Explore every episode of the podcast The Hidden 20%
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our message to Prime Minister Andy Burnham... | 08 oct. 2026 | 00:01:52 | |
Introducing The Hidden... The Hidden 20% relaunches as The Hidden, with a campaign for a Minister for Neurodiversity. Founded by Ben Branson, the neurodiversity organisation is building a national movement to make the hidden visible. The new name marks a new mission: to make neurodiversity a national conversation, and to campaign for the UK's first Minister for Neurodiversity. Neurodivergent people face years-long waits for assessment. They are failed by schools never built for their brains, pushed out of work, and over-represented in the prison system. Ben Branson, founder and CEO of The Hidden, said: "Today we become The Hidden and we’re calling for a Minister for Neurodiversity. It’s time to join the dots and build the future for every brain. Onwards!" #adhd #autism Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Hidden 20% Final Episode: The Uncomfortable Truth About Neurodiversity | 24 juin 2026 | 01:10:18 | |
For two years, Ben Branson has sat in the green interviewer chair - asking the hard questions, holding the space, and speaking on behalf of The Hidden 20% community. Today, the chair is flipped. Phoebe De Leiburné - Production Manager and Head Producer of The Hidden 20% steps in as host to interview Ben for the first time. In this conversation, Ben opens up about what drove him to create The Hidden 20% after being diagnosed Autistic at 39 and ADHD six months later. Together, they look back on 120+ episodes, 250 million social media views, two British Podcast Awards and the thousands of messages from listeners who, often for the first time, finally felt seen. They also unpack the uncomfortable truth sitting underneath everything The Hidden 20% has uncovered: what if the number we’ve all been using around neurodivergence is wrong? Ben opens up about why continuing as “just a podcast” no longer felt enough, and why The Hidden 20% is now shifting towards a new chapter...and a new name. This episode is not a goodbye. It’s a thank you, a reflection, a line in the sand, and a rallying cry for what comes next. We are not going anywhere. We are just getting started. We are here. We always have been. And we are not hiding anymore. JOIN THE MOVEMENT: https://hidden20.org/mailing-list ● Sign up to our newsletter at https://hidden20.org/mailing-list ● Buy a green dot badge at https://hidden20.org/products/badge - 2 for 1 in support of the charity ● Write to your local MP about neurodiversity - your voice matters ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 02:08 Why Production Manager & Producer Phoebe Is Interviewing Ben 07:58 The Original Idea Behind The Hidden 20% 11:22 Did Ben Ever Expect The Podcast To Become This Big? 18:42 The Most Emotional Moments From The Green Chair 23:16 The Guest Conversations That Changed Ben Forever 28:04 Listener Messages That Left The Team Speechless 34:18 “We Didn’t Just Build A Podcast - We Built A Place People Felt Seen” 38:10 Why The Hidden 20% Couldn’t Stay “Just A Podcast” 42:56 The Research Suggesting Up To 1 In 3 People May Be Neurodivergent 47:44 The Systems Problem Facing Neurodivergent People 53:28 Why Awareness Alone Is No Longer Enough 57:02 What The Hidden 20% Is Becoming Next 1:01:46 The Campaign Ben Says Could Change Everything 1:07:12 Why The UK Needs A Different Conversation About Neurodiversity 1:12:08 The Hidden 20% Team Behind The Scenes 1:17:42 What Ben Has Learned About Neurodivergent People 1:22:34 What The Audience Means To Ben 1:27:48 “This Is Not Goodbye” 1:31:20 The Future Of The Hidden 20% 1:34:56 Ben’s Green Dot Badge The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| ADHD, Chronic Illness & Hypermobility: The Hidden Link? | Dr Jess Eccles | 17 juin 2026 | 01:14:36 | |
Psychiatrist, researcher and brain-body medicine specialist Dr. Jessica Eccles joins Ben for a fascinating conversation about the overlooked physical side of neurodivergence - and why ADHD and autism are often talked about as “brain-only” experiences when the body is deeply involved too. Dr Jess is an Associate Professor in Brain-Body Medicine at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, a Consultant Psychiatrist within the Sussex Partnership NHS Neurodevelopmental Service, and co-leads the world’s first Neurodivergent Brain-Body Clinic. Her pioneering research explores the links between neurodivergence, hypermobility, chronic illness, inflammation, autonomic dysfunction, pain, fatigue and mental health - challenging the long-standing divide between “physical” and “mental” health. Dr Jess explains the growing research linking neurodivergence with chronic illnesses, pain, hypermobility, fatigue, inflammation, eating disorders, nervous system dysregulation and temperature sensitivity. Together, they unpack why so many neurodivergent people describe feeling physically overwhelmed, burnt out or “unsafe” in their own body - and why those experiences are so often misunderstood or dismissed in the healthcare system. This episode is about joining the dots between brain and body - and understanding why so many neurodivergent people have spent years feeling unheard in healthcare, while quietly trying to make sense of symptoms nobody seemed able to connect. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 01:42 Dr Jess Eccles: Why Neurodivergence Is About The Brain AND Body 04:18 ADHD, Autism & Chronic Illness: The Overlap Explained 07:36 Why So Many Neurodivergent People Feel Physically Dysregulated 10:15 ADHD, Autism & Temperature Regulation 12:06 Eating Disorders, ADHD & Autism 16:08 Why Neurodivergent People Are Often Misunderstood In Healthcare 19:42 The Nervous System, Stress & Survival Mode 23:30 Trauma Isn’t Always Psychological 27:12 The Link Between Inflammation & Mental Health 31:28 What Is Hypermobility - And Why Does It Matter? 36:14 Autism, ADHD & Physical Health Research Findings 42:20 Why So Many ND Women Are Misdiagnosed 47:48 The Danger Of Separating Mental & Physical Health 52:09 What Dr Jess Wishes More Doctors Understood About Neurodivergence 56:17 Why Research Takes So Long To Reach The Public 59:12 Inside The World’s First Neurodivergent Brain-Body Clinic 1:05:42 Supporting Your Neurodivergent Nervous System 1:09:38 Dr Jess’s Green Dot Badge The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Dr Jess Eccles @drbendybrain Youtube: @BendyBrainDrJessicaEccles Linktree: https://linktr.ee/bendybrain If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Gemma Styles on ADHD, Depression & Finally Understanding Her Brain | 10 juin 2026 | 01:06:34 | |
Writer, podcast host and mental health advocate Gemma Styles joins Ben for a deeply honest conversation about ADHD, anxiety, depression and the emotional weight of going through life feeling constantly overwhelmed without understanding why. Gemma reflects on being treated for mental health struggles long before anyone recognised ADHD, and how her diagnosis reframed years of self-blame, exhaustion and internal chaos. She speaks openly about the experience of internalised hyperactivity - where the mind never fully slows down, even when everything looks calm externally - and the pressure of trying to hold things together while quietly struggling underneath. Together, they explore rejection sensitivity dysphoria, social anxiety, motherhood, burnout and the emotional toll of living in a world that often rewards productivity while misunderstanding overwhelm. They also unpack the growing public conversation around ADHD in women - including the tension between increased visibility and the backlash that can come with it. This episode is about the reality underneath the headlines, labels and stereotypes - the lived experience of trying to navigate a world that often misunderstands overwhelm, emotional intensity and difference. And why finally understanding your brain can change the way you understand your entire life. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 04:30 Gemma Styles on ADHD, Mental Health & Public Perception 05:35 “My ADHD Was Completely Missed” 06:40 Depression, Anxiety & Knowing Something Else Was Going On 07:17 The Relief of Finally Understanding Your Brain 08:32 Why Talking About ADHD Publicly Matters 09:12 ADHD, Boundaries & Being Online 12:41 Late Diagnosis Grief & “What If I’d Known Earlier?” 13:45 Why So Many Women With ADHD Were Missed 14:13 ADHD in Adults: The System Wasn’t Looking For It 19:00 What Inattentive ADHD Feels Like Internally 20:00 ADHD Brains in Crisis Mode 28:05 Therapy, Overthinking & Anxious Thought Loops 29:37 ADHD & Anxiety: “It Never Fully Switches Off” 30:18 Social Anxiety, Fame & ADHD 31:27 Can You Be Authentic Online Without Oversharing? 32:20 Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria & ADHD 34:15 Motherhood, ADHD & RSD 40:32 “ADHD Doesn’t Feel Like a Superpower To Me” 42:57 Writing a Book With ADHD 52:23 ADHD Community, Visibility & Feeling Seen 53:02 ADHD Social Media & The Attention Economy 56:41 Motherhood, Work & Stepping Back From Social Media 57:43 What Gemma Styles Finds Frustrating About ADHD Discourse 1:00:00 Gemma’s Green Dot Badge The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Gemma Styles @gemmastyles If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| How Technology Could Transform Your Dyslexia Assessment + Early Identification & Education Reform | 03 juin 2026 | 00:53:59 | |
Dyslexic entrepreneur and Talamo co-founder Jamie Wace joins Ben for a conversation about why so many children with dyslexia are still being missed - and how technology could radically change access to support. Jamie reflects on his own experience of school, including being told not to pursue subjects he loved because his dyslexia was misunderstood. He shares how years working in tech and entrepreneurship eventually led him to question why dyslexia assessment systems remained so inaccessible, expensive and outdated. Together, they explore the emotional impact of unidentified learning differences, why schools often rely on “wait until they fail” models, and how understanding a child’s cognitive profile can shift the conversation from blame to support. Jamie also unpacks the future of assistive technology, overlapping neurodivergent conditions, and why early identification could change life trajectories for millions of children. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Jamie Wace’s Dyslexia Story 05:07 Being Told Not To Take History GCSE Because of Dyslexia 06:00 Has Awareness of Dyslexia Actually Improved? 08:31 Why Schools Need To Understand Cognitive Profiles 08:48 How Talamo Was Created 09:54 The Statistic That Changed Everything: 80% of Dyslexic Children Go Undiagnosed 10:21 Why Traditional Dyslexia Assessments Don’t Scale 19:19 Dyslexia, ADHD & Understanding The Whole Child 29:24 The Future of Assistive Technology For Neurodivergent Students 31:16 Dyslexia, Schools & Assistive Technology In The Classroom 40:32 Early Dyslexia Screening & Why Schools Are Changing 44:24 Why Dyslexic People Often Make Great Communicators 46:20 Dyslexia, ADHD & Neurodivergent Overlap 50:51 Building Talamo For Impact, Not Profit 55:46 Jamie’s Green Dot Badge The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Jamie Wace @jamiewace If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Late Diagnosed Autism & Emotional Vulnerability: Luke Grosch’s Story | 27 mai 2026 | 00:54:08 | |
