Autistic Culture Podcast Network

In this episode of Autistic Advocacy, Matt and Angela explore the viral Takiwātanga meme—a social media trend often featuring striking images of Polynesian women and claiming that Takiwātanga is the Māori word for autism, meaning “in their own time and space.” They trace the real story behind the word, its creator, and the deeper cultural and colonial implications it raises.

🎧 What You’ll Learn

• The true origin of the term Takiwātanga and how Māori linguist Keri O’Pai created it to depathologize mental health language.
• Why O’Pai’s glossary was designed to offer empowering, non-pathologizing Māori terms for mental health, disability, and addiction.
• How well-meaning neurotypicals sometimes romanticize or exoticize autism through alternative labels.
• Why many autistic people prefer to use the actual word “autism” and avoid euphemistic language.
• How colonizer language inherently pathologizes everyone—except white people.
• The harm of person-first language and why many autistics reject it.
• Why support needs are a human reality—not a flaw—and how hyper-independence culture demonizes them.
• How colonialism shapes global perspectives on disability and identity labels.

Related Episodes:

Labels are Autistic

Careers are Autistic

🌟 Connect With Us

📱 Follow us on Instagram

🎧 Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

🛍️Our Autism-affirming merch shop

🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com

🎙️ Executive Producers: Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood.

🎧 Producers: AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah Hannah Morris.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Matt and Angela dive into the vibrant intersection of theatre and neurodivergence, unpacking why traits often labelled as “dramatic” or “attention-seeking” can actually be strengths—especially in the world of performance. From Angela’s theatre kid origins to the ways the stage offers structure, community, and authenticity, this conversation celebrates how theatre and autism make a show-stopping duo.

🎧 What You’ll Learn:

• How the structured roles, clear boundaries, and predictable cues of theatre make it an ideal environment for autistic expression.
• Why theatre provides a healthy outlet for masking and navigating social expectations.
• How the collaborative, goal-driven nature of productions fosters genuine connections and avoids tedious small talk.
• The role of routines, visual communication, and predictability in making theatre accessible and enjoyable for autistic participants.
• Why challenging tasks like eye contact can feel easier in performance when done “in character.”
• Autistic-coded theatre characters you might not have noticed—like Leo Bloom, Maria von Trapp, Matilda, Elle Woods, and Alexander Hamilton.
• How Stephen Sondheim’s hyper-focus and emotional intensity reflect autistic traits.
• The importance of representation while avoiding “neurotypical saviour” tropes in theatre storytelling.

Resources:

Jenna Lourenco – Database of Plays Featuring Autistic Characters

Mickey Rowe: Our Differences are Our Strengths – Neurodiversity in Theatre

How to Dance in Ohio – Musical

Maria from The Sound of Music – TikTok Clip

Blackwing Pencils – Culture, Controversy & Creativity

Related Episodes:

Shakespeare is Autistic

🌟 Connect With Us

📱 Follow us on Instagram

🎧 Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

🛍️Our Autism-affirming merch shop

🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Angela and Matt explore how to approach creative projects through a neurodivergent lens. From scripting and hyperfocus to book mapping and demand avoidance, they unpack the ways autistic traits can both challenge and supercharge the writing process. Whether you’re crafting your first short story or planning a full novel, this conversation shows how writing systems can be just as essential as the systems autistic people rely on for daily life.

🎧 What You’ll Learn

• Angela’s personal writing journey—from her first stories at age 10, to an espionage-flavoured government career, to founding Difference Press.
• How our exclusive paid Substack writing circle fosters creativity without the pressure of profit.
• Why writing can help hyper-verbal autistic individuals organize thoughts and communicate ideas clearly.
• How scripting, a common autistic tool, shapes the writing process and reduces chaos.
• The role of hyperfocus in creative output (and why it might explain Stephen King’s staggering productivity).
• Why writing for your own enjoyment—even without an audience—can be deeply cathartic.
• Tips for “discovering your author mojo” by creating conditions that support your autistic body and brain.
• How PDA/demand avoidance can derail writing projects and practical strategies to get unstuck.

Resources:

Join the Autistic Culture Podcast Writing Circle on Substack

Related Episodes:

George Lucas is Autistic

Eminem is Autistic 

Cassandra in Reverse Book Club (Paid Access)

🌟 Connect With Us

📱 Follow us on Instagram

🎧 Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

🛍️Our Autism-affirming merch shop

🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com

🎙️ Executive Producers: Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood.

