Working to Work

In this episode, I speak with Yasmine Dankwah, the creator of Pathways, a podcast exploring how people try to find their way into the creative industries through skills development programmes. Drawing on her own experiences, Yasmine reflects on the realities of navigating these opportunities, from the process of applying to dealing with rejection. We talk about how Pathways emerged as a creative response to these experiences - using sound, storytelling, and a game-inspired structure to question how these “pathways” actually function. ~ Resources: Pathways Podcast: YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLfrQfmbUA9DECeAu-mVYoPBpDLfC_zGI&si=9lpXUjQTLjotVOBk Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GUWvM7DN3TpBWIK87ADKe?si=B-ugiXpFSjCXmj7GiTCFlw Neurodiversity In Music: Improving Access Shakira Alleyne’s documentary exploring best practices, barriers, and next steps in supporting Neurodivergent creatives in the Music Industry/Education sector. https://youtu.be/DImV7c6RWFk?si=ir9RWHOilWqsmEVE Wired4Music: https://www.wired4music.co.uk Sound Connections: https://www.sound-connections.org.uk

In this second part of my conversation with Youngmin Park, a mathematical biologist and professor at the University of Florida, we turn our attention to his YouTube channel, ADHD Mathematician. We talk about what motivated him to start sharing his experiences publicly, how he approaches openness with both care and honesty, and the ways his thinking about ADHD and mental health has evolved over time. We also discuss courage, vulnerability, and how the internet can both connect and confine us – and why, for Youngmin, authenticity is worth the risk. I had a few ongoing technical challenges with this recording, so apologies again for the less-than-optimal video quality, but I hope you’ll still enjoy this thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation. Youngmin’s website: https://youngmp.github.io ADHD Mathematician: https://www.youtube.com/@UCLtlPRveA1APQnGAI2YVDGw

I became aware of Youngmin through his YouTube channel ADHD mathematician in which he explores the research that underpins ADHD, and shares constructive and in a non-prescriptive way his own journey with neurodivergence, as it relates to his work, personal life, and sense of self. We’ll be talking more about the channel in the second part of this episode, but in this first hour youngmin spoke about his journey to becoming an professor at the university of Florida – despite difficulties including myself Patience and self compassion. Youngmin's website: https://youngmp.github.io ADHD Mathmatician: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDMathematician

Artist Abbas Zahedi joins Sam to discuss their multidisciplinary practice, navigating institutional spaces, and how their experiences as a neurodivergent creative shape their approach to sustaining a career on their own terms.

Autistic musician Joanna Sternberg speaks with Sam about the themes in their music, navigating the industry, and the empowering impact of trusted friends.

YouTuber Shaun speaks with Sam about his character ‘Jack Tisson’’ — created to explore the causes of, and potential solutions to, challenges he’s experienced with work, and his wider life.

Artist and writer, Elinor Rowlands speaks with Sam about navigating a career in the arts as a neurodivergent person, and the work they’re doing to support marginilised autistic / ADHD artists.

Daniel Wilson joins Sam to discuss what the label of ‘outsider artist’ means and how it relates to neurodivergence.

Sam speaks with ChatGTP enthusiast, Justin Borge, about how AI can support people with ADHD.

Why Flexibility Matters in Creative Spaces | Shakira Alleyne

Featuring Robin Blamires’ epic soundpiece 'The Audio Rainbow', exploring his passion for radio, the challenges of finding fulfilling creative work, and their broader impacts.

Sam speaks with neurodivergent musician and filmmaker Shakira Alleyne about their journey and experiences as an aspiring artist.

Responding to the Government's Manifesto for Work on BBC Radio

Buckland Review of Autism Employment: Next Steps?

Sir Robert Buckland joins Sam to speak about the findings of the Government's review into autism employment and its recommendations.

Sam talks with disability pioneer Rebecca McGinnis of the Met Musuem in New York about who inclusion excludes and how.

What Are Job Tailoring and Job Carving?

Nanette Mellor, former CEO of Drake Music and the Brain Charity, joins Sam again to speak about how she has created neuro-inclusive organisations.

Nanette Mellor, the former CEO of Drake Music and the Brain Charity, joins Sam to speak about her vision for the future of neurodivergent work and education.

Sam talks with Dr. Anna Remington about how the greater perceptual capacity many autistic people experience can be a strength at work.

Dr Anna Remington explains Perceptual Capacity and Load Theory

The Most Triggering Word (in Work)

Zareen Ali, CEO of Cogs AI, an NHS-supported wellbeing app designed for and by neurodivergent people, talks with Sam about creating Cogs.

Dani ‘the Punk Rock Autistic’ Noreen joins Sam to discuss how they created employment that works for them.

Sam joined Dotun Adebayo for BBC Radio 5 Live’s inaugural ‘Neurodiversity Phone-in,’ the best parts of which are collected in this episode.

Sam speaks with Stephanie Ozuo, a careers advisor, about the support she provides to her clients and the unique challenges faced by women of colour who are neurodivergent.

Sam speaks with talented autistic audio producer Robin Blamires about his journey seeking gratifying work in the audio industry.

What is the Buckland Review of Autism Employment?

The tables are turned as Sam is interviewed about his experiences with work and being neurodivergent by coach Alex Genadinik.

What is the Neurodiversity Employers Index (NDEI)?

Sam talks with Dr. James Cusack, CEO of autism research and campaigning charity Autistica, about their ‘Neurodiversity Employers Index’ initiative.

Sam speaks with Leo Capella, a job coach at the National Autistic Society, about the support he offers both employers and prospective autistic employees.

Neuroinclusion at Work - Insights from Neurodivergent Employees

In this inaugural episode, Sam interviews Sir Robert Buckland, MP, about the review into autism employment he is leading for the UK Government.

Welcome to Working to Work