Content creator and author Luke Grosch joins Ben for an honest conversation about late-diagnosed autism, emotional overwhelm, grief, identity and learning to understand yourself in a world that often misunderstands autistic people. Luke reflects on losing his dad at a young age, and how many of his autistic traits - meltdowns, sensitivity and shutdowns - were mistaken for grief rather than signs of neurodivergence. Diagnosed in 2019, he shares what changed once he finally had language for the way his brain works, and why being openly emotional online has become such an important part of his work. Together, they explore masking, burnout, relationships, loneliness, internet culture and the pressure many autistic people feel to appear “fine” while struggling internally. Luke also opens up about writing his first book based on diary entries and emotional reflection, and why vulnerability can be a form of connection rather than weakness. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Buy Luke's new book 'Diary of a Neurodivergent' at https://dashbook.com/book/diary-of-a-neurodivergent ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 01:08 Luke Grosch’s Late Autism Diagnosis Story 03:42 Losing His Dad Young & Missing The Signs of Autism 07:15 When Autism Traits Get Mistaken For Grief 10:54 What Finally Led Luke To Seek a Diagnosis 14:02 Late Diagnosed Autism: “Everything Started Making Sense” 17:40 Masking & Pretending To Be Fine 21:18 Emotional Overwhelm, Shutdowns & Internal Struggle 25:11 Why Luke Shares Vulnerably Online 28:45 Autism, Loneliness & Feeling Misunderstood 32:04 Burnout & The Pressure of Social Media 35:27 Relationships, Friendship & Communication Differences 39:18 Why So Many Autistic Adults Feel Exhausted 42:56 Writing a Book Through Diary Entries & Reflection 46:21 What Luke Wishes More People Understood About Autism 50:12 The Power of Emotional Honesty 54:30 Luke’s Green Dot Badge The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Luke Grosch @lukegrosch If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The ADHD Chef: Why Chaos Felt Normal My Entire Life | 20 mai 2026 | 00:57:33 | |
Chef, content creator and food waste activist Martyn Odell - better known online as Lagom Chef - joins Ben for a chaotic, funny and emotional conversation about ADHD, creativity, food, and finally understanding his brain. Diagnosed with ADHD midway through writing his first cookbook, Martyn reflects on growing up in kitchens where chaos and intensity were normalised, and why that made it difficult to recognise the difference between personality, coping and neurodivergence. They explore ADHD creativity, burnout, internet culture, the pressure of social media, and what happens when your job relies on constantly turning your brain into content. Martyn shares why “eat the food you buy” became his philosophy, how cooking can help people reconnect with themselves, and why perfection is ruining the way we think about food. This is a conversation about ADHD, identity, creativity, and learning to trust your own way of doing things. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 01:12 Martyn Odell: ADHD, Cooking & Internet Chaos 03:44 Why Kitchens Made ADHD Feel “Normal” 06:20 The Link Between Creativity, Chaos & Cooking 09:18 Growing Up With Undiagnosed ADHD 12:42 Social Media Pressure & Going Viral Online 16:10 Why Humour Can Become a Mask 19:25 Burnout, Content Creation & Internet Pressure 22:14 Being Diagnosed With ADHD Midway Through Writing a Book 25:39 ADHD, Executive Dysfunction & Writing Struggles 26:43 “Eat The Food You Buy”: Martyn’s Philosophy on Food Waste 28:30 Why Cooking Intuition Matters More Than Recipes 31:11 Social Media Pressure, Trolls & Public Perception 34:02 Why Perfection Is Ruining Cooking 38:16 ADHD Hyperfocus & Creativity in the Kitchen 42:05 The Emotional Connection Between Food & Memory 46:20 Why Simplicity Matters More Than Perfection 50:12 What Cooking Actually Gives Martyn’s Brain 54:40 Martyn’s Green Dot Badge The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Martyn Odell @lagomchef If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Why ADHD Changes How You Eat: Brain, Gut & Food Sensitivities | 06 mai 2026 | 01:04:18 | |
Clinical neuroscientist and nutrition researcher Dr Miguel Toribio-Mateas returns to The Hidden 20% to challenge one of the most persistent myths in ADHD: that it’s just about the brain. In this conversation, Ben and Dr Miguel explore ADHD through a whole-body lens - from nervous system regulation and eating patterns to capacity, sensory sensitivity and the gut–brain axis. They unpack why food isn’t just fuel but a regulatory tool, why so many ADHDers struggle with inconsistent eating, and why “just eat better” advice often misses the point entirely. The conversation then goes deeper into why the same food can feel fine one day and intolerable the next, and how what we often label as “food sensitivities” may actually be linked to stress, overload and nervous system state. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction: ADHD Beyond The Brain 01:42 Why ADHD Is a Nervous System Condition 05:18 Fight, Flight, Freeze: ADHD & Regulation 09:12 Why Food Impacts ADHD More Than You Think 13:40 ADHD Eating Patterns: Skipping, Binging & Dopamine 18:25 Why “Just Eat Better” Doesn’t Work for ADHD 22:10 Regulation Before Optimisation: Rethinking Food 26:30 Simple Food Changes That Support ADHD Brains 31:05 Food, Mood & Energy Crashes Explained 35:22 Why The Same Food Feels Different Day to Day 38:40 Understanding Capacity in ADHD 42:15 Sensory Sensitivity, Stress & The Body 45:50 The Gut–Brain Axis Explained Simply 49:10 “Food Sensitivities” vs Nervous System Overload 53:05 Stress, Digestion & ADHD Explained 56:10 What Actually Helps: Supporting Regulation First 59:30 Dr Miguel’s Green Dot Badge The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Dr Miguel Toribio-Mateas @drmiguelmateas If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Late Autism Diagnosis in Leadership: Why Nature Helps Neurodivergent Brains | 29 avr. 2026 | 01:03:26 | |
Executive Director at the RSPB, Emma Marsh, joins Ben for a conversation that connects leadership, late autism diagnosis, and the often-overlooked role of nature in how we regulate and function. Diagnosed autistic in 2023, Emma reflects on what it means to navigate senior leadership as an autistic woman, the decision to disclose at work after years of masking, and how that moment reshaped both her identity and the way she leads. Ben and Emma dive into the power of nature and how fundamental it is for neurodivergent brains. From birdsong and the dawn chorus to simple ways of reconnecting with the natural world, Emma explains why nature can feel like a reset for the nervous system in ways modern environments often can't. They also explore why so many workplaces still unintentionally exclude neurodivergent people - and what it looks like to move beyond awareness into systems that actually support people and their brains. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Emma Marsh RSPB LinkedIn http://www.rspb.org.uk/ If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Neurodivergent-Friendly Design: How to Build Spaces That Support Your Brain | 22 avr. 2026 | 00:46:10 | |
Pablo Lambrechts, Architect and Director at L+ Architects, joins Ben to explore something most of us feel but rarely question - the impact our environment has on our nervous system. Drawing on his work designing neurodiversity-informed spaces (including Google HQ), Pablo explains how light, sound, layout and materials can either support regulation or quietly work against it. This isn’t about aesthetics - it’s about how spaces shape behaviour, focus and wellbeing. Together, they unpack biophilic design, and why many schools, workplaces and homes are unintentionally disabling for neurodivergent people. Pablo also shares simple, practical changes that can make an immediate difference, without big budgets. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Pablo Lambrechts https://lplusarchitects.com/ If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Autism & Mental Health: Anxiety, Meltdowns vs Shutdowns & What We Get Wrong | 15 avr. 2026 | 01:09:22 | |
Dr Ann Ozsivadjian, Clinical Psychologist specialising in autism, joins Ben to unpack the reality of mental health in neurodivergent children and adults - and why so much of it is misunderstood. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Ann explains how anxiety, depression and low self-esteem often sit on top of something deeper: emotional dysregulation, unmet needs and environments that don’t fit. Together, they explore how this shows up in children and the long-term impact of being misunderstood early on. They also break down the difference between meltdowns and shutdowns - what’s really happening beneath the surface, and how to respond with understanding, not judgment. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Dr Ann Ozsivadjian www.drannozsivadjian.co.uk If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Autism, Language & Intersectionality: The Hidden Bias In Diagnosis & Support | 08 avr. 2026 | 01:21:17 | |
