NeuroSense

Networking, Neurodifference & Saying F* That to Fitting In

This one’s got ADHD confessions, corporate walkouts, business rebellion, forgotten glasses, and women interrupting each other like it’s a sport. You’re welcome. What’s this episode about? Ever tried to network while panicking about your face, forgetting your own name, and wondering if your bra’s on inside out? Then welcome, mate. You’re one of us. This episode, I’m joined by Caroline Jane Andrew – ADHD firecracker, business coach, speaker, and the boss of 4Networking (yep, that national networking biz). She’s also the first woman I’ve ever met who said I reminded her of her... and weirdly, I agreed. We dive into big topics: * Late ADHD diagnosis (at 55 – better late than never, right?) * Walking out of a high-paid job in heels and a Porsche like a legend * Rewriting networking so it doesn’t feel like a job interview with added panic * Why you don’t have to tone yourself down to be taken seriously (you might even get paid more to turn it up) * And how being your full self might scare a few people—but it’ll also help you find your people This one’s a wild ride, and honestly? It’s exactly the conversation I wish I’d had ten years ago. What we cover: * Why Caroline told her boss to shove his job “right up his arse” and never looked back * How she ended up buying a bloody networking company (even though she found networking terrifying) * What it’s like to be diagnosed with ADHD when you’re nearly 60 and suddenly everything makes sense * Building neuroinclusive spaces that actually feel safe, not just tick boxes * Interrupting, buffering, and being socially “inept” in a world that expects you to be beige * Real talk about relationships, mental health, being “too much,” and refusing to shrink to fit Favourite mic-drop moments: * “They said, ‘Caroline, can you not go off on one?’ I said, ‘Absolutely f***ing not.’” * “You don’t have to pitch. You don’t even have to speak. Turn your camera off and eat a biscuit. We’re good.” * “I wasn’t being difficult to employ. I was just wired differently. The job was the problem, not me.” * “Turns out, I wasn’t a strong, fierce woman. I was just legging it in style.” * “Interrupting isn’t rude. It’s my brain trying not to combust.” Resources & links mentioned: * 4Networking Neuroinclusive Group [https://4nonline.biz/group/neuro] – No pressure, no pretence. Just a bunch of brilliant weirdos being real. * Caroline’s full 4Networking site [https://4nonline.biz/] – Find your people, your next client, or at the very least, someone who won’t judge you for fidgeting. * Caroline on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineandrewjohnstone/] – Follow her before she gets distracted and forgets she even has LinkedIn. * Research from the Dunedin study [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5304549/] showed that by their mid-40s, 86% of their population sample had met criteria for one or more ‘mental disorders’, which includes ND and MH diagnoses.If only 14% are ‘neurotypical’ then they are the exception and not typical at all. * The IMHub [https://www.inclusivemindsuk.com/IMHub1] – Community, not conformity. Built for neurodifferent brains (and the people who love us).

Faith, F-Bombs & Finding Your Voice

This one’s got religion, reluctant activism, and a TikTok-famous beard. You’re welcome. What’s this episode about? Ever felt like being different automatically made you the diversity mascot? Or tried to limit screen time while hiding your own phone addiction? Same. This episode’s a proper deep dive with Amit Singh-Kalee – ex-deputy head, founder of For Working Parents, ADHD-diagnosed disruptor, Sikh dad of three, and accidental viral sensation thanks to an emoji periodic table. We’re talking parenting in the digital age, culture clashes, being a neurodifferent parent, and why none of us really know what we’re doing (but we're learning, loudly). From dodgy YouTube kids' content to racial abuse in the DMs, we cover it all. No Holds Barred . Just real talk. What we cover: * How Amit went from deputy head to digital safety rebel – with zero plan but loads of heart * Why giving kids devices isn’t just a personal choice, it’s a cultural pressure (and why he says “nope”) * Representation in parenting spaces – and why Amit shows up as himself, turban and all * When ADHD + smartphones = scrolling while your toddler just wants a cuddle * Cultural expectations, RSD, and trying to be the parent your kid needs without losing your damn mind * Why every policy needs a caveat, every workplace needs cultural intelligence, and every parent needs to stop pretending they’ve got it sorted Favourite mic-drop moments: “There’s no word for ADHD in Punjabi. So how do you explain a condition no one has language for?” “You can’t support your child online if you don’t understand the online world yourself. Get curious before you get critical.” “I’m not trying to shame anyone. I’m trying to educate – and yeah, sometimes that means saying the stuff no one wants to hear.” “There’s parenting theory, and then there’s your kid licking the TV remote for fun. No book covers that.” Resources & links mentioned: * For Working Parents website [https://www.forworkingparents.com] – workshops, coaching & digital charters for real-world parenting * Amit on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@forworkingparents] – beard content and brutal truths * Smartphone-Free Childhood [https://www.smartphonefreechildhood.co.uk] – a movement, not a contradiction * The IMHub [https://www.inclusivemindsuk.com/IMHub1] – because parenting (and life) wasn’t meant to be done solo * Join the Panel: Neurodiversity & Culture – June event hosted by Amit, powered by the IMHub Collective details to be confirmed!

