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The Different Minds podcast series

The Different Minds podcast series

By John Offord

Broadcaster, John Offord chats to people from all walks of life about the different ways our brain can work and interpret information. Neurodiversity highlights that people naturally think about things differently. We have different interests and motivations, and are naturally better at some things and poorer at others. Through diverse interviews and examples, The Different Minds explores this – with fascinating results…



Produced by www.johnofford.com

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A conversation with autistic TV researcher, Nick Ransom

The Different Minds podcast seriesJun 15, 2021

00:00
25:17
Time To Say Goodbye

Time To Say Goodbye

After 20 months and 65 episodes, the Different Minds podcast series is coming to an end today, (the 31st December, 2021). The host of the show, John Offord said “It’s been an incredible journey and I’ve been honoured to have interviewed such inspirational guests on the series, such as Chris Packham, Steve Silberman and Temple Grandin to name but a few. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all my listeners, who without, none of this would have been possible and my sponsor, Aspire Autism Consultancy and former sponsor, Tiimo.”
To commemorate the ending of the series, a final episode has been released today where John looks back on some of the highlights of the podcast. “Remember to celebrate our differences and I hope this podcast series has helped you realise there is no such thing as normal. Thank you and Happy New Year!”
Dec 31, 202128:48
Bake Off star, Lizzie Acker on life changing diagnosis and that extraordinary cake

Bake Off star, Lizzie Acker on life changing diagnosis and that extraordinary cake

Broadcaster, John Offord chats to Bake Off star, Lizzie Acker on her life changing diagnosis and that extraordinary cake that celebrates neurodiversity. Lizzie has Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD and Concentration disorder. 


Dec 30, 202134:11
Jeff's Story - Adult ADHD

Jeff's Story - Adult ADHD

Broadcaster, John Offord chats to Jeff Gawthorpe about ADHD. "The human cost of undiagnosed ADHD is incalculable - the broken families, suicides, careers lost, unhappy lives and unmet potentials. This alone should be sufficient for society and our government to start treating ADHD with the priority it deserves". For more details on Jeff's story, please see: https://www.adhdaction.org/ADHD-Stories/Jeffs-Story

Dec 24, 202132:54
My mental health journey
Dec 15, 202129:57
Life with autism and ADHD

Life with autism and ADHD

Broadcaster, John Offord chats to content creator for YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, Purple Ella, to talk about life with autism and ADHD. For more details about Purple Ella, please see: https://www.purpleella.com

Dec 01, 202125:35
Neurotypical and Neurodivergent relationships

Neurotypical and Neurodivergent relationships

Broadcaster, John Offord chats to Deborah Wortman and Mark Berry about neurotypical and neurodivergent relationships. Deborah is a qualified psychotherapist and co-director of Aspire Autism Consultancy and Mark works in IT. Deborah describes herself as not autistic and Mark as neurodivergent who was diagnosed at the age of 43. This podcast is sponsored by Aspire Autism Consultancy. For further details, see www.aspireautismconsultancy.co.uk. 



Nov 15, 202135:25
Suzanne Alderson: ‘I found my daughter sobbing on the floor, begging to die’

Suzanne Alderson: ‘I found my daughter sobbing on the floor, begging to die’

When Suzanne Alderson’s 14 year old daughter became suicidal in 2015, following a period of sustained bullying, Suzanne found herself in a desperate place, facing an uncertain future with little support and even less understanding. While her daughter was immediately wrapped in professional care, Suzanne found that there was no support available to help her or her husband make sense of the situation and give their child the best kind of care. 

One night on suicide watch, she decided if she ever got through this time, she would ensure no other family had to go through this alone. In 2016, as her daughter improved, she set up a Facebook group to try and help other families facing their child’s mental illness. The community, called Parenting Mental Health, is now a registered charity with a mission to end generational mental illness and help 1m parents by 2025. It currently supports over 25,000 parents from around the world who have a child with poor mental health. The charity offers a range of interventions such as Listening Circles and In Person Meet ups, training, Q&As with experts, social events and peer mentorship and community support and aims to support parents through their experience so they can support their child through theirs.

