The Neurodivergent Connection / The Curious Storyteller

Reid
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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.

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

    12H AGO

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

    3D AGO

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

    5D AGO

    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
  4. The Curious Storyteller: You don’t need a lab to think like a scientist and Helen shows why

    MAY 18

    The Curious Storyteller: You don’t need a lab to think like a scientist and Helen shows why

    What the Ocean Is Doing Right Now That Most of Us Never See When I sat down with Helen Czerski, I wanted to ask a simple question: what are we missing when we look at the ocean? What followed changed the way I think about waves, weather, and our place in the world. In this episode, I explore how the ocean shapes far more than coastlines. Helen helps me see why it affects climate, rain, and daily life, even if you never live near the sea. She also shares why calling the ocean a “mystery” may keep us from understanding just how connected we are to it. We also talk about science in a way that feels human. I ask Helen why stories matter so much in science communication, how curiosity starts in ordinary life, and why you do not need a lab coat to think like a scientist. There’s one everyday example she gives that makes this point beautifully. About the guest: Helen Czerski is a physicist, ocean scientist, author, and broadcaster. She studies the physical world and is known for making science clear, vivid, and worth caring about. If you’ve ever looked at the sea and felt something bigger than words, this conversation will give that feeling more shape. Key Timestamps 0:02 - Why the ocean is a hidden force shaping our planet 2:38 - What Helen sees beneath a breaking wave 7:57 - The moment the ocean became real to her as a physical system 12:13 - Why people underestimate the ocean’s influence 14:30 - Why Helen pushes back on calling the ocean “mysterious” 20:52 - Why science needs narrative, not just data 29:39 - Why anyone can think like a scientist 39:01 - The map that shows the world as one connected ocean Listen in, then tell me: after this conversation, will you ever look at the ocean the same way again? #OceanScience #HelenCzerskii #ScienceCommunication #ClimateEducation #CuriousStoryteller Helen's Website: https://www.helenczerski.net/ 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.

    46 min

  5. MAY 15

    Living in Survival Mode with Autoimmune Illness What Helped Annie Take Her Life Back

    What Happens After a Life-Changing Diagnosis? Annie Toro Lopez Shares What Helped Her Find Hope Again What do you do when your body stops feeling safe, and the people around you can’t fully see what you’re carrying? In this conversation, I sit down with Annie Toro Lopez to talk about diagnosis, grief, trauma, food, and the long road back to trusting your body. Annie shares what it was like to be diagnosed with lupus in her early 20s, how years of pain and medical fear shaped her life, and what shifted when she decided her diagnosis would not define her future. We also talk about the emotional weight of loss, the shock of a later celiac diagnosis, and why mindset, nutrition, and self-compassion mattered so much in her healing story. If you or someone you love is facing a new diagnosis, chronic illness, or the quiet exhaustion that comes with being misunderstood, this episode will give you something many people need most: hope without pressure. You’ll hear how Annie rebuilt connection, found her voice, and created support instead of waiting for it to appear. About the Guest Annie Toro Lopez is a writer, speaker, cookbook author, and community builder who shares from lived experience with lupus, celiac disease, trauma recovery, and healing. Key Timestamps 0:03 - I welcome Annie Toro Lopez and begin with her lupus diagnosis story 8:56 - The hardest parts of living with autoimmune illness in the early years 17:48 - How therapy and mindset changed the way she saw her body and life 26:05 - The meaning behind reaching a negative ANA after years of illness 31:23 - Grief, celiac diagnosis, and what that season took out of her 42:22 - Why Annie wrote Simply Gluten-Free and who it helps 53:38 - Her message for anyone facing a hard diagnosis right now 57:25 - Where to find Annie’s book, website, and latest work If this conversation speaks to you, listen to the full episode and share it with someone who needs a little more understanding and a little less fear. #NeurodivergentConnection #ChronicIllness #LupusAwareness #CeliacDisease #HealingJourney 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

