SEASON 4 FINALE CONVERSATION WITH ELAYNA AND MARISSA! In this heartfelt and thought-provoking season wrap-up, Marissa and Elayna look back on the most powerful stories, lessons, and “aha” moments from their incredible guests. From embracing neurodiversity to finding strength through empathy, we dive into what it really means to grow, connect, and live authentically.

We open up about the importance of community, laughter, and honesty when facing life’s toughest challenges, and why first impressions and assumptions often deserve a second look. Together, we explore how creating safe, transparent spaces for neurodivergent individuals can transform not just relationships, but entire communities. Expect real talk about unmasking, self-discovery, and shifting perspectives—from how we view nutrition to how we challenge ideas through disagreement. We also tackle the urgent need for change in healthcare for neurodivergent people—and give a sneak peek at what’s to come next season.

It’s a reflective, empowering, and deeply human conversation you won’t want to miss.

Ayanna Sanaa Davis is widely known online as @PhenomenallyAutistic, and for good reason. She is an award-winning autism advocate, author, and the powerful voice behind the podcast Black Girl Diagnosed. Ayanna’s journey is deeply personal and profoundly important. She was misdiagnosed and medicated for bipolar disorder. This experience is unfortunately all too common for Black women and people of color. It wasn’t until a Dominican doctor took the time to truly listen and understand her experience that the correct diagnosis was finally made: Ayanna is autistic. Like so many others, she was late diagnosed and faced cultural barriers to acceptance. Her story not only sheds light on the intersection of race, gender, and neurodivergence—but also calls into question the systems that overlook and mislabel so many. We’ve invited Ayanna on to talk about a specific and powerful post she made about her experience getting a mammogram as an autistic woman. As neurotypical people, we were both moved and humbled by her words. For many, a mammogram is already an overwhelming and uncomfortable experience. But Ayanna’s post helped us realize how invisible and unspoken the added challenges can be for neurodivergent people navigating healthcare systems that weren’t designed with them in mind. Intersectionality is extremely important to discuss regarding healthcare. We need more people talking about their experiences and perspectives to make positive and permanent change. As we honor Breast Cancer Awareness, we believe it’s more important than ever to highlight voices like Ayanna’s that push us to expand our awareness, deepen our empathy, and include all experiences in conversations about health and wellness.

Connect with Ayanna:

https://linktr.ee/Phenomenallyautistic?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=eb60f5c2-2ba7-41f1-a481-7cbdc7ce95c5

​ ⁨@phenomenallyautistic⁩ 

#podcast #shorts #new #autistic #actuallyautistic #fyp #neurodivergent #neurodiversity #health #healthcare #family #parenting #education #teachers #teaching #cse #iep #autismawareness #nd #learn #learning #latediagnosedautistic #support #rights #accommodation #breastcancer #breastcancerawareness #mammogram #mammograms

Mark Allen is the creator and host of Neuroshambles, a podcast where he speaks with experts, advocates, and fellow parents in the neurodiversity community to unpack the realities, joys, and curveballs of raising neurodivergent kids. As a parent of three children, each with their own distinct neurodivergent profile, Mark’s journey began without a roadmap. But through years of research, open conversations, and plenty of trial and error, he’s become an “accidental expert” in understanding and accommodating each of his kids’ needs. Mark mixes every single day with a healthy dose of humor, humility, and heart. With a focus on embracing the chaos with humor and compassion, Mark’s parenting philosophy is about more than managing the day-to-day—it’s about teaching his kids how to advocate for themselves and showing other parents that understanding and acceptance can completely transform family life. Whether he’s interviewing a guest on his podcast or swapping stories with other parents, Mark brings curiosity, candor, and the belief that we’re all still learning.Connect with Mark:https://linktr.ee/neuroshambles?utm_s...#new #podcast #fyp #pda #neurodivergent #neurodiversity #adhd #autism #autismo #autismawareness #cse #iep #504 #audhd #disabled #disabilities #parenting #parent #uk #unitedkingdom #brain #awareness #fun #friends #newepisode

Michelle Hammer is a powerhouse creator, entrepreneur, and visionary force behind Schizophrenic.NYC, a bold mental health–focused streetwear brand that blends fashion with advocacy. Through her work, Michelle sparks conversations about visibility, acceptance, and empowerment, proving that clothing can carry messages far deeper than fabric. Her work has been featured on runways, in media outlets, and across the vibrant streets of New York City, always with the goal of making mental health and neurodivergence part of everyday conversation.

