis, Grief, and Growth with AuDHD Coach Jenny Lucas Late diagnosis can feel like a relief and a gut punch. In this episode, I sit with Jenny Lucas to name both—then move forward. I talk with Jenny about what the world saw versus what was really happening inside, the moment she heard “autistic” and “ADHD,” and the very real grief that followed. You’ll hear how she began unmasking in small, practical ways, what shifted in her marriage and parenting, and why she chose to become the support she couldn’t find. We also explore how AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot help with tone, clarity, and day-to-day overwhelm. I reveal the questions I ask guests about burnout, people-pleasing, and work boundaries—plus the simple experiments Jenny used to figure out what she actually needed. You’ll discover how she reframed self-worth, how she talks to her AuDHD daughters after school, and the one message she wants every late-diagnosed person to hear tonight. By the end, you’ll be thinking: What can I let go of? Where am I masking without realizing it? And how could small supports change my day this week? About the Guest Jenny Lucas is a late-diagnosed autistic ADHDer, mom to two AuDHD daughters, former high school music teacher, and creator of resources for neurodivergent women. She’s the author of “Your No-Guide to Life After Late Diagnosis” and shares accessible support across Instagram, TikTok, Substack, and more. Key Timestamps 0:02 – Welcome and Jenny’s story: teacher, burnout, and late diagnosis 7:11 – “Why does this feel harder for me?” and the cost of people-pleasing 11:14 – The ADHD and autism diagnoses: shock, numbness, validation 20:12 – The grief no one warns you about—and why capacity dips 22:07 – Mourning old coping skills and rethinking energy 24:40 – When the diagnosis started to feel empowering 27:12 – Using AI for tone, clarity, and daily support 31:22 – Becoming the person she needed when support wasn’t there 39:17 – What unmasking actually looked like day to day 41:39 – How relationships changed at home and at work 43:54 – Parenting two AuDHD daughters with more compassion 46:25 – “You’re not broken”: inside Jenny’s book 52:03 – What clients say in the first conversation 55:45 – A message for anyone late diagnosed or questioning 56:37 – Where to find Jenny online If this helped, share it with a parent, educator, or friend who needs real-talk support. Subscribe for more conversations on autism, ADHD, and life after diagnosis. #Neurodiversity #Autism #ADHD #AuDHD #LateDiagnosis 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 2m

  4. APR 22

    Choosing to show up a father’s playbook for Autism at home

    When a Dad Chooses to Show Up: Autism, Ego, and the Moment That Changed Everything We often hear autism stories from moms—today, I sit with a dad who faced denial, checked his ego, and chose to show up for his child. In this conversation, I open a door many families don’t talk about: what it takes for a father to move from “I’m fine” to “I’m here.” You’ll hear how one moment—unexpected and ordinary—shifted everything. I ask what cracked the armor, how he rebuilt trust at home, and the simple changes that helped him support his child with less friction and more care. You’ll discover the mindset shift that made behaviors easier to read, the quiet routine that steadied their evenings, and the approach he now brings to meetings with teachers and therapists. I also share the questions I use with dads who feel stuck so you can try them at home or in the classroom. Want to know what finally moved him from silence to advocacy—and what he wishes he’d said on day one? That’s in here. If you’re a parent, educator, or caregiver navigating an autism diagnosis, this one will feel honest and practical. Come for real talk, leave with clarity—and a few next steps you can use right away. About the Guest My guest is a father to an autistic child who has shifted from quiet uncertainty to active support at home and at school. He speaks candidly about identity, partnership, and learning to lead with curiosity. If this helped, subscribe, share it with someone who needs it, and join our community for more conversations on autism, ADHD, and neurodiversity. #AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity #DadLife #SpecialNeedsParenting #IEP 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 12m
  5. Build self trust the ADHD friendly way one promise at a time

