https://simplecast.com Spark Launch: Neurodiversity Ignited You’ve landed at Spark Launch — the guide star for embracing what it means to be neurodiverse. Hosted by Chaya Mallavaram (the artsy ADHD brain behind Spark Launch) and Mike Cornell (a peer support specialist who reminds us that imperfection is where the magic happens), this podcast dives deep into the messy, beautiful, and often challenging realities of neurodivergent life. Each episode blends personal stories with expert insights to tackle issues affecting our community, such as mental health, parenting strategies, emotional regulation, workplace dynamics, executive function hacks, and neurodiversity advocacy. Whether you’re navigating life with ADHD, Autism Spectrum, or other neurodevelopmental conditions — or supporting someone who is — this is a space where neurodivergent voices can unmask, embrace their weirdness, and celebrate human diversity. Subscribe now to ignite your mind, elevate your essence, and spark something extraordinary. https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds. Available soon on iOS and Android.  - Play on any tablet or phone. Ready to Ignite Your Child’s Confidence and Curiosity? Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time. https://play.sparkade.app/ Follow Mike & Chaya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followshisghost https://www.instagram.com/the_sparklaunch Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free: https://followyourghostcoach.com/ ADHD Learning Solutions https://www.sparklaunch.org/ Copyright 2025 SparkLaunch.org en Fri, 24 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000 Wed, 8 Apr 2026 13:02:08 +0000 https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Spark Launch: Neurodiversity Ignited https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/77e514c0-864b-4248-b7e1-71e60098480f/029dca55-5dbf-4ed0-b1f0-72d43fe10a9b/3000x3000/spark-20launch-20podcast-20logo.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://sparklaunchpodcast.com episodic You’ve landed at Spark Launch — the guide star for embracing what it means to be neurodiverse. Hosted by Chaya Mallavaram (the artsy ADHD brain behind Spark Launch) and Mike Cornell (a peer support specialist who reminds us that imperfection is where the magic happens), this podcast dives deep into the messy, beautiful, and often challenging realities of neurodivergent life. Each episode blends personal stories with expert insights to tackle issues affecting our community, such as mental health, parenting strategies, emotional regulation, workplace dynamics, executive function hacks, and neurodiversity advocacy. Whether you’re navigating life with ADHD, Autism Spectrum, or other neurodevelopmental conditions — or supporting someone who is — this is a space where neurodivergent voices can unmask, embrace their weirdness, and celebrate human diversity. Subscribe now to ignite your mind, elevate your essence, and spark something extraordinary. https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds. Available soon on iOS and Android.  - Play on any tablet or phone. Ready to Ignite Your Child’s Confidence and Curiosity? Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time. https://play.sparkade.app/ Follow Mike & Chaya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followshisghost https://www.instagram.com/the_sparklaunch Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free: https://followyourghostcoach.com/ ADHD Learning Solutions https://www.sparklaunch.org/ SparkLaunch.org, Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram false https://feeds.simplecast.com/Qut2t05q adhd women, autistic adults, coping skills, adhd coach, existential, neurodiversity, mental health awareness, neurodivergent, neurodivergent business, neurodivergent stories, autistic, autism coaching, education, adhd adults, mental wellness, neurodivergent parenting, autistic traits, adhd, autism, mental health, overcoming challenges, emotional wellness, caregivers, breaking down stigmas, focus strategies, adhd management, cognitive insights, parents, behavior management, creative brainstorming, empowering neurodiverse students, inclusivity, neurodivergent connections, cognitive innovations, neurodivergent individuals, positive psychology, self-improvement, coping with depression, growth mindset, psychology insights., mental health resources, neuro-inclusive, strategies for neuro-inclusivity, parenting children with adhd, neurodivergent advocacy, coping strategies, self-advocacy tips, therapists, adaptive learning, autism empowerment, adhd advice, emotional expression, educators, attention deficit, community inclusion, anxiety awareness, behavior change, brain hacks, productivity hacks, stress management, celebrating neurodiverse strengths SparkLaunch.org sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com d05a3446-cdc6-4688-b0dc-237005824ffd 6bc26142-4694-439d-97d9-60f10f43857b Autism, Sexuality, and the Power of Neuroculture w/ Candice Christiansen (Season 2 Finale) In the season finale of season 2, Mike and Chaya sit down with Candice Christiansen, a leading voice at the intersection of neurodiversity, trauma, and intimacy, for a conversation that gets existential—and a little bit weird. The three explore the sacred energy of creation, the challenge of healing in a world that isn't always helpful, and what it means to harness your own power when you’ve been taught to ignore it.

We Also Cover:

  • Candice's journey as a late-diagnosed autistic person
  • The intricate connection between sensory experiences and sexuality
  • Defining and embracing the concept of "neuroculture"
  • Why autistic individuals are so vulnerable to trauma and abuse
  • Challenging stereotypes that infantilize and desexualize autistic adults
  • The idea of sex as a sacred energy exchange
  • Using intuition as a tool for protection and setting boundaries
  • What forgiveness really means
  • Navigating a world that often tries to stifle authentic expression

Quotes:

"The way I see, perceive, behave, understand, and live in this world is based on what I view as my brain's culture and way of being, and that doesn't mean I'm deficient. It just means it's different and different really is beautiful."

"If we looked at sex truly as a sacred energy exchange, I do have to wonder if... people would just be mindlessly swiping left and right and allowing people's energy into their being, because it does impact who we are."

"You are a bright light and to not let anyone dim your light... people will try to, and just to shine love and shine light. And because that wins always, it always wins."

"The efforts to remain what you are is actually what limits us. But if you give into constant evolution... there's no expiration date to that. We can continue evolving until the end."

"We don't have to hold on to the pain. And we can learn to love ourselves constantly by even doing little things. It doesn't have to be a big, huge purpose."

About Candice Christiansen:

Candice Christiansen, LCMHC, CSAT-S, CMAT, Neuro-Inclusive IFS, Certified EMDR, and Psychedelic Assisted Therapist (PAT), is the Founder and Clinical Director of Namasté Center For Healing. A trauma-informed care and neurodiversity expert, she supports individuals and couples facing complex mental health challenges from intimate partner violence and betrayal. With over 25 years of experience working with neurologically different children, teens, and adults, Candice offers neuro-affirmative screenings, consultations, and training to professionals at institutions like Yale, Harvard, Seeking Integrity Los Angeles, and IITAP Arizona. She has served as an expert witness in state and federal courts advocating for neuro-affirmative legal care for autistic individuals. Her publications include Mastering the Trauma Wound (2016), Compassionate KAP (2024), and a co-authored chapter in Altogether Us (2023).   

In 2023, she and Aly Dearborn, LMFT, developed a gender-inclusive autism screening tool identifying traits common in autistic females and non-binary adults. Her relationship insights have appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune, Talkspace.com, and on Fox 13’s The Place. She served five years on the Division of Professional Licensing Substance Use Disorder Board and on the UMHCA Board, and her work emphasizes resilience and healing through integration of lived experience, empowering individuals and professionals with tools to navigate mental health challenges.

Connect with Candice:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 24 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com In the season finale of season 2, Mike and Chaya sit down with Candice Christiansen, a leading voice at the intersection of neurodiversity, trauma, and intimacy, for a conversation that gets existential—and a little bit weird. The three explore the sacred energy of creation, the challenge of healing in a world that isn't always helpful, and what it means to harness your own power when you’ve been taught to ignore it.

We Also Cover:

  • Candice's journey as a late-diagnosed autistic person
  • The intricate connection between sensory experiences and sexuality
  • Defining and embracing the concept of "neuroculture"
  • Why autistic individuals are so vulnerable to trauma and abuse
  • Challenging stereotypes that infantilize and desexualize autistic adults
  • The idea of sex as a sacred energy exchange
  • Using intuition as a tool for protection and setting boundaries
  • What forgiveness really means
  • Navigating a world that often tries to stifle authentic expression

Quotes:

"The way I see, perceive, behave, understand, and live in this world is based on what I view as my brain's culture and way of being, and that doesn't mean I'm deficient. It just means it's different and different really is beautiful."

"If we looked at sex truly as a sacred energy exchange, I do have to wonder if... people would just be mindlessly swiping left and right and allowing people's energy into their being, because it does impact who we are."

"You are a bright light and to not let anyone dim your light... people will try to, and just to shine love and shine light. And because that wins always, it always wins."

"The efforts to remain what you are is actually what limits us. But if you give into constant evolution... there's no expiration date to that. We can continue evolving until the end."

"We don't have to hold on to the pain. And we can learn to love ourselves constantly by even doing little things. It doesn't have to be a big, huge purpose."

About Candice Christiansen:

Candice Christiansen, LCMHC, CSAT-S, CMAT, Neuro-Inclusive IFS, Certified EMDR, and Psychedelic Assisted Therapist (PAT), is the Founder and Clinical Director of Namasté Center For Healing. A trauma-informed care and neurodiversity expert, she supports individuals and couples facing complex mental health challenges from intimate partner violence and betrayal. With over 25 years of experience working with neurologically different children, teens, and adults, Candice offers neuro-affirmative screenings, consultations, and training to professionals at institutions like Yale, Harvard, Seeking Integrity Los Angeles, and IITAP Arizona. She has served as an expert witness in state and federal courts advocating for neuro-affirmative legal care for autistic individuals. Her publications include Mastering the Trauma Wound (2016), Compassionate KAP (2024), and a co-authored chapter in Altogether Us (2023).   

In 2023, she and Aly Dearborn, LMFT, developed a gender-inclusive autism screening tool identifying traits common in autistic females and non-binary adults. Her relationship insights have appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune, Talkspace.com, and on Fox 13’s The Place. She served five years on the Division of Professional Licensing Substance Use Disorder Board and on the UMHCA Board, and her work emphasizes resilience and healing through integration of lived experience, empowering individuals and professionals with tools to navigate mental health challenges.

Connect with Candice:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Autism, Sexuality, and the Power of Neuroculture w/ Candice Christiansen (Season 2 Finale) Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell 00:46:52 In the season finale of season 2, Mike and Chaya sit down with Candice Christiansen, a leading voice at the intersection of neurodiversity, trauma, and intimacy, for a conversation that gets existential—and a little bit weird. The three explore the sacred energy of creation, the challenge of healing in a world that isn't always helpful, and what it means to harness your own power when you’ve been taught to ignore it. In the season finale of season 2, Mike and Chaya sit down with Candice Christiansen, a leading voice at the intersection of neurodiversity, trauma, and intimacy, for a conversation that gets existential—and a little bit weird. The three explore the sacred energy of creation, the challenge of healing in a world that isn't always helpful, and what it means to harness your own power when you’ve been taught to ignore it. finding authenticity as a neurodivergent person, neurodivergent intimacy, autism, autism and sex, self-love, neuro-affirmative care for couples, neuroculture, energy, autism and trauma, sacred chakra, intimacy, trusting intuition, sensory experience, chakra, trauma, candice christiansen autism sexpert, why are autistic people vulnerable to sexual assault, how does autism affect sexuality and intimacy, the concept of neuroculture in the autistic community, forgiving yourself, authenticity, spark launch podcast candice christiansen, intuition, releasing negative energy through forgiveness, kundalini energy, spark launch podcast, the sacred chakra as a source of creative energy, energetic healing, healing from betrayal trauma as an autistic person, using intuition to set boundaries and stay safe, neurodiversity, healing from trauma, forgiveness, kundalini, sexuality, what is neuroculture, candice christiansen, how to love yourself after trauma, existential conversations about neurodiversity, healing false full 20 2 774742ea-07ba-4246-b134-91eb3cb0ca8d Montessori Magic: How Freedom-Based Learning Supports ADHD and Autistic Children w/ Rupali Sharma Mike and Chaya sit down with Rupali Sharma, founder and director of The T.E.C. Schools in Worcester, Massachusetts, who shares her journey from architecture to Montessori education, revealing how autonomy, observation, and child-centered learning create environments where neurodivergent children thrive without labels or limitations.

We Also Cover:

  • The philosophy behind Think, Explore, Create and its connection to child development
  • Freedom within boundaries as the foundation of Montessori learning for neurodivergent kids
  • Why sensory-based, hands-on materials unlock potential in ADHD and autistic learners
  • The critical triangle: teacher, student, and prepared environment working in partnership
  • How neurodivergent children flourish when given time, space, and respect
  • Observation as the teacher's most powerful tool for individualized learning plans
  • Supporting hyperfocus in ADHD children and channeling special interests into learning
  • The spiritual preparation of the Montessori teacher and why mindset matters for inclusive classrooms
  • Transitioning Montessori students to traditional school settings while preserving self-advocacy
  • Why creativity needs freedom from adult judgment to blossom in neurodiverse learners
  • Montessori as an alternative to traditional IEP-focused education
  • How parents can support Montessori principles at home with neurodivergent children

Quotes:

"Children are very different from adults. They like to be engaged in activity that is driven by their interest, not driven by the teacher's interest, but by their own interest."

"I don't really think being neurodivergent is something new. It's always existed throughout history. It's just that what environment are we forcing people into nowadays?"

"When they are an adult, all of this is going to be behind them. They're going to be successful no matter what. It's while they are under our care, it's our job to give them the environment where they can thrive and not be felt that, oh, I'm not right or I'm not fitting in somehow."

"Often people say to me, what if they leave Montessori and go to the real world? Montessori is the real world. We teach them to advocate for themselves. We teach them to be confident. We actually show them what they're capable of in their highest potential."

About Rupali Sharma:

Rupali Sharma is the Founder and Director of The T.E.C. Schools, established in Worcester, MA in 2016. With a background in architecture and training as a Montessori educator, she is passionate about blending authentic Montessori principles with a modern STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) integrated curriculum. Her vision centers on nurturing creativity, problem-solving, and lifelong learning, preparing children to think independently, explore ideas, and build the skills their future will demand. She launched her education career with Imagination Unbound, an initiative designed to lay early foundations for creative thinking and to empower both children and educators to become bold explorers in the learning process.

Connect with Rupali:

Related Reading:

The T.E.C. School is located at:
15 Jamesbury Dr.
Worcester, MA 01609

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 17 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Rupali Sharma, Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with Rupali Sharma, founder and director of The T.E.C. Schools in Worcester, Massachusetts, who shares her journey from architecture to Montessori education, revealing how autonomy, observation, and child-centered learning create environments where neurodivergent children thrive without labels or limitations.

We Also Cover:

  • The philosophy behind Think, Explore, Create and its connection to child development
  • Freedom within boundaries as the foundation of Montessori learning for neurodivergent kids
  • Why sensory-based, hands-on materials unlock potential in ADHD and autistic learners
  • The critical triangle: teacher, student, and prepared environment working in partnership
  • How neurodivergent children flourish when given time, space, and respect
  • Observation as the teacher's most powerful tool for individualized learning plans
  • Supporting hyperfocus in ADHD children and channeling special interests into learning
  • The spiritual preparation of the Montessori teacher and why mindset matters for inclusive classrooms
  • Transitioning Montessori students to traditional school settings while preserving self-advocacy
  • Why creativity needs freedom from adult judgment to blossom in neurodiverse learners
  • Montessori as an alternative to traditional IEP-focused education
  • How parents can support Montessori principles at home with neurodivergent children

Quotes:

"Children are very different from adults. They like to be engaged in activity that is driven by their interest, not driven by the teacher's interest, but by their own interest."

"I don't really think being neurodivergent is something new. It's always existed throughout history. It's just that what environment are we forcing people into nowadays?"

"When they are an adult, all of this is going to be behind them. They're going to be successful no matter what. It's while they are under our care, it's our job to give them the environment where they can thrive and not be felt that, oh, I'm not right or I'm not fitting in somehow."

"Often people say to me, what if they leave Montessori and go to the real world? Montessori is the real world. We teach them to advocate for themselves. We teach them to be confident. We actually show them what they're capable of in their highest potential."

About Rupali Sharma:

Rupali Sharma is the Founder and Director of The T.E.C. Schools, established in Worcester, MA in 2016. With a background in architecture and training as a Montessori educator, she is passionate about blending authentic Montessori principles with a modern STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) integrated curriculum. Her vision centers on nurturing creativity, problem-solving, and lifelong learning, preparing children to think independently, explore ideas, and build the skills their future will demand. She launched her education career with Imagination Unbound, an initiative designed to lay early foundations for creative thinking and to empower both children and educators to become bold explorers in the learning process.

Connect with Rupali:

Related Reading:

The T.E.C. School is located at:
15 Jamesbury Dr.
Worcester, MA 01609

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Montessori Magic: How Freedom-Based Learning Supports ADHD and Autistic Children w/ Rupali Sharma Rupali Sharma, Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell 00:47:04 We sit down with Rupali Sharma, founder of The T.E.C. Schools, who shares how autonomy, observation, and child-centered learning create environments where neurodivergent children thrive. We sit down with Rupali Sharma, founder of The T.E.C. Schools, who shares how autonomy, observation, and child-centered learning create environments where neurodivergent children thrive. future-ready kids, worcester montessori, adhd children, inclusive, adhd hyperfocus, montessori for adhd, worcester massachusetts montessori, autism, adhd, homeschool, hands-on learning adhd, montessori education for neurodivergent children, transitioning from montessori to traditional school, innovative education, montessori iep alternative, freedom-based learning for neurodivergent kids, inclusive education, worcester massachusetts schools, special interests autism, observation-based teaching, montessori autism, children, hyperfocus adhd, sensory learning montessori, individualized learning plans in montessori education, montessori learning differences, sensory learning autism, learning, holistic education, “the t.e.c. schools”, supporting special interests in autistic children montessori, montessori philosophy, sensory learning, freedom-based learning, neurodivergent children, steam education, adhd education, holistic education neurodivergent, autonomy, hands-on learning, neurodivergent parenting, prepared environment montessori, individualized learning, alternative education, creative learning without labels for neurodivergent kids, montessori principles for neurodivergent parenting at home, inclusive montessori, montessori steam education for special needs, montessori worcester, project-based learning, neurodivergent, montessori, montessori neurodiversity, child-centered education, creativity, neurodiversity in schools, student-centered education, worcester massachusetts montessori schools for neurodivergent kids, early childhood education, iep, neurodivergent students, autistic learners, learning differences, montessori alternative to iep education, montessori adhd, observation-based teaching for neurodivergent children, executive function skills, independent schools, child autonomy, alternative education for adhd, montessori teacher training for inclusive classrooms, steam, education, hands-on learning materials for adhd learners, child-centered montessori, autistic children education, montessori and adhd hyperfocus strategies, creative education, tec schools, how montessori supports neurodivergent learners, freedom in education, neurodiversity, maria montessori, adhd learning, montessori iep, child-centered education for neurodivergent students, autism education, parenting, child-centered learning, neurodivergent education, montessori learning for adhd kids, educational innovation, iep alternatives, maria montessori neurodiversity, montessori and autism, authentic learning, supporting adhd children in montessori schools, montessori steam, montessori education, self-advocacy skills, montessori sensory learning for autism, personalized education, montessori approach for autistic children, creative learning false full 19 2 d482a558-c7ed-43c3-92b1-de88a2cb2ed9 One Size Fits One: Derek Crager on Diagnosis, Design, and Doing Different Mike and Chaya sit down with Derek Crager to discuss his journey of being late-diagnosed AuDHDer, how embracing his neurodivergence led him from the manufacturing floor to building transformative accessible AI tools for the neurodivergent community, and what it truly means to create human-centered technology that actually fits. 

We Also Cover:

  • How receiving his autism and ADHD diagnosis brought self-acceptance and reshaped Derek's career
  • Why "prompt engineering" might actually be a neurodivergence superpower
  • The story behind PracticalAI and creating voice-first solutions that are judgment-free
  • Making information accessible without internet or apps
  • Building workplace inclusion into tech from the ground up
  • The "one size fits one" philosophy versus one-size-fits-all systems
  • Advice for neurodivergent entrepreneurs on building teams and leveraging community
  • Why certification and trust matter in assistive technology
  • Derek's advice for his younger self and anyone feeling out of place

Quotes:

"I wore my diagnosis like a badge of honor. Embracing who I am allowed me to communicate authentically—something I never had before."

"Knowledge is key to the universe. When we put it in the right hands, at the right time, it's a platform for belonging and growth."

"The best tech doesn't replace humans; it empowers us to be irreplaceable. If we thrive, so does everyone around us."

About Derek Crager:

Derek Crager is a neurodivergent entrepreneur, voice-first AI strategist, and the founder of Practical AI and the community hub AIforAutistics.com. With a background in industrial reliability and training, Derek spent decades feeling misunderstood in professional environments. At age 50, a late diagnosis of autism, ADHD, and dyslexia provided a new lens through which to view his life and career, explaining his innate ability for pattern recognition and systems thinking.

This personal journey became the catalyst for his professional mission. His flagship product, Pocket Mentor, is the world's first voice-based AI mentor designed for hands-free, real-time industrial support. It addresses the critical problem of "tribal knowledge" loss—where valuable expertise disappears when a key employee leaves—by transforming that knowledge into an on-demand, scalable resource accessible through a simple phone call, with no app or login required.

Through AIforAutistics.com, Derek creates a space where neurodivergent individuals can harness AI to create, earn, and build sustainable, independent lives. He is a passionate advocate for inclusion through innovation, blending emotional vulnerability with deep technological insight to empower a community where difference is a strategic advantage.

Connect with Derek:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 10 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Derek Crager, Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with Derek Crager to discuss his journey of being late-diagnosed AuDHDer, how embracing his neurodivergence led him from the manufacturing floor to building transformative accessible AI tools for the neurodivergent community, and what it truly means to create human-centered technology that actually fits. 

We Also Cover:

  • How receiving his autism and ADHD diagnosis brought self-acceptance and reshaped Derek's career
  • Why "prompt engineering" might actually be a neurodivergence superpower
  • The story behind PracticalAI and creating voice-first solutions that are judgment-free
  • Making information accessible without internet or apps
  • Building workplace inclusion into tech from the ground up
  • The "one size fits one" philosophy versus one-size-fits-all systems
  • Advice for neurodivergent entrepreneurs on building teams and leveraging community
  • Why certification and trust matter in assistive technology
  • Derek's advice for his younger self and anyone feeling out of place

Quotes:

"I wore my diagnosis like a badge of honor. Embracing who I am allowed me to communicate authentically—something I never had before."

"Knowledge is key to the universe. When we put it in the right hands, at the right time, it's a platform for belonging and growth."

"The best tech doesn't replace humans; it empowers us to be irreplaceable. If we thrive, so does everyone around us."

About Derek Crager:

Derek Crager is a neurodivergent entrepreneur, voice-first AI strategist, and the founder of Practical AI and the community hub AIforAutistics.com. With a background in industrial reliability and training, Derek spent decades feeling misunderstood in professional environments. At age 50, a late diagnosis of autism, ADHD, and dyslexia provided a new lens through which to view his life and career, explaining his innate ability for pattern recognition and systems thinking.

This personal journey became the catalyst for his professional mission. His flagship product, Pocket Mentor, is the world's first voice-based AI mentor designed for hands-free, real-time industrial support. It addresses the critical problem of "tribal knowledge" loss—where valuable expertise disappears when a key employee leaves—by transforming that knowledge into an on-demand, scalable resource accessible through a simple phone call, with no app or login required.

Through AIforAutistics.com, Derek creates a space where neurodivergent individuals can harness AI to create, earn, and build sustainable, independent lives. He is a passionate advocate for inclusion through innovation, blending emotional vulnerability with deep technological insight to empower a community where difference is a strategic advantage.

Connect with Derek:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> One Size Fits One: Derek Crager on Diagnosis, Design, and Doing Different Derek Crager, Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell 00:48:07 Mike and Chaya sit down with Derek Crager to discuss his journey of being late-diagnosed AuDHDer, how embracing his neurodivergence led him from the manufacturing floor to building transformative accessible AI tools for the neurodivergent community, and what it truly means to create human-centered technology that actually fits. Mike and Chaya sit down with Derek Crager to discuss his journey of being late-diagnosed AuDHDer, how embracing his neurodivergence led him from the manufacturing floor to building transformative accessible AI tools for the neurodivergent community, and what it truly means to create human-centered technology that actually fits. innovator interview, autism, adhd, diagnosis, community, conversational ai, workplace inclusion, personal growth, practicalai, accessible knowledge transfer without internet, voice-interface, learning, voice interface, spiky profiles, practical ai, assistive ai solutions, autistic innovation community, leadership, human-centered technology for adhd, neurodivergent superpower prompt engineering, practical ai tools for neurodiverse learners, building inclusive ai for autistic entrepreneurs, voice-first assistive technology for neurodiversity, ai for autistic self-starters and creators, belonging, growth, empowerment, ai for autism, neurodivergent ai solutions for workplace, neurodivergent leadership skills, late-diagnosis autism, teamwork, practical ai applications, ai technology, adhd entrepreneur advice, voice-first technology, knowledge, human-centered design, spark launch podcast, neurodiversity podcast interview, self-acceptance, one-size-fits-one, autism and technology, neurodivergent entrepreneur, assistive-technology, ai, inclusive learning, derek crager, workplace, inclusion, neurodiversity, adhd tools, accessible learning tools, ai certification trust, entrepreneur, accessibility, neurodivergent ai tools, knowledge accessibility tools, inclusive workplace technology, innovation, late diagnosis autism and adhd journey, accessible technology, knowledge transfer, one size fits one neurodivergent approach, assistive technology false full 18 2 64a4a57d-72df-4d8a-b9c0-44a0e73ca022 How Generational Trauma Shapes Your Life w/ Anu Dayal-Gulati Mike and Chaya sit down with Anu Dayal-Gulati, a certified ancestral healing practitioner, to explore how inherited emotional patterns can create subconscious blocks in our lives. Anu explains how everything from our relationships to our finances can be impacted by these generational traumas, including how they can uniquely affect neurodivergent minds, and provides practical tools to begin the healing process.

We Also Cover:

  • Identifying recurring emotional and situational patterns.
  • The intersection of generational trauma and neurodiversity.
  • The impact of childhood, parenting, and societal pressure.
  • Reclaiming personal power through healthy boundaries.
  • The true meaning of forgiveness for personal closure.
  • Healing practices like creating an ancestral altar and journaling.
  • Finding support and nurturance outside of family dynamics.
  • Anu’s journey from economist to ancestral healing.

Quotes:

"One of the ways in which the universe speaks to us is through patterns."

"Forgiveness is actually just letting go of the expectation that someone... is going to say sorry, going to make amends, going to recognize what you've gone through."

"When you cut your chains, you free yourself. When you cut your roots, you die."

About Anuradha Dayal-Gulati:

Anu Dayal-Gulati, Ph.D is an ancestral healing practitioner, certified flower essence therapist, and author of the book Heal Your Ancestral Roots: Release the Family Patterns That Hold You Back. She specializes in helping clients recognize and break deep-seated ancestral patterns to foster healing and reconnection with their personal energy. Combining her 15 years in finance and academia with a holistic, spiritual approach, Dr. Anu bridges analytical perspectives with intuitive emotional healing practices.

Dr. Anu has guided clients for over a decade, offering private sessions with customized flower essence blends, workshops, online courses, and speaking engagements that empower individuals to set boundaries, release limiting beliefs, and discover self-growth. Her compassionate and accessible approach has earned her international recognition.

Connect with Anu:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 3 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Anu Daya-Gulati, Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with Anu Dayal-Gulati, a certified ancestral healing practitioner, to explore how inherited emotional patterns can create subconscious blocks in our lives. Anu explains how everything from our relationships to our finances can be impacted by these generational traumas, including how they can uniquely affect neurodivergent minds, and provides practical tools to begin the healing process.

We Also Cover:

  • Identifying recurring emotional and situational patterns.
  • The intersection of generational trauma and neurodiversity.
  • The impact of childhood, parenting, and societal pressure.
  • Reclaiming personal power through healthy boundaries.
  • The true meaning of forgiveness for personal closure.
  • Healing practices like creating an ancestral altar and journaling.
  • Finding support and nurturance outside of family dynamics.
  • Anu’s journey from economist to ancestral healing.

Quotes:

"One of the ways in which the universe speaks to us is through patterns."

"Forgiveness is actually just letting go of the expectation that someone... is going to say sorry, going to make amends, going to recognize what you've gone through."

"When you cut your chains, you free yourself. When you cut your roots, you die."

About Anuradha Dayal-Gulati:

Anu Dayal-Gulati, Ph.D is an ancestral healing practitioner, certified flower essence therapist, and author of the book Heal Your Ancestral Roots: Release the Family Patterns That Hold You Back. She specializes in helping clients recognize and break deep-seated ancestral patterns to foster healing and reconnection with their personal energy. Combining her 15 years in finance and academia with a holistic, spiritual approach, Dr. Anu bridges analytical perspectives with intuitive emotional healing practices.

Dr. Anu has guided clients for over a decade, offering private sessions with customized flower essence blends, workshops, online courses, and speaking engagements that empower individuals to set boundaries, release limiting beliefs, and discover self-growth. Her compassionate and accessible approach has earned her international recognition.

