The Special Interest

We're back (for real this time! :D) Yaaaay!!!Come hang out on April 17th @ 7PM EST on zoom (link will be posted on patreon, sign up to join!)What do you think of our new theme song!? Made by our pod pal Peter Filippi!Thanks for listening

Happy Friday the 13th homies!!!!! In episode sixty-four, Rachel Ambrose of Porch Light Coaching, rejoins Karly in the pod space to talk about their spiritual journeys, the importance of learning how to tune into your intuition and all the paths that may lead you... Thank you for listening. Check out episode 28, to hear the first time Rachel was on. https://open.spotify.com/show/7bDVnVjFnWEwXalSWhI2hH Connect with Rachel: IG: @porch.light.coaching linktree: https://linktr.ee/porchlightcoaching?utm_source=linktree_profile_share Connect with us to share your stories, to join the community, or are in need of peer support- Email: pod.thespecialinterest@gmail.com IG: @thespecialinterestpod / rewildtoreroot Join our Patreon (all tiers get access to monthly virtual meetups): patreon.com/TheSpecialInterestPodcast Discord: https://discord.gg/vn6RGPdqrT

Let go + Love. Thank you for listening!

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!

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!

It's been a while...how are you doing?

(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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

In episode fifty-two, Alex and Karly introduce you to Matt Nelson! Matt Nelson is the owner of Nelson Voices LLC, which specializes in voiceover services, including commercials, narration, eLearning, IVR (Interactive Voice Recording), promos and live event announcing. He was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 and is AuDHD. He's also a diehard NASCAR fan. In this episode, Matt talks about his voice acting experiences and his special interest. Thank you for listening!

In episode fifty-one, Alex and Karly welcome you back into the podverse! They catch you up on what they have been up to and what to expect for season three. They are excited to share more diverse experiences with you, community opportunities and chances to share your story! Thank you for listening!

In episode fifty, Alex and Karly close out season two with so much gratitude. We talk about people pleasing, gaining confidence from connecting with community, and wrap up with some details of what's to come. We'll be back in March! Thank you for listening! Love you all sooooo much.

In episode forty-nine, Alex and Karly reminisce on past driving memories, talk about the importance of judgment and backstories, and wish you all a warm holiday. Thank you for listening!

In episode forty-eight, Alex and Karly get a little silly while reflecting on this year of unmasking and special interests. Thank you for listening!

In episode forty-seven, Alex and Karly reflect on their weeks, what productive rest feels like verses disassociation, and what makes them feel the most empowered.  Thank you for listening!

In episode forty-six, Alex and Karly share about how they are feeling after the holiday week. They reflect on the process of building self awareness and how exposing yourself to old spaces can be a good time to reflect on how far you've come on your unmasking journey.  Thank you for listening!

In episode forty-five, Alex and Karly introduce the pod to Olivia! Olivia (She/They) of @olivianiedmusic_official is a queer and trans multi instrumentalist who is in the process of recording her debut solo album! Her experiences of being a late diagnosed autistic/ADHDr and being a trans woman, are explored lyrically throughout her original music, and her single off of her upcoming album, in which she lyrically describes herself as a "kaleidoscopic human being that just wants a seat at your lunch table" is available to stream on her website: www.olivianied.com where you can also find out where she'll be playing next! Tune in to hear Olivia discuss her experiences with gender identity, neurodivergence and special interests. Thank you for listening!

In episode forty-four, Alex and Karly celebrate ONE whole year of The Special Interest Podcast!! We are so grateful for the community we have built, the people we have connected with and for the space to share our voices. Thank you so much for being a part of our dream. Stay listening for our surprise new offerings. If you're tuning in before 11/11, DM us “INTEREST” to gain early access. See you there! Thank you for listening!

In episode forty-three, Alex and Karly introduce the pod to Alyssa, of Alyssa's Yellow House. Alyssa is a neurodivergent home organization strategist who works with people who have ADHD and autism, as well as others struggling with conventional organization techniques, to take the shame and anxiety out of home organization and build successful systems that work for them so they can stop stressing and truly relax in their space. She knows the story, since she struggled for years with self-blame, stress, and shame around her disorganization. But after being late-diagnosed neurodivergent, she began to think about organization differently and discovered a better way. Now, she wants everyone to know organizing doesn't have to be one-size-fits-all and with the right tools you can create a restful, organized home. Tune in for all of Alyssa's tips, advice for late discovered autistics and her autistic glimmer. Thank you for listening!

In episode forty-two, Alex and Karly meet with Victoria Ellen. Victoria Ellen is an AuDHD, ND & chronically ill content creator. She is a published author and PhD student. Her authentic content is full of colour and aims to bring happiness and comfort to others. In this episode, she talks about her autism journey, her workbooks created for autistics and shares advice. Thank you for listening!

In episode forty-one, Alex and Karly are joined by guest, Tenacity. Tenacity Plys is a nonbinary writer based in Brooklyn, with publications in Bullshit Lit, Alien Buddha, Word Gathering, and Defunkt. Xe has been nominated for a Pushcart and a Best of the Net. Xir first novella, Family Curse - Field Notebooks (1880 - 2020) is available now from Bottlecap Press. You can find more of xir work at tenacityplys.com! Thank you for listening!

In episode forty, Alex and Karly have a very free flowing conversation, touching on the topics of unmasking, advocating at the doctor's office and their current hyperfixations. Thank you for listening!

In episode thirty-nine, Alex and Karly dive into their experiences with ABA. We encourage you to listen with an open mind and form your own opinion on this very controversial topic. *A trigger warning is provided. If this topic is too sensitive for you, we understand and we will catch up with you again next week. Thank you for listening!

