Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Introducing our Re‑Focus series, where we rewind the moments too good to miss. Short takes. Big takeaways. No attention span required.
In this episode, Ben sits down with BAFTA Award winning broadcaster, vocal coach & author, Carrie Grant. They dive into her late autism diagnosis, shifting perspectives, the importance of overcoming internalised phobias and her four neurodivergent children.
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On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.
Host: Ben Branson
Head of Production: Bella Neale
Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
______________
Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Carrie Grant @carriegrantsays
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
CW: Reference to online abuse, mental health & sexual allegations
MasterChef UK semi‑finalist Vanessa D’Souza (aka The Autistic Chef) was diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder in her 30s, after years of masking. Cooking became her sanctuary, a safe outlet and creative expression that calmed her mind.
As an ambassador for the National Autistic Society, she now champions sensory-friendly recipes and greater inclusion in hospitality.
In this chat with Ben, Vanessa breaks down navigating sensory processing disorder, why neurotypical standards don’t work in culinary spaces, how to make restaurants neurodivergent-friendly, and what it’s like to unmask after 35 years. Plus, she shares her experience of Gregg Wallace during her time on MasterChef.
00:00 Introduction
1:20 Vanessa’s Brain & Autism Diagnosis
7:35 ND Love: Meeting in the Middle
9:10 The Power of Vanessa’s Vulnerability
12:32 The Importance of Listening: Unpacking Meltdowns & Family Reactions
17:35 Vanessa’s Autism VS ADHD
20:41 Sensory Overwhelm: Taste & Smell
24:07 Why Vanessa Loves Cooking
28:01 What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
30:28 Vanessa’s Top ND Cooking & Restaurant Tips
38:10 Master Chef: The Hidden Truths & Realities of Being on TV
45:15 Greg Wallace: Vanessa’s Experience
47:13 “Autism Should Never Be Used as an Excuse For Bad Behaviour”
50:50 Vanessa’s Green Light Badge
_________
On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.
Host: Ben Branson
Head of Production: Bella Neale
Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
______________
Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Vanessa D'Souza @the.autistic.chef
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Ben sits down with Professor Francesca Happé - one of the most distinguished and respected voices in autism research. With over 30 years at the forefront of the field, Francesca has reshaped how we understand autism, from exploring social cognition to uncovering the hidden experiences of autistic women, the elderly, and under-researched groups.
In this chat with Ben, they unpack hidden autistic talents like perfect pitch and detailed memory, why late diagnosis fuels burnout, how emotional care differs from cognitive mind‑reading, and why research on sensory processing and inclusion is needed more than ever.
This is part two of a two-part episode. To catch all the groundbreaking discoveries, be sure to check out last week's episode!
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On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.
Host: Ben Branson
Head of Production: Bella Neale
Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
______________
Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Francesca Happé @happelab
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Ben sits down with Professor Francesca Happé - one of the most distinguished and respected voices in autism research. With over 30 years at the forefront of the field, Francesca has reshaped how we understand autism, from exploring social cognition to uncovering the hidden experiences of autistic women, the elderly, and under-researched groups.
Together, they get to the heart of why so many women remain unseen, undiagnosed and misdiagnosed. As well as exploring what ageing means when the world was never built for your brain.
They unpack diagnostic overshadowing, the crossover between CPTSD and autism, and what happens when a late diagnosis reframes an entire lifetime.
This is the First of a Two Part Episode - tune in for some groundbreaking discoveries next week in Part Two!
00:00 Introduction
1:30 Autism: The Study That Keep’s Francesca Up at Night
4:00 Autistic Elderly People VS Our Society
5:45 Late in Life Autism Diagnosis: A Lifetime Reframed
10:07 Autistic Women: The Missing Diagnoses
12:50 Eating Disorders VS Autism: What is Diagnostic Overshadowing?
17:16 Autism in Women & Girls: Finally Being Diagnosed
19:40 What is the Difference between Male and Female Autism?
23:20 Can Animals Be Autistic?
25:33 Aging VS Autism: Does Autism Lower Life Expectancy?
28:10 Living with CPTSD & Autism: Untangling the Symptoms
33:45 Are Autistic People More Sensitive?
__________
On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.
