The Deep Dive Podcast
Hosted by Michael Coles (An Autistic/ADHDer), we will explore the narratives that unfold beneath the surface as we embark on this journey together. Every story shared is a unique treasure waiting to be uncovered. Let curiosity guide you through the depths of knowledge and insight. Join us on the expedition that transcends boundaries, where voices echo in the silence of discovery. Embrace the richness of each tale, for in the depths of conversation lies the true essence of a Special Subject. No subject is too heavy or taboo on this podcast, as we like to explore all facets of our community.
Episodes
Emma-Leigh Senyard is a Clinical Psychologist (PhD) with 10+ years’ experience across private practice, community health, GP clinics, university settings, and occupational rehabilitation. She has worked across the lifespan, from young children through to older adults.Much of Emma-Leigh’s career has focused on supporting children, adolescents, and parents, particularly in:Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)ADHD (Attention-Def...
Two years in, The Deep Dive Podcast has become a space for honest conversations about autism, neurodiversity, burnout, and sustainable participation — moving beyond awareness and into what inclusion looks like in real life. This anniversary episode is a chance to reflect on what we’ve learned, what’s shifted, and what we’re building next.Whether you’ve been listening since day one or you’re brand...
Meet Saffron “Saffy” Canny Smith (she/her), a young AuDHD woman based in Melbourne, Australia, navigating life at the intersection of chronic illness and neurodivergence. Saffy shares honest, practical insights into living AuDHD, managing chronic illness, and creating more accessible, inclusive communities—both online and locally.Through her Instagram (@neurosparklysaffy), YouTube channel, and blog, Saffy document...
Rosie is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity who believes that neurodivergent minds are not something to be fixed—but a vital and valuable part of human diversity. Guided by the human rights and social model of disability, Rosie works to create environments where differences are recognised, respected, and celebrated.
With postgraduate qualifications in Autism and Neurodivergent Studies, and lived experience as an Autistic...
Marie-Clare Couper is the Executive Officer of the Brain Injury Association of Tasmania and the national lead for the National Assistance Card Program—an initiative designed to support people who may have difficulty communicating their needs in everyday or emergency situations.
With a strong background in advocacy and community leadership, Marie-Clare is dedicated to improving access, safety, and inclusion for people living wi...
How can neurodivergent people heal from systemic trauma and live with purpose? This week on The Deep Dive Podcast, we speak with Caitlin Hughes (she/they) — an Autistic, ADHD, PDA, and Gifted Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and the founder of Cathartic Collaborations in Meanjin (Brisbane).
Caitlin draws deeply from both lived experience and professional insight to support neurodivergent individuals through somatic and n...
What happens when decades of Occupational Health and Safety leadership meets cutting-edge neurodiversity advocacy?
In this episode of The Deep Dive Podcast, we speak with Catherine Lee—OHS expert, researcher, and founder of the Neurodiverse Safe Work Initiative. With over 30 years of experience across government, private, and not-for-profit sectors, Catherine is redefining what workplace safety and inclusion can look like in t...
When words fail, connection doesn’t have to.
In this heartfelt episode of The Deep Dive Podcast, we meet Tara Harnwell-Jones, creator of Find Your Voice, a self-advocacy tool designed alongside her husband Steve and their autistic daughter, Miss A. What began as a personal project to support their daughter during moments of verbal shutdown has since grown into a powerful visual communication resource—now available as an ...
Alana Cameron is a Speech Therapist and the founder of NeuroNurture, a practice dedicated to supporting neurodivergent children and their families through neurodiversity-affirming therapy and education. With experience spanning both pediatric and adult settings, Alana brings a strengths-based, compassionate lens to communication, play, and emotional regulation. In this episode, we explore why shifting the goal from “fixing&rd...
Tracy King is the founder and CEO of InspirEd, a mission-driven agency helping organisations design impactful, accessible, and revenue-generating learning programs. With a background in learning strategy, instructional design, and neuroinclusive education, Tracy leads a team that blends cognitive science, AI-enablement, and inclusive design to create transformational learning experiences. In this episode of The Deep Dive Podcast, T...
