The Neurodivergent Connection / The Curious Storyteller

Reid

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. 17h ago

    The Curious Storyteller: How Do You Keep Going After Loss Debbie Simmons Has an Honest Answer

    What It Really Takes to Keep Going When Life Doesn’t Follow the Plan What happens when grief, parenting, leadership, and faith all collide in one life story? In this conversation, I sit down with Debbie Simmons to talk about the moments that shaped her most—and the choices that kept her moving when it would’ve been easier to stop. Debbie’s story doesn’t fit into a neat box. She’s a former engineer, the CEO of Anchor Point, an author, a speaker, and a mother of nine adopted children. Yet what stayed with me most was how honestly she talked about loss, courage, health, family, and the weight of building something meant to serve other people. We get into what it means to take the next step when you don’t have the full picture, how vulnerability can make room for real community, and why grit alone isn’t always enough. Debbie also shares a few hard-earned lessons about boundaries, trust, adoption, and the kind of legacy that starts long before the end of your life. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re strong enough for the chapter you’re in, this episode may leave you thinking about that in a whole new way. About the Guest Debbie Simmons is the CEO of Anchor Point, a nonprofit leader, author, speaker, wife, mother of nine adopted children, and grandmother of fifteen. Her work centers on trust, healing, leadership, and living with intention. Timestamps 0:50 - I welcome Debbie Simmons and we begin with the story behind the bio 3:27 - Debbie shares the parts of her life that can’t fit into one sentence 9:29 - We talk about nonlinear life paths and the value of every chapter 12:59 - The painful season that became important later 18:49 - How Debbie built a nonprofit one step at a time 23:08 - Why she sees herself as a builder, not a maintainer 41:28 - How adopting nine children changed her understanding of family 48:22 - Where she found her limits and what it cost to ignore them 56:30 - We discuss risk, uncertainty, and trusting without full clarity 73:31 - Debbie explains what legacy means to her now Debbie's Resources: anchorpoint.us https://thedebbiesimmons.com/ Free book, The Heart of Legacy:theheartoflegacy.com If this conversation speaks to you, listen to the full episode and share it with someone who may need the reminder that tomorrow is a fresh start. #TheCuriousStoryteller #DebbieSimmons #Legacy #Adoption #FaithAndResilience 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 22m
  2. Autism and Living Abroad Finding Home in Yourself

    3d ago

    Autism and Living Abroad Finding Home in Yourself

    What Happens to Home, Identity, and Grief When You Build a Life Abroad? What if starting over in a new country doesn’t just change your address, but brings you face to face with who you really are? In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Parks to talk about living abroad, coming home, and the quiet emotional weight that can come with both. We explore what happens when the life you once wanted turns out to be harder than expected, especially for autistic and neurodivergent people trying to make sense of belonging, masking, grief, and identity. Melissa shares how travel, culture, language, and big life transitions shaped the person she became, and why returning home can feel just as disorienting as leaving. Along the way, I also open up about my own experiences studying overseas, traveling alone, and trying to find comfort in unfamiliar places. You’ll hear us unpack the difference between being unhappy and being uprooted, why grief is so often mistaken for failure, and what “home” really means when your heart lives in more than one place. About the Guest Melissa Parks is a writer, coach, and author of A Compassionate Mess. She works with people navigating life across borders, languages, and cultures, with a thoughtful focus on identity, belonging, and emotional well-being. Key Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Melissa Parks and we begin with her early picture of adulthood 1:06 - We talk about what “home” meant before life abroad 14:44 - Melissa shares when living abroad became real, not temporary 16:21 - We compare traveling to actually building a life in another country 19:27 - We explore whether living abroad changes us or reveals who we already are 27:13 - Melissa explains why people feel guilt when a chosen life feels hard 29:40 - We discuss how grief often gets mistaken for failure 35:36 - Melissa shares what people misunderstand about coming home 49:37 - We talk about her memoir, A Compassionate Mess, and the inner battles behind it 53:04 - We end with what “home” means today Melissa's Resources: Melissaparks.com Find her on all social platforms except Tictok If you’ve ever felt split between places, identities, or versions of yourself, this conversation will stay with you. Listen now, and if it speaks to you, share it with someone who needs the reminder that they’re not alone. #NeurodivergentConnection #AutismAwareness #LivingAbroad #IdentityAndBelonging #Neurodivergent 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.

