Shows
We Should Talk About ThatNormalizing Talking About It ALL with Dr. Jessica ZuckerSend me a Text Message about the show!Support the showKeep up with all things WeSTAT on any (or ALL) of the social feeds:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westatpod/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@westatpodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/westatpod/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westatpod/Twitter: https://x.com/WeSTATpodHave a topic or want to stay in touch via e-mail on all upcoming news?https://www.westatpod.com/Help monetarily support the podcast by subscribing to the show! This...
2025-04-2159 minWe Should Talk About ThatWeSTAT AGAIN: Jamie Bruesehoff and Understanding Transgender ChildrenSend me a Text Message about the show!I am overwhelmed. There is so much information coming out each day that it becomes difficult to figure out what I should pay attention to -and I think that is the point. Flood the zone so no one thing can catch too much attention and so many many issues just flow right past us without notice. That's why I have been really trying to use discernment on the places I count on to get my information. And I want to be transparent with you so that you know...
2025-02-101h 11We Should Talk About ThatYes, We Should Talk About Politics....AgainSend me a Text Message about the show!Jessica Kidwell and her guest, Liz Minnella, explore the importance of engaging in grassroots activism and the challenges of identity politics, particularly among white women voters. They discuss the creation of Chicago Women for Harris, the dynamics of political engagement, and the need for authenticity in messaging. The conversation highlights the necessity for Democrats to adopt a more aggressive strategy in the face of political challenges and the importance of meeting people where they are to foster genuine connections and drive change. In this conversation, Jessica Kidwell discusses the...
2024-12-091h 02We Should Talk About ThatGiving Tuesday with Worldclass Clothing Founders, Sarah Beran and Brooks BellSend me a Text Message about the show!I said "wow" so much in this episode, and I even edited A LOT out. But talking with Sarah Beran and Brooks Bell about their separate journeys with colon cancer - both diagnosed when they were under 40(!) - left me almost speechless.Today, they’re survivors who have dedicated their lives to making sure others have access to early, life-saving colonoscopies. Brooks, a tech entrepreneur, and Sarah, a celebrity stylist, faced the terrifying reality that their cancers could have been prevented with earlier detection as regular scr...
2024-12-0349 minWe Should Talk About ThatSo, What Happens Next?Send me a Text Message about the show!Jessica Kidwell opens up about her emotions following the recent election results. She candidly shares her journey from avoiding conflict and embracing both-sideism to finding her voice and standing firm in her beliefs. She also addresses the "fuck your feelings" crowd and emphasizes the importance of allowing people to feel every emotion without judgment.Jessica also talks about maintaining relationships with those who hold opposing views and invites listeners to engage in conversations about differing opinions. Although it can feel hard, especially in this emotionally charged time...
2024-11-1114 minWe Should Talk About ThatWe Should Talk About Election Stress and Mental Health with S.E. CuppSend me a Text Message about the show!With the stress of the U.S. election looming, Jessica welcomes S.E. Cupp, a TV commentator and mental health advocate, to discuss the impact of the political climate on our mental well-being. S.E.'s new podcast "Off the Cup with S.E. Cupp," offers her insights on life beyond politics and the importance of addressing mental health.Whether you're deeply engaged in politics or seeking a moment of respite, this episode offers a refreshing take on addressing today's challenges.About S.E. Cupp:
2024-11-0447 minWe Should Talk About ThatWe Should Talk About How Food Supports Emotional Well-Being with Mary Beth AlbrightSend me a Text Message about the show!The fall season is upon us, which seems to bring with it the onset of comfort food cravings. But what does comfort food mean to you? For Jessica, it's cheesy baked pasta dishes, but there's often guilt attached to these indulgences. Enter Mary Beth Albright, an award-winning journalist and author of "Eat and Flourish: How Food Supports Emotional Well-Being." Mary Beth challenges the guilt associated with comfort food and emphasizes the profound connection between what we eat and our emotional state.With a background in public health...
2024-10-2852 minWe Should Talk About ThatWeSTAT Bonus: What Happened to DEI? With Justin Jones-FosuSend me a Text Message about the show!In this WeSTAT bonus episode, Jessica Kidwell reconnects with Justin Jones-Fosu to explore the complex world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). With over 20 years of experience, Justin shares his insights on how DEI has evolved from a corporate buzzword to a contentious topic, and whether there is hope for its future. This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of how to make DEI a part of our everyday lives and how respectful disagreement can be a tool for meaningful connection and understanding.Justin Jones-Fosu is the founder...
2024-10-2519 minWe Should Talk About ThatRespectful Disagreement in a Divided World with Justin Jones-FosuSend me a Text Message about the show!"I can vehemently disagree with your ideology and yet still passionately pursue your humanity." - Justin Jones-Fosu As we approach a pivotal presidential election, the air is thick with divisive rhetoric. Join Jessica Kidwell in a timely conversation with Justin Jones-Fosu, an international speaker, social entrepreneur, and author of "I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World." Discover how Justin's unique approach to respectful disagreement can help bridge divides and foster deeper connections. Through personal anecdotes and practical strategies, Justin challenges us to c...
