Differently Brained

You must listen to this podcast episode before venturing forth! Gather one and all and listen as Lachlan interviews Jess C. Wheatley and Declan Nathan about a hobby that is growing seemingly exponentially in popularity and accessibility - Dungeons and Dragons (or, more broadly, tabletop roleplaying games). We discuss how these games have helped people to express their creativity, explore their personalities, develop social skills and provide a safe space for many neurodivergent folks. BIOGRAPHIES: Declan Nathan Declan has been dealing with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and ADHD for his entire life. However, in the last ten years he got involved with his local tabletop role playing game community, and it has changed how he approaches stress and social anxiety. Jess C Wheatley Jess was raised in the Hinterland behind Byron Bay. She is a regional writer and director who revels in rip roaring stories with supernatural twists and heart. Her award-winning short script, The Call Out, led to a spot in 2023's WeScreenplay's Shorts Lab, while her TV pilot Alternate was awarded an Ian Potter Emerging Artist Grant to attend the 2024 Stowe Lab Writers Retreat in Connemara, Co. Galway. In 2020 Wheatley was selected for Screenworks Career Pathway Program ‘Inside The Writers Room' and the ‘Write From Home' initiative run by Screenworks and the AISF. A production designer, illustrator and storyboardist, Jess also holds 1st class honours in her Masters of Screenwriting. When not writing, she works in disability education support and runs D&D on weekends for kids through an NDIS social hub. Check out Jess's Portfolio here! Also check out her Instagram! RESOURCES: AusCare Social Clubs A brief primer if you want to know more about D&D

Writer Alaina Dean joins Jacinta and Lachlan in "the studio" to talk about her approach to literary rejections. She has been undertaking a years long project to get her writing out to as many publications as possible and, in the meantime, accrue 100 rejections! Somehow Alaina managed to find a secret cheat code that allows her to re-frame what it means to succeed. Listen to find out! Resources: https://www.instagram.com/alainaddream/?hl=en https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/alaina-is-aiming-for-100-rejections-she-says-we-should-all-embrace-our-failures-20250402-p5logt.html https://lithub.com/why-you-should-aim-for-100-rejections-a-year/ https://www.clippings.me/users/alainadean https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/21194493.Alaina_Dean https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaina-dean-93867b196/?originalSubdomain=au https://www.goodfriendresumes.com.au/about-1

Welcome back to the Differently Brained soapbox! We have started releasing these on a fortnightly basis, but it seems right to share this one with you all right off the back of part 1. We hope you didn't actually dump your smartphones after listening to the last episode. Especially because in this one Jacinta and Lachlan discuss how they might actually be, you know, kinda good for mental health. Maybe? Just a little?  From accessibility, sensory regulation, and connecting to people when you feel isolated - many of these things are made so much easier with smartphones. Let us know what you think!

It's the 21st Century and Smartphones are commonplace. Perhaps TOO commonplace! In part one of this "deep dive" (into their own personal relationships with smartphones), Jacinta and Lachlan chat about just how much smartphones suck and what they do to their mental health. But we like to be fair (and balanced) at Differently Brained), so make sure to tune in next time for counterarguments to our own arguments. And if you're listening to the episode on your smartphone, wait until after you have finished listening before dumping it!

This is fine. Everything is fine. Doomscrolling -- the very contemporary phenomenon that so many of us just can help but fall victim to! Jacinta and Lachlan chat about what Doomscrolling is, why we do it, what it does to the brain, and maybe how we can mitigate it.   RESOURCES: Mayo Clinic Article: Doomscrolling: Stop the scroll, protect your mental health - Alisa Bowman Wired Article: How to Stop Doomscrolling—With Psychology - Kenneth R Rosen Sharma B., Lee, S. S., & Johnson, B. K. (2022). The Dark at the End of the Tunnel: Doomscrolling on Social Media Newsfeeds. Technology, Mind, and Behavior, 3(1: Spring 2022). https://doi.org/10.1037/tmb0000059 Dr. A. Shaji George, A.S. Hovan George, Dr. T. Baskar, & Dr. M. M. Karthikeyan. (2024). Reclaiming Our Minds: Mitigating the Negative Impacts of Excessive Doomscrolling. Partners Universal Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 1(3), 17–39. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13737987