Connect with Anu:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> How Generational Trauma Shapes Your Life w/ Anu Dayal-Gulati Anu Daya-Gulati, Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram 00:44:50 Mike and Chaya sit down with Anu Dayal-Gulati, a certified ancestral healing practitioner, to explore how inherited emotional patterns can create subconscious blocks in our lives. Anu explains how everything from our relationships to our finances can be impacted by these generational traumas, including how they can uniquely affect neurodivergent minds, and provides practical tools to begin the healing process. Mike and Chaya sit down with Anu Dayal-Gulati, a certified ancestral healing practitioner, to explore how inherited emotional patterns can create subconscious blocks in our lives. Anu explains how everything from our relationships to our finances can be impacted by these generational traumas, including how they can uniquely affect neurodivergent minds, and provides practical tools to begin the healing process. adhd and family trauma, generational trauma, setting boundaries, letting go of the past, ancestral trauma healing, mental wellness tips, family dynamics, self-help for trauma, reparenting yourself, emotional regulation for neurodivergent adults, personal growth, autism and generational patterns, what are flower essences, inner child healing, does trauma make adhd worse, healing for the black sheep of the family, mental health, feeling emotionally drained all the time, feeling stuck in a loop, subconscious blocks, ancestral healing, alternative healing methods, self-awareness, neurodivergent family scapegoat, breaking family patterns, why do i keep repeating the same mistakes, breaking cycles, neurodivergent stories, neuro-diversity, breaking cycles of family dysfunction, anu dayal-gulati, healing from family trauma, finding a neurodiversity-affirming therapist, inherited family trauma, burnout and generational trauma, emotional inheritance, is ancestral healing a real thing, reparenting, healing people-pleasing tendencies with adhd, why do i feel everything so deeply, spirituality, how to process grief as an autistic person, neurodivergent healing, inner confidence, personal transformation stories, inherited patterns, neuro-divergent podcast, how to set boundaries with family when you have adhd, what is ancestral healing, family patterns, overcoming family dysfunction, healing journey, how to heal generational trauma, healing ancestral trauma, setting healthy boundaries, spark launch podcast, building self-confidence, neurodivergent mental health, healing from the past, healing your inner child, healing childhood wounds, neurodiversity, inherited beliefs, forgiveness, releasing emotional baggage, how to explain neurodiversity to your family, developing self-compassion, healing your lineage, spiritual healing practices, family constellation therapy, somatic therapy for neurodivergent, reparenting yourself with autism, connecting with ancestors for guidance, flower essences, how to forgive family, spiritual awakening, what it's like being a neurodivergent parent, neuro-diverse false full 17 2 9422b3c4-ddde-4474-ada8-18f278526247 The Art of Being Kind to Yourself w/ Diana Stelin Mike and Chaya sit down with Diana Stelin, an award-winning artist, educator, TEDx speaker, and founder of The Plein-Air Art Academy. Diana shares her journey and expertise on the connection between art and emotional healing, explaining how anyone can use creativity to manage burnout, connect with their intuition, and foster better confidence.

We Also Cover:

  • Art therapy as an accessible tool for emotional expression.
  • The creativity inherent in neurodivergent individuals
  • The impact of childhood criticism on creativity and how to reclaim your inner artist.
  • The SPARK Method: Stay present, Pay attention, Allow play, Release the outcome, and be Kind to yourself.
  • Using creative outlets to navigate burnout, overwhelm, and life transitions.
  • Shifting from seeking external validation to cultivating internal worth.
  • Embracing accidents and imperfections.
  • How artistic expression connects us to our inner child.

Quotes:

  • "There's no such thing as mistakes in art. It's all a matter of what you turn it into... You can just switch and say there's no such thing as mistakes in life. It's all a matter of what you turn this into."
  • "The main modality of humankind is artistic expression in some way... forming your personality, all that is actually a form of artistic expression because you are taking experiences, things that happened, beliefs you've built, values you hold dear, and using it to build yourself, using it to transform yourself over time."
  • "The very first thing that they say to me is, 'I don't have a creative bone in my body.' ... And that phrase is almost like permission for them to be little kids again."

About Diana Stelin:

Diana Stelin is an award-winning educator, artist, and founder of The Plein-Air Art Academy, with degrees from Cornell and Boston University and a signature free-flowing painting style rooted in mindfulness and emotional expression. Her recent focus is on delivering transformative workshops for corporate teams, teens, and children, using her proprietary SPARK method to address burnout, support emotional growth, and guide participants through periods of transition. A former TEDx speaker, Diana shared her talk Creativity as Antidote to Burnout, highlighting the power of art to build resilience and help individuals reconnect with their inner clarity and sense of purpose. Her Coolidge Corner gallery serves as both a showcase for sustainability-driven art and a dynamic venue for youth programming, team-building events, and leadership retreats—helping kids, teens, and adults tap into creativity as a powerful tool for healing, connection, and personal transformation.

Connect with Diana:

Diana's TEDx Talk, "Creativity as an Antidote to Burnout": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCnQqpZlCS4

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 26 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Diana Stelin, Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with Diana Stelin, an award-winning artist, educator, TEDx speaker, and founder of The Plein-Air Art Academy. Diana shares her journey and expertise on the connection between art and emotional healing, explaining how anyone can use creativity to manage burnout, connect with their intuition, and foster better confidence.

We Also Cover:

  • Art therapy as an accessible tool for emotional expression.
  • The creativity inherent in neurodivergent individuals
  • The impact of childhood criticism on creativity and how to reclaim your inner artist.
  • The SPARK Method: Stay present, Pay attention, Allow play, Release the outcome, and be Kind to yourself.
  • Using creative outlets to navigate burnout, overwhelm, and life transitions.
  • Shifting from seeking external validation to cultivating internal worth.
  • Embracing accidents and imperfections.
  • How artistic expression connects us to our inner child.

Quotes:

  • "There's no such thing as mistakes in art. It's all a matter of what you turn it into... You can just switch and say there's no such thing as mistakes in life. It's all a matter of what you turn this into."
  • "The main modality of humankind is artistic expression in some way... forming your personality, all that is actually a form of artistic expression because you are taking experiences, things that happened, beliefs you've built, values you hold dear, and using it to build yourself, using it to transform yourself over time."
  • "The very first thing that they say to me is, 'I don't have a creative bone in my body.' ... And that phrase is almost like permission for them to be little kids again."

About Diana Stelin:

Diana Stelin is an award-winning educator, artist, and founder of The Plein-Air Art Academy, with degrees from Cornell and Boston University and a signature free-flowing painting style rooted in mindfulness and emotional expression. Her recent focus is on delivering transformative workshops for corporate teams, teens, and children, using her proprietary SPARK method to address burnout, support emotional growth, and guide participants through periods of transition. A former TEDx speaker, Diana shared her talk Creativity as Antidote to Burnout, highlighting the power of art to build resilience and help individuals reconnect with their inner clarity and sense of purpose. Her Coolidge Corner gallery serves as both a showcase for sustainability-driven art and a dynamic venue for youth programming, team-building events, and leadership retreats—helping kids, teens, and adults tap into creativity as a powerful tool for healing, connection, and personal transformation.

Connect with Diana:

Diana's TEDx Talk, "Creativity as an Antidote to Burnout": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCnQqpZlCS4

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> The Art of Being Kind to Yourself w/ Diana Stelin Diana Stelin, Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell 00:47:28 Mike and Chaya sit down with Diana Stelin, an award-winning artist, educator, TEDx speaker, and founder of The Plein-Air Art Academy. Diana shares her journey and expertise on the connection between art and emotional healing, explaining how anyone can use creativity to manage burnout, connect with their intuition, and foster better confidence. Mike and Chaya sit down with Diana Stelin, an award-winning artist, educator, TEDx speaker, and founder of The Plein-Air Art Academy. Diana shares her journey and expertise on the connection between art and emotional healing, explaining how anyone can use creativity to manage burnout, connect with their intuition, and foster better confidence. perfectionism, creative process, art for burnout, emotional healing, building confidence through artistic practice, creative mindset, self-love, spark, art for healing, spark launch podcast diana stelin, personal growth, build self-trust, mindfulness, stelin, mental wellness, layering, art therapy techniques for self-compassion, creative ways to manage burnout, self-compassion, dealing with burnout, how to be creative, managing stress, creative burnout, art and wellness, how to layer in art and life, emotional expression, art and mental health, mindfulness activities for creativity, self-trust, spark method, podcast, creative confidence, corporate wellness, using creativity to prevent burnout, how to build self-trust through art, intuition, art therapy, wellness, burnout, self-trust exercises, creativity, inner critic, unlock creativity, diana stelin spark method, artistic expression, art, the healing power of creative expression, diana stelin, reframing mistakes as features in art, art education, neurodiversity, what is the spark method for creativity, art as a tool for mindfulness, diana stelin interview, how to connect with your inner artist, strategies for overcoming childhood art criticism, using art for emotional healing, self-expression, healing, overcoming creative blocks and self-doubt false full 16 2 03593fc4-ddbb-44e8-af45-8103da235fd8 Accommodation vs. Integration: Why Your Neuro-inclusive Program Isn't Working w/ Gabriela Tardea Mike and Chaya sit down with neuro-inclusion consultant Gabriela Tardea to get practical about building workplaces where neurodivergent talent can thrive. From auditing culture and rewriting job descriptions to unlearning bias on teams, Gabriela breaks down how to bridge the gap between good intentions and real, embedded change.

We Also Cover:

  • Bridging intentions and actions with culture-first audits
  • Rewriting job descriptions with clear, skill-based language
  • Practical recruitment fixes
  • Communication clarity
  • Flexible policies that adapt to context vs. blanket mandates
  • US innovation vs. Nordic structure
  • Preventing burnout and supporting recovery with autonomy, fit, and energy-aligned roles
  • Unlearning neurotypical bias, integrating strengths, and raising manager readiness
  • Aligning roles to cognitive styles, tracking innovation metrics, and making small, sticky changes

Quotes:

  • “Workplaces are not just boxes filled with checklists… they need to be adapted depending on the people that you have.”
  • “We do not need extraordinary action to make some changes. We just need a shift in mindset.”
  • "It's not all about learning new things. Often it's about unlearning the biases that we have."

About Gabriela Tardea: 

Gabriela Tardea is a Senior Business Consultant and Neuroinclusion Advocate specializing in AI-driven HR strategies, knowledge management, and workplace equity. With certifications in HR Organizational Development and Neurodiversity Support, she pioneers frameworks for neuroinclusive leadership through her book Unlocking the Power of Neurodiversity with AiLA (2023). Her "Pendulum Lifestyle" model combats neurodivergent burnout by aligning work rhythms with cognitive needs. Gabriela advises Fortune 500 companies on psychological safety and mentors neurodivergent professionals through her Adaptive Career Labs. Key affiliations include the Neurodiversity Workplace Alliance and Global DEIB Council.

Connect with Gabriela:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 19 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Gabriela Tardea, Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with neuro-inclusion consultant Gabriela Tardea to get practical about building workplaces where neurodivergent talent can thrive. From auditing culture and rewriting job descriptions to unlearning bias on teams, Gabriela breaks down how to bridge the gap between good intentions and real, embedded change.

We Also Cover:

  • Bridging intentions and actions with culture-first audits
  • Rewriting job descriptions with clear, skill-based language
  • Practical recruitment fixes
  • Communication clarity
  • Flexible policies that adapt to context vs. blanket mandates
  • US innovation vs. Nordic structure
  • Preventing burnout and supporting recovery with autonomy, fit, and energy-aligned roles
  • Unlearning neurotypical bias, integrating strengths, and raising manager readiness
  • Aligning roles to cognitive styles, tracking innovation metrics, and making small, sticky changes

Quotes:

  • “Workplaces are not just boxes filled with checklists… they need to be adapted depending on the people that you have.”
  • “We do not need extraordinary action to make some changes. We just need a shift in mindset.”
  • "It's not all about learning new things. Often it's about unlearning the biases that we have."

About Gabriela Tardea: 

Gabriela Tardea is a Senior Business Consultant and Neuroinclusion Advocate specializing in AI-driven HR strategies, knowledge management, and workplace equity. With certifications in HR Organizational Development and Neurodiversity Support, she pioneers frameworks for neuroinclusive leadership through her book Unlocking the Power of Neurodiversity with AiLA (2023). Her "Pendulum Lifestyle" model combats neurodivergent burnout by aligning work rhythms with cognitive needs. Gabriela advises Fortune 500 companies on psychological safety and mentors neurodivergent professionals through her Adaptive Career Labs. Key affiliations include the Neurodiversity Workplace Alliance and Global DEIB Council.

Connect with Gabriela:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Accommodation vs. Integration: Why Your Neuro-inclusive Program Isn't Working w/ Gabriela Tardea Gabriela Tardea, Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram 01:03:23 Mike and Chaya sit down with neuro-inclusion consultant Gabriela Tardea to get practical about building workplaces where neurodivergent talent can thrive. From auditing culture and rewriting job descriptions to unlearning bias on teams, Gabriela breaks down how to bridge the gap between good intentions and real, embedded change. Mike and Chaya sit down with neuro-inclusion consultant Gabriela Tardea to get practical about building workplaces where neurodivergent talent can thrive. From auditing culture and rewriting job descriptions to unlearning bias on teams, Gabriela breaks down how to bridge the gap between good intentions and real, embedded change. what is neuro-inclusion consulting, hr policies, autism, adhd, culture, recruitment, retention, bias, workplace inclusion, job description audit for inclusion, improving retention of neurodivergent talent, neurodivergent talent, hr, accommodations, company culture, mindset, employee retention, mindset shift for inclusive leadership, unconscious bias, leadership, supporting neurodivergent employees, how to create a neuro-inclusive workplace, hiring, cultural differences in neurodiversity, creating psychological safety at work, auditing company culture for inclusion, neurodiversity in the workplace strategies, neurodiversity training for managers, burnout, neurodiversity consulting, bridging the gap between intention and action in dei, organizational culture, workplace audit, unlearning bias in the workplace, workplace accommodations, how to support employees with adhd at work, corporate inclusion, preventing burnout in neurodivergent staff, onboarding, neuro-inclusion, management, workplace, inclusion, neurodiversity, talent strategy, practical steps for workplace inclusion, psychological safety, accommodations for autistic employees, manager training, how to write inclusive job descriptions, inclusive job descriptions, recruitment process for neurodivergent candidates, employee burnout, inclusive workplace, neurodivergent support, accommodation vs integration in the workplace, inclusive hiring false full 15 2 27051f8c-7e8b-42bc-baf4-2935d5bb5b96 Self-Preservation Isn’t Selfish: ADHD and SUD w/ Lisa Modur Mike and Chaya sit down with Austin psychotherapist Lisa Modur to talk about misunderstood childhood ADHD, self‑stigma, perfectionism, and how “mom‑wine culture” became a coping tool before treatment and long‑term recovery reshaped her life, relationships, and parenting.

We Also Cover:

  • ADHD and specialized schooling
  • Feeling “less than,” comparison, and confidence erosion
  • Perfectionism, over‑planning, and early motherhood
  • Coping, trauma, and seeking help
  • Integrated treatment for ADHD, women’s trauma, and SUD
  • Scripts and self‑preservation
  • Parenting without stigma
  • Social media pressure vs. executive dysfunction skills
  • Women‑specific gaps like postpartum, menopause, sober living
  • Neuroplasticity timelines, relapse risk, and daily recovery practices

Quotes:

  • "Emotionally, you're constantly thinking that you're behind, that you are less than. That you're not good enough to be able to keep up with what society tells you is the norm."
  • “This is something that really began in my 40s. Immediate stress, immediate glass of wine, because that would rein in any sense of panic that I had over any situation. And so it was my go-to. It seemed perfectly fine because all of my friends were having wine at lunch."
  • “With ADHD, we're thinking about how to respond and whether or not we're going to be shamed for the response, whether it's worthy of our voice, because we've always been told to be quiet.”

About Lisa Modur:

Lisa specializes in the treatment of women, complex trauma, substance use disorder, and process addictions. Her approach is client-centered for providers and patients to help individuals and their families find solutions during moments of need. Lisa has over two decades of experience working with hospitals, physicians, mental health professionals, veteran organizations, and EAPs.

Lisa attended Colorado Christian University for her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a graduate psychotherapy intern with Austin Oaks Hospital’s Women’s Wellness Program as well. She is certified in behavioral health crisis intervention, a certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist, and a certified Clinical Mental Health Coach.

Lisa is a member of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, the American Mental Health Counselors Association, American Group Psychotherapy Association, the American Counseling Association, Chi Sigma Iota, Chi Omega, and the American Association of Christian Counselors. Outside of work, Lisa volunteers in the Austin women’s recovery community obsesses over her dogs and is a staunch UT Longhorns fan with two Longhorns of her own out of her three teenagers, Hook'Em!

Connect with Lisa:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 12 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Lisa Modur, Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with Austin psychotherapist Lisa Modur to talk about misunderstood childhood ADHD, self‑stigma, perfectionism, and how “mom‑wine culture” became a coping tool before treatment and long‑term recovery reshaped her life, relationships, and parenting.

We Also Cover:

  • ADHD and specialized schooling
  • Feeling “less than,” comparison, and confidence erosion
  • Perfectionism, over‑planning, and early motherhood
  • Coping, trauma, and seeking help
  • Integrated treatment for ADHD, women’s trauma, and SUD
  • Scripts and self‑preservation
  • Parenting without stigma
  • Social media pressure vs. executive dysfunction skills
  • Women‑specific gaps like postpartum, menopause, sober living
  • Neuroplasticity timelines, relapse risk, and daily recovery practices

Quotes:

  • "Emotionally, you're constantly thinking that you're behind, that you are less than. That you're not good enough to be able to keep up with what society tells you is the norm."
  • “This is something that really began in my 40s. Immediate stress, immediate glass of wine, because that would rein in any sense of panic that I had over any situation. And so it was my go-to. It seemed perfectly fine because all of my friends were having wine at lunch."
  • “With ADHD, we're thinking about how to respond and whether or not we're going to be shamed for the response, whether it's worthy of our voice, because we've always been told to be quiet.”

About Lisa Modur:

Lisa specializes in the treatment of women, complex trauma, substance use disorder, and process addictions. Her approach is client-centered for providers and patients to help individuals and their families find solutions during moments of need. Lisa has over two decades of experience working with hospitals, physicians, mental health professionals, veteran organizations, and EAPs.

Lisa attended Colorado Christian University for her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a graduate psychotherapy intern with Austin Oaks Hospital’s Women’s Wellness Program as well. She is certified in behavioral health crisis intervention, a certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist, and a certified Clinical Mental Health Coach.

Lisa is a member of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, the American Mental Health Counselors Association, American Group Psychotherapy Association, the American Counseling Association, Chi Sigma Iota, Chi Omega, and the American Association of Christian Counselors. Outside of work, Lisa volunteers in the Austin women’s recovery community obsesses over her dogs and is a staunch UT Longhorns fan with two Longhorns of her own out of her three teenagers, Hook'Em!

Connect with Lisa:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Self-Preservation Isn’t Selfish: ADHD and SUD w/ Lisa Modur Lisa Modur, Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell 00:46:06 Mike and Chaya sit down with Austin psychotherapist Lisa Modur to talk about misunderstood childhood ADHD, self‑stigma, perfectionism, and how “mom‑wine culture” became a coping tool before treatment and long‑term recovery reshaped her life, relationships, and parenting. Mike and Chaya sit down with Austin psychotherapist Lisa Modur to talk about misunderstood childhood ADHD, self‑stigma, perfectionism, and how “mom‑wine culture” became a coping tool before treatment and long‑term recovery reshaped her life, relationships, and parenting. authentic living autism, boundary scripts, adhd women, intuitive processing, leaving the room to reset, adhd in adults, treatment, integrated adhd and trauma treatment, adhd, community, emotional literacy, therapy, relapse prevention, recovery, social media, women’s sober living homes, sud, mirror journaling, intuitive processing and boundaries, trauma, women need women in sobriety, social media pressure vs reality, stigma, sober living, long‑term recovery, meetings, executive, mirror journaling for honesty, coping, self‑preservation as a practice, self‑preservation, sponsor, coping tools, menopause hormones and sud, intuition, women’s trauma, substance recovery, austin, spirituality, mom‑wine culture and adhd, neuroplasticity 18–24 months healing, postpartum and substance use, sobriety, motherhood, women sponsors, scripts for healthy boundaries, faith‑based recovery support for women, resilience, dysfunction, austin oaks hospital, relapse, executive dysfunction daily skills, neuroplasticity, 12‑step sponsor and meetings, boundaries, austin therapist, mom‑wine culture, recovery community after treatment, treatment gaps, women, how to ask for help therapy, recovery community, adhd in women and recovery, executive dysfunction, austin therapist for women’s sud, spiritual awakening false full 14 2 198915b0-4064-4f48-8980-b99d559824e0 Beyond Borders: A Cross-Cultural Look at Neurodiversity w/ Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves, a child psychologist and EAP specialist, to discuss the nuances of neurodiversity and mental health from a cross-cultural perspective between India and the United States. Dr. Gonsalves shares her experiences with the state of ADHD awareness in India, how patriarchal norms affect diagnosis in boys and girls, and why she believes parental counseling is more critical now than ever.

We Also Cover:

  • Why using simple, accessible language is key to destigmatizing neurodiversity.
  • The societal pressures that discourage men from expressing vulnerability and seeking mental health support.
  • The importance of integrating mental health education and self-love practices into school curriculums.
  • The conflict many adults face between a high-paying job and their true passions.
  • Actionable strategies for making mental health services more accessible, especially in rural communities.
  • The concept of "brain diversity" as a tool for reframing the conversation around neurodivergence.

Quotes:

  • "The world is designed for average people. Anything above or below it is... you don't fit. So if you don't fit, then make your own world."
  • "People only talk about the problem. But to understand the problem, you need basic common-man language."
  • "Parents need more of counseling today compared to children. Children are ready to change."

About Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves:

Dr. Gonsalves has dedicated her career to understanding and facilitating child development through innovative therapeutic practices. Currently, she serves as the Director of Child Psychology Services at The Institute for Child Development and Play Therapy and as a Senior Play Therapist at the Child Mind Institute. She also consults for UNICEF, assisting in the development of child welfare programs. Her research focuses on the impact of play therapy on childhood trauma and emotional expression, with numerous publications in prestigious journals. Dr. Gonsalves is actively involved in public speaking, conducting workshops, and mentoring aspiring psychologists. She's a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the National Association for Play Therapy (NAPT), and an advisor for the Child Psychology and Play Therapy Network. Away from work, Dr. Gonsalves enjoys writing, traveling, and exploring different cultures, which enriches her professional insights.

Connect with Pritika:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 5 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Pritika Bernice Gonsalves, Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves, a child psychologist and EAP specialist, to discuss the nuances of neurodiversity and mental health from a cross-cultural perspective between India and the United States. Dr. Gonsalves shares her experiences with the state of ADHD awareness in India, how patriarchal norms affect diagnosis in boys and girls, and why she believes parental counseling is more critical now than ever.

We Also Cover:

  • Why using simple, accessible language is key to destigmatizing neurodiversity.
  • The societal pressures that discourage men from expressing vulnerability and seeking mental health support.
  • The importance of integrating mental health education and self-love practices into school curriculums.
  • The conflict many adults face between a high-paying job and their true passions.
  • Actionable strategies for making mental health services more accessible, especially in rural communities.
  • The concept of "brain diversity" as a tool for reframing the conversation around neurodivergence.

Quotes:

  • "The world is designed for average people. Anything above or below it is... you don't fit. So if you don't fit, then make your own world."
  • "People only talk about the problem. But to understand the problem, you need basic common-man language."
  • "Parents need more of counseling today compared to children. Children are ready to change."

About Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves:

Dr. Gonsalves has dedicated her career to understanding and facilitating child development through innovative therapeutic practices. Currently, she serves as the Director of Child Psychology Services at The Institute for Child Development and Play Therapy and as a Senior Play Therapist at the Child Mind Institute. She also consults for UNICEF, assisting in the development of child welfare programs. Her research focuses on the impact of play therapy on childhood trauma and emotional expression, with numerous publications in prestigious journals. Dr. Gonsalves is actively involved in public speaking, conducting workshops, and mentoring aspiring psychologists. She's a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the National Association for Play Therapy (NAPT), and an advisor for the Child Psychology and Play Therapy Network. Away from work, Dr. Gonsalves enjoys writing, traveling, and exploring different cultures, which enriches her professional insights.

Connect with Pritika:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Beyond Borders: A Cross-Cultural Look at Neurodiversity w/ Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves Pritika Bernice Gonsalves, Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram 00:37:49 Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves, a child psychologist and EAP specialist, to discuss the nuances of neurodiversity and mental health from a cross-cultural perspective between India and the United States. Dr. Gonsalves shares her experiences with the state of ADHD awareness in India, how patriarchal norms affect diagnosis in boys and girls, and why she believes parental counseling is more critical now than ever. Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves, a child psychologist and EAP specialist, to discuss the nuances of neurodiversity and mental health from a cross-cultural perspective between India and the United States. Dr. Gonsalves shares her experiences with the state of ADHD awareness in India, how patriarchal norms affect diagnosis in boys and girls, and why she believes parental counseling is more critical now than ever. societal pressure, parenting neurodivergent children, mental health support, adhd, culture, career, diagnosis, mental health in schools, family dynamics, self-love, therapy, how to practice self-love and set boundaries with adhd, mental health, mental health stigma, the role of play therapy in child development, how does culture affect adhd diagnosis in india?, positive psychology, neurodivergent children, neurodivergence in india, adhd in india, parental counseling, career fulfillment, career fulfillment, mental health accessibility, stigma, strategies to reduce mental health stigma in schools, educational reform, educational reform, making mental health services affordable and accessible, cultural impact on mental health, emotional expression, eap psychologist, men's mental health, finding a career path that aligns with your true passion, mental health awareness, challenges for men with emotional expression in india, early intervention, depression, neurodivergent, family, adhd support, brain diversity, neurodiversity acceptance in the workplace and in schools, cultural perspectives, gender and diagnosis, cross-cultural psychology, play therapy, neurodiversity in asia, youth mental health, mental health support systems in india vs the us, global mental health, adhd in girls, psychology, simple ways to explain neurodiversity to friends and family, acceptance, education, empathetic parenting, behavior, child psychology, how to talk to children about mental health and feelings, neurodiversity acceptance, adhd awareness, neurodiversity, mental health services accessibility, emotional intelligence, destigmatizing mental health, parenting, child psychology, empathy, finding purpose, finding purpose, empathetic parenting, support systems, cross-cultural mental health, child development, anxiety, india, neurodiversity in the workplace, the importance of empathy in family relationships, awareness, us, adhd diagnosis, why is parental counseling important for neurodivergent kids?, psychology podcast, understanding gender bias in neurodiversity diagnosis false full 13 2 4ffeef6b-67bb-4642-a776-75046c2109b3 Every Brain Belongs: Teaching The Twice-Exceptional w/ Mandi Davis Skerbetz Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Mandi Davis Skerbetz, co-founder of Sage School of Dallas, who has dedicated her career to reshaping how we support neurodivergent and twice-exceptional students. Dr. Skerbetz shares how she identified gaps in public, private, and charter institutions, the hard reality for parents forced to pick between academic or emotional support, and reveals how Sage is rewriting what an effective, compassionate school can be when it’s built for the kids who don’t fit anywhere else.

We Also Cover:

  • Why “gifted” doesn’t guarantee success without the right support
  • The concept of Consequence Choice
  • How Sage addresses social, emotional, and academic needs
  • Why classrooms shouldn’t look like “traditional schools” anymore
  • Tips for parents advocating for their children in non-inclusive systems
  • Why busywork and rote memorization fail neurodivergent learners—and what to do instead
  • The balance between freedom and structure in a 2e-focused classroom
  • The connection between executive functioning skills and long-term career readiness
  • How to foster authentic friendships versus just peer connections for neurodivergent students
  • How Mandi’s theory of “consequence choice” builds buy-in and confidence
  • The role of curiosity, connection, and inclusion in transforming education

Quotes:

  • "I want a parent to drop their kid off and know they’re getting everything they need in the same day."
  • "Kids do not need to memorize. I don't care who they are, I don't care if they're gifted, I don't care if they have a 'lower IQ.' You can Google anything. We need critical thinking skills."
  • "For kids that are super smart, super gifted, but have social emotional challenges, it's like, 'They're smart, they'll be fine.' And no, it doesn't work that way."

About Dr. Mandi Davis Skerbetz:

For over 20 years Mandi has worked in the field of special education including being a special education and gifted teacher. Neurodiverse students and their families have been at the heart of everything Mandi has done throughout her career. It has been her dream to have a school where students' strengths are truly enhanced and needs supported for long-term success and achievement. Dr. Skerbetz has worked in various roles at public, charter, and private schools in Dallas, TX and Pittsburgh, PA. She has taught and mentored students in the field of Special Education at Carnegie Mellon University, Johns Hopkins University, Southern Methodist University, and University of Pittsburgh.

