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Autistic Culture Presents...
This Week on ACPN #2 | Medical Gaslighting, World Cups & Theatre Life
Ep. 2
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Welcome to the second edition of This Week on the Autistic Culture Podcast Network.
Each week, we’ll guide you through what’s new across the network, highlight upcoming episodes, and help you discover new autistic-led podcasts and creators.
This week we’re celebrating an incredible first week of the network, reflecting on our launch party, and looking ahead to a packed schedule of new episodes covering theatre, education, addiction, football, healthcare, fishkeeping, neurodivergent life, and more.
📻 Tap any show below to listen and subscribe.
Please rate, share and review our shows, as it helps them grow and reach more people! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Monday 29th June:
Theatrically Authentic – Episode 2: Predictably Chaotic
- Sarah Atherton Knight and Simon Scott explore why theatre can feel both regulating and overwhelming for neurodivergent people, sharing stories from rehearsal rooms, tech weeks, previews, and life behind the curtain.
Subscribe to Theatrically Authentic
Mindful Mondays with Ashley Dupuy
- Ashley returns with another mindful reflection and guided meditation to help neurodivergent listeners begin the week with intention and regulation.
Tuesday 30th June:
- Drinking to Mask and Unmask – Episode 2: Looking for the Perfect Fix
Chelsey Flood speaks with musician Rosalie James about addiction, recovery, creativity, quick fixes, and finding solutions that actually work for you.
Subscribe to Drinking To Mask and Unmask
Regulation Station – Episode 2: Finding the Right School Too Late
- Becca Engle explores the transition from structured education into university life with Mitch Grace, discussing support systems, independence, and navigating higher education as a neurodivergent student.
Subscribe to Regulation Station
Wednesday 1st July:
Hyperfocus FC – Episode 3: The 2014 World Cup
- Simon Scott, James Hepworth, and Jack Hoban revisit Brazil 2014, discussing iconic goals, unforgettable moments, Germany’s 7-1 victory over Brazil, and one of football’s most dramatic tournaments.
Clinical Misfits – Episode 2: Endocrine Dysregulation
- Dr Mary Sims examines the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and the body’s hormone systems, helping listeners better understand the connections between neurodivergence, health, and regulation.
Thursday 2nd July:
Autistic Rant Hour – Episode 3: Medical Gaslighting
- Dr Gal Shkolnick tackles one of the most frustrating experiences many neurodivergent people face: medical gaslighting. A cathartic conversation about healthcare, chronic conditions, and being dismissed by the systems meant to support us.
Subscribe to The Autistic Rant Hour
The Neurodivergent Experience - Episode 117
- Sophie James joins Simon Scott for a conversation about advocacy, coaching, young neurodivergent people, and building a career that works with your nervous system rather than against it.
Friday 3rd July:
- Hot Topic Friday - A new discussion from The Neurodivergent Experience team, tackling a fresh topic from the world of neurodivergence.
Collecting Fish – Episode 2: A River in Your Living Room
- James Hepworth explores the creativity, beauty, ethics, and accessibility of freshwater aquariums, explaining how fishkeeping can become an immersive ecosystem-building hobby.
Saturday 4th July:
- Autistic Culture Podcast Rewind – Welcome to Autistica
This week, we also celebrate Independent Podcasters Day and the incredible creators, networks, and communities helping independent voices thrive. Independent podcasting allows diverse stories and perspectives to reach audiences without being filtered through corporate gatekeepers.
Thank you for joining us for this second edition of This Week on the Autistic Culture Podcast Network. We’ll be back next week with another roundup of everything new on the network!
🎙️ Executive Producers: Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood.
🎧 Producers: AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah Hannah Morris.
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Hot Topic: Unapproved Stem Cell Treatments for Autism
24:34|In this Hot Topic episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott discuss a growing trend in the United States where families are paying tens of thousands of dollars for unapproved stem cell treatments that claim to help autistic children.Drawing on a recent investigation by The Guardian, they unpack the science behind these therapies, the lack of convincing evidence that they work, and the serious ethical concerns surrounding clinics marketing expensive, experimental procedures to desperate families. The conversation also explores the role of public figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in legitimising unproven treatments and how misinformation can spread when hope outweighs evidence.A passionate and thought-provoking discussion about ethics, misinformation, autism research, and why protecting vulnerable families starts with honest conversations and better support.Our Sponsors:🧘♀️ Ashley Dupuy – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy→ https://bit.ly/ashleynde🤝 Sophie James - Neurodivergent Mentoring→ sophiejamesndmentoring.com🔗 Stay ConnectedInstagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperience🎧 The Neurodivergent Experience is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodes🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com
116. The Neurodivergent Experience | Getting Engaged the Neurodivergent Way!
51:21||Ep. 116In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Simon Scott shares some exciting personal news — he's engaged! What begins as a conversation about the proposal quickly evolves into a wider discussion about milestones, traditions, social expectations, and what happens when neurodivergent people choose to do things their own way. Simon reflects on planning a proposal that worked for both him and his fiancé, from accommodating anxiety around surprises to creating an experience that felt meaningful, comfortable, and authentic. Jordan shares his thoughts on celebrations, weddings, family expectations, and why so many social traditions seem to exist simply because “that’s how it’s always been done.”A funny, heartfelt, and deeply relatable conversation about love, milestones, and creating a life that works for you rather than the expectations of everyone else.Our Sponsors:🧘♀️ Ashley Dupuy – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy→ https://bit.ly/ashleynde🤝 Sophie James - Neurodivergent Mentoring→ sophiejamesndmentoring.com🔗 Stay ConnectedInstagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperience🎧 The Neurodivergent Experience is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodes🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com
1. Collecting Fish: Your First Aquarium
32:53||Ep. 1In the opening episode of Collecting Fish, host James Hepworth shares his personal journey into fishkeeping — from childhood memories of exploring rock pools on family holidays to building his first aquarium at just five years old.Blending nostalgia with practical beginner advice, James explores what it really takes to start an aquarium for the first time, including:Choosing the right tankUnderstanding filtration and the nitrogen cycleSetting up plants and hardscapeSelecting beginner-friendly fishAvoiding common early mistakes.James discusses the deeper appeal of fishkeeping for neurodivergent people, discussing the calming effects of aquariums, the connection to nature, and the value of slower, more mindful hobbies in an increasingly fast-paced world.Part beginner’s guide and part personal reflection, this episode is an honest introduction to the rewards, responsibilities, and emotional connection behind the aquarium hobby.🐠 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
1. Theatrically Authentic: The Neurodivergent Pull of Theatre
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1. Hyperfocus FC: The 2006 FIFA World Cup
55:46||Ep. 1In the first episode of this Hyperfocus FC mini-series, Simon Scott is joined by James Hepworth and Jack Hoban to revisit the 2006 FIFA World Cup — a tournament many fans consider the last truly classic World Cup.From iconic kits, legendary players, and unforgettable matches to Germany's incredible atmosphere as host nation, the trio share their memories of a summer that helped define their love of football. Featuring discussions on Zidane's final tournament, Brazil's galáctico squad, England's Golden Generation, the Battle of Nuremberg, and one of the most famous World Cup Finals ever played, this episode is a nostalgic celebration of a tournament that still feels bigger than football. ⚽ 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
1. Creative Becoming: Doodling Not Doomscrolling
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1. The Autistic Rant Hour: Product Analytics and Being Autistic in Tech
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1. Clinical Misfits: Identifying Clinical Misfits
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