Kantu (they/he) is the founder and co-owner of the social media presence known as the Angry Autist. Indigenous to the Andes in Abya Yala, Kantu is Quechua and is racialized as a visibly Native person. Kantu is autistic, has dissociative identity disorder (DID) and has experienced psychotic depression.

When founding the Angry Autist, it was their goal to bring awareness to their experience as a multiply and visibly disabled, racialized, and medium support needs autistic person. Since then, he has become further radicalized as explicitly anti-racist, anti-ableist, and anti-saneist, drawing inspiration from the ten principles of disability justice, the CripplePunk movement, Indigenous philosophy, mad liberation, and fat liberation.

During this episode, you will hear Kantu talk about:

• How they discovered they have DID
• How DID stereotypes affect real-life perceptions of DID
• How their autism affected their own experience of DID
• Their experience with psychotic depression symptoms and treatments
• The meaning and significance of mad liberation

To find out more about Kantu and his work, follow them on Threads @angry_autist and Instagram @angry_autist. They can also be reached by email at angryandautistic [at] gmail [dot] com.

Other Beyond 6 Seconds episodes about dissociative identity disorder (DID):

• Amber Louise Ainsworth (episode 194): beyond6seconds.net/194
• Crystals Multifaceted (episode 215): beyond6seconds.net/215

Support or sponsor this podcast: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=JVP1yibrlXg

Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/mad-liberation

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Torina Gedler is a musician who is also known as DEĀ EX MACHINĀ, which means "Goddess from the machine" in Latin. With their lush synth-pop sound, DEĀ EX MACHINĀ promotes harmony and inclusion in society through authentic Disability representation in music.

DEĀ EX MACHINĀ advocates for the arts, LGBTQIA+ rights and Environmental and Disability Justice. Their debut EP, APO/THECARY, comes out on July 29, 2026.

During this episode, DEĀ EX MACHINĀ discusses:

• Their work as a musician before and after being disabled by a brain injury
• Why it's important to have disability representation in music
• The main themes of their debut EP
• How joining RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities) influenced their work as a musician
• Their EP release party on July 29 in Des Moines, Iowa

Learn more about DEĀ EX MACHINĀ at www.DeaExMachina.music and listen to their music on Subvert, Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

Learn more about Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities (RAMPD) at RAMPD.org.

Listen to other Beyond 6 Seconds episodes with neurodivergent musicians:

• Adin Boyer (episode 227): https://www.beyond6seconds.net/227
• Kaishawna (episode 187): https://www.beyond6seconds.net/187

Support or sponsor this podcast: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=IldZ1PQYP4E

Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/dea-ex-machina

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Luke hosts the Howdy Beans Podcast, where he reviews movies, TV shows, video games, books, and all things pop culture. He is dyslexic with an overlap of dyspraxia and dyscalculia, and he's currently on the waiting list for an autism assessment. Luke is an avid reader who writes short stories and poems, and he's currently writing a dark fantasy novel.

During this episode, you will hear Luke talk about: ● How he discovered that he was neurodivergent at a young age ● Why he doesn't take reading and writing for granted ● His passion for writing stories ● What led him to start the Howdy Beans Podcast and how he's kept it going for five years

Listen to the Howdy Beans Podcast on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/74Pe9IWfTxxbVgEcTt47SG?si=af480bede172486c&nd=1&dlsi=0d644bd85ad24e46

Follow the Howdy Beans Podcast on Instagram and YouTube @thehowdybeanspodcast and on TikTok @the_howdybeans_podcast.

Support or sponsor Beyond 6 Seconds: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: youtu.be/3RGlfliUoIQ

Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/luke-howdy-beans-podcast

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider

Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

Dr. Eugene Manley Jr. is a cancer scientist, health equity leader, and longtime patient advocate working at the intersection of biomedical sciences, cancer care, AI ethics, and leadership. As a Black healthcare advocate and founder of SCHEQ (STEMM* & Cancer Health Equity), a nonprofit focused on cancer health equity, Eugene runs an annual lung cancer summit that brings together patients, clinicians, researchers, and industry to co-create solutions to disparities in screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Eugene has ADHD, which didn't get diagnosed until he was in graduate school.