2024-10-2153 min
NeuroversityThe Gow School: Specializing in Teaching Students with Language Based Learning DifferencesSend me a Text Message about the show!In this episode of Neuroversity, Jessica Kidwell speaks with John Munro, head of the Gow School, a pioneering institution for students with language-based learning differences. They discuss the school's history, mission, and unique curriculum designed to support dyslexic learners. Munro shares insights on the importance of early intervention, the school's approach to teaching, and the significance of relational connections in a boarding school environment. They also address the challenges of accessibility and financial aid for families, as well as future plans for the school as it approaches its centennial...
2024-10-2035 minWe Should Talk About ThatDenise Pines, Executive Director of the Documentary "The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause"Send me a Text Message about the show!The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause is the first documentary film that addresses the marginalized or ignored health crisis faced by millions of women as they go through menopause. It premiers on PBS October 17th, 2024.Join Jessica and her guest this week, Denise Pines, as they delve into the complexity of women's health, the lack of research, and the societal changes needed to support women through menopause. They discuss the role of storytelling in driving change and the importance of creating a supportive community for w...
2024-10-1559 minWe Should Talk About ThatLate-Life ADHD Diagnosis with Liz SchroederSend me a Text Message about the show!Enjoy this collaboration episode with my other podcast, Neuroversity."There's a lot of open tabs in my brain. It's like a pinball going in every direction."-Liz SchroederJoin Jessica Kidwell on this heartfelt episode of Neuroversity as she chats with her good friend and neighbor, Liz Schroeder. Liz opens up about her journey from recognizing her daughter's ADHD to discovering her own diagnosis later in life. Liz talks about the challenges of staying organized, dealing with hyperfocus, and the chaos that o...
2024-10-0746 minNeuroversityEmbracing Big Emotions: A Conversation with Children's Author Meredith RusuSend me a Text Message about the show!This week Jessica welcomes Meredith Rusu, the award-winning author of the Mighty Moods picture book series, which explores the ways children use larger-than-life creatures to express their big feelings. Meredith's latest book, "There's a Robot in My Socks," follows a young girl named Jamie as she navigates changes in her routine and the emotions that come with it. Meredith shares insights into the challenges and joys of writing children's books, the importance of connecting with young readers, and the role of educators in supporting children's emotional growth. Whether you're a...
2024-10-0435 minNeuroversityLate-Life ADHD Diagnosis with Liz SchroederSend me a Text Message about the show!"There's a lot of open tabs in my brain. It's like a pinball going in every direction."-Liz SchroederJoin Jessica Kidwell on this heartfelt episode of Neuroversity as she chats with her good friend and neighbor, Liz Schroeder. Liz opens up about her journey from recognizing her daughter's ADHD to discovering her own diagnosis later in life. Liz talks about the challenges of staying organized, dealing with hyperfocus, and the chaos that often comes with ADHD, as well as the life-changing impact of f...
2024-09-2045 minWe Should Talk About ThatSeason Six Premiere: Courage and ConversationsSend me a Text Message about the show!Welcome to Season Six!Jessica Kidwell dives into the discomfort of tough topics and how they can lead to personal growth and deeper connections. After a break, Jessica is back with a fresh energy and a new theme for season six: courage. With a hiatus filled with taking time to read fiction and embracing small acts of bravery to planning new episodes, she's ready to explore what courage means in different situations.Support the showKeep up with all things WeSTAT on any (or A...
2024-09-0913 minNeuroversityLate Diagnosis and Musical Mastery with Audio/Visual Artist SzopaSend me a Text Message about the show!Join Jessica Kidwell on Neuroversity as she chats with Damian Malecki, an audio-visual artist from Sheffield, UK, known as Szopa. Damian talks about his late autism diagnosis after moving to the UK in 2017 and how it's shaped his life and music. He shares his journey from Poland, the impact of hyperfocus, his unique way of learning music, and balancing personal expression with audience appeal. Stick around to hear a track from his latest album, "The Prayer Book."Follow Damian Malecki (Szopa) and his music:- Bandcamp...
2024-09-0628 minNeuroversityNVLD 101 with Dr. Jessica Broitman and Dr. John DavisSend me a Text Message about the show!After first learning about non verbal learning disorder (NVLD) during my episode on specific learning disorders (SLDs) I wanted to know more. I kept finding myself having a hard time distinguishing between autism and NVLD. So I knew I needed to bring on some experts.The same names kept coming up over and over on NVLD resources: Dr. Jessica Broitman and Dr. John Davis and luckily they agreed to come on the show to help me understand NVLD much more deeply.Guest Bios:Jessica Broitman, Ph...
2024-05-1026 minWe Should Talk About ThatWeSTAT Pop CultureSend me a Text Message about the show!Join Jessica and her pop culture guest of the week, Joey Klei, as they discuss the pop culture topics that are front of mind for them. Where is Princess Catherine? ***Big correction!! Jessica says MULTIPLE times that the timeline starts 12/23/23, but it really was 12/28/23. In her excitement, she got the date wrong, a lot. This is why she is not running for President.Joey reviews the Apple Vision Pro glassesWe should talk about the OscarsDo YOU want to be a part of the next pop culture seg...