Connect with Dr. Skerbetz:

 

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, Mandi Davis Skerbetz) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Mandi Davis Skerbetz, co-founder of Sage School of Dallas, who has dedicated her career to reshaping how we support neurodivergent and twice-exceptional students. Dr. Skerbetz shares how she identified gaps in public, private, and charter institutions, the hard reality for parents forced to pick between academic or emotional support, and reveals how Sage is rewriting what an effective, compassionate school can be when it’s built for the kids who don’t fit anywhere else.

We Also Cover:

  • Why “gifted” doesn’t guarantee success without the right support
  • The concept of Consequence Choice
  • How Sage addresses social, emotional, and academic needs
  • Why classrooms shouldn’t look like “traditional schools” anymore
  • Tips for parents advocating for their children in non-inclusive systems
  • Why busywork and rote memorization fail neurodivergent learners—and what to do instead
  • The balance between freedom and structure in a 2e-focused classroom
  • The connection between executive functioning skills and long-term career readiness
  • How to foster authentic friendships versus just peer connections for neurodivergent students
  • How Mandi’s theory of “consequence choice” builds buy-in and confidence
  • The role of curiosity, connection, and inclusion in transforming education

Quotes:

  • "I want a parent to drop their kid off and know they’re getting everything they need in the same day."
  • "Kids do not need to memorize. I don't care who they are, I don't care if they're gifted, I don't care if they have a 'lower IQ.' You can Google anything. We need critical thinking skills."
  • "For kids that are super smart, super gifted, but have social emotional challenges, it's like, 'They're smart, they'll be fine.' And no, it doesn't work that way."

About Dr. Mandi Davis Skerbetz:

For over 20 years Mandi has worked in the field of special education including being a special education and gifted teacher. Neurodiverse students and their families have been at the heart of everything Mandi has done throughout her career. It has been her dream to have a school where students' strengths are truly enhanced and needs supported for long-term success and achievement. Dr. Skerbetz has worked in various roles at public, charter, and private schools in Dallas, TX and Pittsburgh, PA. She has taught and mentored students in the field of Special Education at Carnegie Mellon University, Johns Hopkins University, Southern Methodist University, and University of Pittsburgh.

Connect with Dr. Skerbetz:

 

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Every Brain Belongs: Teaching The Twice-Exceptional w/ Mandi Davis Skerbetz Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, Mandi Davis Skerbetz 00:53:20 Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Mandi Davis Skerbetz, co-founder of Sage School of Dallas, who has dedicated her career to reshaping how we support neurodivergent and twice-exceptional students. Dr. Skerbetz shares how she identified gaps in public, private, and charter institutions, the hard reality for parents forced to pick between academic or emotional support, and reveals how Sage is rewriting what an effective, compassionate school can be when it’s built for the kids who don’t fit anywhere else. Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Mandi Davis Skerbetz, co-founder of Sage School of Dallas, who has dedicated her career to reshaping how we support neurodivergent and twice-exceptional students. Dr. Skerbetz shares how she identified gaps in public, private, and charter institutions, the hard reality for parents forced to pick between academic or emotional support, and reveals how Sage is rewriting what an effective, compassionate school can be when it’s built for the kids who don’t fit anywhere else. universal design for learning, emotional inclusion, how curiosity and personalization improve learning outcomes, curiosity-based education, inclusive education, structured flexibility, twice-exceptional academic strategies, critical thinking classrooms, why traditional schools fail neurodivergent learners., neurodivergent classrooms., emotional learning models, executive functioning, sensory-friendly learning, rethinking traditional classrooms for 2e kids, how to build twice-exceptional support in schools, sensory-friendly teaching, project-based learning for emotional growth, building freedom and structure in classrooms, fostering long-term resilience in neurodivergent learners., how to support twice-exceptional students in education, mandi davis skerbetz, neurodiverse education methods, 2e learners, twice exceptional, neurodivergence support, how to balance academics and emotional support for neurodivergent kids, project-based learning, neurodivergent learners, critical thinkers' classrooms, autism-friendly schools, consequence choice, freedom and structure., mandi davis skerbetz., neurodivergent students, supporting kids with adhd and anxiety through flexible learning, strategies to support twice-exceptional learners, adhd inclusion, executive function support, how structured freedom drives academic growth, academic belonging, curiosity-driven learning, sage school of dallas, adhd-friendly classrooms, designing sensory-friendly education spaces, emotional regulation, emotional regulation in adhd-friendly schools, adhd learning strategies, 2e education, why “gifted” kids still need specialized schools, building belonging in education., adhd classrooms, project-based learning for social-emotional growth, rethinking classrooms for neurodivergent kids, neurodivergent education, why “gifted” learners struggle without the right support, twice-exceptional learners, strategies for engaging sensory-friendly education, creating school environments for kids with adhd and dyslexia, sage school integration, sage school dallas, sensory needs in classrooms., misfit toy school false full 12 2 5798fc72-142b-4fb4-912d-51ac8979ff09 Parenting Through the Courts: Special Needs, Divorce, and Justice w/ Dr. Margaret 'Pegi' Price Chaya and Mike speak with Dr. Margaret “Pegi” Price, a distinguished professor, legal expert, and program director at National University, about her journey blending personal experience as a parent with her career in family law. Dr. Price shares some eye-opening insights from her book, The Special Needs Child and Divorce, and explains how small changes in legislation and legal practices can make a huge impact for families navigating these challenges.

We Also Cover:

  • Best practices for individualized parenting plans.
  • How transformative mediation elevates cooperation.
  • Addressing gaps in family court systems for unique needs.
  • Navigating the emotional landscape of divorce.
  • Crisis planning and lessons learned post-pandemic.
  • The importance of consistent routines for neurodivergent children.
  • Strategies for navigating special needs legislation at the state level.
  • How emotional burnout in parents impacts child development and legal outcomes.
  • The disparity in parental decision-making across different cases.
  • Integrating dispute resolution into long-term support plans for families.

Quotes:

  • “Parenting ability has nothing to do with gender. Moms aren't always the best parent. Dads aren't always the best parent. It's the individual who prioritizes their child's needs that is a good parent.”
  • “Children tend to blame themselves when their parents divorce. They think it was their fault. Now, consider an intelligent child with special needs. That child would have that guilt magnified because they'd think, 'Oh, I was too much trouble.'”
  • “A person who is neurodiverse might struggle with transitions and parenting plans often have cookie cutter schedule where the child is with mom every Monday and Tuesday, with dad every Wednesday and Thursday, and then they alternate the long weekends. Would you like to be living out of a suitcase like that for years?”

About Dr. Margaret “Pegi” Price:

Dr. Margaret 'Pegi' Price is a distinguished Professor and Academic Program Director with over 25 years of experience in higher education, specializing in public administration, law, and dispute resolution. She currently serves as the Academic Program Director for the Master of Public Administration at National University in San Diego, California. Dr. Price's diverse background includes a successful legal career spanning civil trial work and prosecution, as well as extensive academic leadership at colleges and universities across the Midwest. She is a recipient of the prestigious National Teacher of the Year award (1992) and is a member of the Missouri Bar and Mensa. Her academic credentials include a Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida, where she was a Senior Editor of the Law Review and achieved the first perfect score in the Law Review's annual writing competition. She also holds a B.A. in History from the University of North Florida. In addition to her legal and academic pursuits, Dr. Price is an accomplished author, with her notable book Divorce and the Special Needs Child: A Guide for Parents (2010) published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Her scholarly articles focus on complex issues surrounding family law, special needs children, mental health, and divorce, often collaborating with renowned researchers like J. Hamlin and N. Golden. Her expertise in special needs law, especially as it relates to families and divorce, has led her to speak extensively at national and international legal conferences. She is recognized for her insight into the unique challenges faced by families with special needs children, and her work aims to improve judicial understanding and outcomes in these complex cases.

Connect with Dr. Price:

Learn More about National University:

Further Reading and Resources:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 22 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, Dr. Margaret Price) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Chaya and Mike speak with Dr. Margaret “Pegi” Price, a distinguished professor, legal expert, and program director at National University, about her journey blending personal experience as a parent with her career in family law. Dr. Price shares some eye-opening insights from her book, The Special Needs Child and Divorce, and explains how small changes in legislation and legal practices can make a huge impact for families navigating these challenges.

We Also Cover:

  • Best practices for individualized parenting plans.
  • How transformative mediation elevates cooperation.
  • Addressing gaps in family court systems for unique needs.
  • Navigating the emotional landscape of divorce.
  • Crisis planning and lessons learned post-pandemic.
  • The importance of consistent routines for neurodivergent children.
  • Strategies for navigating special needs legislation at the state level.
  • How emotional burnout in parents impacts child development and legal outcomes.
  • The disparity in parental decision-making across different cases.
  • Integrating dispute resolution into long-term support plans for families.

Quotes:

  • “Parenting ability has nothing to do with gender. Moms aren't always the best parent. Dads aren't always the best parent. It's the individual who prioritizes their child's needs that is a good parent.”
  • “Children tend to blame themselves when their parents divorce. They think it was their fault. Now, consider an intelligent child with special needs. That child would have that guilt magnified because they'd think, 'Oh, I was too much trouble.'”
  • “A person who is neurodiverse might struggle with transitions and parenting plans often have cookie cutter schedule where the child is with mom every Monday and Tuesday, with dad every Wednesday and Thursday, and then they alternate the long weekends. Would you like to be living out of a suitcase like that for years?”

About Dr. Margaret “Pegi” Price:

Dr. Margaret 'Pegi' Price is a distinguished Professor and Academic Program Director with over 25 years of experience in higher education, specializing in public administration, law, and dispute resolution. She currently serves as the Academic Program Director for the Master of Public Administration at National University in San Diego, California. Dr. Price's diverse background includes a successful legal career spanning civil trial work and prosecution, as well as extensive academic leadership at colleges and universities across the Midwest. She is a recipient of the prestigious National Teacher of the Year award (1992) and is a member of the Missouri Bar and Mensa. Her academic credentials include a Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida, where she was a Senior Editor of the Law Review and achieved the first perfect score in the Law Review's annual writing competition. She also holds a B.A. in History from the University of North Florida. In addition to her legal and academic pursuits, Dr. Price is an accomplished author, with her notable book Divorce and the Special Needs Child: A Guide for Parents (2010) published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Her scholarly articles focus on complex issues surrounding family law, special needs children, mental health, and divorce, often collaborating with renowned researchers like J. Hamlin and N. Golden. Her expertise in special needs law, especially as it relates to families and divorce, has led her to speak extensively at national and international legal conferences. She is recognized for her insight into the unique challenges faced by families with special needs children, and her work aims to improve judicial understanding and outcomes in these complex cases.

Connect with Dr. Price:

Learn More about National University:

Further Reading and Resources:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Parenting Through the Courts: Special Needs, Divorce, and Justice w/ Dr. Margaret 'Pegi' Price Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, Dr. Margaret Price 00:56:05 Chaya and Mike speak with Dr. Margaret “Pegi” Price, a distinguished professor, legal expert, and program director at National University, about her journey blending personal experience as a parent with her career in family law. Dr. Price shares some eye-opening insights from her book, The Special Needs Child and Divorce, and explains how small changes in legislation and legal practices can make a huge impact for families navigating these challenges. Chaya and Mike speak with Dr. Margaret “Pegi” Price, a distinguished professor, legal expert, and program director at National University, about her journey blending personal experience as a parent with her career in family law. Dr. Price shares some eye-opening insights from her book, The Special Needs Child and Divorce, and explains how small changes in legislation and legal practices can make a huge impact for families navigating these challenges. effective parenting plans, self-discovery., adhd, healing trauma, court solutions for families, parenting with compassion, compassion, creative healing, therapy, family courts reform, attachment styles, attachment, neurodiverse entrepreneurs, coping with anxiety, mindfulness, emotional resilience in families, entrepreneurship, adhd treatment, special needs children, mental health, parental rights advocacy, mental resilience, legal tools for families, trauma, legal mediation for families, equitable court decisions, special needs guide for lawyers, attorney advice for parents, navigating family courts, creative outlets, attachment disorders, special needs advocacy, self-awareness techniques., neurodivergent, creativity, family law, child custody and special needs, autism and family law, protecting children in divorce., resilience, divorce parenting plans, neurodiverse parenting, divorce adjustments for special needs, neurodiversity support, caregiving for neurodivergent children, crisis planning for families, special needs resources, advocacy in divorce, neurodiversity, child support reform, customized parenting plans, family law innovations, family law education, trauma therapy, educational resources for lawyers, family mental health, finding purpose, transformative mediation, co-parenting neurodiverse kids, motivation, anxiety, parental burnout solutions, legal system and neurodivergence, inclusive family court practices, joint custody solutions, healing, parenting through courts, legal justice for neurodivergent false full 11 2 ed6ed23b-abaf-45e3-ac3a-195653c30384 Restless Minds, Clear Patterns w/ Priya Chanduraj Mike and Chaya sit down with Priya Chanduraj, the founder and CEO of FinTeam One, who discusses how her ADHD became an asset in the world of finance. Priya shares her experience of being a "challenged child" in India and how discovering her passion for economics allowed her to excel, and the freedom that comes from finding what you're good at.

We Also Cover:

  • The chaos of social dynamics for a neurodivergent kid
  • Navigating neurodivergence without a diagnosis
  • How circadian rhythms can differ for those with ADHD
  • Defying traditional career expectations
  • Finding peace and purpose outside the norm
  • What it's like when your brain is more productive at 2 AM
  • Finding the confidence to build a business that is unapologetically you
  • The power of seeing the world through a different lens

Quotes:

  • "I don't think the term ADHD even existed while we were growing up, so you were just a challenged child... they were like, oh, my child is a little bit disarray. They don't listen. They don't behave. You know? And I think our parents dealt with it very differently."
  • "I needed a lot more confidence. I also think I needed the strength to accept me and not be shy and hide. Because my brain just processes the world very differently and I didn't know that. I couldn't embrace it, and I think that's what I would tell anyone. It doesn't matter if they're neurodivergent or not, to be honest. Just accept the world the way you see the world is so important."
  • "And economics something about taking economics really just helped me. It was the patterns. It was the structure."

About Priya Chanduraj:

Priya Chanduraj is a visionary finance leader, transformational executive, and advocate for workplace well-being. With over 20 years of experience, she founded and is CEO of FinTeam One, an outsourced financial services firm that provides clarity and operational excellence to small and midsize businesses. Priya's innovative approach to building intuitive financial infrastructures transforms complexity into clarity, enabling sustainable growth. Her ability to blend financial acumen with systems thinking comes from living with ADHD. Leveraging her neurodivergent perspective, Priya has built cash flow forecasting models, investor readiness playbooks, and decision-making frameworks used by Fortune 500 companies, private-equity-backed firms, and high-growth startups. Her work highlights how neurodivergence can be a superpower in solving complex challenges, connecting dots, and creating scalable solutions. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Priya serves on boards and committees for education, social impact, and finance leadership, including as President of Financial Executives International (FEI) Boston, a Board of Trustees member at Regis College, and an Advisory and Finance Committee Member for The Salvation Army Greater Boston. Priya also advocates for mental health and workplace inclusivity, integrating well-being into her leadership philosophy.

Connect with Priya:

 

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 15 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell, Priya Chanduraj) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with Priya Chanduraj, the founder and CEO of FinTeam One, who discusses how her ADHD became an asset in the world of finance. Priya shares her experience of being a "challenged child" in India and how discovering her passion for economics allowed her to excel, and the freedom that comes from finding what you're good at.

We Also Cover:

  • The chaos of social dynamics for a neurodivergent kid
  • Navigating neurodivergence without a diagnosis
  • How circadian rhythms can differ for those with ADHD
  • Defying traditional career expectations
  • Finding peace and purpose outside the norm
  • What it's like when your brain is more productive at 2 AM
  • Finding the confidence to build a business that is unapologetically you
  • The power of seeing the world through a different lens

Quotes:

  • "I don't think the term ADHD even existed while we were growing up, so you were just a challenged child... they were like, oh, my child is a little bit disarray. They don't listen. They don't behave. You know? And I think our parents dealt with it very differently."
  • "I needed a lot more confidence. I also think I needed the strength to accept me and not be shy and hide. Because my brain just processes the world very differently and I didn't know that. I couldn't embrace it, and I think that's what I would tell anyone. It doesn't matter if they're neurodivergent or not, to be honest. Just accept the world the way you see the world is so important."
  • "And economics something about taking economics really just helped me. It was the patterns. It was the structure."

About Priya Chanduraj:

Priya Chanduraj is a visionary finance leader, transformational executive, and advocate for workplace well-being. With over 20 years of experience, she founded and is CEO of FinTeam One, an outsourced financial services firm that provides clarity and operational excellence to small and midsize businesses. Priya's innovative approach to building intuitive financial infrastructures transforms complexity into clarity, enabling sustainable growth. Her ability to blend financial acumen with systems thinking comes from living with ADHD. Leveraging her neurodivergent perspective, Priya has built cash flow forecasting models, investor readiness playbooks, and decision-making frameworks used by Fortune 500 companies, private-equity-backed firms, and high-growth startups. Her work highlights how neurodivergence can be a superpower in solving complex challenges, connecting dots, and creating scalable solutions. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Priya serves on boards and committees for education, social impact, and finance leadership, including as President of Financial Executives International (FEI) Boston, a Board of Trustees member at Regis College, and an Advisory and Finance Committee Member for The Salvation Army Greater Boston. Priya also advocates for mental health and workplace inclusivity, integrating well-being into her leadership philosophy.

Connect with Priya:

 

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Restless Minds, Clear Patterns w/ Priya Chanduraj Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell, Priya Chanduraj 00:54:27 Mike and Chaya sit down with Priya Chanduraj, the founder and CEO of FinTeam One, who discusses how her ADHD became an asset in the world of finance. Priya shares her experience of being a "challenged child" in India and how discovering her passion for economics allowed her to excel. She talks about the freedom of finding what you're good at and how her unique way of seeing the world helps her identify patterns and solutions that others often overlook. Mike and Chaya sit down with Priya Chanduraj, the founder and CEO of FinTeam One, who discusses how her ADHD became an asset in the world of finance. Priya shares her experience of being a "challenged child" in India and how discovering her passion for economics allowed her to excel. She talks about the freedom of finding what you're good at and how her unique way of seeing the world helps her identify patterns and solutions that others often overlook. managing finances with adhd, how to turn adhd into a superpower, creative problem-solving, corporate finance careers, adhd, creative problem-solving techniques for entrepreneurs, personal development for neurodivergent professionals, business, overcoming imposter syndrome with adhd, entrepreneurship, success, starting a business with neurodiversity, mindset, burnout prevention for neurodivergent leaders, thriving with adhd, leadership, mental health support for entrepreneurs, podcast, professional development, vulnerability, adhd superpower, adhd in women, burnout, creativity, self-acceptance journey, financial wellness tips for adhd, building a supportive workplace for neurodiversity, self-acceptance, emotional regulation, neurodivergent entrepreneur, neurodivergent leadership strategies, executive function, finance, innovation and creativity in business, neurodiversity, building a business, mental-health, navigating corporate culture with adhd, self-acceptance and mental health for entrepreneurs, career growth, how to find your passion with neurodiversity, innovation, financial wellness, neurodiversity in the workplace, financial leadership false full 10 2 60e43a79-dfd8-4a3f-9e53-47ebf5ffc1ab Knowing Your Why: Capacity is Key w/ Jane Singleton Mike and Chaya sit down with Jane Singleton, a learning specialist, executive coach, and founder of Launchpad for Life. With over a decade of experience in education, Jane shares how her early experiences advocating for people with disabilities ignited her passion for helping neurodivergent individuals thrive. She discusses the gaps in traditional schooling, the importance of effective communication, and the transformative power of understanding your own cognitive profile to build sustainable habit change.

We Also Cover

  • Why understanding a child’s cognitive characteristics matters more than focusing on a label.
  • The historical context and societal biases in special education and learning support.
  • The importance of universal design for learning and making accommodations accessible for everyone.
  • How societal stigma around neurodiversity leads to miscommunication and missed opportunities.
  • Why knowing the “why” is crucial for motivation, especially for neurodivergent individuals.
  • The danger of making assumptions about what others know in relationships and the workplace.
  • How to model healthy emotional regulation and boundary setting as an adult.
  • The connection between passive decision-making and missed opportunities for growth.
  • Why teaching decision-making frameworks is essential for independence in teenagers.
  • The importance of networking and building connections for success beyond grades.
  • Why unrealistic goals and fear of failure hinder motivation and self-discovery.

Quotes:

  • "It's really not the label, it's those cognitive characteristics. What's your work memory, processing speed? It's as much of the label as really understanding how your brain works"
  • "Can you really be cognitive efficient if you are not aware and accepting of your weaknesses?"
  • "Our capacity is limited... Emotional things and cognitive tasks drain from the same bucket, and I think people forget that."

About Jane Singleton:

Jane has over 13 years experience as an educational leader, learning specialist and collaborative work with clinical psychologists has given her a unique understanding of cognitive and emotional profiles. She is the founder and executive coach at Launchpad for life, LLC and helps clients build awareness around strengths and areas of growth. She specializes in identifying root causes of motivation, self-esteem and communication difficulties. She is a certified ICF executive coach. She has created engaging presentations for diverse institutions on topics such as building cognitive efficiency, growing and maintaining self-esteem and motivation, effective communication and building decision-making frameworks.

Connect with Jane:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 8 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, Jane Singleton, Launchpad for Life) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with Jane Singleton, a learning specialist, executive coach, and founder of Launchpad for Life. With over a decade of experience in education, Jane shares how her early experiences advocating for people with disabilities ignited her passion for helping neurodivergent individuals thrive. She discusses the gaps in traditional schooling, the importance of effective communication, and the transformative power of understanding your own cognitive profile to build sustainable habit change.

We Also Cover

  • Why understanding a child’s cognitive characteristics matters more than focusing on a label.
  • The historical context and societal biases in special education and learning support.
  • The importance of universal design for learning and making accommodations accessible for everyone.
  • How societal stigma around neurodiversity leads to miscommunication and missed opportunities.
  • Why knowing the “why” is crucial for motivation, especially for neurodivergent individuals.
  • The danger of making assumptions about what others know in relationships and the workplace.
  • How to model healthy emotional regulation and boundary setting as an adult.
  • The connection between passive decision-making and missed opportunities for growth.
  • Why teaching decision-making frameworks is essential for independence in teenagers.
  • The importance of networking and building connections for success beyond grades.
  • Why unrealistic goals and fear of failure hinder motivation and self-discovery.

Quotes:

  • "It's really not the label, it's those cognitive characteristics. What's your work memory, processing speed? It's as much of the label as really understanding how your brain works"
  • "Can you really be cognitive efficient if you are not aware and accepting of your weaknesses?"
  • "Our capacity is limited... Emotional things and cognitive tasks drain from the same bucket, and I think people forget that."

About Jane Singleton:

Jane has over 13 years experience as an educational leader, learning specialist and collaborative work with clinical psychologists has given her a unique understanding of cognitive and emotional profiles. She is the founder and executive coach at Launchpad for life, LLC and helps clients build awareness around strengths and areas of growth. She specializes in identifying root causes of motivation, self-esteem and communication difficulties. She is a certified ICF executive coach. She has created engaging presentations for diverse institutions on topics such as building cognitive efficiency, growing and maintaining self-esteem and motivation, effective communication and building decision-making frameworks.

Connect with Jane:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Knowing Your Why: Capacity is Key w/ Jane Singleton Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, Jane Singleton, Launchpad for Life 00:54:50 Mike and Chaya sit down with Jane Singleton, a learning specialist, executive coach, and founder of Launchpad for Life. With over a decade of experience in education, Jane shares how her early experiences advocating for people with disabilities ignited her passion for helping neurodivergent individuals thrive. She discusses the gaps in traditional schooling, the importance of effective communication, and the transformative power of understanding your own cognitive profile to build sustainable habit change. Mike and Chaya sit down with Jane Singleton, a learning specialist, executive coach, and founder of Launchpad for Life. With over a decade of experience in education, Jane shares how her early experiences advocating for people with disabilities ignited her passion for helping neurodivergent individuals thrive. She discusses the gaps in traditional schooling, the importance of effective communication, and the transformative power of understanding your own cognitive profile to build sustainable habit change. impact of passive decision making, universal design for learning, building self esteem neurodivergent kids, motivation strategies for neurodivergent adults, special ed, unrealistic goals and motivation, neurodivergent learning, cognitive efficiency and self-awareness, universal design, effective communication, executive functioning, networking for neurodivergent adults, addressing biases in special education, leadership development neurodiversity training, importance of knowing the 'why' in learning, coaching, learning, habit change, self-regulation, networking skills for neurodivergent individuals, work trauma neurodivergent people, intellectual curiosity neurodivergence, fostering intellectual curiosity in students, communication, habits, cognitive profiles, learning specialist, building self-advocacy skills in children, effective communication with neurodivergent individuals, addressing societal stigma in special education, helping kids embrace learning weaknesses, advocacy, strategies for teaching neurodivergent students, cognitive efficiency, overcoming fear of failure in education, weaknesses, education, scaffolding learning for neurodivergent students, self esteem, educational coaching, teaching decision-making frameworks to teenagers, self-esteem building, executive-functioning, understanding neurodivergent cognitive characteristics, bridging communication gaps neurodiversity, teaching emotional regulation to children, neurodiversity, passive vs active decision making, student motivation, the importance of self advocacy neurodivergent, self-advocacy, neurodivergent education, educational leader, empathy, launchpad for life, strengths, understanding cognitive profiles neurodivergence, motivation, special education reform, jane singleton, universal design for learning principles, communicating with neurodivergent individuals, emotional regulation for parents and educators false full 9 2 15e77c0a-dc9f-4fbc-b560-4a84acc36878 Late-Realized, Loud and Leading w/ LaToya Hinton, PhD. Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. LaToya Hinton, an autistic, ADHDer, and passionate advocate for neurodivergent women in leadership. With her experiences as a late-diagnosed adult, LaToya dives into the mental toll of masking, perfectionism, and how accessible environments can unlock untapped potential. She shares strategies for fostering authenticity, creating safe spaces, and leading without apology—all while building community and systems that help neurodivergent leaders thrive.

We Also Cover:

  • The mental toll of masking, hypervigilance, and perfectionism in late-diagnosed women
  • Why creating safe spaces helps neurodivergent leaders flourish both personally and professionally
  • How LaToya’s self-discovery journey led her to advocating for community-building and systemic change
  • Specific strategies for delegation to preserve energy and create consistency in leadership
  • The power of identifying trauma caused by inaccessible environments—and working to heal from it
  • How neurodivergent women can embrace self-accommodation to navigate traditional work settings
  • The role of mentorship and peer support networks in empowering women to embrace their authenticity
  • Advocacy for health equity, access, and truly inclusive spaces for neurodivergent adults
  • Why leadership needs a human-first approach—and how rejecting "numbers-first" cultures prevents burnout

Quotes:

  • "A lot of women my age are just now realizing that they are neurodivergent, and they need these safe spaces to talk about the discovery journey."
  • "Storytelling is huge because if you're able to create a narrative that explains your decision making in your career, that really helps people to relate to why it seems like all these disparate connections are being made."
  • "I turned out to be a perfectionist, honestly, from that environment. And then as an adult, speaking to therapists, they've talked to me about the downsides of being a perfectionist and being hypervigilant about your behaviors."

About LaToya Hinton:

Dr. LaToya Hinton is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging Thought Leader and a champion for Neurodivergent Women Leaders. She is a late-realized and diagnosed Dyspraxic Dyscalculic AuDHDer who is Gifted. In May 2024, she created a LinkedIn Group called “Neurodivergent Women Leaders: Creative Mentorship & Support.” She creates a weekly poll for ND women leaders, coaches and mentors focusing on anything from mental health to people-centered leadership styles and best practices. She holds a PhD in Education and has held roles as instructional designer, educator, facilitator, director of communications and research. She currently serves as a freelance grant writer and data analytics consultant. 

Connect with LaToya:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/toy-bird-positive-impact-funding/

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 1 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, LaToya Hinton) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. LaToya Hinton, an autistic, ADHDer, and passionate advocate for neurodivergent women in leadership. With her experiences as a late-diagnosed adult, LaToya dives into the mental toll of masking, perfectionism, and how accessible environments can unlock untapped potential. She shares strategies for fostering authenticity, creating safe spaces, and leading without apology—all while building community and systems that help neurodivergent leaders thrive.

