The Neurodivergent Connection / The Curious Storyteller

Reid
  • 4.9 (9)
  • 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. 1d ago

    The Curious Storyteller: How One House at a Time Can Build Freedom Without Waiting for Someday

    From Corporate Burnout to Building Wealth on Her Own Terms with Tanya Rooney What happens when a “secure” job stops feeling safe and your life starts running on autopilot? In this episode, I sit down with Tanya Rooney to talk about what it really took to walk away from corporate real estate, face the fear of leaving a steady paycheck, and start building wealth one property at a time. We get into the mental load, the risk, the hard conversations with a partner, and the part social media rarely shows when it comes to house flips and Airbnb ownership. Tanya shares how she went from burnout and routine to owning multiple properties and creating a business that fits her life better. We also talk about why some “good opportunities” are actually expensive mistakes, what new investors often miss, and why changing lanes doesn’t mean you failed. If you’ve been telling yourself “maybe someday,” this conversation might make you question what’s really holding you back. About the Guest Tanya Rooney is a real estate investor and business owner who built a short-term rental portfolio after leaving corporate real estate. She now helps women think differently about building long-term wealth through property ownership and practical action. Timestamps 0:12 - Tanya looks back on corporate life and when things started to feel off 4:11 - Why “security” means something very different now 6:44 - The moment real estate became more than a day job skill 15:16 - Why she finally left corporate and took the leap 22:32 - The hidden emotional cost of flipping houses 32:36 - How one stalled sale led to an Airbnb business 36:26 - Why Airbnb is not passive, no matter what people say 51:43 - Building wealth one house at a time 61:39 - What Tanya wants women to hear before they wait another year Tanya Links https://www.tanyarooney.com/ https://www.instagram.com/tanyarooneymn/ https://www.facebook.com/TanyaRooney28 https://www.youtube.com/@tanyarooneymn Show Affiliate https://shop.adhddd.com/NEURODIVERGENT_CONNECTION If this episode got you thinking about burnout, real estate investing, Airbnb, or building wealth in a way that fits your life, listen to the full conversation and let me know what part stayed with you most. #RealEstateInvesting #AirbnbBusiness #WomenInBusiness #BuildWealth #EntrepreneurMindset 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.

    The Curious Storyteller: How One House at a Time Can Build Freedom Without Waiting for Someday

  2. 4d ago

    The Traits That Make You Vulnerable Can Also Help You Heal

    When Neurodivergence, Gaslighting, and Emotional Abuse Overlap What happens when being wired differently gets used against you? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Wanda Kaye to talk about why emotional abuse can hit neurodivergent people in ways that are confusing, isolating, and painfully hard to name. We talk about gaslighting, trauma bonds, pattern recognition, and why leaving an abusive dynamic can feel harder than it looks from the outside. Dr. Wanda also shares how family culture, ADHD, autism, and the need for predictability can all shape what abuse feels like from the inside. More importantly, I explore with her what healing can look like when your mind understands the harm, but your body still feels stuck. If you've ever questioned your reality, blamed yourself, or wondered why it takes so long to feel safe again, this conversation will give you language for experiences many people carry in silence. I also get into why community matters so much, and what early recovery can look like before life feels steady again. About the Guest Dr. Wanda is a clinician, professor, and the founder of Holisticated Health. Her work focuses on narcissistic emotional abuse recovery, somatic healing, and support for neurodivergent people working through complex relationship trauma. Timestamps 0:40 - I welcome Dr. Wanda and set up the conversation3:49 - Why neurodivergent traits can be targeted in abusive relationships10:36 - When emotional abuse becomes something deeper and distorting17:42 - The long road to realizing something isn’t right21:53 - Why gaslighting and trauma bonds can hit so hard37:33 - Why these patterns can take longer to break43:09 - When logic isn’t enough and the body still holds the pain48:33 - How the NEAR program came together52:40 - What Dr. Wanda wants stuck listeners to hear right now Dr Wanda's Site holisticatedhealth.com Show Affiliate https://shop.adhddd.com/NEURODIVERGENT_CONNECTIONIf this episode speaks to you, listen through to the end and share it with someone who needs clearer words for what they’ve been living through. #Neurodivergent #EmotionalAbuse #Gaslighting #TraumaHealing #AutismADHD 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.

