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Spark Launch: Neurodiversity Ignited

Spark Launch: Neurodiversity Ignited

By: SparkLaunch.org Mike Cornell Chaya Mallavaram
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About this listen

 You’ve landed at Spark Launch — the guide star for embracing what it means to be neurodiverse. Hosted by Chaya Mallavaram (the artsy ADHD brain behind Spark Launch) and Mike Cornell (a peer support specialist who reminds us that imperfection is where the magic happens), this podcast dives deep into the messy, beautiful, and often challenging realities of neurodivergent life. Each episode blends personal stories with expert insights to tackle issues affecting our community, such as mental health, parenting strategies, emotional regulation, workplace dynamics, executive function hacks, and neurodiversity advocacy. Whether you’re navigating life with ADHD, Autism Spectrum, or other neurodevelopmental conditions — or supporting someone who is — this is a space where neurodivergent voices can unmask, embrace their weirdness, and celebrate human diversity. Subscribe now to ignite your mind, elevate your essence, and spark something extraordinary. https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ ADHD Learning Solutions https://www.sparklaunch.org/ Follow Mike & Chaya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followshisghost https://www.instagram.com/the_sparklaunchCopyright 2025 SparkLaunch.org Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Boundaries, Burnout, and Belonging /w Michelle Markman

    Boundaries, Burnout, and Belonging /w Michelle Markman
    Jul 18 2025
    Mike and Chaya sit down with Michelle Markman, a late-diagnosed autistic entrepreneur and founder of ND Coach Inc., where she supports high-achieving neurodivergent women in unmasking and thriving on their own terms. Michelle reflects on how her diagnosis transformed her perspective on masking, burnout, and social challenges, and she shares practical tools for building authentic connections, reclaiming energy, and living intentionally as a neurodivergent individual.We Also CoverThe common journey of “feeling different” before a neurodivergent diagnosisWhy late-diagnosed autistic individuals often overcompensate as “people pleasers”The cultural stigma of masking and how it’s shaped by societal expectationsStrategies for recreating hidden joys from childhood as a neurodivergent adultThe unique challenges of highly masked neurodivergent womenPractical tools for reducing burnout, finding joy, and reclaiming energyThe importance of stimming, sensory support, and other self-accommodationsBuilding belonging within neurodivergent communities for late-diagnosed and self-identified adultsHow grounding techniques and joyful movement can reduce overstimulationWhy coaching and advocacy are essential for late-diagnosed individualsQuotes:"My brother was actually diagnosed with autism and ADHD when he was four. So I grew up thinking I was an neurotypical sibling, but still didn't fit into society the way that other people did. I didn't make friends the same way, didn't connect with other people. I always felt like there was something different about myself. I almost felt an alien.""I’ve always loved people. I’m such a people person, always have been. People have not always reciprocated that to me.""Realizing how much masking I was doing, and then starting to come back from that and realize I don’t have to constantly be masking—I don't have to always show up in a way that makes other people comfortable, I can show up in a way that works for me—that was like, wow."About Michelle Markman:Initially feeling like an outsider, Michelle Markman discovered in her early 30s that she had been autistic all along. Accepting this diagnosis five years after receiving it, she began to understand the lifelong struggle of maintaining a "perfect child" facade, often leading to meltdowns and cycles of rebuilding. This revelation finally explained her persistent feeling of being an "alien" throughout her life.Embracing her authentic self, Michelle now thrives on connecting with others, especially other late-diagnosed autistic adults. Having navigated the profound experience of receiving an autism diagnosis—a mix of heartbreak and relief—she has grieved the loss of an imagined neurotypical identity and instead harnessed her unique qualities. Her mission is to empower others to create a life they love, building supportive communities and celebrating their individuality.Connect with Michelle:https://www.ndcoachinc.com/https://ndcoachinc.coachcrunch.com/homehttps://www.instagram.com/ndcoachinc/https://www.tiktok.com/@NDCoachInchttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michellenmarkman/https://www.facebook.com/MichelleNMarkman As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/All listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunchMike on Instagram: @followshisghostMike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:https://web.withwarmer.com/customer/browse-experts/593
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    50 mins
  • Exploding Trucks, Rock and Roll, and Autism at 65 w/ Peter O'Neil

