You’ve landed at Spark Launch — the guide star for embracing what it means to be neurodiverse. Hosted by Chaya Mallavaram (the artsy ADHD brain behind Spark Launch) and Mike Cornell (a peer support specialist who reminds us that imperfection is where the magic happens), this podcast dives deep into the messy, beautiful, and often challenging realities of neurodivergent life. Each episode blends personal stories with expert insights to tackle issues affecting our community, such as mental hea ...
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Strategies For Neuro Inclusivity Podcasts
Hi, I'm Hannah! I founded 'Femme Forward' by BrainFruits to forward females to shape the future. Each episode delves into the ways humans and AI are reshaping the workplace, offering practical insights and strategies for making smarter decisions and driving success in the digital age. We explore the intersection of AI, leadership, and decision-making with a lineup of inspiring guests from industry giants like Microsoft, Salesforce, and more. Each podcast session focuses on a key problem that ...
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My name is Joseph K Muscat and my purpose is to bring you through a journey of Neurodiversity awareness and skillsets in the workplace and with entrepreneurs. This is all about transforming our mindset, finding purpose, discovering our superpowers, setting clear goals and creating solutions that will increase productivity and profitability by becoming more inclusive and diverse.
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Breaking Free To Be Me w/ Kristin Walker (Mental Health News Radio Network)
58:18
58:18
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58:18Mike 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
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50:58
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50:58Mike 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
40:35
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40:35Mike 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
57:17
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57:17Mike 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
51:40
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51:40Mike 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
56:53
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56:53Mike 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
46:22
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46:22Mike 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
42:01
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42:01Mike 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
1:06:39
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1:06:39Mike 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
26:57
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26:57Mike 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
41:26
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41:26Mike 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
29:48
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29:48Parenting 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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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
22:35
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22:35Mike 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
43:54
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43:54Mike 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
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50:17Mike 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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S2 E35: Navigating with cybersecurity with 'simplexity' w/ Bodil Biering (PhD), CEO of Cyberjuice
32:10
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32:10Join us as we talk with Bodil Biering, founder of Cyberjuice, who transformed from a Cambridge mathematician into a cybersecurity innovator. Discover how she's revolutionizing the industry by making security accessible to startups and SMEs through her unique "Simplexity" approach. Bodil shares her journey as a female leader in tech, combining her m…
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Proud To Learn Differently: Diving Deep into Neurodivergent Education
1:06:29
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1:06:29Mike 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
48:38
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48:38Mike 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
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1:13:01Mike 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
1:02:47
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1:02:47Chaya 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
45:21
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45:21Mike 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
33:19
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33:19Toxic 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
1:12:20
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1:12:20In 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
46:15
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46:15We 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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Building Bridges: HR and Neurodiverse Talent
1:16:55
1:16:55
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1:16:55Send us a text In this episode, I’m joined by Natalie Lewis, owner and operator of the award-winning HR firm, HR Dynamics. Natalie shares her own inspiring Neurodivergent journey and offers insights into the common pitfalls small businesses face as they scale. We then dive into actionable strategies to ensure businesses create truly inclusive envir…
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How Sophia Randall (Neuro)Diverged Corporate Complacency
1:24:02
1:24:02
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1:24:02We 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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"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
58:17
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58:17Chaya 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
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36:51Ever 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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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…
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Finding Hope: Andrew McDonald's Journey of Neurodivergence, bullying and Suicide
1:25:50
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1:25:50Send us a text In today's episode, we tackle a sensitive and critical topic that affects many neurodivergent individuals: trauma, which can lead to suicidal thoughts and attempts. We are joined by Andrew McDonald, who bravely shares his personal journey, the devastating decisions he faced, and how his transition into entrepreneurship became the rig…
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Harmonizing Coaching and Mentoring: A Blueprint for Workplace Success
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1:01:43Send us a text With the wealth of knowledge that Dragan brings to the table, we are thrilled to delve into the crucial topic of accommodating mentorship and coaching for neurodivergent talent. In this enlightening session, we will not only explore the significance of mentorship for neurodivergent individuals but also dissect effective practices tha…
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Creating Connections The Blueprint for Neurodiversity Inclusion
1:11:27
1:11:27
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1:11:27Send us a text The three of us engage in a comprehensive conversation, delving into actionable insights on best practices that businesses can implement to foster a more inclusive environment for neurodivergent talent. From refining recruitment processes to creating accommodating workplace policies, we'll share practical strategies that not only enh…
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S4 E34: Transforming people and organisations w/ Beatrice Galet
