www.DifferentBrains.com

Exploring Different Brains

Health EN ↓ 346 episodes

EXPLORING DIFFERENT BRAINS is a weekly interview show hosted by neurodiversity advocate Harold "Hackie" Reitman, MD., and presented by DifferentBrains.com. Join us as we speak with some of the most interesting people involved in autism, Asperger's, dyslexia, ADHD, OCD, down syndrome, and any condition that can be considered "neurodiverse." From doctors to judges, teachers to caregivers, scientists to advocates, parents to kids, neurodiverse to neurotypical, we want to tell any story that can offer insight into the difference in our brains.

Author

www.DifferentBrains.com

Category

Health

Podcast website

differentbrains.com

Latest episode

Jan 17, 2026

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Episodes

Diagnosing Neurodiversity: 7 Advocates Tell How They Learned They Have Autism | EDB 48 04.10.2016

In this special episode of Exploring Different Brains, Hackie Reitman, M.D. presents 7 previous guests as they tell the story of how they were first diagnosed with autism. Guests include: Raun Kaufman is the head of the Autism Treatment Center, and author of the book “Autism Breakthrough.” For his full interview, visit: http://differentbrains.com/exploring-different-brains-episode-1-raun-kaufman/...

Moving Beyond Labels and Understanding Neurodiversity, with Dr. Lori Butts | EDB 47 04.10.2016

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Lori Butts, J.D., Ph. D., the president and director of the Clinical & Forensic Institute, and previous president of the Florida Psychological Association. She is one of the few psychologists with her doctorate degree in psychology and also a law degree, and has extensive experience treating patients that have Autism, Bipolar Disorder, depression,...

Why Therapy Shouldn’t Always Lead to Medication, with Dr. Lauren Gerber | EDB 46 04.10.2016

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with returning guest Dr. Lauren Gerber, author and psychologist. Dr. Gerber talks about the importance of trying all therapeutic options before prescribing medication, her experience providing therapy for client with autism and ADHD, the challenges of helping someone in a crisis, and a special four-legged friend that assists her in her sessions.

College Life with Asperger’s Syndrome, with Dietrich Kuhlmann | EDB 45 04.10.2016

In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Dietrich Kuhlmann, a sophomore at the University of Miami who also happens to have Asperger’s syndrome. Dietrich talks about how he feels being neurodiverse can offer gifts to individuals, the challenges he has faced with being bullied, and how dedication and family support can help people achieve their goals.

Breathing Your Way to a Healthier Brain, with Ed Harrold | EDB 44 04.10.2016

In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman sits down with Ed Harrold, performance enhancement coach and motivational speaker, and discusses the positive effect proper breathing can have on the brain.

Empowering People With Autism, with Stacey Hoaglund | EDB 43 04.10.2016

In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman sits down with Stacey Hoaglund. She is the editor of The Autism Notebook Magazine, a Family Support Specialist for Family Network on Disabilities, the CEO of Disability Training and Support Specialists, project coordinator for Partners in Policy-making, author of “Go for the Goal: A Parent’s Guide to Creating Meaningful IEP Goals,” a tireless advocate for the ne...

Battling Mental Health Stigma at Henderson Behavioral, with Dr. Steven Ronik | EDB 42 04.10.2016

In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman sits down with Dr. Steven Ronik, the CEO of Henderson Behavioral Health. Henderson is the largest provider of health care support in South Florida, serving 30,000 people. Dr. Ronik discusses his journey from clinician to CEO, his thoughts on neurodiversity in the world of treating mental health, and the problem of stigmatization of those with different brains.

Badges and Different Brains: Neurodiversity and Law Enforcement with Dr. Lori Butts | EDB 41 04.10.2016

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Lori Butts, J.D., Ph. D., the president and director of the Clinical & Forensic Institute, and previous president of the Florida Psychological Association. Dr. Butts discusses spreading awareness through the justice system, the challenges of offering therapy to both victims and victimizers, and the psychological factors behind the use of lethal for...

Autism and the Family: Therapeutic Solutions for the Household, with Dr. Lauren Gerber | EDB 40 04.10.2016

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with author and psychologist Dr. Lauren Gerber. Dr. Gerber discusses her experiences offering therapeutic solutions to children with autism and their families. She also talks about her three books, including one she wrote with her son to help deal with grief.

How Do You Get Inspired? Finding Inspiration Through Neurodiversity | EDB 39 04.10.2016

In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with 7 amazing people from the world of neurodiversity- parents, employers, educators, and authors – as they tell us how they found their inspirations to make change in the lives of those of us with Different Brains.

Rewire Your Brain to the Beat, with Martha Summa | EDB 38 04.10.2016

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with educator, pianist, and music therapist Martha Summa. Martha discusses music’s ability to aid in the rewiring of brains via neuroplasticity, as well as her own amazing successes as a therapist.