    APR 17

    Build self trust the ADHD friendly way one promise at a time

    ADHD at Work and at Home: Motivation, Masking, and Real Support with Dr. Saara Haapanen What happens when an Olympic-level athlete-turned-psychologist maps ADHD from the inside—and shows us what actually helps? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Saara Haapanen to explore ADHD beyond stereotypes. You’ll hear how almost making the Olympics, years of elite sport, and a late ADHD diagnosis shaped her work helping individuals and organizations create environments where neurodivergent people can truly perform. I reveal the key questions I ask to shift shame into self-trust, while Sara shares a simple motivation model you can remember and use today. You’ll discover why “just focus” backfires, what looks like laziness but isn’t, and the one feedback change workplaces can make that instantly eases RSD. We also get into perimenopause, parenting through a child’s assessment, and the very real emotional load adults carry—plus the small language tweaks that lower demand and raise follow-through. By the end, you’ll be asking: Which part of motivation do I boost first? How do I request support at work without feeling exposed? And what would change if I spoke to myself like my own best friend? About the Guest Dr. Saara Haapanen is a sports and exercise psychology PhD, former elite diver ranked 30th in the world, and founder of Performance Is Haapanen. Since 2013, she’s coached high performers and advised schools, healthcare systems, and companies on neurodiversity, motivation, and well-being. Key Timestamps 0:02 – Meet Dr. Saara Haapanen and her path from elite sport to health and performance 4:40 – Finland, near-Olympic selection, and the spark that led to sports psychology 11:26 – “I know what to do—why am I not doing it?” Motivation without a map 16:14 – From her own diagnosis to helping others thrive 24:09 – The most common misunderstanding about adult ADHD 27:46 – Inside the ADHD brain: floodlight vs. flashlight focus 33:35 – What looks like laziness but isn’t 35:41 – ADHD in a workplace not built for it: where things break down 44:10 – One feedback shift that reduces RSD on the spot 48:03 – The FUN.COM motivation model you’ll actually remember 53:42 – Do companies get it yet? 75:46 – A client story that changed a whole family’s trajectory 80:51 – “Nothing’s wrong with you”—what I want you to hear 82:27 – What I’d tell my younger self 84:38 – Where to find Dr. Saara If this helped, share it with a parent, educator, or manager who needs it. Subscribe for more supportive conversations on neurodiversity, and tell me in the comments: Which part of FUN.COM do you need most this week? Keywords: ADHD, neurodivergent, workplace inclusion, motivation, executive function, rejection sensitivity, perimenopause, body doubling, movement, positive psychology #ADHD #Neurodiversity #WorkplaceInclusion #ParentingADHD #ExecutiveFunction 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 26m

  6. APR 15

    What happened when karate class put AAC on the wall

    Non-Speaking Is Not Non-Understanding: Autism-Affirming Inclusion with Amanda Toren Non-speaking doesn’t mean non-understanding. In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Toren to rethink communication and real inclusion. Amanda is an autism mom, speech and behavioral therapist, clinical autism specialist, and inclusion specialist who runs an inclusive martial arts academy. Together, we get honest about what belonging looks like beyond words—and what schools and programs often miss. You’ll hear how Amanda builds autism-affirming environments where communication is a human right, why regulation comes before compliance, and how small wins add up to big change. I also press into the question so many parents and educators ask: What does success look like for a non-speaking student—and how do we know it’s happening? I reveal the shift that changes outcomes in both the dojo and the classroom, and you’ll discover the first small step any educator can put in place tomorrow. We also talk about the quiet grief parents carry, what to say instead of “I’m sorry,” and the moment a single bow on the mat changed everything. If you’ve wondered how AAC fits into sports, what “autism-affirming” really looks like, or why inclusion isn’t just “sharing a room,” this one’s for you. About the Guest Amanda Toren is an autism mom and a speech and behavioral therapist with 14+ years of experience. She’s a clinical autism specialist and inclusion specialist who owns an inclusive martial arts school focused on AAC, regulation, and strengths-based coaching for neurodivergent kids. Timestamps 0:02 – Welcome and who Amanda is 1:12 – The early emotions of parenting a non-speaking child 3:03 – Behavior as communication and the role of AAC 6:31 – Support gaps and what to say instead of “I’m sorry” 12:19 – Why martial arts and what it builds beyond kicks and punches 16:33 – Honoring communication beyond words 18:08 – Autism-affirming inclusion in practice 20:29 – What well-meaning programs often get wrong 26:37 – Regulation before compliance: the shift 29:23 – A small step educators can use tomorrow 30:55 – The power of small wins: one student’s breakthrough 38:23 – Taking inclusion beyond one academy (Amanda’s e-book) 41:46 – Where to find Amanda If this episode helped you, share it with a parent, teacher, or coach who cares about doing inclusion well. Subscribe for more real conversations on autism, ADHD, AAC, regulation, and creating communities where everyone belongs. #Neurodiversity #AutismAcceptance #AAC #Inclusion #SpecialEducation 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.