  6. MAY 13

    When Your Brain Burns Out by Noon How Structure Can Help You Work With It

    When Your Mind Works Differently: Trauma, Leadership, and Finding What Fits If you’ve ever felt like your brain doesn’t follow the same map as everyone else’s, this conversation will likely hit close to home. In this episode, I sit down with Blaz Merlot to talk about what it means to move through the world feeling different, and how that can shape the way we lead, work, and understand ourselves. We get into the tension between structure and individuality, why some environments feel calming while others leave us drained, and how trauma can affect the way we think, react, and function day to day. What stood out to me most is how Blaz connects his path from a difficult childhood to West Point, then into business leadership and coaching. We also explore a question many people quietly carry: Is this just how my mind works, or is it connected to what I’ve lived through? That part of the conversation opens up a much bigger one about identity, resilience, burnout, and how to build a life that actually fits your brain. About the Guest Blaz Merlot is a former military officer and West Point graduate who now helps service-based founders build stronger systems, reduce overwhelm, and lead without chaos or burnout. Key Timestamps 0:00 - I welcome Blaz and start with his early story 3:33 - Why military structure felt meaningful to him 5:38 - How West Point changed the way he thought 10:48 - What the military taught him about leadership and trust 16:31 - How he defines neurodivergence for himself 19:39 - The strengths and challenges of a different-thinking brain 24:37 - Trauma, brain development, and the questions he still carries 36:04 - Why founders get stuck in chaos and burnout 43:01 - What healthy leadership looks like now 48:30 - What he wants neurodivergent listeners to remember If this episode speaks to your experience, listen all the way through and share it with someone who needs a reminder that they’re not broken—they may just work differently. #Neurodivergent #TraumaAndHealing #Leadership #MentalHealth #AutismAndADHD 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.

    51 min
  7. The Curious Storyteller: Stuck Between Pop and Opera Sonya Shares How She Makes Both Worlds Fit

    MAY 11

    The Curious Storyteller: Stuck Between Pop and Opera Sonya Shares How She Makes Both Worlds Fit

    Finding Your Voice When the Path Doesn’t Make Sense Yet What happens when your voice belongs to more than one world? In this conversation, I sit down with Sonia Sohn to talk about art, identity, and the strange in-between space where so many creative lives are built. Sonya is known for her viral performances with Julian the piano player, including the flash mobs that have caught millions of eyes across Europe. But in this episode, I go past the polished videos and into the real story behind the voice. We talk about what it means to feel called to something before you can explain it, why training can help and still get in your way, and how self-doubt can show up even when the talent is obvious. Sonia also shares what it was like growing up between musical worlds, studying opera in Germany, building a pop sound of her own, and learning to live with uncertainty instead of waiting for a perfect plan. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re allowed to be more than one thing, or how people keep creating when they still don’t have it all figured out, this episode will stay with you. About the Guest Sonya aka Sone Sings is a singer and performer with roots in opera, pop, and live viral performance. She has appeared in widely shared musical collaborations across Europe and continues to create music that blends technical skill with personal expression. Key Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Sonia Sohn and introduce her viral music background 0:35 - Sonia shares her early life, family influence, and first major performances 6:21 - We talk about the emotional feeling of singing opera for the first time 7:43 - Sonia explains the hard part of finding her own sound after formal training 17:11 - We explore the tension between her trained voice and personal voice 24:01 - Sonia reveals what people don’t see behind songwriting and recording 32:37 - She reflects on health, growth, and what her younger self would think now 41:07 - We revisit the flash mob videos and the moment everything changed If this conversation speaks to you, listen to the full episode and tell me what part stayed with you most. Subscribe for more conversations on creativity, voice, storytelling, and the messy middle of becoming who you are. #SoneSings #TheCuriousStoryteller #MusicInterview #CreativeProcess #FindingYourVoice 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.

    53 min
  8. 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
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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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