Warda Farah, an autistic Independent Researcher and Speech & Language Therapist, joins Ben for a powerful conversation about identity, language and what happens when the systems designed to support you don’t see you properly. Drawing on both lived experience and clinical insight, Warda reflects on leaving the NHS after recognising how standardised assessments were failing marginalised children - and why ideas of “normal” can exclude more than they help. Together, they explore intersectionality, internalised ableism and the role language plays in shaping how we understand ourselves. If you’ve ever felt unseen by systems, misunderstood by language, or caught between identities - this episode is for you. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Warda Farah linkedin.com/in/warda-farah-210235129 If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| AuDHD Relationship Goals & The Intersection Of Neurodiversity & Gender | 01 avr. 2026 | 01:33:18 | |
Content creators Lori-Jade and Max Siegel join Ben for an honest, deeply human conversation about late diagnosis, identity and what it means to build a life together as a neurodivergent couple. Both diagnosed with AuDHD in adulthood, they reflect on being missed for decades - from masking and misdiagnosis to the quiet grief of realising how different things could have been. They explore how gender, queerness and hormones shape their neurodivergent experience, and what happens when both partners are navigating sensory needs, communication and regulation in real time. If you’re navigating late diagnosis, identity or relationships as a neurodivergent adult, this episode is for you. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 01:52 Late Autism Diagnosis & Where It All Begins 05:57 Early ND Experiences & Feeling Different 11:38 Self-Awareness & ADHD Masking 16:21 Life Before Diagnosis 23:59 Recognition & Getting Assessed For ADHD 27:45 Understanding Yourself After Autism Diagnosis 37:56 ND Communication Differences Explained 43:13 Discomfort, Boundaries & Misunderstandings 48:22 Trust, Relationships & Being Honest 52:09 Daily Life, Challenges & Coping 56:22 Gratitude & Positive Reflections 1:00:55 Identity, Background & Personal History 1:09:10 Shared ND Experiences & Validation 1:18:43 Overstimulation & Sensory Struggles 1:23:38 Secondary Impacts Of ND 1:28:59 Lori & Max's Green Dot of Light The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Max Siegel @maxsiegel_ Lori-Jade Siegel @midlifeinvintage If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| ADHD Media Narratives & Misinformation: What's Really Happening? | 18 mars 2026 | 01:04:33 | |
In this episode, Ben is joined by Dr Tony Lloyd, former CEO of the ADHD Foundation, for a conversation that steps back and looks at the bigger picture of neurodiversity at a moment when the landscape is rapidly changing. Now retired, Tony reflects on decades at the forefront of ADHD and neurodiversity advocacy, and why we’re still asking the wrong questions. They explore why more people are recognising themselves than ever before, and the tension between medical models and the idea of thinking differently. From SEND systems and long waiting lists to public narratives and stigma, Tony shares what he believes still isn’t working and where real progress is happening. This is a conversation about where we are now, what needs to change, and why the future of neurodiversity may look very different to its past. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 1:03 The Current Neurodiversity Landscape: ADHD, Autism & Society 3:50 The Global Neurodiversity Identity Crisis Explained 5:50 “We Are Everywhere”: The Rise of Neurodivergent Voices 9:44 The Future of Neurodiversity: Why People Are No Longer Hiding 20:02 Medical Model vs Neurodiversity: Disorder or Difference? 27:00 SEND System & ADHD/Autism Reports: What’s Broken? 32:10 Why Neurodiversity Should Be Seen as Opportunity, Not Deficit 42:03 De-stigmatising ADHD & Autism: What Gives Tony Hope 48:06 ADHD & Autism Waitlists: Advice for Those Still Waiting 50:18 The Role of Neurodivergent Public Figures & Advocacy 55:16 Regressive Narratives vs Being Yourself: Courage & Kindness 1:02:22 Dr Tony Lloyd’s Green Dot Badge The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Tony Lloyd If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| ADHD & Autism at Work: Masking, Burnout and What Employers Still Get Wrong | 11 mars 2026 | 01:21:36 | |
In this episode, Ben is joined by Kelly and Hester Grainger, the married co-founders of Perfectly Autistic. Together they work with major organisations to build workplaces that actually work for neurodivergent people but as Kelly (AuDHD) and Hester (ADHD) explain, inclusion isn’t about a single training session or a handful of adjustments. They reflect on careers shaped by masking, burnout and trying to fit systems that weren’t designed with neurodivergent people in mind. Together they unpack why so many workplaces unintentionally exclude ND employees, what genuinely neuroinclusive organisations do differently, and why awareness has to go beyond a one-off training session. They also share the more personal side: exploring their own careers, why Hester once had over 30 jobs, and what it’s like running a business together as a neurodivergent couple. If you’ve ever felt exhausted by work environments that don’t quite fit your brain, this episode will help you see why - and what could change. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 1:26 Neurodiversity at Work | Hester & Kelly Grainger on ADHD, Autism & Corporate Consulting 2:19 The #1 Thing Employers Need to Understand About Neurodiversity in the Workplace 3:50 Supporting Neurodivergent Employees at Scale: What Actually Works 7:26 Which Companies Are Asking for Neurodiversity Support at Work? 8:31 ADHD & Autism at Work: Common Challenges and Simple Workplace Adjustments 19:15 Who Is Responsible for Neurodiversity in the Workplace? 23:37 Why Neurodiversity Training Can’t Be a One-Off Session & The Power Of Listening & Curiosity at Work 26:38 Neurodiversity Labels at Work: Why Language Around Autism & ADHD Matters 33:16 Undiagnosed ADHD or Autism at Work: Your Rights as an Employee 37:40 What Does The Dream Neuroinclusive Employer Look Like? 42:30 Neurodiversity & Recruitment 49:34 Running a Business Together as a Neurodivergent Couple 50:40 Kelly’s AuDHD Diagnosis: Telling Employers About ADHD & Autism 53:48 Creating Safe Conversations About Neurodivergence & Advocating For Yourself 57:43 Neurodivergent Workers Are Everywhere: Why Companies Need to Adapt 59:30 What Do “Best in Class” Neuroinclusive Companies Do Differently? 1:06:06 What Neurodivergent Candidates Should Look for in an Employer 1:08:22 Practical Ways Employers Can Create Neuroinclusive Workplaces 1:09:50 If Hester & Kelly Had a Magic Wand: The One Thing They’d Change About Workplaces 1:19:26 Kelly & Hester’s Green Dot Badge The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Hester Grainger @hestersvibe linkedin.com/in/hestergrainger Kelly Grainger linkedin.com/in/kelly-grainger-9601b43 www.perfectlyautistic.co.uk If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Autism Dadcast: The Untold Reality of Profound Autism Parenting | 04 mars 2026 | 01:06:22 | |
Today Ben is joined by Andy and Gaz, hosts and founders of The Autism Dadcast Podcast, which has quickly become a vital voice for parents raising profoundly autistic children - gaining tens of thousands of followers and millions of views in just weeks. They share candid insights about parenting, grief, and the day-to-day realities of life with children who have profound autism, from navigating meltdowns and stimming to advocating in school and in public. Andy and Gaz reflect on the moments that may look small to an outsider - a smile, a new word, a shared laugh - but are in reality huge victories that shape their children’s lives and their family’s world. This episode offers quietly powerful perspectives on empathy, resilience, and the deeply human side of raising children with profound autism. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 1:03 Why Andy & Gaz Created the Autism Dadcast Podcast 4:44 Parenting Profoundly Autistic Children: Gaz & Andy’s Lived Experience 16:40 Processing Grief & Parenting Expectations for ND Children 23:40 Public Reactions to Autistic Meltdowns, Stimming & Neurodivergence 28:57 Being an Autism Dad: Advocating & Speaking Up on Parenting Challenges 33:29 Home Life vs School Masking: Supporting Autistic Kids Authentically 35:44 Understanding the Term “Profoundly Autistic” in Daily Life 41:36 Lessons Learned: How Andy & Gaz Navigate ND Parenting 47:06 Adjusting Life Around Autism: What Feels “Normal” Now? 54:12 The Future of Autism Dadcast & Growing Community Impact 56:06 Top 3 Parenting Tips for Raising Autistic Children Effectively 58:10 Surprising Insights About Being an Autistic Parent 1:03:33 Andy & Gaz’s Green Dot Badges The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben The Autism Dadcast with Andy & Gaz @autismdadcast If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| ADHD Assessment Truths: Who Can Diagnose, What to Expect & Why It Matters | 25 févr. 2026 | 01:00:51 | |
In part two of Ben’s conversation with Dr Shyamal Mashru, they unpack what actually makes a good ADHD assessment - and why so many people are still waiting, misdiagnosed, or left without answers. Dr Shyamal, an NHS Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Lead for Adult ADHD, explains what happens inside a thorough assessment, who is qualified to diagnose ADHD, and why emotional dysregulation is so often overlooked. Together, they explore NHS vs private pathways, co-occurring conditions like autism and RSD, and why ADHD rarely shows up in neat, textbook ways. We hope this episode brings clarity to a process that can often feel stressful, and inaccessible. If you’re questioning ADHD, on a waiting list, or trying to understand what good care really looks like, this conversation is for you. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 01:12 Who Can Diagnose ADHD in the UK? 04:25 ADHD Assessment Options: NHS vs Private Explained 11:20 ADHD Assessments Outside the UK: What’s Different? 13:00 Why ADHD Assessments Are Complex & Often Siloed 20:14 ADHD & Reduced Life Expectancy: What the Research Shows 24:20 What Makes a Good ADHD Assessment? 29:25 ADHD at School vs University: Missed Support 32:50 RSD, Relationships & Emotional Regulation Flags 34:16 ADHD & Daily Life: Hobbies, Money, Sleep 41:02 When ADHD Gets Misdiagnosed - and Why 47:15 Autism + ADHD: What If You Suspect Both? 55:06 The Missing Piece in ADHD Diagnosis: Emotional Dysregulation 59:00 Dr Shyamal’s Green Dot Badge The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Dr Shymal Mashru @harrowhealthcic Harrow Health offers bespoke NHS community outpatient services across London, plus fast adult ADHD assessment and treatment across England. For more information please visit: https://adhdrighttochoose.com/ If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| ADHD & Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: The Emotional Pain No One Explains | 18 févr. 2026 | 00:59:24 | |
