In this milestone episode of Love Conquers, Matt and Kaz close the curtain on one story — and open the door to another. After heartfelt conversations, countless stories, and plenty of laughs, the duo bid farewell to Love Conquers while introducing their bold new venture: Talking Tisms.
This episode is both a reflection and a celebration: looking back at the lessons and love shared through Love Conquers, while previewing what’s to come — raw, witty, and thought-provoking conversations centered on neurodiverse voices and perspectives. With gratitude for the journey so far and excitement for what lies ahead, Matt and Kaz invite listeners to join them in carrying the spirit of love, honesty, and connection into a brand-new space.
On this episode of Love Conquers, we shine a light on the unseen side of late diagnosis: the partner’s journey. What does it mean to love, support, and sometimes struggle alongside someone whose diagnosis arrives years — or decades — later than expected? We explore the complexities of shifting dynamics, the relief of new understanding, and the grief for the “what ifs.” Through raw conversation and heartfelt honesty, this episode captures the resilience, adaptation, and deep compassion required to navigate neurodivergence together — reminding us that while diagnosis changes things, love remains the throughline.
In this intimate episode of Love Conquers, Kaz and Matt sit down to explore the layered, exhausting, and often invisible art of masking. Kaz offers a raw, honest look at what it feels like to constantly manage tone, expression, posture, and presence just to “pass” as okay—when in reality, the effort is anything but invisible.
From school drop-offs to work meetings, social interactions to simply standing in a crowded space, Kaz breaks down the micro-calculations she makes throughout the day to avoid overwhelm, confrontation, or even just being misunderstood. With Matt’s support and insight, they unpack how this impacts their relationship, parenting, and energy as a couple.
Whether you’re the one who masks or the partner who’s learning how to see through it, this episode is a revealing look at what it means to live behind the mask—and what it takes to safely take it off
In this week’s episode of Love Conquers, Kaz and Matt take a close-up look at what it really means to intervene in real time when your autistic partner (or loved one) starts to dysregulate. It's the stuff that doesn't get taught in diagnostic handbooks or relationship guides—what to do when someone you love is spiraling, shutting down, or quietly drowning in overwhelm.
With candid examples from their own lives, they explore the art of stepping in without stepping on—how to offer grounding, safety, and regulation while honoring autonomy and avoiding the dreaded “fixer” mode. From non-verbal cues to pre-agreed comfort rituals, this episode breaks down practical strategies for recognizing escalation, navigating the tension, and creating space for recovery without shame.
Kaz and Matt also reflect on what it takes to build trust in these moments—how to talk about needs before things go sideways, and how to debrief afterward without adding fuel to the fire. It’s part love language, part emotional first aid, and fully essential for anyone in relationship with an autistic partner.
If you’ve ever felt helpless in the face of a loved one’s meltdown or shutdown, or unsure how to actually help—this episode is for you.
In this deeply insightful episode of Love Conquers, Kaz and Matt reconnect with friend of the show and returning expert Nicole Ennis Oakes to unpack one of the most nuanced challenges in neurodivergent life: learning your way through a diagnosis while already deep into adult relationships, shared routines—and, in many cases, parenting.
Nicole brings her clinical expertise and lived empathy to the table as she explores what happens when a diagnosis drops into the middle of a marriage or long-term relationship. She guides listeners through the emotional recalibration that often follows—grief, identity shifts, communication cracks—and how couples can navigate this terrain without losing each other in the process.
But the conversation doesn’t stop at the couple. Nicole dives into how the presence of children adds layers of complexity, urgency, and sometimes unexpected clarity to the diagnostic journey. Parenting through this lens demands a radical reshuffling of expectations, boundaries, and often, self-worth.
This episode is both illuminating and validating for anyone who’s had to re-understand themselves or their partner while already doing the hard work of showing up for family life. Compassionate, clear-eyed, and deeply human—Nicole helps us name what so many are quietly navigating.