    59 min
  3. How to Build Trust With Neurodivergent Kids and the Adults Who Love Them

    5d ago

    How to Build Trust With Neurodivergent Kids and the Adults Who Love Them

    What Burnout, Trust, and Real Support Look Like for Neurodivergent Kids and Their Families If you’ve ever wondered what real support actually looks like for a neurodivergent child and their family, this conversation will stay with you. In this episode, I sit down with Antoinette Elliott to talk about the things many people miss: parent burnout, the quiet signs behind a child’s behavior, and why feeling understood can change everything. We get honest about what families carry, what trust really takes, and why some childcare spaces help children settle while others make things worse. I’m also sharing a conversation that raises big questions around school fit, foster care, behavior support, and what happens when adults focus on control instead of connection. If you support a child with autism, ADHD, or other disabilities, you’ll hear why the “right” environment matters more than most people think—and what to notice before a crisis hits. About the Guest Antoinette Elliott is the founder of All Our Children and has spent years creating supportive childcare spaces for families, including those raising neurodivergent children and foster children. Her work centers on meeting children where they are and helping families feel seen, safe, and supported. Key Timestamps 0:12 - What Antoinette saw families carrying behind closed doors 4:33 - What parent burnout looks like in real life 8:49 - What adults often miss when a child is struggling 15:49 - Why parents shouldn’t hide their child’s needs from schools 24:59 - What can change when a child finally feels understood 27:15 - The moment trust starts for overwhelmed families 29:46 - What an RBT does and why the right fit matters 40:05 - Regulation vs. control in childcare settings 42:14 - What foster families really need and why it’s rarely talked about 54:43 - Antoinette’s message for parents who feel worn down and alone Antoinette's resources: AOC Elite Childcare - The center’s website, mentioned as the main place to learn more, view events, and schedule a drop-in day. Visit aocelitechildcare.com. If this episode speaks to you, listen through to the end and share it with a parent, educator, or caregiver who needs this reminder: there are people who care, and you’re not alone. #NeurodivergentConnection #AutismSupport #ADHDAwareness #ParentBurnout #InclusiveChildcare 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 5m
  4. The Curious Storyteller: How Andrea found her footing again one small win at a time

    Jun 15

    The Curious Storyteller: How Andrea found her footing again one small win at a time

    When Life Stops You Cold: Andrea’s 101 Days in the Hospital and What Came After One ordinary season turned into a fight for life, and in this conversation, I sit with Andrea as she shares what changed when her body could no longer keep going. I wanted to tell this story with care because it speaks to something many of us carry quietly: the pressure to keep pushing, even when something feels deeply wrong. Andrea opens up about the medical crisis that led to sepsis, a coma, emergency surgery, and 101 days in the hospital. Yet this isn’t only about survival. It’s also about what happens to your mind, your identity, and your view of life when everything familiar falls away. As we talk, you’ll hear how she moved through fear, confusion, grief, and the slow work of recovery. I also explore the quiet shifts that changed how she sees gratitude, vulnerability, and the way she wants to live now. There’s one moment involving sunlight and fresh air that says more than any long speech could. About the Guest Andrea is a life coach and workshop leader who helps people build a life with more meaning, appreciation, and purpose after hard seasons. Timestamps 0:03 - I welcome Andrea and we go back to life before the medical emergency 4:03 - The moment she knew something was seriously wrong 7:52 - How she finally got answers after collapsing far from home 9:50 - What 101 days in the hospital did to her mentally and emotionally 15:07 - Waking up two weeks later from a coma 18:29 - The surprising moment that brought comfort in the ICU 22:27 - What helped her keep fighting on the hardest days 28:41 - How her relationship with her body changed 32:14 - What she had to let go of after surviving 40:45 - The message she hopes listeners carry into daily life Andres Resources: Website: Life Coaching by Andrea Social: Life Changing by Andrea If this conversation speaks to you, listen to the full episode and share it with someone who needs hope, perspective, or a reminder to slow down and pay attention. #SepsisSurvivor #HospitalRecovery #MentalHealth #LifeAfterTrauma #TheCuriousStoryteller 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
  5. What We Miss When Autism Is Seen Through Only One Lens