In this episode, Ben sits down with Dr Shyamal Mashru, Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Lead for Adult ADHD, for a clear and compassionate deep dive into Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). Often misunderstood or dismissed as being “too sensitive,” RSD is explored here as a real, neurological experience - one that can hijack rational thought, flood the body with emotional pain, and quietly shape relationships, work, and self-worth. Dr Shyamal explains what RSD is (and isn’t), how it shows up differently across people, and why ADHD brains may be especially vulnerable. They unpack the science, the role of trauma and hormones, why RSD isn’t currently in the DSM, and what actually helps when rejection hits hard. If rejection feels overwhelming, confusing, or deeply personal - this conversation offers clarity, relief, and language for what you may have been carrying alone. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Dr Shyamal Mashru’s ADHD Background & Clinical Work 03:15 What Surprises Clinicians About ADHD Assessments 04:41 Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Explained: What RSD Is & Why It Hurts 09:16 RSD Coping Mechanisms: Shutdown, People-Pleasing & Avoidance 11:44 Is It RSD or Something Else? How to Tell the Difference 15:05 The Neuroscience of RSD: Why Rational Thinking Switches Off 17:27 RSD in Romantic Relationships & Attachment 21:33 How to Support a Partner With Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria 22:50 How Aware Is Society of RSD? 24:38 RSD, Hormones & ADHD: Menstrual Cycle, Perimenopause & Menopause 26:33 Is There an Upside to RSD? Emotional Depth & Sensitivity 29:56 Can Non-ADHD People Experience RSD? 31:55 RSD vs Trauma & Fear of Failure 34:46 Why RSD Is More Than “Not Handling Rejection” 36:15 Why Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Isn’t in the DSM 40:00 How RSD Shows Up in Children 41:29 Early Signs & Patterns Clinicians Look For 42:59 How Common Is RSD in ADHD — and When It Appears 46:20 Treating RSD: Therapy, Medication & Regulation 56:18 The One Thing Dr Shyamal Would Change About RSD Awareness The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Dr Shymal Mashru @adhdhealthclinic www.adhdhealthclinic.co.uk If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Autism, Eating Disorders & Elite Sport: Connie Hayes on Cycling, Regulation & Identity | 11 févr. 2026 | 01:03:44 | |
Semi-Professional cyclist, Connie Hayes, joins Ben for a deeply personal conversation about growing up autistic, dyslexic and dyspraxic - and how cycling became both a regulator and a place of safety. Connie reflects on the early signs of autism that were missed, the self-esteem battles that came with puberty, hormones and friendships, and the long road to understanding her neurodivergence. She shares how sport - particularly cycling - helps regulate her nervous system, why environment matters so deeply for autistic performance, and how dyspraxia shows up at an elite level. Together, they also explore autism in women, eating disorders in sport, disclosure, and the urgent need for more inclusive practices across the industry. If you’re curious about neurodiversity, sport and identity, this episode is for you! Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 01:05 Connie Hayes: The Autistic, Dyslexic & Dyspraxic Professional Cyclist 02:20 Early Signs of Autism & Being Missed 03:07 How Cycling Regulates Connie’s Autistic Brain 04:41 Understanding Autism Through Sport (Post-Diagnosis) 05:57 Designing Environments Where Autistic Athletes Thrive 08:05 Autism, Dyslexia & Dyspraxia Diagnosis Journey: Self-Esteem, Puberty & Friendships 10:42 Dyspraxia in Elite Cycling: Coordination, Balance & Training 12:28 Fighting for School Support & Being Left With Questions 16:59 The Right University & Autism in Women: “It Saved My Life” 25:53 Identity: Seeing Herself as an Autistic Woman 26:38 Society’s Expectations vs Autistic Females 27:19 Neurodiversity in Sport: What We Get Wrong 29:21 Autism, Sport & Eating Disorders 39:43 Why Autism Can Be a Strength in Professional Cycling 46:45 Women’s Cycling Through an Autism Lens 55:06 Disclosing Autism: Regret, Relief & Reality 58:38 Is Cycling Good for Neurodivergent People? 01:02:07 Connie’s Green Dot Badge The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Connie Hayes @connie_hayes If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Undiagnosed Autism in Women: Masking, Misdiagnosis & The Cost of Being Missed | 04 févr. 2026 | 00:53:55 | |
In part two of this conversation, neurobiologist and author of The Lost Girls of Autism, Gina Rippon, rejoins Ben to focus on the women autism research left behind. Picking up where part one ends, Gina traces how early brain science, diagnostic bias and cultural assumptions combined to hide autistic women in plain sight. She unpacks why autism was framed as a “male condition,” how masking became a survival strategy, and the real cost of decades of late or missed diagnosis. They explore the neuroscience behind prediction and masking, the forgotten female figures in autism’s history, and why the language of “over-diagnosis” risks oversimplifying a much more complex history of under-recognition . Gina also reflects on autistic bullying, and what meaningful change in diagnosis and research could look like next. If you’ve ever wondered why so many autistic women are only being seen now - or why you still don’t feel seen - this conversation is for you. We hope it offers some clarity, context, and hope. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Gina Rippon’s Career in Autism & Neuroscience 02:00 The Brain Questions That Changed Autism Research 05:12 Autism & the Brain: Predictive Coding Explained 08:11 Why So Many Autistic Women Were Missed 09:09 The Forgotten Female Psychiatrist Who Identified Autism Decades Earlier 16:52 Autism Diagnosis Ratios: Female vs Male Explained 18:02 How Many Autistic Women Have We Missed? The “Overdiagnosis” Myth 24:02 Masking in Autistic Women: The Breakthrough Moment 29:30 The Reality of Bullying for Autistic Girls 31:18 The Cost of Late Autism Diagnosis in Women 35:59 Autism, Hormones & PMDD: What Research Still Lacks 37:00 Debunking the “Refrigerator Mother” Myth 40:15 What Neuroscience Tells Us About the Autistic Brain 44:11 Neurodivergent vs Neurodiversity: Why Language Matters 46:00 The Future of Autism Diagnosis in Women 47:54 What Gives Gina Rippon Hope 50:45 Gina Rippon’s Top Tips for Autistic Women 51:44 Gina’s Green Dot Badge The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Gina Rippon https://www.ginarippon.com/ If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What We Get Wrong About the Brain: Neurobiologist Gina Rippon on Myths, Gender & Neurodiversity | 28 janv. 2026 | 00:51:35 | |
In part one of this two-part conversation, neurobiologist and author of The Gendered Brain and The Lost Girls of Autism - recently awarded the British Psychological Society’s Popular Science Book Prize - Gina Rippon joins Ben to unpack what we really know, and don’t know, about the human brain. From left-brain/right-brain myths to the rise of gendered brain science, Gina explains why many of the ideas we’ve grown up with simply don’t stand up to scrutiny. Drawing on decades of research, she explores how brains change across the lifespan, how experience actively shapes neural pathways, and why no two brains - neurodivergent or not - are ever the same. They dive into alpha rhythms, brain plasticity, ageing, and the cultural bias baked into neuroscience, including why the idea of distinctly “male” and “female” brains has caused more confusion than clarity. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 00:57 Why Gina Rippon Became Obsessed With the Brain 2:54 What Science Really Knows About the Neurodivergent Brain 7:18 Brain Waves Explained: Alpha Rhythms & Neurodivergence 10:24 Debunking Common Myths About the Neurodivergent Brain 12:00 Left Brain vs Right Brain: Does It Actually Exist? 17:14 The Best Analogy for How Brains Really Work 18:17 Why London Taxi Drivers’ Brains Change 19:30 How the Brain Changes With Age 21:46 Brain Plasticity, Careers & Learning Over Time 23:27 Why Every Brain Is Different And Neurodiversity 26:45 Gender Bias in Neuroscience: “Neuro Trash” Research 27:53 Is There Such a Thing as a Male or Female Brain? 35:18 The Real Impact of Gendered Brain Science 40:56 Neurodivergence, Gender & Brain Differences Explained 44:07 Moving Beyond Gendered Brains to Human Brains 45:22 What Are Thoughts, Really? 48:40 Why Gina Decided To Write “The Lost Girls of Autism” The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Gina Rippon https://www.ginarippon.com/ If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| From Viral Fame to Late AuDHD Diagnosis: Holly Morris on Masking, Burnout & Identity | 21 janv. 2026 | 01:17:44 | |
Comedian, presenter and creator Holly Morris joins Ben for a candid conversation about living with AuDHD, the hidden cost of masking, and why being “funny” is often a survival strategy rather than a personality trait. Holly shares how her comedy career grew out of lifelong hyper-vigilance - constantly scanning rooms, people and conversations and how that same awareness fuels both her humour and her exhaustion. She opens up about navigating networking, friendships and online spaces as a neurodivergent adult, and why masking can feel automatic, ingrained, and hard to switch off. They explore Holly’s later diagnoses of ADHD and autism, imposter syndrome, her experience of Emetophobia, and how her Autism and ADHD overlap and show up in daily life. If you’ve ever felt socially switched on but internally depleted, this episode will feel quietly familiar. AD Head to https://bit.ly/hidden20_getdopa and use code Hidden20 for 10% off. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction & AD 1:48 Holly Morris’ AuDHD Comedy Journey 5:04 Masking as an AuDHD Comedian & Networking Pressure 8:36 How Masking Shapes Holly’s Online Content 13:14 Discovering AuDHD & Living With Emetophobia 17:25 Hypervigilance, Anxiety & the AuDHD Nervous System 21:50 ADHD vs Autism: How AuDHD Shows Up Day to Day 27:30 Being Open About Neurodivergence: Online vs In-Person 30:39 Adult Friendships, Social Energy & Neurodivergence 44:40 Masking vs Unmasking: What Actually Helps 46:48 The Hidden Cost of Being a Neurodivergent Creator 50:09 AuDHD, Imposter Syndrome & Self-Doubt 51:30 Thinking Differently: Strengths, Creativity & Hope 1:02:00 What’s Next for Holly Morris 1:10:30 Holly’s Green Dot Badge The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Holly Morris @hollymorrisss If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Psychologist Who Diagnosed Me Is Back - With an ADHD Diagnosis and Big News | 14 janv. 2026 | 00:51:47 | |