At her core, Michelle is an artist, a disruptor, and a force for cultural change. She thrives at the intersection of creativity, business, lived experience, and advocacy bringing humor, honesty, and style to everything she does. connecting with people in ways that feel authentic and unforgettable. Whether she’s building her brand, collaborating with other creators, or sharing her insights online, Michelle’s voice resonates deeply because it's real: she speaks candidly about mental health, neurodivergence, and societal perceptions with refreshing honesty and wit.

In this conversation, Marissa and Elayna engage with Annika Angelo, a nutritionist specializing in ADHD-friendly nutrition. They explore the relationship between food and neurodiversity, emphasizing the importance of protein for neurodivergent individuals. The discussion delves into the challenges of masking and unmasking in neurodivergent lives, the significance of support systems, and the need for accessible healthcare. Anika introduces the Wheel of Wellness as a tool for checking in on overall health and highlights the importance of community connections for emotional well-being. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the misconceptions surrounding ADHD, particularly focusing on dietary choices and the importance of understanding nutrition for neurodivergent individuals. They discuss the challenges of navigating misinformation, the significance of education in fostering understanding, and the necessity of creating safe spaces for change. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a supportive community and the role of nutrition in managing ADHD symptoms, while also addressing the complexities of individual experiences and the importance of perspective in education. Annika brings a fresh and evidence-informed perspective to a topic that often feels overwhelming: food and ADHD.

Annika is the creator behind @thenutrimindlab, where she’s carving out space for ADHD-friendly nutrition that’s practical, research-based, and rooted in compassion. With a clear-eyed view of both the science and the struggle, Annika helps people untangle nutrition myths, understand the ADHD brain’s relationship with eating, and build sustainable habits without shame.

A multi-passionate neurodivergent herself, Annika knows the mental tug-of-war between chasing ideas and completing tasks—and she brings that lived experience into the way she supports her audience. Whether she’s breaking down the science of dopamine and snacking, or offering simple strategies to make meals less stressful, Annika’s work is all about making food feel possible again.

WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ANNIKA:

https://linktr.ee/nutrimindlab?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=1ec00a5c-bb51-4d04-9469-6e05cf4469c5

#adhd #nutrition #nd #neurodivergent #disabled #disabilities #learn #learning #podcast #new #education #specialeducation #cse #wheelofwellness #wellness #health #food #help #support

Jocelyn Green is a passionate advocate for understanding and embracing neurodivergent experiences, sharing her insights and personal journey as @audhd_academic. Combining lived experience with deep curiosity, Jocelyn offers thoughtful perspectives on the intersections of autism, ADHD, and academic life. She uses her platform to challenge stereotypes, unpack the unique strengths and challenges of being neurodivergent, and foster more compassionate conversations. Known for her clarity, wit, and honesty, Jocelyn invites others to see the full spectrum of neurodivergent identity—beyond labels and assumptions—and to create spaces where people can thrive as their authentic selves. Her journey has been one of self-discovery, resilience, and learning how to navigate systems that aren’t always designed with neurodivergent people in mind. In both her academic work and her advocacy, Jocelyn blends research-based knowledge with the realities of day-to-day neurodivergent life. She is passionate about making education and professional spaces more accessible, and about helping others feel seen and validated in their own experiences. Through her writing, speaking, and online presence, she continues to build community and spark change—proving that neurodivergent voices are not just valuable, but essential, in shaping a more inclusive future.

