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. 8H AGO

    I learned I was AUDHD at 61 and my life finally made sense

    AUDHD Is Its Own Thing: Stephanie Lewis on RSD, Sensory Life, and a Therapy That Doesn’t Rely on Talking Struggling with therapy that asks you to “talk it out” when words won’t come? This one’s for you. In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie Lewis—retired special education teacher, school psychologist, and coach—who discovered her own autism and ADHD in her 60s. We unpack why AUDHD isn’t just “autism + ADHD,” how that shows up day to day, and why so many of us feel unseen in traditional therapy. Stephanie reveals a structured, non-language-based process she created that helps with things like rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), shutdowns, and overwhelm—without forcing you to label every feeling. You’ll hear how it works with the nervous system, why confidence is a habit you can build, and the subtle shifts clients notice first. By the end, you’ll see new possibilities for relief and self-trust—and you’ll have a simple first step you can try today. But how does this approach reduce RSD episodes? What makes it flexible for different AUDHD profiles? And why do many clients feel “seen” long before they say much at all? About the Guest Stephanie Lewis is a retired special education teacher and school psychologist turned coach. After decades supporting neurodivergent folks, she learned she’s autistic with ADHD and now focuses on accessible methods that don’t depend on heavy talk therapy. She also offers free intro sessions to her process on Facebook and Zoom. Key Timestamps 0:11 – Meet Stephanie Lewis and her late-in-life diagnosis 1:59 – What AUDHD really means (and why it’s not in the DSM…yet) 11:49 – The problem Stephanie set out to solve with a non-talking method 16:52 – When traditional therapy missed the mark 18:27 – “You function”: a simple way to describe the AUDHD experience 27:29 – How this structure differs from typical approaches 31:52 – Working with the nervous system, not against it 33:43 – Handling burnout, shutdowns, and overwhelm in real time 42:54 – For the AUDHD listener exhausted by bad therapy 44:18 – A quick, calming drawing practice for overwhelm If this resonated, subscribe and share with someone who needs it. Find Stephanie’s links in the show notes, join our community newsletter, and keep the conversation going with me on socials. Keywords: AUDHD, autism, ADHD, neurodivergent, RSD, rejection sensitive dysphoria, shutdowns, burnout, sensory sensitivity, DSM-5, nonverbal therapy, drawing-based therapy, habit building Call to Action: Subscribe for more supportive conversations, grab the links to Stephanie’s free sessions, and send this to a parent, educator, or friend who could use practical, compassionate tools. #AUDHD #Neurodivergent #Autism #ADHD #RSD 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
  2. From bullied kid to Aspie clinician and comic finding his voice

    2D AGO

    From bullied kid to Aspie clinician and comic finding his voice

    Comedy, Genetics, and Autism: A Real-World Guide with Dr. Sam Shay Can stand-up comedy help autistic adults feel seen—and can genetics make life simpler? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sam Shay, an autistic functional medicine practitioner and stand-up comic. We talk about sound sensitivity that feels like a “kidney stone in the skull,” why testing beats guessing when you’re exhausted, and how humor can build shared reality when life has felt isolating. You’ll discover how Dr. Shay uses functional genetics to help autistic adults increase resilience and capacity, what burnout can look like when you still have to “perform,” and the simple way he explains functional medicine to someone already overwhelmed. We also get into masking, blunt honesty, and why learning social “software” from sitcoms actually works. I reveal the questions I ask to spot early overload, and you’ll hear the unexpected reason comedy helped Dr. Shay stop looping on trauma. Plus, there’s a moment about the word “Aspie” you won’t see coming. About the Guest Dr. Sam Shay is a functional medicine and genetics educator, clinician, and stand-up comic. He created the YouTube special Neurospicy: Love, Life & Comedy on the Spectrum to bridge understanding between autistic and non-autistic folks. Timestamps 0:02 – Welcome and Dr. Shay’s late diagnosis and comedy mission 16:08 – How being autistic shaped his clinical lens 23:31 – Superpowers, kryptonites, and the “Neuroharmony” model 25:57 – Functional medicine in one clear sentence 29:37 – Testing vs. guessing: saving time, money, and energy 31:49 – Resilience vs. capacity for autistic adults 32:45 – Burnout when you still have to show up 36:31 – Early signs your system is overloaded 56:43 – When humor became a bridge—not a barrier 64:09 – What he wants exhausted autistic adults to know 71:09 – Where to watch “Neurospicy” and what he hopes you feel Watch the full conversation, then share this with a parent, teacher, or clinician who needs a clearer picture of autistic life. Subscribe for more real talk on autism, ADHD, and building supportive communities. And check the show notes for Dr. Shay’s Neurospicy special on YouTube. #Neurodiversity #Autism #FunctionalMedicine #Genetics #StandUpComedy 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 17m
  3. It wasn’t laziness it was ADHD and a new way to work