  3. 6d ago

    How Art Helped Ebony Make Sense of Autism and Find Her Place

    When an Autism Diagnosis Makes the Past Finally Click What does it feel like when a diagnosis doesn’t answer everything, but it helps your life make more sense? In this episode, I sit down with Ebony Backes for a thoughtful conversation about autism, creativity, grief, comfort, and the quiet ways we come to understand ourselves over time. Ebony shares what it was like to feel confused by other kids, how drawing became the one thing that always made sense, and why a diagnosis can bring both relief and loss at the same time. We also talk about the small but meaningful things that help her feel grounded, from cooking and comics to the ocean and even African painted dogs. Along the way, I explore how self-understanding can grow slowly, especially for neurodivergent people who don’t have all the words yet. If you’ve ever wondered why certain parts of your past still sting, or why creative expression can say what words can’t, this conversation will stay with you. I think you’ll come away with a few new questions about identity, healing, and what it means to be seen. About the Guest Ebony Backes is an artist and creative who uses drawing and comics as a way to express herself, make sense of the world, and connect with others through shared experiences. Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Ebony and ask what the world felt like as a child1:55 - When drawing became more than a hobby4:40 - Ebony shares the moment her autism diagnosis clicked6:20 - The mix of grief and relief after getting answers6:59 - Why cooking brings comfort and care9:35 - How the beach helps her reset11:38 - How her relationship with herself has changed over time12:45 - What she wants young people still finding their words to hear16:25 - Where to find Ebony online https://shop.adhddd.com/NEURODIVERGENT_CONNECTION If this episode speaks to you, listen through and share it with someone who may need these words today. #AutismAwareness #Neurodivergent #LateDiagnosis #CreativeExpression #TheNeurodivergentConnection 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.

  4. Aug 17

    The Curious Storyteller: How One Caregiver Found Her Footing in Years of Medical Chaos

    What Caregivers Carry That Most People Never See with Crystal Griffth Behind every diagnosis, ER visit, and fight to be heard, there’s often a caregiver carrying far more than anyone notices. In this conversation, I sit down with Crystal Griffin to talk about what caregiving really looks like when medical needs, burnout, grief, and advocacy all collide. We talk about the quiet weight families carry, the hospital lessons no one teaches you, and why so many caregivers feel like they have to hold everything together while falling apart in private. Crystal shares how her own traumatic brain injury, years of medical advocacy, and raising a daughter with complex needs shaped the work she does today through Medical Mom Warriors. Along the way, I explore what stability can look like when life stays unpredictable, why self-care often feels out of reach, and what families need from doctors that they still aren’t getting. If you’ve ever felt unseen after a diagnosis, worn down by appointments, or unsure how to keep going without losing yourself, this episode will meet you there. I’m also sharing a few surprising questions from our conversation that may stay with you long after it ends. About the Guest Crystal Griffth is an advocate, educator, and 4-time bestselling author. Through Medical Mom Warriors, she supports families facing medical chaos with practical tools, guidance, and real-life insight shaped by decades of lived experience as both a patient and a caregiver. Key Timestamps 0:42 - I welcome Crystal and we start at the beginning of her story3:26 - The traumatic brain injury that changed everything9:55 - What first pulled Crystal into medical advocacy20:30 - How being both a patient and caregiver changed her view of healthcare43:50 - What “medical chaos” looks like behind closed doors47:21 - What caregivers carry every day that most people never see57:24 - Can caregiving make you lose yourself?76:53 - Why Crystal created the Medical Stability Blueprint82:51 - What medical professionals need to understand about caregivers98:06 - Who Crystal is beyond advocacy and caregiving Crystal's website: medicalmomwarriors.com Show Affiliate https://shop.adhddd.com/NEURODIVERGENT_CONNECTION If this conversation speaks to you, listen through to the end and share it with someone who needs to feel less alone. #CaregiverSupport #Neurodiversity #AutismAwareness #MedicalAdvocacy #ADHDSupport 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.

