The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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Share Your Voice

Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen.
If you’re a late-diagnosed ADHD or autistic professional navigating work, creativity, or burnout, we’d love to hear from you.
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast is collecting real experiences, insights, and stories from neurodivergent adults who are ready to speak honestly about what it’s really like to thrive (and sometimes struggle) in a world not built for our brains.
You don’t have to be a speaker or expert — just someone with a story that deserves to be heard. For more information, please visit our website.

Hosts Paul Cruz and Gino Akbari sit down with Janelle Peters (Mental Health Counsellor) and Amy Bujak (Social Worker) from Coast Mental Health’s Brain Training Team. Together, they explore how cognitive remediation and neuroplasticity empower individuals to overcome challenges with attention, memory, and executive functioning. From practical compensatory strategies like mental retracing and task linking, to stigma-smashing art pop-ups and the power of group connection, this conversation shines a light on how hope-based recovery transforms lives.

Whether you’re neurodivergent, a caregiver, an educator, or simply curious, this episode offers tools, stories, and perspectives that remind us: growth is always possible, and healing doesn’t have to be a solo journey.

Coast Mental Health Brain Training Program Website: https://www.coastmentalhealth.com/brain-training-changes-lives/

Connect With Us

• Learn more about the Neurodiversity Voices Podcast: www.neurodiversityvoices.com

Share Your Voice

Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen.
If you’re a late-diagnosed ADHD or autistic professional navigating work, creativity, or burnout, we’d love to hear from you.
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast is collecting real experiences, insights, and stories from neurodivergent adults who are ready to speak honestly about what it’s really like to thrive (and sometimes struggle) in a world not built for our brains.
You don’t have to be a speaker or expert — just someone with a story that deserves to be heard. For more information, please visit our website.

Chapters

00:00 Personalized Strategies for Brain Training
16:48 Transformations Through Brain Training
21:53 The Power of Group Dynamics
27:21 Integrating Peer Support in Programs
29:03 Smash the Stigma: Art as Therapy
35:14 Future Directions for Brain Training
38:41 Shifting Societal Perceptions of Mental Health

Disclaimer:

The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Becky Bishop’s late diagnosis fuels powerful advocacy for neurodiversity and inclusive education.

Becky Bishop shares her inspiring journey from studying human geography to becoming a passionate advocate for inclusive education and neurodiversity. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Becky reflects on the validation and clarity this brought, alongside the grief of missed opportunities.

Our conversation highlights the importance of community support for neurodivergent individuals, featuring success stories from organizations like LDS that affirm identity and reduce isolation. Becky discusses the systemic barriers neurodivergent learners face, especially the unique challenges women with ADHD encounter due to underdiagnosis and gender bias.

She stresses that education is an equity issue, and personalized, neurodiversity-affirming approaches can lead to breakthroughs. The episode explores the intersection of neurodiversity and mental health, emphasizing the need to shift perspectives away from deficit-based views toward celebrating cognitive differences.

Becky closes with a call to action for greater inclusivity, early skill development, accommodations, and systemic change in both educational and professional settings to dismantle stigma and empower neurodivergent individuals.

Connect With Becky Bishop
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-bishop-31858a283/

Learn, Develop, Succeed (LDS)
Website: https://ldsociety.ca/

Connect With Us

• Learn more about the Neurodiversity Voices Podcast: www.neurodiversityvoices.com

Share Your Voice

Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen.
If you’re a late-diagnosed ADHD or autistic professional navigating work, creativity, or burnout, we’d love to hear from you.
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast is collecting real experiences, insights, and stories from neurodivergent adults who are ready to speak honestly about what it’s really like to thrive (and sometimes struggle) in a world not built for our brains.
You don’t have to be a speaker or expert — just someone with a story that deserves to be heard. For more information, please visit our website.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
01:11 Becky's Journey: From Geography to Advocacy
05:01 The Impact of Late ADHD Diagnosis
07:56 Community and Support at LDS
09:31 Success Stories in Inclusive Education
12:12 Collaborations for Inclusive Education
12:50 Future Goals for LDS
14:05 Addressing Executive Functioning in Education
16:04 Challenges Faced by Neurodivergent Individuals
18:16 ADHD in Women: Underdiagnosis and Misdiagnosis
20:51 Misconceptions About Neurodiversity
22:10 Systemic Biases in Education
24:02 Intersection of Neurodiversity and Mental Health
26:56 The Importance of Community and Support
29:28 Conclusion and Call to Action

Disclaimer:

The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

How does embracing being “different by design” transform neurodivergent self-discovery and belonging?