🎧 Producers: AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah Hannah Morris.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Thanksgiving can be a challenging time for autistic people—our sense of justice may be triggered by the holiday’s problematic origins, and masking through long family gatherings can be exhausting. In this episode, Matt and Angela share their autistic take on navigating the holiday and celebrate a beloved Turkey Day tradition: Mystery Science Theatre 3000.

🎧 What You’ll Learn

• How the original Turkey Day marathons on Comedy Central cemented MST3K as a Thanksgiving tradition.
• The show’s winding journey across networks, Kickstarter campaigns, and media platforms.
• How MST3K’s bottom-up processing style of humour is especially appealing to autistic viewers.
• Why the concept of found family, central to MST3K, resonates deeply with autistic folks.
• How interactive TV and niche traditions can provide a sense of community—whether you’re with friends or celebrating solo.
• Parallels between MST3K’s independent production model and the autistic experience of “traumatic independence.”

Related Episodes:

Community is Autistic

Dinosaur is Autistic

Poetry is Autistic

Resources:

https://www.gizmoplex.com/browse

https://shoutfactory.com/collections/mystery-science-theater-3000

https://www.twitch.tv/mst3k

🌟 Connect With Us

📱 Follow us on Instagram

🎧 Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

🛍️Our Autism-affirming merch shop

🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Autistic Advocacy, Matt and Angela dive into the autistic hell that is moving—exploring the intricate details, overwhelming processes, and the regulation strategies that can make the chaos more manageable. From survival packs to emotional attachment to belongings, they break down the systems autistic individuals often need to stay comfortable and grounded at home.

🎧 What You’ll Learn

• How Matt navigated his recent move, including coping strategies for the stress and sensory overload it caused.
• Why emotional regulation is the “number one job” for autistic people, and how to prioritize it during big transitions.
• The benefits of creating an Autistic Survival Pack in each room—complete with comfort items, sensory supports, and tools for temperature regulation.
• Why autistic folks may be more prone to hoarding tendencies and the emotional connections we form with belongings.
• How to break the “generational curse” of clutter without sacrificing what truly matters to your wellbeing.
• Practical ways to incorporate regulation techniques into every step of the moving process.

Resources:

Ziffit - Sell Your Books

Matt’s Favorite Disney Coffee

Related Episodes:

Autistic Medical Needs

Autism Affirming Social Skills

🌟 Connect With Us

📱 Follow us on Instagram

🎧 Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

🛍️Our Autism-affirming merch shop

🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com

🎙️ Executive Producers: Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood.

🎧 Producers: AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah Hannah Morris.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Matt and Angela welcome licensed therapist, neurodivergent podcaster, and Anthony Bourdain aficionado Patrick Casale (he/him) from the Divergent Conversations podcast. Patrick shares how Bourdain’s life, travels, and the posthumous documentary Roadrunner inspired him to seek his own autism diagnosis—and why Bourdain’s way of moving through the world resonates so deeply with the autistic community.

🎧 What You’ll Learn:

• Why so many kitchen staff—especially in high-pressure, creative environments—are likely AuDHD, and how the restaurant world creates a space to unmask.
• How parallel play, structure, and fast-paced coordination in kitchens can make them a surprisingly autistic-friendly environment.
• The autistic-coded traits that made Anthony Bourdain so relatable: monotropic focus, sensory sensitivity, and building community in unconventional ways.
• Bourdain’s special interests—from true crime and graphic novels to his immersive passion for global food culture.
• The “looping” trait—why Bourdain reportedly repeated four or five core talking points—and how it’s familiar to many autistic folks.
• The tension between the desire for new adventures and the pull toward home and safe spaces.

Resources:

• instagram.com/patrick.casale
• allthingspractice.com
• divergentpod.com
• empoweredescapes.com/retreat

Related Episodes:

McEnroe Is Autistic

Taylor Swift is Autistic

Questlove is Autistic

🌟 Connect With Us

📱 Follow us on Instagram

🎧 Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

🛍️Our Autism-affirming merch shop

🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Matt and Angela sit down with Rick Bryson, one half of the powerhouse team behind Movies with Balls: The Greatest Sports Films of All Time, Analyzed and Illustrated. Together, they unpack how this book combines fandom, analysis, nostalgia, and design—bringing new life to the sports movies we know and love.

🎧 What You’ll Learn:

• How Movies with Balls imagines what tickets from legendary sports movies would look like, from Rocky vs. Drago to the 2004 Dodgeball Invitational.
• The nostalgic appeal of physical media artifacts—and why fantasy tickets make these classic films feel even more tangible.
• How autistic attention to detail mirrors the design of the book, where every crinkle, font, and colour choice carries meaning.
• Why fictional sports teams sometimes feel even more reliable than real ones (hint: they never disappoint in the postseason!).
• How Rick and co-author Kyle Bandujo transformed a “silly” idea into a full-scale creative project, celebrating both cinema and sports fandom.

