The UpTic is a podcast that provides an opportunity for the eclectic voices of the TS community to be heard. The topics covered will be as diverse as this neurodivergent population. You will hear personal stories, learn more about Tourette Syndrome and be inspired to live fully. Wherever you are on your TS journey this podcast will inform and engage listeners and offer new insights and perspectives for self-reflection and action. Why Listen? Explore the Iceberg: TS is more than tics. Discove ...
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Tics, Tech & Trials: Breakthrough Neuroscience Research for TS and OCD
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47:48
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47:48In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Christine Conelea, a brilliant research psychologist from the University of Minnesota, who's leading the charge in cutting-edge research around Tourette Syndrome (TS), OCD, and anxiety. We dive into the transformative innovations happening in her lab—from developing computer vision tools that can detect tics via v…
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Living With BFRBs: Support, Treatment & Their Connection to Tourette’s
38:28
38:28
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38:28In this episode, I had the honor of sitting down with Dr. Marla Deibler, a licensed clinical psychologist and expert in behavioral and cognitive psychology, to explore a topic that's not only often misunderstood but deeply important: Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs). These include things like hair pulling, skin picking, and nail biting — b…
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Diagnosed at 16: Sree’s Journey from Tourette’s Diagnosis to Advocacy
42:03
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42:03What happens when you receive a life-changing diagnosis at 16—and decide to turn it into your superpower? In this episode, I’m joined by the incredibly driven and insightful Sree Lakkamraju. She’s a high school senior, NJCTS Youth Council member, TAA Youth Ambassador, and soon-to-be NYU student. But beyond the titles, Sree is someone who’s turned s…
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(Tic)kled: Self-Acceptance and Self-Expression Through Dance
38:49
38:49
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38:49In this episode, I sit down with dancer, choreographer, and advocate Marissa Lazovick for a heart-centered conversation that moves through performance, diagnosis, and the power of self-expression. Marissa shares how her journey with Tourette Syndrome has intersected with her passion for dance, leading to the creation of her powerful solo piece, "(T…
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Living Loudly with Tourette: Emily Fleischman’s Journey of Advocacy, Nursing, and Owning Her Story
32:39
32:39
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32:39In this episode, I sit down with someone I’ve known and admired for years—Emily Fleischman. Emily is a nurse at Mount Sinai West in New York City and a longtime advocate within the Tourette Syndrome community. From her early days as a Youth Ambassador with NJCTS to publishing a children’s book about her experience with TS, Emily’s story is one of c…
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Embracing Neurodiversity: An Artist’s Journey Through Creativity and Resilience
47:35
47:35
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47:35What does it mean to be truly free in our creativity? How do obstacles—both personal and societal—shape the way we express ourselves? In this episode, I sit down with Sara Henya, a Philadelphia-based composer, singer, harpist, guitarist, pianist, and music teacher, to explore these questions and more. Sara shares her journey as an artist, her deep …
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Breaking Barriers: A Rhodes Scholar’s Journey with Tourette Syndrome
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46:01
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46:01What does it take to overcome barriers and achieve your dreams? In this episode of The Uptick, I sit down with Jenna Smith, a senior at Duke University and a newly awarded Rhodes Scholar, to talk about her journey navigating Tourette Syndrome while excelling academically and pursuing a career in law and criminal justice. From her early struggles wi…
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Tim Howard Leadership Academy: Empowering Teens with TS Through Leadership and Resilience
42:16
42:16
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42:16Ever wondered what it’s like to be part of a life-changing leadership program designed specifically for teens with Tourette Syndrome? In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Fowler, director of the Tim Howard Leadership Academy, to explore how this immersive four-day experience at Rutgers University helps young adults develop self-advocacy, resili…
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Music, Self-Acceptance, and Personal Growth with Wilamena Dyer
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30:04In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, I sit down with Wilamena Dyer to explore her journey living with Tourette Syndrome and OCD. We dive into the challenges, triumphs, and surprising lessons that come with embracing neurodiversity, self-acceptance, and resilience. Wilamena shares candid stories about her experiences with tics, coping strategies…
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Reflect, Relate, Advocate: The UpTic's 2024 Season Highlights
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39:19Welcome back to The UpTic! As 2024 comes to a close, I’m reflecting on the incredible conversations we’ve had this year and the powerful insights shared by our guests. In this special highlights episode, we revisit some of the standout moments from the season, featuring discussions on occupational therapy, neurodiversity advocacy, groundbreaking re…
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Building Bridges: How Community Transforms Lives with NJCTS
37:12
37:12
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37:12Joining me this week are two incredible guests from the NJCTS Community Connections program: Peyton Estabrook, a long-time participant, and Alina Lawas Osborn, the program coordinator. In this episode, we discuss how creating safe spaces for people with Tourette Syndrome can foster connection, reduce isolation, and empower individuals to thrive. Fr…
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Holistic Approaches to Comprehensive Care with Clinical Psychologists
29:59
29:59
