Best SparkLaunch.org Podcasts (2025)

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The Art of Being Kind to Yourself w/ Diana Stelin 47:28

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2d ago47:28

47:28

Mike and Chaya sit down with Diana Stelin, an award-winning artist, educator, TEDx speaker, and founder of The Plein-Air Art Academy. Diana shares her journey and expertise on the connection between art and emotional healing, explaining how anyone can use creativity to manage burnout, connect with their intuition, and foster better confidence. We A…

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Accommodation vs. Integration: Why Your Neuro-inclusive Program Isn't Working w/ Gabriela Tardea 1:03:23

9d ago1:03:23

1:03:23

Mike and Chaya sit down with neuro-inclusion consultant Gabriela Tardea to get practical about building workplaces where neurodivergent talent can thrive. From auditing culture and rewriting job descriptions to unlearning bias on teams, Gabriela breaks down how to bridge the gap between good intentions and real, embedded change. We Also Cover: Brid…

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Self-Preservation Isn’t Selfish: ADHD and SUD w/ Lisa Modur 46:06

16d ago46:06

46:06

Mike and Chaya sit down with Austin psychotherapist Lisa Modur to talk about misunderstood childhood ADHD, self‑stigma, perfectionism, and how “mom‑wine culture” became a coping tool before treatment and long‑term recovery reshaped her life, relationships, and parenting. We Also Cover: ADHD and specialized schooling Feeling “less than,” comparison,…

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Beyond Borders: A Cross-Cultural Look at Neurodiversity w/ Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves 37:49

23d ago37:49

37:49

Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves, a child psychologist and EAP specialist, to discuss the nuances of neurodiversity and mental health from a cross-cultural perspective between India and the United States. Dr. Gonsalves shares her experiences with the state of ADHD awareness in India, how patriarchal norms affect diagnosis …

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Every Brain Belongs: Teaching The Twice-Exceptional w/ Mandi Davis Skerbetz 53:20

1M ago53:20

53:20

Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Mandi Davis Skerbetz, co-founder of Sage School of Dallas, who has dedicated her career to reshaping how we support neurodivergent and twice-exceptional students. Dr. Skerbetz shares how she identified gaps in public, private, and charter institutions, the hard reality for parents forced to pick between academic or …

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Parenting Through the Courts: Special Needs, Divorce, and Justice w/ Dr. Margaret 'Pegi' Price 56:05

1M ago56:05

56:05

Chaya and Mike speak with Dr. Margaret “Pegi” Price, a distinguished professor, legal expert, and program director at National University, about her journey blending personal experience as a parent with her career in family law. Dr. Price shares some eye-opening insights from her book, The Special Needs Child and Divorce, and explains how small cha…

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Restless Minds, Clear Patterns w/ Priya Chanduraj 54:27

1M ago54:27

54:27

Mike and Chaya sit down with Priya Chanduraj, the founder and CEO of FinTeam One, who discusses how her ADHD became an asset in the world of finance. Priya shares her experience of being a "challenged child" in India and how discovering her passion for economics allowed her to excel, and the freedom that comes from finding what you're good at. We A…

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Knowing Your Why: Capacity is Key w/ Jane Singleton 54:50

2M ago54:50

54:50

Mike and Chaya sit down with Jane Singleton, a learning specialist, executive coach, and founder of Launchpad for Life. With over a decade of experience in education, Jane shares how her early experiences advocating for people with disabilities ignited her passion for helping neurodivergent individuals thrive. She discusses the gaps in traditional …

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Late-Realized, Loud and Leading w/ LaToya Hinton, PhD. 50:32

2M ago50:32

50:32

Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. LaToya Hinton, an autistic, ADHDer, and passionate advocate for neurodivergent women in leadership. With her experiences as a late-diagnosed adult, LaToya dives into the mental toll of masking, perfectionism, and how accessible environments can unlock untapped potential. She shares strategies for fostering authentic…

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Your Child Isn’t Giving You a Hard Time, They’re Having a Hard Time w/ Christian Vinceneux 51:57

2M ago51:57

51:57

Mike and Chaya sit down with Christian Vinceneux, ADHD advocate, coach (Life Guide Coaching), and former occupational therapist with over 30 years of experience working with neurodivergent families. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Christian reflects on growing up as a neurodivergent child in France, navigating challenges without the tools or wor…

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Boundaries, Burnout, and Belonging /w Michelle Markman 50:11

