The Special Interest Pod

By The Special Interest Podcast

A space for autistic and neurodivergent identities to feel supported, seen and celebrated. Sharing stories, special interests and messages from the heart.... more

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FAQs about The Special Interest Pod:

How many episodes does The Special Interest Pod have?

The podcast currently has 73 episodes available.

The Special Interest Pod episodes:

November 20, 2024 62 | a space to tune into our autistic needs
A space to tune in with our autistic needs, wants and desires. All of you, are welcome here. Thank you for coming as you are.
Thank you for listening! <3
-Karly Jude
Connect with us to share your stories, to join the community, or are in need of peer support-
Email: [email protected]
IG: @thespecialinterestpod / rewildtoreroot / @karlyjude_
Join our Patreon (all tiers get access to monthly virtual meetups): patreon.com/TheSpecialInterestPodcast
Discord: https://discord.gg/vn6RGPdqrT
...more
24min
November 15, 2024 61 | Lauren Melissa talks about Streamline, autism and special interests
In episode sixty-one, Alex and Karly introduce the pod to Lauren Melissa!
Lauren Melissa Ellzey (she/her), known across social media as @Autienelle, is an autistic self-advocate, author, educator, and activist. Her young adult novels, Boy at the Window, Gimmicks and Glamour, and StreamLine, emphasize the importance of belonging for queer, neurodivergent youth of color. Her work has crossed paths with NeuroClastic, New York University, Reframing Autism, Cripple Media, AbleZine, Think Inclusive, the United Nations, and more. She holds an MS in Library and Information Science and resides in New York City.
Lauren Melissa joins us to talk about her book Streamline, her autistic lens and the importance of special interests.
Thank you for listening! <3
-A+K

Connect with Lauren Melissa: @autienelle
Purchase Streamline: https://linktr.ee/autienelle

Connect with us to share your stories, to join the community, or are in need of peer support-
Email: [email protected]
IG: @thespecialinterestpod / rewildtoreroot
Join our Patreon (all tiers get access to monthly virtual meetups): patreon.com/TheSpecialInterestPodcast
Discord: https://discord.gg/vn6RGPdqrT
...more
45min
November 12, 2024 60 | Check in and updates
It's been a while...how are you doing?

...more
24min
April 26, 2024 59 | Meet Vas: Late Diagnosed Autistic, Substance Use, and Harm Reduction
(TW:Talk about substances + suicide)
In episode fifty-nine, Alex and Karly introduce the pod to Vas.
From Vas: I am from Stockton CA. I graduated from UC Berkeley in 2020. I had a couple-year long career in case management, harm reduction, therapy, and social work, which was rewarding but drove me into the ground and didn’t give me the time to properly care for myself. I was suffering from autistic burnout (pre-diagnosis) and the problem was worsened by my frustration with my burnout symptoms impacting my ability to “function like normal”.
After taking a few months off to move back home and focus on my health, I was diagnosed (at 25 years old) with Autism. My diagnosis made me kinder on myself and more understanding of my challenges in light of the new diagnosis, and after learning to work with (as opposed to against) my brain I am now looking into doing Harm Reduction work (in direct service and policy) and potentially pursuing a PhD in Public Policy. I still don’t “function like normal”, but who the hell wants ‘normal’ anyway !
In this episode, Vas shares about their experiences with substance use, ways society can provide support and direction in harm reduction. This episode may be triggering to some, but is an important topic to learn about.
Thank you for listening! <3
-A+K
Connect with Vas: IG @vas.meatsuit
Reach out to us-
Email: [email protected]
IG: @thespecialinterestpod
Join our Patreon: patreon.com/TheSpecialInterestPodcast
Discord: https://discord.gg/vn6RGPdqrT
Coaching with Karly: rewildtoroot.com / @rewildtoroot / [email protected]
Facebook: The Special Interest Podcast
Facebook Group: The Special Interest Podcast Fans!
Music: Pretty Late

...more
57min
April 19, 2024 58 | We Are Burnt Out
In episode fifty-eight, Alex and Karly arrive burnt out af. They tirelessly go on about tv shows and the importance of comfort tv while feeling burnt out. They share a listeners story and give shout outs to all their amazing Patreon members!
Thank you for listening! <3
-A+K
Next Monthly Meeting: April 25 @ 7PM EST
Reach out to us-
Email: [email protected]
IG: @thespecialinterestpod
Join our Patreon: patreon.com/TheSpecialInterestPodcast
Discord: https://discord.gg/vn6RGPdqrT
Coaching with Karly: rewildtoroot.com / @rewildtoroot / [email protected]
Facebook: The Special Interest Podcast
Facebook Group: The Special Interest Podcast Fans!
Music: Pretty Late