Tamsyn Hawken, a mental health mentor supporting university students across the UK, shares her powerful journey of self-discovery, autism, and ADHD diagnoses, and how being a queer neurodivergent woman shapes her unique mentoring approach.

Growing up in a rural village, Tamsyn found a supportive environment but struggled with a lack of representation and understanding, which delayed her awareness of neurodivergence. She emphasizes the critical need for safe, inclusive spaces where individuals can explore their identities, unmask, and embrace their differences, symbolized by her metaphor of a zebra among horses.

Tamsyn highlights systemic barriers in academia, advocating for genuine inclusivity and cultural change. Through mentoring and developing online courses on self-advocacy, she empowers neurodivergent students to find their voice, navigate challenges with kindness, and celebrate their authentic selves.

This episode offers vital insights into neurodivergent identity, community support, unmasking, and empowerment, encouraging listeners to practice self-kindness on their unique journeys.

Connect With Tamsyn Hawken

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamsyn-hawken-014267191/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamsynhawkenphd/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571495859953

Connect With Us

• Learn more about the Neurodiversity Voices Podcast: www.neurodiversityvoices.com

Share Your Voice

Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen.
If you’re a late-diagnosed ADHD or autistic professional navigating work, creativity, or burnout, we’d love to hear from you.
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast is collecting real experiences, insights, and stories from neurodivergent adults who are ready to speak honestly about what it’s really like to thrive (and sometimes struggle) in a world not built for our brains.
You don’t have to be a speaker or expert — just someone with a story that deserves to be heard. For more information, please visit our website.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity and Advocacy
02:01 Journey of Self-Discovery and Diagnosis
06:14 Lived Experience and Mentoring Approach
10:10 Unmasking Neurodivergence
14:37 Messages for Educators and Professionals
18:51 Navigating Academia as a Neurodivergent Individual
22:08 The Zebra Metaphor and Personal Insights
28:22 Advice for Students Entering Post-Secondary Education
37:35 Embracing Neurodivergence and Self-Kindness

Disclaimer:

The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

How does self-advocacy and compassion reshape life for neurodivergent individuals and families?

Sarah Russell shares her journey with ADHD, parenting a neurodivergent child, and founding the NeuroDivergent Report. Sarah explores how sociology illuminates the impact of societal norms on neurodivergent identities, while emphasizing the power of self-advocacy and self-compassion in personal growth.

The conversation highlights the importance of evidence-based coaching, the therapeutic benefits of art therapy for managing stress and anxiety, and the value of community support in fostering belonging. Sarah’s candid reflections offer encouragement for embracing and celebrating neurodivergence, reducing stigma, and helping others feel less alone through shared stories.

Whether you’re navigating diagnosis, parenting, or advocacy, this episode provides insightful strategies and heartfelt wisdom.

Connect with Sarah’s coaching services, website, and podcast platforms:

https://sarruss.my.canva.site/hi
Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-neurodivergent-report/id1807532078
Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/3QQdXXVSFG4MMsqyR3L9wd?si=194b47baa8ee4af2
Website: https://www.ndreportpod.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ndreportpod/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Ndreportpod
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ndreportpod
Substack: https://ndreportpod.substack.com/

Connect With Us

• Learn more about the Neurodiversity Voices Podcast: www.neurodiversityvoices.com

Share Your Voice

Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen.
If you’re a late-diagnosed ADHD or autistic professional navigating work, creativity, or burnout, we’d love to hear from you.
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast is collecting real experiences, insights, and stories from neurodivergent adults who are ready to speak honestly about what it’s really like to thrive (and sometimes struggle) in a world not built for our brains.
You don’t have to be a speaker or expert — just someone with a story that deserves to be heard. For more information, please visit our website.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity and Podcasting
00:40 The Journey of Podcast Creation
01:39 Understanding Sociology and Deviance
02:22 Personal Experiences and ADHD Diagnosis
03:21 The Impact of Self-Acceptance
04:32 Parenting and Advocacy in Neurodivergence
06:08 Research and Podcasting Approach
07:23 Social Media and Community Engagement
08:54 Advice for Aspiring Podcasters
09:56 Key Takeaways on Embracing Neurodivergence

Disclaimer:

The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast is launching today. It aims to celebrate and amplify the unique perspectives of neurodiverse individuals. Hosted by Paul Cruz and co-hosted by Livia Ward, Letara Couto, Karen Habashi, and Gino Akbari, the podcast explores the personal stories, challenges, and triumphs of neurodiverse individuals and their families. The hosts share their experiences and insights, fostering understanding and acceptance within the neurodivergent community.

