Nerding out on Neurodiversity

Dr. Matt Zakreski

This podcast is hosted by myself, Dr. Matt Zakreski, a clinical psychologist and speaker, alongside our co-host and producer Jake Noonan, an educational coach and humanities teacher. We are here to leverage our personal and professional experiences as neurodivergent specialists to inform and entertain the world around us. And, since we can’t do that on our own, we’ve collected an incredible group of professionals from all walks of life who use their time and talent to support the neurodivergent community. When we know more, we do better, and the goal of the #NooN podcast is to provide our listeners with as much information as possible to make your lives better. Because, as Dr. Matt always says, we can’t always make your lives EASY, but we can make them EASIER – and that is just as important! If you’re neurodivergent, someone who loves a neurodivergent person, or works with neurodivergent people, then Nerding out on Neurodiversity is the show for you. Come on this journey with us! We’ll laugh, cry, learn, and make obscure nerdy pop culture references, we’ll have fun – we promise!

  1. 2d ago

    Ep 67 -- In Which, Brewability Brings Belonging to Beer and Pizza.

    This episode, we have the immense privilege of being joined by the dynamic duo behind Brewability -- Tiffany and Jess! A unique and inclusive brewery and pizzeria, Brewability -- located in Englewood, Colorado -- specifically focuses on employing adults with disabilities. With backgrounds in special education, both Tiffany and Jess work to empower individuals, neurodiverse or otherwise, to feel and find a sense of belonging. For too long, this population has been overlooked or infantilized; we are beyond thankful that a place like Brewability exists! Together, we dive deep into struggles that neurodiverse workers -- and their employers -- face. Tiffany and Jess address both the very real support and positivity surrounding them as well as the just as real negativity, hate, and threats they face. In a world where community is more important than ever -- especially for Brewability -- this is a critical conversation to have. We know that Tiffany, Jess, and Brewability's story will inspire and invigorate everyone towards a more positive, welcoming, and accountable world. Thank you for sharing your time and wisdom with us and our listeners!🦄🥳🦄 -- Go Be Labumptuous. -- Brewability can be found on their website, TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Tiffany can be found on Instagram and LinkedIn. Jess can be found on LinkedIn. Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jake@theneurodiversitycollective.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you'd like to learn more, please follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    47 min

  2. Jun 30

    Ep 66 -- In Which, we Journey through Gifted Advocacy with Dr. Lindsay Lee!

    This episode, we have the pleasure to speak with Dr. Lindsay Lee! Dr. Lee is an educational psychologist, researcher, and consultant specializing in creativity, gifted education, neurodiversity, talent development, educational measurement, and learning environments. She is the founder of Advanced Learning Research & Consulting, LLC and incoming Associate Dean of Graduate Studies at Elmbridge University. Her current work explores how educational systems, emerging technologies, and measurement practices can better identify, develop, and support human potential. While focusing on the individual alongside deep meaning-making, Dr. Lee emphasizes relationships, agency, and authenticity. Together, we explore Dr. Lee's experience growing up -- complete with an attempt to run away from school! But, more importantly, how this led to an important connection with the school counselor who influenced Dr. Lee towards getting tested. At the core of our entire conversation, Dr. Lee addresses how crucial the relationships are and how these can be the cornerstones of a student's academic confidence. We know that Dr. Lee's story will resonate with everyone and that her perspective will help lead to more positive, welcoming, and encouraging educational environments. Thank you for sharing your time and wisdom with us and our listeners, Dr. Lee! 🦄🥳🦄 -- It's Okay To Question. -- Dr. Lindsay Lee can be found on LinkTree, Instagram, and TikTok. Additionally, Dr. Lindsay Lee's practice -- Advance Learning Research & Consulting -- can be found here! Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jake@theneurodiversitycollective.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you'd like to learn more, please follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min

  3. Jun 23

    Ep 65 -- In Which, We go a Little Weird with Emily Kircher-Morris!

    This episode, we have the immense privilege to speak with Emily Kircher-Morris! As a professional, Emily is a licensed LPC where she works as a mental health professional specializing in neurodiversity. In her role, Emily advocates for forming inclusive and supportive environments while also providing direct therapy for her clients. A fellow podcaster, Emily also hosts The Neurodiversity Podcast where she aims to bring awareness and understanding to all people. With a focus on inclusivity, awareness, and deep meaning-making, Emily helps all people engage with themselves and the world around them in an authentic manner. Together, we explore Emily's perspective on school environments and the individual student's experience within the environment. We dive into how to engage with flexible thinking within the classroom and the school environment. We love Emily's reminder that we shouldn't assume -- especially with our students! Without asking what's going on, or why something is happening, we can't know how to best support our students. We know that everyone will benefit from hearing Emily's wisdom and thoughts on everything! Thank you for sharing your time and journey with us and our listeners, Emily🦄🥳🦄! -- Change. Happens. Slowly. -- Emily Kircher-Morris can be found on her website, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Emily's books can be found here! The Neurodiversity Podcast can be found here and anywhere you can find a podcast! Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jake@theneurodiversitycollective.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you'd like to learn more, please follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    53 min

  4. Jun 16

    Ep 64 -- In Which, Rebecca Engle is an Advocacy Badass.