We Also Cover:

  • The mental toll of masking, hypervigilance, and perfectionism in late-diagnosed women
  • Why creating safe spaces helps neurodivergent leaders flourish both personally and professionally
  • How LaToya’s self-discovery journey led her to advocating for community-building and systemic change
  • Specific strategies for delegation to preserve energy and create consistency in leadership
  • The power of identifying trauma caused by inaccessible environments—and working to heal from it
  • How neurodivergent women can embrace self-accommodation to navigate traditional work settings
  • The role of mentorship and peer support networks in empowering women to embrace their authenticity
  • Advocacy for health equity, access, and truly inclusive spaces for neurodivergent adults
  • Why leadership needs a human-first approach—and how rejecting "numbers-first" cultures prevents burnout

Quotes:

  • "A lot of women my age are just now realizing that they are neurodivergent, and they need these safe spaces to talk about the discovery journey."
  • "Storytelling is huge because if you're able to create a narrative that explains your decision making in your career, that really helps people to relate to why it seems like all these disparate connections are being made."
  • "I turned out to be a perfectionist, honestly, from that environment. And then as an adult, speaking to therapists, they've talked to me about the downsides of being a perfectionist and being hypervigilant about your behaviors."

About LaToya Hinton:

Dr. LaToya Hinton is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging Thought Leader and a champion for Neurodivergent Women Leaders. She is a late-realized and diagnosed Dyspraxic Dyscalculic AuDHDer who is Gifted. In May 2024, she created a LinkedIn Group called “Neurodivergent Women Leaders: Creative Mentorship & Support.” She creates a weekly poll for ND women leaders, coaches and mentors focusing on anything from mental health to people-centered leadership styles and best practices. She holds a PhD in Education and has held roles as instructional designer, educator, facilitator, director of communications and research. She currently serves as a freelance grant writer and data analytics consultant. 

Connect with LaToya:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/toy-bird-positive-impact-funding/

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Late-Realized, Loud and Leading w/ LaToya Hinton, PhD. Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, LaToya Hinton 00:50:32 Mike and Chaya sit down with LaToya Hinton, an autistic, ADHDer, and passionate advocate for neurodivergent women in leadership. With her experiences as a late-diagnosed adult, LaToya dives into the mental toll of masking, perfectionism, and how accessible environments can unlock untapped potential. She shares strategies for fostering authenticity, creating safe spaces, and leading without apology—all while building community and systems that help neurodivergent leaders thrive. Mike and Chaya sit down with LaToya Hinton, an autistic, ADHDer, and passionate advocate for neurodivergent women in leadership. With her experiences as a late-diagnosed adult, LaToya dives into the mental toll of masking, perfectionism, and how accessible environments can unlock untapped potential. She shares strategies for fostering authenticity, creating safe spaces, and leading without apology—all while building community and systems that help neurodivergent leaders thrive. perfectionism, neurodivergent empowerment, how to advocate for neurodivergent women, boundaries burnout, neurodivergent community, leadership accommodations, how neurodivergent women can thrive in leadership roles, setting boundaries to prevent leadership burnout, leadership coaching, accommodations, collective support networks for female leaders, masking challenges, leadership, neurodiversity at work, perfectionism adhd, authenticity, self-accommodation strategies for neurodivergent adults, self-accommodation for neurodivergent leaders, mental health and burnout, empowerment, neurodivergent, burnout, unmasking burnout in leadership roles, unmasking and self-advocacy for women in the workplace, advocacy, managing perfectionism as a late-diagnosed autistic woman, neurodivergent women leaders, workplace advocacy, perfectionism and adhd in leadership, neurodivergent women, the role of community in leadership success, boundaries, masking, authentic leadership tools, mentorship tools for women leaders, creating empowering spaces for neurodivergent leaders, unmasking perfectionism, healing from trauma as a neurodivergent leader false full 8 2 81f93af8-9034-4c07-b36d-1b1fd527d4a7 Your Child Isn’t Giving You a Hard Time, They’re Having a Hard Time w/ Christian Vinceneux Mike and Chaya sit down with Christian Vinceneux, ADHD advocate, coach (Life Guide Coaching), and former occupational therapist with over 30 years of experience working with neurodivergent families. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Christian reflects on growing up as a neurodivergent child in France, navigating challenges without the tools or words to define them, and how his father’s own quirks helped him learn the art of self-regulation. An art he now passes onto families--transforming the lives of neurodivergent children.

We Also Cover:

  • Growing up with ADHD before the term was widely known
  • The imperative need for societal acknowledgements
  • Key lessons Christian learned from his neurodivergent father about regulation
  • Why it’s essential to understand “your child’s not giving you a hard time—they’re having a hard time”
  • Common household struggles like transitions and hyperactivity, and how to guide kids through them
  • Why punitive approaches don’t work and how to build empowering, relationship-based solutions
  • How self-regulation in parents cascades into growth for their children
  • Practical tools for helping kids advocate for their needs (even before they fully understand them)
  • How social media has broadened the conversation around neurodivergence

Quotes:

  • "If you if you believe your child is giving you a hard time, then, of course, you're gonna be more likely to look at things from a compliance standpoint and from a punitive standpoint. You need to stop doing this, period."
  • "A very common response is to tell the child, 'you just need to calm down.' Well, the problem with that is that the child has no idea why they're doing the things that they're doing. They have no idea why their body is hyper. Nobody's explained it to them. Teachers won't explain it to them, pediatricians won't explain it to them, and the kid has no idea how to calm their body."
  • "Often when I work with parents, they realize that they're not self-regulating the best they can. They have an opportunity to learn about their own self-regulation and how the nervous system is operating under challenging conditions. So, often, it's that symbiotic exchange with helping your child learn how to self-regulate gives you the opportunity to learn as a parent."

About Christian Vinceneux

Christian Vinceneux's childhood was marked by a blend of shyness, distractibility, profound imagination, and deep empathy, often leading to conflicting feedback from teachers who recognized his giftedness yet noted his unfulfilled potential. Growing up in a neurodiverse family, he developed a keen awareness of sensory influences and adaptive behaviors. This personal history, combined with his later realization of his own neurodivergence, profoundly shaped his path toward working with neurodivergent individuals. He understands the challenges of navigating a world that often misunderstands neurodiversity and is committed to fostering acceptance and growth. Vinceneux's personal development and professional journey are deeply intertwined, fueling his passionate and empathetic approach to his work.

Connect with Christian

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 25 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, Christian Vinceneux) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with Christian Vinceneux, ADHD advocate, coach (Life Guide Coaching), and former occupational therapist with over 30 years of experience working with neurodivergent families. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Christian reflects on growing up as a neurodivergent child in France, navigating challenges without the tools or words to define them, and how his father’s own quirks helped him learn the art of self-regulation. An art he now passes onto families--transforming the lives of neurodivergent children.

We Also Cover:

  • Growing up with ADHD before the term was widely known
  • The imperative need for societal acknowledgements
  • Key lessons Christian learned from his neurodivergent father about regulation
  • Why it’s essential to understand “your child’s not giving you a hard time—they’re having a hard time”
  • Common household struggles like transitions and hyperactivity, and how to guide kids through them
  • Why punitive approaches don’t work and how to build empowering, relationship-based solutions
  • How self-regulation in parents cascades into growth for their children
  • Practical tools for helping kids advocate for their needs (even before they fully understand them)
  • How social media has broadened the conversation around neurodivergence

Quotes:

  • "If you if you believe your child is giving you a hard time, then, of course, you're gonna be more likely to look at things from a compliance standpoint and from a punitive standpoint. You need to stop doing this, period."
  • "A very common response is to tell the child, 'you just need to calm down.' Well, the problem with that is that the child has no idea why they're doing the things that they're doing. They have no idea why their body is hyper. Nobody's explained it to them. Teachers won't explain it to them, pediatricians won't explain it to them, and the kid has no idea how to calm their body."
  • "Often when I work with parents, they realize that they're not self-regulating the best they can. They have an opportunity to learn about their own self-regulation and how the nervous system is operating under challenging conditions. So, often, it's that symbiotic exchange with helping your child learn how to self-regulate gives you the opportunity to learn as a parent."

About Christian Vinceneux

Christian Vinceneux's childhood was marked by a blend of shyness, distractibility, profound imagination, and deep empathy, often leading to conflicting feedback from teachers who recognized his giftedness yet noted his unfulfilled potential. Growing up in a neurodiverse family, he developed a keen awareness of sensory influences and adaptive behaviors. This personal history, combined with his later realization of his own neurodivergence, profoundly shaped his path toward working with neurodivergent individuals. He understands the challenges of navigating a world that often misunderstands neurodiversity and is committed to fostering acceptance and growth. Vinceneux's personal development and professional journey are deeply intertwined, fueling his passionate and empathetic approach to his work.

Connect with Christian

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Your Child Isn’t Giving You a Hard Time, They’re Having a Hard Time w/ Christian Vinceneux Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, Christian Vinceneux 00:51:57 Mike and Chaya sit down with Christian Vinceneux, ADHD advocate, coach (Life Guide Coaching), and former occupational therapist with over 30 years of experience working with neurodivergent families. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Christian reflects on growing up as a neurodivergent child in France, navigating challenges without the tools or words to define them, and how his father’s own quirks helped him learn the art of self-regulation. Mike and Chaya sit down with Christian Vinceneux, ADHD advocate, coach (Life Guide Coaching), and former occupational therapist with over 30 years of experience working with neurodivergent families. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Christian reflects on growing up as a neurodivergent child in France, navigating challenges without the tools or words to define them, and how his father’s own quirks helped him learn the art of self-regulation. helping neurodivergent children, adhd, relationship-based parenting for adhd, neurodivergent parenting tools, coaching parents adhd, self-regulation, teaching kids self-regulation strategies, adhd emotional regulation, stimming, neurodivergent, burnout, transitions, calming adhd meltdowns with patience, advocacy, why punitive parenting doesn’t work for adhd, christian vinceneux, advocate for neurodivergent kids, helping adhd kids learn life skills, understanding neurodivergent behaviors with empathy, advocacy for adhd and neurodivergent kids, parenting tips for neurodivergent children, hyperactivity, self-regulation adhd, life guide coaching, tools for parents of highly sensitive kids, empowering adhd children through emotional growth, parenting, adhd sensory support, parenting adhd children, sensory false full 7 2 4a592625-a733-48b7-ab8a-5c7ca481930e Boundaries, Burnout, and Belonging /w Michelle Markman Mike and Chaya sit down with Michelle Markman, a late-diagnosed autistic entrepreneur and founder of ND Coach Inc., where she supports high-achieving neurodivergent women in unmasking and thriving on their own terms. Michelle reflects on how her diagnosis transformed her perspective on masking, burnout, and social challenges, and she shares practical tools for building authentic connections, reclaiming energy, and living intentionally as a neurodivergent individual.

We Also Cover

  • The common journey of “feeling different” before a neurodivergent diagnosis
  • Why late-diagnosed autistic individuals often overcompensate as “people pleasers”
  • The cultural stigma of masking and how it’s shaped by societal expectations
  • Strategies for recreating hidden joys from childhood as a neurodivergent adult
  • The unique challenges of highly masked neurodivergent women
  • Practical tools for reducing burnout, finding joy, and reclaiming energy
  • The importance of stimming, sensory support, and other self-accommodations
  • Building belonging within neurodivergent communities for late-diagnosed and self-identified adults
  • How grounding techniques and joyful movement can reduce overstimulation
  • Why coaching and advocacy are essential for late-diagnosed individuals

Quotes:

  • "My brother was actually diagnosed with autism and ADHD when he was four. So I grew up thinking I was an neurotypical sibling, but still didn't fit into society the way that other people did. I didn't make friends the same way, didn't connect with other people. I always felt like there was something different about myself. I almost felt an alien."
  • "I’ve always loved people. I’m such a people person, always have been. People have not always reciprocated that to me."
  • "Realizing how much masking I was doing, and then starting to come back from that and realize I don’t have to constantly be masking—I don't have to always show up in a way that makes other people comfortable, I can show up in a way that works for me—that was like, wow."

About Michelle Markman:

Initially feeling like an outsider, Michelle Markman discovered in her early 30s that she had been  autistic all along. Accepting this diagnosis five years after receiving it, she began to understand the lifelong struggle of maintaining a "perfect child" facade, often leading to meltdowns and cycles of rebuilding. This revelation finally explained her persistent feeling of being an "alien" throughout her life.

Embracing her authentic self, Michelle now thrives on connecting with others, especially other late-diagnosed autistic adults. Having navigated the profound experience of receiving an autism diagnosis—a mix of heartbreak and relief—she has grieved the loss of an imagined neurotypical identity and instead harnessed her unique qualities. Her mission is to empower others to create a life they love, building supportive communities and celebrating their individuality.

Connect with Michelle:

 

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, Michelle Markman) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with Michelle Markman, a late-diagnosed autistic entrepreneur and founder of ND Coach Inc., where she supports high-achieving neurodivergent women in unmasking and thriving on their own terms. Michelle reflects on how her diagnosis transformed her perspective on masking, burnout, and social challenges, and she shares practical tools for building authentic connections, reclaiming energy, and living intentionally as a neurodivergent individual.

We Also Cover

  • The common journey of “feeling different” before a neurodivergent diagnosis
  • Why late-diagnosed autistic individuals often overcompensate as “people pleasers”
  • The cultural stigma of masking and how it’s shaped by societal expectations
  • Strategies for recreating hidden joys from childhood as a neurodivergent adult
  • The unique challenges of highly masked neurodivergent women
  • Practical tools for reducing burnout, finding joy, and reclaiming energy
  • The importance of stimming, sensory support, and other self-accommodations
  • Building belonging within neurodivergent communities for late-diagnosed and self-identified adults
  • How grounding techniques and joyful movement can reduce overstimulation
  • Why coaching and advocacy are essential for late-diagnosed individuals

Quotes:

  • "My brother was actually diagnosed with autism and ADHD when he was four. So I grew up thinking I was an neurotypical sibling, but still didn't fit into society the way that other people did. I didn't make friends the same way, didn't connect with other people. I always felt like there was something different about myself. I almost felt an alien."
  • "I’ve always loved people. I’m such a people person, always have been. People have not always reciprocated that to me."
  • "Realizing how much masking I was doing, and then starting to come back from that and realize I don’t have to constantly be masking—I don't have to always show up in a way that makes other people comfortable, I can show up in a way that works for me—that was like, wow."

About Michelle Markman:

Initially feeling like an outsider, Michelle Markman discovered in her early 30s that she had been  autistic all along. Accepting this diagnosis five years after receiving it, she began to understand the lifelong struggle of maintaining a "perfect child" facade, often leading to meltdowns and cycles of rebuilding. This revelation finally explained her persistent feeling of being an "alien" throughout her life.

Embracing her authentic self, Michelle now thrives on connecting with others, especially other late-diagnosed autistic adults. Having navigated the profound experience of receiving an autism diagnosis—a mix of heartbreak and relief—she has grieved the loss of an imagined neurotypical identity and instead harnessed her unique qualities. Her mission is to empower others to create a life they love, building supportive communities and celebrating their individuality.

Connect with Michelle:

 

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Boundaries, Burnout, and Belonging /w Michelle Markman Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, Michelle Markman 00:50:11 Mike and Chaya sit down with Michelle Markman, a late-diagnosed autistic entrepreneur and founder of ND Coach Inc., where she supports high-achieving neurodivergent women in unmasking and thriving on their own terms. Michelle reflects on how her diagnosis transformed her perspective on masking, burnout, and social challenges, and she shares practical tools for building authentic connections, reclaiming energy, and living intentionally as a neurodivergent individual. Mike and Chaya sit down with Michelle Markman, a late-diagnosed autistic entrepreneur and founder of ND Coach Inc., where she supports high-achieving neurodivergent women in unmasking and thriving on their own terms. Michelle reflects on how her diagnosis transformed her perspective on masking, burnout, and social challenges, and she shares practical tools for building authentic connections, reclaiming energy, and living intentionally as a neurodivergent individual. highly masked neurodivergent women, autism, special interests and autistic empowerment, nd coaching inc, late autism diagnosis in women, workplace accommodations autism, why stimming is essential for autistic adults, unmasking, setting boundaries as a neurodivergent person, autism and leadership, rebuilding relationships after unmasking autism, thriving with autism, managing burnout as a neurodivergent leader, coaching, neurodiverse coaching, neurodivergent self-advocacy, creating belonging in neurodivergent communities, autistic women, navigating social struggles as an autistic adult, sensory accommodations, masking autism challenges, autism empowerment, neurodivergent personal growth tools, coping with sensory overload autism, embracing sensory needs as an adult, michelle markman, practical tools for autism burnout recovery, autism discovery in adulthood, belonging, thriving as a late-diagnosed autistic woman, adult autism, effective stimming techniques autism, unmasking autism success stories, stimming, reframing life after autism diagnosis, coaching neurodivergent women for leadership, neurodivergent, burnout, autism unmasking, building boundaries as an autistic adult, neurodivergent coaching, coaching neurodivergent women, autism coaching for women, stimming tools for emotional regulation, discovering autism as an adult, neurodivergence in leadership coaching, empowering autistic women to thrive, self-advocacy for neurodivergent women, reducing masking fatigue through coaching, life after a late autism diagnosis, neurodivergent women, late-discovered neurodivergence, boundaries, michelle markman autism, masking, masking and burnout, sensory needs of late-diagnosed autistic adults, late autism diagnosis, thriving as a neurodivergent professional, neurodivergence and self-acceptance, autism burnout, autistic entrepreneur burnout, challenges of masking as a neurodivergent adult, sensory false full 6 2 bce3df19-da3a-4860-a9cf-1dd8e557e664 Exploding Trucks, Rock and Roll, and Autism at 65 w/ Peter O'Neil Mike and Chaya sit down with Peter O’Neil, a retired attorney, musician, grandfather, and author of My So-Called Disorder: Autism, Exploding Trucks, and the Big Daddy of Rock and Roll. Diagnosed as autistic at 65, Peter reflects on how that discovery transformed his experiences of masking, social struggles, and professional success. From solitude as a young man to thriving as a relentless advocate, Peter shares captivating stories of his legal work, time in West Africa, and lifelong passions.

What We Cover

  • How Peter’s autism diagnosis at 65 reframed his entire life.
  • The emotional toll of masking and social isolation throughout adulthood.
  • Applying autistic focus and creativity to thrive in a demanding legal career.
  • Stories from Peter’s legal career, including landmark cases involving corporate wrongdoing.
  • Life lessons learned in West Africa and how cultural differences unlocked personal growth.
  • The pivotal role of his book in sharing his neurodivergence story.
  • How leaning into special interests, like Chuck Berry’s music, became a source of identity and strength.
  • Building meaningful relationships and communities after unmasking.
  • The importance of safety, routine, and clear systems for autistic people.

Quotes:

  • "Even in the situations where I was in a group like a dormitory or I spent some time in Italy so we lived in a small rooming house, I was pretty much alone even in a crowd."
  • "There was a time in Seattle from 1977 through 1980 where I began to get really terrified because I could go to work and act normally, but what I could see was something was really wrong-- all these people who seem much less interesting than me were going through life pretty happily. They were having a good time, and I had no friends."
  • "We're here for a reason. We're here because we bring a different way of thinking. Nowadays, at least in here in The United States, they're trying to make diversity, equity, inclusion a bad thing, a bad word, something we should all fear. But, obviously, diversity is what makes us great no matter where we are."

About Peter O'Neil:

Peter O'Neil is an autistic product liability attorney serving as Of Counsel at Schroeter, Goldmark & Bender in Seattle. He received his autism diagnosis at age 65, which provided what he calls "a unified theory of me" that helped explain his life and career. Rather than attending law school, O'Neil entered the legal profession through the Washington State Bar Association Rule 6 Law Clerk program under the mentorship of attorney Paul Whelan. Before becoming an attorney, O'Neil worked as a paralegal for 15 years, followed by 25 years as a lawyer. Throughout his 40-year legal career, he specialized in product liability cases, particularly a series of cases involving dangerous pickup trucks with fuel tanks outside the frame rails that caused post-crash fires. O'Neil is the author of the memoir "My So-Called Disorder: Autism, Exploding Trucks, and the Big Daddy of Rock and Roll" which explores his late-in-life autism diagnosis and celebrates how his autistic traits contributed to his success as a product liability attorney

Connect with Peter:

Further Reading:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 11 Jul 2025 07:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, Peter O'Neil) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with Peter O’Neil, a retired attorney, musician, grandfather, and author of My So-Called Disorder: Autism, Exploding Trucks, and the Big Daddy of Rock and Roll. Diagnosed as autistic at 65, Peter reflects on how that discovery transformed his experiences of masking, social struggles, and professional success. From solitude as a young man to thriving as a relentless advocate, Peter shares captivating stories of his legal work, time in West Africa, and lifelong passions.

What We Cover

  • How Peter’s autism diagnosis at 65 reframed his entire life.
  • The emotional toll of masking and social isolation throughout adulthood.
  • Applying autistic focus and creativity to thrive in a demanding legal career.
  • Stories from Peter’s legal career, including landmark cases involving corporate wrongdoing.
  • Life lessons learned in West Africa and how cultural differences unlocked personal growth.
  • The pivotal role of his book in sharing his neurodivergence story.
  • How leaning into special interests, like Chuck Berry’s music, became a source of identity and strength.
  • Building meaningful relationships and communities after unmasking.
  • The importance of safety, routine, and clear systems for autistic people.

Quotes:

  • "Even in the situations where I was in a group like a dormitory or I spent some time in Italy so we lived in a small rooming house, I was pretty much alone even in a crowd."
  • "There was a time in Seattle from 1977 through 1980 where I began to get really terrified because I could go to work and act normally, but what I could see was something was really wrong-- all these people who seem much less interesting than me were going through life pretty happily. They were having a good time, and I had no friends."
  • "We're here for a reason. We're here because we bring a different way of thinking. Nowadays, at least in here in The United States, they're trying to make diversity, equity, inclusion a bad thing, a bad word, something we should all fear. But, obviously, diversity is what makes us great no matter where we are."

About Peter O'Neil:

Peter O'Neil is an autistic product liability attorney serving as Of Counsel at Schroeter, Goldmark & Bender in Seattle. He received his autism diagnosis at age 65, which provided what he calls "a unified theory of me" that helped explain his life and career. Rather than attending law school, O'Neil entered the legal profession through the Washington State Bar Association Rule 6 Law Clerk program under the mentorship of attorney Paul Whelan. Before becoming an attorney, O'Neil worked as a paralegal for 15 years, followed by 25 years as a lawyer. Throughout his 40-year legal career, he specialized in product liability cases, particularly a series of cases involving dangerous pickup trucks with fuel tanks outside the frame rails that caused post-crash fires. O'Neil is the author of the memoir "My So-Called Disorder: Autism, Exploding Trucks, and the Big Daddy of Rock and Roll" which explores his late-in-life autism diagnosis and celebrates how his autistic traits contributed to his success as a product liability attorney

Connect with Peter:

Further Reading:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Exploding Trucks, Rock and Roll, and Autism at 65 w/ Peter O'Neil Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, Peter O'Neil 01:01:57 Mike and Chaya sit down with Peter O’Neil, a retired attorney, musician, grandfather, and author of My So-Called Disorder: Autism, Exploding Trucks, and the Big Daddy of Rock and Roll. Diagnosed as autistic at 65, Peter reflects on how that discovery transformed his experiences of masking, social struggles, and professional success. From solitude as a young man to thriving as a relentless advocate, Peter shares captivating stories of his legal work, time in West Africa, and lifelong passions. Mike and Chaya sit down with Peter O’Neil, a retired attorney, musician, grandfather, and author of My So-Called Disorder: Autism, Exploding Trucks, and the Big Daddy of Rock and Roll. Diagnosed as autistic at 65, Peter reflects on how that discovery transformed his experiences of masking, social struggles, and professional success. From solitude as a young man to thriving as a relentless advocate, Peter shares captivating stories of his legal work, time in West Africa, and lifelong passions. unmasking neurodivergence, neurodivergence and community-building, cultural lessons from west africa autism, masking autism in the workplace, west africa cultural lessons, neurodivergence as a gift, thriving with autism, autism diagnosis after 60, navigating social isolation neurodivergence, late-onset autism, masking autism challenges, masking challenges, autism masking and burnout, autism and storytelling, autism storytelling, autism advocacy, exploring neurodivergence in older adults, chuck berry obsession, peter o’neil, autism diagnosis stories, neurodivergence advocacy, overcoming social isolation with autism, peter o’neil autism, autism and corporate cases, rock and roll and autism, resilience in neurodivergent professionals, autism personal growth, autism diagnosis life transformation, autistic masking, navigating autism in adulthood, autism memoir, autism diagnosis at 65, autism strengths, neurodivergence and self-love, lessons from west africa autism, unmasking as an autistic adult, neurodivergent adults, autism and isolation, thriving after autism discovery, challenges of late autism diagnosis, autism focus and passion, unmasking autism, autism late diagnosis false full 5 2 f03f39e2-e88a-4b69-92d8-4aa49dcaac82 Breaking Free To Be Me w/ Kristin Walker (Mental Health News Radio Network) Mike and Chaya sit down with Kristin Walker, the founder of the Mental Health News Radio Network, to discuss her late-in-life discovery of being autistic and having ADHD.  Kristin opens up about the emotional toll of masking, the powerful shift that came with her diagnosis, and how those experiences inspired her to amplify diverse voices in mental health.

We Also Cover:

  • The connection between being highly sensitive and neurodivergence.
  • How undiagnosed neurodivergence impacts social dynamics and friendships.
  • Addressing generational trauma from a neurodiverse perspective.
  • Destigmatizing neurodivergence in the mental health field.
  • Practical strategies for unmasking and achieving “ninja self-care.”
  • The importance of building supportive communities for neurodivergent individuals.
  • How technology and AI can assist neurodivergent individuals in setting boundaries and gaining clarity.

Quotes:

  • "I didn’t know I was autistic and had ADHD until 2024. So I’m going through that whole mind map that one goes through, where you reevaluate your entire life through this new lens."
  • "When you get out of victim stage, you have this room for compassion for yourself now"
  • “Why do I still just not really get what other people seem to get? Why do I always feel like I’m running down this long hallway?”

About Kristin Walker:

Kristin Walker is the founder and CEO of Mental Health News Radio Network and CEO of everythingEHR. With over 20 years of experience as a technology consultant for global organizations, Kristin has successfully merged her technical expertise with her passion for mental health advocacy. Under her leadership, Mental Health News Radio Network has grown into a prominent platform featuring multiple shows covering diverse aspects of mental wellness, personal development, and behavioral health innovation. As an Electronic Health Records Expert for Behavioral Health Organizations, she regularly speaks at healthcare conferences and consults with hospital systems across the country. Kristin's unique approach emphasizes collaborative leadership and creating inclusive spaces for different perspectives on mental health, making her a respected voice in both the technology and mental health communities.

Connect with Kristin:

Related Reading:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 4 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, Kristin Walker, Mental Health News Radio Network) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with Kristin Walker, the founder of the Mental Health News Radio Network, to discuss her late-in-life discovery of being autistic and having ADHD.  Kristin opens up about the emotional toll of masking, the powerful shift that came with her diagnosis, and how those experiences inspired her to amplify diverse voices in mental health.

We Also Cover:

  • The connection between being highly sensitive and neurodivergence.
  • How undiagnosed neurodivergence impacts social dynamics and friendships.
  • Addressing generational trauma from a neurodiverse perspective.
  • Destigmatizing neurodivergence in the mental health field.
  • Practical strategies for unmasking and achieving “ninja self-care.”
  • The importance of building supportive communities for neurodivergent individuals.
  • How technology and AI can assist neurodivergent individuals in setting boundaries and gaining clarity.

Quotes:

  • "I didn’t know I was autistic and had ADHD until 2024. So I’m going through that whole mind map that one goes through, where you reevaluate your entire life through this new lens."
  • "When you get out of victim stage, you have this room for compassion for yourself now"
  • “Why do I still just not really get what other people seem to get? Why do I always feel like I’m running down this long hallway?”

About Kristin Walker:

Kristin Walker is the founder and CEO of Mental Health News Radio Network and CEO of everythingEHR. With over 20 years of experience as a technology consultant for global organizations, Kristin has successfully merged her technical expertise with her passion for mental health advocacy. Under her leadership, Mental Health News Radio Network has grown into a prominent platform featuring multiple shows covering diverse aspects of mental wellness, personal development, and behavioral health innovation. As an Electronic Health Records Expert for Behavioral Health Organizations, she regularly speaks at healthcare conferences and consults with hospital systems across the country. Kristin's unique approach emphasizes collaborative leadership and creating inclusive spaces for different perspectives on mental health, making her a respected voice in both the technology and mental health communities.