    Jun 12

    What We Miss When Autism Is Seen Through Only One Lens

    Are We Seeing Autism Clearly, or Through a Lens That Misses the Whole Person? What if the way I’ve been taught to understand autism is also the thing that keeps me from seeing the full picture? In this conversation, I sit down with Leila Freschin to talk about a question that doesn’t get asked often enough: when autism is filtered through clinical language, school systems, and service models, what gets lost? We talk about the gap between support on paper and support in real life, why language matters more than many people realize, and what changes when I stop looking at autistic people as a list of needs to manage. You’ll hear us explore why families so often have to carry the weight of advocacy, where schools and care systems still fall short, and why technology may play a bigger role in care than many people expect. We also get into one assumption the field still holds onto that may be doing real harm. About the guest: Leila Freschin works in autism care with a background in applied behavior analysis and a strong focus on collaboration, access, and practical support for families. She is also connected with Circathera and the Autism Directory, which aim to build stronger connections across the neurodivergent community. If you’ve ever felt like autism support is too fragmented, too clinical, or missing the human side, this episode will give you a lot to think about. Listen in, then share it with someone who needs a better way to see the full person. Timestamps 0:02 - Why the usual autism lens can miss the whole child 2:50 - How language shapes understanding, care, and identity 6:12 - A powerful reminder that every autistic person’s reality is different 9:04 - What schools capture well, and where they still fall short 12:35 - How education, healthcare, and funding shape real support 15:37 - The biggest gap between what professionals know and daily practice 16:48 - Why technology may help close the treatment gap 19:46 - What I’d change first if autism support centered on understanding 21:20 - One assumption about autism the field still needs to question #AutismAwareness #Neurodiversity #AutismSupport #SpecialEducation #DisabilityInclusion 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.

    27 min

  6. Jun 10

    How One Autism Diagnosis Helped a Mom Find Her Voice

    When a Diagnosis Changes Everything: Parenting Autism, Finding Support, and Using Your Voice What happens when you know something is different, but you still don’t have answers? In this episode, I sit down with Missy Brown for an honest conversation about parenting a child with autism and ADHD, the fear and confusion that can come before a diagnosis, and what it really feels like when support is thin and judgment is loud. As we talk, I explore the parts many families live through but don’t always say out loud: long waitlists, broken routines, public meltdowns, lost friendships, and the quiet guilt that can follow a hard day. At the same time, Missy shares how clarity changed things for her, why writing became part of her healing, and how advocacy grew out of everyday survival. You’ll hear why trusting your instincts matters, what parents may need more of from professionals, and the small shift that can help when everything feels like too much. There’s also a powerful reminder here: your child is more than a list of challenges, and you are not failing because this is hard. About the Guest Missy Brown is an autism advocate, author of Soaring Over Skepticism, and a parent raising a neurodivergent child. She shares relatable, real-life support for families navigating autism, ADHD, anxiety, and the daily realities of caregiving. Key Timestamps 0:25 - When Missy first noticed her child’s path might look different 2:45 - The fear, questions, and lack of support after diagnosis 7:16 - What she hoped therapy and support systems would provide 12:46 - The early surprises, hard moments, and strengths she saw in her child 15:41 - Why getting answers brought relief and clarity 16:34 - The moment parenting turned into writing and advocacy 21:39 - Why writing felt freeing and scary at the same time 28:12 - What she had to unlearn as a parent of an autistic child 32:41 - When she realized she was finding her voice 38:39 - What overwhelmed parents need to hold on to right now 41:19 - One small step parents can take this week Missy's Resources: Missys Book: Soaring Over Skepticism You can find her on: LinkedIN and Facebook and you can find out more about Circa Thera If this conversation speaks to you, listen to the full episode and share it with a parent, educator, or caregiver who needs the reminder that they’re not alone. #AutismSupport #ADHDParenting #NeurodivergentFamilies #AutismAdvocacy #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.