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29:59In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lori Rockmore and Dr. Daniela Colognori, two clinical psychologists with extensive experience treating individuals with Tourette syndrome (TS) and related conditions. Both have a rich history of working at the Rutgers TS Clinic, where they gained invaluable insights into providing holistic, family-focused care. …
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Navigating Your Career as a Neurodivergent Professional: Advocacy, Accommodations, and Success
29:57
29:57
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29:57Let’s get to work and discuss job searching and career building as a neurodivergent professional. Whether you're dealing with Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, or other conditions, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you navigate the often tricky job market. I’ll share advice on disclosing your condition during interviews, the importance of r…
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Building on Legacy: Hilary Kruchowy’s Vision for the Future of NJCTS
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28:44
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28:44In this episode, we’re excited to sit down with Hilary Kruchowy, the new Executive Director of the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome (NJCTS). Hilary shares her journey, from her beginnings in art history to her transition into nonprofit leadership, culminating in her new role at NJCTS. We dive into Hilary’s vision for the organization, partic…
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Managing OCD and Anxiety: Expert Insights from Dr. Robert Zambrano
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44:35In this episode of The UpTick, I chat with Dr. Robert Zambrano, a clinical psychologist and cognitive behavioral therapist specializing in Tourette Syndrome (TS), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and anxiety disorders. Dr. Zambrano shares his journey from an OCD-focused practice to becoming a key figure in the treatment of Tourette's, discussin…
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Tourette in the Family: A Conversation with Siblings
39:29
39:29
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39:29In this episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with siblings Anna and Eric Baldwin, both of whom grew up with Tourette Syndrome (TS). Anna, a middle school math teacher, and Eric, a senior at Franklin and Marshall College, share their unique experiences of living with TS in a family where it was openly discussed and supported. We explore the dyna…
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Your Guide to Accommodations in Education and Employment
38:12
38:12
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38:12In this episode, I sit down with Ray Nardella, the Assistant Director of Resident Life for Student Conduct at the University of Maryland. Ray shares his extensive experience with public policy, disability law, and grassroots organizing, all while adding a touch of humor and warmth to our conversation. We discuss securing accommodations for individu…
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Ongoing Genetic Research with Tourettic Mice
44:21
44:21
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44:21In this episode, I'm joined by the brilliant Drs. Jay and Max Tischfield, father and son renowned Tourette researchers at Rutgers University. They share their fascinating journey into the world of Tourette Syndrome research, discussing how they use genetic data to create groundbreaking mouse models that mimic the human condition. We delve into the …
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In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ben Mooney, an Occupational Therapist based in Colorado, specializing in insomnia. He has Tourette syndrome and is a certified CBIT practitioner. We uncover how brain imaging has shed light on the nocturnal activities of our brains, particularly for those with tic disorders. Ben shares practical …
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Navigating Tourette's: A Father-Son Journey
41:09
41:09
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41:09In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeff Lichtman and his son, Jeremy Lichtman, PsyD, for an intimate conversation about parenting a child with Tourette syndrome. Jeff, a renowned psychologist and visionary leader in special education, shares his personal journey of coming to terms with Jeremy's diagnosis and the challenges they faced as…
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What Makes Them Tic? Parenting a Child with TS
35:41
35:41
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35:41On this insightful episode, I sit down with author Michele Turk to discuss her newly released memoir "What Makes Him Tic? A Memoir of Parenting a Child with Tourette Syndrome." As both a journalist and mom, Michele shares her candid journey navigating the unpredictable waters of raising a child with Tourette's - the challenges, misconceptions, hard…
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Diagnosed in the 1970s by Dr. Shapiro with Daniel Ferron
32:09
32:09
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32:09If you're looking to be inspired, you're in for a treat with today's episode of our podcast. I had the privilege of speaking with Daniel Ferron, an extraordinary individual whose journey with Tourette Syndrome is nothing short of incredible. Daniel has navigated life's highs and lows with a condition that was scarcely understood when he was diagnos…
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Research-based Treatment of Tics, OCD, and Depression
32:51
32:51
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32:51In this episode, I had a compelling conversation with Dr. Angie Landeros-Weisenberger, an Associate Research Scientist at the Yale Child Study Center. We discuss the current state of research and the latest breakthroughs in treating tics and co-occurring conditions such as OCD and depression. Dr. Angie's expertise and passion for research left me b…
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Advocating for Neurodiversity with Slayton Cooper
41:51
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41:51Today I am joined by Slayton Cooper, a high school senior valedictorian and youth ambassador for the Tourette Association of America. Slayton is a passionate advocate for Tourette Syndrome, neurodiversity, and related conditions. We explore what it means to truly embrace our unique neural landscapes in school and at work. We explore the positives a…
