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The Pulse

The Pulse

By Voices of Autism

The Voices of Autism is proud to present The Pulse! Hosted by members, this show will feature news stories, opinion, amazing guests and (almost) all topics are on the table. The Pulse is your source for what's happening in the world right now through a different lens. Send us your questions, ideas, or if you want to be a guest just give us a shout. voa@pacificautismfamily.com

You can also find this podcast in video format on YouTube. www.youtube.com/channel/UCR9Ist0aV2aQ3FQgXR0xCZw
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Currently playing episode

Nicole Provost: Life in Isolation - Part I

The PulseJul 16, 2021

00:00
06:33
Autism Creature

Autism Creature

In this special episode, we’re going to look at the imaginative story of Yippee. This unique creature has captured the hearts of many, embodying the spirit of acceptance, understanding, and the magic that lies within the autism community. Whether you're deeply connected to autism advocacy, have a fondness for captivating stories, or simply love a touch of magic in your day, this episode is crafted just for you. Join us as we embark on a journey through the enchanting world of Yippee, exploring the significance of representation and embracing the extraordinary. As always if you have questions or ideas to discuss, or if you’d like to be a guest on the show, send an email to voa@pacificautismfamily.com. We look forward to more of your great questions. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe. See ya next time!

Mar 04, 202408:23
Autism In The Spider-Verse

Autism In The Spider-Verse

What’s up everybody? Welcome back to the Pulse! On today’s episode we visit a conversation between Parker and Indigo Hynds about autism in the spider-verse. The pair discuss the personal traits of many spider-man characters, versions and the history of Spider-man’s development. So, is Spider-man autistic? As always if you have questions or ideas to discuss, or if you’d like to be a guest on the show, send an email to voa@pacificautismfamily.com. We look forward to more of your great questions. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe. See ya next time.

Mar 04, 202415:24
Decoding Confidence

Decoding Confidence

Hello everyone, welcome to another edition of The Pulse! In today's episode, we're sharing advice aimed at fostering a positive self-image and boosting your self-assurance. Our objective is to provide you with the knowledge and resources to enhance your self-esteem, guiding you toward a journey of authenticity and self-improvement. As always if you have questions or ideas to discuss, or if you’d like to be a guest on the show, send an email to voa@pacificautismfamily.com. We look forward to more of your great questions. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe. See ya next time!

Mar 04, 202412:01
Starting Out

Starting Out

Today, we’re going to discuss an important topic: how to take control of your life and set yourself up for success. We’ll delve into the details of creating new routines, organizing your life, and planning your day-to-day activities. As always if you have questions or ideas to discuss, or if you’d like to be a guest on the show, send an email to voa@pacificautismfamily.com. We look forward to more of your great questions. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe. See ya next time.

Mar 04, 202408:42
Moving Out

Moving Out

Hey everybody! Welcome back to The Pulse. Today, we're jumping right into the thrilling adventure of leaving the nest and embracing independence. Our focus in this episode? The absolute essentials of claiming your own turf and navigating those initial make-or-break choices. Whether you're a recent grad, a budding young pro, or simply someone itching to spread their wings, this episode is your one-stop shop for the wisdom you need to kickstart your independent journey. As always if you have questions or ideas to discuss, or if you’d like to be a guest on the show, send an email to voa@pacificautismfamily.com. We look forward to more of your great questions. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe. See ya next time.

Mar 04, 202410:31
Back to School - Bonus Episode!

Back to School - Bonus Episode!

Hey, what’s everybody, welcome back to the Pulse! It's that time of the year again – back to school! And you know what? Parker's got your back with a bunch of awesome tips to kickstart your year and make it the best one yet! So, grab your notebooks, sharpen those pencils, and get ready to soak in some valuable advice for a stellar start to the school year! As always if you have questions or ideas to discuss, or if you’d like to be a guest on the show, send an email to voa@pacificautismfamily.com. We look forward to more of your great questions. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe. See ya next time.

Dec 14, 202312:31
Dr. Fakhri Shafai: Autism And Research - Part 3

Dr. Fakhri Shafai: Autism And Research - Part 3

Alright friends, we've made it to the last leg of our 3-part journey into the world of autism and scientific research. Big thanks to the incredible Dr. Shafai for hanging out with us – what a privilege! No more waiting around, let's jump right into the epic finale: part 3! As always if you have questions or ideas to discuss, or if you’d like to be a guest on the show, send an email to voa@pacificautismfamily.com. We look forward to more of your great questions. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe. See ya next time.