Today, we are excited for everyone to meet our incredible guest who is a dedicated advocate for neurodivergent communities. Meet Andrew Robinson, known online as @myadhdcounselor. Andrew is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Through his platform, he provides practical guidance, heartfelt encouragement, and a refreshing honesty about living with ADHD. Andrew combines his professional expertise with personal passion, helping others embrace their unique ways of thinking, feeling, and navigating the world. His work is rooted in compassion, humor, and the belief that neurodivergence should not only be accepted but celebrated.Andrew’s counseling approach is deeply shaped by his mission to empower people with ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence to advocate for themselves, build on their strengths, and find joy in the messy, unpredictable process of growth. He speaks openly about the struggles and myths surrounding ADHD, and offers tools that are realistic, accessible, and rooted in lived experience rather than rigid theory. Passionate about dismantling stigma, he works to normalize conversations about mental health and help people see that support is not just about surviving, but about building a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.Beyond his counseling work, Andrew uses his platform to bring humor and humanity into the conversation about neurodivergence. He shares strategies, resources, and reflections that resonate widely because they are real, relatable, and filled with heart. A strong believer in community, he reminds his audience that no one has to walk their ADHD journey alone—and that the very traits once seen as obstacles can become powerful assets. Whether online or in session, Andrew’s voice is one of encouragement, hope, and solidarity for neurodivergent people everywhere.You can connect with Andrew:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/MyADHDCounselor?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=99237e1d-93be-405a-ac57-05e987d6f86b

Allison Converse, brings a rare blend of empathy, expertise, and everyday wisdom to the conversation around ADHD, motherhood, and home life.

Allison is an Occupational Therapist turned ADHD Coach, and the creator behind @calmcottagecoaching, where she shares tools, stories, and strategies that help neurodivergent moms feel more at peace in their homes—and in their heads. Drawing from her clinical background and personal experience as a neurodivergent mom herself, Allison helps others shift from chaos and shame to clarity and function, always rooted in compassion and zero judgment.

Whether she’s walking people through her free 15 Minute Kitchen Reset, offering encouragement during her 7-Day ADHD Home Reset, or reminding her audience that it doesn’t have to be perfect to work, Allison creates space for growth, grace, and real-life change. She believes in the power of small steps—especially when they’re taken in a space that finally feels like yours.

Carolyn is the creator and host of Beyond 6 Seconds, an award winning podcast dedicated to going beyond the quick first impressions we form and into the layered, powerful stories of neurodivergent people from around the world. Through her thoughtful interviews, she explores how neurodivergence intersects with culture, identity, and lived experience—amplifying voices and challenging assumptions. By day, Carolyn is an Instructional Design Senior Manager, creating accessible training for a global workforce. In both her corporate work and her podcasting, she’s committed to accessibility, clarity, and giving people the time and space to be heard. Diagnosed as autistic later in life, Carolyn draws on her own journey—marked by academic excellence, deep focus on passions, and the challenges of coordination, group work, and sensory overwhelm—to connect with her guests on a deeper level. A self-taught podcaster, she’s blended her background in music, technology, and learning design into a show that’s both inviting and impactful, evolving over the years to shine a bright light on the richness of neurodiverse experiences. @beyond6seconds  #autism #autismawareness #autismo #podcast #neurodiversity #fun #learning #learn #mentalhealth #parenting #education #explore #fyp #adhd #voice #listening #joy #new #neurodivergent

Denea is a faith-led content creator, autism advocate, speaker, and devoted mother who shares her journey through life as a neurodivergent woman with honesty and compassion. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD (separately) as an adult, Denea uses her story to shed light on the often-overlooked experiences of autistic women, especially those navigating motherhood and spirituality. Through her growing platforms on Instagram, TikTok, and The Faith Filled Mom Podcast, Denea encourages others to embrace faith over fear, reminding her audience that “God is not done with you yet.” Her work is filled with gentle wisdom, powerful testimony, and a deep belief that grace and growth can coexist—even in the hard moments. Denea holds space for others to feel seen and supported, especially those who are deconstructing old narratives and rebuilding a life rooted in authenticity and faith. Whether she’s offering a word of encouragement, unpacking the realities of sensory overload, or reminding fellow moms that “you don’t have to have it all together,” her voice is one of both conviction and calm. With each post, prayer, and podcast episode, Denea is helping to reframe what it means to be neurodivergent, sober, faithful, and fully human.

