Neurodivergent Spot

Summary In this solo episode, Sam shares what has kept him busy over the past year, including coaching an Odyssey of the Mind World Finals team, presenting at national conferences, and publishing his new book, Neurodivergent Patterns of Care . He reflects on burnout, neurodiversity-affirming spaces, and the projects that have shaped this season of life. Quotes “All humans have support needs.” “Wha...

Summary: In this heartfelt solo episode of Neurodivergent Spot , host Sam Marion reflects on the journey of creating the podcast and the community that has grown around it. Sam opens up about what inspired the show, what he’s learned from guests and listeners, and why this moment feels like the right time to pause. He shares honest reflections on overwhelm, creativity, gratitude, and what’s next —...

Summary In this episode, Sonya Janisse shares her powerful late-in-life realization that she is neurodivergent and had been living in survival mode for most of her life. She opens up about growing up without emotional safety, masking for decades, and ultimately finding healing through nervous system work, movement, mindset, and community. Sonya now helps others break free from burnout and build al...

Summary: In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot , Sam talks with Dr. Emily Levy, founder and director of EBL Coaching—a specialized tutoring program using multisensory, research-based techniques to support neurodivergent learners. Emily shares her journey from finance to education, the evolution of her workbook series, and her insights on collaboration between families, tutors, and schools to best...

Summary: In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot , host Sam Marion sits down with Sara Hartley—healthcare executive, ADHD & neurodiversity coach, and children’s book author—to explore her late-diagnosis journey, her experience raising two neurodivergent sons, and her creative work supporting families. Sara introduces her concept of eco-parenting , where children’s behaviors mirror back opportun...

Summary: In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot , host Sam Marion talks with therapist, adventurer, and writer Lincoln Stoller about resilience, risk, and radical independence. Lincoln shares stories from his life as a mountaineer, plane crash survivor, scientist, and psychotherapist, weaving them into reflections on what it means to live with purpose and commitment. He challenges conventional app...

Summary: In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot , host Sam Marion speaks with writer, speaker, and advocate Sunita Theiss about her journey as an autistic, ADHD, and PDA mom raising two neurodivergent children. Sunita shares how discovering her own and her children’s diagnoses reshaped her family’s rhythms, shifting from control to collaboration and redefining what success, grace, and achievement...

Summary: In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot , host Sam Marion speaks with Lyndal Bedford—a clinical social worker and community development advocate—about the powerful intersection of faith, spiritual trauma, and neurodivergent inclusion. Lyndal discusses how people who remain within faith communities can heal from spiritual harm, the importance of building compassionate, accepting spaces, and...

Summary: In this heartfelt episode, Jacob Nordby—author, father, and founder of The Institute for Creative Living—joins Sam Marion to explore the deep connection between creativity, neurodivergence, and healing. Jacob shares personal stories about unmasking, parenting neurodivergent children, and rediscovering his own inner artist during a time of personal crisis. Together, they reflect on how emb...

Summary: In this special solo episode, Sam reflects on turning 40 and the lifelong journey of discovering and embracing multiple neurodivergent identities. From being labeled gifted as a child to navigating adult identification of ADHD, a reading disability, and autism, Sam shares candid stories of missteps, masking, and finding clarity. This episode is a raw, honest look at identity, growth, and...

Summary: Asher Walden joins Neurodivergent Spot to explore how neurodivergent people often experience and interpret spirituality differently. He shares his journey of late-in-life autism discovery and how it led to the creation of the Empyrean Deck—a tool for finding meaning outside traditional religious frameworks. This thoughtful conversation invites listeners to consider new ways of approaching...

Summary: In this powerful episode, Sam Marion speaks with educator and kink community leader Cat Orme about her late ADHD diagnosis and how that lens has reshaped her understanding of herself and her work. Cat shares how neurodivergent needs are actively centered in the BDSM spaces she helps create—from sensory-informed negotiation forms to simple but impactful accommodations like the "off-limits...

