Beyond 6 Seconds

Why has public discourse about autism been dominated by non-autistic voices? And, what’s been happening recently to change this? My guest Eric Garcia breaks this down in today’s episode! Eric is a journalist based in Washington DC and the senior Washington correspondent for The Independent. He is also the author of the book, “We’re Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation” which was published in 2021. During this episode, you will hear Eric talk about: Why non-autistic voices have traditionally dominated the public conversation about autism How government policies have shaped and evolved the public’s perceptions about autism Including a wide variety of autistic people’s experiences in his book – including non-speaking autistic people – as well as his own experiences as an autistic Latino man How writing this book helped him confront some of his own biases – and what he learned about becoming a better ally and learning from criticism Where the public can find accurate information about autism and the auti

For World Autism Day, I’ve recorded a solo episode where I explain how my thinking has evolved about the word “autistic” – how I was once scared of it, how I overcame my outdated views and biases associated with it, and why now I consider “autistic” to be a powerful word that I’m proud to claim as part of my identity. I share why I prefer identity-first language over person-first language when describing my autistic self, and why we should let individuals choose how they want to describe themselves. What other topics should I discuss on a solo episode? If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please let me know! Get in touch through my website www.beyond6seconds.net/contact/ or on social media. Watch the video of this interview on YouTube! Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes! Click here for the episode transcript. *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and

As a child, Ariel Henley's face was compared to a Picasso painting. This horrifying comment didn’t come from a schoolyard bully. It was written in a magazine article about Ariel and her experience growing up with Crouzon syndrome, a congenital condition that affects the shape of her face. From that day forward, Ariel was determined to tell her story. She transformed that insult into the title of her new memoir, “A Face for Picasso.” Tune into my latest episode to hear Ariel talk about her book, as well as: Her story of growing up with Crouzon syndrome The pain and harassment she faced Finding self-acceptance Her advocacy for face equality and authentic media representation of people with facial differences and other disabilities To find out more about Ariel and her work, visit her website at www.arielhenley.com and order her memoir, “A Face for Picasso.”   Watch the video of this interview on YouTube! Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes! Click here for the epis

At his first job as a TV host, Seamus Evans disclosed his Tourette Syndrome. That revelation almost ended his dream career. Fortunately Seamus didn’t lose his job. In fact, he spent the next 13 years in his dream career, entertaining his fellow Australians as a TV and radio personality. Now he is an ambassador for Tourette Syndrome Association Australia and a keynote speaker who shares his story to inspire and encourage kids and adults with Tourette’s. In this episode, Seamus talks about his experience growing up with Tourette’s, how he taught himself to transform his tics (both on and off the air), how his sense of humor helps him in social situations, and why he encourages everyone to embrace their flaws – because in Seamus’ words, “normal is boring.” To learn more about Seamus and his work, you can find him at the following links below: SeamusEvans.com Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Watch the video of this interview on YouTube! Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes

For 25 years, Ruth Rathblott hid her limb difference. She doesn't hide it anymore. As she explained in her recent TEDx Talk: when she stopped hiding, she found freedom. Ruth has been a leader in nonprofit organizations for more than 25 years, with 15 years at Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, and more than eight years as CEO of the Harlem Educational Activities Fund. She currently serves as a Board Member of The Lucky Fin Project. She speaks about inclusion and diversity, the gifts of being unique and the freedom that comes with accepting your differences. During this episode, you will hear Ruth talk about: Her decision to start hiding her limb difference as a teenager, and how it impacted her mental and physical health for decades The people in her life who encouraged her to stop hiding and start sharing her personal experience with disability The chance encounter in a store where she first learned about the wider community of people with limb differences How people have reacted to seeing her limb

Ayanna Davis, also known as phenomenallyautistic on social media, is an autism advocate who was born & raised in Westchester County, New York. Along with being autistic, she has survived over 300 seizures, is living with chronic illnesses and has 3 autoimmune diseases. She is passionate about spreading her messages of self love, joy, equality, diversity, inclusion, and autism awareness & acceptance through the arts. She is also a children’s book illustrator, designer, former choreographer, and lover of all performing arts. During this episode, you will hear Ayanna talk about: How her love of the arts helped her while growing up as a Black girl with undiagnosed autism Her work as a children’s book illustrator and a choreographer The challenges Black women face when trying to get an autism diagnosis Living with chronic illnesses during the pandemic Her goals for her art and advocacy To find out more about her work, you can find Ayanna at @phenomenallyautistic on Instagram and TikTok and check out her

Alex Gilbert is a New Yorker, a Mets fan, a yogi, and a brunch enthusiast. She also has dyslexia and ADHD. After spending her career working in leadership development, she started Cape-Able Consulting, a consulting and coaching business that helps adults with learning disabilities and/or ADHD who are struggling in their careers. Her biggest goal in creating Cape-Able Consulting is to change the stigma surrounding learning. During this episode, you will hear Alex talk about: Her experiences with teachers, both positive and negative, during her school years How she uses the concepts of “best principles” and “superpowers” to help her clients succeed in their careers How she learned to advocate for herself at work, and how she helps her clients advocate for themselves at their workplaces What inspired her to start her own business How workplace accommodations for learning disabled employees can help everyone in the workplace If you want to know more about Alex and her work, check out her website at capeablecons

