The Untypical Parent Podcast

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The Untypical OT Talks with Carla Berlin from Carla’s Classroom

In this episode, I sit down with the insightful and passionate Carla Berlin, the founder of Carla’s Classroom. We cover so much in our conversation—cultural influences on parenting, the role of step-parents, recognising neurodivergence in children when they are older, and Carla’s own personal experiences of being parented.

Carla brings her deep understanding and lived experience to the table, sharing valuable perspectives on how cultural background shapes parenting styles and expectations. We also explore the unique challenges and joys of blended families, diving into the complexities of step-parenting.

Expect real talk, powerful insights, and plenty of relatable moments as we navigate these important topics together.

🔗 Connect with Carla on:

I’m Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health, and well-being. When we support parents, everyone benefits. Don't miss my free video and handout called "Worn Out or Burnt Out"—a guide to help spot the signs of parental burnout.
👉 Download it here

🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
The Untypical OT Linktree

☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
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And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please email at:

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The Untypical OT Talks with Teo from SendWise HubIn this episode, I sit down with the no-nonsense, straight-talking Teo from SendWise Hub to dive into the messy, beautiful, and often chaotic reality of parenting. Teo shares candid moments—when she got it right, when she got it wrong, and why the idea of a "perfect parent" is pure fiction. We talk about the highs, the lows, and everything in between, with plenty of laughs and hard-hitting truths along the way. Expect honesty, wisdom, and a reminder that doing your best is enough.🔗 Connect with Teo on:Facebook: SendWise Hub Instagram: @sendwisehubMy is Liz and I am The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and wellbeing. When we support parents everyone benefits. Don't miss my free video and handout called "Worn Out of Burnt Out". A guide to help spot the signs of parental burnout. https://the-untypical-ot.co.uk/worn-out-or-burnt-out🔗 To connect with Liz, find all the details on her Linktree:⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot⁠⁠☕ If you'd like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot

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The Untypical OT Talks with Heidi Mavir

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant and unfiltered Heidi Mavir to talk all things parenting, self-trust, and surviving the education system with our sanity (mostly) intact. We tackle the stigma around disability, the emotional toll of advocacy, and why setting boundaries is an act of self-care. Expect real talk, hard-won wisdom, and a reminder that youare the expert on your child.

You can connect with Heidi on:

Facebook:Education Otherwise Than At School - EOTAS Matters supporting SEN Families 

Instragram:@heidimavir

Website:heidimavir.com

🔗To connect with Liz please find all the details on her linktree:

⁠https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot⁠

If you'd like to buy me a coffee to help the podcast continue please use this link:⁠buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot

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Podcast Series 1: Are You The Perfect Parent?

Episode 5: Bracky from Supergood Bikers for Autism

🎙 The Untypical OT Talks with Bracky from Supergood Bikers for Autism

In this episode, Liz sits down with Paul Brackstone, affectionately known as Bracky, the passionate founder of Supergood Bikers for Autism. Together, they explore the unique challenges and rewards of parenting neurodivergent children, with a special focus on reaching dads who might not always feel included in the conversation.

Bracky opens up about his journey as a dad raising an autistic child, sharing raw and honest insights into the highs, the lows, and the moments in between. From navigating a diagnosis to finding his voice as a parent and advocate.

How motorbikes became a lifeline for processing his son's diagnosis and building a supportive community for parents like him.

From organizing charity ride-outs to designing a specially-built sidecar for individuals with mobility needs, Bracky is on a mission to make a difference.

This episode isn’t just for dads and bikers—it’s for anyone any parent looking for support. Whether you’re a dad yourself or a mum listening in, this is an episode to share with your partner or grab your partner and listen together.

You can connect with Bracky and Supergood Bikers on:

Facebook Supergood Bikers - for Autism

Instagram supergood_bikers_for_autismWebsite: https://www.supergoodbikersforautism.com/whyweride

Apologies for the delay in the connection at the end of the podcast. Two boys gaming and the time of day - my internet was struggling!

