
The Hidden 20%
The lightbulb, Willy Wonka, The Beatles & even the screen you’re reading this on would not exist without neurodivergent minds.Join Ben Branson (Autistic/ADHD), the visionary founder of Seedlip, as he sits down with great minds that think differently: from neurodivergent entrepreneurs & talented creatives to renowned authors, psychologists & experts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Jul 9, 2025 • 43min
Meltdowns to Motorsport: An Autistic Teens Journey to Pro Racing
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 BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348__________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benNelson Taylor @nelson_taylor_racing91If 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.

Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 2min
When Menopause Meets ADHD with Dr Louise Newson
CW: Mental Health & SuicideDisclaimer: 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 BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348__________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benDr Louise Newson @menopause_doctorIf 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.

Jun 25, 2025 • 29min
Tyrells Crisps' AuDHD Founder Reveals Pain He’s Caused
Will Chase, the visionary behind Tyrrells crisps and Chase Vodka, shares his remarkable journey from entrepreneurial success to confronting his ADHD and autism diagnoses at 60. He discusses the internal chaos and relationship struggles that accompanied his ambition. Will emphasizes the connection between mental well-being and sustainable practices through his organic farming initiatives. The conversation also delves into self-forgiveness and personal growth, shedding light on the emotional cycles of neurodivergence and their impact on leadership.

Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 5min
What to Feed the Neurodivergent Brain: A Parent’s Guide with Lucinda Miller
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.________00:00 Introduction1:26 Lucinda’s Brain & ADHD6:05 Why Nutrition?9:16 Lucinda’s Clients: Who She Helps and How14:12 What is Naturopathy?17:14 How Long Covid is Linked to Hyper-mobility and Neurodivergence21:37 Accessible Nutrition for Neurodivergent People25:30 Lucinda’s Sleep Tips For ND Kids37:04 Balancing Being the Expert & Vulnerable Clients38:34 Does Poor Nutrition Cause Neurodivergence or Enhance Traits?41:33 Hormones and Fluctuations in Traits42:36 Neurodivergent Pre-Puberty Nutrition Tips46:00 What Are Mood Boosting Foods?49:22 ARFID & ND Children: How To Variate Food56:50 ND & Inflammation of the Gut: Why?58:00 What Neurodivergent Children Have Taught Lucinda & What Needs To Change1:02:10 Lucinda’s Green Light Badge_______Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benLucinda Miller @naturedockidsIf 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.

Jun 11, 2025 • 54min
Beyond Words: Raising Two Non-Speaking Autistic Sons
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.______00:00 Introduction1:30 AuDHD and Non Verbal: James’ Son, Jude4:12 Autistic & Non Verbal: James’ Son, Tommy7:06 Communication Devices and Autism: “It’s So Much More Than Words”9:57 What James Love’s Most About His Boys11:47 James’ New Normal14:17 Autism: Balancing Routine VS Trying New Things17:48 Jude & Tommy’s Living Situation20:08 James’ Top Tips For Autistic Meltdowns24:36 Navigating Co-Parenting and Living Situations27:08 The Moment James Knew His Life Had Changed29:28 How James Feels Autism Is Portrayed32:18 Autism & Isolation: James’ Writing Journey33:49 James’ Advice For Struggling Parents37:21 The Positive Power of Social Media41:20 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.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benJames Hunt @storiesaboutautismIf 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.

Jun 4, 2025 • 50min
"No Way Out”: Facing Adult-Onset Tourettes and Finding Self-Acceptance
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._____00:00 Introduction1:55 Life Before Tourettes & The Journey to Diagnosis6:41 “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 & Tourettes17:36 Mental Health VS Tourettes26:21 Tourettes Diagnosis: The Timeline31:10 Vocal Tics: What Do They Feel Like?33:17 Tourettes VS Being a Dad37:22 Life: Post Tourettes Diagnosis40:15 What Are Mental Tics?42:18 Representing Tourettes: The Reality of Self Acceptance48:23 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 BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348__________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benLuke Manton @lukemanton92If 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.