*STEMM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.

Content note: This episode discusses medical/healthcare trauma and physical injuries.

During this episode, you will hear Eugene talk about:

• Discovering his ADHD later in life, and how ADHD shaped him as a person
• How his academic interests, education and career experiences led him to start his nonprofit
• The impact of a recent traumatic experience he had as a patient in the healthcare system
• How SCHEQ helps people understand their rights and options in healthcare settings

Learn more about Eugene's work at SCHEQ.org.

Support or sponsor this podcast: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H13-WoQuP9o

Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/eugene-manley-scheq

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

As the hosts of the Othering Podcast, Mike and Dory advocate for marginalized communities. Their podcast provides a platform where neurodivergent, disabled and LGBTQ+ people can share their stories.

During this episode, you will hear Dory and Mike talk about:

• Why they started the Othering Podcast, and how they came up with the name of the show
• Sharing their own lived experiences of neurodivergence and disability on their podcast
• How they select their podcast guests and topics
• Why is it important to amplify the stories of disabled and LGBTQ+ people
• Learning from the feedback they have received about their podcast
• The long-term impact they want their podcast to have

Listen to the Othering Podcast interviews mentioned in this episode:

• Joseph Kibler: otheringpodcast.com/podcast/episode/6e011856/joseph-kibler-talks-about-disability-hiv-and-lgbtq-representation-in-hollywood
• Mychal Threets: otheringpodcast.com/podcast/episode/7810e147/mychal-threets-reading-rainbow-adhd

You can find all episodes of the Othering Podcast at OtheringPodcast.com.

Support or sponsor Beyond 6 Seconds: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds

Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/othering-podcast

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider

Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

Jasmine Williams-Jacobs is the founder and director of Black Remote She, a community-driven platform for Black queer, trans, non-binary, disabled people and allies interested in working and connecting remotely. Black Remote She connects community members to remote-flexible job postings at equitable work cultures, as well as to liberatory networks, mutual aid support and gender-affirming resources as tools for economic empowerment.

Black Remote She has been recognized in numerous publications, including Essence, Stonewall, Community Centric Fundraising, INTO More, and Inclusion Hub.

Jasmine is also a 2025 Disability Rising Fellow with Disability Culture Lab, where they are helping to build narrative power for disability justice.

During this episode, Jasmine talks about:

• The layoff that inspired them to start Black Remote She
• The specific job searching challenges that Black, LGBTQ+ and disabled people face
• How Black Remote She connects people to jobs and support resources
• How employers are vetted before they can post job listings on Black Remote She

Visit BlackRemoteShe.com for more information about job postings and resources.

Connect with Jasmine at info [at] blackremoteshe.com.

Support or sponsor this podcast: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGN6f_EoFRo

Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/black-remote-she

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

This is a special crossover episode with Made For Us, a podcast that explores the intersection of innovation and inclusion. On Made For Us, host Tosin Sulaiman speaks to founders, designers and business leaders who are thinking deeply and creatively about how to build better and more inclusive products.

Tosin's guest on this episode is Maura Horton, CEO and founder of MagnaReady, an accessible fashion brand that enables millions of people with limited dexterity and mobility to dress independently. Maura developed the concept for MagnaReady after her husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's and struggled to button his shirts. She invented and eventually patented a magnetic closure system that replaces buttons and has since licensed the technology to Fortune 500 Companies including PVH Corp, owner of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger. Maura also partnered with and advised Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, the first mainstream brand to launch a children's adaptive apparel line.

In this episode, Maura talks about:

• The state of the adaptive clothing market before MagnaReady
• How Maura got the inspiration to infuse magnets into her husband's shirts
• The challenges she faced in the design and manufacturing process
• Why Maura thinks the term 'adaptive' is unhelpful

Learn more about MagnaReady at magnaready.com and @magnaready on Instagram.