2024-03-1857 minWe Should Talk About ThatWe Should Talk About Vern KidwellSend me a Text Message about the show!We Should Talk About That is going on a break for a couple of weeks for a little refresh and re-tooling. But before I go, I want to take a minute to honor a man who has meant so very much to me, my father in law, Vernard Charles Kidwell, Jr.Vern passed away February 4th, 2024 at the ripe age of 98 and I am just back from a weekend of honoring him and his incredible life. A WWII veteran and celebrated jazz trumpet player, Vern lived ma...
2024-02-1213 minWe Should Talk About ThatJess Buchanan and Her Latest Anthology, Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self AcceptanceSend me a Text Message about the show!This week I welcome Jess Buchanan back on the show to talk about the release of her second anthology series, Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self Acceptance. It was so great to catch up on what's been happening in her world and to discuss this project.In this episode:Find out why this topic was chosen for the anthology seriesHear the process of putting an anthology project together with 18 other authorsTalk about the fear that keeps women from telling their storiesDiscuss why that fe...
2024-02-0547 minNeuroversityHow to ADHD with Jessica McCabeSend me a Text Message about the show!In this episode of Neuroversity, host Jessica Kidwell chats with Jessica McCabe, the brains behind the "How to ADHD" YouTube channel and author of "How to ADHD: An Insider's Guide to Working With Your Brain, Not Against It." Jessica started her channel as a way to understand her own diagnosis and it quickly became apparent that the information she was learning was helpful to a whole lot of other people too -over 1.6 million other people!In this episode we:Understand the unique challenges of ADHD in w...
2024-01-1947 minWe Should Talk About ThatWeSTAT Pop CultureSend me a Text Message about the show!The WeSTAT community was polled and the results were unanimous, so, welcome to the first WeSTAT episode dedicated entirely to pop culture!In what I hope is the first of a re-occurring series, Jessica is joined by one of her go to pop culture aficionados IRL, Amanda Pedigo. But this isn't just two girlfriends having a chat, Amanda really has her finger on the pulse of all things pop culture.This week we cover:The Golden GlobesJoy Koy: WTH happened?Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift...
2024-01-1543 minWe Should Talk About ThatUnderstanding Autism: A Teenager's Journey Towards Embracing NeurodivergenceSend me a Text Message about the show!Happy Thanksgiving!This week I'm doing a cross promotion with my other podcast, Neuroversity and featuring a very special episode.Join me as I have a conversation with the most important autistic voice you will ever hear on this podcast, my daughter Grace. This is not an inspirational story. This is not a sad story. This is Grace's story. How she remembers finding out she's autistic. How she sees herself as a neurodivergent teenager. How she feels about this podcast, and what...
2023-11-2038 minWe Should Talk About ThatAsa Merritt: Breaking the Silence on Suicide and the Making of "Six Sermons"Send me a Text Message about the show!This episode of We Should Talk About That focuses on an important but difficult topic - suicide prevention and awareness. ***Help is available 24 hours a day at the suicide and crisis lifeline by dialing 988https://988lifeline.org/Jessica Kidwell interviews writer ASA Merritt about his audio fiction story, "Six Sermons", which explores a church community's response to their pastor's suicide. They have a thoughtful discussion about the complex reasons behind suicide, the desire to make sense of it, and the role th...
2023-11-0641 minWe Should Talk About ThatExploring Anti-Aging Options with Dr. Carolyn ChangSend me a Text Message about the show!Would you like to age gracefully and understand the influences that societal judgment and cultural pressures have on beauty and cosmetics? In this episode of "We Should Talk About That," host Jessica Kidwell engages in a conversation about anti-aging and aging gracefully with Dr. Carolyn Chang, an aesthetic plastic surgeon and vice chairman of plastic surgery at California Pacific Medical Center. Dr. Chang shares her expertise and educates listeners on fighting the natural signs of aging while emphasizing the importance of natural results. The discussion also touches...
2023-10-3050 minWe Should Talk About ThatTurning Climate Fear into Action with Anya KamenetzSend me a Text Message about the show!Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the subject of climate change? Jessica does. With weather events and natural disasters getting more severe and seeming to creep closer and closer to her own backyard, Jessica feels overwhelmed, to the point of paralysis, by what one person could possibly do to effect change.Enter Anya Kamenetz, who writes the newsletter The Golden Hour about thriving, and raising thriving kids, on a changing planet. She covered education for many years including for NPR, where she co-created the podcast Life Kit...
2023-10-0241 minNeuroversityDr. Lynn Koegel on her latest book, "Hidden Brilliance: Unlocking the Intelligence of Autism"Send me a Text Message about the show!SEASON THREE PREMIERE!!What if the key to unlocking the brilliance of an autistic child lies in focusing on their strengths rather than their challenges? This episode, Jessica is joined by Dr. Lynn Koegel, a leading figure in autism education, who has passionately championed a shift from the deficit model to a strengths-based approach in teaching autistic children. Her latest book, "Hidden Brilliance: Unlocking the Intelligence of Autism," co-authored with Claire LaZebnik, is a testament to this belief, bringing to light the potential within these unique children that...