Dec 14, 202318:45
Dr. Fakhri Shafai: Autism And Research - Part 2

Dr. Fakhri Shafai: Autism And Research - Part 2

Exciting news for women and seniors! We're here for the second installment of our three-part series focused on research and advocacy, featuring Dr. Fakhri Shafai, who serves as the Chief Science Officer at AIDE Canada. In this episode, Dr. Shafai delves into the areas where research falls short and shares some noteworthy advancements. Be sure to stay tuned for our upcoming episode, where we'll engage in a conversation with Dr. Fakhri Shafai about opportunities to participate in clinical research. As always if you have questions or ideas to discuss, or if you’d like to be a guest on the show, send an email to voa@pacificautismfamily.com. We look forward to more of your great questions. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe. See ya next time. International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) https://www.autism-insar.org/ Kids Brain Health Network https://kidsbrainhealth.ca/research/

Dec 14, 202309:04
Dr. Fakhri Shafai: Autism And Research - Part 1

Dr. Fakhri Shafai: Autism And Research - Part 1

Hey, guess what? We've got this incredible 3-part series lined up for you, all about how folks on the autism spectrum are getting into research as a way to stand up for themselves. We had a super insightful chat with Dr. Fakhri Shafai, who's not only a neuroscientist but also the Chief Science Officer at AIDE Canada. Dr. Shafai has been in the game for over 20 years, working with the autism community in various capacities. Big shoutout to her for squeezing us into her busy schedule. This right here is part one of the series. As always if you have questions or ideas to discuss, or if you’d like to be a guest on the show, send an email to voa@pacificautismfamily.com. We look forward to more of your great questions. Thanks for listening! International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) https://www.autism-insar.org/ Kids Brain Health Network https://kidsbrainhealth.ca/research/

Dec 14, 202316:42
Touch Grass

Touch Grass

Welcome back to The Pulse. Today we are going to show you why being outside and offline is the way to go this summer. Also, Parker and Kayla share some of their favourite offline activities. As always if you have ideas or topics you’d like us to discuss, or if you’d like to be a guest on the show, send an email to voa@pacificautismfamily.com. We look forward to more of your great questions. Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe.

Dec 14, 202306:11
Pride!

Pride!

It’s a time to celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and love. There are many people around the world that celebrate Pride Month and the LGBTQ+ community. People in the queer community and our allies coming together? It's one of our favourite times of the year! As always if you have ideas or topics you'd like us to discuss, or if you want to be a guest on the show, please send an email to voa@pacificautismfamily.com. We look forward to more of your great questions. Thanks for joining us!

Dec 14, 202309:31
School's Out! Now What?

School's Out! Now What?

Summer is here and school is out! What are your plans? Are you graduating? Are you planning for next year? If so, here are some common options for what to do after graduation, no matter your age. As always if you have ideas or topics you'd like us to discuss, or, if you'd like to be a guest on the show, send an email to voa@pacificautismfamily.com

Dec 14, 202319:18
Advocacy And Research

Advocacy And Research

This episode wraps up our six-part series on advocacy. We discuss the importance of autistic researchers in science today. As always, if you have questions or topics you'd like us to discuss, or if you want to be a guest on the show, please send an email to voa@pacificautismfamily.com. Thanks for joining us! Don't forget to like, share and subscribe.

Dec 14, 202308:23
Advocacy And Information Sharing

Advocacy And Information Sharing

This episode takes us into the world of advocacy and information sharing. We specifically discuss school and medical supports and how information can easily get lost but we also talk about how information can be shared, who can share it on your behalf and more. As always if you have questions or topics you'd like us to discuss or if you want to be a guest on the show, send an email to voa@pacificautismfamily.com. Thanks for joining us!

Dec 14, 202316:51
Advocacy and Social Media
May 12, 202310:44
Advocacy and Voting
May 04, 202313:40
Types of Advocacy

Types of Advocacy

Today we continue our discussion about advocacy and specifically, some common forms of action, what we think works and doesn’t work and we offer some personal insights. We also have Lucas back with us today to join this discussion. Let’s get back into it. Next week we’ll get into how voting is a form of advocacy and how we can use it to make our voices heard. With a little help, we can join the bigger conversation and advocate for our values. As always, if you have ideas or topics you’d like us to discuss or if you want to be a guest on the show, send an email to voa@pacificautismfamily.com. We look forward to more of your great questions. Thanks for joining us. Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe.

Apr 27, 202313:49
Advocacy: What Is It?
Apr 07, 202312:08
The Holidays and Social Pressure
Feb 03, 202318:52
Getting Around On 2 Wheels
Jan 06, 202306:14
Life With Pets And Autism - Part 2
Aug 05, 202221:43
Life With Pets And Autism
Jul 04, 202211:41
Community Gaming And Autism

Community Gaming And Autism

What’s up everyone and welcome back to The Pulse. We have a special guest this week, returning to discuss gaming and autism. Lucas Gates is going to share his expertise in community gaming, the benefits and opportunities and how to access the gaming world even if you don’t a console, cell phone or computer.  