    This episode, we have the great pleasure to speak with Rebecca Engle! A multifaceted individual, Rebecca epitomizes the importance of neurodiversity advocacy and understanding. Professionally, Rebecca is a special education teacher, a writer, and an advocate. As a neurodivergent educator with a personal understanding of the challenges and strengths of autism, she offers unique insights into creating supportive and equitable learning environments. Her journey from overcoming discrimination to empowering students has shaped her passion for advocacy and education reform. Today, Rebecca Engle works to build inclusive spaces for neurodivergent people while advocating for how to do so! Together, we explore her experiences growing up autistic with a NVLD and how her struggles shaped her into the powerful and passionate advocate she is today. We deeply appreciated Rebecca's vulnerability in sharing her story and her perspectives on education, neurodiversity, and all things in between. Also, the issues with PBIS and ABA systems? Let's get rid of them -- please! Rebecca, thank you so much for sharing your time, experiences, and honesty with us all. You are an absolute leader in the field and we hope that others look to you as inspiration for a better future🦄🥳🦄! -- Don't Let People Peel Your Stickers Off -- Rebecca Engle can be found on Facebook, and Instagram. Her books can be found here! Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jake@theneurodiversitycollective.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you'd like to learn more, please follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min

  5. Jun 9

    Ep 63 -- In Which, We Discuss PAGE: the Keystone of Gifted Education!

    Today's episode, we have the immense privilege to be joined by Dr. Elizabeth Schucker and Dr. Tammy McDonald, two critical members of the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education -- or, PAGE! Dr. Elizabeth Schucker, Ed.D., has over 22 years of experience in K–12 education. She began her career as a fourth-grade teacher and now serves as a middle school Gifted Teacher for grades 5-8. She holds a master’s degree in Reading, a Reading Specialist Certificate, and a doctoral degree in Transformational Teaching and Learning from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, supported by the Carnegie Consortium. Passionate about PBL, Dr. Schucker supports students through her pull-out “G1FT3D” enrichment seminar and partners with educators to deepen lesson complexity through differentiated instruction in the general education classroom. As a servant leader, Dr. Schucker is passionate about expanding high-quality gifted education pathways through ongoing universal teacher preparation. She offers professional development focused on strengthening gifted awareness and support for pre-service teachers and recently co-created the inaugural G2: Geared Up for Gifted Summit, a collaborative event hosted at DeSales University in partnership with Lehigh Valley colleges. She regularly presents her work at local, state, and national conferences. Dr. Schucker is honored to serve on the board of the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE). She co-manages the social media platform and hosts the Turning the PAGE podcast, which provides professional development through the podcasting medium. Dr. Tammy McDonald is a Gifted Support Specialist and department leader in the Bethlehem Area School District in Bethlehem, PA, where she has taught for 31 years. Her degrees include a B.A. in Psychology and Elementary Education from Muhlenberg College, an M.A. in Education from Kutztown University, and a M.S. in Educational Technology from Wilkes University. She also received her PhD in Human Development with an emphasis in Strategic Leadership and Academic Systems from Marywood University. Dr. McDonald holds a K-12 gifted endorsement certificate from Millersville University and a K-12 Principal Certification from Marywood University. Her areas of research interest include, but are not limited to: Gifted students, diversity/equity identification practices, social/emotional learning, and supporting gifted students in the regular education classroom. Dr. McDonald takes the lead in secondary gifted education and believes all students should have the experience of autonomy with choice as well as challenge in their education. She develops and presents professional development for gifted and regular education teachers and leads by example. Throughout our discussion, we discuss all things giftedness -- especially through the teacher's experience. We loved learning more about the 'behind the scenes' of PAGE and what goes on for Pennsylvania! Hearing from Dr. Schucker and Dr. McDonald, we know that this conversation is an important one for anyone who seeks to understand neurodiversity and how it manifests within school cultures. To Liz and Tammy, it was such a pleasure and joy to speak with you both and hear your stories and experiences -- thank you a million times over🦄🥳🦄! -- Make a Difference for Each. Individual. Person. -- Dr. Elizabeth Schucker can be found on LinkedIn and the 'Turning the PAGE' Podcast. Dr. Tammy McDonald can be found on LinkedIn. They can both be reached through the G2:Gifted Education Summit. Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jake@theneurodiversitycollective.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you'd like to learn more, please follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    59 min

  6. Jun 2

    Ep 62 -- In Which, We Talk Pride 2026, being '3E', and Identity with the Phenomenal Carcyn Ketner!