2023-09-2952 minWe Should Talk About ThatEmbracing Evolution: The Start of Season FiveSend me a Text Message about the show!Join Jessica Kidwell as she embraces the messy, exciting, and continuous process of growth in the new season of "We Should Talk About That". She'll be sharing her own experiences and thoughts on starting this fresh chapter, her comfort in the transitional phases, and her intrigue with evolution - a process that beautifully mirrors the metamorphosis of the podcast, our lives, and the world at large.Here's a promise - this podcast is going to be interactive! The latter half of the episode is a cordial invitation...
2023-09-2513 minNeuroversitySummer Book Club: "Cassandra in Reverse" by Holly SmaleSend me a Text Message about the show!In this session of Neuroversity Summer School, host Jessica Kidwell reviews Holly Smale's 'Cassandra in Reverse'. This book weaves the tale of Cassandra, a neurodivergent protagonist whose autism isn't her central focus, but a part of her multiple layers. From its take on autistic experiences to the author's own neurodiversity, this novel is a refreshing portrayal of the neurodivergent perspective. This book is an essential read not just for the neurodivergent, but for anyone seeking a fresh, authentic perspective. You might have just discovered your ne...
2023-08-0709 minWe Should Talk About ThatWe Should Talk About What's NextSend me a Text Message about the show!It's been a couple weeks since WeSTAT said "goodbye" to Jess Buchanan so Jessica Kidwell thought it might be time to talk about what could be next for We Should Talk About That.Bottom line up front: She needs YOU! You can be an integral part of shaping what's next for WeSTAT, so listen in and see how you can help!Support the showKeep up with all things WeSTAT on any (or ALL) of the social feeds:Instagram: h...
2023-07-1004 minNeuroversitySupporting Neurodiversity in Public School Systems: A Conversation with Kristen Haynor, Neurodiversity Specialist for Fairfax County Public SchoolsSend me a Text Message about the show!The public school system in the United States has historically been built to support the success of one type of student: a typically developing student with average intellectual ability. And, unfortunately, any student who falls outside of this type has a much harder time thriving in a system that is not built for them. Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia, one of the largest school systems in the US, is trying to expand the success of more of their students by being one of the first systems in the co...
2023-05-1254 minNeuroversityObsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Conversation With Award Winning Author, Emily Barth IslerSend me a Text Message about the show!In this episode of Neuroversity, host Jessica Kidwell interviews Emily Barth Isler, a writer and sustainability beauty journalist who has obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and synesthesia. They discuss Emily's experience with OCD before and after diagnosis, how she structures her life to live in partnership with OCD, and her neurodivergent identity under the neurodiversity umbrella. It is the second of two episodes featuring Emily's insights.Highlights:[00:01:59] Understanding Neurodivergence. [00:03:58] OCD and creativity. [00:08:37] Writing about painful experiences. [00:12:15] OCD and anxiety coexisting.[00:18:38] Living with OCD. ...
2023-04-2829 minNeuroversityA Conversation with Emily Barth Isler About Her Award Winning Novel, AfterMath, And Neurodivergent Characters in Media.Send me a Text Message about the show!In this episode of Neuroversity, Jessica Kidwell interviews Emily Barth Isler, a former child actress and writer for YA short stories and plays as well as a sustainable beauty journalist. Emily also has OCD and synesthesia. In this first of a two episode conversation, Emily and Jessica discuss Emily's award-winning debut novel Aftermath which explores themes of loss, mental health, gun control and neurodiversity. They also discuss the inclusion of neurodivergent characters in media, Emily's journey of writing the novel, and her experience talking to kids affected by the boo...
2023-04-1428 minWe Should Talk About ThatGrowing Through Betrayal: A Story of Coming Out, Co-Parenting, and Reclaiming Our True Identity with Podcast Co-Host "Husband In Law" Jessica FrewSend me a Text Message about the show!Podcast co-host and betrayal coach, Jessica Frew, met her love in college, and they were married within a few months. Everything was easy breezy until two years into their wedded bliss, her husband came out as gay. They attempted valiantly to uphold their vows in a mixed orientation relationship, but it all came to a crescendo when Jessica learned her that her then husband had finally given in and had an affair with a man. This set them both off on a course they never thought they would...
2023-02-0643 minNeuroversityA Very Thankful Season Finale!Send me a Text Message about the show!What better way to celebrate our first year than to revisit with our favorite guests! And we open with my two favorite guests EVER: Grace and Charlie Kidwell. But, I'm not just revisiting with the two guests that live with me, we hear from many of our incredible season one guests! And we also heard from listeners about what should be covered on season two.Come join us for a look back on the first season of Neuroversity! Follow Neuroversity on all our social platforms:N...
