Autistic Culture Presents...

In this episode, Vicki sits down with her longtime friend and collaborator TJ Berden — filmmaker, producer, and one of her people — for a conversation twenty years in the making.They talk about finding your people in Hollywood, what it means to have big dreams and a big heart in a town that wants to know if it's sellable, and what it looks like to stay true to your values across two decades of an industry that keeps changing the rules. They also talk about neurodivergent creatives — what TJ calls pearl divers — and what it means to make work that goes to the depths of human experience.This is a conversation about traumedy, friendship, identity, and why the stories that are hardest to tell are usually the ones most worth making.ABOUT TJTJ Berden is a filmmaker and producer based in Michigan. He has produced films distributed by major studios and made documentaries on subjects ranging from prison reform to education reform to faith. His current project is Cinderella Nun — a documentary about Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the 106-year-old nun and New York Times bestselling author who became one of the most beloved figures in college basketball.Cinderella Nun: https://www.cinderellanun.com/SUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might need it.Hat on a Hat on a Hat (Substack): https://ahatonahatonahat.substack.com/Donations are gratefully accepted and help keep this show going at whatever pace is sustainable.Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/vickipeterson✍️ Subscribe now to hear future episodes.🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com🌐 Learn more about the network at AutisticCulturePodcastNetwork.com

In this episode of Two Mics, No Masking, Katie Scott and Jenna Goldstein unpack the hidden assumptions behind behaviorism and ask what happens when society decides there's only one "right" way to think, behave, and exist.Together they explore why expecting neurodivergent people to conform can be deeply harmful, particularly for children, and challenge the belief that outward behaviour tells the whole story. Through personal reflection and honest conversation, Katie and Jenna examine what changes when we move beyond compliance and begin valuing different ways of experiencing the world.🎙️ Subscribe now to hear future episodes.🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com🌐 Learn more about the network at AutisticCulturePodcastNetwork.com

In this episode of Creative Becoming, Helen and Elizabeth explore how life's unexpected disruptions can become catalysts for creativity. Elizabeth shares her progress in quieting her inner critic and finding joy in drawing flowers, while Helen reflects on how her graphic art diaries became a lifeline during some of her most challenging experiences.Together they discuss how artists have used uncertainty, chance, and disruption as creative tools, and how adapting to unexpected circumstances can open new pathways for self-expression. The conversation also explores stimming, emotional regulation, and the ways creativity can help us navigate periods of change.In this episode:Creativity through disruption and changeArtists who embrace chance and unpredictabilityHelen's experience of creativity during a long hospital stayFinding creative space while away from homeTurning setbacks into new artistic opportunitiesUnderstanding stimming and emotional regulationResources and LinksHelen's graphic diary archive: https://arted.online/blog/diaries/Graphic diary template: https://arted.online/toolbox/resource-diary-template/The 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture: https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/p/the-10-pillars-revisited-episodeInformation about stimming from the National Autistic Society: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/about-autism/repeated-movements-and-behaviour-stimmingContact: creativebecomingpod@gmail.comSupportIf you are experiencing distress, please contact your GP or a relevant support service in your area.DisclaimerCreative Becoming is connected to Helen Shaddock's practice-based PhD, "Welcome to My Messy World": A practice-based, messy auto-ethnographic artistic exploration into multimedia storytelling as an integral method towards creative becoming.🎨Subscribe now to hear future episodes.🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com🌐 Learn more about the network at AutisticCulturePodcastNetwork.com

In this episode of Regulation Station, Becca Engle is joined by autism care specialist, author, and advocate Carra Dixon to discuss inclusion, education, and the power of early understanding.Carra shares the experience that inspired her children's book series Malia Makes a Friend and reflects on the importance of teaching children about autism from an early age. Together, Becca and Carra explore the role educators play in supporting autistic students, the need for greater neurodiversity education, and how small moments of understanding can create lasting change.The conversation also examines friendship, acceptance, advocacy, and why meaningful inclusion extends beyond the classroom into parks, restaurants, and everyday community spaces. In this episode: Why autism acceptance must go beyond awareness  Teaching children about neurodiversity from an early age  Supporting autistic students in educational settings  The role of educators as both teachers and nurturers  Friendship, belonging, and inclusion  Creating sensory-friendly community spaces  Advocacy, activism, and creating change  How stories can help children understand differences Guest:Carra Dixon is an autism care specialist, advocate, and author of the Malia Makes a Friend children's book series, which helps children learn about autism, friendship, and inclusion through relatable stories and characters.🚂 Subscribe now to hear future episodes.🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com🌐 Learn more about the network at AutisticCulturePodcastNetwork.com

In this episode of Theatrically Authentic, Sarah Atherton-Knight and Simon Scott explore what happens when audiences recognise neurodivergence in a character… but the script never says it out loud.From beloved fan favourites to controversial portrayals, they discuss why certain characters resonate so deeply with neurodivergent audiences — and where the line exists between meaningful representation and harmful caricature.Along the way, Simon and Sarah unpack echolalia, justice sensitivity, hyperfocus, catastrophising, masking, sensory overwhelm, and why so many neurodivergent performers are drawn to emotionally heightened storytelling.📢 Subscribe now to hear future episodes.🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com🌐 Learn more about the network at AutisticCulturePodcastNetwork.com

