Shows
Diverge & DisruptOur Autism Journey: Building Community Better - TogetherIn this heartfelt episode, Liz sits down with longtime autism advocate, parent, and nurse Melissa Brooks to talk about Our Autism Journey, the second annual autism community event happening on Saturday, April 12th at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Eastern Washington.This event isn’t just a walk or resource fair—it’s a community experience designed by and for autistic individuals, their families, and allies. Liz and Melissa share how the event grew from a dream into an inclusive, vibrant, and safe celebration for people of all ages and support levels. From low-sensory spaces...2025-04-0436 minDiverge & DisruptPART 2 "Am I a bad kid again?" - Navigating an ADHD diagnosisEp 5 -Part 2In this honest and relatable conversation, Liz and Maggie continue their discussion about parenting neurodivergent kids with ADHD and anxiety. From navigating the ups and downs of medication to advocating in school systems that aren’t built for kids who show up differently, this episode dives into what it really looks like to parent with curiosity, imperfection, and a whole lot of love.You’ll hear about:The emotional side of starting (and stopping) ADHD medicationsHow anxiety and masking often show up differently in girlsWhat it m...2025-04-0448 minDiverge & Disrupt"Am I a bad kid again?" - Navigating an ADHD diagnosis Ep. 5 (PART 1)One Parent’s Journey with their child's ADHD In this episode of Diverge & Disrupt, Liz Vossenkemper sits down with her best friend of 13 years, Maggie McCain, a board-certified family nurse practitioner from St. Louis, Missouri. Maggie shares her family’s journey navigating her son Ellis’s ADHD diagnosis — from early behavioral concerns to the long road of seeking answers, understanding interventions, and advocating for the right kind of support.Together, Liz and Maggie reflect on the emotional rollercoaster many parents ride when trying to get help for their children: the stigma, the delays...2025-03-2654 minDiverge & Disrupt(Part 2) How the Average Person Can Resist Hate and Prevent Collapse Taking Resistance to the Next LevelGuest: Heather Buzbee – Nurse practitioner, autism and youth mental health specialist, PhD candidate, and parent of three neurodivergent kids.In Part 2 of our conversation, we break down Steps 6-9 in resisting systemic oppression and protecting marginalized communities. If you have the energy to do more, these steps focus on direct advocacy, informed resistance, and ethical action. We explore how to contact representatives, educate others on their rights, stay informed without burning out, and use your time and money to push for change.🔹 Step 6 – Contacting Representatives: Why your voice m...2025-03-1034 minDiverge & DisruptHow the Average Person Can Resist Hate and Prevent Collapse Ep. 4 -PART 1Episode Overview:In this powerful episode of Diverge & Disrupt, Liz sits down with friend and NP colleague, Heather Buzbee, a dedicated advocate for the marginalized and a passionate protector of vulnerable communities. Heather, a nurse practitioner dual-certified in pediatric primary care and psychiatric mental health, brings both professional expertise and lived experience as a parent to three neurodivergent children with chronic conditions. Her work in healthcare spans over 20 years, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in developmental psychologyIn this episode, Heather introduces the first 5 steps of her breakdown...2025-02-181h 04Diverge & DisruptBehavior Support, But Make It Human: Expanding the possibilities of ABA Ep. 3Show NotesEpisode Title: Behavior Support, But Make It Human: Expanding the possibilities of ABA Guests: Hannah Flaherty, Founder, Co-Owner & Therapist Serina Fleming, Co-Owner & TherapistSynopsis:In this episode, we dive into an honest and necessary conversation about the realities of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and how KC Behavioral Consulting is doing things differently. Founders Hannah Flattery and Serina Fleming share their journey from working within traditional models of therapy to breaking away and creating a practice that prioritizes real-life application, family-centered care, and actual collaboration.We...2025-02-0753 minDiverge & DisruptPART 2- Fighting Isolation With AdvocacyEpisode Summary:In part 2 of this episode, we continue our conversation with Nikki Zimmerman, a passionate advocate and mother to Erik, a child with high support needs due to profound autism. Nikki opens up about her relentless efforts to challenge systems that often exclude and underestimate children like Erik. From addressing her local school board to organizing the 1st Annual Autism Event in her community, Nikki shares her journey of advocacy, hope, and the reality of navigating a world not built for her son.Liz and Nikki dive into critical topics, including: The...2024-12-2753 minDiverge & DisruptFighting Isolation With Advocacy Ep. 2 - PART 1Summary:In this powerful episode of Diverge & Disrupt, host Liz Vossenkemper sits down with Nikki Zimmerman, a parent and fierce advocate, to discuss the relentless pursuit of systemic change for children with higher support needs. Nikki shares her journey of navigating the world of special education, community inclusion, and systemic barriers, all while ensuring her child’s voice is honored.The conversation dives deep into the emotional, systemic, and logistical challenges faced by parents advocating for their children, the need for true acceptance, and how awareness must lead to action. Nikki opens up about her personal ex...2024-12-2456 min
Diverge & DisruptStart here. Ep. 1In the inaugural episode of 'Diverge & Disrupt', Liz Vossenkemper, a neurodivergent nurse practitioner, shares the journey and the motivations behind this podcast. This episode discusses the importance of understanding and embracing neurodivergence, the need for systemic change, and the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and their families. Liz emphasizes the necessity of disrupting misconceptions surrounding ADHD and autism, advocating for a more inclusive and affirming approach to healthcare and education.Key term that may require clarification: Neurodivergent: Refers to individuals whose brain functions differently from what is considered typical or neurotypical. This...2024-12-1719 minDiverge & DisruptTrailer90 second introduction to Diverge & Disrupt 2024-12-1701 minDiverge & DisruptTeaser-Belonging for ALLEnjoy a teaser clip from some practice conversations in the studio!
FIRST episode dropping 12/17/242024-12-1500 minDiverge & DisruptTeaser - Educating to EmpowerBe sure to subscribe, follow and share.
FIRST episode dropping 12/17/242024-12-1501 minDiverge & DisruptShow Trailer🎙️ Welcome to Diverge & Disrupt! 🎙️
I’m Liz Vossenkemper—a neurodivergent nurse practitioner, autism advocate, and fierce believer in the power of honest conversations. This podcast is a space for families, professionals, and anyone passionate about creating a world where neurodivergent individuals thrive.
We’re diving deep into the complexities of autism, ADHD, and developmental disabilities, challenging outdated norms and tackling the hard, nuanced topics.
From navigating school systems to building affirming spaces, and from debunking harmful myths to amplifying disabled voices, Diverge & Disrupt! isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement.
Let’s disrupt old wa...2024-12-1500 min