    Happy Pride, 2026! 🌈🌈🦄🦄 This episode, we have the immense pleasure and privilege to speak with Carcyn Ketner! An overall, across the board phenomenal and multitalented person, Carcyn shares an absolute journey. From parenting a neurodiverse child, shifting careers from special education to art, music, and woodworking, to even life as a whole, Carcyn shares a plethora of wisdom, experience, and positivity. At the same time, Carcyn talks us through his gender journey and what that all means to him -- and how to embrace the ephemerality of masculinity and femininity -- and the changes that he recognizes and explores. Together, we delve into what it's truly like living in this world as a neurodiverse individual and all of the good and bad that comes alongside that. Carcyn guides us through all types of ideas and considerations that, honestly speaking, more people need to grapple with -- especially Americans. Across the board, Carcyn is a radiant light in the world and he exudes this each and every day. Without a doubt, we know that Carcyn's story will resonate with everyone, and hopefully inspire people to think in newfound manners and learn to adjust their understandings with new information and perspectives. Carcyn, we endlessly thank you for sharing your time and journey with us -- and our listeners! You are an absolute joy and the world needs more people like you in it🦄🥳🦄! -- Do It For The Journey -- Carcyn can be found on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube! Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jake@theneurodiversitycollective.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you'd like to learn more, please follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    54 min

  7. May 26

    Ep 61 -- In Which, we Build our Team For Fun with Mike Fogel!

    This episode, we have the great joy of speaking with Mike Fogel! An author, art therapy entrepreneur, and neurodiversity advocate, Mike Fogel is a multidimensional figure in the field. With a focus on spreading kindness, love, and peace, Mike helps students engage with themselves as well as the peers around them. Through founding Camp Pegasus, Mike brings this energy and mentoring in a summer-camp approach -- at this camp, everyone understands neurodiversity. And, how important is that for our kids? Mike also runs The Art of Friendship where he helps kids understand and navigate social skills and situations. Through all of his work, Mike embodies authenticity and how to truly engage kids by showing what it means to love yourself and others. Together, we explore Mike Fogel's experiences, wisdom, and perspectives -- while also discussing all things camp and camp-adjacent. One idea that runs through our entire conversation is Mike's idea of the 'Team for Fun'. This is such a seemingly simple, yet incredibly powerful idea that can truly change one's entire mentality. We know that we want Mike on our Team for Fun -- and it's clear why! Thank you for sharing your time and journey with us and our listeners, Mike!🦄🥳🦄! -- Get On The Team For Fun! -- Mike Fogel can be found on Instagram here, and on Instagram here, and on Facebook, as well as at the websites for Art of Friendship and Camp Pegasus. His book can be found and purchased at The Social-Emotional Guidebook. Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jake@theneurodiversitycollective.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you'd like to learn more, please follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min

  8. May 19

    Ep 60 -- In Which, we're Joined by Matt Kelly: Professional Geek

    Who else would not only make a historical musical in school, but also remember verses? Only a fellow nerd like Matt Kelly! A multifaceted talent, Matt founded and runs so many podcasts that he started the very network we are a part of -- Geekscape! As a network, Geekscape has been around since 2006, diving deep into the world of movies, games, comics, TV, and all aspects of nerdy pop-culture. There, Matt hosts several podcasts, all with some aspect of Geekiness to them, and has spoken at many conferences and conventions. Together, we dive deep into Matt's life and his experiences growing up as well as how he came to the podcasting world. With endless stories and examples of growing up a little different, our conversation led Matt to see his life in a different manner. While initially skeptical, by the end of our conversation Matt may be viewing himself through a gifted/neurodivergent lens -- or so we hope -- especially after his mouse hunting story. We know that Matt's story, experiences, and journey, will be motivational and eye-opening to all who listen! Thank you for sharing your time with us -- and our listeners! -- Matt it is always such a joy and pleasure speaking with you🦄🥳🦄! -- That's Not How Everybody Works? -- Matt Kelly can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkTree! Geekscape can be found on their website and all podcast streaming services. This episode was recorded live as part of a charity stream for Geekscape. Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jake@theneurodiversitycollective.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you'd like to learn more, please follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    50 min
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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

This podcast is hosted by myself, Dr. Matt Zakreski, a clinical psychologist and speaker, alongside our co-host and producer Jake Noonan, an educational coach and humanities teacher. We are here to leverage our personal and professional experiences as neurodivergent specialists to inform and entertain the world around us. And, since we can’t do that on our own, we’ve collected an incredible group of professionals from all walks of life who use their time and talent to support the neurodivergent community. When we know more, we do better, and the goal of the #NooN podcast is to provide our listeners with as much information as possible to make your lives better. Because, as Dr. Matt always says, we can’t always make your lives EASY, but we can make them EASIER – and that is just as important! If you’re neurodivergent, someone who loves a neurodivergent person, or works with neurodivergent people, then Nerding out on Neurodiversity is the show for you. Come on this journey with us! We’ll laugh, cry, learn, and make obscure nerdy pop culture references, we’ll have fun – we promise!

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