Broadcaster John Offord chats to Suzanne Alderson, Founder at Parenting Mental Health, Community Leader, Public Speaker, Author of "Never Let Go: How to Parent Your Child Through Mental Illness" about mental health. Please go to www.suzannealderson.com for more details.


Nov 01, 202131:48
Swedish pop duo, Jubël on music and mental health
Oct 15, 202115:46
Adam Frost, presenter on the BBC's Gardeners' World on Dyslexia & celebrating difference

Adam Frost, presenter on the BBC's Gardeners' World on Dyslexia & celebrating difference

Broadcaster John Offord chats to Adam Frost, presenter on the BBC's Gardeners' World on Dyslexia & celebrating difference. Adam believes there’s inspiration all around us – in nature, architecture, art, people and food – we just have to take the time to stop and look around.

Oct 01, 202129:37
Oliver Sacks, the neurologist who tapped the power of empathy

Oliver Sacks, the neurologist who tapped the power of empathy

Broadcaster John Offord speaks to film director, Ric Burns about his latest film, Oliver Sacks: His Own Life. London-born Oliver Sacks was a man of extremes. In his youth, he was a self-destructive, bodybuilding biker struggling with drug addiction and his own sexuality. In his maturity, he became a groundbreaking neurologist and the author of best-sellers such as Awakenings and The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat. Ric Burns' documentary is a tender, joyous and life affirming portrait of a truly extraordinary man that reminds us of his most important teaching: our ability to connect with others is what truly makes us human. Oliver Sacks: His Own Life in UK & Irish cinemas for a One Night Only special event on 29 September. Visit altitude.film for more info. #OliverSacksDoc
Sep 15, 202144:50
A conversation with Susanne Antonetta, author of A Mind Apart: Travels in a Neurodiverse World

A conversation with Susanne Antonetta, author of A Mind Apart: Travels in a Neurodiverse World

Broadcaster, John Offord chats to Susanne Antonetta, author of A Mind Apart: Travels in a Neurodiverse World; and Body Toxic: An Environmental Memoir to name but a few. Antonetta is one of America’s leading memoirists, advocates for the value of neurodiversity, and translator of the work of the sciences into new ways of understanding human life. A wide-ranging author, she writes about her experiences as a bipolar woman and psychiatric survivor, her early drug dependency, as well as the environment and her life as an adoptive mother. Awards for Antonetta’s writing include a Pushcart prize, a New York Times Notable Book, an American Book Award, a Library Journal Best Science book of the year, an Oprah Bookshelf listing, and others. Please see https://www.susantonetta.com for more. 

Sep 01, 202134:57
In conversation with O'Hooley & Tidow, writers & performers of the theme tune for 'Gentlemen Jack' on being a Neurodivergent couple
Aug 15, 202148:44
Geek Girl author, Holly Smale on being diagnosed with autism at 39.

Geek Girl author, Holly Smale on being diagnosed with autism at 39.

Broadcaster John Offord chats to Geek Girl author, Holly Smale who was recently diagnosed with autism – at 39. Holly Smale, the writer of the bestselling Geek Girl series, has sold more than three million books but she’s never felt like she fits in. She gives talks on stage to thousands, but has never had a serious relationship and now she thinks she knows why. 

Aug 01, 202130:39
Women with Autism

Women with Autism

Broadcaster John Offord chats to Alicja Nocon, a late-diagnosed autistic woman who recently retrained as an independent Neurodiversity and wellbeing trainer, consultant and coach. In this episode, Alicja talks about growing up in Poland and reflects on her self-discovery journey. Alicja is currently completing a Master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology at University of East London, where her research interest focuses on the role of character strengths and humour in supporting the wellbeing of autistic adults. For more details about Alicja, please visit www.expandthecircle.co.uk

Jul 15, 202130:29
A conversation with autistic YouTuber, Dan Jones

A conversation with autistic YouTuber, Dan Jones

Broadcaster, John Offord chats to autistic YouTuber, Dan Jones about life on the spectrum. Dan has Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD, OCD and Dyslexia. Dan (known as The Aspie World by his followers) creates and shares content for his 100,000 plus YouTube subscribers and his videos cover a range of tips and tricks for living with an autism diagnosis.