    MAR 6

    It wasn’t laziness it was ADHD and a new way to work

    Late-Diagnosed ADHD, Masking at Work, and Real Self-Advocacy with Samantha Kelly If you’ve ever asked “Is it me or my brain?” this one’s for you. I sit down with Samantha Kelly to make sense of late diagnosis, masking, and what true accessibility at work can feel like. In this episode, you’ll hear how Samantha went from a panic attack at the office to becoming a sought-after neurodivergent speaker and coach. We talk about the quiet cost of masking, the myths we carry without knowing, and a simple way to ask for what you need at work without feeling “difficult.” You’ll discover what actually helps (and what accidentally harms) when managers try to be supportive, plus the one change that could reduce burnout more than most policies on paper. I also ask the questions many of us hesitate to say out loud: How do I balance safety with being honest? What if my workplace won’t get it? And how do I practice self-advocacy when I’m already tired? By the end, you’ll see a clearer path to feeling seen—and a few small moves that can create big wins. About the Guest Samantha Kelly is an ADHD entrepreneur, coach, and trainer who helps organizations build neuroinclusive workplaces. She speaks widely on accessibility, accommodations, and practical support for neurodivergent employees. Learn more at beyondnd.com or connect on LinkedIn. Key Timestamps 0:16 – Why Samantha speaks up about neurodiversity and who gets missed 2:29 – The “human version” of late diagnosis (and what people don’t see) 8:34 – When the identity of “neurodivergent coach” clicked 10:34 – A moment in a talk that changed everything 13:59 – Therapy, stigma, and the comment that led to answers 19:03 – The workplace panic attack that became a turning point 30:41 – The biggest misunderstanding about neurodivergent employees 38:57 – One change that could make accommodations feel humane 44:57 – A low-pressure way to start self-advocacy 52:58 – Asking for reduced hours: scary ask, real payoff 69:08 – What employers miss—and what actually helps 72:20 – How embracing difference changed Samantha’s self-view Call to action: If this episode helped you feel seen, share it with a manager or a friend who needs it. Subscribe for more supportive, practical conversations on ADHD, autism, and accessibility in real life. Keywords: ADHD, autism, neurodivergent, late diagnosis, masking, workplace accessibility, accommodations, therapy, burnout, self-advocacy, inclusive leadership #Neurodiversity #ADHD #AutismAcceptance #InclusiveWorkplaces #SelfAdvocacy 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 23m