Summary: In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot , Sam Marion talks with Iris Wong, a neurodivergent parent, educator, and creator of EF Toolkit. Iris shares her journey navigating career transitions, burnout, and identity shifts—especially after an adult neurodivergent discovery. They reflect on the challenges of aligning one’s life with personal values, embracing nonlinear paths, and honoring sen...

Summary: In this episode, comedian, author, and podcast host Kym Kral joins Sam Marion for a vulnerable and hilarious conversation about neurodivergence, creativity, and self-worth. Kym shares how she discovered her ADHD diagnosis later in life, what stand-up comedy taught her about humanity, and the strategies she uses to quiet self-doubt and nurture joy. From journaling to her “happy list,” Kym...

Summary: In this episode, Sam Marion speaks with Erin Alexander—neurodivergent parent, educator, and artist—about her journey through online and offline advocacy, the importance of community care, and the daily realities of parenting autistic children. They explore how Erin balances her own needs with those of her children, how she navigates social media with intention, and how micro-moments of re...

Summary: In this solo episode of Neurodivergent Spot , Sam Marion shares personal updates and reflections on recent changes, national events, and the evolving landscape of neurodiversity advocacy. Sam discusses why the podcast is shifting to a biweekly release schedule and reflects on his experiences presenting at major national conferences. He also dives into important and heavy current events, i...

Summary: In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot , Sam Marion talks with ADHD productivity and technology coach Brittany Smith. With a background in cognitive neuroscience, Brittany brings insight and humor to a conversation about burnout, brain breaks, body doubling, and the surprising power of the right tech tools. They discuss common myths about productivity, how to work with your brain, and the...

Summary: In this powerful episode, Sam Marion sits down with Erick Petterman—brain aneurysm survivor, dyslexic adult, and emotional healing coach—to discuss neurodivergence, trauma, and the journey from shame to self-empowerment. Erick shares his personal story of surviving childhood bullying, living with dyslexia before it was widely understood, and healing from a life-changing brain aneurysm. He...

Summary: In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot , Sam Marion is joined by Sarah Templeton, an expert in neurodiversity, to discuss the critical issue of the school-to-prison pipeline and its impact on neurodivergent children, especially those with ADHD and autism. Sarah emphasizes the importance of recognizing early warning signs in schools and the role of teachers in providing the right support t...

Summary: In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot , host Sam Marion sits down with ADHD coach Olivia Rose to discuss neurodivergence, productivity, and the importance of rest. Olivia shares insights from her own late ADHD diagnosis, her experiences supporting working mothers and adults with ADHD, and the balance between ambition and peace. Together, they explore why slowing down can be the key to su...

Summary: In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot , host Sam Marion speaks with Shane Thrapp, CEO of Creating Order from Chaos, an ADHD life coaching organization. Shane is also an operations director for the Men's ADHD Support Group and a consultant helping businesses implement neurodivergent-friendly accommodations. They discuss Shane’s personal journey navigating ADHD and autism, the challenges n...

Summary: In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot , host Sam Marion speaks with Shara Tipton, a multiply neurodivergent executive function coach with a background in public school teaching. Shara shares insights into her neurodivergent journey, the challenges of executive dysfunction, and the importance of rest in self-management. They discuss the impact of shame in neurodivergent experiences, the t...

Summary In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot , Sam Marion talks with Julia DeNey, founder of Sense-ational You, a company creating adaptive apparel with built-in sensory tools for autistic and ADHD children. Julia shares her journey from studying fashion design at Cornell University to working in special education and developing products that meet the unique needs of neurodivergent kids. Tune in...

Episode Summary In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot , host Sam Marion welcomes Sam Mitchell, the creator of Autism Rocks and Rolls , a podcast dedicated to sharing the experiences and perspectives of autistic individuals. Sam discusses his journey with autism, his passion for podcasting, and his advocacy work, which includes public speaking and nonprofit efforts. He shares insights on the chall...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot , host Sam Marion speaks with Ellen Busch, a dyslexia advocate, speaker, and mentor, about her journey navigating neurodivergence. Ellen shares how early diagnoses of dyslexia came with low expectations from the education system and how she fought against stigma to redefine her strengths. She discusses the impact of internalized ableism, the...