Jul 01, 202123:18
Please will you vote for the Different Minds podcast series?

Please will you vote for the Different Minds podcast series?

This is the final call! Please can you vote for 'The Different Minds Podcast Series' in the Listeners’ Choice Award, supported by BBCSounds. I've had such incredible guests, including Chris Packham, Steve Silberman & Dr Temple Grandin to name but a few! 

It only takes 30 seconds and here is the link:

https://britishpodcastawards.com/vote

Thank you so much for your support!

Jun 25, 202101:24
A conversation with autistic TV researcher, Nick Ransom

A conversation with autistic TV researcher, Nick Ransom

To celebrate Pride Month in the UK, Broadcaster, John Offord chats to Nick Ransom, a gay autistic man who works for the BBC. Nick has worked on a number of interesting programmes, including A Question of Sport and Bitesize Daily. Nick chats about life on the spectrum, autism and mental health, and the importance of representing the LGBTQ+ experience both on and off-screen. For more details, please see www.nickransom.co.uk

Jun 15, 202125:17
A conversation with Autism advocate, Joy Johnson

A conversation with Autism advocate, Joy Johnson

Broadcaster, John Offord chats to American Behaviour Analyst, Inclusion Specialist, and Autism Advocate, Joy F. Johnson for a candid conversation on intersectionality and specifically on the experience of Black individuals on the autism spectrum. Joy also talked about life in Germany and how that differs from the USA, her relationship with her neurotypical husband, Neurodiversity and medical models of disability. Please see https://joyfjohnson.com/

Jun 01, 202138:25
The Reason I Jump

The Reason I Jump

Broadcaster John Offord has an exclusive behind the scenes interview with the director of THE REASON I JUMP, Jerry Rothwell and producer, Jerry Dear – about their ground breaking film on autism.

Based on the bestselling book by Naoki Higashida, THE REASON I JUMP is an immersive cinematic exploration of neurodiversity through the experiences of nonspeaking autistic people from around the world. The film blends Higashida’s revelatory descriptions of his autism, written when he was just 13, with intimate portraits of five remarkable young people. It opens a window into an intense and overwhelming, but often joyful, sensory universe. Please see www.reasonijump.film for more details. UK cinema release date is the 18th June, 2021.

"An inventive, sensuous documentary... As emotionally piercing as it is beautiful to behold", Guy Lodge, Variety

"The Reason I Jump will change the way you think... A masterclass in communication for anyone ready to listen", Fionnuala Halligan, Screen Daily


May 28, 202134:24
Attachment Theory

Attachment Theory

Broadcaster John Offord chats to Helen Dent, a clinical and forensic Psychologist, Attachment style expert and author of “Why Don't I Feel Good Enough?: Using Attachment Theory to Find a Solution” to talk about attachment theory and explains it’s not our fault how we feel – understanding where the emotions come from – come from our relationships with our first ever care giver.

The theme of this podcast episode is the profound effect that early attachment styles (i.e. how you were brought up) have on a person's behaviour and emotions in later life. Understanding how this works and the effect it can have is the first step towards understanding how any emotional problems you suffer from have been caused. No one has perfect parents (leading to a totally secure attachment style) so even people with a basically secure attachment style will also have an admixture of avoidant or anxious attachment styles. Those unlucky enough to have been brought up in a totally chaotic way will have a disorganised attachment style.

Helen Dent, who currently works in the field of autism sets out what the three main attachment styles are (anxious, avoidant, secure) and how we can develop a ‘secure base’ in our relationships (and not just in our romantic relationships but also in our friendships and even with our pets!). Helen explains the difference between healthy dependency and codependency in relationships, how we can manage relationship challenges when we have opposing attachment styles to our partner, how autism relates to attachment theory, why we are more likely to come across avoidant attachers when we are dating, how we develop a blueprint for a relationship, how the relationships that we have throughout our lives can influence our attachment style and how we can consciously work towards becoming more secure in our relationships.