Resources:

Movies with Balls: The Greatest Sports Films of All Time, Analysed and Illustrated

Related Episodes:

McEnroe Is Autistic

🌟 Connect With Us

📱 Follow us on Instagram

🎧 Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

🛍️Our Autism-affirming merch shop

🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Angela and Matt gear up for a major info dump, breaking down the origins of the Transformers franchise—revealing a bot-tastic blend of autism, coding, and lore. From canonically autistic characters to autistic-coded icons, we explore how these stories resonate powerfully with the neurodivergent community.

🎧 What You’ll Learn

• The origins of the Transformers franchise and how autistic traits are woven into its lore.
• Meet two canonically autistic Transformers—Transmutate and Geomotus—who embody traits like sensory sensitivity, bluntness, and difficulty with conventional social cues.
• The work of autistic voice actor Corey Burton, whose performances (including Shockwave!) showcase authentic autistic expression.
• How Transformers characters explore intersections of gender, sexuality, gender fluidity, and carving space in ableist worlds.
• Why autistic-coded characters like Shockwave resonate deeply with fans who see themselves reflected in logic, intensity, and difference.

Resources:

• https://autistic-characters-of-the-day.tumblr.com/post/162050689439/netbug009-autistic-characters-of-the-day/amp
• https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transmutate_(BW)
• https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Perceptor_(G1)
• https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Geomotus
• https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Lost_Light

Related Episodes:

Beauty and the Beast is Autistic

Animation is Autistic

Disney is Autistic

Cats are Autistic

🌟 Connect With Us

📱 Follow us on Instagram

🎧 Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

🛍️Our Autism-affirming merch shop

🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Autistica, Angela and Matt chat with Arielle Juliette (he/him, she/her), owner of Dance Life Studio and Fitness in Madison, Wisconsin, on building burnout-proof businesses and breaking the mould for autistic entrepreneurs.

🎧 What You’ll Learn

• How Arielle created an inclusive dance studio that celebrates neurodivergence and champions autistic advocacy.
• Why setting boundaries and office hours are crucial to avoiding burnout while running a business.
• The highs and lows of going viral on social media—from unexpected success to navigating comment sections with mixed intentions.
• A candid conversation on the intersection of capitalism and neurodiversity, and why autistic individuals deserve support without being forced to “work harder” than everyone else.
• How reimagining business structures around autistic needs leads to thriving, sustainable careers.

👤 About Arielle Juliette

Arielle Juliette (he/him, she/her) is the owner and operator of Dance Life Studio and Fitness in Madison, Wisconsin, where she has cultivated a space that celebrates neurodivergence and champions autistic advocacy. With a deep love for dance that began in 2004, he specializes in Egyptian dance and focuses on making movement accessible for all bodies and neurotypes, breaking free from the rigid norms of allistic standards.

Resources:

Wikipedia Entry for Belly Dance

https://www.madisondancelife.com/arielle

https://www.instagram.com/madisondancelife/?hl=en

Related Episodes:

Belly Dancing is Autistic

Careers are Autistic

🌟 Connect With Us

📱 Follow us on Instagram

🎧 Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

🛍️Our Autism-affirming merch shop

🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Matt and Angela dive into why Renaissance Fairs feel innately autistic and explore how the art of LARPing offers a unique twist on masking—where choosing your own character and setting clear expectations can actually work for autistic folks.

🎧 What You’ll Learn:

• Why Renaissance Fairs and concerts—while they might look like sensory overload—can actually be a sensory delight, giving autistic folks the freedom to “choose your own adventure” and regulate their experience.
• How the rituals and consistency of Renaissance Fairs and historical re-enactments tap into the joy of stimming by offering familiar experiences again and again.
• Why Ren Fests provide safe spaces to unmask, stim freely, embrace echolalia or non-speaking communication, set personal rules, and even build careers around special interests.
• How LARPing creates a structured environment where scripting, roles, and boundaries provide clarity that can feel both freeing and authentic.

Resources

• The Carolina Renaissance Festival: A Feast for the Sensory – Julie Clarke
• Psychology Today – It’s Just Stimming
• Bristol Renaissance Faire

Related Episodes:

Vampires Are Autistic

Fairy Tales Are Autistic

🌟 Connect With Us

📱 Follow us on Instagram

🎧 Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

🛍️Our Autism-affirming merch shop

🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.