Welcome to This Week in Autistic CultureWelcome to another edition of This Week in Autistic Culture, our Sunday magazine that brings together the stories, conversations, and ideas shaping Autistic culture each week.This week we’re exploring the power of shared passions and community, from Simon’s unforgettable experience seeing My Chemical Romance at Wembley to the excitement of the FIFA World Cup as it reaches its dramatic conclusion. We also share opportunities from our Community Noticeboard, celebrate projects happening across the Autistic community, and take a look at another packed week of new programmes from across the Autistic Culture Podcast Network.🎧 Start Here: Autistic Culture RadioMonday 20th July:Theatrically Authentic – Episode 5: Coded But Not Confirmed Sarah Atherton-Knight and Simon Scott explore what happens when audiences recognise neurodivergence in a character… but the script never says it out loud in Theatrically Authentic. From beloved fan favourites to controversial portrayals, they discuss why certain characters resonate so deeply with neurodivergent audiences — and where the line exists between meaningful representation and harmful caricature.Mindful Mondays with Ashley DupuyAshley returns with another mindful reflection and guided meditation to help neurodivergent listeners begin the week with intention and regulation.Tuesday 21st July:Creative Becoming – Episode 4: Catalyst For CreativityHelen and Elizabeth explore how life's unexpected disruptions can become catalysts for creativity in EP4 of Creative BecomingRegulation Station – Episode 5: It Starts with One Child: Creating Inclusive ClassroomsIn this week's episode of Regulation Station, Becca Engle is joined by autism care specialist, author, and advocate Carra Dixon to discuss inclusion, education, and the power of early understanding.Wednesday 22nd July:The Neurocomplex Creative– Episode 3: Big Hearts, Hollywood DreamsVicki sits down with her longtime friend and collaborator TJ Berden — filmmaker, producer, and one of her people — for a conversation twenty years in the making on EP3 of The Neurocomplex Creative.Two Mics No Masking - Episode 2: Behaviourism as the Ultimate Human HubrisKatie Scott and Jenna Goldstein unpack the hidden assumptions behind behaviourism and ask what happens when society decides there’s only one “right” way to think, behave, and exist, in our new show Two Mics No Masking.Thursday 23rd July:Autistic Rant Hour – Episode 6: Accessibility Across DisabilitiesThis week on Autistic Rant Hour, Dr Gal rants about Accessibility Across Disabilities - with guest Tal(y) Wozner (pronouns: she/her), filmmaker and queer and disability activist.The Neurodivergent Experience - Episode 120Jordan James and Simon Scott return for a conversation about the Neurodivergent Experience!Friday 24th July:Hot Topic FridayA new discussion from The Neurodivergent Experience team, tackling a fresh topic from the world of neurodivergence.NEW SHOW - Under The Lights: March MadnessUnder the lights with Turrell Burgess arrives, counting down the biggest sports moments from the NCAA Men’s basketball tournament, better known as March Madness.📚 From the Archive - Saturday 25th JulyAutistic Culture Podcast Rewind – Apple is AutisticRewind with an Autistic Culture Podcast classic, as we reframe Hans Christian Andersen—not as the “awkward, difficult” writer he’s often portrayed to be, but as a figure whose life and work reflect Autistic culture.Please rate, share and review our shows, as it helps them grow and reach more people! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, hosts Dr. Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry, LPP explore how Steve Jobs’ Autistic traits shaped Apple’s revolutionary success.🎧 What You’ll Learn:How Jobs’ attention to design details—every bevel, chamfer, and colour shade—reflects Autistic hyperfocus and precision.Why his personal uniform of black turtlenecks and jeans embodies Autistic values of simplicity, comfort, and consistency.How his dislike of buttons and love of clean design align with Autistic sensory preferences.Why Jobs’ direct communication style was often misunderstood as narcissism, when it was actually clarity and problem-solving.How his practice of Zen Buddhism intersected with special interests in technology to spark ground-breaking creativity.The role of Autistic innovation in Apple’s most iconic contributions, from the buttonless mouse to the iPad.Why Apple’s “Think Different” campaign perfectly captures the Autistic spirit of misfits and world-changers.Resources:Steve Jobs by Walter IsaacsonThe Iconic Think Different Apple adWas Steve Jobs Autistic?Steve Jobs’ Commitment to Great Design

In the final episode of this series of Collecting Fish, James Hepworth reflects on the current state of the aquarium hobby and the challenges shaping its future.From online education and captive breeding to social media, consumerism, and sustainability, this episode explores both the strengths and contradictions of modern fishkeeping.James discusses:Aquarium communities and accessible educationFishkeeping as an escape from digital lifeEcosystem-focused aquariums and natural fishkeepingSustainability and responsible stockingThe relationship between science, creativity, and animal care.James also breaks down the darker side of the hobby, including:Impulse buyingStatus-driven aquariumsMisinformation onlineUnsuitable species in home aquariumsEnvironmental and ethical concerns within fishkeeping.Blending personal experience with ethical reflection, this episode explores what it means to be a responsible fishkeeper in the modern world — and why patience, restraint, and understanding nature may matter more than ever.🐠 Subscribe now to hear future episodes.🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com🌐 Learn more about the network at AutisticCulturePodcastNetwork.com