Host: Ben Branson
Head of Production: Bella Neale
Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
_____________________________________
Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Simon Baron Cohen @sbaroncohen
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
CW: Addiction & Bullying
Bestselling author and broadcaster Matt Cain opens up about discovering autism and ADHD at 50 after decades of feeling "othered" as a gay man.
In this chat with Ben, Matt unpacks how his autism and ADHD were long blurred with queer expression, explains how ADHD fuels his creative work but also complicates his relationship with alcohol, and emphasises why "coming out" as proudly neurodivergent- just as he has as a gay man- is so vital.
_________________
On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.
Host: Ben Branson
Head of Production: Bella Neale
Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
__________________
Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Matt Cain @mattcainwriter
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
At just 12 years old, Nelson Taylor is turning heads in UK junior racing - fast, instinctive, and fearless on the track. But his path to the podium has been anything but straightforward.
Diagnosed as Autistic, Nelson once found it difficult to leave the house, held back by anxiety, sensory overload, and social struggles. Today, he’s thriving in the high-pressure world of motorsport and chasing a future in Formula 1.
In this chat with Ben, Nelson and his parents, Sophie and Shane, share the story of his remarkable transformation - from shutdowns to starting grids - and reflect on the power of autistic focus, family support, and what it took to move through the darkest days.
_________________
On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.
Host: Ben Branson
Head of Production: Bella Neale
Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
__________________
Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Nelson Taylor @nelson_taylor_racing91
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
CW: Mental Health & Suicide
Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about any medical concerns or treatment decisions.
For many, menopause is the moment ADHD becomes impossible to ignore - and too often, it’s still misunderstood.Today’s guest is the remarkable Dr Louise Newson - GP turned pioneering menopause specialist and founder of the internationally renowned Balance app and Newson Health Menopause & Wellbeing Centre.
A trailblazer in women’s health, Louise has transformed how we understand hormones, with her work reaching millions. As a neurodivergent woman and mother to ND daughters, she offers a rare and powerful blend of clinical authority and personal insight.
In this chat with Ben, they explore how hormonal changes can unmask ADHD traits, why women are so frequently misdiagnosed, and why the current approach to menopause has become, in Dr Newson’s words, “the biggest car crash in women’s health.”
_________________
On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.
Host: Ben Branson
Head of Production: Bella Neale
Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
__________________
Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Dr Louise Newson @menopause_doctor
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Will Chase is best known as the man who turned potatoes into gold, first with Tyrrells crisps, then with Chase Vodka. But beneath the branding genius and business triumphs lay decades of inner chaos he couldn’t explain.In this chat with Ben, Will opens up about the high-octane ambition that built his empire, and the internal battles that nearly undid it all.
Diagnosed with ADHD and autism in his 60s, he’s now reckoning with a lifetime of shame, restlessness, and relationships left in his wake.They talk about building billion-pound brands from the ground up and what happens when the very traits that make you succeed are also the ones that nearly destroy you.
_______
Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lucinda Miller is a leading naturopath and functional medicine practitioner with over 30 years of experience supporting children’s health. She’s the founder of NatureDoc, a nationwide clinic helping families navigate everything from gut and sleep challenges for neurodivergent children.
Her expertise isn’t just clinical, it’s personal. As a late-diagnosed ADHD’er and mum to a neurodivergent family, Lucinda brings a rare combination of lived experience and deep professional insight.
In this conversation with Ben, Lucinda shares practical, evidence-based strategies for supporting neurodivergent kids. Plus smart, accessible tips that can supercharge nutrition, even for children with highly restrictive diets.
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00:00 Introduction
1:26 Lucinda’s Brain & ADHD
6:05 Why Nutrition?
9:16 Lucinda’s Clients: Who She Helps and How
14:12 What is Naturopathy?
17:14 How Long Covid is Linked to Hyper-mobility and Neurodivergence
21:37 Accessible Nutrition for Neurodivergent People
25:30 Lucinda’s Sleep Tips For ND Kids
37:04 Balancing Being the Expert & Vulnerable Clients
38:34 Does Poor Nutrition Cause Neurodivergence or Enhance Traits?
41:33 Hormones and Fluctuations in Traits
42:36 Neurodivergent Pre-Puberty Nutrition Tips
46:00 What Are Mood Boosting Foods?
49:22 ARFID & ND Children: How To Variate Food
56:50 ND & Inflammation of the Gut: Why?