The Poetry in Asperger’s: Self Expression on the Spectrum, with Ian Hale, Ph.D. | EDB Episode 37 04.10.2016

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. continues his conversation with Ian Hale, Ph. D., writer, poet, public speaker and researcher who happens to be on the autism spectrum. Dr. Hale discusses how he has used poetry to express himself, the state of neurodiversity awareness throughout Europe, and the importance of allowing those with “different brains” to express themselves how they wish.

Is Autism Hereditary? Neurodiversity in the Family Tree, with Ian Hale, Ph.D. | EDB Episode 36 04.10.2016

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Ian Hale, Ph. D., a writer, poet, public speaker and researcher who happens to be on the autism spectrum. Dr. Hale discusses his belief that autism and Asperger’s should be considered separate, the research he has done that suggests autism has been in his family for centuries, and the importance of not discouraging the neurodiverse during childhood...

Atypical Travel: Expanding Horizons of the Neurodiverse with Peggy Koutas | EDB 35 04.10.2016

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Peggy Koutas, founder of Atypical Travel. Peggy discusses her company’s goal of providing life-changing vacations to the neurodiverse, how educational goals can benefit from travel, and her own introduction to “different brains” through the Special Olympics.

Trailblazing 2016: Neurodiverse Entrepreneurship with Alexai Perez | EDB 34 04.10.2016

In this episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. speaks with Alexai Perez, coordinator of Trailblazing 2016. Alexai discusses the conference’s goals of facilitating entrepreneurship among those with different brains, and her daughter- a burgeoning entrepreneur with down syndrome.

Alzheimer’s at 40, with Michael Ellenbogen | EDB 33 04.10.2016

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Michael Ellenbogen, author and Alzheimer’s advocate. Michael discusses his battle with Alzheimer’s, his early signs at the age of 39, and the decade-long odyssey of getting a diagnosis.

Downs Designs Dreams: Special Jeans for Special Needs with Karen Bowersox | EDB 32 04.10.2016

In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman talks with Karen Bowersox from Downs Designs Dreams and NBZ Jeans. Karen discusses the special clothes her companies make, her inspiration for starting the businesses, the work she is doing for veterans, and her experience with Down syndrome.

Changing Lives Through the Special Olympics, with Karlyn Emile | EDB 31 04.10.2016

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Karlyn G. Emile, MPH, CHES, director of South Florida Healthy Community for Special Olympics Florida. Karlyn discusses the amazing work she does encouraging healthy life strategies, and the important outreach and support offered by the Special Olympics.

Fictional Characters on the Autism Spectrum with author Cassandra Dunn | EDB ep.29 04.10.2016

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Cassandra Dunn, author of “The Art of Adapting.” Cassandra discusses her book, growing up with an uncle on the spectrum, and why she decided to have a main character in her book have Asperger’s syndrome.

Don’t Dis-my-ability! Success For The Neurodiverse, with Shawn Smith, M.Ed. | EDB Episode 28 04.10.2016

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Shawn Smith M.Ed., CCC, founder of Don’t Dis-my-Ability. He discusses the importance of advocacy, growing up with undiagnosed ADHD, his journey through school, and the state of neurodiversity awareness in Canada.

Can The Gut Control The Brain? Bacteria’s Role In Autism with Dr. Derrick MacFabe | EDB 27 04.10.2016

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Derrick MacFabe, M.D., assistant professor and director of The Kilee Patchell-Evans Autism Research Group, and pioneer of the study of the gut’s influence over the brain.

Filmmaking on the Autism Spectrum, with Keri Bowers and Taylor Cross | EDB Episode 26 04.10.2016

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Keri Bowers and Taylor Cross, the directors of the films Normal People Scare Me and Normal People Scare Me Too. The mother and son discuss collaborating on the films, Taylor’s journey with autism, and the importance of parents supporting the goals of their neurodiverse children.

Raising the Autistic in Australia, with Sarah Collins | EDB 25 27.09.2016

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Sarah collins, founder of Autism CAER. Sarah discusses autism awareness in her home of Australia, raising three children on the autism spectrum, and the work she does creating inclusive educational strategies.

Creating Activities for Autistic Kids, with Catherine Pascuas | EDB 24 27.09.2016

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Catherine Pascuas, host of The Autism Show Podcast and author of The Autism Activities Handbook. Catherine discusses her passion for autism advocacy, her work with the neurodiverse, and some of the helpful activities from her new book.

Travel For All with Tarita Davenock | EDB 23 27.09.2016

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Tarita Davenock, founder of Travel For All– a full service travel agency specializing in accessible travel, and host of The Lonely Planet’s Travel For All show. Tarita discusses her personal experiences traveling with multiple sclerosis, the considerations that travel companies must take in to account for the neurodiverse, and the importance of inc...

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