In this special episode of Love Conquers, Kaz and Matt hand the mic to someone who doesn’t just live the neurodiverse experience—she’s growing up inside it. Joined by their middle daughter Scarlet, they dive into what it’s like navigating the world (and especially school) with dual neurodivergent traits.
With insight, humor, and raw honesty, Scarlet shares her perspective on classrooms, friendships, overwhelm, and what adults really don’t understand about neurodiverse kids. It’s a rare first-hand look into the pressures and magic of being wired differently—and a reminder that when we listen to young voices, we learn how to do better.
In this episode of Love Conquers, Kaz and Matt return to Talking Tisms to explore the emotional ripple effects of a late autism diagnosis—when the missing puzzle piece finally clicks into place, but you’re already deep into life, love, and everything in between.
They unpack what it means for a couple when one partner is diagnosed later in life: the grief, the revelations, the weird relief, and the way it can reshape everything from communication to intimacy to shared routines. Expect candid reflections, real-life examples, and that signature blend of wit and wisdom as they ask: how do you rewrite the story without tearing up the whole book?
In this installment of Love Conquers, Matt and Kaz continue their deep dive into neurodivergent life and love with another episode of Talking Tisms. This time, they take the gloves off to confront the often invisible weight of external judgment—how it shapes the way neurodivergent individuals see themselves, how it infiltrates our relationships, and how it can chip away at even the strongest bonds between spouses and partners.
They unpack everything from the side-eyes at family gatherings to the systemic erasure in clinical spaces—and they do it with their trademark blend of honesty, empathy, and zero BS. Whether you’re ND, NT, partnered, solo, or somewhere in the sensory storm, this episode will resonate. Because love might conquer all, but society’s not always on board with the game plan.
This week on Love Conquers, Matt and Kaz dive into the wild, wonderful, and occasionally WTF world of traveling as a neurodiverse family. What starts as a suitcase and a dream can quickly spiral into sensory chaos, emotional turbulence, and GPS-fueled meltdowns—but somehow, love holds the itinerary together.
From navigating international airports with ADHD brain fog, to decoding hotel breakfast buffets with autistic kids in tow, they share unfiltered stories of trial, error, and unexpected magic. Expect raw honesty, laughter-through-tears moments, and practical tips for staying connected when every part of the journey tries to pull you apart.
Whether you’re neurodivergent, parenting neurodivergent kids, or just trying to make it through passport control without losing your sanity or your partner—this episode offers a road map to resilience, love, and low-stim travel hacks.
In this episode of Love Conquers, Kaz and Matt pull no punches as they dive into the essential—yet often overlooked—topic of advocacy and self-advocacy within the neurodiverse community, especially in the context of relationships.
What does it really mean to advocate for yourself when your brain is wired differently? How do you set boundaries, express needs, or ask for accommodations in a world—and sometimes a relationship—that doesn’t always “get it”? With humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom, Matt and Kaz unpack the dynamics of neurodivergent communication, miscommunication, and the power of having your voice heard.
This episode isn’t just a conversation—it’s a blueprint. It explores the roles that both partners play in building a relationship rooted in understanding, support, and mutual respect. Whether you're neurodivergent, in a relationship with someone who is, or simply looking to level up your empathy game, this one’s for you.
In Episode 76 of Love Conquers, hosts Kaz and Matt Page engage in a heartfelt conversation with esteemed clinical psychologist and personal friend, Nicole (Nic) Ennis-Oakes. As the founder of the Centre for Neurodiversity, established in 2019, Nic brings a wealth of experience in supporting neurodivergent individuals—including those with autism, ADHD, and related conditions—in leading fulfilling lives within a predominantly neurotypical society.
Since its inception, the Centre has been dedicated to providing personalised guidance that assists neurodivergent individuals and their families in adapting to their specific life circumstances or initiating beneficial changes. The Centre's neurodiversity-affirming practices focus on celebrating neurological diversity as natural variations, rather than labeling neurodivergent traits as disorders or deficits.
