Welcome back to Part 2!
Y'all, this conversation with Travis from the Bestie Approved podcast was exactly what I needed. We started talking about AI (because apparently that's where all conversations go these days), but it turned into something so much deeper and more personal.

Travis is one of those people who just gets it - he's honest about not knowing everything, which is SO refreshing in a world where everyone pretends to be an expert. We dive into his podcasting journey with his best friend Emma, his weight loss transformation, family dynamics, and what it's like to navigate life with genuine authenticity. Plus, he looks exactly like David Bromstad, don't you think?

What I love most about Travis is his "I'll talk about anything" attitude. There's no performative BS here - just two people having a real conversation about real stuff.

🎙️ Bestie Approved Podcast with Emma: https://open.spotify.com/show/34olC7DKSIyzBc6ib29xeV?si=53204bdc1c1a4e20
📱 Connect with Travis: Instagram - bestieapprovedpodcast

www.aurtisticexpressions.com
Email: gal@aurtisticexpressions.com
Instagram: aurtisticexpressions
TikTok: aurtistic.expressions
Facebook: Leigh (Gal) Marlar

Be on the podcast, pretty please?: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMUppJ0hHK4zNpRBuT5KXZUvLUOJGuy2GEC6kzEp1HyC4O2w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104076735903086824388

Timestamps:

00:00 - AI: helpful tool or terrifying overlord?
15:00 - Music taste reveals everything
19:00 - The podcasting journey and celebrating 100 downloads
25:00 - Podcast Movement convention excitement
32:00 - Weight loss, Monjaro, and calling out the "just cut bread" people
42:00 - Coming out, family healing, and generational growth
48:00 - Law school dreams and riding life's waves

Check out Travis and Emma's podcast "Bestie Approved" - trust me, their friendship energy is infectious and you'll want to be their third wheel immediately.

What happens when a 28-year-old has a stroke at work and realizes he's been living someone else's life? Travis Rhoden joins us to talk about walking away from finance, the reality of ADHD diagnosis in adulthood, and why he's obsessed with Real Housewives drama. This conversation covers everything from learning to swim as an adult to the politics of healthcare, with plenty of tangents about authenticity, friendship, and whether we're all just living highlight reels. Plus: a passionate defense of the em dash and why AI might be ruining everything (or not).

🎙️ Bestie Approved Podcast with Emma: https://open.spotify.com/show/34olC7DKSIyzBc6ib29xeV?si=53204bdc1c1a4e20
📱 Connect with Travis: Instagram - bestieapprovedpodcast

www.aurtisticexpressions.com
Email: gal@aurtisticexpressions.com
Instagram: aurtisticexpressions
TikTok: aurtistic.expressions
Facebook: Leigh (Gal) Marlar

Be on the podcast, pretty please?: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMUppJ0hHK4zNpRBuT5KXZUvLUOJGuy2GEC6kzEp1HyC4O2w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104076735903086824388

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro & Baby Onions backstory
05:12 What is "real" in the age of fast fashion?
18:32 The stroke that changed everything
30:14 ADHD diagnosis journey
42:16 Political awakening & healthcare rants
44:22 The great em dash debate

In a world that often highlights our differences, this episode delves into the core desires and needs that unite us all. Inspired by a simple yet profound observation, we explore how, despite our varied experiences and backgrounds, we all seek to be seen, heard, and understood.

Join us as we uncover the shared human story beneath the surface, reminding us that at our core, we are all the same. Tune in to discover the common threads that bind us together in our quest for connection, belonging, and forgiveness.

Chapters
00:00 The Common Thread of Humanity
04:07 Witnessing vs. Understanding
08:35 Navigating Family Dynamics
10:29 The Power of Forgiveness
13:34 Finding Shared Humanity

www.aurtisticexpressions.com
Email: gal@aurtisticexpressions.com

Be on the podcast! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMUppJ0hHK4zNpRBuT5KXZUvLUOJGuy2GEC6kzEp1HyC4O2w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104076735903086824388

Be a featured artist on AuRTistic Expressions - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvCeYLBo9_9iQuDQdWSzLzmrPBM8nxmW04WXpVH-3e77QW5A/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104076735903086824388

Sign up for our newsletter: https://aurtistic-expressions.kit.com/63f1eb0f31

Looking for a 5-star all-in-one recording platform? Try Riverside - https://riverside.sjv.io/RGoLo7

Welcome to an eye-opening episode where we journey into the diverse world of Neurodivergence, spotlighting personal experiences and stories that inspire. In this episode, we sit down with Eva Wiebe to share their unique paths navigating life with ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent conditions.