Connect With Us

• Learn more about the Neurodiversity Voices Podcast: www.neurodiversityvoices.com

Share Your Voice

Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen.
If you’re a late-diagnosed ADHD or autistic professional navigating work, creativity, or burnout, we’d love to hear from you.
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast is collecting real experiences, insights, and stories from neurodivergent adults who are ready to speak honestly about what it’s really like to thrive (and sometimes struggle) in a world not built for our brains.
You don’t have to be a speaker or expert — just someone with a story that deserves to be heard. For more information, please visit our website.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
03:47 Personal Stories and Experiences with Neurodiversity

Disclaimer:

The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Host Paul Cruz sits down with poet and mental health advocate Samantha Merz. Samantha shares her journey of discovering poetry at 19, how her neurodivergence influences her creative process, and how writing became a powerful outlet for expressing emotions like loneliness and resilience. From her published collections, Kazoo and Meadowlite, to her newest book, Only You Will Do, Samantha opens up about the challenges and triumphs of being a neurodivergent creative.

She also discusses the importance of mental health advocacy, the role of community programs like Thrive Open Door and Coast Mental Health, and how activities such as singing in a choir and playing badminton enrich her well-being. This inspiring conversation highlights the power of creativity, community, and perseverance in building a more inclusive world.

Connect with Samantha:

• Website: SamanthaMers.wordpress.com
• Instagram: @SamanthaMers
• Facebook: Samantha Mers
• Books available at: Blurb Bookstore

Connect With Us

• Learn more about the Neurodiversity Voices Podcast: www.neurodiversityvoices.com

Share Your Voice

Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen.
If you’re a late-diagnosed ADHD or autistic professional navigating work, creativity, or burnout, we’d love to hear from you.
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast is collecting real experiences, insights, and stories from neurodivergent adults who are ready to speak honestly about what it’s really like to thrive (and sometimes struggle) in a world not built for our brains.
You don’t have to be a speaker or expert — just someone with a story that deserves to be heard. For more information, please visit our website.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey into Poetry
03:36 Community and Mental Health Advocacy
07:00 Imagery and Vulnerability in Poetry
08:35 Introduction to Neurodiversity Voices Podcast

Disclaimer:

The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Hosts Paul Cruz and Gino Akbari sit down with filmmaker Nicola Rose—an accomplished director, producer, and writer—to discuss her new feature film Magnetosphere.

The film follows 13-year-old Maggie as she navigates her first crush, a big family move, and her unique way of experiencing the world through synesthesia, all set against the backdrop of the magical Hale-Bopp comet in 1997. With a cast including Colin Mochrie, Patrick McKenna, Debra McGrath, Tara Strong, Steven He, and breakout star Shayelin Martin, Magnetosphere brings neurodivergence to life in a visually stunning, heartfelt way.

Nicola shares her inspiration for the story, her process of authentically representing synesthesia on screen by interviewing over 70 synesthetes, and the challenges of making an independent film that is both magical and deeply human.

Memorable Quotes

• “The way to be authentic is ask people—‘what did you experience?’—and then bring that truth to screen.” – Nicola Rose
• “Synesthesia became a metaphor for feeling out of sync, which so many of us experience.” – Nicola Rose
• “Being kind is the most important lesson filmmaking has taught me.” – Nicola Rose

Resources & Links

Watch the Magnetosphere trailer: http://freestyledigitalmedia.tv/film/magnetosphere
Stream Magnetosphere now on Amazon Prime & Apple TV
Nicola’s Substack: nicolarosedirects.substack.com
Nicola on Instagram: @nicolarosedirects
Magnetosphere on Instagram: @magnetospheremovie
Magnetosphere on Facebook: Magnetosphere — Movie

Synesthesia - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synesthesia

Connect With Us

• Learn more about the Neurodiversity Voices Podcast: www.neurodiversityvoices.com