58:00 What Neurodivergent Children Have Taught Lucinda & What Needs To Change
1:02:10 Lucinda’s Green Light Badge
_______
Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Lucinda Miller @naturedockids
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Life changed for James Hunt when he became a father to two non-verbal autistic sons. Now, through his platform Stories About Autism, James offers a raw and honest look at raising children with high support needs. In this chat with Ben, he shares invaluable insights on creating consistent routines, the importance of self-care as a parent, minimising triggers, and calming strategies during meltdowns. James also reminds us that communication goes beyond words and that our children are our greatest teachers. Plus, he unpacks the real cost of government neglect for neurodivergent family caregivers.
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00:00 Introduction
1:30 AuDHD and Non Verbal: James’ Son, Jude
4:12 Autistic & Non Verbal: James’ Son, Tommy
7:06 Communication Devices and Autism: “It’s So Much More Than Words”
9:57 What James Love’s Most About His Boys
11:47 James’ New Normal
14:17 Autism: Balancing Routine VS Trying New Things
17:48 Jude & Tommy’s Living Situation
20:08 James’ Top Tips For Autistic Meltdowns
24:36 Navigating Co-Parenting and Living Situations
27:08 The Moment James Knew His Life Had Changed
29:28 How James Feels Autism Is Portrayed
32:18 Autism & Isolation: James’ Writing Journey
33:49 James’ Advice For Struggling Parents
37:21 The Positive Power of Social Media
41:20 James: “I’m Scared of Dying”
46:26 How Do You Look After Yourself First?
48:07 UK Government VS Carers: How Do We Move Forwards?
52:27 James’ Green Light Badge
_______
Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Luke Manton @lukemanton92
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
CW: This episode contains offensive language which is involuntary aspects of Tourettes, as well as discussions of mental health and suicide.
After a seizure and a brain tumour in 2019, Luke Manton was diagnosed with adult-onset Tourette Syndrome- plunging him into a turbulent period of unemployment, stigma, and mental health challenges.After being fired and rejected by countless employers, Luke chose to rewrite the narrative, launching his own successful neurodivergent-led business.
In this chat with Ben, Luke speaks about the power of self-acceptance, why he’s campaigning to change outdated diagnostic criteria for Tourette’s and the often-misunderstood causes of adult-onset tics. He also opens-up about navigating adoption and the care system as a neurodivergent parent.
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00:00 Introduction
1:55 Life Before Tourettes & The Journey to Diagnosis
6:41 “I Left Hospital and My Voice Did Not Come Back”
10:59 Luke’s First Vocal Tic of Many: “The Doctors Had No Idea What It Was”
13:00 What is Adult Onset Tourettes?
15:58 The Power of Singing & Tourettes
17:36 Mental Health VS Tourettes
26:21 Tourettes Diagnosis: The Timeline
31:10 Vocal Tics: What Do They Feel Like?
33:17 Tourettes VS Being a Dad
37:22 Life: Post Tourettes Diagnosis
40:15 What Are Mental Tics?
42:18 Representing Tourettes: The Reality of Self Acceptance
48:23 Luke’s Green Light Badge
__________________
On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.
Host: Ben Branson
Head of Production: Bella Neale
Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
__________________
Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Luke Manton @lukemanton92
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What really goes on behind closed doors in neurodivergent relationships? Psychosexual Therapist and ND Relationship Coach Karen Doherty brings 20+ years of experience to this eye-opening episode on late diagnosis, emotional dysregulation.
In this chat with Ben, Karen unpacks why neurodivergent couples often struggle, and more importantly, how they can thrive. From the "code word" method to breaking the trigger cycle, Karen shares practical tools that help make strong ND couples. She also reveals hard truths about unmet needs, communication breakdowns, and the dangers of fast-moving, intense connections.
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00:00 Introduction
1:44 20 Years of Neurodivergence in a Relationship: What’s Changed?