We’re closing out The Deep Dive Podcast for 2025 with rhythm, joy, and an unforgettable conversation featuring Amanda Trisdale and Leta Rundell — the powerhouse mother-daughter team behind Leta’s Tap Styles and the nonprofit Autistic Wings.
Leta, an autistic teen tap dancer and podcast host, has transformed the challenges of dyslexia, sensory differences, and exclusion into an unstoppable creative journey. Amanda i...
In this episode of The Deep Dive Podcast, we sit down with Zoe Atterbury — the neurodivergent founder of Bloom Cycle, a female-led Brisbane-based social enterprise transforming timber offcuts into handcrafted trophies, awards, and keepsakes.
Zoe’s lived experience as a neurodivergent entrepreneur fuels her commitment to inclusive employment, sustainable design, and the belief that creativity is currency. From her studio,...
In this powerful episode of The Deep Dive Podcast, we sit down with Megan Wood — a public servant, advocate, and neurodivergent woman who has transformed personal adversity into systemic advocacy.
From years of misdiagnosis and dismissed symptoms to a life-changing AuDHD diagnosis in 2024 and a series of surgeries in 2025, Megan’s health journey is one of perseverance, clarity, and purpose. Now thriving with the ...
This week on The Deep Dive Podcast, we’re joined by Giarne Ashby — a multiply neurodivergent OT, author, illustrator, and parent, who’s helping reinvent how we think about social connection and play.
Based in Queensland, Giarne draws from both lived experience and professional expertise to support neurodivergent adults and families through her practice, creative resources, and her widely loved Neurodiversity Affirm...
In this episode of *The Deep Dive Podcast*, we’re joined by **Chelsea Luker** — Autistic/ADHDer psychologist, author, parent, and passionate advocate for neurodiversity-affirming practice. Chelsea combines lived experience and clinical insight to reimagine how social connection, play, and emotional safety can look for neurodivergent children and their families.
As founder of **Connect Us Psychology** and author of *Squar...
Discover how AI and automation are transforming the way neurodivergent entrepreneurs create, communicate, and grow their businesses. This episode explores:
AI as a 24/7 creative partner – supporting ADHD and neurodivergent thinkers with idea generation, flexible brainstorming, and reduced creative blocks.
Content multiplication strategies – turning podcasts, webinars, and live sessions into multi-format content without lo...
In this episode of The Deep Dive Podcast, we speak with Jessica Otter — the voice behind Aussie Autism Family. Jess is a dedicated mum and advocate from Newcastle, NSW, who uses her platform to share the raw, humorous, and heartfelt realities of parenting her autistic son, Jacob (who also has ADHD), and supporting her daughter Jazz’s potential neurodivergence.
Motivated by her own journey of dismissed concerns and delaye...
Reinventing Social Connection and Play for All Brain Types with Madeleine Jaine Lobsey of Wondiverse
In this episode of The Deep Dive Podcast, we’re joined by Madeleine Jaine Lobsey — neurodivergent leader, creative strategist, and founder of Wondiverse — to explore what it means to reimagine social connection and play in ways that work for all neurotypes.
With 20+ years in transformational leadership and experience spanning government, arts, and education, Madeleine is a force for inclusive innovation. From nati...
In this special Deep Dive Podcast edition, we bring you highlights from the Neurodivergent Wellbeing Conference 2025. Michael Coles sits down with leading voices in neurodiversity and psychology, including:
Justine Munro – Neurodiversity in Education Project, New Zealand
Dr Charlia Falchi – Wellminded Psychological Services, Wellington
Dr Joey Laurence – Neudle, Brisbane, Australia
We explore insights into educati...
In this episode of The Deep Dive Podcast, we pour a glass with Rita Shamoun — the speech pathologist and advocate behind Wine with Wita and founder of RS Speech Pathology. Rita brings authenticity, humour, and bold honesty to conversations about neurodivergent-affirming therapy and inclusive practice.
Through real talk and lived experience, Rita breaks down what it means to communicate with care, challenge outdated systems in...
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