2M ago50:11

50:11

Mike and Chaya sit down with Michelle Markman, a late-diagnosed autistic entrepreneur and founder of ND Coach Inc., where she supports high-achieving neurodivergent women in unmasking and thriving on their own terms. Michelle reflects on how her diagnosis transformed her perspective on masking, burnout, and social challenges, and she shares practic…

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Exploding Trucks, Rock and Roll, and Autism at 65 w/ Peter O'Neil 1:01:57

3M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

Mike and Chaya sit down with Peter O’Neil, a retired attorney, musician, grandfather, and author of My So-Called Disorder: Autism, Exploding Trucks, and the Big Daddy of Rock and Roll. Diagnosed as autistic at 65, Peter reflects on how that discovery transformed his experiences of masking, social struggles, and professional success. From solitude a…

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Breaking Free To Be Me w/ Kristin Walker (Mental Health News Radio Network) 58:18

3M ago58:18

58:18

Mike and Chaya sit down with Kristin Walker, the founder of the Mental Health News Radio Network, to discuss her late-in-life discovery of being autistic and having ADHD. Kristin opens up about the emotional toll of masking, the powerful shift that came with her diagnosis, and how those experiences inspired her to amplify diverse voices in mental h…

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Fighting To Be Seen: The High Cost of Masking w/ Reid Miles 50:58

3M ago50:58

50:58

Mike and Chaya sit down with Reid Miles, creator and host of Inside the Asperger’s Studio. Reid opens up about his journey from working in the tech industry to becoming a passionate advocate for autism and neurodiversity. He shares the ups and downs of navigating the professional world as a neurodivergent individual and explains how he found his vo…

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Creativity That Calms: A New Way to Support Autistic Kids /w Jay Goth 40:35

3M ago40:35

40:35

Mike and Chaya sit down with Jay Goth, CEO of Burble Creativity Inc., to explore how his company is using immersive storytelling to spark imagination, reduce overstimulation, and create calming environments for neurodivergent children. Drawing from ancient storytelling traditions, Jay explains how Burble’s innovative storytelling tents combine soun…

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Cut From Chaos: Shane Currin’s Story of Bipolar, Addiction, & Purpose 57:17

4M ago57:17

57:17

Mike and Chaya kick off Season 2 by welcoming Shane Currin, a mental health advocate, writer, and podcast host of Diamonds in the Rough. Shane shares his powerful story of overcoming addiction, navigating bipolar disorder, and finding purpose through vulnerability and service. Together, they unpack the challenges and gifts of being neurodivergent, …

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Nature, Nurture, and Neurodiversity w/ Dr. Jeff Karp (Season 1 Finale) 51:40

8M ago51:40

51:40

Mike and Chaya conclude Spark Launch's first season by sitting down with Dr. Jeff Karp, a biomedical engineer, Harvard Medical School and MIT professor, and passionate neurodiversity advocate. Dr. Karp shares how he went from struggling student to noted innovator with over 175 published papers and 100 patents, calling attention to the ways traditio…

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Walk The Strong Path: Compassion Breeds Resilience w/ James Dewar-Haggart 56:53

8M ago56:53

56:53

Mike and Chaya sit down with James Dewar-Haggart, founder of Strong Path, a fitness organization built to prioritize inclusivity for the neurodivergent community. James shares his journey through depression, substance use, and ADHD, and how those experiences shaped his approach to creating a supportive space that acknowledges both emotional and phy…

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Living Eponymously: Creativity Over Conformity w/ Bradley Lewis Foster 46:22

9M ago46:22

46:22

Mike and Chaya sit down with Bradley Lewis Foster, a creative force in the marketing world who discusses his experiences as a neurodivergent entrepreneur and the often-misunderstood traits associated with ADHD. Brad shares on leveraging neurodiverse thinking through different artforms, leading to greater understanding of both himself and the larger…

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The Autism Advantage: Author J.D. Barker Talks Crafting Stories & Taking Chances 42:01

9M ago42:01

42:01

Mike and Chaya sit down with author J.D. Barker, known for his gripping suspense thrillers, who reveals how being on the autism spectrum has shaped his career. Discover how neurodiversity fuels creativity as he shares his journey from ghostwriter to NYT bestseller, his lifelong passion for storytelling, and how to find your own 'superpower'. We Als…

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Beyond ADHD: Finding Peace Amid the Noise w/ Sam Led 1:06:39