7:11 Late Diagnosis VS Relationships
8:44 Post ADHD & Autism Diagnosis VS Relationships
13:33 The #1 Struggle Most ND Couples Face
14:02 Increased Communication Challenges: RSD & Emotional Dysregulation
22:20 The Danger of Unavailability: Karen’s Top Tips
27:24 ND VS Dating Apps: Karen’s Top 3 Tips
30:07 The Neurodivergent Intense Connection: From 0-100
33:58 Keeping The Magic Alive: Karen’s Top Tips
40:55 The Biggest Unmet Needs in Neurodivergent Relationships
44:16 The Impact of Neurodivergence On People’s Individual Lives
45:55 The Biggest Transformations of ND Couples in Therapy
47:33 Noticing Signs of Neurodivergence: Karen’s Advice for Couples
52:11 Neurodivergence and Integration
55:15 Should You Disclose Your ND Whilst Dating?
57:08 Shutting Down ND Myths
58:39 If ND Couples Therapy Resonates: What Next?
1:00:35 Karen’s Green Badge Choice
_____
On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.
Host: Ben Branson
Head of Production: Bella Neale
Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
_____________________________________
Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Karen Doherty Relationship Therapist @karendohertycoaching
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
For Mental Health Awareness Week, Ben chats with Dr Adrian James, one of the UK’s most senior psychiatrists and NHS England’s first Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity. Adrian takes on this role at a crucial time, with rising waitlists, overwhelmed services turning away new referrals, and medication shortages forcing patients to ration.
They delve into the postcode lottery of waiting lists, ongoing medication shortages, the lack of accessible NHS data, obstacles to the Right to Choose, why autism in women is so often overlooked, and what’s needed to fix a broken system.
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00:00 Introduction
2:03 Adrian’s Brain
3:09 Adrian: “I Thought Mental Illness Happened to Other People”
5:38 Psychiatrists VS Lived Experience
6:30 What Does Adrian Do?
7:53 Why Adrian Took on the Role: “Things Needed to Change”
9:50 NHS Director or Neurodiversity and Mental Health: One Year In
10:45 Mental Health VS Neurodiversity
11:12 If Adrian Had a Magic Wand
12:33 ADHD & Autism Assessments: How Do We Clear This Backlog?
15:08 Ben: “No-one is on the List on a Whim!”
17:14 Resource & Funding VS NHS
19:50 Ben’s Push For Real Answers on Long Wait Lists, ADHD & Autism Diagnosis Delays
22:00 The Messages Adrian Receives
23:43 Neurodivergence: The Power of Early Intervention
26:26 The Missed Women of Autism: “What Now?”
30:31 Declined Right To Choose: Why?
32:44 Can All GP’s Diagnose Neurodivergence?
34:23 What Neurodiversity Training is Happening in the NHS?
37:00 What Data Does the NHS Collect Around Neurodivergence?
37:33 Why Are Waitlist Times So Different Around the Country?
38:52 How Do You Action Change?
43:00 The ADHD Medication Shortage VS NHS
46:28 Do We Have Enough GP’s?
47:33 How Do We Up-Skill Gp’s Understanding of Neurodiversity?
50:56 Adrian: “I’m Very Aware We Haven’t Got Things Right”
52:21 Neurodiversity: Parallels to Mental Health Evolution
55:42 What is a Super Specialist?
56:37 PMDD: What Exposure Is Adrian Having to This?
57:45 A Face For Neurodiversity in the NHS
58:44 NHS VS Change and Solutions
1:00:15 Weaving Neurodivergence into the NHS & Adrian’s Green Dot Badge Giving
__________
On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.
Host: Ben Branson
Head of Production: Bella Neale
Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
_____________________________________
Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Dr Adrian James @dradrianjames
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today, Ben is joined by two unforgettable voices from Big Brother UK 2024: show winner and forensic psychologist Ali Bromley, and her fellow housemate Lily Benson. Both Ali and Lily live with ADHD, but the way the public saw them couldn’t have been more different.
In this powerful conversation, Lily reveals why she chose to hide her diagnosis from the Big Brother team. Ali opens up about the not-so-subtle ways she witnessed Lilly being misunderstood and othered, and why some of the reactions inside the house still haunt her.
Together, they confront the uncomfortable truths about how neurodivergence is perceived by the wider public, especially when it doesn’t fit expectations. They unpack the emotional toll of being made to feel “different” or “odd”, and the quiet strength that comes from finding an ally when the world feels stacked against you.