In this episode, Nic shares insights into the Centre's holistic approach, which includes diagnosis, intervention, and skill optimisation for children, adolescents, and adults with higher-functioning autism spectrum conditions. The discussion also delves into the Centre's efforts in offering bespoke professional training programs for paediatricians, psychiatrists, educators, and allied health professionals, enhancing their ability to support neurodivergent individuals effectively.
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and the importance of creating inclusive environments that recognise and celebrate neurological diversity.
In this episode of Love Conquers, we dive deep into the wonderfully weird world of hyperfocus and special interests—those intense passions that can either bond couples like superglue or drive them quietly insane. Joining us is Nicole Ennis-Oakes, neurodiversity whisperer and principal psychologist at the Centre for Neurodiversity, who helps us unravel why your partner’s obsession with vintage trains or obscure anime might be more than just a quirk.
We’ll explore how these deep interests function for neurodivergent individuals, the challenges and joys they bring into relationships, and how to navigate those “I love you but if you mention that one topic again I swear…” moments. Whether you're the hyperfixator or the bemused partner, this episode offers real strategies, heartfelt stories, and the occasional laugh to help couples build connection through curiosity—not just compatibility.
In this raw and relatable episode of Love Conquers, Kaz and Matt pull back the curtain on the beautifully chaotic reality of parenting as a neurodiverse couple. With five daughters, two very different brains, and more than a few calendar mishaps, they're no strangers to the wild rollercoaster that is neurodivergent family life.
From ADHD-fueled forgetfulness ("Wait... it’s our turn to bring snacks?!") to the sensory overload of school events that feel more like mini music festivals, Kaz and Matt share the honest, unfiltered moments that make up their day-to-day. But it’s not all chaos—there’s also laughter, growth, and unexpected wins.
They dive into how their differences sometimes collide—but more often, complement each other. Kaz leans into structure and routine to keep things steady, while Matt brings in last-minute brilliance and creative problem-solving that has saved the day more than once. Together, they show that parenting with neurodivergence isn’t about doing it perfectly—it’s about doing it authentically.
This episode is for every parent doing their best with a brain that doesn’t always cooperate. Whether you're winning the parenting game or hiding in the laundry room for five quiet minutes, this one’s for you.
🧠 Topics Include:
Executive dysfunction and the school schedule
Sensory overload and overstimulation in parenting
Tag-teaming and understanding your limits
Celebrating small wins in the middle of the mess
Teaching kids about neurodiversity with love and honesty
👂 Listen If:
You’re parenting with a neurodivergent brain (or co-parenting with one)
You’ve ever cried in your car while holding a forgotten permission slip
You want practical tools and emotional validation
You believe love, honesty, and humor are parenting superpowers
In this episode of Love Conquers, Kaz and Matt dive deep into one of the trickiest, yet most important, skills in any relationship: handling conflict—especially when neurodiversity is part of the dynamic.
When one or both partners are neurodivergent, misunderstandings can pop up faster than you can say "what did you mean by that?" Different processing speeds, communication styles, emotional regulation challenges, and sensory overload can turn a simple disagreement into a full-blown storm if left unchecked.
Kaz and Matt share their own experiences from nearly 30 years together, pulling back the curtain on how autism, ADHD, anxiety, and other neurodiverse traits can impact conflict—and, more importantly, how they learned to navigate it without burning everything to the ground.
From the importance of cool-down periods and clarity over assumption, to building scripts and systems that keep emotions from running wild, this episode is packed with practical tools, honest reflections, and a whole lot of “we learned the hard way” wisdom.
Whether you’re neurodivergent yourself, love someone who is, or just want better strategies for handling conflict with more grace (and less accidental emotional warfare), this conversation offers hope, humor, and hard-won lessons.
