On the Human Spectrum

It was great to talk with Priya about her move from the US to Spain, as well as her cookbook plans(!) :DHere is the link for the Nourish issue of On the Human Spectrum MiniZine I mentioned, where you can find Priya's article...  (link opens up to a little booklet with flip sounds:)https://simplebooklet.com/onthehumanspectrumnourishYou can also find this issue (and others) on my website and click there, or on my Substackhttps://substack.com/@onthehumanspectrumSend a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

A few minutes of just me talking about some updates, upcoming podcast guests and minizine issue, and moving to Vancouver for a publishing program:) Link for the On the Human Spectrum Substack (with more info about all of the above plus photos of sweet doggie Felix and Strasbourg, France:)https://substack.com/@onthehumanspectrumSend a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

For today's episode I got to speak with the wonderful Brenna Maag, an absolutely delightful person and artist, about her Camera Illumina: an invitation to notice, an invitation to connect, and about the Valley of Doubt that artists visit when creating and sharing their art. I know I'm going to be coming back to listen to her words frequently for excellent company. You can find out more about Brenna at https://www.brennamaag.ca/https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/brennamaagcalendar/this-made-me-think-of-youFor the On the Human Spectrum MiniZine we talk about, this link should click open to a fun simple booklet form:) https://simplebooklet.com/onthehumanspectrumminizinesept2025Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

My husband and I talk about why we left the US.  I thought that we would focus on the more fun or positive aspects of the move, but of course the feelings of loss and the less fun parts showed up too. That's part of any adventure, isn't it? Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

For today's episode I got to ask a smart and thoughtful international student Maria Eduarda all about moving from Ecuador to France for college. (I've recently moved from the US to France myself and wonder about how other people make these sorts of decisions.)  I start off curious about the role of encouragement in her decision making, and realize that I was stuck on the role of specific people rather than communities. I was glad to have my view expanded. I really enjoyed our conversation and hope you do too.Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

My guest today is RAHELI HARPER. Raheli is an artist, with a focus on fiber arts, and writer who lives in upstate New York, where she homesteads and homeschools. She’s the creator of The Snail’s Guide to Wandering, an awesome workshop on creativity. You can find her on Instagram: @raheliharper  https://www.instagram.com/raheliharper/  and athttps://raheli.com/about/  I got to talk to her about homesteading, homeschooling, or rather unschooling, and how the creative process interrelates. Plus, the thrill of gear and delighting in your own brain. [This episode was originally recorded in 2023; adding my usual outro and republishing time stamps it to 2025. Shoulder shrug:)] Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

For today's episode I got to talk to Amy Hoffman about her new podcast with her husband- Work From Bed Friday, where they explore- well, I can't say it better than they do!  Here's their description:) "A committed couple of 30+ years, Amy and Tommy get ready to launch their first podcast! Funny, spicy, and insightful, they discuss marriage, sex, and connection through the lens of contemporary books and media. Every Friday. From bed. Their two-person way-better-than-a-bookclub discussion starts by analyzing Miranda July's All Fours. They dissect one chapter per episode, using it as a jumping off point for thoughts on life, marriage, art, desire, midlife, and so much more."https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-work-from-bed-friday-269157153/episode/work-from-bed-friday-trailer-269157160/and for the photo of Amy as a Burlesque Clown- see the link above or her substack herehttps://substack.com/@amyhoffmann?r=1m2wj9&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profileMy substack:https://substack.com/@onthehumanspectrum?r=1m2wj9&utm_medium=ios(hopefully the links work- let me know if not, or of course, can google)Also mentioned: Good Inside podcast & book by Dr. Becky Kennedy& all about love by bell hooksand of course the wonderful STASIA SAVASUK(!)https://www.stasiasavasuk.com/perhaps enough links for one episode? ;)Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

For today's episode, I wanted to take a few minutes to talk about the 100 DAY PROJECT and THE LIGHTMAKER'S MANIFESTO by Karen Walrond. And how both can be a source of support, and yes-  encouragement - for when you're feeling overwhelmed.   SiDEWAYS "100 days of encouragement" on SubStack (I try to avoid IG/FB)https://onthehumanspectrum.substack.com/      (or see my website link below)The 100 DAY [art] PROJECT https://www.the100dayproject.org/&The LIGHTMAKER'S MANIFESTO How to work for change without losing joy.by Karen Walrond, her site(s) below...https://www.chookooloonks.com/booksOn substack: Karen Walrond's the Make Light Journalhttps://chookooloonks.substack.com/and - this one, so hopeful for if/when overwhelmed by the world," a quick primer for handling overwhelmor, how to keep making light in dark times" https://www.chookooloonks.com/blog/a-quick-primer-for-overwhelmSend a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