Rosemary Richings is a writer, author, panel member of Dyspraxia Magazine, and co-founder of Dyspraxic Alliance, a global online support network by and for dyspraxics. When she was four years old, she was diagnosed with dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder). In 2014, Rosemary started her own freelance writing business to reduce the stress of finding an accessible work environment. Her debut book, “Stumbling Through Space and Time: My Life So Far with Dyspraxia” is being published in the fall of 2022. Recently, Rosemary joined the board of trustees of Dyspraxic Me, a peer group for dyspraxic youth. During this episode, you will hear Rosemary talk about: Her dyspraxia diagnosis, and how dyspraxia affected her at school Her struggle to find a supportive working environment where she could truly thrive How she developed her longtime passion for writing into a freelance writing business What had inspired her to write her book about dyspraxia, and how social media connected her to a publisher To find ou

Before Kelly Coons was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of thirteen, she had a coming-of-age story that was mostly deemed as neurotypical. However, she always felt isolated and, until her diagnosis, believed that she was to blame. After her diagnosis, Kelly became passionate about disability advocacy and promoting autistic pride. Today she is an autism advocate and a novelist who studied English at Smith College. During this episode, you will hear Kelly talk about: Growing up with two autistic brothers – and how she got her own autism diagnosis How Kelly learned she is autistic – a year after her parents and teachers already knew Her autism advocacy – and why she likes answering people’s questions about autism most of the time Life as an autistic college student The story behind her novel, All Ways, and how it counteracts common literary narratives about autism by centering autistic experiences and voices To find out more about Kelly and her work, check out her website, learn more about he

Feeling frustrated and alone, Natalie Brooks started posting on Instagram about her struggles as a dyslexic adult in the workplace. She soon realized that her experiences resonated deeply with dyslexic adults around the world -- and it inspired her to expand her social media following into a global online community! Through her company, Dyslexia in Adults, Natalie has built a supportive and collaborative community where dyslexic adults discuss the challenges and strengths of their dyslexia. During this episode, you will hear Natalie talk about: How a working environment that benefits dyslexic employees can also benefit everyone at work Her own struggles with self-doubt and low self-confidence at work Why she decided to share her struggles on social media, and how that led her to create a supportive online community for dyslexic adults How she handles her imposter syndrome when it comes to talking about her company Her perspectives on common dyslexic strengths For more information about Natalie and her work,

2021 has been quite a year for me -- and my experiences this year have given me new clarity on what I want to focus on with this podcast. I'm excited to share these new developments with you! Tune into this episode to hear about the new direction I'll be taking with Beyond 6 Seconds starting in 2022, and the personal news that's driving this change.    Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to my latest podcast episodes! *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not represent those of my employer or other organizations.*

I recorded this episode with my friend Corinna Bellizzi at the She Podcasts Live conference in October 2021. Corinna hosts the Care More. Be Better. podcast and was a guest on my show a few months ago. In this episode, Corinna interviews me about the why behind Beyond 6 Seconds, including the importance of going beyond the initial 6 seconds of our first impressions. We also discuss our podcasting journeys and how we work to peek behind the veil and get to the truth behind the story in our interview format shows. We also share our key takeaways from She Podcasts Live. This interview originally aired on the Care More. Be Better. podcast and then on the Femcasters podcast.   Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes! Click here for the episode transcript.   *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not represent those of my employer or other organizations.*  

Travis Davis remembers the first time he realized the impact of sharing his story -- a simple lunchtime conversation that encouraged him to start talking about his life with cerebral palsy. Since that pivotal conversation, Travis has become a TEDx speaker, podcaster and local disability advocate in New Mexico. He has a bachelor’s degree in English, a master’s degree in Adapted Physical Education, and is ADA Coordinator certified. In this episode, Travis talks about that lunchtime encounter, as well as: When he was a substitute teacher, why he encouraged his students to ask him questions about his disability The chance meeting on an airplane that introduced him to wheelchair basketball Why he started his "Off The Crutch Podcast" about his experiences with cerebral palsy To learn more about Travis and his work, you can find him at the following links: TravisDavis.net Facebook Instagram EqualSteps.org consulting services Off the Crutch Podcast   Watch the video of this interview on YouTube! Subscribe to the FR

Margaux Wosk is a non-binary, autistic artist residing in Canada, and the owner of Retrophiliac, their own art business. They are bridging the gap between activism, advocacy and art to bring a message of acceptance to the world. During this episode, you will hear Margaux talk about: What led them to create their art business, Retrophiliac, after many years of being a self-taught artist The story behind the Neurodiversity Pride Infinity Rainbow pin – the first pin design they created How their art has helped amplify their advocacy for disabled small business owners To find out more about Margaux and their work, you can find them on the following links down below: Navigating Life website Retrophiliac Etsy store Retrophiliac on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter Watch the video of this interview on YouTube! Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes! Click here for the episode transcript.   *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Secon

