EPISODE · Oct 29, 2025 · 1H 26M
#87 - Leland Vittert: Middle School Trained Me for War Zones
from Nothing Left Unsaid · host Tim Green & Troy Green
Leland Vittert didn't speak until age three. Diagnosed with what we now know as autism, he spent middle school crying himself to sleep while his father repeated one message: "The qualities that make you bullied now will make you successful later." In this raw conversation, Leland opens up about his memoir Born Lucky, a father-son story about choosing resilience over accommodation and truth over popularity. We talk about the decision his parents made not to shelter him from adversity, but to hold his hand through it. About learning to turn isolation into independence, and pain into purpose. This isn't a polished highlight reel. It's an honest look at neurodivergence, parenting choices, bullying, and what it costs to stand your ground when the truth matters most. Key moments: Growing up neurodivergent before we had the language for it The parenting decision that changed everything Why middle school bullying prepared him for Washington newsrooms Finding your voice when you literally couldn't speak The father-son relationship that became his foundation Whether you're a parent of a struggling kid, someone who's faced isolation, or anyone trying to find strength in their story, this conversation offers hope, honesty, and the reminder that your hardest seasons might be preparing you for something greater. Guest: Leland Vittert is a journalist and author of Born Lucky, chronicling his journey from a nonverbal child with severe learning disabilities to a voice millions trust. Get the book Born Lucky: https://bornlucky.com/ Chapters: (00:00) Trailer (01:09) Intro (01:44) Introducing Leland Vittert (02:41) Overcoming Childhood Challenges (08:16) The Power of a Nickname: 'Lucky' (11:37) Navigating Autism and Social Challenges (20:41) Journalism and Personal Growth (27:30) Facing Adversity in the Newsroom (40:06) Covering the George Floyd Protests (43:37) The Challenges of Neutral Journalism (47:54) The Role of Media in Political Polarization (50:02) Interviewing Extremists (58:02) Personal Sacrifices for Integrity (01:05:08) Autism and Personal Growth (01:11:24) Faith and Family (01:19:56) A Father Tribute (01:20:58) Rapid Fire Questions SPONSORS: ElevenLabs: Thanks to ElevenLabs for supporting this episode and powering Tim’s voice. SOCIAL: Website: nlupod.com Twitter: @nlutimgreen Facebook: facebook.com/NLUpod Instagram: @nlupod AUDIO ONLY: Spotify: Listen on Spotify Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcasts PERSONAL: Tackle ALS: tackleals.com Tim Green Books: authortimgreen.com ROCKET ARM: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062796895/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What this episode covers
Leland Vittert didn't speak until age three. Diagnosed with what we now know as autism, he spent middle school crying himself to sleep while his father repeated one message: "The qualities that make you bullied now will make you successful later." In this raw conversation, Leland opens up about his memoir Born Lucky, a father-son story about choosing resilience over accommodation and truth over popularity. We talk about the decision his parents made not to shelter him from adversity, but to hold his hand through it. About learning to turn isolation into independence, and pain into purpose. This isn't a polished highlight reel. It's an honest look at neurodivergence, parenting choices, bullying, and what it costs to stand your ground when the truth matters most. Key moments: Growing up neurodivergent before we had the language for it The parenting decision that changed everything Why middle school bullying prepared him for Washington newsrooms Finding your voice when you literally couldn't speak The father-son relationship that became his foundation Whether you're a parent of a struggling kid, someone who's faced isolation, or anyone trying to find strength in their story, this conversation offers hope, honesty, and the reminder that your hardest seasons might be preparing you for something greater. Guest: Leland Vittert is a journalist and author of Born Lucky, chronicling his journey from a nonverbal child with severe learning disabilities to a voice millions trust. Get the book Born Lucky: https://bornlucky.com/ Chapters: (00:00) Trailer (01:09) Intro (01:44) Introducing Leland Vittert (02:41) Overcoming Childhood Challenges (08:16) The Power of a Nickname: 'Lucky' (11:37) Navigating Autism and Social Challenges (20:41) Journalism and Personal Growth (27:30) Facing Adversity in the Newsroom (40:06) Covering the George Floyd Protests (43:37) The Challenges of Neutral Journalism (47:54) The Role of Media in Political Polarization (50:02) Interviewing Extremists (58:02) Personal Sacrifices for Integrity (01:05:08) Autism and Personal Growth (01:11:24) Faith and Family (01:19:56) A Father Tribute (01:20:58) Rapid Fire Questions SPONSORS: ElevenLabs: Thanks to ElevenLabs for supporting this episode and powering Tim’s voice. SOCIAL: Website: nlupod.com Twitter: @nlutimgreen Facebook: facebook.com/NLUpod Instagram: @nlupod AUDIO ONLY: Spotify: Listen on Spotify Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcasts PERSONAL: Tackle ALS: tackleals.com Tim Green Books: authortimgreen.com ROCKET ARM: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062796895/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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#87 - Leland Vittert: Middle School Trained Me for War Zones
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