Topics Include:
Why standard conflict advice doesn’t always fit neurodiverse couples
Emotional regulation: how to recognize the "flood zone" before it hits
Practical scripts and boundaries that actually work
Repairing after ruptures (because perfection isn't the goal—connection is)
How fighting fair can actually deepen trust and intimacy
Conflict is inevitable. Rupture is inevitable. But so is repair—when you have the tools, the compassion, and the commitment to choose each other over and over again.
Tune in for a raw, real, and (as always) slightly chaotic conversation about fighting with love, and loving through the fight.
In this episode of Love Conquers, Kaz and Matt dive deep into the beautiful, messy world of navigating social events, family gatherings, and friendship dynamics—when one or both partners are neurodivergent.
From crowded parties that feel like sensory warzones to those awkward "Why aren't you more social?" moments, they unpack how differing social needs and expectations can collide in external environments. Kaz opens up about how overstimulation, small talk, and group dynamics can feel overwhelming, while Matt shares his perspective on learning to adapt without sacrificing his own needs.
Together, they explore how communication, boundaries, and tag-team strategies have helped them show up authentically without burning out—or burning bridges.
Whether you're the life of the party or the one hiding in the laundry with the cat (no judgment), this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating relationships where social batteries drain at very different speeds.
Love looks different for everyone. But when you understand each other's wiring, even the most chaotic environments can become opportunities for deeper connection. the image should conform to the previous generated images for love conquers podcast
In this episode of Love Conquers, hosts Kaz and Matt Page take a deep dive into one of the most challenging and misunderstood relationship hurdles: executive dysfunction—and how to navigate it together as a team.
Executive dysfunction, common in neurodivergent individuals (especially those with ADHD, autism, or anxiety), can make everyday tasks like planning, organizing, initiating, or completing responsibilities feel overwhelming or even impossible. But when one partner struggles, it affects both—and that’s where teamwork becomes essential.
Kaz and Matt open up about their own lived experiences with executive dysfunction in their relationship, sharing how they’ve learned to shift from blame and frustration to collaboration, empathy, and practical strategies that truly work.
In this episode, they explore:
🧠 What executive dysfunction really looks like in day-to-day life
🤝 How to replace judgment with compassion and shared responsibility
📋 Systems, tools, and routines that actually help get things done
💬 Communication techniques that reduce conflict and increase connection
💛 Why emotional support is just as important as task support
Whether you're the partner who forgets the to-do list or the one picking up the slack, this episode is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to do it all alone—and when love meets teamwork, even the most overwhelming challenges become manageable.
🎧 Tune in to discover how supporting each other through executive dysfunction can create more balance, connection, and trust in your relationship.
In this thoughtful episode of Love Conquers, hosts Kaz and Matt Page explore the often-overlooked topic of sensory needs and overloads in relationships—particularly when neurodiversity is in the mix.
From the buzz of fluorescent lights to the texture of a couch or the hum of everyday noise, our environments can be filled with sensory triggers that feel overwhelming to one partner and barely noticeable to the other. For couples navigating different sensory sensitivities, especially in neurodiverse relationships, creating a safe and balanced home environment is key to connection, comfort, and mutual respect.
Kaz and Matt share real-life experiences and practical tools for:
✅ Understanding individual sensory profiles
✅ Identifying common triggers that lead to overload
✅ Creating calm zones and sensory retreats within shared spaces
✅ Communicating needs without judgment or shame
✅ Designing a home that feels safe, soothing, and supportive for everyone
Whether you’re navigating autism, ADHD, trauma, or just sensory mismatches with your partner, this episode offers grounded, compassionate advice for building a home where everyone can breathe a little easier.
💙 Because love isn’t just about how we show up for each other—it’s about the spaces we build to support one another.
Communication is the foundation of every relationship—but when neurodiversity is part of the equation, it can feel like you and your partner are speaking entirely different languages. In this episode of Love Conquers, hosts Kaz and Matt Page dive deep into the unique ways neurodiverse individuals express themselves, process information, and connect with their loved ones.
