In this episode, I sit down with Sam Mitchell, the creator and host of the hit podcast Autism Rocks and Rolls. Sam shares his journey of growing up on the autism spectrum — from the challenges of school and social life to the strength he found through family, self-advocacy, and eventually, his podcasting platform.

Sam opens up about what he wishes more parents of boys understood, how gender roles and expectations impact neurodivergent kids, and the biggest misconceptions about autism that he’s determined to challenge. We also talk about his vision for Autism Rocks and Rolls in the years ahead and the surprising insights he’s gained from conversations with guests across the spectrum of life.

This is a conversation about courage, persistence, and the power of embracing who you are — not just for those with autism, but for anyone navigating difference in a world that too often demands conformity.

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Guest Bio

Sam Mitchell is the creator and host of Autism Rocks & Rolls, a podcast dedicated to celebrating life on the autism spectrum and challenging the stigma that surrounds it. Living with autism himself, Sam has grown his show to over 21,000 downloads and featured incredible guests, including NASCAR driver Armani Williams, American Idol rocker James Durbin, autism advocate and professor Dr. Temple Grandin, and WWE legend Mick Foley.

Beyond podcasting, Sam is a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, blogger, TEDx presenter (Souled Structure), and nonprofit leader. He sells merchandise, partners with sponsors, and has been recognized with multiple honors — from the Davey Award to top placements in the People’s Choice Podcast Awards, the JAG Entrepreneurship Project, and Indiana’s CEO Trade Show. His podcast is also ranked among the top 200 in Canada.

Sam’s mission is simple but powerful: to show the world that autism is not a limitation. “I am not broken, I don’t need to be fixed, and there is no normal in this world,” he says. His work spreads a message of acceptance, empowerment, and the belief that everyone deserves to embrace who they are and succeed on their own terms.

Topics Covered

• What it was like growing up on the autism spectrum
• The role his parents played in supporting his confidence and independence
• Why boys and men need space to show vulnerability and hurt
• Misconceptions about autism and how his podcast challenges them
• Lessons learned from interviewing high-profile guests like Temple Grandin and Mick Foley
• Sam’s mission to celebrate differences and show that success looks different for everyone

Links

Website: autismrocksandrolls.com

Podcast: Autism Rocks and Rolls (available on all major platforms)

TEDx Talk: Understanding Autism: Controlling chaos with structure

Why Season 3 Is Different.

Too many boys today feel lost, alone, and misunderstood. And far too often, the same is true for their parents.

Behind the troubling statistics is a generation of boys quietly longing to be seen, heard, and valued — yet the conversation around boys’ emotional lives remains far too quiet.

Season 3 of Unlocking the Parenting Code is here to change that.

In this new season, you’ll hear:

🔹 Real conversations with young men who are ready to share their truth.

🔹 Powerful insights from experts in boys’ mental and emotional health.

🔹 And raw, real wisdom from dads who are walking this road every day

🔹 Solo episodes where I reflect on what I’ve witnessed, wrestled with, and learned

At the heart of this season — and at the heart of Sonhood Coaching — is a mission:

To understand the inner emotional world of boys, to recognize the very real challenges they face, and to name the damaging myths and societal expectations that continue to shape how we see, treat, and raise our sons.

This is not about fixing boys.

It’s about truly seeing them — and learning how to show up differently, with compassion, courage, and connection.

Together, we’re building a world where boys feel safe to be their authentic selves.

Because when we get it right for our boys, we begin to heal something much bigger.

More @sonhoodcoaching.com