Uniquely Wired Podcast

Can nature and adventure help struggling young adults reset, heal, and find direction? On this episode of The Uniquely Wired Podcast , Andrew Taylor—founder of Pure Life Adventure and Octagon Mentoring—joins Dr. Rubin and Dr. Kellen to discuss how outdoor immersion, digital detox, and real-life challenge can accelerate confidence and emotional growth. Andrew shares key differences between wilderne...

AI is transforming healthcare, but it can’t replace human expertise. Dr. Marco Rossi, an AI scientist with 20+ years of experience, joins Dr. Rubin and Dr. Kellen to discuss how AI can aid diagnosis and treatment—while warning against over-reliance. They highlight the need for human responsibility, the risk of losing essential skills, and why, as Dr. Kellen notes, “the human component is so import...

“As they get older, you have to learn to take steps back so that they can have that independence.” — Savannah Paponetti In this episode of the Uniquely Wired Podcast , Dr. Rubin and Dr. Kellen sit down with Savannah Paponetti, a licensed counselor and Assistant Clinical Director at NDFYA, to talk about how parents can best support their young adult children. They explore the balance between suppor...

In this insightful episode of the Uniquely Wired Podcast , Dr. Rubin and Dr. Kellen sit down with Dr. Greg Chasson—clinical psychologist, University of Chicago professor, and expert in OCD and related disorders—to explore the misunderstood world of hoarding, anxiety, and perfectionism. Dr. Chasson dispels common myths, noting that hoarding isn’t about laziness or messiness but often rooted in deep...

Dr. Rubin and Dr. Kellen sit down with Josh Doyle, M.Ed.—a seasoned educational and therapeutic consultant—to discuss how the landscape of therapeutic programs and boarding schools has evolved over the last few decades. From rising mental health challenges in youth to the critical role of residential care and wilderness therapy, Josh shares insight from over 25 years of experience helping families...

Dr. Drew Rubin is joined by Greg Hitchcock, Scott Hess, and Dr. Michael Kellen to explore the healing impact of wilderness therapy. With decades of experience in behavioral health and psychology, they discuss how stepping away from screens and comfort can lead to self-discovery and emotional growth. In this insightful episode, Greg Hitchcock explains how nature fosters leadership and self-reliance...

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Uniquely Wired Podcast ! In this premiere episode, Dr. Drew Rubin introduces two key team members from New Directions for Young Adults—pioneers in autism research, diagnosis, and treatment. With him are Dr. Michael Kellen and Bobby Jividen, offering their expertise in a compelling conversation about the challenges young adults on the autism spectrum face when transition...