  4. MAR 4

    College felt out of reach until self advocacy changed the map

    From “Not College Material” to Advocate: Katie Shelby on Voice, Belonging, and Real Inclusion Told she wasn’t “college material,” Katie Shelby went anyway—and what she learned can change how we support students. In this episode of The Neurodiversion Connection, I sit down with Katie Shelby, a paraprofessional from St. Louis living with a language impairment and learning disabilities. She went from being nonverbal in preschool to earning her degree and supporting students with Autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities. You’ll hear how one conversation in high school shifted everything, why expectations matter more than we think, and the quiet practices that help students build independence and confidence. I reveal the questions I wish more educators and parents asked, Katie shares what she uses today that she never had growing up (and why it matters), and together we push back on systems that still underestimate people. You’ll discover what real inclusion looks like day to day, how to approach self-advocacy without burning out, and a simple way to know you belong in spaces that weren’t built with you in mind. By the end, you’ll be thinking about IEP meetings, AAC, and “college material” in a very different way. What shifted for Katie junior year? How did she turn no into a degree? And what does independence actually look like beyond test scores? About the Guest Katie Shelby is a paraprofessional supporting students across disabilities in St. Louis, MO. She’s written for The Mighty, is working on a book for people with learning disabilities and language impairments, and is known to many as Barney and Fred’s human (two very photogenic dachshunds). Key Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome and Katie’s story beyond labels 1:58 – “Don’t go to college”: the moment that lit a fire 10:18 – The turning point: learning to self-advocate 12:51 – Failing forward in math and the worksheet bonfire 18:06 – “I belong here”: finding the right program and supports 19:51 – From student to para: communication, visuals, and AAC 24:00 – What real inclusion looks like in class 24:48 – Writing for The Mighty and sharing openly 28:08 – The book: who it’s for and why it’s needed 29:43 – Where to connect with Katie online Keywords: neurodiversity, self-advocacy, special education, inclusion, learning disabilities, language impairment, AAC, Autism, college accessibility, paraprofessional If this conversation helped you, share it with a parent, educator, or student who needs to hear it. Subscribe for more real, relatable stories and practical support. Follow Katie on Instagram • Connect on Facebook #Neurodiversity #SelfAdvocacy #SpecialEducation #LearningDisabilities #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.

    34 min
  5. It Was Never About the Questions

    TRAILER

    It Was Never About the Questions

    Something has changed. What started as conversations…has become something deeper. Both shows have shifted from asking questions…to exploring the stories behind them. Because the most powerful moments aren’t scripted.They’re lived. These are stories about: who we are how we think what we struggle with and what we’re still trying to understand From neurodivergent experiences to curiosity-driven conversations about life, science, and everything in between… This isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about slowing down…listening…and discovering what connects us. Because when you really listen to someone’s story,you start to see yourself in it. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1 min

  6. FEB 27

    What happened when a child spoke without speaking

    Intuitive Communication with Nonverbal Individuals: A 30-Year Exploration Can intuitive communication help us better support nonverbal people? I sit down with a guest who’s spent 30+ years exploring it. In this episode, I share the moment that set her work in motion: a horseback therapy session where she says she heard a child who didn’t use spoken language communicate with her. From there, we open up a thoughtful, respectful conversation about what this kind of communication might look like, how she approaches consent and ethics, and where it can sit alongside tools like AAC. You’ll hear how she navigates skepticism, the boundaries she keeps to avoid overstepping, and the patterns she’s seen with families, educators, and care teams. I also ask questions you might be wondering: What signals does she pay attention to? How does she know she isn’t projecting? And what practical steps can supporters take without making assumptions? Whether you’re a parent, educator, caregiver, or neurodivergent yourself, this conversation invites curiosity and care—without making big promises or skipping nuance. About the Guest My guest is an author and educator who has devoted more than three decades to intuitive communication with nonverbal individuals. Her work began in an equine-assisted setting and led to a book and ongoing support for families and professionals. If this episode sparks a thought or question, I’d love to hear it. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and join our community for resources and support. #Neurodiversity #NonverbalCommunication #AutismAcceptance #CaregiverSupport #EquineTherapy 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.

    32 min
  7. From Chaos to Creativity: How the Anti-Planner Empowers ADHD Adults to Thrive with Dani Donovan

    FEB 26

    From Chaos to Creativity: How the Anti-Planner Empowers ADHD Adults to Thrive with Dani Donovan