Connect with Lucas on... 

twitch.tv/TheLGator

twitter.com/Neurovaliant 

instagram.com/Neurovaliant 

facebook.com/Neurovaliant  

What are some of your favourite games and methods of game play? Do you know where to find gaming resources?  As always, if you have ideas or topics you’d like us to discuss or if you want to be a guest on the show, send an email to voa@pacificautismfamily.com. We look forward to more of your great questions. Thanks for joining us. Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe.

Jun 17, 202222:00
Driver Education In High School

Driver Education In High School

Did you have driver’s education classes in secondary school? 

One of our listeners requested that we chat about learning to drive in school. While we didn’t have access to driver’s education through school, we have a few ideas we wanted to discuss today. Today we’ll talk about driver’s education in high school; the motivation to drive; the basics of getting your license and the ways in which we use our driving skills.   Do you drive? Why or why not? And do you think driving lessons should be a part of post secondary education? Let us know in the comments and always, if you have other ideas for us or if you want to be a guest on the show, send an email to voa@pacificautismfamily.com. We look forward to more of your great questions. Thanks for joining us. Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe.

Jun 13, 202215:09
Let's Talk About Time Management - Part 2
Jun 03, 202209:47
Let's Talk About Time Management - Part 1
May 25, 202211:05
What We Didn't Learn In School - Part 2
May 06, 202204:41
What We Didn't Learn In School - Part 1

What We Didn't Learn In School - Part 1

*disclaimer, this episode contains a mention of suicide. If you are not comfortable hearing about that we suggest you check out another episode like, “Get the Job with Malini Lad” or check out one of our COVID and it’s Environmental Impact episodes.  

Today we open a conversation about what essential skills that don’t get taught. Our spotlight for this episode is on mental health, job hunting, taxes, and voting. What did you miss that you wish you’d learned before leaving elementary or high school?   

As always, if you have ideas or topics you’d like us to discuss or if you want to be a guest on the show, send an email to voa@pacificautismfamily.com we look forward to more of your great questions.

Apr 22, 202210:06
Let's get real about housing and homelessness - Part 3
Mar 25, 202212:18
Let's get real about housing and homelessness - Part 2

Let's get real about housing and homelessness - Part 2

Hey everyone and welcome to The Pulse. Today we continue our conversation with Bex about homelessness; more specifically, city efforts, access to ID and starter loans from the government of BC.

As always, if you have questions you’d like us to discuss or if you want to be a guest on the show, send an email to voa@pacificautismfamily.com we look forward to more of your great questions. Thanks for listening.

211 is a free, confidential, multilingual service that links people to resources for help, where and when they need it.

Help is available to people anywhere in British Columbia, 24/7 by calling or texting 2-1-1.

Mar 25, 202211:49
Let's get real about housing and homelessness - Part 1
Mar 25, 202207:27
Housing Accessibility

Housing Accessibility

Today we'll talk about housing accessibility where we begin the descent into the depths of accessing housing and accommodations. In this first episode, Kayla, Erin and SF get personal and share stories, needs, and why finding a place to live is so difficult for the disability community. 

Feb 04, 202223:12
Setting Intentions in 2022

Setting Intentions in 2022

It’s wonderful to be back here with you in 2022. On today’s episode we share insights on what makes a good New Year’s resolution, how to set them and a few of the things we do to keep bettering ourselves. You’re not going to want to miss this one so stick around, we’ve got a great show for you today. Remember to subscribe for new episodes each week. 

Jan 27, 202213:56
Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays!

We want to wish all of our listeners a very safe and happy holiday. Stay warm out there and we'll see you all again in the new year. 

Dec 17, 202104:08
Interviews! How to answer: How do you handle conflict?

Interviews! How to answer: How do you handle conflict?

On this week's episode of The Pulse, we break down the question of how you handle conflict. This common question can be a difficult question to answer, especially when you think you have no experience with conflict. Trust us, you have. We'll also help you prepare an answer for this question to help you feel confident for your next job interview. 

Dec 10, 202107:39
Interviews! How to answer: Why should we hire you?

Interviews! How to answer: Why should we hire you?

On this week's episode of The Pulse Kayla and SF discuss the question, "Why should we hire you?" and what employers are really asking with this question. In this series we give you the lowdown on interview language including keywords that will set you apart from other applicants. 

Dec 03, 202105:55
Interviews! How to answer: What is your greatest weakness?

Interviews! How to answer: What is your greatest weakness?

