Intersecting Voices

What does giftedness really mean — and why is it so often misunderstood?In this episode of Intersecting Voices, I’m joined by therapist Katy Higgins Lee to explore the intersection of giftedness, ADHD and autism, and how these experiences can overlap in ways that are often missed — especially in adults and women.We talk about late identification, masking, and the blurred lines between neurodivergence and mental health — as well as what it means to finally understand yourself through a different lens.This is a reflective and honest conversation about identity, lived experience, and the complexity of being human.—Intersecting Voices is a podcast exploring how intersectionality shapes our lives — both personally and professionally.

In this episode of Intersecting Vices, we sit down with Kim Sabate, a 35-year-old transgender woman from the Philippines now living in the UK, to explore her journey of gender identity, transition, survival, and self-discovery.Kim opens up about:Coming out and transitioning at 22 in the PhilippinesEscaping an abusive relationship and reclaiming her voiceHow her family and community responded to her transitionStarting over in the UK and navigating a new cultureFinding purpose in diversity, equity, and inclusion workThe real impact of recent UK gender rulings on trans livesThis is a story about resilience, authenticity, and what it really means to find yourself—even when the world resists your existence. Whether you’re trans, an ally, or just human, Kim’s story will challenge you to think deeper about identity, belonging, and what it takes to thrive.Follow Intersecting Voices for more stories at the intersections of identity, power, and truth.For more of my work -blog, books, other collaboration opportunities- visit my website: https://theintersectionalhub.com

When Almudena La Cruz García was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in her late twenties, she had to choose between survival and the possibility of motherhood.In this episode, she opens up about navigating infertility, the hidden trauma of emotional abuse, and rebuilding her life with strength and purpose.A powerful story for anyone seeking resilience, self-trust, and freedom after adversity.

In this episode of Intersecting Voices, Sonia Perez talks with Lamia Ziam, a Muslim woman and immigrant leader whose story spans four countries and countless lessons in identity, belonging, and strength.They discuss the courage it takes to lead as yourself, navigate microsexism in male-dominated workplaces, stay connected to family across continents, and hold your faith as something personal yet powerful.A conversation about resilience, authenticity, and hope — for anyone redefining what success and self-acceptance truly mean.

🎙️ In this episode of Intersecting Voices, Chris Niklasson opens up about life on the margins — navigating autism without an official diagnosis, facing racism and bias in the job market, and enduring 1.5 years of homelessness while trying to survive and build a better future.💡 Chris shares:How autism shows up for him — from photographic memory to social challengesThe emotional and practical toll of masking to fit inThe barriers to getting a formal diagnosis and why it mattersThe impact of systemic failures — from social insurance to hiring discriminationWhy he started his own marketing company to create the inclusive workplace he’s never hadThis conversation is honest, powerful, and deeply human — especially if you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit the system you’re expected to thrive in.🎧 Tune in to better understand the intersection of autism, identity, job insecurity, and hope.For more on my work - blog, books, other collaboration opportunities - visit https://theintersectionalhub.com

In this episode of Intersected Voices, Jose Moraes — maritime leader and advocate for inclusion — joins us to explore the many ways ADHD can present and how it intersects with culture, leadership, and parenting.Diagnosed with ADHD at 13, Jose shares how he developed coping strategies like channeling hyperfocus and staying physically active. I contrast this with my own later diagnosis in adulthood — a journey familiar to many women whose ADHD often goes unrecognised because it presents more quietly.We also discuss:✨ Parenting neurodivergent children and supporting their needs✨ The challenge of emotional regulation for both parents and kids✨ Adapting ADHD traits across cultures — from Brazil to Canada to Scotland✨ How empathy and self-awareness strengthen leadership and inclusionThis is a powerful conversation about the lived experience of ADHD — personal, cultural, and intergenerational — and how we can turn difference into strength.

What happens when you know there’s more in you than others see? Mark Freed, cofounder of Men for Inclusion, shares how undiagnosed dyslexia, class identity, and gender roles shaped his journey.In this episode, we talk about:Dyslexia: struggles, strengths, and how school support has changedMasking to fit in at work — and the cost of itThe impact of coming from a working-class backgroundBuilding inclusive workplaces that don't ask people to change who they areGender stereotypes, parenting, and why inclusion benefits everyone — especially menHow Men for Inclusion is helping change the cultureWhy listening to your inner voice can lead to powerful change💡 For anyone who’s been underestimated — or is parenting someone who has — this is a must-listen.For more episodes, my blog, books, visit: https://theintersectionalhub.com

Elizabeth Willetts, founder of Investing in Women, opens up about her fertility journey, the identity shifts of motherhood, and why returning to work after maternity leave is so often misunderstood. We talk about the lack of flexible job options for parents, how being made redundant led Elizabeth to create a platform empowering others, and how flexibility at work can help close the gender pay gap.If you’ve ever struggled to conceive, felt lost in the return to work, or wondered how to balance career and caregiving — this one’s for you.

