Everything is Learning

Carolyn is the creator and host of Beyond 6 Seconds, an award winning podcast dedicated to going beyond the quick first impressions we form and into the layered, powerful stories of neurodivergent people from around the world. Through her thoughtful interviews, she explores how neurodivergence intersects with culture, identity, and lived experience—amplifying voices and challenging assumptions. By day, Carolyn is an Instructional Design Senior Manager, creating accessible training for a global workforce. In both her corporate work and her podcasting, she’s committed to accessibility, clarity, and giving people the time and space to be heard. Diagnosed as autistic later in life, Carolyn draws on her own journey—marked by academic excellence, deep focus on passions, and the challenges of coordination, group work, and sensory overwhelm—to connect with her guests on a deeper level. A self-taught podcaster, she’s blended her background in music, technology, and learning design into a show that’s both inviting and impactful, evolving over the years to shine a bright light on the richness of neurodiverse experiences. @beyond6seconds  #autism #autismawareness #autismo #podcast #neurodiversity #fun #learning #learn #mentalhealth #parenting #education #explore #fyp #adhd #voice #listening #joy #new #neurodivergent

Denea is a faith-led content creator, autism advocate, speaker, and devoted mother who shares her journey through life as a neurodivergent woman with honesty and compassion. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD (separately) as an adult, Denea uses her story to shed light on the often-overlooked experiences of autistic women, especially those navigating motherhood and spirituality. Through her growing platforms on Instagram, TikTok, and The Faith Filled Mom Podcast, Denea encourages others to embrace faith over fear, reminding her audience that “God is not done with you yet.” Her work is filled with gentle wisdom, powerful testimony, and a deep belief that grace and growth can coexist—even in the hard moments. Denea holds space for others to feel seen and supported, especially those who are deconstructing old narratives and rebuilding a life rooted in authenticity and faith. Whether she’s offering a word of encouragement, unpacking the realities of sensory overload, or reminding fellow moms that “you don’t have to have it all together,” her voice is one of both conviction and calm. With each post, prayer, and podcast episode, Denea is helping to reframe what it means to be neurodivergent, sober, faithful, and fully human.

Sydney Zeier, is an experienced neurodivergent travel planner and IBCCES-certified Autism Travel Professional whose heart beats for adventure, connection, and inclusion. She’s traveled the world navigating the nuances of neurodiversity—charting sensory-friendly excursions, anticipating surprises, and celebrating freedom in every journey. Drawing from her own lived experience, Sydney founded Neurodivergent Travel Planner, a warm and understanding space that helps families design trips where every member feels seen, heard, and supported. Whether it's spacing out accommodations for decompression, packing favorite sensory toys, or crafting calm pre‑trip social scripts, her attention to detail transforms stress into memorable family escapades. Sydney isn’t just a guide—she’s a companion on your journey. Through her Instagram and TikTok (@neurodivergent_travel), she shares short, heartfelt tips, magical behind-the-scenes moments (like welcoming families aboard a sensory-adapted Disney cruise!), and candid reflections on what truly makes travel joyful. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to turn travel into a space where neurodivergent families thrive—one thoughtfully planned itinerary at a time. Warm, knowledgeable, and unwaveringly empathetic, Sydney invites audiences to explore the world with confidence, compassion,

and a sense of wonder.

We are excited to welcome Kirby Rabalais.  Kirby is a devoted father and passionate advocate whose journey through fatherhood and neurodiversity has inspired a movement. By day, he brings his insights to TRUCE Software; by night, he pours his heart into supporting dads raising children with disabilities through his platform, Got4titude. After navigating the challenges of early intervention—appointments, acronyms, and the feeling of being the only one in the room—he launched Got4titude to create a space where fathers don’t have to go it alone He’s spoken to father-led communities like Spectrum Family Talks, sharing raw stories of fear, resilience, and love as dads “keep showing up every single day” for their neurodivergent children. Kirby’s approach is warm, grounded, and deeply human. He celebrates every milestone—like the first time his son Harley played golf—and acknowledges the messy reality of meltdowns on airplanes, reminding others that “you’re not alone” in the struggle and the triumphs . He encourages fathers to nurture their own identity—what he calls their “future self”—and to build supportive, high‑vibrational communities so they can pour from full cups. Through his personal experiences, advocacy, and genuine openness, Kirby invites us all to embrace fatherhood with empathy, strength, and a big dose of gratitude.