This is one of the toughest interview questions to answer. This question can be re-framed to help you answer with ease. Listen now and start your interview preparedness plan. 

Nov 26, 202103:16
The Confident Candidate

The Confident Candidate

Looking for the right job? Here are 3 tips for how to boost your confidence (that really work). Look, feel and be the right person for the job.  


Nov 19, 202112:32
The Ideal Candidate

The Ideal Candidate

Increase your appeal as an employment candidate. This is part one of our employment series. In this episode we talk about boosting confidence, knowing yourself and how to show a company you mean business. We share our personal experiences in confidently seeking jobs and nailing interviews. 

Nov 12, 202112:34
Is that Elvis??

Is that Elvis??

Aaron Smith is an Elvis Presley tribute artist from Wisconsin, near Green Bay. We were lucky enough to chat with him on a variety of topics from keeping Elvis alive through performance, autism and getting his needs met on the road, using his passion to live the life that makes him happy and how inspirational his family is to him. Aaron treats us to a song, we’ll let you listen to find out which one. Can you guess?

Nov 05, 202101:06:44
Healthy Sexuality, Relationships and You

Healthy Sexuality, Relationships and You

Kate Campbell is a Sexologist from Perth, Western Australia. We sit down and talk about sexuality, gender, identity, types of relationship and most important, consent. Things get real with Kate in this extremely informative and funny episode. 

Oct 29, 202127:16
Talent agent Brandi England - insider secrets

Talent agent Brandi England - insider secrets

We had a chance to sit down with Brandi England and she shared her tips for finding an agent, getting auditions, knowing your strengths and how to build up your portfolio. If you want to be an actor, this is the episode for you. 

Oct 22, 202116:13
Introducing: The Pulse

Introducing: The Pulse

News, politics, current events, employment, social matters, economics, entertainment and more. Erin, Lucas, Kayla and SF are founding members of the Voices of Autism and are thrilled to share and discuss things that matter today. 

Do you have something you want to talk about? We'd love to have you on the show! 

New shows every Friday. Join us as we set the stage for discussion and come away with a changed perspective or a life hack you can implement in your life. 

Oct 15, 202100:34
Travel with Ange

Travel with Ange

This week's episode is about travel and autism. Ange Faminoff has created an agency called Travel with Ange and she specializes in making a vacation pleasurable for the whole family. Ange provides in-person and distant support including arranging with hotels for inclusive services, getting those travel perks and how families CAN travel with an autistic family member. 

Oct 15, 202119:42
Diversity, Soccer & Community with Lucas and Abbe Gates

Diversity, Soccer & Community with Lucas and Abbe Gates

This week's episode is another installation of our 2021 Speaker Series. We sat down with Lucas and Abbe Gates to talk about their inclusive sports league, Soccer Dogs, how it started and how it has grown to be an official FC. They also discuss with us the importance of group sports for body regulation and social opportunities. For these folks, inclusion is the goal!
Oct 08, 202139:10
Get The Job with Malini Lad

Get The Job with Malini Lad

As a part of our 2021 Speaker Series we are releasing this series right here where you are listening right now. Our first speaker in this series is Malini Lad, who specializes in employment. Malini shares her inside information on how to get the job and keep it. We are honoured to have Malini on our show. 

Oct 01, 202113:19
COVID-19 and Its Environmental Impact - Wildlife

COVID-19 and Its Environmental Impact - Wildlife

This week we discuss the balance between human return to public life and managing animal populations that have made their way into our cities. We talk dolphin super pods, beach birds in Venice, coyote attacks and increasing animal sanctuaries in and around our cities. 

Sep 24, 202114:14
COVID-19 and Its Environmental Impact - Oceans part 2

COVID-19 and Its Environmental Impact - Oceans part 2

This is part 2 of our Oceans feature in our COVID series. We pick up where we left off last week and get deeper into our mask material problem and why you should cut your mask strings before tossing them. Next week we finish our environment series with a discussion about the return of wildlife to our cities and neighbourhoods. 

Sep 17, 202108:49
COVID-19 and Its Environmental Impact - Oceans part 1

COVID-19 and Its Environmental Impact - Oceans part 1

This week our hosts discuss how Earth's oceans have been impacted by COVID-19. We discuss supply chain disruptions, the Ever Given, and why masks and their filters aren't recyclable and end up in our great oceans.

Sep 09, 202124:09
COVID-19 and Its Environmental Impact

COVID-19 and Its Environmental Impact

This week our hosts discuss how recycling has never been more of a concern given the habits we formed during the pandemic. Erin talks to us about convenience packaging and take-out/delivery food packaging, using our own mugs at coffee shops and what additional strain this puts on the environment.

Sep 03, 202112:04