May 28, 2025 • 1h 2min
Decision Paralysis & the ND Brain: 6 Rules to Take Back Control
The average person makes around 35,000 decisions a day, but for neurodivergent minds, even the smallest choices can feel overwhelming, often leading to anxiety and decision paralysis.This week we’re joined by Adrienne Adhami, podcaster, business advisor, keynote speaker, and author of Decisions That Matter. Adrienne has helped global giants like Microsoft, Spotify, and Range Rover empower their teams to make intentional, confident decisions in a world full of noise and distractions.In this chat with Ben, Adrienne shares her six golden rules for cutting through overwhelm. Packed with real-life examples and actionable strategies to overcome procrastination, reclaim their mental energy, and reduce decision fatigue, so you can take back control of your time and focus on what really matters._____________________________________00:00 Introduction1:43 Adrienne’s Best Decision7:31 Adrienne’s Worst Decision11:20 6 Golden Rules for Neurodivergent Decision Making: High Stakes & Low Stakes18:08 ADHD & Sleep20:17 No Stakes Decisions23:08 FOBO: Fear Of Better Option27:11 Setting Decision Deadlines29:10 Outsourcing: Asking For Help31:54 ND: Adrienne’s Top Tips on Daily Decisions38:06 Maximisers VS Satisficers40:17 Regret: “It’s Inevitable”44:10 The Power of Intuition51:40 ADHD & The Power of False Deadlines56:39 The Beauty of Being an Amateur: Making Room for Joy_____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 BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348_____________________________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benAdrienne Adhami @adrienne_ldnIf 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.

May 21, 2025 • 1h 2min
Top Couples Therapist: The Number One Reason ND Relationships Fail
Karen Doherty, a psychosexual therapist and ND Relationship Coach, shares her expertise on the intricacies of neurodivergent relationships. She discusses the impact of late diagnoses and emotional dysregulation, revealing why many ND couples struggle. Karen introduces useful strategies like the 'code word' method and tips to break the trigger cycle, emphasizing the importance of effective communication. She also tackles the unique challenges faced by ND couples in dating, including the dangers of intense connections and the critical need for mutual understanding in relationships.

May 14, 2025 • 1h 3min
“Things Need to Change”: NHS England’s First Director for Neurodivergence & Mental Health Speaks Out
Dr. Adrian James is NHS England’s first Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity, addressing critical issues like medication shortages and long waitlists. He shares insights on the pressing need for systemic change in mental health services. Key discussions include the overlooked autism diagnosis in women, the obstacles in accessing assessments for conditions like ADHD, and the importance of early intervention. Adrian emphasizes integrating lived experiences into policy for a more inclusive healthcare approach that prioritizes real patient needs.

May 7, 2025 • 53min
Why I Hid My ADHD Diagnosis: Big Brother Stars Speak Out
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 Introduction1:40 How Ali & Lily Describe Their Brains2:11 ADHD Meds VS The Brain5:53 The ADHD Daydreamers6:06 When Lily Was Diagnosed With ADHD6:32 ADHD Diagnosis VS The School System9:30 Why Ali Encouraged Lily to Share her ADHD Journey11:10 ADHD VS The Big Brother House14:43 Why Ali & Lily Clicked15:07 Why Lily Wishes She’d Listened to Her Mum16:36 Big Brother House: What Would Lily Do Differently17:15 Why Ali’s Protection of Lily is Personal21:40 Public Reaction: The Cost of “Othering”22:38 Neurodivergent People: The Social Disrupters23:52 Do Ali & Lily Regret Going in The Big Brother House?27:12 ADHD Diagnosis: Why Lily Decided To Go Public28:49 ADHD Sisters: Why Ali & Lily Love Spending Time With Each other30:03 Why Lily Loves Having ADHD & The Most Challenging Parts31:28 Lily: What ADHD Means To Younger People32:15 ADHD is Not An Adjective33:52 Ali on Her Potential Autism Assessment37:43 Lily: Growing Up in The Digital World Was Normal38:30 Ali & Lily’s Thoughts on Social Media Neurodivergent Content39:47 Lily & Ali’s Advice to The Next Generation of Neurodivergent Reality Stars41:45 Managing Public Reaction & Online Trolls44:04 Trolling: The Real Dangers on the ND Community46:37 Lily & Ali’s Best Piece of Advice for Supporting Someone With ADHD48:12 Lily’s Superwoman Mum: Linda49:30 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 BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348_____________________________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benLily Benson @_lily.bensonAli Bromley @_ali.bromleyIf 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.