    Exploding Trucks, Rock and Roll, and Autism at 65 w/ Peter O'Neil
    Jul 11 2025
    Mike and Chaya sit down with Peter O’Neil, a retired attorney, musician, grandfather, and author of My So-Called Disorder: Autism, Exploding Trucks, and the Big Daddy of Rock and Roll. Diagnosed as autistic at 65, Peter reflects on how that discovery transformed his experiences of masking, social struggles, and professional success. From solitude as a young man to thriving as a relentless advocate, Peter shares captivating stories of his legal work, time in West Africa, and lifelong passions.What We CoverHow Peter’s autism diagnosis at 65 reframed his entire life.The emotional toll of masking and social isolation throughout adulthood.Applying autistic focus and creativity to thrive in a demanding legal career.Stories from Peter’s legal career, including landmark cases involving corporate wrongdoing.Life lessons learned in West Africa and how cultural differences unlocked personal growth.The pivotal role of his book in sharing his neurodivergence story.How leaning into special interests, like Chuck Berry’s music, became a source of identity and strength.Building meaningful relationships and communities after unmasking.The importance of safety, routine, and clear systems for autistic people.Quotes:"Even in the situations where I was in a group like a dormitory or I spent some time in Italy so we lived in a small rooming house, I was pretty much alone even in a crowd.""There was a time in Seattle from 1977 through 1980 where I began to get really terrified because I could go to work and act normally, but what I could see was something was really wrong-- all these people who seem much less interesting than me were going through life pretty happily. They were having a good time, and I had no friends.""We're here for a reason. We're here because we bring a different way of thinking. Nowadays, at least in here in The United States, they're trying to make diversity, equity, inclusion a bad thing, a bad word, something we should all fear. But, obviously, diversity is what makes us great no matter where we are."About Peter O'Neil:Peter O'Neil is an autistic product liability attorney serving as Of Counsel at Schroeter, Goldmark & Bender in Seattle. He received his autism diagnosis at age 65, which provided what he calls "a unified theory of me" that helped explain his life and career. Rather than attending law school, O'Neil entered the legal profession through the Washington State Bar Association Rule 6 Law Clerk program under the mentorship of attorney Paul Whelan. Before becoming an attorney, O'Neil worked as a paralegal for 15 years, followed by 25 years as a lawyer. Throughout his 40-year legal career, he specialized in product liability cases, particularly a series of cases involving dangerous pickup trucks with fuel tanks outside the frame rails that caused post-crash fires. O'Neil is the author of the memoir "My So-Called Disorder: Autism, Exploding Trucks, and the Big Daddy of Rock and Roll" which explores his late-in-life autism diagnosis and celebrates how his autistic traits contributed to his success as a product liability attorneyConnect with Peter:Peter's Book: https://www.amazon.com/My-So-Called-Disorder-Autism-Exploding/dp/B0BYCCZ53DPeter's Blog: https://mysocalleddisorder.blogspot.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-o-neil-650007298/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090707207081#Further Reading:https://wabarnews.org/2023/09/11/my-so-called-disorder/ - Interview with Washington State Bar Associationhttps://www.gonzaga.edu/news-events/stories/2025/2/18/peter-oneil-gif-story - "Autism, Florence and My Personal Renaissance" by Peter O'Neil As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/All listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunchMike on Instagram: @followshisghostMike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:https://web.withwarmer.com/customer/browse-experts/593
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Breaking Free To Be Me w/ Kristin Walker (Mental Health News Radio Network)

    Breaking Free To Be Me w/ Kristin Walker (Mental Health News Radio Network)
    Jul 4 2025

    Mike and Chaya sit down with Kristin Walker, the founder of the Mental Health News Radio Network, to discuss her late-in-life discovery of being autistic and having ADHD. Kristin opens up about the emotional toll of masking, the powerful shift that came with her diagnosis, and how those experiences inspired her to amplify diverse voices in mental health.

    We Also Cover:

    • The connection between being highly sensitive and neurodivergence.
    • How undiagnosed neurodivergence impacts social dynamics and friendships.
    • Addressing generational trauma from a neurodiverse perspective.
    • Destigmatizing neurodivergence in the mental health field.
    • Practical strategies for unmasking and achieving “ninja self-care.”
    • The importance of building supportive communities for neurodivergent individuals.
    • How technology and AI can assist neurodivergent individuals in setting boundaries and gaining clarity.

    Quotes:

    • "I didn’t know I was autistic and had ADHD until 2024. So I’m going through that whole mind map that one goes through, where you reevaluate your entire life through this new lens."
    • "When you get out of victim stage, you have this room for compassion for yourself now"
    • “Why do I still just not really get what other people seem to get? Why do I always feel like I’m running down this long hallway?”

    About Kristin Walker:

    Kristin Walker is the founder and CEO of Mental Health News Radio Network and CEO of everythingEHR. With over 20 years of experience as a technology consultant for global organizations, Kristin has successfully merged her technical expertise with her passion for mental health advocacy. Under her leadership, Mental Health News Radio Network has grown into a prominent platform featuring multiple shows covering diverse aspects of mental wellness, personal development, and behavioral health innovation. As an Electronic Health Records Expert for Behavioral Health Organizations, she regularly speaks at healthcare conferences and consults with hospital systems across the country. Kristin's unique approach emphasizes collaborative leadership and creating inclusive spaces for different perspectives on mental health, making her a respected voice in both the technology and mental health communities.

    Connect with Kristin:

    • https://www.mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/
    • Kristin's Show: https://www.mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/our-shows/mental-health-news-radio/
    • https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinswalker/
    • https://www.instagram.com/mhnrnetwork/
    • https://www.facebook.com/MentalHealthNewsRadioNetwork

    Related Reading:

    • How To Be Happy Interview: https://howtohappy.com/kristin-walker-guest-feature/

    As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!

    Stay Connected:

    • Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/
    • All listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803
    • ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/
    • Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch
    • Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost

    Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

    • https://web.withwarmer.com/customer/browse-experts/593
    Show More Show Less
    58 mins

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