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
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    58 mins
  • Fighting To Be Seen: The High Cost of Masking w/ Reid Miles

    Fighting To Be Seen: The High Cost of Masking w/ Reid Miles
    Jun 27 2025

    Mike and Chaya sit down with Reid Miles, creator and host of Inside the Asperger’s Studio. Reid opens up about his journey from working in the tech industry to becoming a passionate advocate for autism and neurodiversity. He shares the ups and downs of navigating the professional world as a neurodivergent individual and explains how he found his voice through podcasting and blogging.

    We Also Cover:

    • Reid’s transition from IT to his work as an autism advocate.
    • The challenges neurodivergent individuals face in corporate and volunteer environments.
    • How blogging and podcasting became transformative ways for Reid to amplify his voice.
    • His advice for parents of neurodivergent kids on nurturing their strengths.
    • How honesty and collaboration became the foundation of Reid’s work in podcasting.
    • A behind-the-scenes look at Reid’s retreat initiative for families and individuals within the autism community.

    Quotes:

    • "I think society is broken when it comes to learning about us because I feel they don't want to learn about us because we're different than everyone else. We're just one form of disability, people with disabilities that think differently than everyone else."
    • "Why should I have to fake who I am just so you out there can feel comfortable with yourself? Why can't I feel comfortable with myself being who I am without being judged by society, being judged by the workplace?"
    • "We live in a world of negativity—it builds walls. The only way forward is to tear those walls down by trusting yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone."
    About Reid Miles:

    Reid Miles is the founder and editor of Aspergers Studio, where he writes about his adventures in life with Asperger's. A former PC Tech turned Autism Advocate, Reid shares his life and experiences through his blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. "Inside the Aspergers Studio" features discussions with people who have ASD and ADHD, professionals in the field, and parents of children on the spectrum. Recognized for his contribution to autism awareness, Reid's podcast was rated #2 Autism Podcast for 2023 by Feedspot and listed among the top Autism podcasts by Player.FM.

    Connect with Reid:

    • Reid's Blog: https://aspergersstudio.com/
    • Reid's Podcast: https://www.mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/our-shows/inside-the-aspergers-studio/
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvpGU2S7peJUUr5Lo46P97w
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reidmiles/

    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
    51 mins
  • Creativity That Calms: A New Way to Support Autistic Kids /w Jay Goth

    Creativity That Calms: A New Way to Support Autistic Kids /w Jay Goth
    Jun 20 2025

    Mike and Chaya sit down with Jay Goth, CEO of Burble Creativity Inc., to explore how his company is using immersive storytelling to spark imagination, reduce overstimulation, and create calming environments for neurodivergent children. Drawing from ancient storytelling traditions, Jay explains how Burble’s innovative storytelling tents combine sound, lighting, and creativity to encourage kids to connect and express themselves while feeling safe.

    Jay also discusses his vision for making these tools accessible to families worldwide through crowdfunding and community-building efforts.

    We Also Cover:

    • How storytelling can promote self-expression among children on the autism spectrum.
    • The role of sensory tools like sound and lighting in reducing anxiety and overstimulation.
    • The concept of "minimally defined storytelling" and how it inspires creativity.
    • Success stories from families who have used the storytelling tents.
    • Jay’s advice for educators and caregivers working with neurodivergent children.
    • How Burble Creativity plans to partner with schools and therapy centers.
    • Crowdfunding strategies for launching innovative tools for autism support.
    • The importance of balancing technology-free experiences with creative learning spaces.

    Quotes:

    • "You don't tell a complete story, you tell parts of a story, and you leave out pieces so that people can fill them in with their imagination."
    • "In one case, a child went through the storytelling experience, went home, and slept through the night for the first time in his life."
    • "For neurodivergent kids, their imagination can be so active, and it can be their primary way of communicating."
    About Jay Goth:

    Jay Goth is a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in energy, hospitality, and finance, having invested in and consulted with numerous startups. He is now dedicated to launching Burble, a mission-driven company focused on "Minimally Defined Immersive Storytelling" to provide an alternative to screen-driven entertainment for children and foster their imaginations. Goth has experienced both significant success, including taking a startup to nearly $500 million in revenue, and the challenges of failed ventures. He believes Burble has the potential to surpass his past accomplishments and positively impact millions of children, leading him to prioritize it above all other activities. Outside of his business endeavors, Goth enjoys skiing, golf, and watching his wife compete in performance horse jumping.

    Connect with Jay:

    • Burble Creativity: https://www.burblecreativity.com/
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaygoth/

    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
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    41 mins
  • Cut From Chaos: Shane Currin’s Story of Bipolar, Addiction, & Purpose

    Cut From Chaos: Shane Currin’s Story of Bipolar, Addiction, & Purpose
    Jun 13 2025

    Mike and Chaya kick off Season 2 by welcoming Shane Currin, a mental health advocate, writer, and podcast host of Diamonds in the Rough. Shane shares his powerful story of overcoming addiction, navigating bipolar disorder, and finding purpose through vulnerability and service. Together, they unpack the challenges and gifts of being neurodivergent, offering insights for parents, individuals, and anyone seeking growth in the face of adversity.

    We Also Cover:

    • Shane’s journey to building self-awareness.
    • The connection between bipolar traits and untapped genius.
    • Practical advice for parents raising neurodivergent kids.
    • Breaking the stigma around addiction and mental health.
    • The power of embracing imperfections in a judgmental world.