__________
00:00 Introduction
1:40 How Ali & Lily Describe Their Brains
2:11 ADHD Meds VS The Brain
5:53 The ADHD Daydreamers
6:06 When Lily Was Diagnosed With ADHD
6:32 ADHD Diagnosis VS The School System
9:30 Why Ali Encouraged Lily to Share her ADHD Journey
11:10 ADHD VS The Big Brother House
14:43 Why Ali & Lily Clicked
15:07 Why Lily Wishes She’d Listened to Her Mum
16:36 Big Brother House: What Would Lily Do Differently
17:15 Why Ali’s Protection of Lily is Personal
21:40 Public Reaction: The Cost of “Othering”
22:38 Neurodivergent People: The Social Disrupters
23:52 Do Ali & Lily Regret Going in The Big Brother House?
27:12 ADHD Diagnosis: Why Lily Decided To Go Public
28:49 ADHD Sisters: Why Ali & Lily Love Spending Time With Each other
30:03 Why Lily Loves Having ADHD & The Most Challenging Parts
31:28 Lily: What ADHD Means To Younger People
32:15 ADHD is Not An Adjective
33:52 Ali on Her Potential Autism Assessment
37:43 Lily: Growing Up in The Digital World Was Normal
38:30 Ali & Lily’s Thoughts on Social Media Neurodivergent Content
39:47 Lily & Ali’s Advice to The Next Generation of Neurodivergent Reality Stars
41:45 Managing Public Reaction & Online Trolls
44:04 Trolling: The Real Dangers on the ND Community
46:37 Lily & Ali’s Best Piece of Advice for Supporting Someone With ADHD
48:12 Lily’s Superwoman Mum: Linda
49:30 Lily’s Green Badge Choice
__________
On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.
Host: Ben Branson
Head of Production: Bella Neale
Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
_____________________________________
Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Lily Benson @_lily.benson
Ali Bromley @_ali.bromley
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Ben chats with leading nutrition entrepreneur and founder of Heights, Dan Murray-Serter about the link between brain health and mental health. Dan shares how discovering neuroplasticity changed his life, why gratitude can be a superpower, and how ADHD and entrepreneurship often go hand in hand. From simple daily habits to building mental resilience, Dan’s insights reframe how we look at burnout, anxiety, and brain fog. Dan also shares his top tips for neurodivergent entrepreneurs trying to build sustainable success.
Disclaimer: This episode was recorded in November 2024, and all information discussed reflects that time.
_________________
00:00 Introduction
1:37 Inside Dan’s Brain
2:42 I Can’t Live Like This: Discovering Neuroplasticity
5:57 The Superpower of Gratitude: Dan’s Top Tips for Creating Life-Changing Habits
8:34 What Dan Has Learnt About His Brain
10:13 Golden Advice That Changed Ben’s Perspective
11:48 How Do You Build Mental Resilience?
13:12 Dan’s Top Two Books To Read
17:58 The Danger Of Overanalysing VS Taking Action
19:40 ADHD & Entrepreneurship: Why Are They Often Best Friends?
22:38 Why Dan is Self-Diagnosed with ADHD
27:21 Reflecting On Childhood Through An ADHD Lens
28:02 Cambridge University Offer VS April Fools Day
29:42 The Reality of Having a Disabled Parent
34:35 Heights: Brian Nourishing Supplements
37:33 Why Dan Started Heights
39:11 Brain Health VS Mental Health
43:45 How Dan’s Research Led To Heights
47:00 The Dream Neurodivergent and Neurotypical Team
49:40 Supplements VS Pharmaceuticals
52:33 Feeling Constantly Unwell VS Simple Interventions
53:50 Advice For Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs
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On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.
Host: Ben Branson
Head of Production: Bella Neale
Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
_____________________________________
Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Simon Baron Cohen @sbaroncohen
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Autism is back in the political spotlight in the U.S., as Donald Trump and his Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announce a major study to “find the cause” of autism — reviving the long-debunked claim that vaccines may be to blame. The move has sparked concern among scientists, advocates, and the autistic community.
In this episode, Ben is joined by Independent journalist, Washington correspondent, and author Eric Garcia to unpack what’s really at stake. They explore the dangers of anti-vax politics, the truth behind the so-called autism “epidemic,” and the billion-dollar autism industry — including who really profits.
As one of the few openly autistic reporters in Washington, Eric also explains why he fears for autistic people across the country.
_________________
00:00 Introduction
1:54 What is Happening in the USA?