Discover the challenges they face, from societal misconceptions to personal hurdles, and how they transform these into opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Eva opens up about their journeys towards understanding and embracing their identities, offering insights into the daily realities and triumphs of living as a neurodivergent individual.

We delve into the importance of self-awareness, the power of community support, and the role of creativity in fostering personal development. This episode is not just about challenges; it's a celebration of the strength and resilience found within the neurodivergent community.

Join us for a heartfelt conversation that aims to educate, inspire, and promote a deeper understanding of Neurodivergence. Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, know someone who is, or simply want to learn more, this episode offers valuable perspectives and a reminder of the beauty in diversity. Don't miss out on these compelling narratives that highlight the richness of human experience.

Eva's Coloring Books:
The Wrong Way - https://a.co/d/iNkmYVQ
Mushroom Village - https://a.co/d/dLrgMml

Eva on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artistically_autistic3/

www.AuRTisticExpressions.com
Email: gal@aurtisticexpressions.com

My Books:
What If They're Wrong About You?: Discovering Hope When You've Always Felt Different: https://a.co/d/7j4f5do

My Book of Special Interest: https://a.co/d/0lJ1u76

Prompt & Palette: An Inspiring Art Journal: https://a.co/d/gG0ivL9

Prompt & Palette: A Nature Inspired Art Journal: https://a.co/d/e4cbgwb

Still Here: A Journal for Holding On, Letting Go, and Living Through Loss: https://a.co/d/j99MAxe

Talk to me! - Podcast guest form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMUppJ0hHK4zNpRBuT5KXZUvLUOJGuy2GEC6kzEp1HyC4O2w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104076735903086824388

Be a Featured Artist on the website: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvCeYLBo9_9iQuDQdWSzLzmrPBM8nxmW04WXpVH-3e77QW5A/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104076735903086824388

Let's collaborate: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSec4tMZxIvMOQrYZZXLz6J03-MEXSB-W0OJY3z3GuvVUiXXGw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104076735903086824388

New Princeton Study Reveals 4 Distinct Autism Subtypes

A revolutionary study from Princeton University has identified four biological subtypes of autism using data from over 5,000 children. This research could change how we understand, diagnose, and support autistic people.

I spent a few days breaking down this complex study to understand what it really means. The findings are fascinating: genetic programs become active at different times during development, which corresponds to when autism symptoms appear clinically.

The 4 subtypes:

• Social & Behavioral Challenges (37%)
• Mixed ASD with Developmental Delay (19%)
• Moderate Challenges (34%)
• Broadly Affected (10%)

This isn't about "fixing" autism - it's about understanding biological diversity to provide better support. The study suggests some autistic people have genetic effects that emerge after birth, which explains later diagnosis patterns.

I also address why this research strengthens genetic explanations for autism and doesn't support vaccine misinformation.

What are your thoughts? Do these subtypes resonate with your experience? I'd love to hear your perspectives - this affects all of us.

Be on the podcast! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMUppJ0hHK4zNpRBuT5KXZUvLUOJGuy2GEC6kzEp1HyC4O2w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104076735903086824388

BUY MY BOOK - What If They're Wrong About You?: Discovering Hope When You've Always Felt Different - https://a.co/d/0c8wdD1

www.aurtisticexpressions.com

Email: gal@aurtisticexpressions.com

Study published July 9th in Nature Genetics.

Link to original study: https://www.princeton.edu/news/2025/07/09/major-autism-study-uncovers-biologically-distinct-subtypes-paving-way-precision AND https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-025-02224-z

Infographics: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_JZlULHK4__iR9qPU-5Dbvd9zZug9_eW/view?usp=sharing

How exhausted are you from trying to be someone else?

