I Am Not Calm Podcast

We discuss our experiences of thinking/knowing we’re autistic, learning to be comfortable using the ‘A’ word to describe ourselves, deciding to get (and getting) diagnosed and everything that comes afterwards. Get full access to I Am Not Calm at iamnotcalm.substack.com/subscribe

Bio: Polly has worked in the Arts, Heritage and Charity sector for over 15 years coordinating campaigns which have included the founding of Greater Manchester Housing Action Network, winning Selective Licensing policy change to protect tenants from unscrupulous landlords. She landed her dream job as the North West Campaign Coordinator with Friends of the Earth in 2016 but this was when she first h...

A few weeks ago, I caught up with Sammi Parkin to talk about her book ‘Cola Bottle Girl’, and her motivation for writing it. About Sammi Sammi Parkin is an author, autism advocate, and a proud mum to three autistic children, each with their own unique and diverse needs. Driven by the lived experience of raising a neurodivergent family, she has dedicated her platform to bridging the gap between cli...

I spoke to Gray Rodgers about discovering and accepting their autism diagnosis, then going on to help other people. Trigger Warning: We talked about suicidal thoughts near the beginning of this podcast. About Gray: Gray Rodgers is a South Derbyshire–based multidisciplinary artist, writer, and neurodiversity advocate. Founder of the Swadlincote Aspergers Society, they’ve spent years supporting auti...

This week, I explain how the podcast is going to be changing for a little while, and I talk about overthinking. Get full access to I Am Not Calm at iamnotcalm.substack.com/subscribe

I spoke to Courtney Ward and Lee McShane about AUDHD, creativity, and dealing with burnout, among other things. About Courtney: Courtney has been published in several anthologies including “Our Time and Space” by Writing East Midlands, “Speak Out” by The Word Association, and Sisterhood anthology for Sisterhood Festival in Bradford, been a featured artist at Prickly Pear, and Speak your Mind, amon...

About the poets: Pippa is a mum with Autism and ADHD, she has two girls, and is creative in many ways, such as being able to play multiple instruments, making jewellery, crocheting, singing, and painting. She is passionate about people with learning disabilities being accepted and supported, rather than just tolerated. Her faith (Christianity) keeps her grounded, no matter what life throws at her....

Today I share one of my own poems, and a poem by Julia Webb. About Julia: Julia’s ambitions to be a writer started when she was six-years-old and read The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton. She later did her degree in creative writing at at the age of 40, before going on to do an MA in poetry at the University of East Anglia. Her book can be found at https://ninearchespress.com/publications/poetry-col...

Today, I’m sharing poems by Majella Whittaker, and David Hardy. About the poets: Majella is a late identified autistic mum of 3 autistic boys. She is a full-time parent and carer and is a passionate writer and advocate - navigating the education system for 13 years, to get the right support for her children. *** David has written his poem about his daughter. He began by writing poems for family an...

Today, I’m sharing poems by two more writers to mark National Poetry Writing Month and World Autism Acceptance Month About the poets: Rob Mason is a multi-disciplinary artist hailing from Blackpool. Under his current hat of ‘poet’, Rob’s work focuses on philosophical musings about life’s quandaries. An ardent supporter of promoting Blackpool in the best light, Rob was recently selected as one of t...

Today I’m sharing poems from two poets for National Poetry Writing Month, and World Autism Acceptance Month. About the poets: Dawn has been writing for years, but only recently started to share her work. She been published online by Mike O’Brien in Sixty Odd Poets, by Tim Fellows in The Fig Tree and by Annie Acres in her Urban Scrawl. She also has two poems published in Ourselves Reflected Back, (...

Todays poem is by Caroline Lisle. This is her first time taking part in something like this. To listen to more poems for World Autism Acceptance Month and National Poetry Writing Month, remember to subscribe to the podcast. Get full access to I Am Not Calm at iamnotcalm.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s poem is by Courtney Ward. About Courtney: Courtney has been published in several anthologies including “Our Time and Space” by Writing East Midlands, “Speak Out” by The Word Association, and Sisterhood anthology for Sisterhood Festival in Bradford, been a featured artist at Prickly Pear, and Speak your Mind, among others, and also, talked at and collaborated with local charities, and perfo...

