The Hidden 20%

Today's episode is a little different. Join us for an unscripted, unedited bonus episode with our host, Ben Branson, as he shares his candid opinions. It's an exciting time in the neurodivergent community, with lots of change. Each week, we come across incredible and sometimes surprising news, and we want to keep you informed. In this episode, Ben delves into some of the most notable stories in th...

At just 16, Tylan Grant made history as the first black actor to portray an autistic character on mainstream TV, winning multiple awards. His role in Hollyoaks mirrors his own experiences with gender identity and neurodivergence. In this chat with Ben, Tylan discusses the link between Autism and gender dysphoria, his experience on the Hollyoaks set, transcendental meditation, and managing social a...

CW: Suicide, Mental Health In this podcast exclusive, culinary icon Heston Blumenthal reveals his recent diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The mastermind behind the three Michelin-starred The Fat Duck is renowned for his innovative, playful, and multi-sensory culinary experiences. So it may not come as a surprise that he's also ADHD. In this episode, Ben takes a deep dive "Inside Heston’s World," unv...

Matt Willis, rose to fame with the multi-platinum band Busted and later went on to star in major West End productions. In this chat with Ben, Matt reveals a different side of himself, sharing the shock of his ADHD diagnosis following a visit to a marriage counsellor. He discusses coping strategies for ADHD which helped handle addiction, how to overcome shame, and provides a fresh perspective on hi...

CW: mental health, suicide & addiction. With more than 20 years of expertise in hairstyling, salon ownership, and creating his own haircare products, Adam Reed stands as a legendary figure in the hairstyling industry. In this chat with Ben, Adam openly discusses navigating anxiety and paranoia alongside ADHD and explores his healing journey, from prescription medications to micro-dosing p...

Holly Tucker has made small business’ her lifeblood as the founder of Europe’s biggest small business marketplace, Not On The High Street and Holly & Co. In this episode Ben chats to Holly about how she got the name "hurricane holly", the benefits of naivety in business and why dyslexic thinkers are incredible entrepreneurs. 0:00 Introduction 1:10 Business & Naivety 7:27 Holly's Life Missi...

With season 2 right around the corner, we thought we'd drop a bonus episode to keep you going! A few weeks back, we recorded a special episode LIVE at The Podcast Show with our friends from TYX. We invited Sunil Patel from the award-winning Whisper to talk all things late-diagnosis ADHD, running a business when you're neurodivergent, and pushing the boundaries of television. Sunil was amazing, and...

In The Hidden 20% season finale, things get personal. Sam Branson, Ben's wife, takes a seat in the green chair for the first time, giving a new perspective on Ben's journey with autism and ADHD. With raw honesty, they delve into the impact of Ben's diagnosis on their marriage. Sam talks about handling Ben's shutdowns, going solo to events and challenges with communication. But they don't stop ther...

Leanne Maskell, a former Vogue model turned law graduate, author, mental health advocate, and founder of ADHD Works. In this chat with Ben, Leanne opens up about the "hidden parts" of ADHD, from financial impulsivity to medication shortages. They also delve into the importance of making noise and disrupting narratives in order to incite change. WATCH the full episode at www.youtube.com/@hidden20po...

Jamie Lambert wears many hats—from winning Britain's Got Talent with Collabro to producing Olivier nominated west-end shows with Lambert Jackson Productions. In his chat with Ben, Jamie delves into running a business with Dyspraxia, the importance of self-forgiveness, and the impact of labels. He also bravely shares a recent shock diagnosis for the first time. WATCH the full episode at www.youtube...

To celebrate Autism Awareness Week, Ben chats with Renata Fialho, the Clinical Psychologist & Researcher who diagnosed him with Autism & ADHD. They delve into the private diagnosis process, the inner workings on the NHS and why ND women are frequently misdiagnosed with depression. Renata also bravely shares how she tragicly lost a neurodivergent patient in crisis, delving into the emotiona...

Kate Griggs, the renowned author, TED X Speaker, and CEO of 'Made by Dyslexia' coined "dyslexic thinking," a term which is now recognised by dictionary.com and LinkedIn. Her influence spans major corporations like Virgin, Microsoft, and Ernst & Young, where dyslexic thinking is now valued as indispensable skill. In this chat with Ben, Kate explores how to support dyslexic learners, why 35% of...

