The Hidden 20%

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, alcohol use, and mental health challenges. If you or someone you know needs support, contact Samaritans at 116 123 or visit Samaritans.org.

In this eye-opening episode, counsellor and CBT therapist Sarah Templeton reveals why she believes the true rate of ADHD in UK prisons is far higher than current estimates. With years of experience in the prison system, Sarah created the first ADHD screening checklist for detainees, helping make the City of London Police the first to screen for ADHD.

Joining Sarah and Ben is an ex-offender with over 500 convictions, who shares how undiagnosed ADHD fuelled his cycle of re-offending. This conversation sheds light on the often-overlooked link between neurodivergence and the criminal justice system.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host: Ben Branson

Producer: Bella Neale

Video Editor: Tom Forrister

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CW: This episode includes discussions of suicide, addiction, and pornography. If these topics may be triggering, please listen with care and reach out for support if needed.

This week’s guest is actor, writer, and one of the most familiar faces in British comedy—Marcus Brigstocke. You’ve probably seen him cracking jokes on QI, Mock the Week, Have I Got News for You or Live At The Apollo.

Marcus credits dyslexia for his “Comic Super Brain”. But it’s not all laughs—in a raw conversation, Marcus talks about his struggles with alcohol, drugs, and, for the first time, porn addiction. He also shares the journey of overcoming shame after infidelity in his past marriage. This candid conversation is a powerful look at neurodivergence, addiction, and personal growth.

Host: Ben Branson

Producer: Bella Neale

Video Editor: Tom Forrister

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Burberry model to leading nutritionist, Sarah Ann Macklin has advised at the European Parliament, worked on Harley Street, delivered a TED Talk, and written for top UK publications. With her own experience of dyslexia, she’s passionate about neurodivergence, focusing her research on the links between diet, ADHD, and dyslexia.

In this conversation with Ben, Sarah delves into how nutrition can support neurodivergent minds. From the benefits of oily fish to the importance of gut microbiome, she uncovers the myths and truths surrounding nutrition and neurodivergence. 

Host: Ben Branson

Producer: Bella Neale

Video Editor: Tom Forrister

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CW: Please note, this episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. While ongoing research explores the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics and cannabis, these substances remain illegal in the UK, and psychedelics are not yet approved treatments for mental health or neurological conditions.

Dr. Rayyan Zafar is a leading neuropsychopharmacologist and a postdoctoral researcher at Imperial College London. In this chat with Ben, Dr. Zafar discusses how different substances, from Adderall to psychedelics, impact the neurodivergent brain, offering insights into the complex relationship between drugs and ADHD.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To mark Dyslexia Awareness Week, we knew our guest would need to be an absolute "bombshell".

Georgia Steel, rose to fame on Love Island in 2018 for her bold personality and trademark "loyalty." But Georgia is much more than a reality TV star. As a proud dyslexic, she uses her platform to challenge the stigma around learning difficulties.

In this chat with Ben, she opens up about facing online abuse for being Dyslexic, being vulnerable to manipulation, and the reality of life as a model, influencer, and TV personality.

Host: Ben Branson

Producer: Bella Neale

Video Editor: Tom Forrister

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bradley Riches first communicated through sound and movement, but after his autism diagnosis at age 9, he found his voice through acting. Now, he stars as James in Netflix's Heartstopper, a character who, like Bradley, is both queer and autistic. Recently, he won over audiences on Big Brother by sharing his journey with autism.

In this episode, Bradley talks with Ben about being non-verbal, experiencing Big Brother through an autistic lens, finding his voice, and his recent engagement.

Host: Ben Branson

Producer: Bella Neale

Video Editor: Tom Forrister

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mae Stephens went from working at ASDA to becoming a TikTok sensation with her hit "If We Ever Broke Up," securing a major record deal, performing at Glastonbury, and racking up over 500 million streams worldwide.

In this episode, Mae opens up to Ben about how her ADHD fuels her songwriting, the transformative power of therapy, and why she embraces the "weird and wonderful." Plus, don’t miss an EXCLUSIVE listen to the original recording of "If We Ever Broke Up."

Host: Ben Branson

Producer: Bella Neale

Video Editor: Tom Forrister

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tony Lloyd, CEO of the ADHD Foundation, to dive deep into the world of ADHD.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, supporting someone with ADHD, or just curious - ADHD Foundation Dr. Tony Lloyd brings decades of experience, breaking down myths, sharing the latest research, and offering practical advice on living with ADHD.

We explore how ADHD intersects with mental health, education, and social change - and we answer your questions too! Join us for an insightful discussion that sheds light on the often misunderstood reality of ADHD.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CW: Suicide & Mental Health

On World Suicide Prevention Day, we wanted to talk more openly about the links between suicide and Autism.

When Jonathan Scott Lee, a senior officer at one of the largest bank in the world was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD, he became a neurodiversity advocate and champion for inclusivity.

But, after the tragic loss of his 16-year-old autistic daughter, Caitlyn, to suicide, he now focuses on raising awareness of the increased suicide risk within the autistic community.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact Samaritans at 116 123 or visit Samaritans.org.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.