Today, I’m sharing a poem written and read by Kate Rigby. I’m sharing poems throughout April to mark World Autism Acceptance Month, and National Poetry Writing Month. Please subscribe if you like what you hear. Get full access to I Am Not Calm at iamnotcalm.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s poem is by Kerry Brooks. Bio: Kerry Brooks is a writer based in Culcheth, Warrington. Drawn to a quieter and more meaningful life, she stepped away from corporate law to build her small, eco-conscious business, Iris Charles, rooted in heritage, storytelling and traditional craft. She is autistic and has ADHD, experiences that shape both her creative practice and her voice. She is currently...

Today I’m sharing poems by Amanda Crundall, and Jaymes Buckman to mark World Autism Acceptance Month, and National Poetry Writing Month. About the poets: Amanda Crundall (a.k.a. “The Glam Poet”), is an accomplished and multi-faceted author, poet, spoken word performer, poetry workshop facilitator and radio presenter, at Beverley FM *** Jaymes Buckman is a nonbinary, autistic, glam rock singer and...

Today, I share a poem sent in by Aysheh Marley. Bio: Aysheh Marley grew up not knowing about her early autism diagnosis because of how stigmatised it was back in the 80s. Instead, she believed she was didn’t fit in and was different but didn’t understand why. She’s currently on an ADHD waiting list and was diagnosed with autism in 2022. Aysheh has been writing poetry since she was a young child, a...

Today we have a poem by Rachel, as part of National Poetry Writing Month and World Autism Acceptance Month (not day, as I accidentally said in the intro, oops!) About Rachel: Rachel describes herself as having felt out of step with the world, because of her autism, ADHD, and RSD. She grew up believing she was flawed and didn’t belong, carrying that weight into adulthood. She finally found the supp...

Today I share a poem by Caroline Carey About Caroline: Caroline is a neurodivergent writer and creative guide whose work draws on decades of intuitive understanding, cultivated through childhood, motherhood, and a professional life devoted to soul-led exploration. She creates deeply held spaces for personal growth, blending emotional intelligence, practical spiritual tools, and time-honoured tradi...

 Today's poem is by Mary Maier. Bio: Mary is an AuDHD writer of poetry, short stories, flash fiction, novels and screenplays. She is a former solo mobile equine veterinarian who left the extraordinary stress of that life to become an organic farmer close to mother ocean. Get full access to I Am Not Calm at iamnotcalm.substack.com/subscribe

Today, I share one of my own poems called ‘What Unmasking Feels Like’. About me (Amanda) Amanda Nicholson is an author, poet, podcast co-host and copywriter. Her recent self-published novel has the memorable title ‘ Death to All Men’ . Amanda’s poetry has been broadcast on BBC Radio Manchester, and she won the Bradford Cares 2023 Competition. Get full access to I Am Not Calm at iamnotcalm.substack...

Today, I share a poem written by Lee McShane. *** About Lee: Lee McShane is a Neurodivergent actor, filmmaker, and published writer/poet. He integrates neurodivergence into his creative work, often blending themes of mental health with elements of horror. His storytelling challenges stigma, offering unique perspectives shaped by lived experience and a passion for authentic, emotionally resonant, a...

I spoke to Jackie Schuld about her late-diagnosis, writing four books about autism, and art therapy. About Jackie Jackie Schuld is an autistic writer and art therapist who specializes in late-identified autism and ADHD. She has written several books, including ‘Life as a Late-Identified Autistic: A Collection of Essays Exploring Autism’ where she details her experiences as a late-identified autist...

I spoke to Jaymes Buckman about discovering their autism early in life, embracing ‘weirdness’, and finding acceptance from the right people. About Jaymes Buckman: Jaymes is a nonbinary, autistic, glam rock singer and a poet who has also dabbled in acting and modelling. https://linktr.ee/hotapollo ***I Am Not Calm now has a Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/2357002358082119 Get full ac...

I talk to J. M. shaw about her lifelong love of writing, discovering her neurodivergence and self-acceptance. About J.M Shaw J.M. Shaw lives in Airdrie, Alberta, with her husband and two young children. She and her family embarked upon a journey of understanding, acceptance, and life-long learning when they discovered their shared diagnosis of autism and ADHD. Writing is her passion and, with expe...