In episode thirty-eight, Alex and Karly talk extensively about the feeling of being lonely. Thank you for listening!

In episode thirty-seven, Alex and Karly discuss what it's like setting social boundaries, burnout and sensory overwhelm. Thank you for listening!

In episode thirty-six, Alex and Karly discuss style and how it has changed since unmasking. One word: Overalls! Thank you for listening!

In episode thirty-five, Alex and Karly discuss safe foods, preferences in eating and PICKLES! Thank you for listening!

In episode thirty-four, Karly talks about her current situation, of going through Hurricane Idalia. She talks about anxiety and ways to cope when faced with unknown life events. Thank you for listening!

In episode thirty-three, Alex and Karly talk about the confusing language and depths of idioms and black and white thinking. Share your examples for us to analyze in future episodes! Thank you for listening!

 In episode thirty-two, we welcome Olivia onto the pod. Olivia shares all about her special interests- the band, Incubus, art and cats!! Tune in to feel the joy and passion of Olivia, it is seriously contagious. Thank you for listening!

In episode thirty-one, Karly dives into her special interest- CREATIVITY!!! She has been on a journey of connecting with her inner creative, through the program, The Artist's Way. She talks about how her creative journey relates to unmasking, shares shame and stay tuned until the end to hear her special announcement. Thank you for listening!

 In episode thirty, we welcome Monica Diaz, of Autistic Freedom. Monica is a late-diagnosed autistic, who offers support to other autistics through her coaching business. Tune in to hear about Monica's experiences and her special interests! Thank you for listening!

In episode twenty-nine, Alex and Karly tune in to say hi. Then Alex is given the space to info dump all about her special interests- SLOTHS!! Tune in for a fun and joyful time. Thank you for listening!

In episode twenty-eight, we meet Rachel. Rachel is a queer, neurodivergent, non-binary, ADHD coach, who runs Porch Light Coaching. She talks about her experience learning she is Autistic in her early thirties, provides many amazing resources and also shares her special interest! Thank you for listening!

In episode twenty-seven, we introduce our first guest of season two!! We are so excited for you to meet Morgan! Morgan was diagnosed, Autistic and ADHD when she was 20 years old. She was took by surprise, but dove into researching more about autism to learn about herself. As a senior in college, she struggled with autism burnout and had to redirect her path to accommodate her needs. Morgan is now an autism advocate who shares her experiences online. Follow her journey on Instagram and Tik Tok. Thank you for listening!

Welcome back to the pod, pals! We are so excited for season two of The Special Interest Pod! This season you can expect for us to address harder topics, host more guests and continue to unmask ourselves. In this episode, we welcome you all back and share what we've been up to. We look forward to connecting with you this season! Thank you for listening!

In episode twenty five, we wrap up season one and say tata for now. We are so grateful for this experience and connecting with so many beautiful minds. We can't wait to come back for season two with more interviews and more autistic stories. Thank you for listening!

In episode twenty-four we discuss what lead us to receiving a clinical diagnosis after self identifying, what happened post diagnosis and how we feel about self diagnosing. Thank you for listening!

In episode twenty-three, we discuss one of the greatest feelings of all time-AUTISTIC JOY! Thank you for listening!

In episode twenty-two, we discuss the origin of the puzzle piece. Once you know, you can't forget. We provide some resources and preferred symbols to use to show your support for autistics during this autism awareness/acceptance month. Thank you for listening!

In episode twenty-one, we shout out Autism Acceptance week, discuss the upcoming Autism Acceptance/Awareness month and go over the helpfulness of body doubling. Stay for the end to hear a poem by Ava Gallagher and some updates about the pod. Thank you for listening!

In episode twenty, we discuss more of our aha moments since discovering we are autistic. This journey is about constantly learning and implementing what we've learned to ease some of the struggles. Thank you for listening!

Welcome to The Special Interest Podcast! We are Alex and Karly, two late-diagnosed autistic women, bringing our stories and special interests to you, to help broaden the spectrum. In episode nineteen, we give an update on what we've been up to, celebrate some exciting news and events coming up and also reflect on our interviews. Thank you for listening!

Welcome to The Special Interest Podcast! We are Alex and Karly, two late-diagnosed autistic women, bringing our stories and special interests to you, to help broaden the spectrum. In episode eighteen, we meet Tommy! Tommy is an autistic adult male, who enjoys gaming, connecting with the autistic community and is a life coach for autistics. Thank you for listening!

Welcome to The Special Interest Podcast! We are Alex and Karly, two late-diagnosed autistic women, bringing our stories and special interests to you, to help broaden the spectrum. In episode seventeen, we meet Zoe! She is an autistic woman, activist, researcher and therapist. She talks about attachment theory and ways therapists can provide space for their autistic clients. Thank you for listening!

Welcome to The Special Interest Podcast! We are Alex and Karly, two late-diagnosed autistic women, bringing our stories and special interests to you, to help broaden the spectrum. In episode sixteen, we discuss how our lives are continuing to change, Karly's recent experience going to Disney World and how immersing ourselves in 'childlike' activities has helped to heal our inner children. Thank you for listening!

Welcome to The Special Interest Podcast! We are Alex and Karly, two late-diagnosed autistic women, bringing our stories and special interests to you, to help broaden the spectrum. In episode fifteen, we discuss our thoughts on using our voices. We talk about strengthening and growing confidence with our voices, conversing with our voices and our writing voice. Thank you for listening!