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Navigating Parenting a Child with Tourette Syndrome
36:12
36:12
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36:12In this episode, I share a deeply personal journey that hits close to home for many of us navigating the complexities of parenting a child with Tourette Syndrome (TS). Alongside the insightful Rena and Maggie LaSalle, we delve into the world of occupational therapy (OT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and the power of emotional intelligence. O…
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Demystifying Georges Gilles de la Tourette: The Early History of Tourette Syndrome Part 2
20:43
20:43
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20:43We continue our fascinating deep dive into the winding history of Tourette Syndrome. Dr. Howard Kushner joins me again to discuss the early focus on coprolalia, psychoanalytic theories blaming patients, and the heroic efforts of advocates like the Shapiros to reframe TS as biological. We also touch on the importance of support groups, promising new…
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Demystifying Georges Gilles de la Tourette: The Early History of Tourette Syndrome Part 1
24:26
24:26
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24:26In this episode, we embark on the first of a two-part series, diving into the history of Tourette Syndrome (TS) with Dr. Howard Kushner, a renowned expert in the history of neurology and medicine. We explore the evolution of TS from its earliest documentation, predating the 19th century, through the significant contributions of Georges Gilles de la…
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Connecting the Dots Between Occupational Therapy and Tourette Syndrome
34:15
34:15
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34:15In this episode, I speak with occupational therapists Shannon Floyd and Jan Rowe about their expertise helping both children and adults with Tourette Syndrome. We have an enlightening discussion around how occupational therapy can empower those with tics and Tourette's to live full, uninhibited lives. Shannon and Jan outline the evolution of using …
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Empathy in Action: Navigating Nursing with Tourette's - Jillian's Journey
28:32
28:32
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28:32In this episode, I interviewed another TS advocate, Jillian Firenze. Jillian has been a coach and a nurse at the annual NJCTS Tim Howard Leadership Academy. In this episode, we discuss her childhood growing up with TS (and having siblings who also have TS), her work as a nurse, what inspired / motivated her to become a nurse, what tic attacks are a…
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Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgery with Callum deQuevedo
34:37
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34:37In this episode, I have an illuminating discussion with Callum deQuevedo about his life-changing experience undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery to treat his severe Tourette Syndrome (TS). Callum shares the incredible story of his journey to DBS, from exhausting medications and therapy options, to making the decision for surgery, going t…
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I had an enlightening discussion with Mason, a fellow advocate in the Tourette's community, about the complex intersectionality between TS and other identities. We explored the stigma surrounding coprolalia, the financial barriers to Tourette’s advocacy, and the dangers of gatekeeping Tourette’s diagnoses. Our conversation shed light on the diversi…
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Join me as we explore the diverse intersection of Tourette Syndrome, culture, and identity with Michael Chichioco, a Filipino American medical student with a powerful story. In this episode, Michael opens up about his life with Tourette's, shedding light on the unique cultural challenges and the journey to understanding and acceptance. Tune in for …
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Navigating Relationships with Tourette Syndrome
26:32
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26:32Join me as we unwrap the shared lives of Nicole and Ben Stark, both professionals navigating life with Tourette syndrome. In this heartfelt episode, we dive into the quirks and comforts of being in a relationship where both partners have Tourette. From amusing sugar packet fidgets to the support system they've built, get ready to be charmed and enl…
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Transforming Tourette's Treatment: Dr. Lichtman's Perspective on CBIT
43:27
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43:27Today we dig into the world of Tourette Syndrome (TS) and its management through Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT). Our guest, Dr. Jeremy Lichtman, a licensed psychologist specializing in Tourette patients, sheds light on the myths and truths surrounding TS. We explore the intricacies of CBIT, debunking common misconceptions, an…
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Celebrating Neurodiversity: Tourette's, ADHD, and More
29:37
29:37
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29:37Welcome to the series premiere of The UpTic! Today we’ll dive deep into life with Tourette Sydrome. From the challenges and the stigmas to the unique advantages it can bring to your life. Trust me, whether you're dealing with Tourette's or know someone who is, you won't want to miss this one. We're also getting into the power of advocacy and why it…
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Beyond the Tics: Uncovering the Depths of Tourette Syndrome
41:23
41:23
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41:23In today's episode, I sit down with the incredible Aidy Smith to discuss our personal experiences with Tourette syndrome. From the challenges of getting diagnosed at a young age to confronting the stigmas we've encountered, we share our most personal stories and insights. Listen in as we unravel the complexities of living with Tourette and explore …
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Welcome to The UpTic - Premieres November 7, 2023
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2:29Welcome to 'The UpTic' a podcast that dives deep into the world of Tourette syndrome (TS). Just like an iceberg, most see only the tics of TS, but there's so much more beneath the surface. From the unique talents and challenges of those with TS to the diverse experiences within our community, we explore it all. Whether you have TS, advocate for the…
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