Dr Renata Fialho is back in the green chair. In this conversation, Renata and Ben pick up where they left off - this time with Renata sharing her own ADHD diagnosis, what it was like to receive it later in life, and how it has quietly reshaped both her inner world and her clinical work. Together, they unpack the realities of autism and ADHD assessments across the NHS and private sector, why certain myths continue to circulate, and where Renata sees genuine potential for more thoughtful, humane practice. Renata also shares why she’s joining The Hidden 20% as a clinical psychologist, her hopes for the direction of neurodiversity care, and reflections on her work at the intersection of neurodivergence and sport - including why swimming can be such a powerful regulator for ADHD nervous systems. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 00:47 Dr Renata Fialho Reveals Her ADHD Diagnosis 03:57 Why Dr Renata’s ADHD Was Missed for So Long 08:39 How ADHD Shows Up in Dr Renata’s Daily Life 10:25 Neurodiversity Care: NHS vs Private Explained 11:45 The Autism Assessment Myth That Frustrates Clinicians 13:00 Why Many Clinicians Work Across NHS and Private Practice 15:46 What Gives Dr Renata Hope About the Private Sector 17:14 Dr Renata Joins The Hidden 20% Team 21:15 The Autism Assessment Case That Changed Dr Renata’s Practice 24:05 Identity, Community & Diagnosis: Beyond the Medical Model 29:22 Dr Renata’s Vision for The Hidden 20% 31:57 ADHD, Sport & Mental Health: Why Swimming Helps ADHD Brains 38:38 What a Good ADHD Assessment Actually Looks Like 42:44 Can One Clinician Assess All Neurotypes? 45:14 What Keeps Dr Renata Up at Night and Her Hopes for the Future 49:06 Dr Renata’s Green Dot Badge The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben @DrRenataFialho (LinkedIn) If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Behaviour Change Scientist on ADHD & Addiction: Shahroo Izadi | 07 janv. 2026 | 01:18:49 | |
In this episode, Ben sits down with bestselling author, psychologist and behaviour change expert Shahroo Izadi for a deep, honest conversation about ADHD, addiction and how habits really form. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Shahroo reflects on how years spent working in addiction services helped her make sense of her own impulsivity, shame cycles and coping strategies - long before she had the language for neurodivergence. Together, Ben and Shahroo unpack why addiction is often misunderstood, how neurodivergent brains are especially vulnerable in a frictionless modern world, and why behaviour change isn’t about willpower or fixing yourself. This is a compassionate, practical conversation about trust, self-belief and designing habits that work with your brain - not against it. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 01:26 Shahroo Izadi’s ADHD Diagnosis & Personal Journey 08:12 ADHD, Neurodivergence & Addiction: What’s the Link? 11:44 Is Addiction a Disease — or a Coping Strategy? 13:04 Why Willpower Fails: Understanding Habit Formation 16:50 ADHD vs Autism: Impulsivity, Dopamine & Delayed Reward 19:08 ADHD & Addiction: Shahroo’s Framework for Sustainable Change 29:18 Trusting an ADHD Brain After Years of Self-Criticism 33:33 Applying Behavioural Psychology to Living With ADHD 36:15 The ADHD Tax: Shame, Avoidance & Hidden Costs 39:25 External Dependence, Coping Mechanisms & Control 42:03 Shahroo’s 3 Practical Tips for Lasting Behaviour Change 52:13 Ben on Addiction & Recovery: Choice Without Deprivation 58:47 What We Still Get Wrong About Addiction & Neurodivergence 1:02:02 Healthy Habits vs Addiction: Where’s the Line? 1:07:21 Addiction, ADHD & Autism: What Needs to Change Systemically 1:15:20 Shahroo’s Green Dot Badge The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Shahroo Izadi @shahroo_izadi www.shahrooizadi.co.uk If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| A Neurodivergent New Year: Shahroo Izadi, Dr Alison Lennox, Tony Lloyd & More Share Their Hopes For 2026 | 31 déc. 2025 | 00:54:49 | |
As another year closes, we’re taking a gentler approach to New Year’s thinking. In this special episode, Ben is joined by familiar voices from across the year and a hint of who’s to come in 2026 - as he sits down with clinicians, creators, advocates and friends of The Hidden 20% to talk about goals, not resolutions. From Dr Renata Fialho to Shahroo Izadi, Céin McGillicuddy, Dr Alison Lennox, Dr Josephine Neale and Tony Lloyd, each guest reflects on what they’re carrying forward into 2026 and what they’re intentionally leaving behind. Together, we unpack why “resolutions” can feel loaded, deficit-focused and unrealistic for neurodivergent brains, and why goals rooted in compassion, flexibility and self-trust tend to work better. This is a calm, grounding end-of-year listen - focused less on fixing yourself, and more on meeting yourself where you are. From all of us at The Hidden 20%, thank you for your support this year - we’ll see you in 2026. 🟢 Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 1:15 A Neurodivergent Rethink of New Year’s Resolutions with Dr Renata Fialho 4:25 Sam Branson on Realistic ND Goals & Letting Go of Pressure 5:50 Shahroo Izadi: Neurodivergence, Money & Rewriting Financial Goals 7:40 Céin McGillicuddy on ND Creativity, Balance & 2026 Intentions 10:13 Dr Alison Lennox’s New Year Goals as an Autistic Psychiatrist 12:19 Dr Alison Lennox: Hopes for Neurodivergence in 2026 22:10 The Hidden 20% Team: Community Goals for 2026 26:10 Dr Josephine Neale: Why “Goals” Work Better Than Resolutions for ND Brains 41:42 Tony Lloyd: How I Set ND-Friendly Goals Across Life, Work & Purpose 47:07 Tony Lloyd’s Three Wishes for Neurodivergence in 2026 48:25 Ben’s Personal New Year Goals for 2026 The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Dr Renata Fialho Shahroo Izadi Sam Branson Dr Tony Lloyd Dr Alison Lennox Dr Josephine Neale Céin McGillicuddy If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Refocus: Carrie & David Grant On A Neurospicy Family Christmas | 24 déc. 2025 | 00:15:19 | |
Our Refocus series rewinds the moments too good to miss. Short takes. Big takeaways. No attention span required. To celebrate Christmas 2025, we rewind to Carrie and David Grant talking about life post-diagnosis for Carrie, neurodivergent parenting, unmasking as a family, and how letting go of Christmas pressure can transform life for neurodivergent children and their parents. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Carrie Grant @carriegrantsays David Grant @davidgrantsays_ If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Why ARFID Is Rising: Autism, ADHD & the Eating Disorder Nobody Talks About | 17 déc. 2025 | 01:09:58 | |
In this episode, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr Josephine Neale - Clinical Director for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services at the Priory and founder of Neale Health, the UK’s first fully online child and adolescent psychiatry service - joins Ben to unpack ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), a condition many people have never heard of but is increasingly recognised in autistic and ADHD individuals. Josephine explains that ARFID isn’t about weight or body image, but driven by four key subtypes: sensory discomfort, fear and anxiety (often around choking or vomiting), low appetite, or a combination of these. Drawing on her specialist work across autism, ADHD, and eating disorders, she breaks down why ND people experience food so differently, why ARFID is still often missed, and how eating difficulties can quietly build long before families know what’s happening. This conversation offers clarity, compassion, and practical tools - whether you’re navigating ARFID yourself, supporting a young person, or simply trying to better understand ND eating differences. If you would like to support us this Christmas please consider gifting from the below link to spread awareness and carry on the conversation: https://www.hidden20.org/christmas-grotto ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Dr Josephine Neale: Her Background in Eating Disorders, Autism & ADHD 7:20 Why Mind & Body Are Often Seen As Separate in Eating Disorders: & Why That Can Be Problematic 11:26 What Is ARFID? (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Explained) 15:01 How Clinicians Assess ARFID 23:35 ARFID in Neurodivergent People: Autism, ADHD & Sensory Profiles 25:29 The Four ARFID Subtypes: Fear, Sensory, Low Appetite & Combined 29:40 What Causes ARFID? Understanding Roots, Triggers & Early Signs 31:13 ARFID Fear Subtype: Anxiety, Choking Fears & Avoidance 32:44 ARFID Low Appetite Subtype: Interoception & Reduced Hunger 34:38 ARFID Sensory Subtype: Texture, Smell, Taste & Food Aversions 48:23 Can ARFID Come and Go? Understanding Episodic Presentations 50:30 Did ARFID Exist Historically? Why Modern Life May Be Increasing Cases 55:36 Christmas & ARFID: How to Support People with Eating Difficulties 1:01:08 ARFID at Someone Else’s House: How Families Can Navigate Christmas Day 1:05:59 Dr Josephine’s Green Dot Badge The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Dr Josephine Neale @drjosephineneale www.nealehealth.com If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Neurodivergent Christmas Survival Guide: Dr Alison Lennox on Family, Burnout & Boundaries | 10 déc. 2025 | 00:59:02 | |
