In this episode of The Seamus Evans Show, Seamus shares the raw and unfiltered story of how he almost lost his dream television job just two days after starting, because of his Tourette Syndrome diagnosis.
At 18 years old, fresh out of high school, Seamus landed an audition for a national kids' TV show in Australia and got the job on his first ever audition. But within days, his boss noticed his tics on camera, researched Tourette Syndrome, called it a "disease," and told Seamus that if his condition was a problem, he wouldn't pass probation.
Instead of quitting, Seamus taught himself how to redirect his tics on camera, a technique he later discovered was a recognised method called CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics). That decision launched a 17-year career across television, breakfast radio, stand-up comedy, and the keynote stage.
In this episode you'll hear:
→ The exact conversation Seamus had with his boss on day two
→ Why Seamus chose not to disclose his Tourette Syndrome diagnosis during the audition process
→ The difference between suppressing tics and redirecting tics, and why suppression doesn't work long term
→ How Seamus went from washing cars during a drought to hosting national television
→ Why Seamus refuses to identify as disabled despite living with Tourette Syndrome and ADHD
→ His perspective on labels, diagnosis, and why a title doesn't have to define your future
→ Practical advice on advocating for yourself in the workplace, especially during probation
→ Why Seamus believes everyone is neurodiverse and the concept of "neurotypical" is flawed
Seamus Evans is a motivational speaker, Tourette Syndrome ambassador for Tourette Syndrome Association Australia, former TV and radio host, and stand-up comedian based in Brisbane, Australia. He is on a mission to inspire one million lives by 2030.
If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who has been told they can't pursue their dream because of a diagnosis, a label, or a limitation placed on them by someone else.
CONNECT WITH SEAMUS:
🌐 Website: seamusevans.com
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 Instagram: @theseamusevansshow
🎵 TikTok: @seamusevans
💼 LinkedIn: Seamus Evans
📘 Facebook: @mrseamusevans
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KEYWORDS: Tourette Syndrome, Tourette's, living with Tourette Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome awareness, tics, CBIT, ADHD, neurodiversity, neurodiverse, disability, invisible disability, motivational speaker, overcoming adversity, resilience, dream job, fired from job, workplace discrimination, disability discrimination, mental health, self advocacy, Tourette Syndrome Association Australia, motivational podcast, inspirational podcast, Seamus Evans, The Seamus Evans Show