May 15, 202145:11
The Double Empathy problem
May 01, 202144:56
Monotropism
Apr 15, 202134:24
A conversation with Adam Harris
Apr 02, 202124:09
Temple Grandin

Temple Grandin

Broadcaster, John Offord chats to American scientist, activist, author and speaker, Temple Grandin who is well known to many for her trailblazing work as a spokesperson for people with autism and her lifelong work with animal behaviour. Temple was named in the 2010 Time 100, an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world in the "Heroes" category. Grandin has written six previous books on autism and was also the subject of the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning semi-biographical film Temple Grandin, staring Clare Danes.

Today, we are seeing a new generation of autistic activists, who can take awareness as a given (because of Grandin) and focus instead on the social, political and economic barriers to our full integration and acceptance by society," said Ari Ne'eman, president and co-founder of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, which represents autistic adults. For more details, please see www.templegrandin.com

Mar 31, 202141:38
A conversation with autistic comedian, Joe Wells

A conversation with autistic comedian, Joe Wells

Broadcaster, John Offord chats to autistic comedian and writer, Joe Wells. Joe Wells' writing career began when his first book 'Touch and Go Joe' about his experiences of OCD was published, since then he has made a name for himself as a stand up comic, writer and speaker. Joe now focuses mainly on his unique brand of comedy. For more details, please see: https://www.joewells.org.uk/

Mar 15, 202133:43
A history of Autism with Adam Feinstein

A history of Autism with Adam Feinstein

Broadcaster John Offord chats to Adam Feinstein, an acclaimed author, poet, translator, journalist, film critic, Hispanist and autism researcher to talk about neurodiversity. Adam’s book A History of Autism: conversations with the pioneers received widespread praise. 


Mar 01, 202153:41
A conversation with Shain Neumeier

A conversation with Shain Neumeier

Broadcaster John Offord chats to Shain Neumeier. Shain is an American autistic and nonbinary transgender attorney from Los Angeles, California. Shain is best known for advocacy against coercive and forced treatment, including advocacy to close the Judge Rotenberg Center, an institution for people with developmental disabilities that has been condemned by the United Nations for torture due to its use of electric shocks on people with disabilities.

Feb 14, 202128:57
A conversation with Lydia Brown

A conversation with Lydia Brown

Broadcaster John Offord chats to Lydia X. Z. Brown, an American autistic disability rights activist, writer, attorney, and public speaker who was honoured by the White House in 2013. Lydia talks about disability justice, ableism, Neurodiversity, models of disability, intersectionality and connections between trans, queer and disability experiences. 

Feb 01, 202143:01
A conversation with Christopher Eccleston
Jan 14, 202135:43
January 10, 2021

January 10, 2021

Jan 10, 202100:59
A conversation with Adam Ockelford about his friend, Derek Paravicini

A conversation with Adam Ockelford about his friend, Derek Paravicini

Broadcaster  John Offord chats to Ted speaker, Adam Ockelford, a Professor of Music and Director of the Applied Music Research Centre at the University of Roehampton, London. 

Adam wrote the official biography of the musical savant, Derek Paravicini, entitled "In the Key of Genius: The Extraordinary Life of Derek Paravicini". Derek was born three and a half months prematurely, and is blind and has severe autism. But with perfect pitch, innate talent and a lot of practice, he became a concert pianist by the age of 10. Adam is Derek’s long time piano teacher, mentee and friend.

Jan 01, 202131:01
A conversation with Chris Packham

A conversation with Chris Packham

Broadcaster John Offord chats to Chris Packham CBE, an English naturalist, nature photographer, television presenter and author, best known for his television work including the CBBC children's nature series The Really Wild Show from 1986 to 1995 and the BBC’s nature series Springwatch, including Autumnwatch and Winterwatch, since 2009. Extraordinarily creative and prolific, Chris Packham has led a remarkable life.

In 2003, at the age of 42, Packham began seeing a therapist after the death of his dog. As his work with the therapist concluded in 2005, Packham was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. He has also stated that he has suffered from severe depression. 