    The Curious Storyteller: How One Caregiver Found Her Footing in Years of Medical Chaos

  5. Aug 14

    Finding Your Place in the Autism Community and Helping Others Do the Same

    Finding Identity, Community, and Purpose After a Late Autism Diagnosis What changes when you finally have words for a life that never quite made sense? In this episode, I sit down with Thomas Hassell to talk about that shift. Thomas shares what it was like to move through school and work without the support he needed, and how a later autism diagnosis helped him understand his past in a new way. We also talk about the hard parts that many autistic adults know too well: feeling misunderstood, struggling to find the right fit, and trying to build a life in a world that often expects you to be someone else. But this conversation doesn’t stay there. I also explore how Thomas found belonging through an adult autism support group, and how that sense of community grew into leadership, advocacy, and writing. You’ll hear what helped him keep going, what inclusion means to him now, and why his message to others still carries so much weight. About the Guest Thomas Hassell is an autistic self-advocate, writer, and longtime community leader. He has led adult autism support spaces, contributed to advocacy work, and continues to speak up for autistic people and their families. Timestamps 0:02 - I welcome Thomas and ask what learning felt like before diagnosis2:17 - Thomas reflects on getting support through an alternative learning program4:15 - What changed after his autism diagnosis at 445:59 - How community and friendship helped him feel understood6:09 - Stepping into leadership in an adult autism support group8:13 - Why society still misunderstands autistic adults9:04 - What writing gives Thomas that conversation sometimes can’t11:04 - What he would say to his younger self now If you’re autistic, newly diagnosed, or supporting someone who is, I think this episode will stay with you. Listen in, then share it with someone who needs the reminder that they’re not alone. #AutismAcceptance #NeurodivergentConnection #AutisticAdults #DisabilityAdvocacy #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.

  6. Aug 12

    How One Mom Found Steady Ground While Raising Two Kids With Different Needs

    What Caregiving Really Looks Like When the System Falls Short What happens when you’re raising two neurodivergent children and the help you need still doesn’t meet real life? In this episode, I sit down with Danielle for an honest conversation about Autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, single parenthood, and the kind of caregiving most people never fully see. I’m sharing a story that speaks to parents, caregivers, and anyone trying to support a family carrying more than most people realize. Danielle opens up about the daily pressure of meeting both of her children where they are, while also facing financial strain, burnout, and the quiet loneliness that can come with doing so much on your own. At the same time, this conversation isn’t only about hardship. You’ll also hear about the small moments of joy, the hidden strengths people often miss in nonverbal children, and the kind of real support that actually makes a difference. If you’ve ever wondered what families like Danielle’s wish the world understood, this episode will stay with you. About the Guest Danielle is a single mother raising two children with special needs: her teenage son, Brian, who is autistic and has ADHD, and her daughter, Ava, who is autistic and has cerebral palsy. She shares her family’s day-to-day reality with honesty, heart, and hope. Timestamps 0:03 - I introduce Danielle’s story and what this conversation explores1:20 - Danielle shares her family’s background and her children’s diagnoses10:53 - What an ordinary day of caregiving actually looks like23:19 - What caregiving feels like from the inside28:19 - Why even grocery shopping can become a major task32:47 - How Ava experiences the world beyond spoken words43:39 - Who Brian is beyond his Autism label51:06 - What the support gap looks like in everyday life69:07 - What real support truly looks like for a family like Danielle’s74:15 - Danielle’s message for listeners who feel unseen or overwhelmedhttps://shop.adhddd.com/NEURODIVERGENT_CONNECTION If this episode speaks to you, listen all the way through, share it with someone who needs it, and keep being part of this neurodivergent community conversation. #Neurodivergent #AutismAwareness #Caregiving #SpecialNeedsParenting #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.