To celebrate Neurodiversity Celebration Week we are excited to welcome two HUGE guests to THE HIDDEN 20%. Introducing the 'slash-slasher' - Footballer, Songwriter, Artist, Television Presenter and Pokemon Enthusiast - Chelcee Grimes. Chelcee is an ADHD megastar who pens hits for Dua Lipa by day, presents for the BBC by day and also holds up the midfield by day. By night, she's curled up in pyjamas...

Marcia Brissett-Bailey, acclaimed author of "Black, Brilliant, and Dyslexic," is an award-winning speaker and advocate, recognised as the ‘Top 50 Influential Neurodivergent Women’.  In this chat with Ben, she discusses her experiences with selective mutism, educational challenges, and life at the intersection of race and neurodivergence. WATCH the full episode at www.youtube.com/@hidden20podc...

Lottie Moss graced the covers of Vogue, starred in Chanel & Calvin Klein campaigns, and walked at Paris Fashion Week, all before turning 20. But, being in the spotlight from a young age brought its challenges. In her chat with Ben, Lottie openly discusses mental health struggles, confronts the stigma around alcoholism and shares how she took back control of her career. They also explore why ro...

Join Jess Thom, writer, comedian, artist, and activist whose creativity is "changing the world, one tic at a time". In this chat with Ben, Jess discusses the power of spontaneous creativity, redefining what it means to be a wheelchair user and the importance of knowing when to ask for support. WATCH the full episode at www.youtube.com/@hidden20podcast ___________    On "The Hidden 20%,"...

Douglas McMaster, a distinguished chef, restaurateur, Master Chef UK finalist, and pioneer in the zero-food waste movement, has always thought differently. In this chat with Ben, they delve into Doug’s ability to recognise patterns, be it within the human experience, the natural world or his own thoughts. They explore the psychology underpinning Doug’s relentless pursuit to master a subject. Ben a...

After dropping out of school, being misdiagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder, and constantly feeling misunderstood, Ellie Middleton was finally diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. Since then, Ellie has built a thriving online community of over 300,000 people, founded the groundbreaking Unmasked community for neurodivergents, and worked with global brands like The Independent, Google, and LinkedI...

RuPaul's Drag Race UK's dark cabaret sensation, Joe Black, sheds light on one of the most misunderstood neurological conditions, Tourettes. After having his tics dismissed as a “nervous twitch” and constantly being asked if he’s on drugs, Joe finally sets the record straight. In this chat with Ben, Joe dispels myths about Tourettes, delves into the intricacies of the dark cabaret scene, and explai...

BBC Radio Presenter turned ADHD advocate, Hester Grainger, turned her family's neurodivergent diagnosis into a mission for workplace accessibility. Hester leveraged her experience as an ADHD woman with over 30 careers under her belt, to create neurodiversity consultancy, Perfectly Autistic. In this chat with Ben, Hester delves into the diverse ADHD traits, strategies for fostering neuro-inclusive...

CW: This episode includes references to harmful online content Lee Chambers has faced a fair few challenges in life; navigating a world designed for neurotypicals, coping with autistic burnout, and losing the ability to walk overnight. But that didn’t stop Lee from achieving recognition as one of the UK's top entrepreneurs and becoming a highly respected business psychologist, securing his place i...

For Kit Harington's first-ever podcast appearance, we dive deep. From his iconic role as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones and the complexities of fame, to his personal journey with addiction and ADHD diagnosis. Plus, Kit and Ben swap stories on the joys and challenges of raising children when you’re neurodivergent. Content Warning: references to addiction WATCH the full episode at www.youtube...

From measuring sunflowers in Jamaican hills to racing against the clock, numbers have never come easy for track athlete Adelle Tracey. In this chat with Ben, Adelle candidly shares the challenges and strengths that come with neurodivergent conditions, Dyscalculia and Dyslexia, and the benefits of early diagnosis. Adelle imparts on-track wisdom, how to thrive under pressure and serves up a powerful...

Receiving an Autism diagnosis at the age of 58 came as no surprise to Carrie, the proud mother to 4 neurodivergent children.  Ben sits down with BAFTA Award winning broadcaster, vocal coach and author, Carrie Grant. They discuss the significance of shifting perspectives, overcoming internalised phobias, and challenging societal norms. Content Warning: References to sexual abuse and violence....

The Hidden 20%, a brand new podcast with Autistic & ADHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson, launches Wednesday 17th of January across various podcast platforms with special guests Kit Harington, Carrie Grant and Adelle Tracey. You'll be able to watch full episodes on www.youtube.com/@hidden20podcast . Subscribe now! Follow & subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube: @Hidde...