Listen to other episodes of Made For Us: podfollow.com/made-for-us/view

Follow Made For Us on social media: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: instagram.com/madeforuspodcast

Support or sponsor Beyond 6 Seconds: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds

Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/accessible-fashion-maura-horton-magnaready

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider

Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

Oliver James is a California-based personal trainer, motivational speaker, literacy activist, and influencer. He has been featured by Today, NPR, the Jennifer Hudson Show, the Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, Rachael Ray, and ABC News, among many others. Additionally, he received the Barbara Bush National Literacy Award in 2023.

Oliver is the author of "Unread: A Memoir of Learning (and Loving) to Read on TikTok." His book is about teaching himself to read starting at the age of 32, and his experience with childhood learning disabilities and educational neglect. In just 365 days, he went from barely being able to read a restaurant menu, to closing in on his goal of finishing 100 books in a year.

Oliver has become a TikTok/BookTok sensation for the way he's documented his decision to learn to read as an adult, and his struggles and triumphs along the way.

During this episode, you will hear Oliver talk about:

• Why he describes himself as being "functionally illiterate" and how his experience with literacy "started wrong"
• What inspired him to share his journey to learn how to read on social media, at the age of 32
• How reading has profoundly changed his perspective on life
• What it was like writing a book about his experience

Buy Oliver's book "Unread": hachettebookgroup.com/titles/oliver-james/unread/9781454959403/

Follow Oliver at oliverspeaks1 on Instagram, TikTok, Threads and YouTube.

Email Oliver at OliverSpeaks1 [at] gmail.com.

Learn more about the Nardagani app that has helped Oliver learn how to read: nardagani.com

Support or sponsor this podcast: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=xWGXsqQaloQ

Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/oliver-james-unread

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Justin Valenti is an artist and disability advocate. He enjoys creating artwork in his home studio and at the VisAbility Art Lab at VisArts in Rockville, Maryland. He is also the business owner of Artistic Expressions by Justin K Valenti, and has exhibited his artwork in Maryland, Virginia and California.

Justin has been an advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities since childhood. He has been on the Board of Directors for the Arc Maryland since 2020.

During this episode, you will hear Justin talk about:

• What his life was like growing up with disabilities
• How he discovered his passion and talent for art
• How creating art helps his mental health
• His proudest achievements as an artist and disability advocate

Learn more about Justin and his work at JKValenti2014.com and VisArtsCenter.org or contact Justin directly at justin.k.valenti [at] gmail [dot] com.

Support or sponsor this podcast: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=lbv80Y58CTU

Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/justin-valenti

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Amy Richards is a queer autistic podcaster and business owner from Cardiff in the UK. Amy became self-employed in 2015, after multiple burnouts culminated in a breakdown that ended her previous career as a high school English and Media teacher. With her business hat on, she offers business strategy sessions, builds websites and supports online business owners with their websites, email marketing and automation.

In 2020, Amy started a podcast called Squarepeg, where she chats with one autistic guest at a time about their autism discovery journey and what they've learned along the way. Amy is also a Nervous System Regulation practitioner, working with other autistic adults to help them become better regulated, less anxious and have more energy.

During this episode, you will hear Amy talk about:

• Her life before her autism diagnosis, including the first moment she strongly suspected she was autistic
• What inspired her to begin sharing her autistic experiences publicly and start her podcast, Squarepeg
• Her approach to selecting her guests and editing her podcast episodes
• The importance of including a diverse range of guests on our podcasts
• How a listener's email led Amy to make a major change to her podcast
• The most significant things she has learned while working on her podcast

Learn more about Amy and her podcast on the Squarepeg website at https://squarepeg.community or by email at hello [at] squarepeg.community .

Support or sponsor this podcast: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=u1jx3u_ev0E

Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/sharing-autistic-stories

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*