MS, Medals & Pee Stops

Ever peed yourself on the M1? No? Lucky You. But if you’ve ever dealt with a body that won’t behave, a brain that won’t shut up, or a world that thinks you need to "look" disabled to get support… this will be a breath of fresh air… cos were talking about it… All of it!  Whether you’ve lived it or never even thought about it – you need to hear this! I’m joined by Stacey Denyer – ex-RAF, Invictus Games athlete, ADHD-er, MS warrior, founder of At Ease inclusion [https://ateaseinclusion.co.uk/], Female Veterans Transformation Programme [https://www.fvtp.org.uk/] Communications & Engagement Officer and bladder-challenged badass. Together we’re diving headfirst into the messy, unspoken realities of chronic illness, hidden disability, and why pretending to be fine is doing us all in. What we cover: * Why Stacey ignored early MS symptoms (and why lots of us would’ve done the same) * How fatigue, nerve pain and bladder urgency affect everyday life * The not-so-fun overlap between MS and ADHD (and how Stacey makes it work) * What people think MS looks like vs what it actually is * Getting diagnosed in the forces, and what that did to her career * How she went from that diagnosis to representing Team UK at Invictus * Learning to say no (even to No.10 Downing Street) * Planning your energy like you’d plan your money – and what happens if you don’t “An hour is 4% of your day. You can use it to get better – or to have a nap. Both count.” Resources mentioned: * Spoon Theory by Christine Miserandino [https://www.google.com/search?q=Spoon+Theory+by+Christine+Miserandino&sca_esv=5ed3572dacaed608&ei=AnxAaIaaNLGfhbIP77-4kQM&ved=0ahUKEwiGo4qin9iNAxWxT0EAHe8fLjIQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=Spoon+Theory+by+Christine+Miserandino&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiJVNwb29uIFRoZW9yeSBieSBDaHJpc3RpbmUgTWlzZXJhbmRpbm8yBRAAGIAEMgYQABgWGB4yBhAAGBYYHjIGEAAYFhgeMgsQABiABBiGAxiKBTILEAAYgAQYhgMYigUyCxAAGIAEGIYDGIoFMgsQABiABBiGAxiKBTIIEAAYgAQYogRIiwRQAFgAcAB4AZABAJgBhgGgAYYBqgEDMC4xuAEDyAEA-AEC-AEBmAIBoAKVAZgDAJIHAzAuMaAHkgayBwMwLjG4B5UBwgcDMy0xyAcL&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:f21115b0,vid:jn5IBsm49Rk,st:0] – have a watch and look it up, it’s a game-changer * Everybody Moves [https://everybodymoves.org.uk/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20318515164&gbraid=0AAAAADv1_Amyuk8BDQdl7nleqVAT0UeTb&gclid=CjwKCAjw3f_BBhAPEiwAaA3K5H_p01xV1jMlSq0U4YVnMWqcsid7wtZkRfHqWTlaJJuAmVGceZpIrhoCAO4QAvD_BwE] – A brilliant directory for finding inclusive sports near you, whatever your needs. * Amantadine (NHS overview) [https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/amantadine/] – A med Stacey uses for MS fatigue that’s also helped with her ADHD. (Not medical advice – just her lived experience. Always speak to your GP.) * Kadeena Cox [https://www.kadeenacox.com/] – Paralympian, MS advocate, and all-round powerhouse proving MS doesn’t have a single look. * The IMHub [https://www.inclusivemindsuk.com/IMHub1] – because no one should have to carry this stuff on their own. Not MS. Not ADHD. Not the constant juggling act of being human.

Disability Awareness & Advocacy with Kris Foster

This one’s a belter! Ria chats with Kris Foster, co-founder of Open Book and Project Nemo, about his personal journey in disability advocacy, focusing on Down syndrome, autism, and smashing outdated narratives. What’s inside? - Kris’ no-nonsense take on why real representation matters (over 170 interviews & counting!) - Breaking down workplace inclusion—the good, the bad & the downright frustrating - How Project Nemo is tackling financial inclusion for disabled folks - His personal battles—cancer, discrimination, and how they fuel his fight for change Kris says it best: 'People speak for us, about us, in front of us—but it’s never our voice. Just listen. Listen to our goals, our potential.' You in? Hit play and get ready to rethink everything you thought you knew!

Dan Harris Thinks I’m Nice (Plus Other Important Stuff About NeuroInclusion… LOL)

Welcome to the very first episode of NeuroSense!  Obviously we were going to come and the gates strong, and I’ll be honest it couldn't be much stronger than this!  We’ve only gone and got an absolute legend joining us—none other than Dan Harris, the brains behind Neurodiversity in Business (NiB). Dan’s job? Helping businesses stop being completely useless at neuroinclusion.  His real job? Being Joshie’s Dad—his incredible son Joshua is a non-speaking autistic boy who’s out here changing the world and proving that words aren’t the only way to communicate. And, most importantly, Dan said I’m a nice person doing things for the right reasons—which is now my entire personality (obviously!). * Dan’s story—from corporate life to shaking up the system. * The infuriating way non-speaking people are still underestimated. * World Social Justice Day—what we can do better, particularly for non-speakers. * #LetThemHaveTheirVoices [https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=letthemhavetheirvoices&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7288832744204161025] campaign - impact in the UK, what we can do to help. * That time Dan accidentally gave me a compliment and now I won’t let it go! And in classic Dan fashion, he doesn’t sugarcoat a thing: 🗣️  “There is an inherent prejudice or view that non-speakers, in particular, are stupid.” 🗣️  “You don’t judge a person’s value, humanity, on the basis of intelligence. We should reject that!” 💥 Say it louder for the people at the back! 💥 If you’re tired of pointless panel discussions, fluffy initiatives, and companies saying they’re "neurodiverse-friendly" while doing absolutely nothing—this episode is for you. Expect straight talk, real stories, a bit of humour, and probably some swearing—because some things need to be said. 🎧  Hit play now, and don’t forget to subscribe—because neuroinclusion should be a given, not a gimmick. Join the movement: www.inclusivemindsuk.com [https://www.inclusivemindsuk.com/] #NeuroSense #DanHarrisSaidImNice #JoshiesDad #NeuroInclusion #NeurodiversityInBusiness #SocialJusticeDay #LessFluffMoreAction