Christmas is often described as joyful, but for many neurodivergent people it can be overwhelming, exhausting and full of hidden pressure. In this special episode, Dr Alison Lennox returns to unpack why the festive season can feel so challenging - and how preparation, boundaries and regulation strategies can make a huge difference. Ben and Alison discuss sensory overload, disrupted routines, family expectations, social fatigue and the pressure to “perform” throughout December. Alison shares practical, compassionate advice on preparing for gatherings, setting boundaries ahead of time, creating exit plans, managing burnout, supporting ND children, and finding small moments to regulate even in busy environments. Whether you look forward to Christmas or quietly dread it, this episode gives permission to approach the season differently - with clarity, self-compassion and a plan that puts your wellbeing first. CW: This episode contains discussion of mental health crisis, overwhelm and emotional distress, particularly around the festive period. If you are struggling, in emotional distress or feel unsafe, please reach out:
________ If you would like to support us this Christmas please consider gifting from the below link to spread awareness and carry on the conversation: https://www.hidden20.org/christmas-grotto Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 00:47 Being Neurodivergent at Christmas: Why the Festive Season Is Hard 3:34 Family Expectations, Routines and Holiday Pressure 5:00 Why the Festive Season Can Be Overwhelming for ND People 6:03 First Christmas After an ND Diagnosis: Handling Difficult Family Reactions 10:24 Setting Boundaries Without Guilt & Planning Ahead to Reduce Holiday Stress 14:40 Setting Boundaries Without Shame: ND Social Masking & Avoiding Burnout 25:25 How to Support Neurodivergent Children at Christmas 30:30 Dr Alison’s Top Tips for Setting Healthy Boundaries 34:42 Dr Alison’s Festive Advice for ADHD’ers on Medication 36:00 Alcohol vs Neurodivergent Brains 39:50 The Importance of Preparation for ND Regulation at Christmas 42:39 Managing Sensory Overload & Navigating Christmas Traditions 45:54 What ND People Can Do If They or a Loved One Are in Distress 48:03 Dr Alison’s Final Words of Advice: Q&A From Our Listeners The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Dr Alison Lennox https://www.dralisonlennox.com/ If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| “The One Thing About Autism That F*cks Me Off” - My Wife, Sam Branson Opens Up | 03 déc. 2025 | 01:16:43 | |
Seventeen months on, Sam Branson - Ben’s Wife - returns for her most honest conversation yet. Their daughter River is now diagnosed autistic, and Sam and Ben reflect on how that has reshaped their marriage, family life and understanding of each other. This episode is their most vulnerable yet. Sam reflects on what it has really been like since Ben’s autism diagnosis and the pain of autistic shutdowns from both perspectives. Together, they talk about parenting an autistic child, adjusting their communication and finding understanding and compassion in the hard moments. This is a raw, honest conversation for anyone raising an ND child or loving someone whose brain works differently. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. _________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 01:26 Reflecting Since Sam’s Last Episode (17 Months Later) 05:22 Autism Diagnosis: How Are Things Now in Our Marriage? 06:19 “Let’s Talk About Autistic Shutdowns”: The Pain From Both Sides 21:12 Ben & Sam on Their Daughter River’s Autism Diagnosis 28:34 Sam vs Ben: Parenting an Autistic Child Differently 36:25 The Importance of Neurodiversity-Aware Schooling 38:45 “I Have More Patience for Our Daughter’s Autism Than Yours” 39:45 “I Wasn’t For Our Daughter’s Autism Diagnosis” 58:11 Navigating Autism, Marriage, Shutdowns & Family Life 1:00:12 Sam’s Top Tips for ND Families at Christmas 1:14:15 Sam’s Green Dot Badge The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Autism Isn’t the Problem, The System Is: Dr Luke Beardon Explains Why | 26 nov. 2025 | 00:40:44 | |
In part two of Ben’s conversation with Dr Luke Beardon, they move from language and identity into the systems shaping autistic lives - classrooms, healthcare, and even the criminal justice system. With over 30 years’ experience in autism education, Luke breaks down why inclusivity isn’t a “nice extra” but the foundation of genuine support, and why a one-size-fits-all approach consistently fails autistic people. Luke shares his top three tips for supporting neurodivergent children in school, explores how the UK’s autism training compares globally, and offers a candid look at how medical and justice systems misunderstand autistic communication and behaviour. This episode reframes what meaningful inclusion really looks like. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, misinterpreted, or pushed to fit into systems that don’t fit you or your brain, this conversation will help you make sense of it and remind you that the problem was never you. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. _________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 1:00 How Dr Luke Beardon Approaches Autism & Education: Why Inclusivity Matters 8:43 Understanding Life Through the Autistic Lens VS “One Size Fits All” Support 10:00 Dr Luke’s Top 3 Tips for Supporting Neurodivergent Children in School 17:42 Neurodiversity History: Educating the Education System 19:55 Autism Training in the UK: What Medical Professionals Are (Not) Taught 27:57 How the UK’s Autism Understanding Compares to Other Countries 29:13 Autism & the Criminal Justice System: What Needs to Change 36:52 The One Belief Luke Would Change About Autism in Society 37:24 Luke’s Green Dot Badge The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Dr Luke Beardon On X:@sheffieldluke If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| “I Reject the Autism Spectrum”: Dr Luke Beardon on the Myths Holding Us Back | 19 nov. 2025 | 00:46:27 | |
In this first of a two part episode, Dr Luke Beardon - senior lecturer in autism, long-time educator, and author of Autism in Adults and Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Adults - sits down with Ben to unpack why the language we use around autism matters more than we think. Luke explains why he rejects terms like “the autism spectrum,” and even “autistic behaviour,” and introduces his concept of autistic epistemology - a way of understanding autism grounded in lived experience, not pathology. Together, they look at the myths that still influence public thinking, the gaps in UK education, and why simple changes can make learning environments more inclusive for everyone. This episode is a sharp, thoughtful, and refreshingly human look at autism that challenges old ideas - a genuinely empowering listen for autistic people, parents, educators, and anyone trying to understand neurodivergence better. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. _________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 1:00 What Drives Luke’s Work in Autism After 30 Years 4:40 Why Language Matters: Rethinking How We Talk About Autism 10:00 Autistic Epistemology: Luke’s Groundbreaking Framework 13:08 The Biggest Myths About Autism: Debunked 28:48 How to Share Your Needs as an Autistic Person (Luke’s Practical Advice) 31:44 “Autistic” vs “Person with Autism” 34:07 Why Luke Rejects the “Superpower” Narrative 35:50 Hope for the Future: How Autistic Language Is Changing 39:30 Communication, Miscommunication & Being Autistic The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Dr Luke Beardon On X:@sheffieldluke If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| TV Director Reveals Late Autism Diagnosis & New Neurodiversity TV Show ‘Playtime’ | 12 nov. 2025 | 01:02:35 | |
In this episode, writer and director Céin McGillicuddy joins Ben to talk about his late autism diagnosis and ‘Play Time’ - ITV’s joyful new series celebrating neurodiversity in children and adults. Céin reflects on growing up with parents so supportive that his autism went unnoticed for decades, the shock of discovering a 17-year NHS waitlist, and how finally understanding his brain reshaped his life and creativity. From ‘Horrible Histories’ and ‘The Assembly’ to ‘Play Time’, he shares an honest look at hyperfocus, burnout, and what it really means to tell neurodivergent stories - both through the camera and behind it. Plus, Ben and Céin react to an exclusive clip from ‘Play Time’, and discuss why TV shows like these are changing how we see neurodivergence on screen. CW: This episode includes discussion of mental health and suicide. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Where To Watch Playtime: YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/ITVPlayTime ITVX - https://tinyurl.com/ITVXPlayTime _________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Céin McGillicuddy @ceinmcg If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| ADHD, Burnout & Belonging: Soph's Plant Kitchen on Family Rejection & Finding Balance | 05 nov. 2025 | 00:59:37 | |
In this Episode, Plant-based chef and author Sophie Waplington (@sophsplantkitchen) opens up for the first time about her self-diagnosed ADHD, family estrangement, and the burnout that comes with juggling business, creativity, and self-employment. We talk about the emotional toll of family relationships when loved ones don’t believe in neurodivergence, the pressure to “perform” online, and why rest is sometimes the most productive thing you can do. Along the way, Soph shares her favourite plant-based tips for ADHD brains and her reflections on sobriety, self-acceptance, and slowing down. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, overstimulated, or like you’re constantly starting over, this episode will remind you that you’re not broken - you’re just wired differently. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. _________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Sophie Waplington @sophsplantkitchen If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Autism Diagnosis vs BPD, CPTSD 'Confusion' & Why 1 in 3 Autistic Women Are Misdiagnosed | 29 oct. 2025 | 00:50:42 | |
In Part Two with Dr Alison Lennox, we dive deep into the world of misdiagnosis in autism. Alison unpacks why conditions like Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Complex PTSD are often diagnosed instead of autism, the dangers of getting it wrong, and the real-life consequences for neurodivergent adults. Drawing on her own lived experience as a late-diagnosed autistic psychiatrist, she explains where autism overlaps - and doesn’t - with BPD, CPTSD and other mental health conditions. Alison shares why systemic change in mental health services is urgently needed. If you’ve ever felt mislabelled, misunderstood, or struggled to get the right support, this episode is essential listening. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. _________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Dr Alison Lennox https://www.dralisonlennox.com/ If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ex-NHS Autism Psychiatrist Speaks Out: Diagnosis, Waitlists & Why She Left | 22 oct. 2025 | 00:47:04 | |