2022-11-2513 min
Exploring Different BrainsElevating Neurodiverse Voices, with Neuroversity's Jessica Kidwell | EDB 280Jessica Kidwell of the Neuroversity Podcast discusses why listening to and highlighting the voices of neurodivergent self-advocates is so important.
From Jessica’s bio: “Jessica Kidwell has been a lot of things. A freelance writer, a preschool teacher, a government employee, a bartender, a waitress, a lifeguard, and most recently, a podcaster. She is the host of the brand new podcast, Neuroversity, a space to learn about and elevate the stories of the neuro-diverse community. She is also the co-host of the podcast We Should Talk About That, which aims to connect people by having hard conversations about uncomfortable topics in a...
2022-11-1435 minNeuroversityWhat is Neurodivergent Masking?Send me a Text Message about the show!What do you think of when you hear the word "masking"?Since it's October, perhaps your thoughts go to Halloween and costumes?Or perhaps, if you are into self-care, you may think of skin care?Or in our post COVID world, maybe you think of face masks?But none of those are the masking we are talking about in Neuroversity this week.In psychology, masking refers to changing one’s behavior or natural personality to conform to social pressures or expectations. And for...
2022-10-1410 minNeuroversityAnxiety, Depression, and the Neurodiversity Umbrella: A Conversation With My SonSend me a Text Message about the show!Turnabout is fair play they say, so.....Join me as I have a conversation with the most important male voice you will ever hear on this podcast, my son Charlie. The day I recorded the Neuroversity episode with Grace, we came home from the studio and Charlie said, "Mom, when will you interview me?"And, in my mind, I thought to myself"He's not neurodivergent, does his voice and experience need to be elevated?"I mean, talk about a small umbrella!
2022-08-0551 minWe Should Talk About ThatGuns, School Shootings, and Our Aching Hearts with Public School Teacher and Sensible Gun Laws Advocate, Kellie HealySend me a Text Message about the show!Jess and Jess have felt lost, forlorn, broken-hearted and out of words this last week. Shocked and encompassed soul crushing grief, along with many other Americans, TTJ(es) had to sit in the muck of shock until they came to the same conclusion: We HAVE TO TALK ABOUT THIS.One of the best things about building this WeSTAT community is so many are willing to sit in the space of uncomfortable conversations, and so, this past Saturday morning, Jess and Jess sat down at Kidwell's kitchen table...
2022-05-301h 01NeuroversityWhat's Wrong With Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) with Mari Cerda, BCBASend me a Text Message about the show!In this episode, Jessica speaks with Mari Cerda, BCBA, who is the co-founder of The Lighthouse Learning Center and The Leap Institute. What follows is an important and nuanced conversation about:What IS ABA?What is the history of ABA within the autistic community and the field of Behavioral Analysis?How does the concept of "duality" negatively impact our culture, and more specifically the autistic community? How can we increase our own "cultural humility"?What does the term "neurobilingual" mean?Does the autistic community need to take a har...
2022-04-2951 minNeuroversityAutism Speaks: A Conversation With My DaughterSend me a Text Message about the show!Join me as I have a conversation with the most important autistic voice you will ever hear on this podcast, my daughter Grace. This is not an inspirational story. This is not a sad story. This is Grace's story. How she remembers finding out she's autistic. How she sees herself as a neurodivergent teenager. How she feels about this podcast, and what she is looking forward to in her future. One story. One autistic experience. And I've never been more proud to put it...
2022-04-1536 minNeuroversityAbout the Elephant in the RoomSend me a Text Message about the show!This one is about your host. Yep, even after she said she wouldn't make this podcast about her.It's the absolutely true story of Jessica's struggle with elephants and fear and how she saved herself from being stuck in a locked seatbelt. (With an assist from @autismcafe, Tobe Nwigwe, and herself)Eileen Lambhttps://theautismcafe.comIG and Twitter:@theautismcafeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theautismcafe Tobe Nwigwe https://www.tobenwigwe.com"Unfollow Me"https://ww...
2022-02-1110 minNeuroversityWord of the Week: DopamineSend me a Text Message about the show!The next installment of the Word of the Week series is out!WOW for this time is DopamineWhat is it? Where does it come from? Why do we need it? What the heck does it have to do with neurodiversity?Find out all this and how Jessica does her research in this episode.Resources Used:https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/explainer-what-dopaminehttps://kids.kiddle.co/DopamineHat Tip to Billy Joy"Me and Mrs. Jones"https://www...
2022-02-0409 minNeuroversityWe MUST Talk About Bruno!Send me a Text Message about the show!Is he neurodivergent?Does it matter?Is it possible for a Disney character to represent SO much?Uh, yes.Join Jessica for an introductory lesson on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and how the portrayal of Bruno in the latest Disney movie, Encanto, shines an important light on the representation of neurodiversity in pop culture.Resources mentioned in this episode:https://www.mic.com/identity/bruno-encanto-mental-illnesshttps://iocdf.org/Follow Neuroversity on all our social platforms:Neuroversity Website
2022-01-2110 minNeuroversityGreat Minds Think Differently with Haley MossSend me a Text Message about the show!In this episode of Neuroversity, Jessica talks with attorney, author, artist and advocate Haley Moss. Diagnosed as autistic when she was three years old, Haley is passionate about disability inclusion and neurodiversity. In our conversation today, we focus on her latest book, "Great Minds Think Differently: Neurodiversity for Lawyers and Other Professionals. We discuss the idea of universal design and accommodations and why they are absolutely not just for the disabled. We also try to breakdown the stereotype that neurodivergent professionals can only work in STEM.About Haley...