    Quotes:

    • "I got into this weird state of introspection and had this epiphany that I was designed this way to help others. I visit the dark often, so I know the way out and I can show other people that way."
    • “For any neurodivergent listening to this, I would say, discover yourself—discover the things that calm you down, discover the people that will be there for you.”
    • "I have a great brain, but as good as it is, it has the potential to be very detrimental. It's like if Superman was powered by kryptonite"
    About Shane Currin:

    Shane Currin is a passionate mental health advocate and wayfinder of neurodiversity. He is a suicide survivor and has been in addiction recovery for ten years. As a neurodivergent individual himself, Shane's personal journey informs his advocacy work, allowing him to connect deeply with the experiences of others. His commitment to ending mental health stigma drives his efforts to create a welcoming community for open discussions about mental health.

    Connect with Shane:

    • https://www.soulegria.com/
    • https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-currin-4977a4a6/

    Further Reading:

    • https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dont-call-me-troubled-livedlabeled-experience-before-during-currin-fyq7c
    • https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/silent-night-unseen-fright-emotional-weight-holidays-shane-currin-i7dxc/
    • https://lionsgaterehab.com/2020/08/07/recovery-from-substance-abuse-requires-a-healthy-support-system/

    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
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    57 mins
  • Nature, Nurture, and Neurodiversity w/ Dr. Jeff Karp (Season 1 Finale)

    Nature, Nurture, and Neurodiversity w/ Dr. Jeff Karp (Season 1 Finale)
    Jan 30 2025

    Mike and Chaya conclude Spark Launch's first season by sitting down with Dr. Jeff Karp, a biomedical engineer, Harvard Medical School and MIT professor, and passionate neurodiversity advocate. Dr. Karp shares how he went from struggling student to noted innovator with over 175 published papers and 100 patents, calling attention to the ways traditional educational systems fail to support ADHD children and how families can counteract it.

    We Also Cover:

    • Importance of daily rituals for mental wellness
    • The vitalness of parental support for neurodivergent children
    • Importance of personalized education
    • AI tools for neurodiverse students
    • The "Pendulum Lifestyle" for personal growth
    • How to best nurture areas of interest in children
    • Dr. Karp's "LIT: Life Ignition Tools" book and framework
    • The significance of self-reflection practices
    • Finding mental rejuvenation with ADHD
    • Embracing the power of pausing

    Quotes:

    • "I feel like I was the kid who always had to work, like, two or three times harder than everybody else."
    • "Someone asked me, 'Oh, what do you want to be when you grow up?' And I said, 'A doctor.' And they said, 'Oh, you better set your sights lower.'"
    • "Once you can connect with what you naturally hyperfocus on what naturally excites you and what you don't have to force, that's where the magic starts to happen."

    About Jeff Karp:

    Dr. Jeff Karp is a professor at Harvard Medical School and MIT, with a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Toronto. His life experiences with learning differences, particularly ADHD, have deeply influenced his work and advocacy. He focuses on developing innovative solutions to medical challenges, applying nature-inspired strategies and fostering neurodiversity awareness in education.

    Connect with Jeff:

    • https://jeffkarp.com/
    • Purchase "Life Ignition Tools": https://www.harpercollins.com/products/lit-life-ignition-tools-jeff-karpteresa-barker
    • https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkarpboston/
    • https://www.karplab.net/
    • https://x.com/MrJeffKarp
    • https://www.instagram.com/mrjeffkarp/

    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
    52 mins
  • Walk The Strong Path: Compassion Breeds Resilience w/ James Dewar-Haggart

    Walk The Strong Path: Compassion Breeds Resilience w/ James Dewar-Haggart
    Jan 23 2025

    Mike and Chaya sit down with James Dewar-Haggart, founder of Strong Path, a fitness organization built to prioritize inclusivity for the neurodivergent community. James shares his journey through depression, substance use, and ADHD, and how those experiences shaped his approach to creating a supportive space that acknowledges both emotional and physical well-being.

    We Also Cover:

    • How trauma amplifies neurodivergent struggles
    • Fostering inclusivity in gym environments
    • Emotional health over physical fitness
    • Empathy as a foundation for growth
    • Community-building for neurodivergent individuals
    • Breaking barriers for underrepresented groups
    • The influence of childhood diagnosis gaps
    • Addressing societal failure in mental health

    Quotes:

    • "If you do something out of truth, out of passion, and out of love for the thing that you're doing, especially as someone with ADHD, then you can't really go wrong with it."
    • "We are taught to study, get good grades, and make money, but not about how to contribute to this world meaningfully."
    • "If you make decisions based on your actual feelings, your actual thoughts, and your actual desires, the likelihood of success is so much higher."
    • "You’re teaching that child to repress those feelings, but those feelings aren’t going anywhere—they’re just going to amplify."

    About James Dewar-Haggart:

    James Dewar-Haggart is the Founder of Strong Path CIC, a community interest company dedicated to providing personal training and nutritional advice to the neuro-diverse community. With nearly a decade of experience as a personal trainer, James has a deep understanding of the physical and psychological needs of his clients. He has created a supportive environment in his private gym, where sessions are tailored to small groups to ensure personalized attention. Passionate about breaking down barriers and making fitness accessible to everyone, he continues to work with charities and community organizations to expand his reach and impact.

    Connect with James:

    • James's Website
    • https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-dewar-haggart-430b48315/
    • @strongpathcic on Instagram
    • James's Facebook page
    • James on YouTube

    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
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    57 mins