2:23 Anti Vaxxers & Autism
5:01 Setting the Facts Straight: Business Profits VS Facts
7:04 The World of Autism in the 2016 Former Presidency
7:45 “Autism Is An Epidemic” VS The Facts Behind The Numbers
10:57 Looking For Someone To Blame: Autism is Not a Disease
12:35 Why is Autism a Priority in the USA?
14:06 The Autism Industry in the USA: How Big Is It and Who Profits?
16:00 What’s it like to be Autistic in the US? - A personal perspective
17:06 Parents of Autistic Children in the USA: The Fear is Real
19:08 Autism in America Under Joe Biden: What Was Happening?
20:13 Why Eric Love’s Politics
21:00 Why Don’t We Hear About Other Neurotypes?
22:05 ‘Aspie supremacy’ & Elon Musk: Debunked
23:53 Two Narrative Extremes: Eliminate Autism VS Supreme Autistic Beings
24:30 How Does This All End?
25:41 Victor Perez: The Killing of an Autistic Teen in 12 Seconds
27:16 Why Eric Wrote His Book: Creating Autistic Acceptance
29:10 Connection: The Invisible Autistic String
30:37 Eric’s One Wish For the Future
30:51 Green Badge Segment
__________
On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.
Host: Ben Branson
Head of Production: Bella Neale
Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
_____________________________________
Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Simon Baron Cohen @sbaroncohen
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If you’ve binge-watched a British teen classic, you’ll know Kimberley Nixon — from Wild Child to Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging and Fresh Meat. But it’s her off-screen honesty that’s truly resonated.
In this chat with Ben, Kimberley shares her raw and harrowing journey through perinatal OCD — a time when she felt trapped in “the Upside Down from Stranger Things,” her mind flooded with the darkest thoughts imaginable. They explore motherhood, mental health, and the compulsive need for repetition. Together, they unpack the overlaps between OCD, autism, and ADHD — and how Kimberley is helping shine a light on the struggles so many experience in silence.
00:00 Introduction
1:54 Kimberley VS Her Brain
3:07 How Other People Think
4:10 Autism And Brains That Work Differently
4:52 The Brain VS OCD
5:39 OCD Stereotype VS The Reality: Hurricane Kimberley
6:47 Who Flagged Perinatal OCD?
8:04 Perinatal OCD: What We Need To Know?
9:36 Examples of Perinatal OCD
11:44 Intrusive Thoughts: Am I a Secret Serial Killer? Is My Brain Broken?
17:28 How Does Perinatal OCD Manifest?
18:45 Kimberley’s Husband VS Her Perinatal OCD
20:12 Autism & ADHD NHS Diagnosis Assessment Wait List
23:27 Ben’s Podcast Catalyst for Getting an AUDHD Diagnosis
25:43 The Cross Overs of OCD, Autism & ADHD Traits
30:40 Celebrating That Everyone’s Brain Is Different
31:20 How Does Kim’s Autism Show Up?
31:43 Opening Up To Friends & Family: “You’re Not Autistic!”
32:40 Taking Off The Mask
35:28 Physical Compulsions in Perinatal OCD
36:56 The Journey of Recovery: Being Kinder To Yourself
41:03 Literal Autistic Brains VS April Fools Day, Reading Between The Lines & Acting
44:09 Taking Off The Autism Mask & Becoming Yourself
45:22 OCD Therapy: Learning To Stop Enabling Reassurance
47:43 Why Did Kim Decide To Go Public With Her Perinatal OCD Crisis?
49:56 The Leading Cause of Death in Mother’s The First Year After Birth
50:33 Are You Born With OCD?
51:22 Avoiding Smoking & Drugs Due To Addictive Traits
52:37 The Power of Familiarity & Autism: Kim’s Secret Audio Book Safe Place
55:49 Autism, Motherhood & Resistance to Change
59:19 Ben’s Unofficial Autism Diagnosis
1:00:20 Perinatal OCD: Facing The Never Ending Nightmare
1:01:47 Excuses VS Explanation
1:08:08 The Benefits of Autism & A Career in Acting
1:10:17 What Does it Mean To Be Neurodivergent in Today’s Society?
1:16:49 Intrusive Thoughts: You Are Not Alone
1:17:43 Kimberley’s Promise
1:19:15 Kimberley’s Green Light
__________
On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.