In this episode of Intersecting Voices, I’m joined by Dr. Andy Cope—founder of The Art of Brilliance and “Doctor of Happiness.” We explore what it really means to live a brilliant life, even through challenge, trauma, and neurodivergence.We talk about:Andy’s journey from psychologist to wellbeing speaker and authorHis transformational trip to India and why he built The Art of BrillianceThe 90/10 rule and how mindset shapes experienceThe science of post-traumatic growthShort-term happiness vs. long-term fulfilmentHow positivity and resilience can be consciously cultivatedMaking positive psychology more inclusive for neurodivergent peopleI also share my personal story—how I use these tools as a neurodivergent person and trauma survivor to grow through difficulty and find joy in the messiness of life.🎧 Hit follow so you never miss an episode—just search Intersecting Voices wherever you get your podcasts.For more on my work - blog, writing and other collaboration opportunities - visit my web at https://theintersectionalhub.com

In this episode of Intersecting Voices, I sit down with Natalie Collins, writer, speaker, activist, and creator of the Own My Life course — a ground-breaking programme that helps women make sense of and recover from abuse.We dive deep into coercive control, an often invisible form of domestic abuse that affects millions of women. This isn’t just about violence — it’s about emotional, psychological, financial, and sexual control that slowly isolates and breaks down a person’s sense of self.Together, we explore why it’s so difficult for victims to leave abusive relationships — looking at traumatic bonding, cognitive dissonance, isolation, financial control, and the failure of systems that are supposed to protect. We also explore the societal myths that tell us controlling behaviour is “romantic,” the generational trauma that can condition us to accept abuse, and how abusers often exploit our deepest insecurities.I also share my own personal journey — from not recognising the abuse I experienced to understanding the dynamics at play in my own life. Abuse doesn’t have one face. There is no single type of victim or perpetrator. It can happen to anyone, and understanding why it happens is the first step toward healing.This episode is for you if:You suspect you might be or have been in an abusive relationshipYou’re struggling to understand why someone you loved treated you this wayYou want to know why it was so hard to leave — and why that’s not your faultYou’re seeking clarity, connection, and peace with your storyYou want to support someone you love who may be experiencing abuseYou want to learn what a healthy relationship truly looks likeWe talk about:How coercive control works and what it looks likeHow abuse affects your brain, your reality, and your sense of selfWhy society still doesn't understand abuse — and how that causes more harmWhat systems should do better to support victims and childrenThe healing power of knowledge, community, and self-compassionHow the Own My Life course helps women rebuild their identity after abuseNatalie also shares the growth of Own My Life, how it’s helping women across the UK and internationally, and what we can all do to support this vital work.📌 Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of domestic abuse, coercive control, and sexual trauma.🌍 To learn more about the Own My Life course, visit: ownmylifecourse.org💜 You are not alone. This episode may help you name what happened, begin to make sense of it, and take one step closer to freedom.Visit my website to catch up on past episodes, dive into my writing, or reach out for collaborations: https://theintersectionalhub.com

In this intimate and eye-opening episode, I speak with psychic medium Karen Docherty about spiritual awakening, trauma, and what it really means to connect with the spirit world.We explore why some people are more spiritually attuned—through gender, neurodivergence, or trauma—and how emotionally abusive relationships can block our intuition and connection to spirit.We also talk about:Signs, synchronicities, and how spirits communicateIntuition vs. intrusive thoughtsThe impact of harmful or ungrounded psychic advice on vulnerable peopleGuides, angels, ancestors & higher selvesWhy awakening can feel lonely—and how to keep goingKaren shares wisdom from her mentorship program, and we get real about the challenges and beauty of walking a spiritual path.✨ This episode is close to my heart, and I hope it brings you clarity, validation, and hope.

In this powerful first episode of Intersecting Voices, host Sonia Perez sits down with Bobby Rubio — story artist, director, and creator of Pixar’s Float — to talk about the deep, personal journey of parenting a neurodivergent child. Bobby shares the emotional experience of his son’s autism diagnosis, the grief that followed, and how he struggled with depression and isolation before finding healing through creativity, therapy, and community.We explore how outdated gender stereotypes can make it harder for men to express their mental health challenges, and how art became Bobby’s way of processing pain and telling untold stories. He opens up about the judgment many parents face, and how acceptance and perspective changed everything for him.We also dive into the importance of cultural and Filipino representation in film and comics, especially for children, and Bobby gives us an exciting glimpse of his upcoming comic book Neighborhood Legend, set to launch this October.🟡 Why you should listenIf you're parenting a neurodivergent child and want honest insight into the emotional journeyIf you're grieving the future you thought you'd have and need perspective and supportIf you're feeling judged or isolated in your parenting or mental health journeyIf you're struggling to express your mental health challenges because of outdated gender stereotypesIf you believe in the power of representation in media to change lives and perspectives🟡 Topics coveredThe emotional and mental health impact of raising a child with autismGrief, healing, and the importance of asking for helpHow gender stereotypes shape emotional expressionCultural and Filipino representation in mediaBobby's creative work past and present, including Float and Neighborhood LegendFinding purpose and community through storytelling✨ Bobby Rubio is a director, animator, and story artist who has worked on iconic films like Up, Inside Out, and Incredibles 2. He is currently a story artist at Sony Entertainment and continues to champion diversity in entertainment through his storytelling and art.🎧 Tune in, feel seen, and know you're not alone.Whether you want to catch up on past episodes, dive into my writing, or reach out for collaborations, everything is just a click away! https://theintersectionalhub.com

Welcome to Intersecting Voices! In this short teaser, I share the heart behind the podcast — a space for stories shaped by identity, lived experience, and intersectionality. I invite you to explore with me as I speak with guests and reflect on my own journey. The full podcast premieres on July 9, and you can start reading the first blog post about my personal intersectionality journey on July 2 at theintersectionalhub.com. Join me at the intersection — your voice belongs here too.