We are beyond grateful for our incredible guests this season. Come join us for a recap of our favorite season yet, and hear a sneak peak of what's coming next season! Thank you:Susie WyattMelanie Whittaker @toptenpods   @TheHopeCulture  Dr. Heath Christopher Rivera  @walkingwithconnor  Alinne Butcher @Sienna_Stims   @wefightforzack 

If healing happens in relationships, then Alinne is here to make those connections stronger, healthier, and full of possibility. As the founder of Over the Rug Therapy, she knows that problems don’t improve when we sweep them under the rug. A licensed marriage and family therapist, Alinne specializes in trauma-informed & antiracist therapy, helping clients navigate life’s toughest moments with a blend of deep empathy, bold honesty, and a dash of Enneagram 8 energy. A proud Brazilian-American and lifelong learner (116 books last year—yes, really!) she brings a culturally sensitive approach to healing, guiding clients with insight, warmth, and a little tough love when needed. When she’s not helping people untangle emotional knots, you’ll find her curled up with a murder mystery, cooking up something delicious, or reluctantly hitting the gym. Alinne joined us at Everything is Learning to dive into the heart of relationships, self-discovery, and the power of asking “why?” If you’re not following her on Instagram her account is our FAVORITE ONE. Even Viola Davis reshares her post. We know our listeners will love finally living

OVER THE RUG with Alinne.

Dr. Heath is a dynamic educator, thought leader, and co-author of Elevating Customer Service in Higher Education—a true expert in transforming the student experience. With over 30 years as a senior leader and trainer, he’s helped professionals across 20 states (and beyond!) create game-changing service excellence programs that boost retention, engagement, and success. He’s not just an expert—he’s a faculty member, researcher, chef, and Disney aficionado who knows how to make learning both powerful and fun, and we should know because he was our professor! Buckle up for an eye-opening conversation that will change the way you see customer service in higher education! Welcome to the magical world of service with Dr. Heath!

Patty Born is a psychiatric nurse practitioner whose resilience, grit, and deep compassion have shaped a journey of profound impact. As a mental illness advocate and grief speaker, she shares her deeply personal story, including the heartbreaking losses of both her son and ex-husband to suicide. Through her experiences, she has gained life changing insight into mental health, grief, neurodivergent support, and the power of vulnerability. Her openness and wisdom left us completely in awe after watching her on Soft White Underbelly, and we know her story will resonate deeply with you.

Christopher grew up in the vibrant heart of New York City, where his passion for people and purpose began to take root. After earning his degree from Alfred University and later an MBA, Christopher dove into a career that blended mentorship, education, and innovation. With a foundation in Residence Life and student affairs, he’s always been about community-building—and today, he brings that same spirit to his work at Merit America, where he's helping reshape what upward mobility looks like for working adults across the country. But Christopher is far from just a career builder. He’s a visual storyteller and certified Canva wizard, a die-hard soccer fan, and a lover of all things creative. Whether he’s in the gym, exploring local breweries, or trying something new just for the thrill of it, Christopher embodies growth, curiosity, and authenticity. He lives with his partner, Jess, and their two beloved German Shepherds, and if you catch him on Instagram, you’ll likely see his signature mix of good vibes, great design, and the occasional gym flex. From the downstate to upstate NY and from Canva to community impact, Christopher Rivera is the kind of guest who reminds us that personal reinvention is possible—and it can be joyful, too.

Sienna is back for part 2! For the second half of our conversation we talk about dismantling ableism, systemic issues, RFK Jr., Victor Perez, headcanon characters, the media, Sienna's gift of storytelling and script writing, and the positives that have come out of Autism Awareness and Acceptance month this year. Join us and subscribe!