Pam and The Purple Couch Podcast

🎙️S5 E7

Parenting a neurodivergent child should never feel like a solo mission. 💜 In this episode of Pam & The Purple Couch, Pam and Manny introduce MindMeld and Aspire—two powerful programs created to connect families, support teachers, and give caregivers the tools they need to thrive.

From live monthly Q&As to affordable classroom management training, these programs are designed to put real strategies in your hands while...

🎙️S5 E6

Parents—this one’s going to ruffle some feathers. 💜 In this bold episode of Pam & The Purple Couch, Pam dives headfirst into one of the most controversial topics out there: vaccines and autism.

From RFK Jr.’s media storm to preservatives in vaccines, Pam unpacks what’s actually being said, what’s being avoided, and why parents deserve full transparency and real choices when it comes to their children’s health.

This isn’t...

🎙️S5 E5

Graduation is just the beginning. 🎓 So what happens when your teen isn’t college-bound or military-bound? How do we prepare our neurodivergent (and neurotypical!) kids for real life—jobs, money, independence, and adulthood?

In this honest and energetic episode of Pam & The Purple Couch, Pam and Pat dive into the life skills schools aren’t teaching—from budgeting and job interviews to handling technology and resisting pr...

🎙️S5 E4

Parents—let’s talk about one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make for your neurodivergent child: classroom placement.

In this candid, high-energy episode of Pam & The Purple Couch, Pamela and Dr. Manny break down the difference between Gen Ed, self-contained, and specialized programs—plus why “one-size-fits-all” milestones are total nonsense.

From preschool potty-training battles to high school graduation...

🎙️S5 E3

Parents, this episode is straight from the heart ❤️—and full of the messy, funny, and downright real moments that come with raising a neurodivergent child.

From baby sleep struggles and food sensitivities to stimming in public and why “because I said so” never works, Pamela and Loki share a refreshingly honest look at life in a neurodivergent household.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your own family’s “normal” is… well, not-...

🎙️S5 E2

Parents—grab your coffee, your notebook, and maybe a stress ball. ☕📝 This week on Pam & The Purple Couch, we’re pulling back the curtain on ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)—what it is, what it isn’t, and how to spot the difference between quality care and cookie-cutter compliance training.

From real talk about BCBA training to how to know if your child’s provider is the right fit, Pamela and Dr. Manny break down everythi...

🎙️S5 E1

Parents, this one’s for YOU! 💜 Pull up a seat on the Purple Couch as Pamela and Loki spill the tea (and maybe a little coffee) on what really makes a neurodivergent classroom work.

From potty training pitfalls to overstimulating setups, report card realities to lunchroom chaos, we’re covering it all—so you can walk into any school tour with confidence and leave knowing exactly what questions to ask.

In this episo...

In this refreshed and extended episode of Pam and the Purple Couch, Pamela Furr and Loki revisit one of the most impactful conversations—unmasking the masks we all wear. From neurodivergent masking to societal expectations, this episode examines the reasons we conceal aspects of ourselves and the emotional cost it exacts.

✨ The re-imagined second half brings deeper insights into parenting, emotional safety, and how to support authen...

In this emotional and insightful episode, Pamela Furr sits down with Manny Rodriguez and Loki DePristo to explore the complex world of anxiety, emotional regulation, and practical coping strategies.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or simply navigating your own emotional journey, this conversation offers guidance on how to validate feelings, respond to stress, and build supportive routines that promote mental wellne...

What drives real growth in students, especially those with behavioral or learning challenges?

In this episode of Pam and the Purple Couch, Pamela Furr is joined by Manny Rodriguez and Loki Depristo to explore how responsibility, motivation, and thoughtful rewards shape student success. From navigating challenging behaviors to redefining what it means to "earn" progress, this candid conversation is filled with insights for ...

🎉 Exciting news! The new episode of Pam and the Purple Couch Podcast is coming out next week! Get ready for a deep dive into the topics of Responsibility, Motivation, and Rewards. 🛋️

Join Loki as he discusses the high-effort tasks we don't always want to do, but the rewards that come with finding the motivation to do them. 💪 In this episode, Loki, Doctor Manny, and Pam will explore how to stay motivated and achieve the rewards y...

In this episode of Pam and the Purple Couch, Pamela Furr dives into the heart of what it means to foster true advocacy in students—especially those with diverse learning needs. From understanding the importance of student voice in IEP meetings to helping kids build the confidence to speak up for themselves, this episode is packed with encouragement, insight, and practical tools for parents, educators, and caregivers.

Pam shares pers...

🎙️ Welcome back to Pam and the Purple Couch! In this powerful episode, host Pamela Furr and co-host Loki Depristo are joined by the inspiring and insightful Tracey Duharte, a seasoned educator and Puzzle Box Academy inspiring teacher Megan Robertson, to dive deep into the realities of teaching in today’s world. This isn’t just another chat about schools—it’s an honest, heartfelt look at how education is evolving and what that mean...

Burnout isn’t weakness — it’s a signal.

In this powerful episode, Pamela and Loki dive into the emotional, mental, and even physical toll of burnout, especially for neurodivergent individuals and the families who support them. From repetitive routines to invisible pressure, they explore what burnout looks like, how to recognize early warning signs, and what it takes to stop the spiral before it breaks you.

With real talk, humor, and ...

🎙️ S4 E2 – To the Mothers Who Light the Way: Autism & Mother’s Day

In this special Mother’s Day episode, Pamela Furr and her son Loki share an honest conversation about what it’s like to celebrate holidays in a neurodiverse household.

Together, they explore the emotional weight of Mother’s Day, the disconnect that can happen for children on the spectrum, and the unspoken strength of mothers who show up day after day without the ...

🎙️ "Pam and the Purple Couch Podcast – “The Masks We Wear"

In this candid and eye-opening episode, Pamela Furr and her son Loki explore ho we all “mask” — especially in the neurodiverse community. From wearing literal masks for comfort and fun to adopting social personas to feel safe, Loki shares his personal experiences navigating identity, self-expression, and acceptance in both online and offline spaces.

💬 Joined by Dr. Manny, t...

In this episode, Pamela Furr, a renowned advocate for neurodiversity, and her son Loki, who has first-hand experience as a neurodiverse individual, share a vulnerable and insightful conversation about the real-life challenges of sensory processing, emotional regulation, and building trust with neurodiverse children, especially in high-stress situations like visiting the doctor or dentist.

From white coat syndrome to emotional shutdo...

In this heartwarming and hilariously honest episode, Pam and her son Loki invite listeners into the beautifully chaotic rhythm of their daily life. From towel folding debates and messy bedrooms to the anxiety of learning to drive as a neurodivergent teen, Day to Day with Loki and Pam captures real conversations between a mother and son — unfiltered, funny, and deeply relatable. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or someone nav...

In this inspiring episode of Pam and the Purple Couch Podcast, host Pamela Furr is joined by Mrs. Melissa Parker, a passionate educator, advocate, and mother, for an honest conversation about the transformative role of sports, the arts, and strong advocacy in the lives of neurodivergent children.

💡 Topics Covered:

• How sports help build confidence, connection, and life skills

• The power of creative expression through art and mu...