Share Your Voice

Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen.
If you’re a late-diagnosed ADHD or autistic professional navigating work, creativity, or burnout, we’d love to hear from you.
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast is collecting real experiences, insights, and stories from neurodivergent adults who are ready to speak honestly about what it’s really like to thrive (and sometimes struggle) in a world not built for our brains.
You don’t have to be a speaker or expert — just someone with a story that deserves to be heard. For more information, please visit our website.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Synesthesia: The Inspiration Behind Magnetosphere
11:01 The Significance of 1997: A Nostalgic Backdrop
15:51 Maggie's Emotional Journey: Character Development and Authenticity
20:07 Visual and Auditory Storytelling: Capturing Maggie's World
23:05 Relationships and Understanding: Maggie's Connections
24:52 Synesthesia as a Metaphor: Broader Themes of Connection
25:29 Understanding Neurodiversity and Personal Experiences
28:52 The Impact of Personal Background on Storytelling
32:17 Challenges in Independent Filmmaking
36:17 Audience Reception and Critical Feedback
40:12 Lessons Learned from Making Magnetosphere
41:09 Advice for Aspiring Neurodivergent Creators
45:17 Engagement and Community Building

Disclaimer:

The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Student leaders from the Neurodiversity Students Association (NDSA) at Toronto Metropolitan University — Jenna Ignaczak, Malka Finkelstein, and Maddie Sardone — discuss what it truly means to be a neurodivergent student in post-secondary education today.

Together, they share stories of inclusion, moments of isolation, experiences with ableism, and insights into how universities can better support neurodivergent students. The conversation dives into policy challenges, mental health, masking, equity vs. equality, and the importance of community.

Whether you’re a student, educator, ally, or policymaker, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and motivated to advocate for a more inclusive future in higher education.

Quotes to Remember:

“It’s not about equality, it’s about equity.” – Malka
 “We don’t know what we don’t know. Ask students what they need.” – Jenna
 “It’s easier to get rid of us than support us. That’s the problem.” – Maddie

Neurodiversity Students Association, Toronto Metropolitan University
Instagram: @tmu_ndsa

Telos: A Neurodiversity Conversation Podcast: https://anchor.fm/s/fc565318/podcast/rss

Connect With Us

• Learn more about the Neurodiversity Voices Podcast: www.neurodiversityvoices.com

Share Your Voice

Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen.
If you’re a late-diagnosed ADHD or autistic professional navigating work, creativity, or burnout, we’d love to hear from you.
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast is collecting real experiences, insights, and stories from neurodivergent adults who are ready to speak honestly about what it’s really like to thrive (and sometimes struggle) in a world not built for our brains.
You don’t have to be a speaker or expert — just someone with a story that deserves to be heard. For more information, please visit our website.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity in Education
04:21 Personal Definitions of Neurodiversity
06:00 Experiences of Support and Understanding
08:24 Challenges Faced by Neurodivergent Students
10:30 Evaluating University Support Systems
13:50 Imagining an Inclusive Future
16:57 Creating a Neurodivergent-Friendly Campus
20:48 Being an Ally to Neurodivergent Peers
23:40 The Role of Educators in Inclusivity
24:10 Creating Inclusive Spaces in Education
28:38 Navigating Accommodations and Disclosure
32:18 Challenges of Current Assessment Methods
37:20 The Pressure to Mask Neurodivergence
41:47 Gen Z's Impact on Neurodiversity
42:38 Hope for Future Education and Accessibility
45:12 Messages for University Administrators

Disclaimer:

The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Angus Chan turned his early academic struggles into a mission to redesign education for everyone.

Angus Chan shares his deeply personal journey through higher education as a neurodivergent student and how those early struggles shaped his commitment to equity, inclusion, and educational reform.

We explore the evolving nature of autism understanding and why honouring cultural identity, holistic wellness, and student voice is essential in today’s classrooms. Angus reflects on the power of reciprocal teaching, how AI can enhance learning when used thoughtfully, and the role of collaboration among educators in fostering inclusive environments.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone working toward a future where neurodiverse learners are not just supported, but celebrated.

Connect with Angus:

• https://www.activating-intelligence.com/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angusc1983/ 
• Blog - https://mrangusbeefblog.wordpress.com/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/angusc83
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/angusc83
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@angusc1983

Connect With Us

• Learn more about the Neurodiversity Voices Podcast: www.neurodiversityvoices.com

Share Your Voice

Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen.
If you’re a late-diagnosed ADHD or autistic professional navigating work, creativity, or burnout, we’d love to hear from you.
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast is collecting real experiences, insights, and stories from neurodivergent adults who are ready to speak honestly about what it’s really like to thrive (and sometimes struggle) in a world not built for our brains.
You don’t have to be a speaker or expert — just someone with a story that deserves to be heard. For more information, please visit our website.

Disclaimer:

 The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.