2022-01-0737 minNeuroversityWord of the Week: MisophoniaSend me a Text Message about the show!Time to introduce a new series that will be added to the rotation for Neuroversity in 2022. Word of the Week. This will be a regularly re-occuring episode where we focus on a new word or concept that impacts neurodiverse individuals, but can also be found in anyone. First up, Misophonia, which literally means "hatred of sound"What is it? What is it not? And how does it impact neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals?While citing from the following resources, Jessica tries to make sense of the t...
2021-12-1706 minNeuroversityA Beginner's Lesson on Dyslexia with Lorraine Hightower, Certified Dyslexia Advocate and ConsultantSend me a Text Message about the show!With an admitted lack of knowledge on dyslexia, host Jessica Kidwell has a beginner's lesson on this disability with Lorraine Hightower, Certified Dyslexia Advocate and Consultant. In this episode we discuss:The definition of dyslexia and its prevalenceThe signs and indicators of dyslexia in preschool aged and older childrenSteps parents should take if they suspect their child has dyslexiaGold standards for treatment and remediationHow the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and State criteria can lead to inequity in treatment as well as an adversarial relationship with public s...
2021-12-0345 minNeuroversityAuthor and Political Journalist Eric Garcia about his book, "We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation"Send me a Text Message about the show!"Autistic people have been misunderstood as long as autism has existed as a diagnosis and oftentimes, authors write about autism without autistic people’s input. So I wanted to refocus them as the center of their [own] narratives."-Eric Garcia, about his book, We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism ConversationIn this episode, Eric and Jessica talk about his book, his experiences as an autistic college student and so much more. Some of the topics they discuss include:Person first vs Identity first lan...
2021-11-0534 minWe Should Talk About ThatBelieve Her. A Discussion on Criminalized Survivors, True Crime Podcasts and Nikki Addimando with Investigative Journalist, Justine van der Leun.Send me a Text Message about the show!In follow up of their first conversation with representatives from the Nicole Addimando Community Defense Committee, The Two Jess(es) talk with Justine van der Leun, investigative journalist and host of the true crime podcast, Believe Her, produced by Lemonada Media.Through this six part series, Justine explores true crime as it comes to us, upside down — she presents a story about survival, punishment, and a push for change through rare access to police audio, official documents, and rare conversations with criminalized survivor, Nikki Adamando, from prison. Ju...
2021-11-0137 minWe Should Talk About ThatThe Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence with NYT Bestselling Author, Jessica LaheySend me a Text Message about the show!In this supportive, life-saving resource, the New York Times bestselling author of The Gift of Failure helps parents and educators understand the roots of substance abuse and identify who is most at risk for addiction, and offers practical steps for prevention.Jessica Lahey was born into a family with a long history of alcoholism and drug abuse. Despite her desire to thwart her genetic legacy, she became an alcoholic and didn’t find her way out until her early forties. Jessica has worked as a teacher in su...
2021-10-1854 minNeuroversitySarah Kurchak, Author and Autistic Self AdvocateSend me a Text Message about the show!In her collection of essays, "I Overcame My Autism And All I Got Was This Lousy Anxiety Disorder", Sarah Kurchak shares her experiences growing up autistic, undiagnosed until adulthood, loved by two parents who were doing their best, and her career as a professional pillow fighter. She also offers insightful perspective on the importance of expanding our culture's understanding of what it looks like to be autistic. In this conversation, Jessica and Sarah talk about (among other things):If there really is a tension between non-autistic parents an...
2021-10-1542 minNeuroversityNeuroversity TrailerSend me a Text Message about the show!Welcome to Neuroversity! A weekly podcast about neurodiversity with a purpose to expand our understanding of what that term means, elevate the life experiences of the neurodivergent, and advocate for a more inclusive and informed culture. Hosted by Jessica Kidwell, a neurotypical wife, mom, sister, friend, ally, and advocate hoping to facilitate the learning that needs to be done and elevate the voices and stories of the ND community.Full episodes begin 10/15/21! To follow along, check out our website at www.neuroversitypod.com...
2021-09-2403 minWe Should Talk About ThatWe Should Talk About Neuroversity and Podcasting with Jessica KidwellSend me a Text Message about the show!Yep, that's right. The WeSTAT guest this week is JessK- and she is sharing her heart behind her newest project, Neuroversity Podcast- a solo podcast that aims to dive deeper into the areas of neurodivergence, giving a voice to those who might not normally get to speak up and speak out about neurodiversity and all that entails.This episode is informative, as well as inspirational, as The Two Jess(es) discuss the terrifying and exhilarating time leading up to the launch of this passion project, and the dream...