    50 min

  7. Jun 8

    The Curious Storyteller: Stuck in Autopilot Here’s Where Real Change Begins

    When Life Looks Fine but Feels Empty: How I Talked With Laura Marie About Leaving Autopilot What if your life looks successful on paper, but deep down it feels numb, routine, and strangely far from you? In this episode, I sit down with Laura Marie to talk about the quiet kind of disconnection so many people carry for years. We get into what it feels like to keep checking all the right boxes while wondering why joy never seems to stay. If you’ve ever thought, Is this really it?, this conversation will likely hit close to home. I’m sharing a discussion about burnout, people-pleasing, hustle culture, and the hard moment when you realize you can’t keep living by someone else’s script. Laura opens up about losing her job, facing the fear of not having a plan, and slowly building a life that feels more honest and more alive. We also talk about why small acts of awareness matter, what core values can show you when you feel stuck, and why support can make all the difference when you’re trying to change course. About the Guest Laura Marie is a coach who helps women reconnect with who they are beneath expectations, productivity, and survival mode so they can create a life that feels true to them. Timestamps 1:24 - What “success” felt like behind the scenes 5:24 - The whisper that says, “Is this enough?” 8:43 - The signs of living on autopilot 14:50 - What to do when you can’t leave the job yet 17:35 - How burnout can feel like sleepwalking 22:20 - A simple place to start when you don’t know what you want 30:05 - The midlife moment that changed everything 35:31 - Redefining success as time, space, and freedom 44:23 - What society gets wrong about happiness and fulfillment 54:29 - What Laura wants you to hear if you feel stuck If this speaks to where you are right now, listen to the full episode and tell me what part stayed with you most. #TheCuriousStoryteller #PersonalGrowth #BurnoutRecovery #MidlifeAwakening #IntentionalLiving 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.

    59 min
  8. From helping ADHD students to finally seeing herself

    Jun 5

    From helping ADHD students to finally seeing herself

    Late ADHD Diagnosis, Grief, and Rebuilding Life in Small Steps What happens when the person helping others finally realizes the story is also their own? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Dahl to talk about late ADHD diagnosis, masking, grief, trauma, and what it means to rebuild a life when your brain needs a different kind of support. This conversation is honest, practical, and deeply human. We talk about the shock and relief that can come with finally having a name for what you've lived with for years. Then we get into something many people don't say out loud: what it feels like when ADHD overlaps with loss, exhaustion, and major life changes. Dr. Jennifer shares why “trying harder” often misses the point, and why small shifts can make a real difference when big systems fall apart. If you've ever wondered why some advice works for other people but not for you, or how to move forward without pretending you have it all together, this episode will give you a lot to think about. About the Guest Dr. Jennifer Dahl has spent more than 25 years supporting students and adults with ADHD. After her own diagnosis, along with experiences of grief, trauma, and brain injury, her work took on an even deeper lived understanding. Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Dr. Jennifer Dahl and we begin with her path to understanding ADHD 1:46 - The familiar signs that were hard to name 7:45 - Why structure helps until it suddenly disappears 11:32 - Her diagnosis, grief, and traumatic brain injury collide 16:51 - The mix of relief, grief, and anger after a late diagnosis 22:56 - What real support looked like during the hardest season 32:44 - Why small shifts can matter more than big plans 43:42 - ADHD advice that fails, and what actually helps 49:40 - What I hope newly diagnosed listeners hear most Dr Jen's Resources: ADHD Holistically - Dr. Jennifer Dahl’s main website and hub for her work. She shared it as the best place to learn more, join her newsletter, and connect with her resources: adhdholistically.com. Newsletter - Available through ADHD Holistically. Dr. Dall recommended joining it to keep up with her work and updates. Instagram - One of the platforms where Dr. Dall shares ideas and stays in touch with people who follow her work. She invited listeners to follow her there for ongoing support and updates. LinkedIn - Another platform Dr. Dall mentioned for connecting online. She noted that she is posting there more and encouraged people to reach out. If this speaks to you, listen to the full episode and share it with someone who needs to feel seen. #ADHD #Neurodiversity #LateDiagnosis #GriefSupport #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.

    58 min
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4.9
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

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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