🔗To connect with Liz please find all the details on her linktree:

https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

If you'd like to buy me a coffee to help the podcast continue please use this link: buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot

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Podcast Series 1: Are you the perfect Parent

Episode 4: Dani Wallace

While you might know Dani for her inspiring work as a public speaking coach and entrepreneur, this conversation takes a different turn. Dani talks about the realities of neurodivergence, parenting, and navigating life’s challenges with resilience and grace. Dani is raw, open and honest in this chat and is a must listen for any parent. 

This episode isn’t just for parents of neurodivergent kids; it’s for anyone navigating the complexities of parenting, self-care, and growth. 

You can find Dani on the socials: 

Facebook: I Am The Queen Bee Hive IATQB

Instagram: The Queen Bee Dani

To connect with Liz please find all the details on her linktree 

This episode is sponsored by: Something Profound

Please use capital letters for the code, it's case sensitive

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Podcast Series 1: Are You The Perfect Parent? 

Episode 3: Nicola Reekie from the PDA Space

In this episode, we're joined by Nicola Reekie from The PDA Space, where Nicola's discusses with Liz the concept of the 'perfect parent', the importance of self-understanding and compassion and reflects on parenting of the past and the present. Nicola talks about parenting children with a PDA (pathological demand avoidance) profile and the overwhelm in the early days. 

Make sure to listen to Nicola's story and hear things she has learnt over time that might make a difference to your family. 

Connect with Nicola on social media: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePDAspace

Insta:

https://www.instagram.com/the_pdaspace/

Linktree:

https://linktr.ee/nicolareekie

To connect with Liz please find all the details on her linktree: 

https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

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The Untypical OT Talks to Herself - Where did it all begin?

Episode 1

Join Liz, a dyslexic parent and occupational therapist, as she shares her experience of parenting in a neurodiverse family, navigating personal and professional challenges, and supporting parents and carers of children with additional needs. These solo episodes are part of the The Untypical OT Podcast which include inspiring guest interviews, where Liz talks about topics like parental burnout, navigating systems, embracing neurodivergence, and rethinking behaviour.

This podcast isn’t about perfection—it’s about real conversations, and practical strategies to help parents feel less alone and more confident in doing things differently.

This episode is all about where did The Untypical start.

You can find Liz on all the socials check out her Linktree account for all the links here.

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Podcast Series 1: Are You the Perfect Parent?

Episode 2: Cheryl Warren from Aperion Training

In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Cheryl Warren from Aperion Training. Cheryl brings a wealth of personal and professional insight as she shares her experiences of parenting in a neurodivergent household. She opens up about the challenges and joys of her parenting journey and provides valuable perspectives on how early years settings can build strong partnerships with parents of neurodivergent children. This conversation is filled with heartfelt reflections and practical advice that will resonate with educators, parents, and anyone passionate about creating inclusive spaces.

Connect with Cheryl and Aperion Training on social media: 

Cheryl's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/aperiontraining

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Podcast Series 1: Are You the Perfect Parent?

Episode 1: Badger Education

In this episode, we’re joined by Charlotte from Badger Education, who shares her journey of parenting in a neurodivergent household. Charlotte dives into her personal experiences, reflecting on how her parenting has influenced her teaching methods and how her role as an educator has shaped her approach to parenting.

Join us as Charlotte offers insights, practical advice, and heartfelt stories that resonate with parents navigating similar paths.

Connect with Charlotte and Badger Education on social media:

Facebook: Badger Education - Inclusive Support

Instagram: @badger.education

Charlotte also has two fantastic free resources to support parents and educators:

https://badger-education.co.uk/5-Achievable-Adaptations https://badger-education.co.uk/calminthechaosofchristmas

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Just a quick welcome and explanation.

Series 1 - Are you the perfect parent

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