    45 min
  7. From labels to layers how fiction helped me see my brain

    APR 10

    From labels to layers how fiction helped me see my brain

    Seeing Ourselves in Fiction: Neurodivergent Characters That Actually Feel Real with Author Luna Westish Representation isn’t just about labels—it’s about feeling seen. Today, I sit down with debut author Luna Westish to explore how fiction can shift how we understand Autism, ADHD, anxiety, and ourselves. You’ll hear how Luna wrote a character readers either relate to deeply or find frustrating and why both reactions matter. I reveal the surprising moments that made me rethink labels, we compare “token” characters to fully human ones, and you’ll discover how inner monologue, sensory detail, and own voices storytelling can change empathy without turning pain into plot armor. We also talk about growth that doesn’t erase struggle, the lines between honest depiction and drama, and why reading outside our comfort zones prepares us for real life at home, in classrooms, and in community. If you’ve never seen yourself on the page, this conversation offers a starting point and a few questions that might change what you pick up next About the Guest Luna Westish is the author of Meet Me at the Ruins, a character-driven novel that threads anxiety, relationships, and messy growth with care. She’s also taught business to kids and adults, worked in federal policy, and made jewelry because one lane was never going to cut it. Key Timestamps 0:03 – Why fiction can change how we see our own minds 2:06 – The first time a character felt “too familiar” 6:49 – What representation gets wrong (and what’s finally improving) 10:01 – Sensory layers that make characters believable 11:22 – Real vs. tokenized: the role of inner life 13:07 – Do labels help—or do subtleties matter more? 15:19 – Writing Meet Me at the Ruins: when representation found her 19:10 – Writing as healing (and why it can feel like therapy) 24:27 – Honoring struggle without exploiting it 29:04 – Showing growth without minimizing the hard stuff 32:50 – Why “just a story” isn’t just a story 44:14 – Readers who felt seen—and why that matters 51:46 – Where to find Luna’s book and connect Resources: lunawestish.com • bookshop.org • Available via libraries on Hoopla and Libby If this episode resonated, subscribe, rate, and share it with a parent, educator, caregiver, or friend. Your support helps our community grow. #Neurodiversity #Fiction #MentalHealth #Autism #ADHD 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.

    56 min

  8. APR 8

    Teach the brain not the behavior simple moves that help today

    Executive Function Isn’t Laziness: Rethinking “Motivation,” Shame, and Support with Coach Carrie Bonnet Executive function isn’t laziness—it’s a brain thing. In this episode, I sit with coach Carrie Bonnet to reframe the struggle. If you’ve ever wondered why smart kids (and adults) still miss deadlines, lose steam, or freeze at “start,” this conversation will feel like a breath out. I ask Carrie Bonnet—Executive Function Coach, veteran teacher, and adjunct instructor at the University of Portland—what this actually feels like from the inside and what support looks like when we remove shame and lead with the brain. You’ll hear why paper beats apps when you’re new to planning, how time blindness fuels the last-minute cycle, and the key shift parents and teachers can make that changes everything. We also get into the messy middle: boredom that feels like torture, the myth of “I work best under pressure,” and why “not caring” often isn’t the story at all. I reveal where I’ve struggled too, and Carrie shares simple, sustainable ways we can make the invisible visible—without giving a full step-by-step here. By the end, you’ll be asking different questions and seeing different outcomes. Questions to listen for: What makes task initiation so hard? How does shame sneak in? And what small moves reduce overwhelm today? About the Guest Carrie Bonnet is an Executive Function Coach, veteran middle and high school teacher, and adjunct instructor at the University of Portland. She works with students, families, and early-career teachers. Carrie lives in Oregon and is a mom to two teens. Key Timestamps 0:02 – Welcome and who Carrie is 2:11 – The sixth grader who changed how we saw “late work” 5:10 – When it clicked: not laziness, not a moral failing 9:23 – Life skills don’t teach themselves (and why that matters) 12:00 – Paper vs. digital calendars: which one first? 15:20 – Backward planning a massive project without burning out 18:08 – “I work best under pressure”… or do I? 19:59 – What executive function challenges feel like from the inside (“borchure”) 23:13 – Overwhelm, time blindness, emotional flooding 25:16 – Dopamine, tiny wins, and the short timer spark 26:41 – Not caring vs. not being able 28:13 – The parent shift: replace judgment with curiosity 30:35 – No-shame, brain-first: where shame sneaks in 34:40 – Why it can take longer to read, grasp, and process 36:49 – “Strategy shopping” and the wallet solution 47:49 – The missing link in schools 50:54 – When the system isn’t a fit for the brain in front of us 52:53 – Make the invisible visible: classroom wins 55:20 – Why it’s harder for some brains (and what to remember) 58:01 – For anyone who feels broken: you’re not 58:54 – Where to find Carrie’s resources Resources: Grab Carrie’s Task Initiation Toolkit: carriebonnet.com/toolkit If this helped you or someone you love, follow the show, share this episode with a parent or teacher, and leave a quick rating. Your support helps more of our community feel seen. #Neurodiversity #ExecutiveFunction #ADHD #Parenting #Education Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 4m
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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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