The Deep Dive Podcast

Leta’s Tap Styles: Neurodivergent Identity, Inclusive Dance & Finding Your Rhythm

We’re closing out The Deep Dive Podcast for 2025 with rhythm, joy, and an unforgettable conversation featuring Amanda Trisdale and Leta Rundell — the powerhouse mother-daughter team behind Leta’s Tap Styles and the nonprofit Autistic Wings.
Leta, an autistic teen tap dancer and podcast host, has transformed the challenges of dyslexia, sensory differences, and exclusion into an unstoppable creative journey. Amanda is her behind-the-scenes champion, co-host, and advocate for inclusive dance spaces.
Together, they’re building something rare — a community that honors neurodivergence through movement, accessibility, and identity.
In this season finale, we explore:
How Leta fell in love with tap dance
Creating Autistic Wings from scratch
Rethinking inclusion in studios, stages, and society
Why dance is more than movement — it’s voice, empowerment, and belonging.
Learn more at letastapstyles.com or follow @letastapstyles

Zoe Atterbury: Reimagining Recognition Through Sustainable Design & Inclusive Entrepreneurship

In this episode of The Deep Dive Podcast, we sit down with Zoe Atterbury — the neurodivergent founder of Bloom Cycle, a female-led Brisbane-based social enterprise transforming timber offcuts into handcrafted trophies, awards, and keepsakes.
Zoe’s lived experience as a neurodivergent entrepreneur fuels her commitment to inclusive employment, sustainable design, and the belief that creativity is currency. From her studio, Zoe proves that recognition can be reimagined — not just in how we celebrate others, but in how we value people, process, and planet.
Explore her work at www.bloomcycle.com.au

Megan Wood on Medical Accountability, Neurodivergence & Chronic Illness Advocacy

In this powerful episode of The Deep Dive Podcast, we sit down with Megan Wood — a public servant, advocate, and neurodivergent woman who has transformed personal adversity into systemic advocacy.From years of misdiagnosis and dismissed symptoms to a life-changing AuDHD diagnosis in 2024 and a series of surgeries in 2025, Megan’s health journey is one of perseverance, clarity, and purpose. Now thriving with the right supports, Megan uses her lived experience to push for early diagnosis, trauma-informed care, and accountability in both healthcare and workplace systems.We explore the emotional toll of being “undiagnosed and misunderstood,” the power of naming your truth, and the overlap between neurodivergence, chronic illness, and gendered medical neglect. Megan is now a confident public speaker, policy co-designer, and passionate voice for others navigating similar journeys.
Follow Megan on Instagram: @megan.ann.w
 
 

Reinventing Social Play and Neuro-Affirming Practice with Giarne Ashby, Neurodivergent OT & Artist

This week on The Deep Dive Podcast, we’re joined by Giarne Ashby — a multiply neurodivergent OT, author, illustrator, and parent, who’s helping reinvent how we think about social connection and play.
Based in Queensland, Giarne draws from both lived experience and professional expertise to support neurodivergent adults and families through her practice, creative resources, and her widely loved Neurodiversity Affirmation Cards.
In this episode, Giarne shares what it’s like navigating life as an AuDHD adult, raising a neurodivergent child, and delivering truly neurodiversity-affirming support rooted in compassion, creativity, and identity.
Explore her work at ashbytherapyservices.com.au

Social Connection and Play for All Brain Types with Chelsea Luker, Autistic/ADHDer Psychologist

In this episode of *The Deep Dive Podcast*, we’re joined by **Chelsea Luker** — Autistic/ADHDer psychologist, author, parent, and passionate advocate for neurodiversity-affirming practice. Chelsea combines lived experience and clinical insight to reimagine how social connection, play, and emotional safety can look for neurodivergent children and their families.
As founder of **Connect Us Psychology** and author of *Square Me, Round World*, Chelsea empowers parents, educators, and therapists to support self-worth, inclusion, and joyful connection for *all* brain types.
We talk about building environments where differences are celebrated, feelings are valid, and play becomes a language of connection — not correction.
Learn more at https://connectuspsychology.com.au

Empowering Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs with Automation and AI with Adina Levy