Connect with Kristin:

Related Reading:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Breaking Free To Be Me w/ Kristin Walker (Mental Health News Radio Network) Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, Kristin Walker, Mental Health News Radio Network 00:58:18 Mike and Chaya sit down with Kristin Walker, the founder of the Mental Health News Radio Network, to discuss her late-in-life discovery of being autistic and having ADHD. Kristin opens up about the emotional toll of masking, the powerful shift that came with her diagnosis, and how those experiences inspired her to amplify diverse voices in mental health. Mike and Chaya sit down with Kristin Walker, the founder of the Mental Health News Radio Network, to discuss her late-in-life discovery of being autistic and having ADHD. Kristin opens up about the emotional toll of masking, the powerful shift that came with her diagnosis, and how those experiences inspired her to amplify diverse voices in mental health. generational trauma, trauma healing, autism, adhd, neurodivergent creativity, neurodivergence and self-discovery, navigating trauma as neurodivergent, kristin walker, thriving with autism, autism and trauma, mental health, thriving with autism and adhd, unmasking neurodivergent, neurodiversity podcast, adhd and trauma, self-love for neurodivergent adults, masking vs unmasking, mental health advocacy, neurodiversity, late diagnosis autism, neurodivergence, mental health podcast, mental health news radio network, masking autism false full 4 2 deefef12-0384-430f-8b9d-22bd10d77312 Fighting To Be Seen: The High Cost of Masking w/ Reid Miles Mike and Chaya sit down with Reid Miles, creator and host of Inside the Asperger’s Studio. Reid opens up about his journey from working in the tech industry to becoming a passionate advocate for autism and neurodiversity. He shares the ups and downs of navigating the professional world as a neurodivergent individual and explains how he found his voice through podcasting and blogging.

We Also Cover:

  • Reid’s transition from IT to his work as an autism advocate.
  • The challenges neurodivergent individuals face in corporate and volunteer environments.
  • How blogging and podcasting became transformative ways for Reid to amplify his voice.
  • His advice for parents of neurodivergent kids on nurturing their strengths.
  • How honesty and collaboration became the foundation of Reid’s work in podcasting.
  • A behind-the-scenes look at Reid’s retreat initiative for families and individuals within the autism community.

Quotes:

  • "I think society is broken when it comes to learning about us because I feel they don't want to learn about us because we're different than everyone else. We're just one form of disability, people with disabilities that think differently than everyone else."
  • "Why should I have to fake who I am just so you out there can feel comfortable with yourself? Why can't I feel comfortable with myself being who I am without being judged by society, being judged by the workplace?"
  • "We live in a world of negativity—it builds walls. The only way forward is to tear those walls down by trusting yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone."

About Reid Miles:

Reid Miles is the founder and editor of Aspergers Studio, where he writes about his adventures in life with Asperger's. A former PC Tech turned Autism Advocate, Reid shares his life and experiences through his blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. "Inside the Aspergers Studio" features discussions with people who have ASD and ADHD, professionals in the field, and parents of children on the spectrum. Recognized for his contribution to autism awareness, Reid's podcast was rated #2 Autism Podcast for 2023 by Feedspot and listed among the top Autism podcasts by Player.FM.  

Connect with Reid:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 27 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell, Reid Miles) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with Reid Miles, creator and host of Inside the Asperger’s Studio. Reid opens up about his journey from working in the tech industry to becoming a passionate advocate for autism and neurodiversity. He shares the ups and downs of navigating the professional world as a neurodivergent individual and explains how he found his voice through podcasting and blogging.

We Also Cover:

  • Reid’s transition from IT to his work as an autism advocate.
  • The challenges neurodivergent individuals face in corporate and volunteer environments.
  • How blogging and podcasting became transformative ways for Reid to amplify his voice.
  • His advice for parents of neurodivergent kids on nurturing their strengths.
  • How honesty and collaboration became the foundation of Reid’s work in podcasting.
  • A behind-the-scenes look at Reid’s retreat initiative for families and individuals within the autism community.

Quotes:

  • "I think society is broken when it comes to learning about us because I feel they don't want to learn about us because we're different than everyone else. We're just one form of disability, people with disabilities that think differently than everyone else."
  • "Why should I have to fake who I am just so you out there can feel comfortable with yourself? Why can't I feel comfortable with myself being who I am without being judged by society, being judged by the workplace?"
  • "We live in a world of negativity—it builds walls. The only way forward is to tear those walls down by trusting yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone."

About Reid Miles:

Reid Miles is the founder and editor of Aspergers Studio, where he writes about his adventures in life with Asperger's. A former PC Tech turned Autism Advocate, Reid shares his life and experiences through his blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. "Inside the Aspergers Studio" features discussions with people who have ASD and ADHD, professionals in the field, and parents of children on the spectrum. Recognized for his contribution to autism awareness, Reid's podcast was rated #2 Autism Podcast for 2023 by Feedspot and listed among the top Autism podcasts by Player.FM.  

Connect with Reid:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fighting To Be Seen: The High Cost of Masking w/ Reid Miles Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell, Reid Miles 00:50:58 Mike and Chaya sit down with Reid Miles, creator and host of Inside the Asperger’s Studio. Reid opens up about his journey from working in the tech industry to becoming a passionate advocate for autism and neurodiversity. He shares the ups and downs of navigating the professional world as a neurodivergent individual and explains how he found his voice through podcasting and blogging. Mike and Chaya sit down with Reid Miles, creator and host of Inside the Asperger’s Studio. Reid opens up about his journey from working in the tech industry to becoming a passionate advocate for autism and neurodiversity. He shares the ups and downs of navigating the professional world as a neurodivergent individual and explains how he found his voice through podcasting and blogging. authentic living autism, blogging for autism awareness, embracing neurodivergent strengths, neurodivergent advocacy, autism journeys, autism support, autism and neurodiversity, inside the asperger’s studio, connection for neurodivergent families, storytelling for neurodivergence, autism retreats, navigating corporate environments autism, autism advocacy, challenges for neurodivergent individuals, autistic resilience, autism podcast, technology-free autism retreats, autism in the workplace, overcoming stigma autism, reid miles podcast, reid miles, resilience and autism, neurodivergence, unmasking autism, self-advocacy autism, emotional regulation autism, masking autism, podcasting for neurodivergence, sensory overload autism false full 3 2 af3f16dc-4d01-4702-8d2f-eff9c7665f0d Creativity That Calms: A New Way to Support Autistic Kids /w Jay Goth Mike and Chaya sit down with Jay Goth, CEO of Burble Creativity Inc., to explore how his company is using immersive storytelling to spark imagination, reduce overstimulation, and create calming environments for neurodivergent children. Drawing from ancient storytelling traditions, Jay explains how Burble’s innovative storytelling tents combine sound, lighting, and creativity to encourage kids to connect and express themselves while feeling safe.

Jay also discusses his vision for making these tools accessible to families worldwide through crowdfunding and community-building efforts.

We Also Cover:

  • How storytelling can promote self-expression among children on the autism spectrum.
  • The role of sensory tools like sound and lighting in reducing anxiety and overstimulation.
  • The concept of "minimally defined storytelling" and how it inspires creativity.
  • Success stories from families who have used the storytelling tents.
  • Jay’s advice for educators and caregivers working with neurodivergent children.
  • How Burble Creativity plans to partner with schools and therapy centers.
  • Crowdfunding strategies for launching innovative tools for autism support.
  • The importance of balancing technology-free experiences with creative learning spaces.

Quotes:

  • "You don't tell a complete story, you tell parts of a story, and you leave out pieces so that people can fill them in with their imagination."
  • "In one case, a child went through the storytelling experience, went home, and slept through the night for the first time in his life."
  • "For neurodivergent kids, their imagination can be so active, and it can be their primary way of communicating."

About Jay Goth:

Jay Goth is a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in energy, hospitality, and finance, having invested in and consulted with numerous startups. He is now dedicated to launching Burble, a mission-driven company focused on "Minimally Defined Immersive Storytelling" to provide an alternative to screen-driven entertainment for children and foster their imaginations. Goth has experienced both significant success, including taking a startup to nearly $500 million in revenue, and the challenges of failed ventures. He believes Burble has the potential to surpass his past accomplishments and positively impact millions of children, leading him to prioritize it above all other activities. Outside of his business endeavors, Goth enjoys skiing, golf, and watching his wife compete in performance horse jumping.

Connect with Jay:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 20 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, Jay Goth, Burble Creativity Inc) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with Jay Goth, CEO of Burble Creativity Inc., to explore how his company is using immersive storytelling to spark imagination, reduce overstimulation, and create calming environments for neurodivergent children. Drawing from ancient storytelling traditions, Jay explains how Burble’s innovative storytelling tents combine sound, lighting, and creativity to encourage kids to connect and express themselves while feeling safe.

Jay also discusses his vision for making these tools accessible to families worldwide through crowdfunding and community-building efforts.

We Also Cover:

  • How storytelling can promote self-expression among children on the autism spectrum.
  • The role of sensory tools like sound and lighting in reducing anxiety and overstimulation.
  • The concept of "minimally defined storytelling" and how it inspires creativity.
  • Success stories from families who have used the storytelling tents.
  • Jay’s advice for educators and caregivers working with neurodivergent children.
  • How Burble Creativity plans to partner with schools and therapy centers.
  • Crowdfunding strategies for launching innovative tools for autism support.
  • The importance of balancing technology-free experiences with creative learning spaces.

Quotes:

  • "You don't tell a complete story, you tell parts of a story, and you leave out pieces so that people can fill them in with their imagination."
  • "In one case, a child went through the storytelling experience, went home, and slept through the night for the first time in his life."
  • "For neurodivergent kids, their imagination can be so active, and it can be their primary way of communicating."

About Jay Goth:

Jay Goth is a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in energy, hospitality, and finance, having invested in and consulted with numerous startups. He is now dedicated to launching Burble, a mission-driven company focused on "Minimally Defined Immersive Storytelling" to provide an alternative to screen-driven entertainment for children and foster their imaginations. Goth has experienced both significant success, including taking a startup to nearly $500 million in revenue, and the challenges of failed ventures. He believes Burble has the potential to surpass his past accomplishments and positively impact millions of children, leading him to prioritize it above all other activities. Outside of his business endeavors, Goth enjoys skiing, golf, and watching his wife compete in performance horse jumping.

Connect with Jay:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Creativity That Calms: A New Way to Support Autistic Kids /w Jay Goth Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, Jay Goth, Burble Creativity Inc 00:40:35 Mike and Chaya sit down with Jay Goth, CEO of Burble Creativity Inc., to explore how his company is using immersive storytelling to spark imagination, reduce overstimulation, and create calming environments for neurodivergent children. Drawing from ancient storytelling traditions, Jay explains how Burble’s innovative storytelling tents combine sound, lighting, and creativity to encourage kids to connect and express themselves while feeling safe. Jay also discusses his vision for making these tools accessible to families worldwide through crowdfunding and community-building efforts. Mike and Chaya sit down with Jay Goth, CEO of Burble Creativity Inc., to explore how his company is using immersive storytelling to spark imagination, reduce overstimulation, and create calming environments for neurodivergent children. Drawing from ancient storytelling traditions, Jay explains how Burble’s innovative storytelling tents combine sound, lighting, and creativity to encourage kids to connect and express themselves while feeling safe. Jay also discusses his vision for making these tools accessible to families worldwide through crowdfunding and community-building efforts. immersion, calming tools for neurodivergent kids, autistic children, creative tools for neurodivergent families, reducing overstimulation autism, calming story-based tools for neurodiversity, autism, neurodivergence and imagination development, autism and storytelling therapy tools, safe creative spaces for kids on the spectrum, minimally defined storytelling, innovative tools for children with sensory needs, jay goth, storytelling with sounds and lights., sensory-friendly tools for autism, neurodivergent imagination, innovative storytelling for children, sensory-friendly tools for kids with autism, burble creativity inc, minimally defined storytelling for creativity, calming environments, customizable storytelling for autistic children, storytelling for kids on the autism spectrum, crowdfunding projects for autism support, reducing overstimulation in neurodivergent kids, community support for autism families, jay goth burble creativity, creating community for neurodivergent families, storytelling tents for neurodivergence, creativity, autism-friendly environments for storytelling, lighting and sound tools for anxiety relief, parent-child bonding through storytelling, storytelling, imagination, immersive storytelling, neurodivergence, sensory tents, calming environments for anxious children, immersive storytelling for neurodivergent children, taylor cole, sensory tools, overstimulation, crowdfunding false full 2 2 8e3351a2-d7b5-4d19-977a-66cb10075b1c Cut From Chaos: Shane Currin’s Story of Bipolar, Addiction, & Purpose Mike and Chaya kick off Season 2 by welcoming Shane Currin, a mental health advocate, writer, and podcast host of Diamonds in the Rough. Shane shares his powerful story of overcoming addiction, navigating bipolar disorder, and finding purpose through vulnerability and service. Together, they unpack the challenges and gifts of being neurodivergent, offering insights for parents, individuals, and anyone seeking growth in the face of adversity.

We Also Cover:

  • Shane’s journey to building self-awareness.
  • The connection between bipolar traits and untapped genius.
  • Practical advice for parents raising neurodivergent kids.
  • Breaking the stigma around addiction and mental health.
  • The power of embracing imperfections in a judgmental world.

Quotes:

  • "I got into this weird state of introspection and had this epiphany that I was designed this way to help others. I visit the dark often, so I know the way out and I can show other people that way."
  • “For any neurodivergent listening to this, I would say, discover yourself—discover the things that calm you down, discover the people that will be there for you.”
  • "I have a great brain, but as good as it is, it has the potential to be very detrimental. It's like if Superman was powered by kryptonite"

About Shane Currin:

Shane Currin is a passionate mental health advocate and wayfinder of neurodiversity. He is a suicide survivor and has been in addiction recovery for ten years. As a neurodivergent individual himself, Shane's personal journey informs his advocacy work, allowing him to connect deeply with the experiences of others. His commitment to ending mental health stigma drives his efforts to create a welcoming community for open discussions about mental health.

Connect with Shane:

Further Reading:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 13 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell, Shane Currin) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya kick off Season 2 by welcoming Shane Currin, a mental health advocate, writer, and podcast host of Diamonds in the Rough. Shane shares his powerful story of overcoming addiction, navigating bipolar disorder, and finding purpose through vulnerability and service. Together, they unpack the challenges and gifts of being neurodivergent, offering insights for parents, individuals, and anyone seeking growth in the face of adversity.

We Also Cover:

  • Shane’s journey to building self-awareness.
  • The connection between bipolar traits and untapped genius.
  • Practical advice for parents raising neurodivergent kids.
  • Breaking the stigma around addiction and mental health.
  • The power of embracing imperfections in a judgmental world.

Quotes:

  • "I got into this weird state of introspection and had this epiphany that I was designed this way to help others. I visit the dark often, so I know the way out and I can show other people that way."
  • “For any neurodivergent listening to this, I would say, discover yourself—discover the things that calm you down, discover the people that will be there for you.”
  • "I have a great brain, but as good as it is, it has the potential to be very detrimental. It's like if Superman was powered by kryptonite"

About Shane Currin:

Shane Currin is a passionate mental health advocate and wayfinder of neurodiversity. He is a suicide survivor and has been in addiction recovery for ten years. As a neurodivergent individual himself, Shane's personal journey informs his advocacy work, allowing him to connect deeply with the experiences of others. His commitment to ending mental health stigma drives his efforts to create a welcoming community for open discussions about mental health.

Connect with Shane:

Further Reading:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Cut From Chaos: Shane Currin’s Story of Bipolar, Addiction, & Purpose Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell, Shane Currin 00:57:17 Mike and Chaya kick off Season 2 by welcoming Shane Currin, a mental health advocate, writer, and podcast host of Diamonds in the Rough. Shane shares his powerful story of overcoming addiction, navigating bipolar disorder, and finding purpose through vulnerability and service. Together, they unpack the challenges and gifts of being neurodivergent, offering insights for parents, individuals, and anyone seeking growth in the face of adversity. Mike and Chaya kick off Season 2 by welcoming Shane Currin, a mental health advocate, writer, and podcast host of Diamonds in the Rough. Shane shares his powerful story of overcoming addiction, navigating bipolar disorder, and finding purpose through vulnerability and service. Together, they unpack the challenges and gifts of being neurodivergent, offering insights for parents, individuals, and anyone seeking growth in the face of adversity. adhd in adults, real stories about overcoming addiction, how to embrace vulnerability, bipolar success stories, recovery, mental health, trauma recovery stories, addiction, how to reframe mental health struggles, embracing neurodivergent traits for success, bipolar, overcoming addiction, mental health advocacy, addiction recovery, neurodiversity, practical mental health advice for neurodivergents, addiction recovery podcast, self-discovery, recovery stories, audhd false full 1 2 322f8e1b-c7b0-4ecf-83fe-afe7102d119f Nature, Nurture, and Neurodiversity w/ Dr. Jeff Karp (Season 1 Finale) Mike and Chaya conclude Spark Launch's first season by sitting down with Dr. Jeff Karp, a biomedical engineer, Harvard Medical School and MIT professor, and passionate neurodiversity advocate. Dr. Karp shares how he went from struggling student to noted innovator with over 175 published papers and 100 patents, calling attention to the ways traditional educational systems fail to support ADHD children and how families can counteract it.

We Also Cover:

  • Importance of daily rituals for mental wellness
  • The vitalness of parental support for neurodivergent children
  • Importance of personalized education
  • AI tools for neurodiverse students
  • The "Pendulum Lifestyle" for personal growth
  • How to best nurture areas of interest in children
  • Dr. Karp's "LIT: Life Ignition Tools" book and framework
  • The significance of self-reflection practices
  • Finding mental rejuvenation with ADHD
  • Embracing the power of pausing

Quotes:

  • "I feel like I was the kid who always had to work, like, two or three times harder than everybody else."
  • "Someone asked me, 'Oh, what do you want to be when you grow up?' And I said, 'A doctor.' And they said, 'Oh, you better set your sights lower.'"
  • "Once you can connect with what you naturally hyperfocus on what naturally excites you and what you don't have to force, that's where the magic starts to happen."

About Jeff Karp:

Dr. Jeff Karp is a professor at Harvard Medical School and MIT, with a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Toronto. His life experiences with learning differences, particularly ADHD, have deeply influenced his work and advocacy. He focuses on developing innovative solutions to medical challenges, applying nature-inspired strategies and fostering neurodiversity awareness in education.

Connect with Jeff:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 30 Jan 2025 13:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (SparkLaunch.org, Jeff Karp, Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya conclude Spark Launch's first season by sitting down with Dr. Jeff Karp, a biomedical engineer, Harvard Medical School and MIT professor, and passionate neurodiversity advocate. Dr. Karp shares how he went from struggling student to noted innovator with over 175 published papers and 100 patents, calling attention to the ways traditional educational systems fail to support ADHD children and how families can counteract it.

We Also Cover:

  • Importance of daily rituals for mental wellness
  • The vitalness of parental support for neurodivergent children
  • Importance of personalized education
  • AI tools for neurodiverse students
  • The "Pendulum Lifestyle" for personal growth
  • How to best nurture areas of interest in children
  • Dr. Karp's "LIT: Life Ignition Tools" book and framework
  • The significance of self-reflection practices
  • Finding mental rejuvenation with ADHD
  • Embracing the power of pausing

Quotes:

  • "I feel like I was the kid who always had to work, like, two or three times harder than everybody else."
  • "Someone asked me, 'Oh, what do you want to be when you grow up?' And I said, 'A doctor.' And they said, 'Oh, you better set your sights lower.'"
  • "Once you can connect with what you naturally hyperfocus on what naturally excites you and what you don't have to force, that's where the magic starts to happen."

About Jeff Karp:

Dr. Jeff Karp is a professor at Harvard Medical School and MIT, with a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Toronto. His life experiences with learning differences, particularly ADHD, have deeply influenced his work and advocacy. He focuses on developing innovative solutions to medical challenges, applying nature-inspired strategies and fostering neurodiversity awareness in education.

Connect with Jeff:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Nature, Nurture, and Neurodiversity w/ Dr. Jeff Karp (Season 1 Finale) SparkLaunch.org, Jeff Karp, Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell 00:51:40 Mike and Chaya conclude Spark Launch's first season by sitting down with Dr. Jeff Karp, a biomedical engineer, Harvard Medical School and MIT professor, and passionate neurodiversity advocate. Dr. Karp shares how he went from struggling student to noted innovator with over 175 published papers and 100 patents, calling attention to the ways traditional educational systems fail to support ADHD children and how families can counteract it. Mike and Chaya conclude Spark Launch's first season by sitting down with Dr. Jeff Karp, a biomedical engineer, Harvard Medical School and MIT professor, and passionate neurodiversity advocate. Dr. Karp shares how he went from struggling student to noted innovator with over 175 published papers and 100 patents, calling attention to the ways traditional educational systems fail to support ADHD children and how families can counteract it. adhd, neuroscience, life ignition tools, neurodiverse students, jeff karp, education, inclusion, neurodiversity false full 24 1 ba5a4eff-caf0-4356-9832-0de0507ea0e3 Walk The Strong Path: Compassion Breeds Resilience w/ James Dewar-Haggart Mike and Chaya sit down with James Dewar-Haggart, founder of Strong Path, a fitness organization built to prioritize inclusivity for the neurodivergent community. James shares his journey through depression, substance use, and ADHD, and how those experiences shaped his approach to creating a supportive space that acknowledges both emotional and physical well-being.

We Also Cover:

  • How trauma amplifies neurodivergent struggles
  • Fostering inclusivity in gym environments
  • Emotional health over physical fitness
  • Empathy as a foundation for growth
  • Community-building for neurodivergent individuals
  • Breaking barriers for underrepresented groups
  • The influence of childhood diagnosis gaps
  • Addressing societal failure in mental health

Quotes:

  • "If you do something out of truth, out of passion, and out of love for the thing that you're doing, especially as someone with ADHD, then you can't really go wrong with it."
  • "We are taught to study, get good grades, and make money, but not about how to contribute to this world meaningfully."
  • "If you make decisions based on your actual feelings, your actual thoughts, and your actual desires, the likelihood of success is so much higher."
  • "You’re teaching that child to repress those feelings, but those feelings aren’t going anywhere—they’re just going to amplify."

About James Dewar-Haggart:

James Dewar-Haggart is the Founder of Strong Path CIC, a community interest company dedicated to providing personal training and nutritional advice to the neuro-diverse community. With nearly a decade of experience as a personal trainer, James has a deep understanding of the physical and psychological needs of his clients. He has created a supportive environment in his private gym, where sessions are tailored to small groups to ensure personalized attention. Passionate about breaking down barriers and making fitness accessible to everyone, he continues to work with charities and community organizations to expand his reach and impact.

Connect with James:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 23 Jan 2025 13:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (SparkLaunch.org, James Dewar Haggart, Mike Corne, Chaya Mallavaram) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with James Dewar-Haggart, founder of Strong Path, a fitness organization built to prioritize inclusivity for the neurodivergent community. James shares his journey through depression, substance use, and ADHD, and how those experiences shaped his approach to creating a supportive space that acknowledges both emotional and physical well-being.

We Also Cover:

  • How trauma amplifies neurodivergent struggles
  • Fostering inclusivity in gym environments
  • Emotional health over physical fitness
  • Empathy as a foundation for growth
  • Community-building for neurodivergent individuals
  • Breaking barriers for underrepresented groups
  • The influence of childhood diagnosis gaps
  • Addressing societal failure in mental health

Quotes:

  • "If you do something out of truth, out of passion, and out of love for the thing that you're doing, especially as someone with ADHD, then you can't really go wrong with it."
  • "We are taught to study, get good grades, and make money, but not about how to contribute to this world meaningfully."
  • "If you make decisions based on your actual feelings, your actual thoughts, and your actual desires, the likelihood of success is so much higher."
  • "You’re teaching that child to repress those feelings, but those feelings aren’t going anywhere—they’re just going to amplify."

About James Dewar-Haggart:

James Dewar-Haggart is the Founder of Strong Path CIC, a community interest company dedicated to providing personal training and nutritional advice to the neuro-diverse community. With nearly a decade of experience as a personal trainer, James has a deep understanding of the physical and psychological needs of his clients. He has created a supportive environment in his private gym, where sessions are tailored to small groups to ensure personalized attention. Passionate about breaking down barriers and making fitness accessible to everyone, he continues to work with charities and community organizations to expand his reach and impact.

Connect with James:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Walk The Strong Path: Compassion Breeds Resilience w/ James Dewar-Haggart SparkLaunch.org, James Dewar Haggart, Mike Corne, Chaya Mallavaram 00:56:53 Mike and Chaya sit down with James Dewar-Haggart, founder of Strong Path, a fitness organization built to prioritize inclusivity for the neurodivergent community. James shares his journey through depression, substance use, and ADHD, and how those experiences shaped his approach to creating a supportive space that acknowledges both emotional and physical well-being. Mike and Chaya sit down with James Dewar-Haggart, founder of Strong Path, a fitness organization built to prioritize inclusivity for the neurodivergent community. James shares his journey through depression, substance use, and ADHD, and how those experiences shaped his approach to creating a supportive space that acknowledges both emotional and physical well-being. adhd in adults, adhd, compassion, fitness culture, diversity and inclusion, mental health awareness, substance abuse disorder, resilience, inclusion, neurodiversity false full 23 1 5cca3cbb-f899-4474-841b-3efbdfca5813 Living Eponymously: Creativity Over Conformity w/ Bradley Lewis Foster Mike and Chaya sit down with Bradley Lewis Foster, a creative force in the marketing world who discusses his experiences as a neurodivergent entrepreneur and the often-misunderstood traits associated with ADHD. Brad shares on leveraging neurodiverse thinking through different artforms, leading to greater understanding of both himself and the larger world.

We Also Cover:

  • The power of embracing neurodivergent perspectives in creative industries
  • How exploring different mediums leads to discovering your unique talents
  • The philosophical nature of neurodivergent thinking and its benefits
  • Finding your authentic voice in a world of conformity
  • The importance of trying new things to discover your true potential
  • Creative outlets leading to self-discovery
  • Rethinking failure as a learning tool
  • Redefining success on personal terms
  • How neurodivergents are natural entrepreneurs

Quotes:

  • "For people who are unhappy with their jobs, which is probably most people, go read a bunch of books, go explore, go do things you've never done before, because you may not ever know in your whole life what your passion really is if you don't do that."
  • "I think the people who cannot see your vision are actually pushing you to believe in yourself. So I actually am very grateful today to the people who have rejected me."
  • "What we're taught in schools is essentially preparing us to be good little workers, but they're not preparing us to be critical thinkers or entrepreneurs."
  • "So if you're just constantly listening to what everybody else is telling you to do, 'be like everybody else, take the safe road,' then honestly, you'll likely fail because it's redundant. What is the point of being someone else?"

About Bradley Lewis Foster:

Bradley Lewis Foster is originally from a small town in Montana and spent over 15 years in marketing for some of the best brands in the world including companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Disney, AT&T, MillerCoors, and The Oscars. He has also helped hundreds of small businesses and developed a marketing training and mentorship program. He currently runs a full-service ad agency called EPONYMOUS that brings the science and methodologies used by top brands to businesses of all sizes.

Connect with Bradley:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 16 Jan 2025 13:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (SparkLaunch.org, Bradley Lewis Foster) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with Bradley Lewis Foster, a creative force in the marketing world who discusses his experiences as a neurodivergent entrepreneur and the often-misunderstood traits associated with ADHD. Brad shares on leveraging neurodiverse thinking through different artforms, leading to greater understanding of both himself and the larger world.

We Also Cover:

  • The power of embracing neurodivergent perspectives in creative industries
  • How exploring different mediums leads to discovering your unique talents
  • The philosophical nature of neurodivergent thinking and its benefits
  • Finding your authentic voice in a world of conformity
  • The importance of trying new things to discover your true potential
  • Creative outlets leading to self-discovery
  • Rethinking failure as a learning tool
  • Redefining success on personal terms
  • How neurodivergents are natural entrepreneurs

Quotes:

  • "For people who are unhappy with their jobs, which is probably most people, go read a bunch of books, go explore, go do things you've never done before, because you may not ever know in your whole life what your passion really is if you don't do that."
  • "I think the people who cannot see your vision are actually pushing you to believe in yourself. So I actually am very grateful today to the people who have rejected me."
  • "What we're taught in schools is essentially preparing us to be good little workers, but they're not preparing us to be critical thinkers or entrepreneurs."
  • "So if you're just constantly listening to what everybody else is telling you to do, 'be like everybody else, take the safe road,' then honestly, you'll likely fail because it's redundant. What is the point of being someone else?"

About Bradley Lewis Foster:

Bradley Lewis Foster is originally from a small town in Montana and spent over 15 years in marketing for some of the best brands in the world including companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Disney, AT&T, MillerCoors, and The Oscars. He has also helped hundreds of small businesses and developed a marketing training and mentorship program. He currently runs a full-service ad agency called EPONYMOUS that brings the science and methodologies used by top brands to businesses of all sizes.