In today's episode, I chat with my nonbinary teenager about the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.  (This episode was originally recorded/posted in Sept 2023. I wanted to remove a phrase given recent events and when re-published, it time-stamped as today's. Update: my teenager is still doing very well!)Questions and/or comments? Please email me at [email protected] sharing this episode with family/friends if you found it thought-provoking, helpful in some way, or simply interesting:)Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

For today's episode, I got to talk to Stacy Greeter, a physician I met through Autistic Doctors International. She's a psychiatrist who realized she was autistic only AFTER her medical training. We talk about how that came about, why not sooner, and her work as an advocate for other autistic clinicians. Plus, I got to ask her about her Little Mermaid presentation at Dragon Con:)  On a secondary note, I was surprised to notice how much discomfort came up for me when thinking of sharing this conversation with non-autistics, especially clinicians. Basically reliving shame and feeling like an outsider. These unpleasant feelings remind me of why I want to share Stacy's work on supporting neuro-divergent clinicians in the first place.  There's hope and healing in her work.Please share with any clinician you know, of any neuro-stripe. https://autisticdoctorsinternational.com/about-usYou can find Dr. Greeter at https://www.stacygreetermd.com/and among her excellent presentations in her Psychiatry Boot-Camp series...  "Harnessing the Strengths of Neurodiversity in Medicine by Supporting Neurodivergent Clinicians During Medical Training"  (link below)which I highly recommend for autistic and non-autistic clinicians alike, and would love to have shared with residency Program Directors and Chairs! https://www.stacygreetermd.com/psychiatry-boot-campSend a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

For today's episode, my husband and I talk about autistic parenting, from early fears to having a lot more fun these days, and what we would want to tell our younger selves. and holy moly- a big Thank you to Margaret(a), Quitiana and Palola as the kids called Paola, for getting us through the early years. And oops, a small correction - I said Gabriel Garcia Marquez, when I meant the poet Federico Garcia Lorca. oh well. and yes, he figured prominently for me. https://www.goodinside.com/podcast/https://autisticdoctorsinternational.com/about-us[hmm- have tried to delete the Cohost AI trial stuff that popped up- didn't work for me for this episode, but some stuff remains(!?) please ignore.]Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

For today's episode, I got to talk again with one of my favorite people, Eileen:) We've previously spoken about synesthesia and facial blindness, and about how her time in graduate school felt like an island getaway.  Today we talk about Following your bliss. Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

My guest today is my fabulous sister, Stacey.  I got to ask her about her experience with dyslexia as a child and now as an adult, (across three different continents – wait, four different continents, wow.) We also talk autism, labels and identity. She’s a therapist and her reflections are thoughtful and thought-provoking. I really enjoyed our conversation and I hope you do too. Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

It was a delight to talk with Dana Wheeles again about her fabulous Doofy Birds. We talk about her upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand for her Doofy Bird Travel Series and her Doofy Birds Book Project. I hope you enjoy hearing about how her plans are coming to fruition, or - ahem, are taking flight! (teehee.) https://www.deerhawkhealing.com/ Link to woodpecker card! and other fabulous Doofy Bird art & cards...https://www.deerhawkhealing.com/doofy-birds-artSend a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

My guest today is my wonderful friend Rachel.  We had such a great time talking about ALL THINGS GEEK and letting our joyous GEEK FLAG FLY high.  Starting with Rose City Comic Con and of course including a spirited discussion of Star Wars and Star Trek.  Plus how to translate to non-Geek folks in your life- everyone welcome;)We had a great time and I hope you do too!(And we might have gotten carried away trash-talking some Star Wars movies- but we're still BIG fans! Or maybe that's even a sign of being super fans?!; )Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

My guest this week is Susanna from Spring Creek Blooms. I got to ask her about her flower farm and her creative writing. Such a delight! You can find her online at https://www.springcreekblooms.com/https://www.instagram.com/springcreekblooms?igsh=MTEzOXFoNHlkMWR1NQ==Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

For today's episode, I got to talk with the wonderful Susan McCulley about her work, including her Nourishing Movement classes and  Age of Becoming group.  And about Flirting with Failure- yes, please! Website: Classes, Balance course, Books & Art & Bloghttps://www.susanmcculley.com/Age of Becoming: Embodied Practices Empowering Women Over 50 Private Facebook Grouphttps://www.susanmcculley.com/ Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/susanjmcculley/ YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/c/SusanMcCulley Aging Research by Becca Levyhttps://becca-levy.com/the-book/Stasia Savasuk and Style School https://www.stasiasavasuk.com/https://www.stasiasavasuk.com/stasias-style-schoolSend a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