...more
34min
April 12, 2024 57 | Meet Pete: Late Diagnosed Autistic Author
In episode fifty-seven, Alex and Karly introduce the pod to Pete Wharmby. Pete was diagnosed with autism at 34 and then went on to writing two books, at the same time! In this episode, Pete shares about his journey as a late diagnosed autistic author, the importance of special interests, and advice for those who have learned they are autistic later in life.
Thank you for listening! <3
-A+K
Connect with Pete:
Twitter - @commaficionado Facebook - Pete Wharmby, Autistic Author Instagram - @petewharmby YouTube - /peterwharmby
Books: Un-Typical: How the World isn’t Built For Autistic People and What We Should All Do About It
What I Want To Talk About
Reach out to us-
Email: [email protected]
IG: @thespecialinterestpod
Join our Patreon: patreon.com/TheSpecialInterestPodcast
Discord: https://discord.gg/vn6RGPdqrT
Coaching with Karly: rewildtoroot.com / @rewildtoroot / [email protected]
Facebook: The Special Interest Podcast
Facebook Group: The Special Interest Podcast Fans!
Music: Pretty Late

...more
52min
April 05, 2024 56 | Happy Autism Month
In episode fifty-six, Alex and Karly reminisce on emo music, blockbuster, and birthdays. They then go into talking about what this autism month means to them and their journeys.
Thank you for listening! <3
-A+K
Reach out to us-
Email: [email protected]
IG: @thespecialinterestpod
Join our Patreon: patreon.com/TheSpecialInterestPodcast
Discord: https://discord.gg/vn6RGPdqrT
Coaching with Karly: rewildtoroot.com / @rewildtoroot / [email protected]
Facebook: The Special Interest Podcast
Facebook Group: The Special Interest Podcast Fans!
Music: Pretty Late

...more
48min
March 29, 2024 55 | Meet Abby: Actually Owltistic
In episode fifty-five, Alex and Karly introduce the pod to Abby Lastowski. Abby is the author and illustrator of the Actually Owltistic web comic series, illustrator of "Slipper the Penguin: A Story About Embracing Neurodivergence", and mother of two daughters. After being diagnosed with autism and ADHD at 28 years old, Abby used her creativity and journey to help others feel more understood and built a community of fellow owls. In this episode, she shares about her journey and the joy that has unfolded from sharing her art. Thank you for listening! <3
-A+K
Connect with Abby:
IG/ Facebook / Kofi: @actuallyowltistic
Reach out to us-
Email: [email protected]
IG: @thespecialinterestpod
Join our Patreon: patreon.com/TheSpecialInterestPodcast
Discord: https://discord.gg/vn6RGPdqrT
Coaching with Karly: rewildtoroot.com / @rewildtoroot / [email protected]
Facebook: The Special Interest Podcast
Facebook Group: The Special Interest Podcast Fans!
Music: Pretty Late

...more
40min
March 22, 2024 54 | Meet Robert: Autistic After 50 and A Team
In episode fifty-four, Alex and Karly meet Robert Smythe. Robert Smythe is an award-winning theater artist who learned he was autistic when he was 50 years old. He was 59 when he had his first conversation with another autistic person, and that experience made everything in his life finally click into place. As a result of that revelation, he started and produces A Team, a podcast about the thrills and challenges of living with autism. Now in its 4th season, thousands of people in over 50 countries listen to it weekly. At least one clinical psychologist in New Zealand credits A Team with helping patients overcome depression and suicidal thoughts due to a late in life autism diagnosis.
In this episode, Robert talks about growing up without the autistic language and knowledge we now have. He shares his authentic autistic self and the journey that has brought him here.
Thank you for listening! <3
-A+K
Connect with Robert:
IG: @voicesmythe
Podcast: A Team
Reach out to us-
Email: [email protected]
IG: @thespecialinterestpod
Join our Patreon: patreon.com/TheSpecialInterestPodcast
Discord: https://discord.gg/vn6RGPdqrT
Coaching with Karly: rewildtoroot.com / @rewildtoroot / [email protected]
Facebook: The Special Interest Podcast
Facebook Group: The Special Interest Podcast Fans!
Music: Pretty Late

...more
1h 7min
March 15, 2024 53 | Meet Greta: A Deep Autistic Swan Spirit
In episode fifty-three, Alex and Karly meet Greta! Greta is a late-diagnosed autistic, former NYC runway model, former Utah ski instructor, aspiring performer, loves making people laugh, and finding her true path. She shares her story of her experiences growing up and blossoming into the swan she is today.
Thank you for listening! <3
-A+K
Connect with Greta:
IG: @g_du_nord
Books mentioned:
-The Secret Language of Birthdays
-Princess by Jean Sasson
Reach out to us-
Share your stories, art, or questions!
Email: [email protected]
IG: @thespecialinterestpod
Join our Patreon: patreon.com/TheSpecialInterestPodcast
Discord: https://discord.gg/vn6RGPdqrT
Coaching with Karly: rewildtoroot.com / @rewildtoroot / [email protected]
Facebook: The Special Interest Podcast
Facebook Group: The Special Interest Podcast Fans!
Music: Pretty Late

...more
1h 3min

FAQs about The Special Interest Pod:

How many episodes does The Special Interest Pod have?

The podcast currently has 73 episodes available.