In this episode, Leigh Marlar explores why our culture's obsession with self-improvement is harmful and how shifting from "What's wrong with me?" to "What if nothing is wrong with me?" can transform your life.

Topics covered:

• The exhaustion of trying to fit into the wrong mold
• Escaping toxic workplace environments
• Breaking free from generational trauma patterns
• The difference between healing and "fixing" yourself
• Why sensitivity and differences might be strengths
• Practical ways to ask better questions

Perfect for anyone who's felt different, struggled in systems designed for others, or wondered if something is fundamentally wrong with them.

Leigh shares personal stories of burnout, workplace toxicity, and complicated family relationships while offering hope and practical wisdom for embracing authenticity.

Book: "What If They're Wrong About You: Discovering Hope When You've Always Felt Different" - Available on Amazon.

Host: Leigh Marlar - Author, speaker, and advocate for neurodivergent experiences.

Connect with Leigh:
gal@aurtisticexpressions.com
www.aurtisticexpressions.com
Instagram: @aurtisticexpressions
TikTok: @aurtistic.expressions

Be on the podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMUppJ0hHK4zNpRBuT5KXZUvLUOJGuy2GEC6kzEp1HyC4O2w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104076735903086824388

Be a featured artist: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvCeYLBo9_9iQuDQdWSzLzmrPBM8nxmW04WXpVH-3e77QW5A/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104076735903086824388

Finally settled in the new house and ready to talk about something crucial - autistic burnout. This isn't your typical workplace burnout, and a weekend vacation won't fix it. I break down the real differences, share personal examples of sensory overwhelm, and explain why masking is so exhausting. If you've ever wondered why everyday tasks feel overwhelming while others seem fine, this episode is for you.

My book "What If They're Wrong About You" launches July 1st! 📚 - https://a.co/d/3tvKSzQ

Be on the podcast? Fill out the form and let's chat! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMUppJ0hHK4zNpRBuT5KXZUvLUOJGuy2GEC6kzEp1HyC4O2w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104076735903086824388

Email: gal@aurtisticexpressions.com
www.aurtisticexpressions.com
What is Autistic Burnout: www.aurtisticexpressions.com/blog/what-is-neurodivergent-burnout
The Hidden Cost of Masking: How It Leads to Burnout: www.aurtisticexpressions.com/blog/the-hidden-cost-of-masking-how-it-leads-to-burnout
Sensory Overload: The Silent Burnout Trigger: www.aurtisticexpressions.com/blog/sensory-overload-and-burnout

Three women. One messy, validating, and deeply hilarious conversation. Gal is joined by the hosts of the Neurodivergent Report podcast—Hind (medical graduate & future psychiatrist), JQ (writer, researcher, voice actor), and Sarah (ADHD coach & mom)—to explore neurodivergence, late diagnosis, workplace trauma, lived experience, and the radical magic of being truly seen.

This one’s for the misfits, the masked, and the magnificent.
🧠 Topics We Cover:
ADHD and autism in women and girls
Late diagnosis and imposter syndrome
Cultural stigma and medical gaslighting
Friendship as medicine
Research, rage, and real talk

Drop a comment if something hits home—and don’t forget to subscribe for more messy truth.

Website: www.aurtisticexpressions.com
Instagram: @aurtisticexpressions
Email: gal@aurtisticexpressions.com

Want to be on the podcast? Complete the interest form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMUppJ0hHK4zNpRBuT5KXZUvLUOJGuy2GEC6kzEp1HyC4O2w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104076735903086824388

Listen to the Neurodivergent Report here: ndreportpod.com
@ndreportpod - our handle everywhere

Sarah: Check out my site or message me directly on your platform of choice!
https://sarruss.my.canva.site/hi
s.a.russell07@gmail.com

Hind: Contact with interest in research and mental health advocacy
hendalenezi@outlook.com

JQ: https://juliaschildwachter.wixsite.com/freelancer
walkervoices.llc@gmail.com

#neurodivergent #ADHD #autism #latenightdiagnosis #neurospicy #ThisMightGetMessy