My twin Loulou and I got to ask Diane about her work at NASA and her word of the year- Surrender.  Super fun and I hope you enjoy as well:) Plus a little happy tangent about ads(!)Here's more information about the OSAM 1 project, and NASA in general:)https://www.nasa.gov/https://etd.gsfc.nasa.gov/our-work/in-space-servicing/osam/(and an update on OSAM 1: extended until Sept 2024 and then TBD)We also mention Stasia Savasuk's Word of the Year/ Wear Our Word (WOW) and RYT community and Style School.  About clothes, and so much more. https://www.stasiasavasuk.com/Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

My guest today is Abigail, Owner and Chief Paper Folder at Yeiou™. I got to ask Abigail how she started her cool business, Yeiou Paper Objects, which offers intricate detailed house portraits, elegant silhouettes, and neat maps. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and I hope you will too. From Abigail's website, for a taste of how delightful she is(!) "Why yeiou? Because vowels are important! Because making things up is fun. Because sillyness is underrated. Because the domain name was available. Because it rhymes with “Hi, you!” and I am all about enthusiastic greetings. Because why not?"You can find her at  https://www.yeiou.com/and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/yeioupaperobjects/https://www.instagram.com/yeioupaperobjects/and I also wanted to provide a link to Stasia Savasuk of Style School fabulousness (mentioned in our talk) because, oh my, about so much more than clothes(!)https://www.stasiasavasuk.com/Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

Eileen is one of my favorite people and we chatted about her time in graduate school in chemistry and how she got there, figuratively and literally, and then also talked about face blindness and synesthesia. I divided our conversation into two episodes: the longer one is about graduate school (posted separately) and this one is about face blindness and synesthesia. We had a good laugh about it, even if it causes us trouble! Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

For today’s episode I got to talk to one of my favorite people about her time as a graduate student in Chemistry in the 1970s, and her route there, (literally and figuratively) including the wonderful story of how Eileen met her husband in Mesa Verde National Park when she drove cross country with a friend in October of 1960, camping outdoors along the way. Eileen is an absolute delight.  (We also spoke about face blindness and synesthesia and had a good laugh- and I’m posting that in a separate episode.)I talked with Carolyn McGrath about her wonderful memoir in another episode, link to her book: https://www.brandylanepublishers.com/product/two-faces-of-the-moon-a-small-island-memoir/and lastly- for an idea of what Eileen's car might have looked like...  (so cute!!) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rambler_AmericanSend a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

Today's episode is about the book Goblin Mode: How to get Cozy, Embrace Imperfection, and Thrive in the Muck  by McKayla Coyle (illustrations by Marian Churchland.) https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/720150/goblin-mode-by-mckayla-coyle/Apparently- "Goblin Mode" was Oxford's "Word of the Year" 2022 (I guess I was Goblining and missed that announcement!)   thank you, Google.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goblin_mode#:~:text=Goblin%20mode%20is%20a%20neologism,Goblin%20illustration%20by%20John%20D.and I enjoyed this take from the Cleveland Clinic about Goblin Mode https://health.clevelandclinic.org/goblin-mode-and-your-healthI also  mentioned Decluttering at the Speed of Life... https://www.aslobcomesclean.com/book/https://www.aslobcomesclean.com/book/#speed(& if you want to see the Cuteness that is Felix- see my website for photos:)Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

For today's episode, I got to talk to the delightful Miss Valley about how she turned her dreams of owning a coffee shop into a reality:)  You can find The Yellow Mug in Crozet, VA and online at...https://www.facebook.com/theyellowmugcrozet/https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/101353539632783/the-yellow-mug/Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

In this episode I talk with my husband, John, about playing the guitar: my way of sneaking up on the bigger questions: failure, success, happiness. Life lesson relearned: I'm not good at being sneaky. Or grammar: i love the colon and semi-colon far too much.Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

My guest today is the wonderful Courtney O'Connell, owner of  Crozet Plant Social. I got to hear how Courtney started (grew?) her fabulous new business and talk all things plants. And I might have gotten carried away with plant metaphors.You can find her in Crozet, Virginia at The Nest (below  Bluebird & Company) and online https://www.instagram.com/crozetplantsocialRepotting Your Life book mentioned, by Frances Edmundshttps://www.google.com/books/edition/Repotting_Your_Life/CZ5BEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcoverSend a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

I got to talk with author Carolyn McGrath about her beautiful new memoir.   https://www.carolynmcgrath.net/two-faces-of-the-moonSend a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