Sorry for the delay with this one! Today, Jacinta and Lachlan are joined by two guests, the inimitable Clem Bastow and Jo Case! They have just released a beautiful new anthology titled Someone Like Me, which showcases works of creative nonfiction and memoir of Autistic women and gender-diverse people. It was a pleasure to chat with them, and we hope to have them back on the show some day!   Resources: Clem's Bio Jo's Bio   Blindboy Podcast (Episode featuring Paddy Considine)   Heartbreak High   The Boy Who Could Fly   Autistic Culture Podcast (Episode on Hans Christian Andersen)   Harriet the Spy - Louise Fitzhugh   Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery   Little Women - Louisa May Alcott   The Good Place   Parks and Recreation  

Are you in need of some education on ADHD? Or perhaps some advocacy and youth work? Or maybe even a DJ for your event? Well look no further - in today's episode Jacinta talks to Georgia Zentrich, The ADHD Educator.  They discuss ADHD stigma, managing schedules, the challenges posed by the mental health care system, and more (including DJing) Georgia has an Instagram And you can find the resources mentioned in the episode below. REFERENCES:  It's A Lot Podcast with Abby Chatfield Interview with G-Flip William Dodson - Interest Based Nervous System How Simone Biles Turned ADHD into Her Superpower Heartbreak High Geek Girl

This one is a bit late, apologies all! In today's episode, Jacinta tells us all about her recent journey through Europe. How did it affect her? How can neurodivergent people prepare themselves for travel? Was it worth it? Are Jacinta and Lachlan the most beautiful singers you've ever heard? Jump aboard and find out!

Join us in welcoming back Ashley Kalagian Blunt - author, podcaster and friend of the show. In this episode we chat about her brand new book, 'Cold Truth', a tech-noir crime thriller. The conversation delves into the writing process, cybersecurity, technology anxiety, crypto-currency warnings, and more! ASHLEY'S BOOKS: COLD TRUTH — Ashley Kalagian Blunt DARK MODE — Ashley Kalagian Blunt HOW TO BE AUSTRALIAN — Ashley Kalagian Blunt MY NAME IS REVENGE — Ashley Kalagian Blunt   Also, check out the podcast James and Ashley Stay at Home REFERENCES: The Age of Magical Overthinking | Book by Amanda Montell | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster

It's a new year, friends, and a brand new season of Differently Brained! We're really excited to get back into the swing of things and give you all a year's worth of podcast goodness with different brains aplenty. Just like in 2024 we've come up with two new 'guiding words/intentions' for 2025 (No Spoilers as to what we chose, you'll just have to listen!) Welcome back, y'all, we missed you!   REFERENCED IN THE SHOW: 'Not Perfect' by Tim Minchin 9 Life Lessons - Tim Minchin UWA Address  'You Don't Have to Dream' by Tim Minchin (book)

Who's that guy? Who's that guy? It's Rutho! Welcome to the second of our wrap up episodes for 2024. This time, Lachlan looks  back on the year and his intention of "RECALIBRATING". Some of the resources mentioned: The Pulling | Book | Scribe Publications (Adele's Book) WISE Employment | Disability Employment Services | Workforce Australia | NDIS Watch BEEF | Netflix Official Site Lana Eileen (@lana.eileen.art) • Instagram photos and videos | Spotify Profile  

We're back baybeeeeeeee! And not a moment too soon (considering the end of the year is hurtling towards us). In this, our first of two wrap-up episodes, Jacinta reflects on the year that was. Has she, indeed, "BUILT"? Some of the resources mentioned: The Pulling | Book | Scribe Publications (Adele's Book) Simply Happy Organisation - Narelle King - Professional Organiser - Yoga Teacher Candles – Lavender Moon Candle Co Mel Watson - Speaker, Mentor, Burnout & HR Expert

Okay, we know, this one is a bit late and hastily edited, but nevertheless it is here! A supercut of many of our guest episodes from series 1 of Differently Brained sharing their favourite resources and representations dealing with mental health and neurodivergence.  Of course, if you want something more comprehensive, do go back and listen to the full episodes. In speaking order, the guests you will hear from are: Orion Kelly Kay Kerr Matt Bruyninckx Mel Watson Min Lou Kylie Maslen Suzanna Poredos Claudia-Barriga Larrivière Brandon Harvey Steph Liz Cuthbert Miranda Luby Kirk Cetinic Amanda Tattersall Dani Vee Ashley Kalagian Blunt Davina Bell Alicia Elliott Jess and Bonnie Flint Below are links to as many of the resources and references mentioned that can be found: RESOURCES: Amaze — Creating an autism inclusive Australia Always Angelic Aspie Alice (Suzanna Poredos' Podcast) Peer-to-Peer Support - Our Programs - GROW Australia Peer CARE Companion Warmline | Roses in the Ocean Alternatives to Suicide in Australia – Alt2Su – NSW (alt2su-nsw.net)   The Rapids by Sam Twyford-Moore REPRESENTATIONS: Heartbreak High Helen Hoang (author) 

DISCLAIMER: As always it's important to state that we at Differently Brained are not medical professionals, and this episode contains our personal testimonies of being on medication. Furthermore, we have always been staunchly in favour of treatment for mental illness. The experiences in this episode have been shared as a means of conversation, and not for the dissemination of advice or education. _________________ Sometimes the best things in life come with terms and conditions. Jacinta and Lachlan chat about their own experiences of side effects of taking medication. And if you're reading this, don't forget to take your meds!