  7. Aug 10

    Invisible Illness When Doctors Miss What Your Body Knows

    When Chronic Illness Changes Your Identity: My Conversation with Dr. Jeff Bone What do you do when your body says something is wrong, but no one seems to hear you? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeff Bone to talk about the hidden weight of chronic illness, what it feels like to be misdiagnosed, and how life can change when your health no longer feels predictable. This conversation goes far beyond symptoms. We get into grief, loneliness, identity, and the quiet fear that comes with living in a body you can’t fully trust. Dr. Bone is a psychologist, writer, and host of To the Bone: Conversations on Pain, Illness, and Meaning. After years of searching for answers, he was eventually diagnosed with an immune disorder linked to toxic mold exposure. What stayed with me most was how honestly he spoke about being dismissed, rebuilding meaning, and learning how to live with pain without turning against himself. If you’ve ever felt unseen, overwhelmed, or unsure how to explain what you’re carrying, I think this episode will stay with you. I also share why curiosity, self-compassion, and being truly present can matter more than having all the answers. Timestamps 0:02 - Why chronic illness can affect identity, relationships, and the future you pictured1:15 - What life looked like before everything changed6:43 - The pain of being misdiagnosed and not believed8:21 - The first real clues behind his illness12:25 - Realizing this wasn’t something that would simply pass15:33 - The part of chronic illness most people don’t see19:20 - How poetry became a way to cope and make sense of the chaos25:37 - Grieving the life you thought you’d have35:01 - A small practice that can help when everything feels too heavy41:34 - Changing your relationship with pain48:46 - What I hope people hear when they feel dismissed or alone If this conversation speaks to you, listen to the full episode and share it with someone who needs to feel less alone. #ChronicIllness #InvisibleIllness #NeurodivergentConnection #MentalHealth #DisabilitySupport 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.

  8. Aug 7

    Why IEP Meetings Leave Parents Lost and What Schools Need to Do Instead

    Why So Many Neurodivergent Kids Struggle in School — And What Needs to Change If school feels more like a battle than a place to learn, this conversation will hit home. In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Riegel to talk about why so many neurodivergent students are misunderstood in classrooms, IEP meetings, and behavior systems. We get into the gap between what schools measure, what they actually support, and why that mismatch can leave kids feeling like they’re the problem. I’m sharing a conversation that goes beyond labels like ADHD and autism and gets to the heart of what many parents, educators, and caregivers see every day: bright kids struggling in systems that were never built with their brains in mind. You’ll hear why behavior is often misread, what schools miss about executive functioning, and how small shifts in the classroom can change far more than most people expect. About the guest: Lisa Riegel is an educator, leadership expert, and author of NeuroWell. She works with schools and professionals to bring brain-based practices into real learning spaces, with a strong focus on helping students feel safe, seen, and supported. If you’ve ever wondered why some kids keep falling through the cracks—or what it could look like if we actually got it right—this episode will give you a lot to think about. Timestamps 0:03 - I welcome Lisa Riegel and set up the conversation0:30 - What Lisa noticed early about students who didn’t fit the system2:08 - Why IEP data and school supports often don’t match4:37 - Why behavior plans can miss what autistic students really need7:33 - The personal moment that changed Lisa’s work forever12:09 - A simple classroom shift that helped students focus better16:49 - Why teachers need a better understanding of how the brain works23:22 - What Lisa wishes more people understood about ADHD and autism31:52 - The biggest mistake schools make about behavior33:31 - Small changes that created big results in real classrooms38:29 - Where the education system breaks down most for neurodivergent people47:36 - What helps neurodivergent minds thrive Listen in, then share this with a parent, teacher, or caregiver who needs this conversation. #Neurodivergent #ADHD #AutismAwareness #InclusiveEducation #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.

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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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