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Marlene Sharp joins us again this week as we go beyond the script to explore the world of autism in the Hollywood. From her positions on Autism in Entertainment and Spectrum Labatory, Marlene is a passionate advocate for autistic actors. This week we talk about the challenges and triumphs of championing autistic talent. From breaking down barriers in casting to creating more inclusive environments on and off stage, Marlene shares her insights, experiences, and the importance of authentic representation. Whether you’re in the industry or simply passionate about inclusion, this conversation will inspire you to see the power and potential of neurodivergent voices in entertainment and beyond.

Autism in Entertainment and Spectrum Labatory are both 501(c)3 nonprofits. Your gifts to these amazing organizations help support advocating for those on the Spectrum and helps provide job training. Find out more on their websites.

Autism in Entertainment https://autisminentertainment.org/ 

Spectrum Labatory https://www.speclabs.org/

Check out Marlene and Pink Poodles Productions https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlenesharp/

Want to be a guest on Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)? Send Amanda Trisdale a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/letastapstylesguest

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Tune in as Leta shares her personal strategies for navigating the high-energy, sensory-rich world of tap festivals. These spaces are designed with neurotypical dancers in mind, not neurodiverse autistic dancers. From finding quiet corners to using headphones and building connections with supportive friends, Leta opens up about what it takes to not just survive but truly enjoy these vibrant events as a neurodiverse dancer. This conversation isn’t about changing the festival. It’s about celebrating the unique ways neurodiverse dancers can enter spaces not meant for autistic dancers and make their own way.

Check out our website https://www.letatapstyles.com for everything you have ever wanted to know about the podcast, to see profiles of former guests, and to see a list of Leta’s favorite things.

Want to be a guest on Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)? Send Amanda Trisdale a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/letastapstylesguest (You can also see what previous guests think about being on the podcast!)

Interested in more information about the nonprofit dance studio Leta started for autistic dancers? Check out the website https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org 

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Jeaneen Tang, author of "Play Dumb and Sabotage" and one of our favorite Speech and Language Pathologist, makes her return to the podcast! Jeaneen’s unique perspective as a SLP and a mother of a child with speech delays formed the building blocks of her book. We dive into practical advice, personal stories, and the importance of embracing different ways of thinking and connecting. Discover more about Jeaneen and her work at playdumbandsabotage.com.

Learn more about us at letatapstyles.com.

Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life) is proud to be a member of the PodMatch Podcasting Network. Interested in being a guest on the show? Send Amanda Trisdale a message on PodMatch here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/letastapstylesguest

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Join Leta—autistic dancer and tap queen—as she shares her quirky, upbeat guide to surviving a Hollywood video shoot! From sensory challenges (socks, wires, and costumes!) to snack hacks and set chaos, Leta dishes out real talk and laughter for dancers, creatives, and anyone who loves a behind-the-scenes adventure.

Ready to tap into the fun? Check out more: 

Website: letatapstyles.com
 Support Autistic Wings Dance Company: Fundraiser Link
Want to be a guest? Apply via PodMatch (Leta’s Tap Styles is part of the PodMatch Podcast Network): Apply Here

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Join us this week as we welcome back our friend and passionate advocate, Leanne Pritchett. Leanne shares real-life stories, practical tips, and her unique perspective as an educator and accessibility consultant. From IEP Meeting tips to how to make small changes that help the visually impaired navigate the world a little easier, this episode has tips for everyone.

Leanne's podcast can be found here http://swellcast.com/thems.leanne

You can find more about Leanne here http://linktr.ee/thems.leanne

Want to be a guest on Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)? Send Amanda Trisdale a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/letastapstylesguest

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Step into the world of Leta, autistic tap dancer and founder of Autistic Wings Dance Company, as she prepares to fly out to LA. In “Leta's Guide to Surviving Planes and Panic (And Hiding Stuffies from Mom),” Leta shares her real-life strategies for navigating airports, managing sensory overload, and keeping her beloved stuffies close (even when Mom’s not looking). With humor, honesty, and a dancer’s determination, this episode offers a heartfelt glimpse into traveling with autism, the importance of routines and comfort items, and the joy of bringing a little tap-dancing spirit wherever you go. Perfect for families, fellow neurodivergent travelers, and anyone who loves a story about resilience and rhythm!

Want to be a guest on Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)? Send Amanda Trisdale a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/letastapstylesguest

Visit https://www.letatapstyles.com for more information about the podcast, Leta's dance performances, and information about Leta's nonprofit dance studio, Autistic Wings Dance Company.

Visit https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org for everything about Autistic Wings and to donate today to help autistic dancer have a place where they can be themselves, quirks and all.

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Blue J Cleaning isn’t your typical cleaning company. Founder Janet Shultz shares how her business hires autistic employees—not out of charity, but to build a team held to the highest standards. Discover how Blue J fosters a culture of respect, belonging, and opportunity, where every employee is treated the way anyone would want to be treated.

Learn more about Blue J Cleaning by visiting their website https://www.bluejcleaningfranchise.com/

Want to be a guest on Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)? Send Amanda Trisdale a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/letastapstylesguest

You can always find out more about our amazing guests by visiting our website https://www.letatapstyles.com

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What happens when your favorite dancewear company sends you a Christmas Present in July? A pair custom designed with an autistic flair? You do a podcast all about how cool the shoes are! Join us as Amanda and Leta share the excitement, talk about the design, and discuss what makes these shoes so special.

If you want your own autistic themed tap shoes, contact LeAnn Kay at Styles in Motion: https://stylesinmotionllc.com/

Want to be a guest on Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)? Send Amanda Trisdale a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/letastapstylesguest

Don’t forget to check out our website to see a list of Leta’s Favorite Things and find out about all of our past guests. https://www.letatapstyles.com 

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Join us as we sit down with Russell van Bracklen, also known as The Dyslexia Professor, to discuss his unique approach to dyslexia tutoring. Russell shares insights from his experience working with learners and offers practical strategies for support. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or student, this episode provides valuable perspectives on navigating dyslexia. 

For more information about Russell, visit his website https://dyslexiaclasses.com/

Want to be a guest on Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)? Send Amanda Trisdale a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/letastapstylesguest

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Join Leta at Hollywood TapFest for tap dance, cake, and good vibes! In this episode of “Leta’s Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life),” Leta and Amanda share festival stories, backstage laughs, and all the excitement of the tap community. Whether you’re a dancer, a fan, or just love a good festival story, you’ll find something to enjoy.

Learn all about Hollywood TapFest, register for this year's festival, or sign up to be the first to know about future festivals by visiting https://www.hollywoodtapfest.com/

To see the Student Films, visit https://www.hollywoodtapfest.com/2024studentfilms

Want to be a guest on Leta’s Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)? Send Amanda Trisdale a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/letastapstylesguest