DISCLAIMER: All information presented in this episode was correct at the time of recording in July of 2024. Since then, some circumstances have changed, namely the Minister for the NDIS. ____________________________________________________________ The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) - great idea, almost consistently failing in practice. There are a lot of folks who have had issues trying to get on to the NDIS, receive their entitlements, and generally not feel like they're a 'burden' on society. Jacinta is one such individual, and this week Lachlan asks her about the gauntlet she ran to try to be approved for the NDIS. We know that there are a lot of other stories out there, too.

It's been discussed before that some neurodivergent folks don't really vibe with idioms. Either they don't understand them, find them frustrating and trite, or don't parse the context together. Jacinta is one such neurodivergent person with this particular pet peeve (is that an idiom?) and Lachlan tests out some of the more egregious examples on her to figure out why.

One of our favourite things to ask our guests on Differently Brained is what resources or media show quality representation.  This time, however, the discussion is all about what shows or movies make us feel comfy and a bit more regulated. In this very short episode you'll hear Jacinta and Lachlan talk about the things they never get tired of watching over and over and over and over and over again.

It's been roughly 18 months since we started this podcast, and we thought it'd be high time to reflect on the process, what we've learned and what we've struggled with. A behind-the -scenes look at Differently Brained. But more than that, this is an episode in which we hype each other.  Love us. Love our show.  

Beau Windon is a neurodivergent author of Wiradjuri heritage who, in a first for Differently Brained, joined us in person for a chat! Beau talks to us about his identity, the creative process as a neurodivergent writer, and his PhD focus on Neurodivergent Aesthetics. Check out Beau's website, containing his writing, here!   Resources: Neuroqueer Heresies by Dr. Nick Walker Phil Smith

Michael is back this week to talk about his 6-year-old daughter who also has an autism diagnosis. He shares the challenges she faced in the schooling system, and the journey to finding a supportive and accommodating school.     

Here at Differently Brained we sometimes make hyperbolic statements. This time is different! Jacinta and Lachlan list their top 3 things (it's a broad category) they can't live without as neurodivergent/mentally ill individuals. It's a short episode this week, but a fun one! Tell us your top three!

This episode is all about a small rural city boy making his way in the big smoke of Melbourne. Lachlan and Jacinta record for the first time in person and talk all about what the trip has been like so far. Talking points: -Public Transport -Grace Cummings -Cold Weather -Smiling and waving at people

For those who don't know, Jacinta Dietrich, 50% of the hosting apparatus comprising 'Differently Brained' is a writer. Not only that, she's writing a YA Novel! But wait, there's more -- she was also awarded a fellowship at The Wheeler Centre in Melbourne to use one of their hot desks to work on her novel. In this episode, we chat about that experience, how it accommodated both creatively and neurologically, and generally just hype Jacinta - join us! How to find us  Follow us on Instagram Join our private Facebook community Follow us on Twitter Check out our website Shoot us an email to differentlybrainedpodcast@gmail.com Follow our personal stuff - @jacintadietrich & @ruthooftheloch   About the podcast Differently Brained shares the opinions of individuals and does not consider your personal circumstances. Differently Brained exists purely for information purposes and should not be relied on as health or medical advice. Because no brain is the same, please consult your healthcare professional for your personal medical needs. The Differently Brained team acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which we record, edit and stream this podcast. We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples and their Elders past, present and emerging. We extend that respect to all First Nations cultures and their ongoing connection to the lands, waterways and communities.

As the month of June draws to a close and the year relentlessly lurches forward, Jacinta and Lachlan look back at their wins and losses of the month, as well  as the wins and losses of the community. Other discussion points include: -Substituting ingredients in recipes -New Zealand Souvenirs -Pitching a new segment (with a bad name)

We know, we're a bit late to the party with this one! In this episode we chat with Paula, otherwise known in certain circles as Jacinta's mum! Paula tells us about C-PTSD and her wonderful work as a Lived Experience Worker.    