    ADHD Paralysis, The Anti-Planner, and Getting Unstuck with Dani Donovan Feeling stuck but can’t explain why? In this episode, I sit with ADHD creator Dani Donovan to unpack what “stuck” really feels like—and how we can move again. I ask Dani to paint that frozen moment we all know: the mess is obvious, the guilt is loud, and your body still won’t start. From there, we explore the real reasons ADHD brains stall, why it’s not laziness, and how to choose the right tool for what you’re actually feeling—stuck, overwhelmed, unmotivated, disorganized, or discouraged. You’ll discover the simple shifts Dani uses to spark action, the low-pressure systems that help when motivation is flat, and the one thing to do first when your mind has “20 tabs open.” I also get Dani to share how she rebuilds self-trust when the inner critic won’t let up—and why a regular planner can set us up to quit. Want to know the mantra that gets her moving, the playful kitchen routine that cleans itself, and the accountability pact that finally kept dishes out of the sink? I reveal all that and more—without turning your day into another rigid system. Check the show notes for links to Dani’s work and The Anti-Planner. About the Guest Dani Donovan is an ADHD educator, illustrator, and the creator of the viral ADHD comics and bestselling book The Anti-Planner: How to Get Sh*t Done When You Don’t Feel Like It. Her work makes executive function struggles feel seen—and solvable. Timestamps 0:02 – Welcome back + why “stuck” isn’t laziness 0:22 – Dani’s ADHD paralysis comic: what it looks like vs. how it feels 3:02 – Procrastination from the outside vs. what’s really going on 3:22 – Anti-Planner “stuck” tools and a speed-run approach 7:10 – Music-as-timer: making progress in one album 9:12 – The quiet mantra Dani uses to start anyway 12:05 – Why having “100 systems” can work better than one 14:15 – Task breakdowns that don’t create more overwhelm 21:18 – “20 tabs open” brain: what to do first 25:13 – Unmotivated ≠ lazy: the real blockers 30:14 – Chess while cleaning: a playful momentum builder 41:47 – One simple system you can start today 46:07 – Discouraged: shame, expectations, and feeling like a failure 49:10 – Rebuilding self-trust with small wins 51:06 – Forgive yourself, then make a plan you’ll keep 62:00 – Why traditional planners fail neurodivergent brains If this episode helped, share it with a parent, educator, or friend who needs a little proof they’re not alone. Subscribe for more accessible conversations on ADHD and neurodiversity. Dani's links adhdd.com Anti-Planner.com @DaniDonovan - Instagram #ADHD #Neurodiversity #ExecutiveFunction #ParentingADHD #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.

    1h 9m

  8. FEB 25

    From timid teen to life changer through martial arts and patience

    Patience, Progress, and Real-World Teaching with Joseph Galloway A 16-year-old lesson in patience reshaped how I see ability, progress, and what real teaching asks of us. In this episode, I sit down with martial arts instructor and community advocate Joseph Galloway to talk about how one early teaching moment with a student with Down syndrome reframed success for him—and for me. We get real about labels, expectations, and why small wins matter more than most systems admit. Joseph shares how he holds the same standards for everyone while adapting with patience, and why confidence—not combat—is at the heart of martial arts. You’ll hear how he reads different learning styles without stereotyping, why celebrating tiny steps can change a whole day, and how his nonprofit vision supports families who can’t afford classes. We also push on a hard question: What could schools look like if progress, not perfection, led the way? By the end, you’ll see growth through a more generous lens—and you may rethink what “ability” really means. Which two class rules does Joseph use to build respect and effort? What shifted when he left teaching—and what brought him back? And how does he measure progress when it isn’t obvious? About the Guest Joseph Galloway is a lifelong martial arts instructor and advocate focused on discipline, confidence, and accessible training for all learners. He’s building the Iron Spirit Fellowship Foundation to fund scholarships so kids and adults can train regardless of income. Key Timestamps 0:21 – Who Joseph is beyond titles 1:36 – The first teaching moment that changed everything 5:50 – Martial arts: confidence and growth vs. violence 6:49 – “Always earned, never bought” and why standards matter 13:08 – Teaching without labels—and keeping expectations high 19:47 – The power of small wins li>24:54 – Seeing progress through connection and values 32:04 – Service, community, and why “Santa” is real 35:13 – Why a nonprofit opens doors for families 41:26 – Where to find Joseph and Iron Spirit Fellowship Foundation Call to action: If this conversation helped you see progress differently, share it with a parent, educator, or caregiver who needs support right now. Subscribe for more accessible conversations on Autism, ADHD, and beyond. Connect with Joseph and the Iron Spirit Fellowship Foundation on Facebook and Instagram, and look for their GoFundMe to support scholarships. #Neurodiversity #Autism #ADHD #Inclusion #MartialArts 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.

    47 min
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4.9
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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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