2021-09-2032 minWe Should Talk About ThatWe Should Talk About The Gift of Failure for Our Kids....Again, with NYT Bestselling Author, Jessica Lahey.Send me a Text Message about the show!Failure. It's a scary word in general, but when it comes to our kids and letting them 'fail' we are a generation of parents that will go to great lengths to keep that from happening. Maybe it's the way Gen Xers were parented (or not parented) or our need to achieve or just our general fear of upsetting the proverbial apple cart- one thing is clear: our kids are not getting the best end of the stick when it comes to trying, failing, and getting back up again.
2021-07-191h 05We Should Talk About ThatSpeaking of Women Supporting Women Through Entrepreneurial Collaboration, and Pushing Each Other to Ask for What Their Worth with Speaker Bureau Veterans, Annette Brechbill and Mirjana NovkovicSend me a Text Message about the show!Another part of Jess B's life is that as a working professional speaker. She has spent the last several years traveling the country working the speaker's circuit, and through her work, she has had the opportunity to create so many new connections, and the following conversation is a result of those relationships.Annette Brechbill, founder of Brechbill Group Speaker Management andConsultancy, shares her unique working collaboration with fellow speaker management agent, Mirjana Novkovic about pushing each other out of their comfort zones and asking for...
2021-04-0538 minWe Should Talk About ThatThe Gift of Failure with NYT Best selling author Jessica LaheySend me a Text Message about the show!Failure. It's a scary word in general, but when it comes to our kids and letting them 'fail' we are a generation of parents that will go to great lengths to keep that from happening. Maybe it's the way Gen Xers were parented (or not parented) or our need to achieve or just our general fear of upsetting the proverbial apple cart- one thing is clear: our kids are not getting the best end of the stick when it comes to trying, failing, and getting back up again.
2020-11-301h 00We Should Talk About ThatWhere Have All the Tomboys Gone? A Conversation on Gender Non-Conformity with Author and Researcher Lisa Selin DavisSend me a Text Message about the show!Where HAVE all the tomboys gone? And can we really use that word anymore? What does it actually mean? The Two Jess(es) have an incredibly thought provoking conversation with writer and researcher, Lisa Selin Davis, a modern day tomboy expert, and author of the newly released book, Tomboy: The Surprising History and Future of Girls Who Dare to be Different.This conversation addresses the issues and challenges around gender non-conformity as well as the labels that we use to define gender, behaviors, and the refusal of being...
2020-08-1053 minWe Should Talk About ThatWe Should Talk About How Doing Nothing is NOT Free: Early Childhood Education, Equity and Community Collaboration as a Grass Roots Movement with Educational Advocate Dayna ChungSend me a Text Message about the show!Jess and Jess sit down to talk with Dayna Chung, the co-founder of Community Equity Collaborative, a grass roots organization based in the Bay Area, that works to raise awareness on the profound effects supporting Early Childhood has on the future citizens of our country and the teachers who serve them. This is an interesting conversation that centers first and foremost on the incredible importance of allocating time and resources for our youngest learners, and how CEC works to get people out of poverty into a place of...
2020-08-0348 minWe Should Talk About ThatWeSTAT Mini #26- The Black and White Challenge and a Mini BreakSend me a Text Message about the show!Over this week, our social media feeds have been flooded with the beautiful black and white selfies of over 53 million women with the hashtag #challengeaccepted.The Two Jess(es) dive deep into why, JessK, who is a classic 6 on the Enneagram, felt hesitant about participating. Turns out her skepticism has led her down the rabbit hole of information on what this Black and White Challenge has really been all about. Hashtags, "slacktivism" and some good old WeSTAT introspection for the last minisode of the season!Show...
2020-07-3121 minWe Should Talk About ThatWe Should Talk About Why We Can't Sleep with Ada CalhounSend me a Text Message about the show!Calling ALL Gen X women, and those who love them! The Two Jess(es) have the amazing opportunity to sit down for a really honest conversation with Ada Calhoun, New York Time's Bestselling author of Why We Can't Sleep: Women's New Midlife Crisis. These three Gen Xers get really honest really fast about all the stress of the mental load (pre AND post COVID) the physical exhaustion of middle age, and offer confessions about the weird things they worry about in those wee restless hours in the middle of...
2020-07-2755 minWe Should Talk About ThatWeSTAT Mini #25- Reports on the Portland Protests from the Front Lines with Joey KleiSend me a Text Message about the show!The Two Jess(es) sit down with Portlander Joey Klei who has been participating in protests, in what is quickly becoming the epicenter for the Black Lives Matter movement in real time. For 50+ days straight, Portland has been fighting racial injustice, but now has moved into demanding their right to free speech, which is scarily being silenced by the government, and Joey is there to live stream it all.Continuing on in our intention to have conversations around the issues concerning racial justice, this is a great...