Jacinta and Lachlan chat with Dr. Romi Fried, an autistic dentist passionate about  making dentistry more accessible!     This is Dr Trudy Lin who I mentioned during our chat: https://trudysmile.net/about-dr-trudy-lin/    & as promised, some accounts that I'd recommend from the gram (in the dental-sphere) -->  https://www.instagram.com/drbethanystoothtales?igsh=YXk5Z21nbGJnMDhv   https://www.instagram.com/_the_tooth_fairy_?igsh=NG12eTdycjlpaHE5   and mine (@theneurodivergentdentist)   and I mentioned this one when I spoke about the pie chart     https://www.instagram.com/livedexperienceeducator?igsh=MWV3cHZndmt4bmo2NA==

Regional journalist and writer Simon McCarthy drops by to talk about anxiety, work, and trying to figure out his different brain. Simon McCarthy is a journalist working at the Newcastle Herald in NSW. He writes news, features and produces video and multimedia for the Herald and the Weekender magazine, and he contributes regularly to the Newcastle Herald's daily Topics column. He is a photographer, writer, and co-creator of the Toohey's News Podcast. He's also one of the Differently Brained team's oldest friends. Check out some of the things we mention in this week's episode: Simon McCarthy, Newcastle Herald The Newcastle Herald's Topics column Find Simon on Instagram David Foster Wallace 'This is Water' commencement speech Elif Batuman on Longform Elif Batuman: 'Japan's Rent-a-Family Industry'   HOW TO FIND US Join our private Facebook community Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Twitter Check out our website Shoot us an email to differentlybrainedpodcast@gmail.com Follow our personal stuff - @jacintadietrich & @ruthooftheloch CREDITS This episode was produced by Lachlan Rutherford and Jacinta Dietrich. ABOUT DIFFERENTLY BRAINED Differently Brained shares the opinions of individuals and does not consider your personal circumstances. Differently Brained exists purely for information purposes and should not be relied on as health or medical advice. Because no brain is the same, please consult your healthcare professional for your personal medical needs. The Differently Brained team acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which we record, edit and stream this podcast. We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples and their Elders part, present and emerging. We extend that respect to all First Nations cultures and their ongoing connection to the lands, waterways and communities.

Another one from the archive! Jacinta and Lachlan were lucky enough to chat with Greens senator Jordon Steele-John not once but twice last year!  In this episode, the ins and outs of the ADHD Senate Report are discussed (and despite the findings, ADHDers are still facing a slew of issues in 2024!) How to find us  Follow us on Instagram Join our private Facebook community Follow us on Twitter Check out our website Shoot us an email to differentlybrainedpodcast@gmail.com Follow our personal stuff - @jacintadietrich & @ruthooftheloch   About the podcast Differently Brained shares the opinions of individuals and does not consider your personal circumstances. Differently Brained exists purely for information purposes and should not be relied on as health or medical advice. Because no brain is the same, please consult your healthcare professional for your personal medical needs. The Differently Brained team acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which we record, edit and stream this podcast. We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples and their Elders past, present and emerging. We extend that respect to all First Nations cultures and their ongoing connection to the lands, waterways and communities.

You may have heard this one before - or maybe not! Either way, it's well worth a listen. In one of our most popular episodes we sat down to chat with Kay Kerr about her book 'Love & Autism' which, given the timing (a week after Valentine's Day) seemed like a good reason to do an encore.   Original Episode Description: In this episode, Jacinta and Lachlan interview Kay Kerr about her new book Love & Autism. Love & Autism presents an uplifting celebration of neurodivergent love, the search for it and a deeper look into the lives of autistic Australians. We chat to Kay about where the idea came from, the interview and drafting process, autistic affirmation and joy, and what she thinks lies ahead for the next generation of autistics.    About our guest Kay Kerr is an autistic author and journalist from the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Her debut novel Please Don't Hug Me (2020) was shortlisted for Book of the Year for Older Children at the Australian Book Industry Awards in 2021, and listed as a ‘Notable Book' by the Children's Book Council of Australia. Her second novel, Social Queue, was released with Text Publishing in October 2021. Kay's freelance writing has appeared in The Guardian, SBS Voices, Daily Life, Broadsheet, and Peppermint Magazine, amongst others. She writes about autistic representation, disability, parenting, pop culture, gardening, and feelings. Kay's new book Love & Autism is out now.    Representations & resources Kay's website Please Don't Hug Me Social Queue Love & Autism The Overshare Clem Bastow's Late Bloomer Chloe Hayden's Different, Not Less Tim Chan's & Sarah Chan's Back From the Brink Anna Whateley (Peta Lyre's Rating Normal) Jen Wilde (This Is the Way the World Ends, Queens of Geek, Going Off Script and The Brightsiders) Helen Hoang (The Kiss Quotient, The Bride Test and The Heart Principle) Kate Foster (The Bravest Word, Paws, Harriet Hound, The Unlikely Heroes Club and All the Small Wonderful Things) We're Not Broken by Eric Garcia. You can purchase all of these book titles and more from your local independent bookseller or Booktopia. Please note by purchasing through these Booktopia partner links we are provided a small commission which allows us to continue to provide the podcast at no cost to our audience.    About the podcast Differently Brained shares the opinions of individuals and does not consider your personal circumstances. Differently Brained exists purely for information purposes and should not be relied on as health or medical advice. Because no brain is the same, please consult your healthcare professional for your personal medical needs. The Differently Brained team acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which we record, edit and stream this podcast. We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples and their Elders part, present and emerging. We extend that respect to all First Nations cultures and their ongoing connection to the lands, waterways and communities.