Jasmine Crowe is an award-winning social entrepreneur, TED Speaker, and leader who is working to make the world a better place one cause at a time. In 2017, after years of feeding people experiencing homelessness from her own kitchen, she launched Goodr, a sustainable waste management company that leverages technology to combat hunger and reduce food waste. She has been featured on CNBC, Oprah Magazine, Inc., Forbes, Fast Company, the NY Times, and was named by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top 100 influential female founders. Under her direction, Goodr has redirected over 12 million pounds of surplus food from restaurants, event centers, airports, and businesses to the millions of people who are food insecure. Goodr clients include SAP, Turner Broadcasting, Hartsfield Jackson Airport, Six Flags Over Georgia, and many more. During this episode, you will hear Jasmine talk about: What makes Goodr different from a food pantry How Goodr works with large venues and local non-profits to distribute food to pe

TW: Mentions of suicidal ideation, death from cancer Kathleen Brown was diagnosed with a rare cancer at the age of 13. While her cancer battle was enormously challenging, she felt completely unprepared for the mental health and emotional struggles that came with it: dark feelings, isolation, trauma and loss. This difficult experience inspired Kathleen to found buddhi, a digital platform with content, community and curated products for cancer thrivers and their family and friends. With buddhi, she is on a mission to support healing across the entire cancer experience. It's a place to bring your realness and leave toxic positivity at the door. Before founding buddhi, Kathleen worked for more than 25 years on behalf of the cancer community in fundraising and advocacy, for organizations including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and The V Foundation. Prior to St. Jude, she spent a decade in advertising sales with Disney/ESPN and Comcast. During this episode, you will hear Kathleen talk about: Her story of g

In this episode I’m talking with Jacob Ratliff, a Client Attraction Coach and entrepreneur, about bringing your authenticity into your business. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Jacob used his identity and lived experiences as the catalyst for creating his business, where he helps entrepreneurs increase brand awareness and visibility, create meaningful engagement, and maintain long-term clients.  Jacob struggled with being authentic in his business at first. We’ll learn how he stepped into his authentic self and found success, and as a result, is able to help his clients lean into their authentic, confident, empowered selves to grow their businesses.  Stay tuned to hear Jacob’s advice for getting more clarity and alignment in your business as an entrepreneur! And if you find this episode helpful, then please share it — or let me know how you’ve used authenticity to succeed in your own business. During this episode, you will hear Jacob talk about: Discovering his entrepreneurial spirit at five years

Minda Harts is the CEO of The Memo LLC and the award-winning and best-selling author of “The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table.” In 2020, Minda was named the #1 Top Voice for Equity in the Workplace by Linkedin. She’s been featured on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, Fast Company, The NY Times, and Time Magazine, to name a few. Minda also speaks on topics like managing diverse teams, courageous leadership, and advancing women of color in the workplace. During this episode, you will hear Minda talk about: How her own experience with job-related trauma and racism inspired her to write a career book for women of color -- despite being told that there was no market for a book on this topic Some of the less-examined causes of “imposter syndrome” at work How to build your network in a hybrid workplace or fully remote workplace Why Minda uses the term “success partner” instead of ally -- and how managers and coworkers can be success partners for women of color at work What inspired the topics

"Move forward. Step back and recalibrate. Move forward again." This is how Doug Stevenson, CEO of Story Theater International, has built a successful life and career as a storyteller, keynote speaker, trainer, and coach. Doug is a masterful storyteller, but his true gift is helping people become engaging storytellers and unforgettable leaders. He is the author of Doug Stevenson’s Story Theater Method, and has delivered storytelling keynotes and workshops for leadership, sales, training, marketing, and HR teams in the US and in 17 other countries. In this episode, Doug shares: How his background as an actor and real estate agent led him to his passion for public speaking and storytelling The stories in his own life that have led him to “move forward, step back and recalibrate, move forward again” The power of finding and sharing the meaningful moments in life, no matter how small How he teaches corporate leaders to tell stories that improve their performance and communications How the pandemic forced him to s

After 28 years as a highly skilled employee, David Shriner-Cahn was told that his job was over. In spite of the immediate trauma and fear, he knew that as his next step, he’d rather work for himself and have more control over his destiny. That was in 2006. Today, David is a thriving entrepreneur, podcaster and speaker. He guides high achieving professionals who yearn to impact the world with their knowledge and creativity by becoming successful consultants or coaches, following long careers as employees. He also hosts two podcasts: Smashing the Plateau, which focuses on how to overcome roadblocks and generate long-term business success, and Going Solo, which explores how to reinvent yourself as an entrepreneur after a late-career job loss. During this episode, you will hear David talk about: His career journey from engineer to entrepreneur His own experience with job loss -- and how he coped and moved forward from it How he learned about business development and marketing to be a more successful entrepreneur