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34:17Welcome to Season 4 of Femme Forward! In this episode, we delve into the world of transformation with Beatrice Galet, former CFO Transformation Project Manager at Pandora and current Retail Excellence Manager. In this episode, Beatrice shares her journey from traditional finance to leading transformation projects and offers valuable insights on nav…
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Navigating Emotional Regulation and Executive Function: An Exploration
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1:06:50Send us a text This Dr. Erika Galea and I wiill delve into the interconnected topics of emotional regulation, executive function, and their implications in education and the workplace. The discussion highlights the definitions of emotional regulation and executive function, emphasizing their critical roles in cognitive processing and psychological …
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Unlocking Potential: Neurodiversity Best Practices for HR Professionals
1:08:21
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1:08:21Send us a text 🔍 What the live-stream will cover: In an exclusive session guided by Edana and Natalie, we embark on an in-depth exploration of HR best practices dedicated to supporting neurodivergent talent in the workplace. Some of the points well cover: 1️⃣ Communication Strategies: Learn about tailored communication strategies that bridge gaps a…
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Inclusive Learning Simon Preston on NeuroEd and Workplace
1:07:56
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1:07:56Send us a text Simon Preston, the Director of Neurodiversity in Education CIC, brings to light his wealth of experience and profound insights into advocating for inclusivity and spearheading transformative initiatives. With a focus on Neurodivergent educators, he emphasizes the importance of embracing their lived experiences to foster a more suppor…
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Diversifying Talent Strategies for Neurodiversity Recruitment
1:16:56
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1:16:56Send us a text Dive into insights with Marc as he unveils the strategies for successful recruitment of neurodivergent talent! Marc, a champion of neurodiversity, brings extensive expertise in inclusive hiring. Positioned at the forefront, he advocates for diverse and vibrant workplaces. 🌟 Who is Marc Crawley “Our mission is to unlock the potential …
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Gaining Board-Level Support: Advocating for Neurodiversity Integration
1:07:34
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1:07:34Send us a text Noel and I are excited to delve deep into the intricacies of guiding businesses towards a nuanced understanding of their Neurodivergent employees and candidates by recognizing and aligning with their unique thinking styles. This exploration extends beyond mere acknowledgement, as we seek to provide practical strategies for securing b…
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Beyond the Surface - A Deep Dive into Workplace Bullying
1:37:36
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1:37:36Send us a text Join me and my four panelists as we dive into bBrave's "Research study on #Workplace #Bullying and #Ostracism at the #Workplace." 🌐 Together, we'll explore various topics, including their correlation with #Neurodivergent #employees. 🗣️ Engage in a thought-provoking discussion with # panellists: Joseph K Muscat (Host) Aaron Zammit Apa…
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Art, entrepreneurship and the system vs people-centric
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52:04Send us a text In this episode, I am joined by Michaell Magrutsche, a versatile artist and fellow Neurodivergent, as we discuss adapting to systems, embracing individuality, allowing for people-centric and the connection to art. Explore the unique perspective of navigating societal norms and the creative expression of being Neurodivergent. ________…
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Genetics and Behaviour with Dr Fredric Abramson
1:08:15
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1:08:15Send us a text Traditionally, discussions on genetics often align with the medical model, viewing neurodivergence as a condition to be medicated and treated. Join us today as we approach this conversation from a fresh perspective, challenging the norm and embracing the social model for a more inclusive understanding with my guest Dr Fredric Abramso…
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Advocacy and Employee Resources Groups with Niina Windsland
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53:06Send us a text Disclosing one's neurodivergence in the workplace can be daunting, with uncertain outcomes. Becoming an advocate for neurodivergent inclusion presents similar challenges. In a brave step, Niina Windsland chose to disclose her autism. With the support of HR, she championed a Neurodivergent Employment resource group. Join us for an ins…
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The Athletic World is another Neurodivergent workplace with Nathan Sherratt
1:33:25
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1:33:25Send us a text The athletic arena is frequently portrayed as a realm of unwavering determination, with winners and losers vying for medals and trophies. Amid these iconic images, we tend to overlook that it constitutes yet another type of workplace. Here, neurodivergent individuals encounter the same array of opportunities and challenges as in any …
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Understanding the connection between Gen Z and Neurodivegents with Trevor Bruintjes
1:17:04
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1:17:04Send us a text In this week's episode, we are delighted to welcome Trevor Bruintjes, a seasoned Business Consultant, as our distinguished guest. Together, we embark on an insightful journey to delve into the intriguing parallels and connections that exist between Generation Z and the Neurodivergent community within the dynamic landscape of the work…
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Send us a text In this week's exploration, I am eager to delve into the fascinating realm of Spike Profiles. While this tool might not yet enjoy widespread recognition, its significance is undeniable, and it is high time we rectify that. The potency of Spike Profiles extends beyond the individual; it possesses the potential to revolutionize workpla…
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Thinking Out Loud: Do you have a Business Case for Neurodivergent Inclusion?
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7:32Send us a text In this week's episode, I donned my project management hat and delved into a common dilemma faced by many businesses: their reluctance or challenges in embracing Neurodiversity inclusion and reaping its benefits. One critical aspect of this issue is the absence of a robust business case. Often, businesses fail to analyze the comprehe…
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Thinking Out Loud: Dive deep into Metrics, Recognition & Psychological safety at work
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19:17Send us a text In this instalment of "Thinking Out Loud," I revisit and delve into the insightful book "The Power Difference" by Simon Fanshawe. Having just completed this thought-provoking read, I am eager to share and discuss three essential topics that resonate deeply with Neurodivergents and diverse workplaces alike. Join me as we explore their…
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Thinking Out Loud: Are you inclusive with Intention
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8:10Send us a text In this segment of Thinking out loud, I delve into the crucial issue of businesses making efforts to be inclusive without genuine intention. Join me as I share my thoughts and insights on this matter. Stay tuned for an engaging discussion that will challenge our perspectives. ___________________________________ Where you can find me:…
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