Host: Ben Branson
Head of Production: Bella Neale
Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
_____________________________________
Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Simon Baron Cohen @sbaroncohen
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Ben sits down with Sir Simon Baron-Cohen, one of the most influential yet controversial leading figures in Autism research. As the director of Cambridge’s Autism Research Centre, Simon has spent 40 years shaping how we understand autism, from pioneering diagnostic tools to exploring the genetics behind neurodiversity.
Together, they dive into some of the most hotly debated aspects of his work, confront some uncomfortable truths, and explore the link between autism and unique talents. They also unpack fascinating research into why women with PCOS are more likely to have autistic children.
This is Part 2 of a two-part episode — if you missed it, be sure to catch Part 1 from last week!
00:00 Introduction
1:54 Can You Become Autistic?
3:47 Autism: What Has Simon Proven?
4:39 Why Women With PCOS Are More Likely to Have a Child With Autism
5:48 The Role of Hormones in Autism
6:45 Autism: What Has Simon Changed His Mind On?
7:37 Simon’s Thoughts on His Controversial Work: Genetics
9:00 What is Mind Blindness?
10:58 Why Did Some Not Like This Concept?
12:23 How Simon Deals With Criticism
13:20 Ben: What Could Have You Done to Improve that Situation & How Much Were Autistic People Consulted?
14:26 How Much Do We Know About Autism?
15:53 Autistic Statistics: Autism: Some Dark Home Truths
19:06 Autism Assessment Waiting List Crisis VS Suffering Adults
20:07 Comorbidities VS Neurodivergence
21:58 Autism: What Are The Top 3 Questions That We Need To Know?
23:05 Mortality Rate VS Autism
24:04 Autism VS The Need For Further Research
25:22 Ben The Inventor: Unpacking ‘The Pattern Seekers’ & Autistic People
31:08 Neurodiversity VS Lack Of Role Models
32:40 Autism: Where Will We Be In Ten Years Time?
34:20 Simon’s Green Light Choice
__________
On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.
Host: Ben Branson
Head of Production: Bella Neale
Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
_____________________________________
Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Simon Baron Cohen @sbaroncohen
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Ben sits down with Sir Simon Baron-Cohen, one of the most influential, leading figures in Autism research. As the director of Cambridge’s Autism Research Centre, Simon has spent 40 years shaping how we understand autism, from pioneering diagnostic tools to exploring the genetics behind neurodiversity.
They unpack the history of autism diagnoses, why prevalence has risen, and the shifting perception from ‘disorder’ to celebrating a different way of thinking. Plus, they dive into some of the most debated topics in autism research - The complexities of empathy and the ethical challenges of genetic studies.
This is the First of a Two Part Episode - tune in for some groundbreaking research next week in Part Two!
00:00 Introduction
2:08 Ben’s Child Asks Simon: 'Are You REALLY the World's Top Autism Expert?'
2:50 Back In Time: Autism 40 years Ago
4:08 Autism Diagnoses Then vs. Now: How Children & Adults Were Diagnosed 40 Years Ago
4:45 The Moment Autism Prevalence Began to Rise
5:21 Autism Diagnostic Criteria & Disappearance of Aspergers
10:42 The History of Autism
11:48 What Sparked Simon’s Interest in Autism?
13:44 Societies Beliefs and Understanding of Autism 40 Years Ago
15:07 Genetics and The Hidden 20%
17:05 Why Autism Isn’t 100% Genetic
17:34 Ethical Minefields: Genetics Research VS Autism
20:42 Were Scientists Trying to 'Cure' Autism 40 Years Ago?
21:57 When We Started Celebrating Autistic Strengths
23:23 Brains That Think Differently: The Birth of Neurodiversity
24:26 Autism VS Closing The Gender Gap
26:39 Brains That Systemise VS Brains That Empathise
28:32 Autism & Empathy: Cognitive Empathy VS Affective Empathy
35:33 Do Vaccines Cause Autism?
36:37 Why Are the CDC Investigating the Correlation Between Autism and Vaccines?
39:43 Changing The Way We See Autism: Celebrating the Differences
__________
On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.
Host: Ben Branson
Head of Production: Bella Neale
Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
_____________________________________
Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Simon Baron Cohen @sbaroncohen
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