In this first of a two part episode, psychiatrist Dr Alison Lennox shares the inside story of autism diagnosis in the UK, why she left the NHS after being told to stay quiet about waitlists, and what every adult should know before seeking an assessment. Alison, a late-diagnosed autistic psychiatrist, has led NHS autism services and now works privately helping adults navigate the diagnostic process. She breaks down what to expect from NHS vs private assessments, explains why autistic women are so often misdiagnosed, and shares practical advice for people currently on waiting lists. If you’ve ever questioned whether you might be autistic or struggled to get answers, this conversation is for you. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. _________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Dr Alison Lennox https://www.dralisonlennox.com/ If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Hidden ADHD & Hypermobility Connection: What Your Body's Trying To Tell You | 15 oct. 2025 | 01:14:52 | |
In this episode, Ben sits down with consultant osteopath, author of The Meaning of Pain, and pioneer in understanding how body, brain, and pain are deeply connected. With over 25 years in clinical practice, Nick has worked with everyone from elite athletes to hedge fund traders, helping them manage pain, stress, and performance under pressure. Together they unpack the link between Hypermobility, ADHD, and anxiety, why pain is often misunderstood, and how the body tells the story the brain can’t. From insights on interoception, stress and breathing, to myths about chronic pain and “bendy bodies,” Nick shares practical tools for tuning into your body, managing stress, and finding balance. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. _________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Nick Potter @backboneclinic If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Neurodivergent Vet: Dyslexia, High Stress Work & The Power of Pets | 08 oct. 2025 | 01:02:54 | |
In this episode, Ben sits down with Rory the Vet - veterinary surgeon, TV presenter, author, and ambassador for the British Dyslexia Association. Diagnosed with dyslexia late during his veterinary studies, Rory is now a passionate advocate for early identification, school support, and embracing ND brains. They explore the realities of dyslexia in high-pressure work environments, the mental health crisis among vets, and the therapeutic (and often overlooked) role of animals in wellbeing. Rory also shares practical tips for revision and ND brains, insights from his charity work, and gives a playful way to find out how you might discover if your dog thinks differently…! CW: This episode contains references to mental health and suicide. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. _________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Rory The Vet @rorythevet If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Autism in Children Specialist: Q&A On Eduction, Diagnosis and Mental Health | 01 oct. 2025 | 00:58:43 | |
In this second part of the conversation, Ben is joined again by Cathy Wassell - CEO of Autistic Girls Network, founder of The Haven online school, and author. The focus shifts to solutions: changing education, understanding the hidden side of emotions, and tackling the mental health risks autistic girls face. Cathy brings clarity and compassion to topics like Alexithymia, Interoception, and the realities of school life. She also answers listener questions on EHCPs, burnout, school refusal, and diagnosis, before closing with her vision for a fairer future rooted in authenticity and the joy of autistic brains. CW: This episode contains references to mental health and suicide. NB: All information was relevant at the time of recording. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. _________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Cathy Wassell @autisticgirlsnetwork If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Supporting Autistic Girls: 'Mind Blowing' Statistic Impacting 92% Of Autistic Girls | 24 sept. 2025 | 00:46:59 | |
In this first of a two-part episode, Ben is joined by Cathy Wassell - CEO of Autistic Girls Network, founder of The Haven online school, and successful author. Neurodivergent herself and mum to two autistic children, Cathy is at the front line supporting autistic girls, women, and families, while campaigning for earlier diagnosis and a more up-to-date education system. With both lived experience and a Masters in Autism, Cathy brings honesty and expertise to a conversation that busts myths, challenges stigma, and shines a light on what’s really going on for autistic girls and non-binary young people today. 00:00 Introduction 1:17 On the Frontline: Supporting Girls with Autism 7:30 Autism: How It Presents in Boys VS Girls 10:00 Why Situational Mutism VS Selective Mutism? 13:03 Masking & Sensory Differences: The Danger of Gender Bias in Autism 19:46 Neurodivergent Children: Navigating the Secondary School Transition 23:07 ND Passionate Interests: Explained 26:33 Why Are Autistic Girls Diagnosed Later than Boys? 32:30 Parent Groups for ND Children 35:00 Autistic Girls and Navigating Puberty 38:57 If Cathy Had a Magic Wand: Her Vision for ND Change 43:28 Spotting Autism in Girls: Cathy’s Checklist 45:24 Coming Up in Part Two _________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence. 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support. To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more. Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently. Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Cathy Wassell @autisticgirlsnetwork If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Refocus: Ellie Middleton - Late ADHD Diagnosis, Autistic Burnout & Finding Your People | 17 sept. 2025 | 00:13:50 | |
Our Refocus series rewinds the moments too good to miss. Short takes. Big takeaways. No attention span required. In this episode, Ellie Middleton shares her journey through late diagnosis, ADHD medication, and the burnout cycle - and why language, community, and finding your people matter more than ever. _________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently. Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Ellie Middleton @elliemidds If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Better Sleep Anywhere: Practical Tips for Neurodivergent Sleepers with Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan (Part Two) | 10 sept. 2025 | 00:25:04 | |
In part two, Ben and sleep expert Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan dive into the practical side of sleep. They discuss how parents of neurodivergent children can better support rest, the most common questions on sleep, and why it’s the “golden thread” that unites everything. Nerina unpacks the science of dreams, the role of our senses, and shares practical tips - from sleeping in new places to strategies for emotional regulation. With warmth and wisdom, she reveals how small, intentional choices can transform the way we rest. CW: Mental health and abuse 00:00 Introduction 1:05 Sleep Tips for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids 2:46 The Corporate World & Creating a Safe Nervous System 3:31 The Most Common Questions About Sleep Answered 5:08 How to Change Unhealthy Sleep Behaviours 6:29 Sleep as the Golden Thread That Unites Everything 7:58 Why Do We Dream? The Science Behind It 9:12 How Long Do Dreams Actually Last? 10:16 Dreams vs. Nightmares: What’s the Difference? 11:07 How Sights, Sounds & Smells Impact Sleep 15:40 Touch & Sleep: Best Accessories for Better Rest 16:50 Dr. Nerina’s Top Tips for Sleeping in a New Place 19:43 Emotional Regulation & Setting Boundaries for Better Sleep 22:41 Dr. Nerina’s Green Dot Badge _________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently. Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan @drnerina If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Sleep, Neurodiversity & The Myths Holding Us Back with Neurophysiologist Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan (Part One) | 03 sept. 2025 | 00:47:04 | |
In this first of a two-part episode, Ben sits down with Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan - a Neurophysiologist, Author and Sleep Expert with over 25 years experience in the field, whose work is shaped by both science and lived experience. She shares her personal journey, from early struggles with insomnia and being sectioned at 31, to later returning as a practitioner in the very same psychiatric unit. Nerina brings rare honesty and depth to the conversation about why humans sometimes find it difficult to sleep. Together they explore the hidden science of sleep, how neurodivergent brains seek safety and rest, and reveal why the choices we make every day can dramatically improve the quality of our sleep. CW: Mental health and abuse _________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently. Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan @drnerina If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Refocus: Kit Harington - Game of Thrones Actor on ADHD, Addiction & Anxiety | 27 août 2025 | 00:10:25 | |
Our Refocus series rewinds the moments too good to miss. Short takes. Big takeaways. No attention span required. In this episode, Kit Harington opens up about the reality of multitasking with a neurodivergent brain - from overwhelm and social anxiety, to addiction, labels, and the unexpected power of a shower. CW: references to addiction _________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently. Host: Ben Branson Head of Production: Bella Neale Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Kit Harington If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Autism and Nature: Leading Researcher Shares Latest Study | 20 août 2025 | 00:47:27 | |
In this episode, Ben is joined by Dr. Samantha Friedman, a researcher exploring the intersection of autism, human–nature relationships, and wellbeing. Together they discuss how natural environments can offer calming, non-judgmental spaces that support regulation, curiosity, and connection.