Connect with Bradley:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Living Eponymously: Creativity Over Conformity w/ Bradley Lewis Foster SparkLaunch.org, Bradley Lewis Foster 00:46:22 Mike and Chaya sit down with Bradley Lewis Foster, a creative force in the marketing world who discusses his experiences as a neurodivergent entrepreneur and the often-misunderstood traits associated with ADHD. Brad shares on leveraging neurodiverse thinking through different artforms, leading to greater understanding of both himself and the larger world. Mike and Chaya sit down with Bradley Lewis Foster, a creative force in the marketing world who discusses his experiences as a neurodivergent entrepreneur and the often-misunderstood traits associated with ADHD. Brad shares on leveraging neurodiverse thinking through different artforms, leading to greater understanding of both himself and the larger world. adhd in adults, adhd, mental health, mental well-being, neurodiversity in business, creativity, neurodivergent entrepreneur, adhd writers false full 22 1 50e0e0b2-0ac4-46b8-9b95-931c6fa5a92b The Autism Advantage: Author J.D. Barker Talks Crafting Stories & Taking Chances Mike and Chaya sit down with author J.D. Barker, known for his gripping suspense thrillers, who reveals how being on the autism spectrum has shaped his career. Discover how neurodiversity fuels creativity as he shares his journey from ghostwriter to NYT bestseller, his lifelong passion for storytelling, and how to find your own 'superpower'.

We Also Cover:

  • The Importance of Supportive Relationships
  • Later In Life Autism Diagnosis
  • How Autistic Mirroring Aids in Ghostwriting
  • Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
  • The Influence of Neurodivergent Thinking on Plot Creation
  • Finding Ways to Ground Yourself to Avoid Hyperfocus
  • Nurturing Creative Outlets at an Early Age
  • His Autism Advocacy
  • Why AI Cannot Replicate the Human Experience

Quotes:

  • "The more often I did something, as uncomfortable as it might be, like putting myself in a social situation, the easier it got."
  • "I realized that I could take something that some people would see as a negative and basically turn it into a positive."
  • "It takes a lot to walk away from one path, to get on your own path. It takes a lot of guts to do that."

About J.D. Barker:

J.D. Barker is the New York Times and international best-selling author of numerous novels, including DRACUL, the wildly popular 4MK series, and frequently collaborates with James Patterson. He began work as a book doctor and ghostwriter, helping others fine tune their writing for publication. He would continue in this profession until 2012 when he wrote a novel of his own, titled Forsaken. Stephen King read portions of Forsaken prior to publication and granted Barker permission to utilize the character of Leland Gaunt (of King’s Needful Things) in the novel. His books have been translated into two dozen languages, sold in more than 150 countries, and optioned for both film and television. Barker resides in coastal New Hampshire with his wife, Dayna, and their daughter, Ember.

Connect with J.D.:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 9 Jan 2025 13:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (SparkLaunch.org, JD Barker) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with author J.D. Barker, known for his gripping suspense thrillers, who reveals how being on the autism spectrum has shaped his career. Discover how neurodiversity fuels creativity as he shares his journey from ghostwriter to NYT bestseller, his lifelong passion for storytelling, and how to find your own 'superpower'.

We Also Cover:

  • The Importance of Supportive Relationships
  • Later In Life Autism Diagnosis
  • How Autistic Mirroring Aids in Ghostwriting
  • Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
  • The Influence of Neurodivergent Thinking on Plot Creation
  • Finding Ways to Ground Yourself to Avoid Hyperfocus
  • Nurturing Creative Outlets at an Early Age
  • His Autism Advocacy
  • Why AI Cannot Replicate the Human Experience

Quotes:

  • "The more often I did something, as uncomfortable as it might be, like putting myself in a social situation, the easier it got."
  • "I realized that I could take something that some people would see as a negative and basically turn it into a positive."
  • "It takes a lot to walk away from one path, to get on your own path. It takes a lot of guts to do that."

About J.D. Barker:

J.D. Barker is the New York Times and international best-selling author of numerous novels, including DRACUL, the wildly popular 4MK series, and frequently collaborates with James Patterson. He began work as a book doctor and ghostwriter, helping others fine tune their writing for publication. He would continue in this profession until 2012 when he wrote a novel of his own, titled Forsaken. Stephen King read portions of Forsaken prior to publication and granted Barker permission to utilize the character of Leland Gaunt (of King’s Needful Things) in the novel. His books have been translated into two dozen languages, sold in more than 150 countries, and optioned for both film and television. Barker resides in coastal New Hampshire with his wife, Dayna, and their daughter, Ember.

Connect with J.D.:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> The Autism Advantage: Author J.D. Barker Talks Crafting Stories & Taking Chances SparkLaunch.org, JD Barker 00:42:01 Mike and Chaya sit down with author J.D. Barker, known for his gripping suspense thrillers, who reveals how being on the autism spectrum has shaped his career. Discover how neurodiversity fuels creativity as he shares his journey from ghostwriter to NYT bestseller, his lifelong passion for storytelling, and how to find your own 'superpower'. Mike and Chaya sit down with author J.D. Barker, known for his gripping suspense thrillers, who reveals how being on the autism spectrum has shaped his career. Discover how neurodiversity fuels creativity as he shares his journey from ghostwriter to NYT bestseller, his lifelong passion for storytelling, and how to find your own 'superpower'. autism, horror writer, autistic adults, autistic, neurodivergent challenges, publishing success, jd barker, dracula, bestselling author false full 21 1 8e0d38de-f926-47ff-b182-852b20f57b6c Beyond ADHD: Finding Peace Amid the Noise w/ Sam Led Mike and Chaya sit down with Sam Led, a distinguished ADHD coach, podcaster, and the author of "Beyond ADHD," to delve into the multifaceted nature of ADHD; exploring its implications not just for diagnosed individuals but for society at large. Sam brings a treasure trove of insights, from the pressures of conforming, to reframing the "noise" in our minds as a unique cognitive experience rather than a flaw.

We Also Cover:

  • The Impact of Past Experiences
  • Recognizing Emotional Contrasts for Balance
  • Moving Beyond Rigid Strategies
  • The Failure and Trauma of Punitive Education
  • Empathy and Creativity
  • Riding the Emotional Wave
  • Accepting Your Inner Wisdom
  • The Value of Suffering
  • The Limitations of Conventional Coaching for ADHD

Quotes:

  • "It is our inner self, which is so wise. It knows what to do, what not to do, who to trust, who not to trust. Just allow and drop into that space."
  • "So we have to keep going, going and welcome those experiences because it'll teach us and we'll learn so much through those."
  • "We're not living in the outside world. We're living in the experience of our inner world."
  • "The glory of consciousness, conscious thought. You can change anything with one thought."
  • "Because we are all Different and everybody has a right to have their opinion, including myself. But not letting that affect my own emotions has been my life journey."
  • "ADHDers and neurodiverse have so often had their agency very much robbed from them by other people who've told them what they're capable of, what they're not capable of, what they should be doing."

About Sam Led:

Sam Led, coach, author of Beyond ADHD, and host of The Fearless Now podcast, helps clients worldwide via Zoom discover their innate intelligence and wisdom by taking their thinking less seriously. Through personalized coaching and online programs, Sam guides individuals with ADHD and neurodiversity to understand their minds, drawing on his experience in personal development, human behavior, spirituality, and intuitive gifts. His background includes studies at the University of South Florida and Nova Southeastern University, a graduate degree in conflict resolution, and expertise in change management, enabling him to effectively support clients recovering from setbacks and losses by helping them access insights beyond the "noise" of their thinking.

Connect with Sam:

Related Reading:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 2 Jan 2025 13:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Sam Led, Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with Sam Led, a distinguished ADHD coach, podcaster, and the author of "Beyond ADHD," to delve into the multifaceted nature of ADHD; exploring its implications not just for diagnosed individuals but for society at large. Sam brings a treasure trove of insights, from the pressures of conforming, to reframing the "noise" in our minds as a unique cognitive experience rather than a flaw.

We Also Cover:

  • The Impact of Past Experiences
  • Recognizing Emotional Contrasts for Balance
  • Moving Beyond Rigid Strategies
  • The Failure and Trauma of Punitive Education
  • Empathy and Creativity
  • Riding the Emotional Wave
  • Accepting Your Inner Wisdom
  • The Value of Suffering
  • The Limitations of Conventional Coaching for ADHD

Quotes:

  • "It is our inner self, which is so wise. It knows what to do, what not to do, who to trust, who not to trust. Just allow and drop into that space."
  • "So we have to keep going, going and welcome those experiences because it'll teach us and we'll learn so much through those."
  • "We're not living in the outside world. We're living in the experience of our inner world."
  • "The glory of consciousness, conscious thought. You can change anything with one thought."
  • "Because we are all Different and everybody has a right to have their opinion, including myself. But not letting that affect my own emotions has been my life journey."
  • "ADHDers and neurodiverse have so often had their agency very much robbed from them by other people who've told them what they're capable of, what they're not capable of, what they should be doing."

About Sam Led:

Sam Led, coach, author of Beyond ADHD, and host of The Fearless Now podcast, helps clients worldwide via Zoom discover their innate intelligence and wisdom by taking their thinking less seriously. Through personalized coaching and online programs, Sam guides individuals with ADHD and neurodiversity to understand their minds, drawing on his experience in personal development, human behavior, spirituality, and intuitive gifts. His background includes studies at the University of South Florida and Nova Southeastern University, a graduate degree in conflict resolution, and expertise in change management, enabling him to effectively support clients recovering from setbacks and losses by helping them access insights beyond the "noise" of their thinking.

Connect with Sam:

Related Reading:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Beyond ADHD: Finding Peace Amid the Noise w/ Sam Led Sam Led, Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram 01:06:39 Mike and Chaya sit down with Sam Led, a distinguished ADHD coach, podcaster, and the author of "Beyond ADHD," to delve into the multifaceted nature of ADHD; exploring its implications not just for diagnosed individuals but for society at large. Sam brings a treasure trove of insights, from the pressures of conforming, to reframing the "noise" in our minds as a unique cognitive experience rather than a flaw. Mike and Chaya sit down with Sam Led, a distinguished ADHD coach, podcaster, and the author of "Beyond ADHD," to delve into the multifaceted nature of ADHD; exploring its implications not just for diagnosed individuals but for society at large. Sam brings a treasure trove of insights, from the pressures of conforming, to reframing the "noise" in our minds as a unique cognitive experience rather than a flaw. neurodivergent routines, life, beyond adhd, adhd coach, autism coaching, mental health, sam led, empathy false full 20 1 b2d70283-910f-457a-8be1-f6e3261bf22d Passion Over Profession: A Teen Perspective on Dyslexia, Adulthood, and Happiness w/ Neel Raikar Mike and Chaya sit down with Neel Raikar, an 18-year-old trying to plot his own course through the complexities of school life while facing the hurdles associated with dyslexia. Neel doesn't hesitate to give his candid - and very relatable - aversion to the education system and how the pressure to conform to traditional career expectations often stifles the personal pursuit of joy.

We Also Cover:

  • Learning Difficulties & Concentration Challenges
  • The Need For Teaching Real-World Applications of School Subjects
  • Building Relevance and Engagement For Inclusive Learning
  • Societal and Parental Pressures of Adulthood
  • The Importance of Challenging Traditional Paths
  • How Conventional Learning Methods Overlook Neurodiverse Students
  • Fulfillment Coming From Passion Rather Than Obligation
  • Finding Purpose in Living For Joy

Quotes:

  • "I want to do my thing, but I want to do what my parents want me to do because I want them to be happy."
  • "Sometimes a job is just a means to an end so you can go do the crap you like to do."
  • "It's like, 'what do you want to do with your life?' No one ever asks, 'so what would make you happy in life?'"
  • "When you're forced to do it, it takes the joy out of learning."
  • "We judge people by jobs so often. We're very job obsessed society."

About Neel Raikar:

Neel Raikar a straight-talking, school-hating, people-avoiding (you sound like me there), dyslexic 18-year-old Studying the IB program, navigating challenges with dyslexia while staying focused on academics.

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 19 Dec 2024 13:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (SparkLaunch.org) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with Neel Raikar, an 18-year-old trying to plot his own course through the complexities of school life while facing the hurdles associated with dyslexia. Neel doesn't hesitate to give his candid - and very relatable - aversion to the education system and how the pressure to conform to traditional career expectations often stifles the personal pursuit of joy.

We Also Cover:

  • Learning Difficulties & Concentration Challenges
  • The Need For Teaching Real-World Applications of School Subjects
  • Building Relevance and Engagement For Inclusive Learning
  • Societal and Parental Pressures of Adulthood
  • The Importance of Challenging Traditional Paths
  • How Conventional Learning Methods Overlook Neurodiverse Students
  • Fulfillment Coming From Passion Rather Than Obligation
  • Finding Purpose in Living For Joy

Quotes:

  • "I want to do my thing, but I want to do what my parents want me to do because I want them to be happy."
  • "Sometimes a job is just a means to an end so you can go do the crap you like to do."
  • "It's like, 'what do you want to do with your life?' No one ever asks, 'so what would make you happy in life?'"
  • "When you're forced to do it, it takes the joy out of learning."
  • "We judge people by jobs so often. We're very job obsessed society."

About Neel Raikar:

Neel Raikar a straight-talking, school-hating, people-avoiding (you sound like me there), dyslexic 18-year-old Studying the IB program, navigating challenges with dyslexia while staying focused on academics.

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Passion Over Profession: A Teen Perspective on Dyslexia, Adulthood, and Happiness w/ Neel Raikar SparkLaunch.org 00:26:57 Mike and Chaya sit down with Neel Raikar, an 18-year-old trying to plot his own course through the complexities of school life while facing the hurdles associated with dyslexia. Neel doesn't hesitate to give his candid - and very relatable - aversion to the education system and how the pressure to conform to traditional career expectations often stifles the personal pursuit of joy. Mike and Chaya sit down with Neel Raikar, an 18-year-old trying to plot his own course through the complexities of school life while facing the hurdles associated with dyslexia. Neel doesn't hesitate to give his candid - and very relatable - aversion to the education system and how the pressure to conform to traditional career expectations often stifles the personal pursuit of joy. education challenges, accommodations, neurodivergent challenges, dyslexia, diversity equity inclusion and belonging, neurodiverse students, education false full 19 1 3b1f3dab-be74-4a21-9131-dea7d9d94cf5 Superpower or Struggle? The ADHD Spectrum of Experience w/ Ahmadreza Tadrisi Mike and Chaya sit down with ADHD psychotherapist Ahmadreza Tadrisi to discuss how his own diagnosis sparked a desire to broaden the understanding of this neuro-type. In their talk, Ahmadreza debunks some harmful ADHD myths and highlights how the "ADHD as superpower" narrative can unintentionally marginalize those who face more significant struggles.

We Also Cover:

  • Cultural differences in understanding ADHD, particularly in Iran
  • Inattentiveness without hyperactivity
  • Misconceptions and stereotypes fueled by pop culture
  • Systemic failures in accommodating neurodiversity
  • The dual nature of ADHD as strength and challenge
  • Limiting Labels vs Empowering Labels
  • How social media advice can lead to unrealistic expectations

Quotes:

  • "If we are struggling, it's because of the system. So if the systems were set up in the right way, we would be completely fine."
  • "When you are forming an identity for yourself, things need to make sense."
  • "The problem that we are having today is that the ones that need the most help, their voices are the ones that we hear the less."
  • "It's very charmed to educate the public only about the positive aspects. It's more appealing and it sells better. But does it actually change the reality?"
  • "But the more and more you train yourself to listen to that intuition, that gut feeling and the way it shows up, everybody has a different way of tapping into that."

About Ahmadreza Tadrisi:

Ahmadreza Tadrisi is a psychotherapist with a master's in clinical psychology. Over the last four years, he has conducted over 3000 therapy and counseling sessions with more than 100 clients. His integrative, client-centered approach combines therapy and coaching, particularly focusing on Adult ADHD, inspired by his own diagnosis, and dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive space for all individuals.

Connect with Adhamreza:

Related Reading:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 12 Dec 2024 13:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (SparkLaunch.org) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with ADHD psychotherapist Ahmadreza Tadrisi to discuss how his own diagnosis sparked a desire to broaden the understanding of this neuro-type. In their talk, Ahmadreza debunks some harmful ADHD myths and highlights how the "ADHD as superpower" narrative can unintentionally marginalize those who face more significant struggles.

We Also Cover:

  • Cultural differences in understanding ADHD, particularly in Iran
  • Inattentiveness without hyperactivity
  • Misconceptions and stereotypes fueled by pop culture
  • Systemic failures in accommodating neurodiversity
  • The dual nature of ADHD as strength and challenge
  • Limiting Labels vs Empowering Labels
  • How social media advice can lead to unrealistic expectations

Quotes:

  • "If we are struggling, it's because of the system. So if the systems were set up in the right way, we would be completely fine."
  • "When you are forming an identity for yourself, things need to make sense."
  • "The problem that we are having today is that the ones that need the most help, their voices are the ones that we hear the less."
  • "It's very charmed to educate the public only about the positive aspects. It's more appealing and it sells better. But does it actually change the reality?"
  • "But the more and more you train yourself to listen to that intuition, that gut feeling and the way it shows up, everybody has a different way of tapping into that."

About Ahmadreza Tadrisi:

Ahmadreza Tadrisi is a psychotherapist with a master's in clinical psychology. Over the last four years, he has conducted over 3000 therapy and counseling sessions with more than 100 clients. His integrative, client-centered approach combines therapy and coaching, particularly focusing on Adult ADHD, inspired by his own diagnosis, and dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive space for all individuals.

Connect with Adhamreza:

Related Reading:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Superpower or Struggle? The ADHD Spectrum of Experience w/ Ahmadreza Tadrisi SparkLaunch.org 00:41:26 Mike and Chaya sit down with ADHD psychotherapist Ahmadreza Tadrisi to discuss how his own diagnosis sparked a desire to broaden the understanding of this neuro-type. In their talk, Ahmadreza debunks some harmful ADHD myths and highlights how the "ADHD as superpower" narrative can unintentionally marginalize those who face more significant struggles. Mike and Chaya sit down with ADHD psychotherapist Ahmadreza Tadrisi to discuss how his own diagnosis sparked a desire to broaden the understanding of this neuro-type. In their talk, Ahmadreza debunks some harmful ADHD myths and highlights how the "ADHD as superpower" narrative can unintentionally marginalize those who face more significant struggles. adhd in adults, adhd, adhd coach, diversity and inclusion, mental health, psychology, overcoming challenges, neurodiversity false full 18 1 cc88454b-1439-46f8-bdc4-6182757e0b8e Level Up Your ADHD Parenting Strategies w/ Joshua Rastetter Parenting is an intricate dance, this is doubly true when you and your child share the same neurodivergence. Joshua Rastetter returns to elaborate further on these complexities, reflecting on the frustrations of a rigid educational system that didn’t accommodate his daughter's needs, and the how this led him to rethink generations of parental strategies, opting for something more... gamified.

We Also Cover:

  • Intrinsic Motivation and Meaningful Goals
  • Overcoming Parenting Hypocrisy
  • Appreciating Neurodivergent Children Require Different Approaches
  • Creating a Cooperative Environment can Reduce Conflict and Improve Learning
  • Recognizing the Unique Lopve Languages of Your Children to Enhance Communication
  • A Gamer Approach to Parenting Styles
  • The Difficulties of Remote Learning for Neurodivergent Kids During the Pandemic

Quotes:

  • "And part of that was my own struggles with focus... projecting a little bit because as hard as it was for her to focus... it was just as hard, if not harder for me to focus enough to help her focus."
  • "My mental health improved drastically when I stopped judging myself by the box that I didn't fit in."
  • "Are we playing on co-op right now? Are we playing on Versus? It’s not my will versus your will. There’s a challenge that we need to face together."
  • "I think as long as they're doing things in a fun way, it's fine. We don't have to get the whole picture. But unfortunately the schools today, the way it works, it doesn't satisfy an ADHD mind."
  • "When we stop and ask, 'How do you love this person? How do you love this thing?'—that changes everything. It’s not just about the feeling but the expression."

About Joshua Rastetter:

Joshua brings over 15 years of experience in tech and software development to address the real and pressing challenges faced by the neurodivergent community. With a degree in Management Information Systems, Joshua combines his technical expertise and strategic insight to drive innovation and create impactful solutions.

At Spark Launch, Joshua is focused on driving the company's mission to empower neurodivergent individuals through innovative and strength-based solutions. His work emphasizes creating accessible and inclusive tools that support diverse thinkers in reaching their full potential.

Connect with Joshua:

Related Reading:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 5 Dec 2024 13:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Mike Cornell, Joshua Rastetter, Chaya Mallavaram) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Parenting is an intricate dance, this is doubly true when you and your child share the same neurodivergence. Joshua Rastetter returns to elaborate further on these complexities, reflecting on the frustrations of a rigid educational system that didn’t accommodate his daughter's needs, and the how this led him to rethink generations of parental strategies, opting for something more... gamified.

We Also Cover:

  • Intrinsic Motivation and Meaningful Goals
  • Overcoming Parenting Hypocrisy
  • Appreciating Neurodivergent Children Require Different Approaches
  • Creating a Cooperative Environment can Reduce Conflict and Improve Learning
  • Recognizing the Unique Lopve Languages of Your Children to Enhance Communication
  • A Gamer Approach to Parenting Styles
  • The Difficulties of Remote Learning for Neurodivergent Kids During the Pandemic

Quotes:

  • "And part of that was my own struggles with focus... projecting a little bit because as hard as it was for her to focus... it was just as hard, if not harder for me to focus enough to help her focus."
  • "My mental health improved drastically when I stopped judging myself by the box that I didn't fit in."
  • "Are we playing on co-op right now? Are we playing on Versus? It’s not my will versus your will. There’s a challenge that we need to face together."
  • "I think as long as they're doing things in a fun way, it's fine. We don't have to get the whole picture. But unfortunately the schools today, the way it works, it doesn't satisfy an ADHD mind."
  • "When we stop and ask, 'How do you love this person? How do you love this thing?'—that changes everything. It’s not just about the feeling but the expression."

About Joshua Rastetter:

Joshua brings over 15 years of experience in tech and software development to address the real and pressing challenges faced by the neurodivergent community. With a degree in Management Information Systems, Joshua combines his technical expertise and strategic insight to drive innovation and create impactful solutions.

At Spark Launch, Joshua is focused on driving the company's mission to empower neurodivergent individuals through innovative and strength-based solutions. His work emphasizes creating accessible and inclusive tools that support diverse thinkers in reaching their full potential.

Connect with Joshua:

Related Reading:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Level Up Your ADHD Parenting Strategies w/ Joshua Rastetter Mike Cornell, Joshua Rastetter, Chaya Mallavaram 00:29:48 Parenting is an intricate dance, this is doubly true when you and your child share the same neurodivergence. Joshua Rastetter returns to elaborate further on these complexities, reflecting on the frustrations of a rigid educational system that didn’t accommodate his daughter's needs, and the how this led him to rethink generations of parental strategies, opting for something more... gamified. Parenting is an intricate dance, this is doubly true when you and your child share the same neurodivergence. Joshua Rastetter returns to elaborate further on these complexities, reflecting on the frustrations of a rigid educational system that didn’t accommodate his daughter's needs, and the how this led him to rethink generations of parental strategies, opting for something more... gamified. adhd, dyscalculia, neurodivergent parenting, neurodiverse children, parenting, neurodivergent parents, love languages, video games false full 17 1 42f4e9e1-ee9a-4282-b36a-10095fcbef54 When The World Is Dark and Cold... Feeling hopeless amidst recent world events is a sentiment many of us currently relate to. But, as Mike and Chaya discuss in this episode, hopelessness can lead to fearlessness.

We Also Cover:

  • The cumulative impact of prolonged anxiety on mental health
  • Finding connection in collective struggle
  • Transforming negative energy into activism, creativity, or support
  • The role of meditation in energy and anxiety management
  • Love, anger, and compassion in crisis

Quotes:

  • "There has been a great many people who, in the face of unrelenting sorrow, have been able to stand up and face something that is greater than them and become greater than that thing."
  • "Transformation happens only when you experience deep pain. That pain is so hard that the only way out is to actually become a butterfly from a caterpillar."
  • "Love got knocked down. Love can get back up."
  • "We have no idea what's going to happen even the very next moment, so carrying the burden of the future is unnecessary."
  • "When the world goes dark and cold, keep your fire burning so others may know where to stay warm."

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 14 Nov 2024 13:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (SparkLaunch.org, Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Feeling hopeless amidst recent world events is a sentiment many of us currently relate to. But, as Mike and Chaya discuss in this episode, hopelessness can lead to fearlessness.

We Also Cover:

  • The cumulative impact of prolonged anxiety on mental health
  • Finding connection in collective struggle
  • Transforming negative energy into activism, creativity, or support
  • The role of meditation in energy and anxiety management
  • Love, anger, and compassion in crisis

Quotes:

  • "There has been a great many people who, in the face of unrelenting sorrow, have been able to stand up and face something that is greater than them and become greater than that thing."
  • "Transformation happens only when you experience deep pain. That pain is so hard that the only way out is to actually become a butterfly from a caterpillar."
  • "Love got knocked down. Love can get back up."
  • "We have no idea what's going to happen even the very next moment, so carrying the burden of the future is unnecessary."
  • "When the world goes dark and cold, keep your fire burning so others may know where to stay warm."

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> When The World Is Dark and Cold... SparkLaunch.org, Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell 00:18:22 Feeling hopeless amidst recent world events is a sentiment many of us currently relate to. But, as Mike and Chaya discuss in this episode, hopelessness can lead to fearlessness. Feeling hopeless amidst recent world events is a sentiment many of us currently relate to. But, as Mike and Chaya discuss in this episode, hopelessness can lead to fearlessness. election, 2024 election, fear, coping, neurodiversity, empathy, anxiety false full 16 1 9d9310aa-a49d-4347-af23-1f5f2cd7d679 How I Spent (And Learned To Love) My Neurodivergent Vacation Mike recounts his recent vacation and how it led to a profound realization about neurodiverse travel experiences. He and Chaya reflect on the pressure to conform to typical social activities and how fulfillment can be found off the beaten path by embracing your own unique itinerary.

We Also Cover:

  • The liberation of discarding societal checklists
  • How being neurodivergent allows you to redefine what fun means
  • Permission to go at your own pace
  • Letting go of external judgements on what you "should" do
  • Finding tranquility in simplicity
  • Choosing travel companions who respect neurodivergent needs

Quotes:

  • "What may seem like nothing to an allistic person is everything to a neurodivergent."
  • "Not caring what other people may think about my version of fun, that's the big when you're a neurodivergent."
  • "That was me living in who I am as a neurodivergent, doing what is comfortable for me."
  • "We always are seeking for that approval, whether knowingly or unknowingly. And because we are a minority, the neurodivergent people, it's way more challenging for us to to be ourselves."

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 7 Nov 2024 13:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (SparkLaunch.org, Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike recounts his recent vacation and how it led to a profound realization about neurodiverse travel experiences. He and Chaya reflect on the pressure to conform to typical social activities and how fulfillment can be found off the beaten path by embracing your own unique itinerary.

We Also Cover:

  • The liberation of discarding societal checklists
  • How being neurodivergent allows you to redefine what fun means
  • Permission to go at your own pace
  • Letting go of external judgements on what you "should" do
  • Finding tranquility in simplicity
  • Choosing travel companions who respect neurodivergent needs

Quotes:

  • "What may seem like nothing to an allistic person is everything to a neurodivergent."
  • "Not caring what other people may think about my version of fun, that's the big when you're a neurodivergent."
  • "That was me living in who I am as a neurodivergent, doing what is comfortable for me."
  • "We always are seeking for that approval, whether knowingly or unknowingly. And because we are a minority, the neurodivergent people, it's way more challenging for us to to be ourselves."

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> How I Spent (And Learned To Love) My Neurodivergent Vacation SparkLaunch.org, Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell 00:22:35 Mike recounts his recent vacation and how it led to a profound realization about neurodiverse travel experiences. He and Chaya reflect on the pressure to conform to typical social activities and how fulfillment can be found off the beaten path by embracing your own unique itinerary. Mike recounts his recent vacation and how it led to a profound realization about neurodiverse travel experiences. He and Chaya reflect on the pressure to conform to typical social activities and how fulfillment can be found off the beaten path by embracing your own unique itinerary. autism, autistic adults, travels, neurodivergent, vacation, traveling while autistic false full 15 1 a6229ad5-92d0-4f12-b59a-40d7efcec1b1 Heal The Collective: Indigenous Insights & Gender Equity w/ Michele Price Mike and Chaya sit down with Michele Price, a seasoned leadership development expert who specializes in empowering women and non-binary individuals. Through the lens of her indigenous heritage and identity, Michele shares insights on dismantling biases and the challenges women face in the current socio-political climate.

We Also Cover:

  • The evolution of leadership styles, particularly among women
  • Societal changes on women's rights and representation
  • Empathy and relationship building in leadership
  • Indigenous philosophy and the community collective
  • How generational healing can transform family legacies and communities
  • The power of asking questions

Quotes:

  • "In our culture, we didn't punish people for being different. We paid attention to what the differences were in our children, and we supported that."
  • "When you build healthy relationships with people and authentic relationship with people, leadership becomes so easy."
  • "Life's not about hitting a home run every time. The winningest teams in baseball focus on getting on base. How are you going to get on base?"
  • "And I always remind them, yes, you have an individual journey. That's important. And it's also important for you to remember: what do you bring to the collective journey? Because it affects you."