Sydney Zeier, is an experienced neurodivergent travel planner and IBCCES-certified Autism Travel Professional whose heart beats for adventure, connection, and inclusion. She’s traveled the world navigating the nuances of neurodiversity—charting sensory-friendly excursions, anticipating surprises, and celebrating freedom in every journey. Drawing from her own lived experience, Sydney founded Neurodivergent Travel Planner, a warm and understanding space that helps families design trips where every member feels seen, heard, and supported. Whether it's spacing out accommodations for decompression, packing favorite sensory toys, or crafting calm pre‑trip social scripts, her attention to detail transforms stress into memorable family escapades. Sydney isn’t just a guide—she’s a companion on your journey. Through her Instagram and TikTok (@neurodivergent_travel), she shares short, heartfelt tips, magical behind-the-scenes moments (like welcoming families aboard a sensory-adapted Disney cruise!), and candid reflections on what truly makes travel joyful. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to turn travel into a space where neurodivergent families thrive—one thoughtfully planned itinerary at a time. Warm, knowledgeable, and unwaveringly empathetic, Sydney invites audiences to explore the world with confidence, compassion,

and a sense of wonder.

We are excited to welcome Kirby Rabalais.  Kirby is a devoted father and passionate advocate whose journey through fatherhood and neurodiversity has inspired a movement. By day, he brings his insights to TRUCE Software; by night, he pours his heart into supporting dads raising children with disabilities through his platform, Got4titude. After navigating the challenges of early intervention—appointments, acronyms, and the feeling of being the only one in the room—he launched Got4titude to create a space where fathers don’t have to go it alone He’s spoken to father-led communities like Spectrum Family Talks, sharing raw stories of fear, resilience, and love as dads “keep showing up every single day” for their neurodivergent children. Kirby’s approach is warm, grounded, and deeply human. He celebrates every milestone—like the first time his son Harley played golf—and acknowledges the messy reality of meltdowns on airplanes, reminding others that “you’re not alone” in the struggle and the triumphs . He encourages fathers to nurture their own identity—what he calls their “future self”—and to build supportive, high‑vibrational communities so they can pour from full cups. Through his personal experiences, advocacy, and genuine openness, Kirby invites us all to embrace fatherhood with empathy, strength, and a big dose of gratitude.

We are beyond grateful for our incredible guests this season. Come join us for a recap of our favorite season yet, and hear a sneak peak of what's coming next season! Thank you:Susie WyattMelanie Whittaker @toptenpods   @TheHopeCulture  Dr. Heath Christopher Rivera  @walkingwithconnor  Alinne Butcher @Sienna_Stims   @wefightforzack 

If healing happens in relationships, then Alinne is here to make those connections stronger, healthier, and full of possibility. As the founder of Over the Rug Therapy, she knows that problems don’t improve when we sweep them under the rug. A licensed marriage and family therapist, Alinne specializes in trauma-informed & antiracist therapy, helping clients navigate life’s toughest moments with a blend of deep empathy, bold honesty, and a dash of Enneagram 8 energy. A proud Brazilian-American and lifelong learner (116 books last year—yes, really!) she brings a culturally sensitive approach to healing, guiding clients with insight, warmth, and a little tough love when needed. When she’s not helping people untangle emotional knots, you’ll find her curled up with a murder mystery, cooking up something delicious, or reluctantly hitting the gym. Alinne joined us at Everything is Learning to dive into the heart of relationships, self-discovery, and the power of asking “why?” If you’re not following her on Instagram her account is our FAVORITE ONE. Even Viola Davis reshares her post. We know our listeners will love finally living

OVER THE RUG with Alinne.

Dr. Heath is a dynamic educator, thought leader, and co-author of Elevating Customer Service in Higher Education—a true expert in transforming the student experience. With over 30 years as a senior leader and trainer, he’s helped professionals across 20 states (and beyond!) create game-changing service excellence programs that boost retention, engagement, and success. He’s not just an expert—he’s a faculty member, researcher, chef, and Disney aficionado who knows how to make learning both powerful and fun, and we should know because he was our professor! Buckle up for an eye-opening conversation that will change the way you see customer service in higher education! Welcome to the magical world of service with Dr. Heath!