9M ago1:06:39

1:06:39

Mike and Chaya sit down with Sam Led, a distinguished ADHD coach, podcaster, and the author of "Beyond ADHD," to delve into the multifaceted nature of ADHD; exploring its implications not just for diagnosed individuals but for society at large. Sam brings a treasure trove of insights, from the pressures of conforming, to reframing the "noise" in ou…

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Passion Over Profession: A Teen Perspective on Dyslexia, Adulthood, and Happiness w/ Neel Raikar 26:57

9M ago26:57

26:57

Mike and Chaya sit down with Neel Raikar, an 18-year-old trying to plot his own course through the complexities of school life while facing the hurdles associated with dyslexia. Neel doesn't hesitate to give his candid - and very relatable - aversion to the education system and how the pressure to conform to traditional career expectations often st…

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Superpower or Struggle? The ADHD Spectrum of Experience w/ Ahmadreza Tadrisi 41:26

10M ago41:26

41:26

Mike and Chaya sit down with ADHD psychotherapist Ahmadreza Tadrisi to discuss how his own diagnosis sparked a desire to broaden the understanding of this neuro-type. In their talk, Ahmadreza debunks some harmful ADHD myths and highlights how the "ADHD as superpower" narrative can unintentionally marginalize those who face more significant struggle…

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Level Up Your ADHD Parenting Strategies w/ Joshua Rastetter 29:48

10M ago29:48

29:48

Parenting is an intricate dance, this is doubly true when you and your child share the same neurodivergence. Joshua Rastetter returns to elaborate further on these complexities, reflecting on the frustrations of a rigid educational system that didn’t accommodate his daughter's needs, and the how this led him to rethink generations of parental strat…

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When The World Is Dark and Cold... 18:22

11M ago18:22

18:22

Feeling hopeless amidst recent world events is a sentiment many of us currently relate to. But, as Mike and Chaya discuss in this episode, hopelessness can lead to fearlessness. We Also Cover: The cumulative impact of prolonged anxiety on mental health Finding connection in collective struggle Transforming negative energy into activism, creativity,…

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How I Spent (And Learned To Love) My Neurodivergent Vacation 22:35

11M ago22:35

22:35

Mike recounts his recent vacation and how it led to a profound realization about neurodiverse travel experiences. He and Chaya reflect on the pressure to conform to typical social activities and how fulfillment can be found off the beaten path by embracing your own unique itinerary. We Also Cover: The liberation of discarding societal checklists Ho…

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Heal The Collective: Indigenous Insights & Gender Equity w/ Michele Price 43:54

11M ago43:54

43:54

Mike and Chaya sit down with Michele Price, a seasoned leadership development expert who specializes in empowering women and non-binary individuals. Through the lens of her indigenous heritage and identity, Michele shares insights on dismantling biases and the challenges women face in the current socio-political climate. We Also Cover: The evolutio…

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Mind The Risk: ADHD & Self-Acceptance with Jon Cunningham 50:17

11M ago50:17

50:17

Mike and Chaya sit down for an existential and suuuper ADHD conversation with entrepreneur Jon Cunningham - a conversation that is the sheer definition of "going with the flow." Together, they unravel the complexities of navigating a world misaligned with the neurodivergent experience, managing judgement, and the existential fear of failure that of…

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Proud To Learn Differently: Diving Deep into Neurodivergent Education 1:06:29

12M ago1:06:29

1:06:29

Mike and Chaya sit down with Lindsay Rice, a passionate educator and advocate, to explore some often-overlooked complexities in the classroom. Delving into Lindsay's personal experiences as a neurodivergent individual and as a parent of neurodiverse children, she shines a light on an education system that often fails to accommodate diverse minds, a…

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Be Your Best Neurospicy Self with Holistic Healer Mia Love 48:38

12M ago48:38

48:38

Mike and Chaya welcome Mia Love, a holistic health practitioner and dedicated neurodiversity advocate, to discuss how she promotes harmony between traditional western medical practices and holistic healing to foster greater self-efficacy She also details her journey from years of misdiagnosis to neurodivergent realization. We Also Cover: Societal P…

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Attachment Styles & Trauma: Healing The Hurts That Bind with Shoshana Cook 1:13:01