About Michele Price:

With over 40 years of experience in leadership development, Michele Price specializes in guiding women and non-binary individuals through transformative leadership journeys. Drawing from Indigenous wisdom, social justice, and the GADUGI framework, they empower leaders to dismantle bias, embrace empathy, and foster holistic self-leadership. Through their podcast 'Verbal Vortexes' and newsletter, they help leaders align with their vision while navigating the complexities of collective and individual purpose.

Connect with Michele:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 31 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (SparkLaunch.org, Michele Price, Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with Michele Price, a seasoned leadership development expert who specializes in empowering women and non-binary individuals. Through the lens of her indigenous heritage and identity, Michele shares insights on dismantling biases and the challenges women face in the current socio-political climate.

We Also Cover:

  • The evolution of leadership styles, particularly among women
  • Societal changes on women's rights and representation
  • Empathy and relationship building in leadership
  • Indigenous philosophy and the community collective
  • How generational healing can transform family legacies and communities
  • The power of asking questions

Quotes:

  • "In our culture, we didn't punish people for being different. We paid attention to what the differences were in our children, and we supported that."
  • "When you build healthy relationships with people and authentic relationship with people, leadership becomes so easy."
  • "Life's not about hitting a home run every time. The winningest teams in baseball focus on getting on base. How are you going to get on base?"
  • "And I always remind them, yes, you have an individual journey. That's important. And it's also important for you to remember: what do you bring to the collective journey? Because it affects you."

About Michele Price:

With over 40 years of experience in leadership development, Michele Price specializes in guiding women and non-binary individuals through transformative leadership journeys. Drawing from Indigenous wisdom, social justice, and the GADUGI framework, they empower leaders to dismantle bias, embrace empathy, and foster holistic self-leadership. Through their podcast 'Verbal Vortexes' and newsletter, they help leaders align with their vision while navigating the complexities of collective and individual purpose.

Connect with Michele:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Heal The Collective: Indigenous Insights & Gender Equity w/ Michele Price SparkLaunch.org, Michele Price, Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell 00:43:54 Mike and Chaya sit down with Michele Price, a seasoned leadership development expert who specializes in empowering women and non-binary individuals. Through the lens of her indigenous heritage and identity, Michele shares insights on dismantling biases and the challenges women face in the current socio-political climate. Mike and Chaya sit down with Michele Price, a seasoned leadership development expert who specializes in empowering women and non-binary individuals. Through the lens of her indigenous heritage and identity, Michele shares insights on dismantling biases and the challenges women face in the current socio-political climate. generational trauma, mental wellness, indigenous, spiritual, gender, neurodiversity, feminine false full 14 1 0d6e54d6-fb32-4dc3-a6fc-6ada316ab5bf Mind The Risk: ADHD & Self-Acceptance with Jon Cunningham Mike and Chaya sit down for an existential and suuuper ADHD conversation with entrepreneur Jon Cunningham - a conversation that is the sheer definition of "going with the flow." Together, they unravel the complexities of navigating a world misaligned with the neurodivergent experience, managing judgement, and the existential fear of failure that often plagues neurodiversity.

We Also Cover:

  • Psychological Effects of Negative Messaging During Childhood
  • Positive Affirmations to Combat Automatic Negative Thoughts
  • Ingrained Negative Self-Talk
  • Finding Belonging in the ADHD Community
  • Leveraging Unique Strengths Rather Than Conforming to Societal Norms
  • Developing Personalized Systems to Help Manage Daily Tasks
  • The Rollercoaster of Adult Diagnosis
  • The Unfortunate Acceptance of Disabling Aspects of Neurodiversity

Quotes:

  • "I always wonder, where were we taught to be perfect? Was it through somebody else's standards, which was not ours."
  • "Evolution is not going to happen if we are doing the same thing, if we are always trying to fit in and not take chances."
  • "Once we know that we've got an interest based nervous system, we know that if we are excited by something, we will follow through on it and deliver."

About Jon Cunningham:

Jon Cunningham is a UK-based entrepreneur and business mentor with over 20 years of experience in development, automation, and growth strategy. He is the founder of FlowFlows, a consultancy focused on helping businesses streamline their operations, particularly through tools like Asana, and improving their growth through automation and process optimization. Jon is also the founder of The Futureneers, a social enterprise aimed at supporting young people who struggle within traditional education systems by mentoring them to build self-belief and reach their potential.

His work spans a wide range of areas, including business strategy, automation, and sales, and he is known for his hands-on approach with founders and CEOs, with a reputation for being an insightful problem solver with a straightforward, human approach to business challenges.

Connect with Jon:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 24 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (SparkLaunch.org, Jon Cunningham, Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down for an existential and suuuper ADHD conversation with entrepreneur Jon Cunningham - a conversation that is the sheer definition of "going with the flow." Together, they unravel the complexities of navigating a world misaligned with the neurodivergent experience, managing judgement, and the existential fear of failure that often plagues neurodiversity.

We Also Cover:

  • Psychological Effects of Negative Messaging During Childhood
  • Positive Affirmations to Combat Automatic Negative Thoughts
  • Ingrained Negative Self-Talk
  • Finding Belonging in the ADHD Community
  • Leveraging Unique Strengths Rather Than Conforming to Societal Norms
  • Developing Personalized Systems to Help Manage Daily Tasks
  • The Rollercoaster of Adult Diagnosis
  • The Unfortunate Acceptance of Disabling Aspects of Neurodiversity

Quotes:

  • "I always wonder, where were we taught to be perfect? Was it through somebody else's standards, which was not ours."
  • "Evolution is not going to happen if we are doing the same thing, if we are always trying to fit in and not take chances."
  • "Once we know that we've got an interest based nervous system, we know that if we are excited by something, we will follow through on it and deliver."

About Jon Cunningham:

Jon Cunningham is a UK-based entrepreneur and business mentor with over 20 years of experience in development, automation, and growth strategy. He is the founder of FlowFlows, a consultancy focused on helping businesses streamline their operations, particularly through tools like Asana, and improving their growth through automation and process optimization. Jon is also the founder of The Futureneers, a social enterprise aimed at supporting young people who struggle within traditional education systems by mentoring them to build self-belief and reach their potential.

His work spans a wide range of areas, including business strategy, automation, and sales, and he is known for his hands-on approach with founders and CEOs, with a reputation for being an insightful problem solver with a straightforward, human approach to business challenges.

Connect with Jon:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Mind The Risk: ADHD & Self-Acceptance with Jon Cunningham SparkLaunch.org, Jon Cunningham, Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell 00:50:17 Mike and Chaya sit down for an existential and suuuper ADHD conversation with entrepreneur Jon Cunningham - a conversation that is the sheer definition of "going with the flow." Together, they unravel the complexities of navigating a world misaligned with the neurodivergent experience, managing judgement, and the existential fear of failure that often plagues neurodiversity. Mike and Chaya sit down for an existential and suuuper ADHD conversation with entrepreneur Jon Cunningham - a conversation that is the sheer definition of "going with the flow." Together, they unravel the complexities of navigating a world misaligned with the neurodivergent experience, managing judgement, and the existential fear of failure that often plagues neurodiversity. adhd in adults, adhd, community, self-awareness, neurodiversity, neurotypical world false full 13 1 6de3303a-541f-4e1f-a3ea-393c1cb1c651 Proud To Learn Differently: Diving Deep into Neurodivergent Education Mike and Chaya sit down with Lindsay Rice, a passionate educator and advocate, to explore some often-overlooked complexities in the classroom. Delving into Lindsay's personal experiences as a neurodivergent individual and as a parent of neurodiverse children, she shines a light on an education system that often fails to accommodate diverse minds, and how a harrowing kindergarten experience fueled her desire to change the narrative around neurodiversity.

We Also Cover:

  • Understanding Neurodivergent Behaviors in Educational Settings
  • Communication Barriers
  • Expressing Emotions In a Safe and Constructive Way for All Student Types
  • Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria and Its Impact on Students
  • How Implementing Simple Strategies, such as Joyful Movement, can Benefit Learners of All Ages
  • The Science of Dopamine and How To Harness It In The Classroom
  • The Critical Need of Discovering Your Personal Method of Emotionally Regulating

Quotes:

  • "A lot of our neurodivergent students don't have the words yet to explain what they're going through."
  • "If us as neurodivergent adults don't feel comfortable making sure that we spread that narrative, then the same traumas are just going to be repeated."
  • "Kids don't learn from people they don't like and from people they don't trust."
  • "We need to make sure that we're creating spaces where kids feel seen and heard, not just managed.
  • "You can't get made fun of for something you're proud of."

About Lindsay Rice:

Lindsay is an experienced educator with over 11 years of teaching and currently teaches 3rd grade at Ohio Avenue Elementary School in Columbus. She’s a powerful advocate for neurodivergent learners, drawing from her own experiences with ADHD and autism, as well as being a parent to three neurodivergent children.

Lindsay has presented for renowned organizations like the NEA, NSTA, and ATE, and is deeply involved in initiatives aimed at building inclusive classrooms and shaping policy to better serve all students, especially those from neurodiverse and culturally diverse backgrounds. She is passionate about preparing preservice educators to support neurodivergent scholars and is currently working with NEA’s Leaders for the Just Schools Program to further that mission.

Connect with Lindsay:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (SparkLaunch.org, Lindsay Rice, Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya sit down with Lindsay Rice, a passionate educator and advocate, to explore some often-overlooked complexities in the classroom. Delving into Lindsay's personal experiences as a neurodivergent individual and as a parent of neurodiverse children, she shines a light on an education system that often fails to accommodate diverse minds, and how a harrowing kindergarten experience fueled her desire to change the narrative around neurodiversity.

We Also Cover:

  • Understanding Neurodivergent Behaviors in Educational Settings
  • Communication Barriers
  • Expressing Emotions In a Safe and Constructive Way for All Student Types
  • Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria and Its Impact on Students
  • How Implementing Simple Strategies, such as Joyful Movement, can Benefit Learners of All Ages
  • The Science of Dopamine and How To Harness It In The Classroom
  • The Critical Need of Discovering Your Personal Method of Emotionally Regulating

Quotes:

  • "A lot of our neurodivergent students don't have the words yet to explain what they're going through."
  • "If us as neurodivergent adults don't feel comfortable making sure that we spread that narrative, then the same traumas are just going to be repeated."
  • "Kids don't learn from people they don't like and from people they don't trust."
  • "We need to make sure that we're creating spaces where kids feel seen and heard, not just managed.
  • "You can't get made fun of for something you're proud of."

About Lindsay Rice:

Lindsay is an experienced educator with over 11 years of teaching and currently teaches 3rd grade at Ohio Avenue Elementary School in Columbus. She’s a powerful advocate for neurodivergent learners, drawing from her own experiences with ADHD and autism, as well as being a parent to three neurodivergent children.

Lindsay has presented for renowned organizations like the NEA, NSTA, and ATE, and is deeply involved in initiatives aimed at building inclusive classrooms and shaping policy to better serve all students, especially those from neurodiverse and culturally diverse backgrounds. She is passionate about preparing preservice educators to support neurodivergent scholars and is currently working with NEA’s Leaders for the Just Schools Program to further that mission.

Connect with Lindsay:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Proud To Learn Differently: Diving Deep into Neurodivergent Education SparkLaunch.org, Lindsay Rice, Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram 01:06:29 Mike and Chaya sit down with Lindsay Rice, a passionate educator and advocate, to explore some often-overlooked complexities in the classroom. Delving into Lindsay's personal experiences as a neurodivergent individual and as a parent of neurodiverse children, she shines a light on an education system that often fails to accommodate diverse minds, and how a harrowing kindergarten experience fueled her desire to change the narrative around neurodiversity. Mike and Chaya sit down with Lindsay Rice, a passionate educator and advocate, to explore some often-overlooked complexities in the classroom. Delving into Lindsay's personal experiences as a neurodivergent individual and as a parent of neurodiverse children, she shines a light on an education system that often fails to accommodate diverse minds, and how a harrowing kindergarten experience fueled her desire to change the narrative around neurodiversity. learning, education reform, neurodivergent teaching, neurodiverse students, neurodiversity false full 12 1 d73c8c02-5ac8-4be6-ac01-5bd29412dad1 Be Your Best Neurospicy Self with Holistic Healer Mia Love Mike and Chaya welcome Mia Love, a holistic health practitioner and dedicated neurodiversity advocate, to discuss how she promotes harmony between traditional western medical practices and holistic healing to foster greater self-efficacy She also details her journey from years of misdiagnosis to neurodivergent realization.

We Also Cover:

  • Societal Pressure to Conform
  • Managing Emotional Dysregulation
  • Social Overwhelm
  • Setting Internal and External Boundaries
  • Community Stigma
  • Honoring Personal Needs
  • Emotional Toll of Masking
  • Access Barriers to Treatment

Quotes:

  • "Figure out what things really matter. Figure out what things feel good to you. Figure out the people that feel good for you to be around and and trust."
  • "How they heal, how they transmute, transform within themselves is up to them... we have no place to make that all a judgment."
  • "Love is the ultimate goal and it’s amazing how many of our problems just go away."
  • "I unapologetically lived who I am out loud."

About Mia Love:

With over 25 years as a facilities professional in higher education at Stanford University, Mia’s passion lies in neurodiversity initiatives. She deeply understands neurodivergent thinking and AuDHD, creating inclusive and supportive environments. Her decade-long experience as a Holistic Health Practitioner fosters both academic success and holistic growth. As a TEDx and keynote speaker, Mia advocates for the Neuro-Spicy community. Through her entrepreneurial venture, Real Freedom With Love, she empowers professionals with practices like Reiki and energetic healing, combating imposter syndrome and promoting balance. Her 15+ years in hospitality highlight her ability to connect and uplift.

Connect with Mia:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 10 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (SparkLaunch.org, Mia Love, Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya welcome Mia Love, a holistic health practitioner and dedicated neurodiversity advocate, to discuss how she promotes harmony between traditional western medical practices and holistic healing to foster greater self-efficacy She also details her journey from years of misdiagnosis to neurodivergent realization.

We Also Cover:

  • Societal Pressure to Conform
  • Managing Emotional Dysregulation
  • Social Overwhelm
  • Setting Internal and External Boundaries
  • Community Stigma
  • Honoring Personal Needs
  • Emotional Toll of Masking
  • Access Barriers to Treatment

Quotes:

  • "Figure out what things really matter. Figure out what things feel good to you. Figure out the people that feel good for you to be around and and trust."
  • "How they heal, how they transmute, transform within themselves is up to them... we have no place to make that all a judgment."
  • "Love is the ultimate goal and it’s amazing how many of our problems just go away."
  • "I unapologetically lived who I am out loud."

About Mia Love:

With over 25 years as a facilities professional in higher education at Stanford University, Mia’s passion lies in neurodiversity initiatives. She deeply understands neurodivergent thinking and AuDHD, creating inclusive and supportive environments. Her decade-long experience as a Holistic Health Practitioner fosters both academic success and holistic growth. As a TEDx and keynote speaker, Mia advocates for the Neuro-Spicy community. Through her entrepreneurial venture, Real Freedom With Love, she empowers professionals with practices like Reiki and energetic healing, combating imposter syndrome and promoting balance. Her 15+ years in hospitality highlight her ability to connect and uplift.

Connect with Mia:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Be Your Best Neurospicy Self with Holistic Healer Mia Love SparkLaunch.org, Mia Love, Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram 00:48:38 Mike and Chaya welcome Mia Love, a holistic health practitioner and dedicated neurodiversity advocate, to discuss how she promotes harmony between traditional western medical practices and holistic healing to foster greater self-efficacy She also details her journey from years of misdiagnosis to neurodivergent realization. Mike and Chaya welcome Mia Love, a holistic health practitioner and dedicated neurodiversity advocate, to discuss how she promotes harmony between traditional western medical practices and holistic healing to foster greater self-efficacy She also details her journey from years of misdiagnosis to neurodivergent realization. adhd, autistic, autistic woman, dysregulation, neurodiversity in business, woman with adhd, holistic wellness, neurodiversity, neurospicy, audhd false full 11 1 efe107b2-bc15-4ddc-96a2-eeb09cd7b391 Attachment Styles & Trauma: Healing The Hurts That Bind with Shoshana Cook Mike and Chaya chat with trauma-informed therapist Shoshana Cook, who delves into Attachment Theory, shedding light on the shortcomings in mental health treatment related to it and advocating for a more comprehensive approach.

We Also Cover:

  • Incorporating Multiple Treatment Modalities (CBT, DBT, etc)
  • A "One-Size-Fits-All" Approach to Mental Recovery Doesn't Exist
  • How Treatment Center Turnover Rates Affect Continuity of Care
  • Psychoeducation For Attachment Styles
  • Parts Therapy/Internal Family Systems
  • Schema
  • Systemic Changes for the Mental Health Field
  • Setting Realistic Expectations
  • Trauma Myths
  • Complexity of Attachment Styles (Avoidant, Anxious, Ambivalent)
  • Customizing Treatment Goals and Methods on an Individual Basis

Quotes:

  • "They believe that they're not worthy. They believe that they're not lovable. They believe that they can never have someone just someone that will stay."
  • "And even if it wasn't blatant abuse, it could be something as simple as the parent traveled a lot for work were never really around or was sick and they weren't able to show up for their child in the way that they needed to."
  • "There are a lot of misdiagnoses. There could be 20 diagnoses for a symptom. We can't just look at a symptom. We can't just throw a medication at something. What we really need to be looking at is, what is the root cause? Why are they experiencing this?"
  • "I work with clients with BPD, and they're some of the kindest, most compassionate people I've ever met. Because their trauma has made them hyper-empathetic to other people. So they're like, 'I know what it feels like to feel bad, so I always want to make sure other people don't feel bad.'"

About Shoshana Cook:

Shoshana began her career in 2019 at a non-profit adolescent lockdown facility in Maryland. She identified gaps in the system that needed change for a more ethical, individual-focused approach to take hold. After working with adults experiencing severe mental health issues, she transferred to the substance abuse and co-occurring disorder unit, staying until early 2023. Through these roles, she gained insights into treatment misconceptions and the importance of diversity. Now in private practice, she works with adults impacted by trauma, understanding that unhealed trauma often underlies many other issues.

"Heal it at the root and then the branches and leaves will also flourish"

Connect With Shoshana:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 3 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (SparkLaunch.org, Shoshana Cook, Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya chat with trauma-informed therapist Shoshana Cook, who delves into Attachment Theory, shedding light on the shortcomings in mental health treatment related to it and advocating for a more comprehensive approach.

We Also Cover:

  • Incorporating Multiple Treatment Modalities (CBT, DBT, etc)
  • A "One-Size-Fits-All" Approach to Mental Recovery Doesn't Exist
  • How Treatment Center Turnover Rates Affect Continuity of Care
  • Psychoeducation For Attachment Styles
  • Parts Therapy/Internal Family Systems
  • Schema
  • Systemic Changes for the Mental Health Field
  • Setting Realistic Expectations
  • Trauma Myths
  • Complexity of Attachment Styles (Avoidant, Anxious, Ambivalent)
  • Customizing Treatment Goals and Methods on an Individual Basis

Quotes:

  • "They believe that they're not worthy. They believe that they're not lovable. They believe that they can never have someone just someone that will stay."
  • "And even if it wasn't blatant abuse, it could be something as simple as the parent traveled a lot for work were never really around or was sick and they weren't able to show up for their child in the way that they needed to."
  • "There are a lot of misdiagnoses. There could be 20 diagnoses for a symptom. We can't just look at a symptom. We can't just throw a medication at something. What we really need to be looking at is, what is the root cause? Why are they experiencing this?"
  • "I work with clients with BPD, and they're some of the kindest, most compassionate people I've ever met. Because their trauma has made them hyper-empathetic to other people. So they're like, 'I know what it feels like to feel bad, so I always want to make sure other people don't feel bad.'"

About Shoshana Cook:

Shoshana began her career in 2019 at a non-profit adolescent lockdown facility in Maryland. She identified gaps in the system that needed change for a more ethical, individual-focused approach to take hold. After working with adults experiencing severe mental health issues, she transferred to the substance abuse and co-occurring disorder unit, staying until early 2023. Through these roles, she gained insights into treatment misconceptions and the importance of diversity. Now in private practice, she works with adults impacted by trauma, understanding that unhealed trauma often underlies many other issues.

"Heal it at the root and then the branches and leaves will also flourish"

Connect With Shoshana:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Attachment Styles & Trauma: Healing The Hurts That Bind with Shoshana Cook SparkLaunch.org, Shoshana Cook, Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram 01:13:01 Mike and Chaya chat with trauma-informed therapist Shoshana Cook, who delves into Attachment Theory, shedding light on the shortcomings in mental health treatment related to it and advocating for a more comprehensive approach. Mike and Chaya chat with trauma-informed therapist Shoshana Cook, who delves into Attachment Theory, shedding light on the shortcomings in mental health treatment related to it and advocating for a more comprehensive approach. overcoming trauma, attachment styles, trauma, dbt, talking therapy, anxious attachment, cbt, parts therapy false full 10 1 21065ca7-92d4-4d00-9c0c-fc35fc7eefe3 Empathy Unlimited: The Future of Neurodiverse Employment with Mark Fister Chaya and Mike sit down with Mark Fister, CTO of Haystack Unlimited and proud ADHDer. Mark sheds light on the challenges that neurodivergent individuals face during the interview process and day-to-day job duties, what kind of necessary accommodations foster success, and how his company is building a supportive future for neurodiverse workers.

We Also Cover:

  • The Double Empathy Problem
  • The Myth of Social Incompatibility
  • Innovation Within Neurodivergent Communities
  • Psychological Safety in the Workplace
  • Blind Recruiting and Unconscious Bias
  • The Role of AI in Neurodiverse Accommodations
  • Haystack Unlimited's Video Game for Job Recruitment

Quotes:

  • "The fundamental problem is called unconscious human bias, which has served humans very well from an evolutionary perspective, but does not serve us well in 2024, nor will it serve us well onwards."
  • "80% of autistic people are unemployed or underemployed."
  • "They have strong deductive reasoning and sustained concentration. But over there in the job, they can't seem to do anything. They can't seem to cut butter with a with a butter knife. Why is that? There's more to this than meets the eye."
  • "Connect those words, nonjudgmental and love. Maybe that's my favorite two words connected together."

About Mark Fister:

Mark Fister is a father and husband, executive, snowboarder, technologist, trail runner, speaker, canyoneer, author, investor, and terrible chess player. Mark loves to see business and technology from as many perspectives as possible. To wit, he has held 20 different roles in the software industry at companies like Dell, IBM, eBay, PayPal, and even his own company.

Recently, Mark has been learning about servant leadership. After interviewing over 100 people on the topic, he discovered he was on the autism spectrum, which brought clarity to his life. After some soul searching, he is now dedicated to ending joblessness for neurodivergents everywhere through previous work at Auticon and BeMe and now his own company, Haystack Unlimited.

Connect with Mark:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markfister/

https://haystackhub.com/

https://servantleadershipconsulting.net/

https://www.theoctopusmovement.org/

Related Reading:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 26 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (SparkLaunch.org, Mark Fister, Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Chaya and Mike sit down with Mark Fister, CTO of Haystack Unlimited and proud ADHDer. Mark sheds light on the challenges that neurodivergent individuals face during the interview process and day-to-day job duties, what kind of necessary accommodations foster success, and how his company is building a supportive future for neurodiverse workers.

We Also Cover:

  • The Double Empathy Problem
  • The Myth of Social Incompatibility
  • Innovation Within Neurodivergent Communities
  • Psychological Safety in the Workplace
  • Blind Recruiting and Unconscious Bias
  • The Role of AI in Neurodiverse Accommodations
  • Haystack Unlimited's Video Game for Job Recruitment

Quotes:

  • "The fundamental problem is called unconscious human bias, which has served humans very well from an evolutionary perspective, but does not serve us well in 2024, nor will it serve us well onwards."
  • "80% of autistic people are unemployed or underemployed."
  • "They have strong deductive reasoning and sustained concentration. But over there in the job, they can't seem to do anything. They can't seem to cut butter with a with a butter knife. Why is that? There's more to this than meets the eye."
  • "Connect those words, nonjudgmental and love. Maybe that's my favorite two words connected together."

About Mark Fister:

Mark Fister is a father and husband, executive, snowboarder, technologist, trail runner, speaker, canyoneer, author, investor, and terrible chess player. Mark loves to see business and technology from as many perspectives as possible. To wit, he has held 20 different roles in the software industry at companies like Dell, IBM, eBay, PayPal, and even his own company.

Recently, Mark has been learning about servant leadership. After interviewing over 100 people on the topic, he discovered he was on the autism spectrum, which brought clarity to his life. After some soul searching, he is now dedicated to ending joblessness for neurodivergents everywhere through previous work at Auticon and BeMe and now his own company, Haystack Unlimited.

Connect with Mark:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markfister/

https://haystackhub.com/

https://servantleadershipconsulting.net/

https://www.theoctopusmovement.org/

Related Reading:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Empathy Unlimited: The Future of Neurodiverse Employment with Mark Fister SparkLaunch.org, Mark Fister, Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram 01:02:47 Chaya and Mike sit down with Mark Fister, CTO of Haystack Unlimited and proud ADHDer. Mark sheds light on the challenges that neurodivergent individuals face during the interview process and day-to-day job duties, what kind of necessary accommodations foster success, and how his company is building a supportive future for neurodiverse workers. Chaya and Mike sit down with Mark Fister, CTO of Haystack Unlimited and proud ADHDer. Mark sheds light on the challenges that neurodivergent individuals face during the interview process and day-to-day job duties, what kind of necessary accommodations foster success, and how his company is building a supportive future for neurodiverse workers. double empathy problem, executive interview, neurodiversity awareness, job search, haystack unlimited, neurodiversity in business, job market false full 9 1 ff0ead24-88a0-4bed-8798-06dd452ed6fd Embracing Stripes: Dyscalculia and Neurodiverse Parenting with Joshua Rastetter Mike and Chaya chat with Joshua Rastetter, who shares an insightful perspective on navigating neurodiversity mindfully, along with valuable advice for parents navigating the spectrum alongside their children. Josh opens up about his journey with Dyscalculia and how discovering his ADHD through his daughter’s diagnosis led to a profound shift in their relationship and his life.

We Also Cover:

  • Feeling "Lazy" With ADHD
  • The Importance of Individualized Coping Skills
  • Dyscalculia Is Weird
  • Undiagnosed ADHD Leading To Issues With Parents
  • Managing Hyperfocus
  • The Different Definitions of Meditation
  • Individualized Coping Skills

Quotes:

  • "It's about removing the baseline mirage of 'normal.'”
  • "It was a real paradigm shift both for me and for my daughter because these these tricks and accommodations that I had been making for myself for years went from being something innate that I wasn't doing on purpose to something very purposeful and very intentional."
  • "When you are a zebra in a herd of horses, that is where it becomes a disorder: when you're trying to be something other than a zebra."
  • "I found myself in the same shoes as my parents where I had this internal narrative where I was saying it was laziness or it was defiance and that that I had to get her to listen. And it was frustrating for me and it was frustrating for her."

About Josh:

Joshua Rastetter is based in Texas with over 10 years of experience in SaaS applications and B2B enterprise software. Specializing in ProductOps, focusing on user-centric design, accessibility, and inclusivity. He has established product-market fit across various industries and led a diverse team of over 50 professionals across three continents. Known for quickly gaining credibility with stakeholders, Joshua brings a unique perspective as a neurodivergent father, product manager, and data nerd.

Connect With Josh:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 19 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (SparkLaunch.org, Joshua Rastetter, Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Mike and Chaya chat with Joshua Rastetter, who shares an insightful perspective on navigating neurodiversity mindfully, along with valuable advice for parents navigating the spectrum alongside their children. Josh opens up about his journey with Dyscalculia and how discovering his ADHD through his daughter’s diagnosis led to a profound shift in their relationship and his life.

We Also Cover:

  • Feeling "Lazy" With ADHD
  • The Importance of Individualized Coping Skills
  • Dyscalculia Is Weird
  • Undiagnosed ADHD Leading To Issues With Parents
  • Managing Hyperfocus
  • The Different Definitions of Meditation
  • Individualized Coping Skills

Quotes:

  • "It's about removing the baseline mirage of 'normal.'”
  • "It was a real paradigm shift both for me and for my daughter because these these tricks and accommodations that I had been making for myself for years went from being something innate that I wasn't doing on purpose to something very purposeful and very intentional."
  • "When you are a zebra in a herd of horses, that is where it becomes a disorder: when you're trying to be something other than a zebra."
  • "I found myself in the same shoes as my parents where I had this internal narrative where I was saying it was laziness or it was defiance and that that I had to get her to listen. And it was frustrating for me and it was frustrating for her."