Patty Born is a psychiatric nurse practitioner whose resilience, grit, and deep compassion have shaped a journey of profound impact. As a mental illness advocate and grief speaker, she shares her deeply personal story, including the heartbreaking losses of both her son and ex-husband to suicide. Through her experiences, she has gained life changing insight into mental health, grief, neurodivergent support, and the power of vulnerability. Her openness and wisdom left us completely in awe after watching her on Soft White Underbelly, and we know her story will resonate deeply with you.

Christopher grew up in the vibrant heart of New York City, where his passion for people and purpose began to take root. After earning his degree from Alfred University and later an MBA, Christopher dove into a career that blended mentorship, education, and innovation. With a foundation in Residence Life and student affairs, he’s always been about community-building—and today, he brings that same spirit to his work at Merit America, where he's helping reshape what upward mobility looks like for working adults across the country. But Christopher is far from just a career builder. He’s a visual storyteller and certified Canva wizard, a die-hard soccer fan, and a lover of all things creative. Whether he’s in the gym, exploring local breweries, or trying something new just for the thrill of it, Christopher embodies growth, curiosity, and authenticity. He lives with his partner, Jess, and their two beloved German Shepherds, and if you catch him on Instagram, you’ll likely see his signature mix of good vibes, great design, and the occasional gym flex. From the downstate to upstate NY and from Canva to community impact, Christopher Rivera is the kind of guest who reminds us that personal reinvention is possible—and it can be joyful, too.

Sienna is back for part 2! For the second half of our conversation we talk about dismantling ableism, systemic issues, RFK Jr., Victor Perez, headcanon characters, the media, Sienna's gift of storytelling and script writing, and the positives that have come out of Autism Awareness and Acceptance month this year. Join us and subscribe!

We are so excited for you to listen to Part 1 of our conversation with Sienna Macalister! Sienna is an Australian autistic and multiply disabled content creator, writer, and advocate known for their powerful takes on neurodivergence and disability. Sienna has been diagnosed with autism Level 3, ADHD, POTS, EDS, and NF1, and uses their platforms— Instagram, TikTok, and Threads— to emphasize the need for ‘neurodiversity with nuance’, advocating for all to embrace the full spectrum of autistic experience, especially for those with high support needs. With a following of over 34,500 on TikTok and a growing presence across other platforms, Sienna is helping shift the narrative around what it means to be disabled and neurodivergent today through informative and personal content. Sienna’s advocacy is also grounded in storytelling; Sienna has been published in two anthologies and has written screenplays aimed at increasing the representation of neurodivergence on screen, challenging stereotypes and fostering understanding. They also hold an Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting and a Bachelor of Communications from RMIT University, equipping them with the skills to communicate complex ideas with clarity and impact. We loved having them on the show, and know you will learn something new during this episode. Part 2 will be released next week, so stay tuned!

In this episode, we’re joined by our now dear friend, Carl "Pavo" Pawlowski — who we first met as a guest on his podcast. What started as a single conversation turned into a genuine connection, and we’re thrilled to have him on our show.

Together, we dive into Pav’s story, the world of podcasting, a little Star Wars (cue the theme music), and mental health. Like any good conversation among friends in a safe space, this one took a few unexpected turns — and with it, meaningful moments of learning and discovery.

Pav a storyteller at heart, turned curiosity and humor into a thriving career in podcasting. After facing redundancy, he took a leap into the unknown, teaching himself podcast production and co-founding Pancast PODuctions. His first major hit, WTAF – A This Country Podcast, quickly gained a loyal following, leading to live shows, cast interviews, and a passionate fan community. Never short on ideas, Pavo and co-host Neil launched The Top Ten Of Anything Podcast, a fast-paced and entertaining deep dive into ranked lists covering movies, music, and more. With warmth and wit, he turns every episode into an engaging, laugh-filled conversation that feels like catching up with an old friend. Beyond the mic, Pavo is a talented musician, performing as "Pavo - The Human Jukebox". His journey from career uncertainty to creative success proves that embracing curiosity, learning new skills, and taking risks can lead to something extraordinary.

Connect with Pav:

SOCIAL MEDIA:

www.twitter.com/toptenpods

www.instagram.com/toptenpods

www.facebook.com/toptenpods

EMAIL: toptenpods@hotmail.com

LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/toptenpods