Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people

Collette Divitto is an entrepreneur, disability rights activist, author, global speaker, and thought leader to anyone who's ever been told they are not good enough or intelligent enough to pursue their dreams.

After being rejected from many job opportunities, likely due to her disability (Down syndrome), Collette decided to launch her own cookie company. Before she knew it, the company, and her story, blew up to global status. Today, Collettey's Cookies has sold over 950,000 cookies, and stays true to her mission of creating employment for people with disabilities and advocating for change!

Collette also started a nonprofit organization called Collettey's Leadership, which offers workshops, webinars, and mentoring for the neurodiverse community. Collettey's Cookies donates a percentage of profits each year to this charity and its programs and goals.

During this episode, you will hear Collette talk about:

• What inspired her to start her own cookie company
• How she comes up with the cookie flavors she sells
• How she recruits people with disabilities to work at Collettey's Cookies, and the types of roles they have at her company
• Her advocacy for helping people with disabilities find employment and excel in their roles

Learn more about Collettey's Cookies at Colletteys.com and Collettey's Leadership at ColletteysLeadership.org.

Buy Collette's books on Amazon: amazon.com/stores/Collette-Divitto/author/B0GX5CYXM6/allbooks

Support or sponsor this podcast: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=8R8e07yYvjk

Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/colletteys-cookies

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.*

Lillian Carrier is an autistic actress and advocate from Los Angeles, best known for her breakout role as Drea in the television series "Everything's Gonna Be Okay." In 2025, Lillian starred in her first leading film role in Horsegirls, an acclaimed independent dramedy that premiered at the Tribeca Festival. Lillian plays Margarita, a 22-year-old autistic woman who discovers confidence, community, and a path toward self-determination through the unexpected world of competitive hobby horsing. Lillian's performances are grounded in truth, humor, and emotional depth, driven by a mission to reshape how autistic stories are told.

During this episode, you will hear Lillian talk about:

• What her life was like growing up autistic
• How she became interested in acting
• What drew her to the role in Horsegirls
• Disability accommodations she had during filming
• The difference between authentic and accurate representation in film
• Why it's important to get multiple perspectives when creating media
• The projects she's working on next

Watch Horsegirls on your favorite streaming platform: sumerian.bio.to/horsegirls

Learn more about Horsegirls on Instagram @Horsegirls.Film and TikTok @HorsegirlsMovie.

Follow Lillian Carrier on Instagram @lilliancarrier.

Learn about Lillian's latest project, Caverns & Chimeras: speclabs.org/donate

Find out more about: ● Alex Plank, autistic producer on Horsegirls: AlexPlank.com ● Chloe Estelle, autism sensitivity coordinator on Horsegirls: linktr.ee/chloeestelle

Support or sponsor this podcast: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=E8lca2MlvlQ

Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/horsegirls-lillian-carrier

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.*

Owen Williamson is an emerging filmmaker from England and an advocate for dyspraxia awareness. He is developing a new short film called DYSPRAXIA, which is inspired by his own lived experience. Through his filmmaking and advocacy, Owen aims to challenge misconceptions about dyspraxia and help bring greater understanding and representation to dyspraxic people.

During this episode, you will hear Owen talk about: ● The challenges he faced growing up with dyspraxia ● How his short-lived career as a boxer gave him a reality check about his limitations ● What inspired him to make a film about dyspraxia ● His goals for this film

Learn more about Owen's short film DYSPRAXIA on Instagram @dyspraxiamovie and support the film on his Crowdfunder page: crowdfunder.co.uk/p/dyspraxia-1

Support or sponsor this podcast: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=P7dTQMH9SEo

Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/owen-williamson-dyspraxia

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.*

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.