About Josh:

Joshua Rastetter is based in Texas with over 10 years of experience in SaaS applications and B2B enterprise software. Specializing in ProductOps, focusing on user-centric design, accessibility, and inclusivity. He has established product-market fit across various industries and led a diverse team of over 50 professionals across three continents. Known for quickly gaining credibility with stakeholders, Joshua brings a unique perspective as a neurodivergent father, product manager, and data nerd.

Connect With Josh:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Embracing Stripes: Dyscalculia and Neurodiverse Parenting with Joshua Rastetter SparkLaunch.org, Joshua Rastetter, Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell 00:45:21 Mike and Chaya chat with Joshua Rastetter, who shares an insightful perspective on navigating neurodiversity mindfully, along with valuable advice for parents navigating the spectrum alongside their children. Josh opens up about his journey with Dyscalculia and how discovering his ADHD through his daughter’s diagnosis led to a profound shift in their relationship and his life. Mike and Chaya chat with Joshua Rastetter, who shares an insightful perspective on navigating neurodiversity mindfully, along with valuable advice for parents navigating the spectrum alongside their children. Josh opens up about his journey with Dyscalculia and how discovering his ADHD through his daughter’s diagnosis led to a profound shift in their relationship and his life. adhd in adults, adhd kids, dyscalculia, learning challenges, neurodivergent parenting, overcoming challenges, neurodiversity, parenting, smart parenting, parenting insights false full 8 1 8156564e-0b10-4deb-8ad6-456c8f6c4bab The Macho Myth: Dismantling Toxic Masculinity Toxic masculinity, a pervasive and damaging set of behaviors and expectations associated with traditional masculinity, negatively impacts both men and society as a whole. In this episode, Mike and Chaya explore and expose the complexities of this poisonous patriarchy, the theory of "the man box," and the ways rigid social definitions of masculine contributed to Mike's development of an eating disorder.

We Also Cover:

  • Emotional Suppression
  • Emphasizing Emotional Intelligence and Empathy As Basic Human Conditions
  • How Societal Expectations Restrict Emotional Regulation
  • The Historically Arbitrary Nature of Masculinity and Femininity
  • The Ways Neurodivergent Can Be Susceptible To Toxic Peer Pressures
  • Media Influence
  • Abuse Cycles

Quotes:

  • “Toxic masculinity is not just the wanting and need for respect, but feeling that you are owed respect—whether or not it's earned—and that creates a lot of anger.”
  • "One of the top ways to battle toxic masculinity is not just changing media and culture, but teaching that thinking deeply about the world and themselves is normal."
  • "I think back to previous generations where you would see depictions of fathers who'd come home and not really have anything to do with the family because that wasn't their function. That was the only way of doing things they knew."
  • "And there's also an isolating nature to toxic masculinity. Any friendship you may have with another man, you cannot be that 'close' to them because then the homophobia comes in, or you're being weak because you're leaning on a friend."

Related Reading:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 12 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (SparkLaunch.org, Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Toxic masculinity, a pervasive and damaging set of behaviors and expectations associated with traditional masculinity, negatively impacts both men and society as a whole. In this episode, Mike and Chaya explore and expose the complexities of this poisonous patriarchy, the theory of "the man box," and the ways rigid social definitions of masculine contributed to Mike's development of an eating disorder.

We Also Cover:

  • Emotional Suppression
  • Emphasizing Emotional Intelligence and Empathy As Basic Human Conditions
  • How Societal Expectations Restrict Emotional Regulation
  • The Historically Arbitrary Nature of Masculinity and Femininity
  • The Ways Neurodivergent Can Be Susceptible To Toxic Peer Pressures
  • Media Influence
  • Abuse Cycles

Quotes:

  • “Toxic masculinity is not just the wanting and need for respect, but feeling that you are owed respect—whether or not it's earned—and that creates a lot of anger.”
  • "One of the top ways to battle toxic masculinity is not just changing media and culture, but teaching that thinking deeply about the world and themselves is normal."
  • "I think back to previous generations where you would see depictions of fathers who'd come home and not really have anything to do with the family because that wasn't their function. That was the only way of doing things they knew."
  • "And there's also an isolating nature to toxic masculinity. Any friendship you may have with another man, you cannot be that 'close' to them because then the homophobia comes in, or you're being weak because you're leaning on a friend."

Related Reading:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


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]]> The Macho Myth: Dismantling Toxic Masculinity SparkLaunch.org, Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell 00:33:19 Toxic masculinity, a pervasive and damaging set of behaviors and expectations associated with traditional masculinity, negatively impacts both men and society as a whole. In this episode, Mike and Chaya explore and expose the complexities of this poisonous patriarchy, the theory of "the man box," and the ways rigid social definitions of masculine contributed to Mike's development of an eating disorder. Toxic masculinity, a pervasive and damaging set of behaviors and expectations associated with traditional masculinity, negatively impacts both men and society as a whole. In this episode, Mike and Chaya explore and expose the complexities of this poisonous patriarchy, the theory of "the man box," and the ways rigid social definitions of masculine contributed to Mike's development of an eating disorder. peer pressure, social impact, toxic masculinity, society, neurodiversity, pop culture, philosophy false full 7 1 3ea54c97-cae8-4f6d-9e10-806a1181e85c Gifted Neurodivergence: Twice Exceptional, Twice To Give In this episode, Mike and Chaya chat with Youssef Sleiman, a neurodivergent writer and gifted individual. Yousef details his personal journey with understanding 2e (Twice Exceptional), how he leverages his differently thinking brain to the cause of neurodiversity, the transformative power of storytelling on self-discovery, and deep dives the neuroscience behind Twice Exceptionality.

We Also Cover:

  • The Folly of IQ Tests
  • Misconceptions of Neurodivergent Intellect
  • Tips for Identifying 2e
  • The Reality of Giftedness vs Media Portrayals
  • Brain Structures and Functions
  • Trauma and Neurological Changes
  • Developmental Psychology

Quotes:

  • "Their neurodivergence is so far from the neurotypical that the things that they are processing and trying to work through -- types of existential questions or types of physiological questions."
  • "There's no coincidence that most young adult literature works this way, where you have a protagonist who's starting off seemingly normal, but things are a little bit hard for them."
  • "I do distinctly remember there being an ongoing tension where my teachers would know this about me, would have seen a score on file and been told, 'his mother doesn't want him in these the classes, so stretch him in any way you can.'"
  • "In a in a typical brain, there's a certain amount of gray matter, how many however many ounces in the fMRI scans and in autopsies. There's a greater amount of gray matter in gifted brains."

About Youssef:

Youssef Sleiman, a 2e neurodivergent professional writer, combines creativity, AI tools, and SEO expertise to make important topics engaging. As a former copywriter for top brands, Youssef harnessed tools like Frase, ChatGPT, and Google’s AI to analyze search rankings and create high-performing articles and blog posts. His unique blend of left-brain and right-brain strengths ensures cutting-edge content. Drawing from his experience as a newspaper reporter, Youssef’s problem-solving skills enhance his work as a copywriter, resulting in informative and engaging campaigns.

Connect With Youssef:

Related Reading:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 5 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (SparkLaunch.org, Youssef Sleiman, Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com In this episode, Mike and Chaya chat with Youssef Sleiman, a neurodivergent writer and gifted individual. Yousef details his personal journey with understanding 2e (Twice Exceptional), how he leverages his differently thinking brain to the cause of neurodiversity, the transformative power of storytelling on self-discovery, and deep dives the neuroscience behind Twice Exceptionality.

We Also Cover:

  • The Folly of IQ Tests
  • Misconceptions of Neurodivergent Intellect
  • Tips for Identifying 2e
  • The Reality of Giftedness vs Media Portrayals
  • Brain Structures and Functions
  • Trauma and Neurological Changes
  • Developmental Psychology

Quotes:

  • "Their neurodivergence is so far from the neurotypical that the things that they are processing and trying to work through -- types of existential questions or types of physiological questions."
  • "There's no coincidence that most young adult literature works this way, where you have a protagonist who's starting off seemingly normal, but things are a little bit hard for them."
  • "I do distinctly remember there being an ongoing tension where my teachers would know this about me, would have seen a score on file and been told, 'his mother doesn't want him in these the classes, so stretch him in any way you can.'"
  • "In a in a typical brain, there's a certain amount of gray matter, how many however many ounces in the fMRI scans and in autopsies. There's a greater amount of gray matter in gifted brains."

About Youssef:

Youssef Sleiman, a 2e neurodivergent professional writer, combines creativity, AI tools, and SEO expertise to make important topics engaging. As a former copywriter for top brands, Youssef harnessed tools like Frase, ChatGPT, and Google’s AI to analyze search rankings and create high-performing articles and blog posts. His unique blend of left-brain and right-brain strengths ensures cutting-edge content. Drawing from his experience as a newspaper reporter, Youssef’s problem-solving skills enhance his work as a copywriter, resulting in informative and engaging campaigns.

Connect With Youssef:

Related Reading:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Gifted Neurodivergence: Twice Exceptional, Twice To Give SparkLaunch.org, Youssef Sleiman, Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram 01:12:20 In this episode, Mike and Chaya chat with Youssef Sleiman, a neurodivergent writer and gifted individual. Yousef details his personal journey with understanding 2e (Twice Exceptional), how he leverages his differently thinking brain to the cause of neurodiversity, the transformative power of storytelling on self-discovery, and deep dives the neuroscience behind Twice Exceptionality. In this episode, Mike and Chaya chat with Youssef Sleiman, a neurodivergent writer and gifted individual. Yousef details his personal journey with understanding 2e (Twice Exceptional), how he leverages his differently thinking brain to the cause of neurodiversity, the transformative power of storytelling on self-discovery, and deep dives the neuroscience behind Twice Exceptionality. 2e, education reform, gifted, education, gifted neurodivergence false full 6 1 728ef16b-616e-450c-a83d-92b3cfcb8816 Find Your Tribe, Find Your Identity: An Autistic ADHDer Tale We sit down with Navya Adhikarla, an autistic ADHDer who shares her story of social isolation and alienation both in the U.S. and India. Her lifelong struggle with identity, coupled with the roadblocks she experienced in education and business, led her to becom a champion of psychological safety and advocate for neurodiverse accommodations -- transitioning from invisibility to authenticity.

We Also Cover:

  • Neurodiversity as a Workplace Asset
  • The Complexities of Social Interaction
  • Reclaiming Identity Beyond Societal Expectations
  • Trust Through Vulnerability
  • Self-Advocacy and Self-Efficacy
  • Imposter Syndrome
  • Culture Differences in Neurodiversity Awareness Between India and United States

Quotes:

  • "And I guess that's that's the whole story of my life because I've been searching for so many things outside, but eventually, I end up creating them myself."
  • "The thing that you're searching for is right inside you. It's just you. You don't have to go searching for it."
  • "You truly want someone to hear you out and see you, and you don't want to be invisible."
  • "I'm super scared about when I will find a place that will truly see me, truly cherish me for who I am and the skills I have, because I don't want to save my skills or capacities for anything. I want to utilize them to do something good."

About Navya Adhikarla:

An insatiably curious and innovative designer, Navya brings an interdisciplinary perspective to complex challenges. With an engineering degree and a Duke University Master’s in Engineering Management, she has experience in program management, go-to-market consulting, tech ethics research, IT consulting, and university leadership. Navya applies human-centered, inclusive design thinking to product, marketing, strategy, and accessibility projects. Her core values of integrity, empathy, courage, and hope guide her approach.

Connect with Navya:

Related Reading:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 29 Aug 2024 13:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, Navya Adhikarla) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com We sit down with Navya Adhikarla, an autistic ADHDer who shares her story of social isolation and alienation both in the U.S. and India. Her lifelong struggle with identity, coupled with the roadblocks she experienced in education and business, led her to becom a champion of psychological safety and advocate for neurodiverse accommodations -- transitioning from invisibility to authenticity.

We Also Cover:

  • Neurodiversity as a Workplace Asset
  • The Complexities of Social Interaction
  • Reclaiming Identity Beyond Societal Expectations
  • Trust Through Vulnerability
  • Self-Advocacy and Self-Efficacy
  • Imposter Syndrome
  • Culture Differences in Neurodiversity Awareness Between India and United States

Quotes:

  • "And I guess that's that's the whole story of my life because I've been searching for so many things outside, but eventually, I end up creating them myself."
  • "The thing that you're searching for is right inside you. It's just you. You don't have to go searching for it."
  • "You truly want someone to hear you out and see you, and you don't want to be invisible."
  • "I'm super scared about when I will find a place that will truly see me, truly cherish me for who I am and the skills I have, because I don't want to save my skills or capacities for anything. I want to utilize them to do something good."

About Navya Adhikarla:

An insatiably curious and innovative designer, Navya brings an interdisciplinary perspective to complex challenges. With an engineering degree and a Duke University Master’s in Engineering Management, she has experience in program management, go-to-market consulting, tech ethics research, IT consulting, and university leadership. Navya applies human-centered, inclusive design thinking to product, marketing, strategy, and accessibility projects. Her core values of integrity, empathy, courage, and hope guide her approach.

Connect with Navya:

Related Reading:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Find Your Tribe, Find Your Identity: An Autistic ADHDer Tale Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, Navya Adhikarla 00:46:15 We sit down with Navya Adhikarla, an autistic ADHDer who shares her story of social isolation and alienation both in the U.S. and India. Her lifelong struggle with identity, coupled with the roadblocks she experienced in education and business, led her to becom a champion of psychological safety and advocate for neurodiverse accommodations -- transitioning from invisibility to authenticity. We sit down with Navya Adhikarla, an autistic ADHDer who shares her story of social isolation and alienation both in the U.S. and India. Her lifelong struggle with identity, coupled with the roadblocks she experienced in education and business, led her to becom a champion of psychological safety and advocate for neurodiverse accommodations -- transitioning from invisibility to authenticity. adhd, community, diversity and inclusion, autistic, challenges, neurodiversity, mental health in business, audhd, mental health challenges false full 5 1 32deb955-46a3-4144-9064-fc7fc69f2195 How Sophia Randall (Neuro)Diverged Corporate Complacency We welcome "Head Boss Woman" Sophia Randall onto the show to share her personal journey of navigating an unkind corporate world, how she honed her neurodivergent traits to thrive, and the impact mirroring behaviors had on her mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

We Also Cover:

  • Building Neuro-inclusive Work Environments
  • Self-Acceptance and Leaning Into "Uniqueness"
  • Fostering Empathy Among Employees
  • Work-Life Balance When Neurodivergent
  • The Toll Masking Has On Mental Health
  • Setting Boundaries At Work And Home

Quotes:

  • "When we talk about empathy, it's not just going to some training program and and just not a check mark that you get for yourself, but it's really about understanding the other person and how the other person operates"
  • "We're not machines. We have beautiful minds and sometimes we need a little bit of a break to have maintenance work done.
  • "I was a quiet rebel, I never spoke up, and I didn't know my own power, my own inner strength."
  • "It's so important for the neurodivergent community to shut those negative comments off because they'll keep coming. It's up to us to build that that wall, that boundary, that fort around us, because we cannot control other people. We cannot control how people behave, but we have power within ourselves to move to an environment that respects us.

About Sophia Randall:

Sophia Randall is an adept professional with extensive experience in business and project management. Passionate about embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) principles into every facet of business management and leadership, she collaborates closely with stakeholders to translate overarching goals into practical, inclusive strategies. With a background in Professional Psychology, focusing on Industrial and Organizational Psychology, she addresses both the operational and human dimensions of organizations, creating a truly efficient workplace.

Connect With Sophia:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 22 Aug 2024 13:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, Sophia Randall) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com We welcome "Head Boss Woman" Sophia Randall onto the show to share her personal journey of navigating an unkind corporate world, how she honed her neurodivergent traits to thrive, and the impact mirroring behaviors had on her mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

We Also Cover:

  • Building Neuro-inclusive Work Environments
  • Self-Acceptance and Leaning Into "Uniqueness"
  • Fostering Empathy Among Employees
  • Work-Life Balance When Neurodivergent
  • The Toll Masking Has On Mental Health
  • Setting Boundaries At Work And Home

Quotes:

  • "When we talk about empathy, it's not just going to some training program and and just not a check mark that you get for yourself, but it's really about understanding the other person and how the other person operates"
  • "We're not machines. We have beautiful minds and sometimes we need a little bit of a break to have maintenance work done.
  • "I was a quiet rebel, I never spoke up, and I didn't know my own power, my own inner strength."
  • "It's so important for the neurodivergent community to shut those negative comments off because they'll keep coming. It's up to us to build that that wall, that boundary, that fort around us, because we cannot control other people. We cannot control how people behave, but we have power within ourselves to move to an environment that respects us.

About Sophia Randall:

Sophia Randall is an adept professional with extensive experience in business and project management. Passionate about embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) principles into every facet of business management and leadership, she collaborates closely with stakeholders to translate overarching goals into practical, inclusive strategies. With a background in Professional Psychology, focusing on Industrial and Organizational Psychology, she addresses both the operational and human dimensions of organizations, creating a truly efficient workplace.

Connect With Sophia:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> How Sophia Randall (Neuro)Diverged Corporate Complacency Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, Sophia Randall 01:24:02 We welcome "Head Boss Woman" Sophia Randall onto the show to share her personal journey of navigating an unkind corporate world, how she honed her neurodivergent traits to thrive, and the impact mirroring behaviors had on her mental, emotional, and physical well-being. We welcome "Head Boss Woman" Sophia Randall onto the show to share her personal journey of navigating an unkind corporate world, how she honed her neurodivergent traits to thrive, and the impact mirroring behaviors had on her mental, emotional, and physical well-being. neurodivergent woman, neurodivergent challenges, diversity equity inclusion and belonging, woman with adhd, corporate culture, inclusive business practices false full 4 1 1ec64e2f-eb09-46ed-8538-06bda0fa8217 Maybe Nothing Happens for a Reason? "Everything happens for a reason." Or does it? Mike and Chaya dissect this common idiom and its negative impact on individuals facing challenging situations. They explore the meaning of toxic positivity, importance of personal agency, and how Mike's experiences with depression led to creating supportive spaces for neurodivergence.

TW: Talk of Suicide

We Also Cover:

  • How Deterministic Views Harm Mental Health
  • Early Mental Health Intervention Awareness
  • Peer Support's Transformative Nature
  • The Infinite Possibilities in Chaos Theory
  • Authentic Emotional Validation
  • Beauty in Imperfection

Quotes:

  • "We've been told to always smile and say it's a good day."
  • "It's not nihilistic to say that we're insignificant, it's very beautiful and empowering."
  • "I love hearing about other people's experiences because I never thought there would be anyone else who feels exactly like I feel."
  • "Every individual has a story. Every behavior has a reason."

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 15 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com "Everything happens for a reason." Or does it? Mike and Chaya dissect this common idiom and its negative impact on individuals facing challenging situations. They explore the meaning of toxic positivity, importance of personal agency, and how Mike's experiences with depression led to creating supportive spaces for neurodivergence.

TW: Talk of Suicide

We Also Cover:

  • How Deterministic Views Harm Mental Health
  • Early Mental Health Intervention Awareness
  • Peer Support's Transformative Nature
  • The Infinite Possibilities in Chaos Theory
  • Authentic Emotional Validation
  • Beauty in Imperfection

Quotes:

  • "We've been told to always smile and say it's a good day."
  • "It's not nihilistic to say that we're insignificant, it's very beautiful and empowering."
  • "I love hearing about other people's experiences because I never thought there would be anyone else who feels exactly like I feel."
  • "Every individual has a story. Every behavior has a reason."

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Maybe Nothing Happens for a Reason? Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell 00:47:15 "Everything happens for a reason." Or does it? Mike and Chaya dissect this common idiom and its negative impact on individuals facing challenging situations. They explore the meaning of toxic positivity, importance of personal agency, and how Mike's experiences with depression led to creating supportive spaces for neurodivergence. TW: Talk of Suicide "Everything happens for a reason." Or does it? Mike and Chaya dissect this common idiom and its negative impact on individuals facing challenging situations. They explore the meaning of toxic positivity, importance of personal agency, and how Mike's experiences with depression led to creating supportive spaces for neurodivergence. TW: Talk of Suicide mental health, suicide, toxic positivity, suicide awareness, neurodiversity, self-belief, philosophy false full 3 1 f8ff5391-c9e8-4540-9d27-72577382267c Asynchronous Academia with ADHD Coach Craig Maier, PhD Chaya and Mike chat with Craig Maier, a dedicated ADHD Coach at Spark Launch, who shares his story of alienation and bullying while growing up neurodivergent in a small town. Craig details how these negative experiences aid in nurturing his son's own neurodivergence, provides some jaw-dropping insights into the differences between the U.S. and German education systems, and how we can better support students on the spectrum.

We Also Cover:

  • Incorporating Interests to Boost Learning Engagement
  • Breaking Educational Conformity
  • Asynchronous Approaches for a Neurodivergent Child's Development
  • Social Interaction Woes and Anxieties
  • The Institutionalized Gaps in Neurodiversity Awareness

Quotes:

  • "If we can find what interests you, what you’re really passionate about, then we can start to direct effort toward that."
  • "I think that my interests were completely normal, but given where I was in the community that I grew up with, it was like coming from another planet."
  • "If someone had taken the time to talk with me at 15, 16 and really talk with me, I think that would have really changed my life."

About Craig Maier:

A former university professor with a doctorate in interpersonal, organizational, and ethical communication, Craig is a coach certified by the International Coaching Federation and a Parent Consultant for ADHD certified by the Institute for Integrative Learning Therapy and Advanced Education in Germany, and also holds certifications in coaching neurodivergent learners and trauma-informed and body-oriented coaching.

He has transformed his experiences and cultivated knowledge into a powerful coaching approach, one which emphasizes and recognizes the individual, first and foremost.

Connect with Craig:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 8 Aug 2024 13:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, Craig Maier) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Chaya and Mike chat with Craig Maier, a dedicated ADHD Coach at Spark Launch, who shares his story of alienation and bullying while growing up neurodivergent in a small town. Craig details how these negative experiences aid in nurturing his son's own neurodivergence, provides some jaw-dropping insights into the differences between the U.S. and German education systems, and how we can better support students on the spectrum.

We Also Cover:

  • Incorporating Interests to Boost Learning Engagement
  • Breaking Educational Conformity
  • Asynchronous Approaches for a Neurodivergent Child's Development
  • Social Interaction Woes and Anxieties
  • The Institutionalized Gaps in Neurodiversity Awareness

Quotes:

  • "If we can find what interests you, what you’re really passionate about, then we can start to direct effort toward that."
  • "I think that my interests were completely normal, but given where I was in the community that I grew up with, it was like coming from another planet."
  • "If someone had taken the time to talk with me at 15, 16 and really talk with me, I think that would have really changed my life."

About Craig Maier:

A former university professor with a doctorate in interpersonal, organizational, and ethical communication, Craig is a coach certified by the International Coaching Federation and a Parent Consultant for ADHD certified by the Institute for Integrative Learning Therapy and Advanced Education in Germany, and also holds certifications in coaching neurodivergent learners and trauma-informed and body-oriented coaching.

He has transformed his experiences and cultivated knowledge into a powerful coaching approach, one which emphasizes and recognizes the individual, first and foremost.

Connect with Craig:

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Asynchronous Academia with ADHD Coach Craig Maier, PhD Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram, Craig Maier 00:58:17 Chaya and Mike chat with Craig Maier, a dedicated ADHD Coach at Spark Launch, who shares his story of alienation and bullying while growing up neurodivergent in a small town. Craig details how these negative experiences aid in nurturing his son's own neurodivergence, provides some jaw-dropping insights into the differences between the U.S. and German education systems, and how we can better support students on the spectrum. Chaya and Mike chat with Craig Maier, a dedicated ADHD Coach at Spark Launch, who shares his story of alienation and bullying while growing up neurodivergent in a small town. Craig details how these negative experiences aid in nurturing his son's own neurodivergence, provides some jaw-dropping insights into the differences between the U.S. and German education systems, and how we can better support students on the spectrum. german education system, adhd kids, adhd coach, coaching, neurodiversity awareness, adhd parenting false full 2 1 4fea23ce-24c8-42c1-b9b0-c3d66a918218 "Why Are We Here?" Our Neurodivergent Journey Ever wonder why we're here? Why we exist? In our debut episode, hosts Mike and Chaya aim to explain why they've created this podcast along with how it ties into the grander question of finding your neurodivergent place in a neurotypical world. They share their personal stories of unmasking, learning to fight the societal status quo, shedding external validations, and building self-acceptance.

We also cover:

  • Authenticity as a Catalyst for Growth
  • Redefining "Weirdness"
  • Unmasking Your Neurodiverse Voice
  • Embracing Self-Compassion
  • Societal Expectations Leading to Mental Health Challenges

Quotes:

  • "It takes courage to be yourself in a world that constantly tries to make you something else."
  • "Healing doesn't mean the absence of pain. It means making peace with it."
  • "Be yourself, everyone else is already taken."
  • "It's okay not to have all the answers. The most important thing is to keep asking questions."

Subscribe for all our future interviews and deep dives, together we can strengthen the neurodiverse community.

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 1 Aug 2024 11:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Ever wonder why we're here? Why we exist? In our debut episode, hosts Mike and Chaya aim to explain why they've created this podcast along with how it ties into the grander question of finding your neurodivergent place in a neurotypical world. They share their personal stories of unmasking, learning to fight the societal status quo, shedding external validations, and building self-acceptance.

We also cover:

  • Authenticity as a Catalyst for Growth
  • Redefining "Weirdness"
  • Unmasking Your Neurodiverse Voice
  • Embracing Self-Compassion
  • Societal Expectations Leading to Mental Health Challenges

Quotes:

  • "It takes courage to be yourself in a world that constantly tries to make you something else."
  • "Healing doesn't mean the absence of pain. It means making peace with it."
  • "Be yourself, everyone else is already taken."
  • "It's okay not to have all the answers. The most important thing is to keep asking questions."

Subscribe for all our future interviews and deep dives, together we can strengthen the neurodiverse community.

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> "Why Are We Here?" Our Neurodivergent Journey Mike Cornell, Chaya Mallavaram 00:36:51 Ever wonder why we're here? Why we exist? In our debut episode, hosts Mike and Chaya aim to explain why they've created this podcast along with how it ties into the grander question of finding your neurodivergent place in a neurotypical world. They share their personal stories of unmasking, learning to fight the societal status quo, shedding external validations, and building self-acceptance. Ever wonder why we're here? Why we exist? In our debut episode, hosts Mike and Chaya aim to explain why they've created this podcast along with how it ties into the grander question of finding your neurodivergent place in a neurotypical world. They share their personal stories of unmasking, learning to fight the societal status quo, shedding external validations, and building self-acceptance. autism, adhd, mental health awareness, neurodiversity, neurodivergent adults, self-discovery, talent and purpose false full 1 1 4882c443-198c-4dfc-866d-f7720c979fe8 Spark Launch: Lighting Up Neurodiversity Welcome to Spark Launch, a new vibrant space for the neurodivergent mind!

Subscribe today to hear insightful stories from an assorted range of neurodiverse and neurotypical voices, discover effective mental health strategies, and embrace a person-first approach to building resilience while reveling in your unique strengths. Each week, we take you through topics like ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, and even throw in some existentialism and neuroscience at no added cost!

Let's spark a revolution in neurodiversity and mental health – one Talking Cure at a time!

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Track: Feel — Land of Fire [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • Feel — Land of Fire | Free Background...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/feel
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Mon, 22 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000 sparklaunchpodcast@gmail.com (Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell) https://sparklaunchpodcast.com Welcome to Spark Launch, a new vibrant space for the neurodivergent mind!

Subscribe today to hear insightful stories from an assorted range of neurodiverse and neurotypical voices, discover effective mental health strategies, and embrace a person-first approach to building resilience while reveling in your unique strengths. Each week, we take you through topics like ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, and even throw in some existentialism and neuroscience at no added cost!

Let's spark a revolution in neurodiversity and mental health – one Talking Cure at a time!

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Track: Feel — Land of Fire [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • Feel — Land of Fire | Free Background...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/feel
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/

Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.

Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.

Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.

Stay Connected:

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Spark Launch: Lighting Up Neurodiversity Chaya Mallavaram, Mike Cornell 00:00:52 Welcome to Spark Launch, a new vibrant space for the neurodivergent mind! Subscribe today to hear insightful stories from an assorted range of neurodiverse and neurotypical voices, discover effective mental health strategies, and embrace a person-first approach to building resilience while reveling in your unique strengths. Each week, we take you through topics like ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, and even throw in some existentialism and neuroscience at no added cost! Welcome to Spark Launch, a new vibrant space for the neurodivergent mind! Subscribe today to hear insightful stories from an assorted range of neurodiverse and neurotypical voices, discover effective mental health strategies, and embrace a person-first approach to building resilience while reveling in your unique strengths. Each week, we take you through topics like ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, and even throw in some existentialism and neuroscience at no added cost! false trailer 1