12M ago1:13:01

1:13:01

Mike and Chaya chat with trauma-informed therapist Shoshana Cook, who delves into Attachment Theory, shedding light on the shortcomings in mental health treatment related to it and advocating for a more comprehensive approach. We Also Cover: Incorporating Multiple Treatment Modalities (CBT, DBT, etc) A "One-Size-Fits-All" Approach to Mental Recover…

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Empathy Unlimited: The Future of Neurodiverse Employment with Mark Fister 1:02:47

1y ago1:02:47

1:02:47

Chaya and Mike sit down with Mark Fister, CTO of Haystack Unlimited and proud ADHDer. Mark sheds light on the challenges that neurodivergent individuals face during the interview process and day-to-day job duties, what kind of necessary accommodations foster success, and how his company is building a supportive future for neurodiverse workers. We A…

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Embracing Stripes: Dyscalculia and Neurodiverse Parenting with Joshua Rastetter 45:21

1y ago45:21

45:21

Mike and Chaya chat with Joshua Rastetter, who shares an insightful perspective on navigating neurodiversity mindfully, along with valuable advice for parents navigating the spectrum alongside their children. Josh opens up about his journey with Dyscalculia and how discovering his ADHD through his daughter’s diagnosis led to a profound shift in the…

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The Macho Myth: Dismantling Toxic Masculinity 33:19

1y ago33:19

33:19

Toxic masculinity, a pervasive and damaging set of behaviors and expectations associated with traditional masculinity, negatively impacts both men and society as a whole. In this episode, Mike and Chaya explore and expose the complexities of this poisonous patriarchy, the theory of "the man box," and the ways rigid social definitions of masculine c…

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Gifted Neurodivergence: Twice Exceptional, Twice To Give 1:12:20

1y ago1:12:20

1:12:20

In this episode, Mike and Chaya chat with Youssef Sleiman, a neurodivergent writer and gifted individual. Yousef details his personal journey with understanding 2e (Twice Exceptional), how he leverages his differently thinking brain to the cause of neurodiversity, the transformative power of storytelling on self-discovery, and deep dives the neuros…

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Find Your Tribe, Find Your Identity: An Autistic ADHDer Tale 46:15

1y ago46:15

46:15

We sit down with Navya Adhikarla, an autistic ADHDer who shares her story of social isolation and alienation both in the U.S. and India. Her lifelong struggle with identity, coupled with the roadblocks she experienced in education and business, led her to becom a champion of psychological safety and advocate for neurodiverse accommodations -- trans…

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How Sophia Randall (Neuro)Diverged Corporate Complacency 1:24:02

1y ago1:24:02

1:24:02

We welcome "Head Boss Woman" Sophia Randall onto the show to share her personal journey of navigating an unkind corporate world, how she honed her neurodivergent traits to thrive, and the impact mirroring behaviors had on her mental, emotional, and physical well-being. We Also Cover: Building Neuro-inclusive Work Environments Self-Acceptance and Le…

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Maybe Nothing Happens for a Reason? 47:15

1y ago47:15

47:15

"Everything happens for a reason." Or does it? Mike and Chaya dissect this common idiom and its negative impact on individuals facing challenging situations. They explore the meaning of toxic positivity, importance of personal agency, and how Mike's experiences with depression led to creating supportive spaces for neurodivergence. TW: Talk of Suici…

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Asynchronous Academia with ADHD Coach Craig Maier, PhD 58:17

1y ago58:17

58:17

Chaya and Mike chat with Craig Maier, a dedicated ADHD Coach at Spark Launch, who shares his story of alienation and bullying while growing up neurodivergent in a small town. Craig details how these negative experiences aid in nurturing his son's own neurodivergence, provides some jaw-dropping insights into the differences between the U.S. and Germ…

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"Why Are We Here?" Our Neurodivergent Journey 36:51

1y ago36:51

36:51

Ever wonder why we're here? Why we exist? In our debut episode, hosts Mike and Chaya aim to explain why they've created this podcast along with how it ties into the grander question of finding your neurodivergent place in a neurotypical world. They share their personal stories of unmasking, learning to fight the societal status quo, shedding extern…

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Spark Launch: Lighting Up Neurodiversity 0:52

1y ago0:52

0:52

Welcome to Spark Launch, a new vibrant space for the neurodivergent mind! Subscribe today to hear insightful stories from an assorted range of neurodiverse and neurotypical voices, discover effective mental health strategies, and embrace a person-first approach to building resilience while reveling in your unique strengths. Each week, we take you t…