2020-07-2428 minWe Should Talk About ThatWe Should Talk about the Social and Emotional Health of our Kids with American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Andrew GarnerSend me a Text Message about the show!You asked, and we delivered! As we collected questions from YOU, our WeSTAT community about what you wanted to ask Dr. Rachel about regarding The Corona and your kids-the most popular query centered around the social and emotional health of our kiddos and back to school. In this episode, the Ohio chapter Pediatrician of the Year (2019) for the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Andrew Garner, answers our plethora of questions on how all this COVID stress is impacting our kids. Whether it is in person-school, virtual learning, socialization...
2020-07-2053 minWe Should Talk About ThatWeSTAT Mini #24- The Weekly Roundup, TEDx Talks and Why it's SO Friggin' Hard to Promote OurselvesSend me a Text Message about the show!This has been a WEEK. JessB recounts her success, albeit uncomfortably, at achieving a huge goal with recording her TEDx talk (live streams 7/18!) and The Two Jess(es) discuss their final decisions regarding COVID school. Show Notes:If you are interested in viewing JessB giving her TEDx talk, you can purchase tickets here:https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/38018Support the showKeep up with all things WeSTAT on any (or ALL) of the social feeds:Instagram...
2020-07-1726 minWe Should Talk About ThatWe Should Talk About School and COVID with Fairfax County Public Schools Board Members Rachna Sizemore Heizer and Laura Jane CohenSend me a Text Message about the show!It's all parents of school aged children can think about....their kids and school. Virtual, two days a week, homeschool? Will they stay in school, will they fall behind? Why are the schools making the decisions they are making and what do they have to say about them? Following the Secretary of Education's declaration that all schools should open in person, regardless of the current climbing pandemic, The Two Jess(es) sit down with two Fairfax County School Board members to get their take on the current crisis, and...
2020-07-131h 04We Should Talk About ThatThe Doctor Is BACK! Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Rachel Orscheln Answers Your COVID-19 Questions!Send me a Text Message about the show!Dr. Rachel was such a hit on Monday, so The Two Jess(es) asked her to come back and answer questions submitted by the WeSTAT Community. If you are on the fence about whether or not it is safe for your child to go back to school this fall, or you are wondering whether it is advisable to get on an airplane, Dr. Rachel has her opinions, and the infectious disease science to back them up!Support the showKeep up with all things WeSTAT...
2020-07-1034 minWe Should Talk About ThatThe Doctor is In! A Conversation on Corona and Returning Back to School with Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Rachel OrschelnSend me a Text Message about the show!If you are a parent feeling any sort of apprehension around having to make a decision regarding sending your child back to school, or whether to keep them home for virtual learning, then Dr. Rachel Orscheln, director of ambulatory Pediatric Infectious Diseases and the International Adoption Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Washington University, is here for a VERY INTERESTING CONVERSATION. Dr. Rachel offers really well rounded thoughts and answers TTJ(es) many many questions. What is herd immunity, really? Are our kids likely to catch COVID fr...
2020-07-0656 minWe Should Talk About ThatWeSTAT Mini #22- Reba Riley on Couraging and Brave as a VerbSend me a Text Message about the show!Who needs a feel good, uplifting and encouraging story to help redeem some of 2020 for them? Reba Riley will send you, on a weekly basis, words of kindness and courage that will do JUST THAT. She believes in kindness as being the hard, put on your work boots, work of true love, and so it is in that spirit that she began a texting initiative to encourage people who were feeling overwhelmed. And not only does she remind us that BRAVE is a VERB, she also has extended her...
2020-07-0321 minWe Should Talk About ThatShannon Watts, Moms Demand Action on Gun Sense and Leading an Army of Bad Ass Women.Send me a Text Message about the show!This is the kind of conversation that makes podcasting #worthit. The Two Jess(es) sit down with the ultimate bad ass and the 'NRA's #1 Enemy', Shannon Watts. Founder of the grassroots organization Moms Demand Action, described as a 'movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence.' They pass stronger gun laws and work to close the loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our families. Shannon is the author of Fight Like a Mother: How a Grassroots Movement Took on the Gun...
2020-06-2953 minWe Should Talk About ThatWeSTAT Mini #21- Happy Birthday to JessK and a Conversation on Collective GriefSend me a Text Message about the show!It's Friday! And it also happens to be JessK's birthday! TTJ(es) get a little silly and a lot deep in these 20 minutes as they discuss the article that came out in the Harvard Business Review entitled: 'That Discomfort You're Feeling Is Grief.' by Scott Berinato. As we sit in our 16th week of a global pandemic, we continue to call out on behalf of Black and Brown voices, and we face the reality of what the next school year will bring, JessB and JessK contemplate leaning...
2020-06-2623 minWe Should Talk About ThatA Conversation on UnlearningSend me a Text Message about the show!The two Jesses (TTJ) thought they were going to do a book and podcast review and they ended up having a brutally honest and uncomfortable conversation about the intention vs the impact of our actions. As they discuss how they are approaching their "unlearning" within the context of white privilege, TTJ continue to be transparent about their difficult conversations in hopes that it will help others as they are having their own.Books and podcasts discussed in this episode:http://a...
2020-06-2245 min