Episode description Valentine's Day is...a lot. Whether you love it, hate it, or are somewhere in between, it's pretty firmly in the collective culture! Jacinta and Lachlan chat about their thoughts on Valentine's day and give a couple of ideas on how to make it more fun/less daunting/more tolerable!   How to find us  Join our private Facebook community Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Twitter Check out our website Shoot us an email to differentlybrainedpodcast@gmail.com Follow our personal stuff - @jacintadietrich & @ruthooftheloch   About the podcast Differently Brained shares the opinions of individuals and does not consider your personal circumstances. Differently Brained exists purely for information purposes and should not be relied on as health or medical advice. Because no brain is the same, please consult your healthcare professional for your personal medical needs. The Differently Brained team acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which we record, edit and stream this podcast. We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples and their Elders part, present and emerging. We extend that respect to all First Nations cultures and their ongoing connection to the lands, waterways and communities.

    About our guest Adele Dumont is an Australian writer and critic. Her work has appeared in Griffith Review, Meanjin, Southerly, ABR, and Sydney Review of Books. Adele's first book, No Man is an Island, is an account of her experiences teaching English to asylum seekers in detention. Her second book, The Pulling, is a work of memoir charting her experience of trichotillomania. Adele's Twitter Adele's website   Representations  Bezoar by Guadalupe Nettel, translated by Rahul Bery   Resources TrichStop website TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors website   How to find us  Join our private Facebook community Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Twitter Check out our website Shoot us an email to differentlybrainedpodcast@gmail.com Follow our personal stuff - @jacintadietrich & @ruthooftheloch   About the podcast Differently Brained shares the opinions of individuals and does not consider your personal circumstances. Differently Brained exists purely for information purposes and should not be relied on as health or medical advice. Because no brain is the same, please consult your healthcare professional for your personal medical needs. The Differently Brained team acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which we record, edit and stream this podcast. We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples and their Elders part, present and emerging. We extend that respect to all First Nations cultures and their ongoing connection to the lands, waterways and communities.  

    About our guest Laura is a disabled writer and bibliophile living on Wurundjeri land. She has a Masters of Professional psychology and works as a plain language and Easy English content writer. Her words have appeared in places such The Age, Kill Your Darlings, ArtsHub, ABC Everyday and The Guardian. She is also a member of the minister-appointed Victorian Disability Advisory Council.   Representations  Palestinian writers Songs of the Living and the Dead  Cerebral Palsy The Amazing Edie Eckhart by Rosie Jones The Heights Bridie McKim Special  Mental health and neurodivergence Crazy Ex-Girlfriend United States of Tara Peta Lyre's Rating Normal by Anna Whateley If I Fall, I Die  Social Queue, Please Don't Hug Me and Love & Autism by Kay Kerr The Bravest Word by Kate Foster  Xavier in the Meantime by Kate Gordon How to find us  Join our private Facebook community Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Twitter Check out our website Shoot us an email to differentlybrainedpodcast@gmail.com Follow our personal stuff - @jacintadietrich & @ruthooftheloch   About the podcast Differently Brained shares the opinions of individuals and does not consider your personal circumstances. Differently Brained exists purely for information purposes and should not be relied on as health or medical advice. Because no brain is the same, please consult your healthcare professional for your personal medical needs. The Differently Brained team acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which we record, edit and stream this podcast. We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples and their Elders part, present and emerging. We extend that respect to all First Nations cultures and their ongoing connection to the lands, waterways and communities.