The roles have reversed! After a season of interviewing some fellow neurodivergent STEMM professionals, one of them now gets to interview our host Dr Chris Freelance!
Tune in to hear guest interviewer (and Episode 1 guest) Dr Ollie Thomas chatting to Chris about about balancing the push and pull of Autism and ADHD, his journey from researcher to research infrastructure facility manager, STEMM strengths and challenges through the lens of an AuDHD person, diving into science comedy, and the deeper motivations for why the Divergent in STEMM podcast was born.
This is the final episode of season 1. The podcast will be back for season 2 in early 2026.
And if you’re a glutton for punishment, here’s the video of Chris’ most recent comedy talk (August 2025): https://youtu.be/p8V1iDbf-Bk
What do cosplay and research science have in common?
This episode, host Dr Chris is joined by PhD candidate Jordan Clarke from The University of Melbourne. Tune in to hear about Jordan’s research bringing stem cell biology to the study of neuropsychiatric disorder, her experience of neurodiversity-friendly work practices in STEMM, and how aspects of her ADHD have made her a successful scientist. (And with her and Chris’ offices just a few doors apart, there’s plenty of banter and laughs!)
This is the last of the episodes made during ADHD Awareness Month 2025, and the second-last episode of season 1.
What do you get if you cross two science communicators come comedians with ADHD? This podcast episode!
Join host Dr Chris in conversation with science communicator Emily Groves about their shared experience of an adult ADHD diagnosis and burnout, Emily’s varied experience working in science communication with hands-on science centres and a national program for high school students, and creating neuroinclusive work environments in STEMM.
A school reunion on a very small scale! Join our host Dr Chris in conversation with high school friend and environmental engineer Dr Ray Trevorah about reforming the Australian organic waste sector into organic resource recovery, the power of in-person interactions to influence behavioural change, and how Ray has leveraged technology and strong oral communication skills to reduce some of the barriers of his dyslexia.
Many people with Autism have special interest topics, but what's it like for an Autistic neuroscientist whose special interest is neuroscience?
Join our host Dr Chris Freelance in conversation with neuroscientist Steph Olliff about her research using brain-infecting viruses to find new treatments for neurodegenerative disease, the struggle to 'switch off' when your work is one of your Autistic special interest topics, re-framing how people view the spectrum and functioning labels, and making neurodiverse-friendly environments to support STEMM professionals to be their best.
Join host Dr Chris Freelance in conversation with laboratory manager and neuroscience PhD candidate Elyas Arvell. From ongoing efforts to unravel the molecular mysteries of Parkinson's disease to a love for lab work, microscopy as mindfulness, and the importance of curiosity and humility, tune in to hear two adult-diagnosed AuDHDers exploring how neurodivergence and science are a core part of who they are.
Host Dr Chris Freelance is joined by biostatistician A/Prof Karen Lamb. Tune in as they discuss Karen’s experience in the inaugural cohort of STA’s Superstars of STEM program, the benefits of mentoring, and how she has navigated her “chaotic” brain and ADHD to transform an interest in mathematics into a flourishing academic career supporting dozens of health & epidemiology research projects.
Join host Dr Chris Freelance in conversation with science educator and researcher Dr Ollie Thomas. With a successful career spanning over two decades, explore Ollie's non-traditional path with science and how he believes it is the learned approach to communication he developed because of, not in spite of, his Autism that has enabled him to flourish as a science educator.
Welcome to Divergent in STEMM! In this trailer episode, host Dr Chris Freelance introduces himself, and the motivation for and format of the podcast.
Follow Divergent in STEMM on LinkedIn, X (@DivergentSTEMM), and BlueSky to stay up to date, or for additional information and resources visit https://drchrisfreelance.com/divergent-in-stemm-podcast/