Lya Batlle-Rafferty, an MIT graduate with a degree in Cognitive Science, has had a career focused mostly on technology. She has often been a trailblazer as the only woman in a large company performing that type of work. She hosts her podcast, Memoirs of a Neurodivergent Latina, on her nights and weekends.

During this episode, you will hear Lya talk about:

• How she realized she is neurodivergent
• What it was like growing up as a neurodivergent girl in El Salvador and the United States
• The challenges she has faced because of her neurodivergence
• What inspired her to start her podcast, “Memoirs of a Neurodivergent Latina,” and the topics she discusses there 
• The kind of feedback she has received from her audience about her podcast
• How her neurodivergence has helped her succeed at work
• Her goals for her podcast

To find out more about Lya and her podcast, visit her website at MOANL.com or email her at moanl [at] labratsolutions [dot] com.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

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*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.*

Trystan Reese is an award-winning author and facilitator dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with nearly two decades of experience in the trans community. He also has ADHD and identifies as neurodivergent. Trystan founded Collaborate Consulting to provide training on LGBTQ+ inclusion and has contributed to various anthologies on mental health and social justice. 

During this episode, Trystan and I talk about:

• How he realized he had ADHD after his child was diagnosed
• What it was like growing up with undiagnosed ADHD, and the impact on his education and self-image
• How he coaches people in the workplace who have ADHD
• What workplace inclusion looks like for neurodivergent individuals
• How workplaces can support their neurodivergent and trans employees
• The negative impact of the current US government administration on trans people, including the current multi-state lawsuit Texas vs. Becerra that threatens both the trans and disability communities

Learn more about Trystan and his work at Collaborate.Consulting.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

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*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 episode is part of the 3rd edition of Podcasthon: a global effort among 1000+ podcast hosts to raise awareness and support for important causes by highlighting a charity of their choice during the same week (March 15-21, 2025). 

Today’s episode features Samar Waqar, the Founder and Executive Director of Kind Theory, a neurodiversity-based nonprofit based in Texas. Using the insights and knowledge of neurodivergent people themselves, Kind Theory educates organizations, institutions, and the general public about neurodiversity, accessibility, and disability rights as these relate to autism and ADHD. In doing so, it improves educational, health, and employment outcomes for these marginalized members of our community.

During this episode, you will hear Samar talk about:

• How her experiences with her autistic son’s therapy and her own burnout inspired her to create Kind Theory
• The events and services that Kind Theory provides for neurodivergent people in Texas and beyond
• Discovering that she is neurodivergent herself

Learn more about Kind Theory at kindtheory.org.  Get in touch with Samar at talktous [at] kindtheory.org or on LinkedIn.

Visit www.podcasthon.org to discover hundreds of other nonprofits and charities being highlighted during Podcasthon by podcasters around the world!

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

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Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*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.*

Jessica Birch is a national advocate and speaker living on the South East Coast of Australia. Since her late diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) at the age of 33, she has turned her attention to awareness building and education to create a better understanding of the prevalence and consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure in Australia.

Jessica shares her lived expertise in an effort to equip individuals, parents/carers, educators and health professionals with the information they need to create successful interventions and support. She believes awareness and action are key to minimizing the rate of prenatal alcohol exposure globally and works closely with organizations, stakeholders and government on alcohol policy and regulatory reform.

During this episode, you will hear Jessica talk about:

• Her life growing up with undiagnosed FASD
• How she learned what FASD is and how it applies to her 
• Her concerns about doctors being unaware and minimizing the effects of FASD 
• How receiving the diagnosis changed her outlook on life
• Types of outside support that she receives for FASD

To find out more about Jessica and her work, check out her website at www.jbtalksfasd.com.au, email her at jessicabirch.fasd at gmail dot com, and follow her on Instagram @jb_talksfasd and Twitter/X at @JB_TalksFASD.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

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Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*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.*

Content warning: Death of a pet, mentions of institutionalization and electroconvulsive treatment

Beatrice Leong is a Malaysian entrepreneur and documentary filmmaker. After a lifetime of mental health challenges and misdiagnoses, she was diagnosed as autistic at the age of 35, bringing clarity to her lifelong struggles.

Beatrice founded AIDA (Autism Inclusiveness Direct Action Group), an autistic-led advocacy group based in Asia that promotes inclusion and self-representation of the autistic community. She actively participates in shaping policies to improve the lives of autistic individuals.

During this episode, you will hear Beatrice talk about:

• Filming a short commercial for Chinese New Year based on her struggles growing up as an autistic girl, and how girls and women from all backgrounds related to her story
• What her life was like before she was diagnosed with autism 
• Struggling to find accurate information and support resources for autistic women in Malaysia, and how this inspired her advocacy work and activism 
• The power of bravely sharing your own story – and how she’s sharing her candid personal story in her feature film, The Myth of Monsters

Follow Beatrice on Instagram and check out her films:

• RHB CHINESE NEW YEAR 2024: ACCEPTANCE (an autism awareness-themed commercial commissioned by RHB Banking Group)
• The Myth of Monsters (Beatrice’s feature film under development)

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.

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Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*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.*

Diagnosed with autism at age 2, Adin Boyer grew up struggling with being bullied, making friends and accepting himself. He finally began to flourish while attending a performing arts middle and high school, when he faced less bullying and leaned into his musical talent and training in classical piano, choir, opera and music theory.