For more details about Chris, please see www.chrispackham.co.uk


Dec 10, 202001:08:26
How it feels to be diagnosed with Autism later in life

How it feels to be diagnosed with Autism later in life

Broadcaster John Offord chats to his friend, Ashley Kirk who has recently been diagnosed with Autism. Although autism is predominantly diagnosed in childhood, increasing numbers of adults are finding out that they too have autism. This issue, of later life diagnosis, was brought to light recently after nature photographer and TV presenter, Chris Packham, went public with his experiences.

About 1% of the adult population has been diagnosed as on the autism spectrum – with more people diagnosed with autism than ever before. And yet, generally, the focus on who has autism is still mostly on infants, children and young adults.


Dec 01, 202043:09
A conversation with Simon Baron-Cohen

A conversation with Simon Baron-Cohen

Broadcaster John Offord chats to Simon Baron-Cohen, one of the world’s leading authorities on autism, and Director of the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge about autism theory and his latest book “The Pattern-Seekers: A New Theory of Human Invention” which argues that autistic people have been crucial to our creative and cultural history for the past 70,000 years.

Nov 24, 202001:07:27
How to stop overthinking
Nov 23, 202031:22
The Black Dyspraxic

The Black Dyspraxic

Broadcaster John Offord chats to Neurodiversity advocate, Tumi Sotire, aka "The Black Dyspraxic" about his experiences and thoughts on the intersection of race and disability. Tumi says “Living with the intersectionality of being a black man with dyspraxia presents the challenge of disentangling whether social barriers presented are due to race or neurodivergence. Companies that are inclusive on the grounds of ethnic diversity are not necessarily organizations with neurodivergent staff.”

Nov 06, 202027:00
Dyspraxia
Nov 02, 202025:07
Understanding Autism
Oct 08, 202023:31
Aphasia - Sarah's story

Aphasia - Sarah's story

Broadcaster John Offord chats to Sarah Scott who had a stroke when she was 18 and now has Aphasia. Sarah appeared on the 2nd series of Undateables. Sarah runs her own YouTube channel and has inspired others to create their own websites and videos to show how language can recover after a brain injury. You can view Sarah’s YouTube channel documenting her recovery here: https://www.youtube.com/user/SymphUK


Sep 30, 202018:26
Neurodiversity and Intersectionality
Sep 21, 202027:29
Untangling the ties between Autism and OCD
Sep 16, 202036:32
A conversation with Francesca Happé

A conversation with Francesca Happé

Broadcaster John Offord chats to Francesca Happé, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience in London about how people with autism experience the world around them and how our understanding of autism has developed over the past 30 years. 



Sep 14, 202039:49
Male Suicide

Male Suicide

Broadcaster John Offord chats to writer, mental health campaigner / advocate and freelance media consultant, Richard Taylor about male suicide to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. Suicide is the biggest killer of men in Britain between the ages of 20 and 50, but we don’t seem to talk about it.  You can read Richard's article in the Guardian here https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/aug/15/we-need-to-talk-about-male-suicide-celebrities-vulnerable

For more support, please see:

CALM tackle male mental health issues, with a deep focus on preventing male suicide:

www.thecalmzone.net

Whatever you're going through, Samaritans will face it with you (24 hours a day, 365 days a year):

www.samaritans.org

Developed by the Zero Suicide Alliance, the free, online training takes around 20 minutes and is designed to show how to have a direct and honest conversation about suicide and mental health with friends and family. 

www.zerosuicidealliance.com/training



Sep 09, 202035:21
An interview with Steve Silberman, author of Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity
Sep 05, 202054:38
The Two Faces of Narcissism
Sep 03, 202001:00:00
A conversation with Dr Radha
Aug 28, 202025:21
In conversation with Judy Singer - creator of the term 'Neurodiversity'
Aug 18, 202028:47
Building better mental health
Aug 14, 202026:14
Hypnosis and the Subconscious Mind

Hypnosis and the Subconscious Mind

There is no doubting the power of the subconscious mind. But what is the subconscious? And how can hypnosis help us to 'reprogram' this part of the mind? Broadcaster John Offord chats to Julia Daley, a Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist from the UK about the fact that everyone has a subconscious mind with the ability to do wonderful things.

Aug 13, 202026:58
Living with OCD
Aug 12, 202031:52