Discover how AI and automation are transforming the way neurodivergent entrepreneurs create, communicate, and grow their businesses. This episode explores:
AI as a 24/7 creative partner – supporting ADHD and neurodivergent thinkers with idea generation, flexible brainstorming, and reduced creative blocks.
Content multiplication strategies – turning podcasts, webinars, and live sessions into multi-format content without losing authentic voice.
Accessibility and inclusion – adaptive communication that flexes with energy levels, sensory needs, and preferred formats (text, voice, or bullet points).
Custom AI solutions – like the ND Affirming Report Language Bot helping therapists and educators adopt neurodiversity-affirming practices.
Business transformation – from simplified branding to affiliate partnerships that strengthen community identity and revenue.
Whether you’re a neurodivergent creator, coach, or entrepreneur, this conversation reveals practical ways to harness AI for creativity, professional development, and sustainable business growth.
Get a 10% discount to the ND Business Collective with the code "DEEPDIVE10" at http://differentlyaligned.com/neurodivergent-business-collective/

Parental Instincts: Support and Community Connection with Jessica Otter of Aussie Autism Family

In this episode of The Deep Dive Podcast, we speak with Jessica Otter — the voice behind Aussie Autism Family. Jess is a dedicated mum and advocate from Newcastle, NSW, who uses her platform to share the raw, humorous, and heartfelt realities of parenting her autistic son, Jacob (who also has ADHD), and supporting her daughter Jazz’s potential neurodivergence.
Motivated by her own journey of dismissed concerns and delayed diagnoses, Jess now champions the power of parental instincts, the importance of early support, and the role of community connection in creating belonging for neurodivergent families.
Follow Jess at instagram.com/aussieautismfamily

Reinventing Social Connection and Play for All Brain Types with Madeleine Jaine Lobsey of Wondiverse

In this episode of The Deep Dive Podcast, we’re joined by Madeleine Jaine Lobsey — neurodivergent leader, creative strategist, and founder of Wondiverse — to explore what it means to reimagine social connection and play in ways that work for all neurotypes.
With 20+ years in transformational leadership and experience spanning government, arts, and education, Madeleine is a force for inclusive innovation. From national neuroinclusion projects to large-scale creative events, she’s building a world where neurodivergent people don’t just participate — they thrive.
We dive into the power of play, belonging, and celebrating difference, and how inclusive social design can transform lives.
#MadeleineJaineLobsey, #Wondiverse, #TheDeepDivePodcast, #NeurodivergentVoices, #SocialConnection, #InclusivePlay, #NeurodiversityInclusion, #CreativeLeadership, #NeurodivergentCommunity, #PlayForAll, #DisabilityInclusion, #NeurodiversityInTheArts, #BelongingMatters, #AccessibleSocialSpaces, #ReimaginingConnection

Neurodivergent Wellbeing Conference 2025 | Interviews with Leaders in Neurodiversity & Psychology & A Diary of NWC25

In this special Deep Dive Podcast edition, we bring you highlights from the Neurodivergent Wellbeing Conference 2025. Michael Coles sits down with leading voices in neurodiversity and psychology, including:
Justine Munro – Neurodiversity in Education Project, New Zealand
Dr Charlia Falchi – Wellminded Psychological Services, Wellington
Dr Joey Laurence – Neudle, Brisbane, Australia
We explore insights into education, mental health, and workplace inclusion while reflecting on key moments from the conference. You’ll also hear a timeline of our live updates, sharing the energy and conversations captured on Instagram throughout August 10–12, 2025.
Whether you’re an educator, psychologist, advocate, or lived-experience voice, this episode offers valuable perspectives on building wellbeing, inclusion, and neuro-affirming practices across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia.
Then we will have a timeline of all the fund that I placed up on Instagram throughout the conference. 
Make sure you register for NWC26 now at https://anzmh.asn.au/nwc
#NeurodivergentWellbeingConference, #DeepDivePodcast, #NeurodivergentVoices, #NeurodiversityInEducation, #NeurodiversityInclusion, #AutismAcceptance, #DisabilityInclusion, #NeurodivergentCommunity, #PsychologyAndWellbeing, #InclusiveEducation, #NeurodivergentStrengths, #NeurodiversityAtWork, #MentalHealthAwareness, #NeurodiversityCelebration, #AutisticVoices, #NeurodivergentAdvocacy, #WellbeingConference2025, #NeurodivergentLeadership, #NeurodiversityMatters, #InclusionMatters

Wine with Wita: Speech Pathology with Rita Shamoun — Real Talk, Humour, and Heart

In this episode of The Deep Dive Podcast, we pour a glass with Rita Shamoun — the speech pathologist and advocate behind Wine with Wita and founder of RS Speech Pathology. Rita brings authenticity, humour, and bold honesty to conversations about neurodivergent-affirming therapy and inclusive practice.
Through real talk and lived experience, Rita breaks down what it means to communicate with care, challenge outdated systems in allied health, and create space for neurodivergent voices