Martha Stewart is Autistic (Episode 99)

An episode with all the right ingredients!

Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode:

* In today’s episode, Matt and Angela, joined by special guest Melanie Deziel, delve into the legendary Martha Stewart and the fascinating autistic-coded traits that set her apart.

* After watching the recent Martha Stewart Netflix documentary, Melanie noticed countless traits in Martha that could suggest neurodivergence.

* We explore the ethics of speculating whether public figures are autistic and how reluctance to do so can stem from internalized ableism—implying that reacting negatively to the idea suggests autism is something undesirable.

* Being autistic is a source of pride—it's not just who we are, but a culture with its own ways of thinking, communicating, and experiencing the world. Embracing autism means recognizing its value, celebrating our strengths, and rejecting the idea that neurodivergence is something to be "fixed."

* We discuss the genetics of autism, how it is inherited, and why this gives us reason to speculate that Martha Stewart may be neurodivergent. Her father’s strong need for routine and order—an autistic trait—deeply shaped the way she navigates the world.

* The discussion shifts to the misogynistic media coverage of Martha Stewart and the criticism she faced for selling her cookware line at Kmart, which was dismissed as “low culture” in America. This connects to justice sensitivity, as she openly stated her belief that lower-income people still deserved access to quality cookware.

* From her show to her media empire and the many now-commonplace innovations she pioneered, we discuss how Martha Stewart is a media genius—and how that level of brilliance can be deeply threatening to many people.

* Other autistic hallmarks of Martha Stewart include her direct, straightforward communication style and the way she speaks with precision and a matter-of-fact tone.

* What’s fascinating about Martha Stewart is how she’s often perceived as icy or cold by outsiders, yet those who truly know her—friends and longtime employees—describe her as warm, caring, and kind. This aligns with the autistic experience, where direct communication and a focused demeanor can be misinterpreted as aloofness, while deep loyalty and genuine care shine through in trusted relationships.

* Her crafting reveals specific methods and attention to detail—like always using double-sided tape to wrap presents for that perfect, crisp finish—showcasing the kind of structured, methodical approach often associated with autism.

* People often saw her as a tyrant, but there was intention behind her methods—she was using her encyclopedic knowledge to help others refine their craft and achieve excellence. Her high standards and structured approach reflect a deep passion for mastery, a trait often linked to autism.

* She was constantly seeking ways to improve things and generously sharing her knowledge—much like penguin pebbling, where autistic people share information as a form of care and connection.

* We discuss Martha’s uncanny ability to recognize potential, which likely stems from strong pattern recognition—an ability often associated with autism that allows her to see possibilities others might overlook.

* We also dive into her insider trading case, how she was used as a scapegoat, and how the media skewed the narrative against her—further cementing her reputation as a "horrible rich lady," despite the nuanced reality of the situation.

* Her five-month stint in prison was an eye-opening experience, leading her to actively support the prison community by teaching skills, helping fellow inmates access resources, and advocating for their rights—showcasing her deep sense of justice and desire to uplift others.

* After leaving prison, Martha Stewart seemed to fully embrace her true self—allowing herself to make mistakes, show more of her personality, and lean into the authenticity that had always been there beneath her polished image.

* At this point, she formed an unexpected but beloved friendship with Snoop Dogg, marking a renaissance in her public image as people got to see the true, unmasked Martha Stewart—authentic, witty, and unapologetically herself.

* Another autistic trait of Martha Stewart is her deep appreciation for sensory experiences—she has a keen interest in different fabrics, textures, and foods, often focusing on the details that make something feel just right.

* Martha Stewart’s entire brand and media empire are built on info-dumping—sharing her vast knowledge and passion for her special interests, from cooking to crafting to home design, in a way that’s both meticulous and immersive.

* She also had a passion for building communities of unlikely yet talented individuals, bringing together experts in their craft—a form of hyper-connectivity often seen in autistic people who naturally create networks based on shared interests and skills.

* We discuss how autistic or presumed autistic people—like Taylor Swift—are often unfairly perceived and frequently targeted with hate in the media, largely due to misinterpretations of their behaviors and a deep-seated discomfort with neurodiversity.

* We explore how the media's portrayal of neurodivergent public figures often distorts their true nature, focusing on how traits like directness and emotional expression are unfairly criticized, leading to negative perceptions and widespread bias.

About Today’s Guest:

Melanie Deziel is a keynote speaker and award-winning branded content creator who is passionate about helping individuals, teams, and organizations unlock their creative potential and organize their creative efforts.She is the Co-Founder of The Creator Kitchen mastermind for creatives, and the author of both “The Content Fuel Framework: How to Generate Unlimited Story Ideas” and “Prove It: Exactly How Modern Marketers Earn Trust.”

“You’re autistic way before you get a medical diagnosis. Your parents were autistic, your grandparents were autistic, your great-grandparents were autistic. You don’t need some neurotypical with a degree to come along and pronounce you autistic. “ - Matt Lowry LPP

“That’s always my favorite - the diagnostic domino effect. After my diagnosis, my mom is going through the paper and she’s like, ‘that’s not weird, I did that. That’s not weird, I did that.’ And I was like, have I got news for you, mama? Welcome.” - Dr Angela Kindgon

“Her whole thing, which was setting off my justice sensitivity alarms, was that people who don’t have a lot of money also deserve to live well. They also have taste. They also want their homes to be beautiful. She got a lot of flack for that decision, but she saw the gap in the marketplace. She’s like, ‘just because someone doesn’t have a lot of money, doesn’t mean they don’t like nice pots and pans or want beautiful curtains or whatever else.” - Melanie

“It’s only the people who have sort of passing interactions with her and take one offhanded comment and they’re like, ‘she’s horrible, she’s a bitch, she’s icy, she’s cold’, whatever. But the people who are around her say like, no, she’s deeply caring. She loves the people around her. She just has high expectations and is very straightforward in the way she speaks. She will say to you, ‘I appreciate this thing you’ve given me. It’s poorly constructed. Let’s fix it.’ She’s just very straightforward, and you’re like, ‘I didn’t mean to offend you. I thought we were all aware of this reality right in front of us.” - Melanie

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of Martha Stewart, exploring how her traits align with autistic characteristics and the media’s often skewed perception of her. From her intense need for control to the challenges she faced in a world that misunderstood her, we break down the real Martha Stewart—and the misconceptions surrounding her. Join Matt, Angela, and special guest Melanie Deziel as they discuss how her unique personality and approach to life shaped her empire, and how she became a target of unfair media scrutiny. Have you noticed these traits in Martha or other public figures? Share your thoughts with us using #AutisticCultureCatch on social media!

Show Notes:

Netflix Martha Stewart Netflix Documentary link - please find

https://www.melaniedeziel.com/minis

https://www.melaniedeziel.com/advocacy

Related Shows:

Trivia is Autistic

Taylor Swift is Autistic

Lessons in Chemistry is Autistic

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