A guided walk in the woods (Bain de Foret/ Forest Bathing) with Nastasia https://www.saplusbelleharmonie.fr/For my conversation with Nastasia about becoming a Holistic healer after her time as an International relief/aid worker, please see that episode:)Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

 You can find Nastasia on the web at: https://www.saplusbelleharmonie.fr/Harvard Gazette article on Forest Bathing:)https://magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/walk-woods-may-boost-mental-health?utm_source=SilverpopMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily%20Gazette%2020230905%20(1)https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-forest-therapy-enhance-health-and-well-being-2020052919948Fabulous Quarantine Questions by Brooke Anderson in Greater Good Berkeley https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/six_daily_questions_to_ask_yourself_in_quarantineSend a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

In this episode, I answer real and imagined questions about this podcast (and about me.)  Eek. Thank you to my guests who have answered my questions on previous episodes! And I'm looking forward to getting back to just asking the questions (not answering them;)Questions I take a stab at include... my definition of "neuro-interesting"?my answer to "success?" Why no men interviewed (yet)? Joyful struggles of podcasting tech?! -with helpful links:) Here's what I have used- not paid/affiliated/endorsing- just sharing what I've enjoyed using!Zoom:  for simple recording, free basic option available:https://zoom.us/ Buzzsprout:  podcast  hosting platform, free basic option available, and great all-around how-to resource(!)https://www.buzzsprout.com/blog/how-to-start-a-podcastAudacity: free, open-sourced, sound/audio software, easy to download, super fun to play with!! https://www.audacityteam.org/ Pet peeve words/phrases? WHY YES- thank you for asking;)  just two in this episode:)Follow-up questions for me?  My email:  [email protected] (or visit my website)Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

For today’s episode, I got to talk with a thoughtful friend about her Divorce Party.I loved hearing about how she was questioning her assumptions and we both laughed at the need for feeling your darn feelings- so hard sometimes. Plus we talked learning stick shift and flying jets. I had a great time and hope you enjoy as well. Mentioned in today's conversation:Dr. Becky & the Good Inside Podcast- a great resource for parents of any aged kids and for 'reparenting' yourself! (Even if you don't have kids, it's worth a listen!)https://www.goodinside.com/podcast/Jennifer Dary, founder of Plucky https://www.beplucky.com/about/Oh- and the IOM's To Err is Human? Came out  November 29th, 1999, not 2001. Oops. Kinda funny I got that wrong, right? ;) Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

My guest today is a wonderful friend who shares her experience as an adult realizing that she’s on the autistic spectrum. I refer to her as aka-K because she feels uncomfortable with her actual name being out there.Aka K is a physician, turned writer, parent of an autistic nonbinary trans child, and married to a physician-scientist. And funnily enough- that describes my background as well. In this episode, we compare notes about how we feel about autism in our lives. And aka- K surprised me with some of her answers.  Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

Today my guest is my wonderful twin, known as Loulou to family and friends. We talk autism, the uncanny valley, finding your people and standard deviations, among other detours.  And giggle – a lot. For more info and the right originator of "uncanny valley"- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncanny_valleyand for questions, concerns, or comments, you can email me [email protected] a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

My guest today is DANA WHEELESDana is an artist, author of Doofy Birds, a life coach, and energy healer.It was a joy to talk to her about her art, life coaching, radio show/ music, and her future plans for her fabulous Doofy Birds.You can find her at https://www.deerhawkhealing.com/and on WTJU, a University of Virginia-associated radio station  in Charlottesville Virginia, as one of the hosts of "Carry the Zero," https://www.wtju.net/  Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

My guest today is TANGERINE MEG. MARGIE is an artist in Adelaide, Australia, and like her artwork – she’s delightful. You can find her online at Tangerine Meg:https://www.tangerinemeg.com/It was such a joy to get to talk to her about her art (and the size of spiders in Australia:)I met Margie in one of Stasia Savasuk's classes and through her fabulous online community. You can find out more about Stasia (including links to her Ted talk) at:https://www.stasiasavasuk.com/p.s.- oops- "dialogue" is to "talk through" not "think" through, technically.  mea culpa. Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

My guest today is RHED MORGAN. She’s an absolute delight. She’s an American poet and the founder of a new company called ALL BODIES TRAVEL. You can find her at allbodiestravel.com.We talk poetry, starting a new business, travel & chicken masks.I hope you enjoy her as much as I do! https://www.allbodiestravel.com/https://onthehumanspectrum.org/I met Rhed through Stasia Savasuk's fabulous class and amazing online community, for more information (including her great TedTalk) visit her at...https://www.stasiasavasuk.com/Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/

Send a comment/question to On the Human Spectrumhttps://onthehumanspectrum.org/