For some, words flow easily, while for others, emotions are better expressed through actions, gestures, or even silence. One partner might crave deep, direct conversations, while the other may need time to process before responding. Differences in verbal vs. nonverbal communication, social cues, and emotional expression can create challenges—but they can also be the key to building a richer, more meaningful connection.
Through personal stories and expert insights, this episode unpacks the most common communication struggles in neurodiverse relationships—misunderstandings, overstimulation, differences in conversational pacing—and offers practical strategies for bridging the gap.
How do you express love when words feel overwhelming? How do you ensure both partners feel heard and understood? Kaz and Matt explore real-world techniques like creating communication “safe zones,” using nonverbal cues, and setting clear expectations to help neurodiverse couples navigate conversations with patience and understanding.
Because at the end of the day, love isn’t about saying the perfect thing—it’s about learning to hear each other in a way that truly resonates.
Each episode unpacks a relationships issue or life lesson that Matt & Kaz have had to learn.
Content warning: Love Conquers is a podcast for adults that deals with confronting themes of all kinds including mental health, suicide and trauma.
Love Conquers is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment.
If you are struggling, don’t go it alone - please see a healthcare professional.
If you live in Australia, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or go to lifeline.org.au.
If you live outside of Australia, please search for your local crisis line and find support.
This podcast is hosted by Matt and Kaz Page
For more information visit: loveconquersthepodcast.com
In this insightful episode of Love Conquers, we dive into the unique world of neurodiverse relationships—where one or both partners may be on the autism spectrum, have ADHD, or experience other neurological differences. Hosted by Kaz and Matt Page, this episode explores the challenges, strengths, and deep connections that can emerge when love transcends neurological differences.
What Does It Mean to Be a Neurodiverse Couple?
Neurodiverse couples often navigate relationships differently than neurotypical pairs. Differences in communication styles, emotional processing, sensory sensitivities, and social expectations can present challenges—but also create opportunities for profound connection and understanding.
How Can It Work?
Through expert insights and real-life experiences, this episode explores:
Bridging communication gaps – Understanding different ways of expressing emotions and needs.
Managing sensory differences – How sensory processing affects day-to-day interactions and intimacy.
Embracing strengths – Recognising the unique gifts that neurodiverse partners bring to a relationship.
Overcoming challenges together – Strategies for handling misunderstandings, meltdowns, and emotional disconnects.
Tools for success – Practical approaches to strengthen connection, from therapy to structured routines.
Join us as we debunk myths, celebrate strengths, and provide guidance for neurodiverse couples looking to build a loving, lasting relationship. Whether you’re in a neurodiverse relationship yourself or simply want to better understand and support loved ones, this episode is a must-listen.
In this heart-opening episode of Love Conquers, hosts Kaz and Matt Page dive into the powerful intersection of love languages and neurodiversity—exploring how our unique neurological wiring shapes the way we give and receive love.
For many couples, understanding love languages can be a game-changer. But when neurodivergent traits like autism, ADHD, or sensory sensitivities come into the picture, traditional expressions of affection may not always land the way we expect. What feels like love to one partner might feel overwhelming—or even go unnoticed—by the other.
Kaz and Matt bring honesty, empathy, and lived experience to the mic, unpacking the ways neurodiverse individuals often express connection differently. From needing space to craving routine, from avoiding physical touch to embracing deep acts of service, this episode reveals how affection doesn’t have to look “typical” to be meaningful.
Together, they discuss: 💙 How neurodivergent traits influence love languages 🧠 Rethinking affection through a neurodiversity-affirming lens 🗣️ Communication tools that build understanding instead of conflict 🌱 The importance of curiosity, patience, and flexibility in connection.
This episode is a celebration of love expressed in all its forms—a reminder that the language of love isn’t one-size-fits-all.
🎧 Tune in to discover how embracing your differences can lead to deeper connection, stronger partnership, and more compassionate love.