Tourette's Podcast

Lewis Rossignol is a widely known and followed artist who makes his entire living off of his work, often on commissions, and has Tourette Syndrome at the core of it. Art was his way. On this episode, Lewis discusses what's behind his work, why Tourette is so connected to it, his decision to make art his career without spoiling what he loves about it, and advice to the younger creatives listening. Lately, he's been selling prints from his sketchbook and giving proceeds to fight hunger during the pandemic.

We also hear from listeners (send a voice note to [email protected] to have it played on the show) and update you on the Tourette Association of America's accessible backup plan after having to cancel its annual conference (per COVID-19).

@lewisrossignol on Instagram Lewis Rossignol Art Thumbnail: A Visual Arts Podcast

touretteconference.org with info on the Virtual Conference tourette.org

Ben starts Season 5 by opening way up about his recent experience in the hospital and how it was the best thing that ever happened to him. (And also check out Episode 1, released the same time as this one).

Thanks to the Tourette Association of America for making this podcast possible. https://tourette.org

Unbelievably, we're at the season finale! This episode looks at big takeaways from Season 4 (so much unforgettable stuff) before a close-out conversation with Haley from Alabama, U.S. She didn't receive a Tourette Syndrome diagnosis until she was 18, but all along "I pretty much knew I was different," she said. "It was easy to tell." We cover loads of relatable things -- perfectionism, handling rage, depression, the importance of awesome home support, and much more. Thanks everyone for making this season such a packed highlight.

Giveaway winners! Touretters on "Motherless Brooklyn"! And magic! Really! We're joined this week by professional magician Jason Michaels, who has Tourette Syndrome. And I know what you're wondering: How does one master sleight of hand with body tics? Is anxiety a factor on stage? And how does one get past total embarrassment of Tourette to the point of using it straight-up for relatability? Jason is clearly worth listening to. He's also authored a book about his experiences and is check-out-able at jasonmichaelsmagic.com. Plus: Free webinars! And what's your favorite app for relaxation or sleep? Send suggestions to [email protected].

Links:

Jason Michaels Magic https://www.jasonmichaelsmagic.com/

Motherless Brooklyn video spot for TAA https://youtu.be/IZkvThNvfGY

Free webinars https://tourette.org/resources/taa-webinars/

Treating Tourette Together info and survey https://www.treatingtourettetogether.org/survey

We're joined by a high-ranking federal official in the States who has LOTS of wisdom on running a diverse and appreciated workplace, and how Tourette Syndrome has given him, if anything, advantages to that end. He's also got a great story about his first awareness of Tourette. PLUS: Giveaway winners! Discussion group stats! Upcoming events! Tourette.org!

Occasionally a listener asks what we've done on tic disorders OTHER than Tourette Syndrome. And the answer is: not much. Until now. Rachel has chronic motor tic disorder and, as you might expect, stories familiar to any Touretter and probably eye-opening to anyone unfamiliar. But she, and many others with non-Tourette tic disorders, raises a good point about the weirdness of finding community when you're sort of an asterisk ("it's not Tourette exactly, but..."). Rachel, it turns out, is a highlight.

https://www.treatingtourettetogether.org/

Free TAA webinars and other events https://tourette.org/get-involved/events/

Online Support Groups – Spanish https://tourette.org/online-support-groups-spanish/

1. Yuki is strong, and you'll agree after hearing what has to be the foremost tic story ever told on this podcast. She deals with coprolalia, paralysis tics and other pressures to stay ahead of. Saying it again -- she's strong. Have a listen.

2. It's time for an amazingly cool giveaway! Details in the episode.

Links:

Treating Tourette Together executive summary

TTT survey

12 Days of Giving at TAA

It's #TourettesCop day on the podcast! We've got him, among our most in-demand guests, and it's great. What's it like to be a police officer with Tourette Syndrome? Answers ahead. Also: weighing in on Nick Cannon's "Tourette's" lyric and a followup on the Treating Tourette Together Summit, with a call to action.

Links:

Treating Tourette Together executive summary https://www.treatingtourettetogether.org/survey

TTT survey https://sjsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0UrOSuek1qXvnA9

12 Days of Giving at TAA https://tourette.org/12-days-of-giving/

Everyday Experience podcast https://jonsarge08.podbean.com/

First thing -- we have a winner to our pop-quiz question! And he has a special message. And then we get to Daphne, our guest this week who has a lot to say about creativity as an artist and identity as a trans woman, all of it fitting into the Tourette context with important takeaways for anyone listening. Please spend time absorbing this one.

John's donation page https://secure.everyaction.com/P2P/RaHab869RUy_KiuArgcHMw2/MS_PhAJDEeqCiygYeE1taA2

Upcoming Tourette events and webinars https://tourette.org/get-involved/events

Double your impact! https://tourette.org/support/

Rejuvenated after a little break, we're back, this time with Jason from Australia. He knows the value of a good break from the grind to sort out one's head, and we get into that (and how difficult it can be, too). Jason, professionally, is a diversity and inclusion specialist in sports and event management -- which can be fast-paced, and certainly in the context of Tourette Syndrome. But he handles it. Listen how.

David Begnaud honored at the Tourette Association gala (TAA's YouTube) https://youtu.be/yvcWz3Fnl00

TAA webinar ahead on Dec. 5: Sleep Problems and Management in Youth with Tourette Syndrome https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8417301772873766157