The Hidden 20%

In part one of this two-part conversation, neurobiologist and author of The Gendered Brain and The Lost Girls of Autism - recently awarded the British Psychological Society’s Popular Science Book Prize - Gina Rippon joins Ben to unpack what we really know, and don’t know, about the human brain.From left-brain/right-brain myths to the rise of gendered brain science, Gina explains why many of the ideas we’ve grown up with simply don’t stand up to scrutiny. Drawing on decades of research, she explores how brains change across the lifespan, how experience actively shapes neural pathways, and why no two brains - neurodivergent or not - are ever the same.They dive into alpha rhythms, brain plasticity, ageing, and the cultural bias baked into neuroscience, including why the idea of distinctly “male” and “female” brains has caused more confusion than clarity.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction00:57 Why Gina Rippon Became Obsessed With the Brain2:54 What Science Really Knows About the Neurodivergent Brain7:18 Brain Waves Explained: Alpha Rhythms & Neurodivergence10:24 Debunking Common Myths About the Neurodivergent Brain12:00 Left Brain vs Right Brain: Does It Actually Exist?17:14 The Best Analogy for How Brains Really Work18:17 Why London Taxi Drivers’ Brains Change19:30 How the Brain Changes With Age21:46 Brain Plasticity, Careers & Learning Over Time23:27 Why Every Brain Is Different And Neurodiversity26:45 Gender Bias in Neuroscience: “Neuro Trash” Research27:53 Is There Such a Thing as a Male or Female Brain?35:18 The Real Impact of Gendered Brain Science40:56 Neurodivergence, Gender & Brain Differences Explained44:07 Moving Beyond Gendered Brains to Human Brains45:22 What Are Thoughts, Really?48:40 Why Gina Decided To Write “The Lost Girls of Autism”The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benGina Rippon https://www.ginarippon.com/If 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.

Comedian, presenter and creator Holly Morris joins Ben for a candid conversation about living with AuDHD, the hidden cost of masking, and why being “funny” is often a survival strategy rather than a personality trait.Holly shares how her comedy career grew out of lifelong hyper-vigilance - constantly scanning rooms, people and conversations and how that same awareness fuels both her humour and her exhaustion. She opens up about navigating networking, friendships and online spaces as a neurodivergent adult, and why masking can feel automatic, ingrained, and hard to switch off.They explore Holly’s later diagnoses of ADHD and autism, imposter syndrome, her experience of Emetophobia, and how her Autism and ADHD overlap and show up in daily life. If you’ve ever felt socially switched on but internally depleted, this episode will feel quietly familiar.AD Head to https://bit.ly/hidden20_getdopa and use code Hidden20 for 10% off.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction & AD1:48 Holly Morris’ AuDHD Comedy Journey5:04 Masking as an AuDHD Comedian & Networking Pressure8:36 How Masking Shapes Holly’s Online Content13:14 Discovering AuDHD & Living With Emetophobia17:25 Hypervigilance, Anxiety & the AuDHD Nervous System21:50 ADHD vs Autism: How AuDHD Shows Up Day to Day27:30 Being Open About Neurodivergence: Online vs In-Person30:39 Adult Friendships, Social Energy & Neurodivergence44:40 Masking vs Unmasking: What Actually Helps46:48 The Hidden Cost of Being a Neurodivergent Creator50:09 AuDHD, Imposter Syndrome & Self-Doubt51:30 Thinking Differently: Strengths, Creativity & Hope1:02:00 What’s Next for Holly Morris1:10:30 Holly’s Green Dot BadgeThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benHolly Morris @hollymorrisssIf 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.

Dr. Renata Fialho, a clinical psychologist specializing in neurodiversity, shares her own ADHD diagnosis and its impact on her life and clinical practice. She discusses the challenges of receiving a late diagnosis and the misconceptions surrounding autism and ADHD assessments. Renata reveals her hopes for the future of neurodiversity care and emphasizes the need for more humane practices. Additionally, she explores the connection between neurodiversity and sports, particularly how swimming can help regulate ADHD symptoms.

Shahroo Izadi, a psychologist and bestselling author, dives into her late ADHD diagnosis and personal experiences in addiction services. She discusses the link between addiction and impulsivity, arguing it's often a coping strategy rather than a disease. Shahroo emphasizes that behaviour change isn't just about willpower but about small, actionable steps tailored to neurodivergent minds. She critiques traditional habit-forming apps and shares practical tips for sustainable change while highlighting the need for supportive environments and understanding our vulnerabilities.

Sam Branson discusses the importance of realistic neurodivergent goals, pushing back against pressure and embracing creative self-care. Tony Lloyd shares his insights on neurodivergent-friendly goal setting, advocating for systemic changes and outlining his wishes for 2026. Dr. Alison Lennox provides a clinical perspective, emphasizing cohesion within the neurodiverse community and setting professional goals that enhance autistic identity. Together, they explore shifting from rigid resolutions to compassionate, achievable goals.

Carrie Grant, a vocal coach and autism advocate, shares her journey of unmasking after her diagnosis, focusing on embracing neurodivergence during family festivities. David Grant, her husband and fellow vocal coach, discusses the challenges of ADHD assessment wait lists and their shared experiences as neurodivergent parents. Together, they highlight the importance of creating meaningful Christmas traditions that prioritize memories over material gifts, while letting go of societal pressures to redefine holiday joy for their family.

Dr. Josephine Neale, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and founder of Neale Health, dives into the nuances of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). She shares insights on how ARFID often intertwines with autism and ADHD, highlighting its four subtypes: sensory challenges, fear-driven behaviors, low appetite, and their combinations. Josephine addresses the growing recognition of ARFID in modern life, especially during the holidays, and offers practical tips for families. Her compassionate approach aims to illuminate this often-misunderstood eating disorder.

Dr. Alison Lennox, a consultant psychiatrist specializing in neurodiversity, joins to discuss the challenges that Christmas poses for neurodivergent individuals. They explore sensory overload, family expectations, and the importance of setting boundaries to protect mental health. Alison shares practical strategies for planning gatherings, managing social fatigue, and supporting neurodivergent children. With insights on navigating family dynamics and the pressures of the festive season, listeners are encouraged to prioritize their wellbeing and embrace self-compassion during the holidays.

Sam Branson, a devoted mother and wife, offers an unfiltered look into life with autism in her family. She shares the evolution of her marriage since their daughter River's diagnosis and the challenges of autistic shutdowns from both perspectives. The couple discusses their differing parenting styles, with Sam advocating for independence while Ben tends to intervene. They emphasize the importance of neurodiversity-aware schooling and provide heartfelt advice for families navigating similar journeys. This candid conversation encourages understanding and compassion throughout the ups and downs.

Dr. Luke Beardon, an esteemed autism lecturer with over 30 years in autism education, explores the systemic challenges faced by autistic individuals. He advocates for inclusivity as crucial support, debunking one-size-fits-all solutions. Luke emphasizes the need for sensory-friendly environments and offers practical tips for schools. He also sheds light on how autistic behaviors are often misunderstood in healthcare and the criminal justice system, urging for a thoughtful approach that acknowledges neurodiversity.