Adin gained widespread international notoriety as a contestant on season 21 of American Idol, where he advanced to the top 55. Now Adin performs locally and on tour, with solo and full-band indie rock performances, and speaks to audiences about autism acceptance, neurodiversity affirmation and anti-bullying advocacy. 

During this episode, Adin talks about:

• His multi-year struggle to accept himself after being told about his autism diagnosis at age 12 
• Being bullied and misunderstood in elementary school, and how attending a performing arts middle and high school helped his personal growth and friendships
• Getting involved in music at a very young age and how his biggest musical inspiration (Coldplay) shaped his songwriting
• Being cast for American Idol and how his unique experience on the show influenced him as a performer and advocate
• The system he developed to manage his energy and routine when he is on tour
• How his anti-bullying talks resonate with kids across the United States

(Note: During this episode we use person-first language like "has autism" and “on the spectrum” when discussing Adin’s experience, because this is how Adin prefers to describe himself.)

Learn more about Adin, his music and his autism advocacy on his website AdinBoyer.com, on Instagram @adinboyer, on his BandsInTown profile for his upcoming shows performances, and by email: adinboyer [at] gmail.com.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.

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Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*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.*

In this year-end solo episode, I celebrate some big milestones that Beyond 6 Seconds achieved in 2024. I also share my views on how major politicized social issues impact the disability community, some actions we can take to advocate for our rights (whether you're disabled or not), and how we can support ourselves and our communities as we head into 2025. 

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript, which also contains links to some of the other podcasts and resources I mention in this episode.

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes.

Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*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.*

Content warning: This episode discusses forced sterilization / removal of reproductive rights.

Shéri Brynard is the only person with Down syndrome in South Africa with a tertiary education diploma in Educare. She achieved this without any special assistance or amendments made to the coursework, and despite the fact that her lectures and study material were only provided in English, which is her second language. She is currently a full-time qualified teacher’s assistant at a Primary School for learners with special educational needs and presents motivational speeches to advocate for the rights of people with Down syndrome, all over the world. 

Shéri is an international ambassador for all people with Down syndrome, appointed by Down syndrome international (DSi). She represents people with Down syndrome in South Africa at the DSi meetings, as well as at many other international meetings, and at the United Nations, focusing on disability. Shéri believes that all people can choose to make the best of their circumstances, and she is a living example of this choice.

Through her own determination and her family’s support, Sheri has been overcoming prejudice and stigma for her entire life to achieve her dreams. Shéri shares her experiences during this episode, including: ●    The barriers she faced to getting her education and working in South Africa, and how her family helped her challenge and overcome people’s bias and assumptions about her ●    What inspired her to become a teacher   ●    What was it like completing her tertiary education in her second language, without any special accommodations from the school ●    How she became an advocate who speaks on disability rights

To find out more about Shéri and her work, visit her website at SheriBrynard.co.za, follow her on Facebook or email her mother at Brynard.s @ gmail.com .

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.

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Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*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.*

Content warning: This episode discusses suicidality, paranoia, hallucinations and delusions, and mentions drug use and homelessness.

Michelle Hammer is a schizophrenia activist who spends her time passionately fighting stigma. She is a New York City native who is featured in the WebMD documentary “Voices,” which was nominated for a Tribeca X Award at the Tribeca Film Festival. 

Michelle was diagnosed with schizophrenia at 22 after a misdiagnosis of bipolar at age 18. At 27, Michelle decided to use her artistic talents and fearless personality to do something that could benefit the mental health community. In May 2015, she founded a mental health-focused clothing brand called Schizophrenic.NYC with the mission of reducing stigma by starting conversations about mental health. 

Michelle has also been featured in many publications such as Mashable, The Daily Mail, Stylist, and Buzzfeed, and has also been featured on TV networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS.

During this episode, you will hear Michelle talk about:

• Experiencing her first symptoms of schizophrenia in high school and college
• What it’s like for her to experience hallucinations and delusions
• What inspired her to start her clothing brand, Schizophrenic.NYC
• People’s reactions to her designs and pop-up events in New York City
• Challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about schizophrenia

Find out more about Michelle on her clothing brand’s website Schizophrenic.NYC and on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes.

Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*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.*

CW: Mentions of suicidality.

In the third grade, LeDerick Horne was labeled as “neurologically impaired” – a label that followed him through his schooling until he was eventually diagnosed with dyslexia. Today, LeDerick is a dynamic spoken-word poet, a respected author, and a passionate advocate for people with disabilities. He has performed at prestigious venues such as the White House and the United Nations. His workshops, speeches and poetry open doors to discussions on inclusive education, equal opportunity, systemic change, and hope for individuals with disabilities.

During this episode, LeDerick talks about:

• The challenges he faced in K-12 special education, before being diagnosed as dyslexic
• What inspired him to go to college – and how the meaningful support and inclusive education he got there helped him thrive as a student 
• Discovering his passion for poetry, which led to his career as a spoken-word poet and author
• His work as a speaker and trainer on the topics of inclusive education and the intersections of education, disability and race
• Co-hosting the Black and Dyslexic podcast

Stay tuned to the end of this episode to hear LeDerick read two of his poems!

Find out more about LeDerick at his website LeDerick.com, find his social media and more on his LinkTree, and learn about his new video course "6 Steps to Empowering Young People with Disabilities."

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.

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Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*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.*