Dr. Samantha shares how autistic people connect with nature in ways that reflect their individual needs - from immersive outdoor experiences to more accessible, sensory-based encounters. With a PhD from Cambridge and a current Lecturer in Applied Psychology at the University of Edinburgh, her work is helping reframe how we understand autism’s unique and powerful relationship with the natural world. _________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently. Host: Ben Branson Head of Production: Bella Neale Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Dr. Samantha Friedman If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Refocus: Carrie Grant - "What Is Normal?" Autism, Identity & Self-Discovery | 13 août 2025 | 00:11:00 | |
Introducing our Re‑Focus series, where we rewind the moments too good to miss. Short takes. Big takeaways. No attention span required. In this episode, Ben sits down with BAFTA Award winning broadcaster, vocal coach & author, Carrie Grant. They dive into her late autism diagnosis, shifting perspectives, the importance of overcoming internalised phobias and her four neurodivergent children. _________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently. Host: Ben Branson Head of Production: Bella Neale Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Carrie Grant @carriegrantsays If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| "This Is My Truth”: Autistic MasterChef Contestant Speaks Out on Gregg Wallace | 06 août 2025 | 00:53:15 | |
CW: Reference to online abuse, mental health & sexual allegations MasterChef UK semi‑finalist Vanessa D’Souza (aka The Autistic Chef) was diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder in her 30s, after years of masking. Cooking became her sanctuary, a safe outlet and creative expression that calmed her mind. As an ambassador for the National Autistic Society, she now champions sensory-friendly recipes and greater inclusion in hospitality. In this chat with Ben, Vanessa breaks down navigating sensory processing disorder, why neurotypical standards don’t work in culinary spaces, how to make restaurants neurodivergent-friendly, and what it’s like to unmask after 35 years. Plus, she shares her experience of Gregg Wallace during her time on MasterChef. 00:00 Introduction 1:20 Vanessa’s Brain & Autism Diagnosis 7:35 ND Love: Meeting in the Middle 9:10 The Power of Vanessa’s Vulnerability 12:32 The Importance of Listening: Unpacking Meltdowns & Family Reactions 17:35 Vanessa’s Autism VS ADHD 20:41 Sensory Overwhelm: Taste & Smell 24:07 Why Vanessa Loves Cooking 28:01 What is Sensory Processing Disorder? 30:28 Vanessa’s Top ND Cooking & Restaurant Tips 38:10 Master Chef: The Hidden Truths & Realities of Being on TV 45:15 Greg Wallace: Vanessa’s Experience 47:13 “Autism Should Never Be Used as an Excuse For Bad Behaviour” 50:50 Vanessa’s Green Light Badge _________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently. Host: Ben Branson Head of Production: Bella Neale Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Vanessa D'Souza @the.autistic.chef If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Leading Autism Expert on Hidden Talents, Late Diagnosis & Burnout | 30 juil. 2025 | 00:44:42 | |
In this episode, Ben sits down with Professor Francesca Happé - one of the most distinguished and respected voices in autism research. With over 30 years at the forefront of the field, Francesca has reshaped how we understand autism, from exploring social cognition to uncovering the hidden experiences of autistic women, the elderly, and under-researched groups. In this chat with Ben, they unpack hidden autistic talents like perfect pitch and detailed memory, why late diagnosis fuels burnout, how emotional care differs from cognitive mind‑reading, and why research on sensory processing and inclusion is needed more than ever. This is part two of a two-part episode. To catch all the groundbreaking discoveries, be sure to check out last week's episode! ___________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently. Host: Ben Branson Head of Production: Bella Neale Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Francesca Happé @happelab If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| King's College Neuroscientist: Why Autistic Women Are Being Missed (Part One) | 23 juil. 2025 | 00:36:30 | |
In this episode, Ben sits down with Professor Francesca Happé - one of the most distinguished and respected voices in autism research. With over 30 years at the forefront of the field, Francesca has reshaped how we understand autism, from exploring social cognition to uncovering the hidden experiences of autistic women, the elderly, and under-researched groups. Together, they get to the heart of why so many women remain unseen, undiagnosed and misdiagnosed. As well as exploring what ageing means when the world was never built for your brain. They unpack diagnostic overshadowing, the crossover between CPTSD and autism, and what happens when a late diagnosis reframes an entire lifetime. This is the first of a two part episode - tune in for some groundbreaking discoveries next week in Part Two! ________ 00:00 Introduction 1:30 Autism: The Study That Keep’s Francesca Up at Night 4:00 Autistic Elderly People VS Our Society 5:45 Late in Life Autism Diagnosis: A Lifetime Reframed 10:07 Autistic Women: The Missing Diagnoses 12:50 Eating Disorders VS Autism: What is Diagnostic Overshadowing? 17:16 Autism in Women & Girls: Finally Being Diagnosed 19:40 What is the Difference between Male and Female Autism? 23:20 Can Animals Be Autistic? 25:33 Aging VS Autism: Does Autism Lower Life Expectancy? 28:10 Living with CPTSD & Autism: Untangling the Symptoms 33:45 Are Autistic People More Sensitive? __________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently. Host: Ben Branson Head of Production: Bella Neale Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 _____________________________________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Francesca Happé @happelab If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| AuDHD Diagnosis Overlooked Amid Negative Gay Stereotypes & Stigma | 16 juil. 2025 | 00:36:43 | |
CW: Addiction & Bullying Bestselling author and broadcaster Matt Cain opens up about discovering autism and ADHD at 50 after decades of feeling "othered" as a gay man. In this chat with Ben, Matt unpacks how his autism and ADHD were long blurred with queer expression, explains how ADHD fuels his creative work but also complicates his relationship with alcohol, and emphasises why "coming out" as proudly neurodivergent- just as he has as a gay man- is so vital. _________________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently. Host: Ben Branson Head of Production: Bella Neale Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 __________________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Matt Cain @mattcainwriter If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Meltdowns to Motorsport: An Autistic Teens Journey to Pro Racing | 09 juil. 2025 | 00:43:15 | |
At just 12 years old, Nelson Taylor is turning heads in UK junior racing - fast, instinctive, and fearless on the track. But his path to the podium has been anything but straightforward. Diagnosed as Autistic, Nelson once found it difficult to leave the house, held back by anxiety, sensory overload, and social struggles. Today, he’s thriving in the high-pressure world of motorsport and chasing a future in Formula 1. In this chat with Ben, Nelson and his parents, Sophie and Shane, share the story of his remarkable transformation - from shutdowns to starting grids - and reflect on the power of autistic focus, family support, and what it took to move through the darkest days. _________________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently. Host: Ben Branson Head of Production: Bella Neale Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 __________________ Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Nelson Taylor @nelson_taylor_racing91 If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||