Autistic Culture | Where autism meets identity!

An episode with flavor!On today’s episode, Matt and Angela welcome neurodivergent podcaster and Anthony Bourdain aficionado Patrick Casale (he/his) from the Divergent Conversations podcast to share how Anthony Bourdain’s journey—and watching the posthumous film Roadrunner—inspired him to pursue his own autism diagnosis.Here’s what’s to come in today’s episode: * Licensed therapist and neurodivergent podcaster Patrick Casale shares Anthony Bourdain’s journey and why so many kitchen staff are likely AuDHD.* We explore how restaurant work allows them to unmask, embrace the comfort of parallel play, and thrive in the structured, fast-paced environment that kitchens often demand.* What traits made Anthony Bourdain resonate so strongly with the autistic community? —We talk his monotropic focus, heightened sensory sensitivity, and his unique approach to building community through travel in deeply non-traditional ways.* Did you know Anthony Bourdain had special interests?—his deep fascination with true crime, writing and reading graphic novels and his passion for exploring the cultures and cuisines of the world.* His staff and crew have even shared that he had just four or five key talking points he’d circle back to time and time again—a classic autistic-coded trait!“What hit me really hard in this movie especially - and just reading all of his books and watching all the shows and everything that we will probably talk about is like - this deep, painful, lonely existence where he was surrounded by people who really cared about him all the time, but he could not access it. And he talks openly about that experience and how painful it was, how often he wanted to be on the go, experiencing new things while simultaneously feeling like ‘I really need to be in my home. My safe space, with my safe people.’ It was just like this push-pull, constantly.” - Patrick Casale“I think a lot of kitchen staff and restaurant staff and restaurant staff are definitely ADHD/autistic to some degree/in some capacity, and the kitchen staff specifically tend to be a lot of autistic people. A lot of people feel like they don’t fit in, they feel like misfits, they feel like this is the only place I can really be my true self and really like unmask in a way where everyone around me is experiencing the same thing. And I found that to be so profoundly powerful.” - Patrick Casale“Listen, I was in Iceland two weeks ago. We absolutely did not eat [fermented shark meat]. It was offered and I said ‘No, thank you’. I didn’t even eat the fish jerky. I do not believe fish is meant to be jerky.” - Dr Angela Kingdon“I like the idea of adventure. I want to read about adventure, but when it comes to actually leaving the house, I’d rather be underground eating really good food. But, you know, when a wizard comes along and drags me kicking and screaming on an adventure to fight a dragon, I’m there. It’s one of those things.” - Matt Lowry LPPDid you ever notice how Anthony Bourdain captures the spirit of exploration and authenticity? In today’s episode, we dive deep into his legacy and why his unique perspective resonates so strongly with the autistic community. Thanks for tuning in! Share your thoughts in the comments, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to connect with fellow listeners on social media. Which moments or insights made you see Bourdain in a new light?Resources:instagram.com/patrick.casaleallthingspractice.comdivergentpod.comempoweredescapes.com/retreatRelated Episodes:McEnroe Is AutisticTaylor Swift is AutisticQuestlove is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our Autism-affirming merch shop This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe

Rick Bryson, an art director and graphic designer, co-authored "Movies with Balls: The Greatest Sports Films of All Time, Analyzed and Illustrated." He shares insights about blending film and sports memorabilia, revealing how his fantasy ticket designs celebrate nostalgic moments. The discussion highlights the artistic process behind capturing iconic films like 'Karate Kid' and personal connections to sports cinema. Notably, Rick emphasizes how attention to detail resonates with autistic experiences, enriching the appreciation of classic films.

An episode that’s more than meets the eye!In this episode, Matt gears up for a major info dump, breaking down the origins of the Transformers franchise—turns out, it’s a bot-tastic blend of autism and lore!Here’s what’s in store for this episode:* We uncover that there are two canonically autistic Transformers characters—Transmutate and Geomotus. Not only are they explicitly identified as neurodivergent in the franchise, but they also embody classic autistic traits like sensory sensitivity, heightened empathy, naivety, bluntness, and difficulty with conventional social cues.* Matt and Angela also dive into the work of autistic voice actor Corey Burton, who voiced Shockwave (and also brings the Disneyland monorail and buses to life)! They explore how Shockwave’s character carries autistic coding as well.* Our two hosts transform the conversation as they explore how the franchise navigates the intersection of gender, sexuality, gender fluidity, and carving out a place in a society that can often feel a bit ableist.“Shockwave is ultra-logical. Canonically, he has had his emotions removed so he can be more logical. He doesn’t have a face, he just has a light-up eye because you can’t read his facial expressions. Because he has a very flat face, a very flat affect, completely logical. So he is autistic coded from the start, voiced by an autistic actor [Cory Burton]. ” - Matt“Geomotus is one of Cybertron’s most proficient geologists. A dedicated scientist, he’s happiest when he’s outdoors exploring the vast and ever-changing vistas of his home world, whether that’s spelunking into the sonic canyons or surveying the Rust Sea with the assistance of his onboard radar systems, rather than fighting the Decepticons. Unlike most Cybertronians, Geomotus is neurodivergent. In practice, this means that he’s blunt, occasionally withdrawn, and sometimes struggles with social cues.” - MattDid you notice how the Transformers franchise shifts gears to connect with the autistic experience? Roll out your thoughts in the comments, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to connect with fellow fans! Which traits revved up your engines in this episode?Resources:https://autistic-characters-of-the-day.tumblr.com/post/162050689439/netbug009-autistic-characters-of-the-day/amphttps://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transmutate_(BW)https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Perceptor_(G1)https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Geomotushttps://tfwiki.net/wiki/Lost_LightRelated Episodes:Beauty and the Beast is AutisticAnimation is AutisticDisney is AutisticCats are AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our Autism-affirming merch shop This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe

Taking care of business, the autistic way!In this episode, Angela and Matt chat with Arielle Juliette (he/him, she/her), owner of Dance Life Studio and Fitness in Madison, Wisconsin, on building burnout-proof businesses and breaking the mold for autistic entrepreneurs. Here’s what to expect in this episode: * Arielle Juliette has created an inclusive space that celebrates neurodivergence and champions autistic advocacy—where setting boundaries and office hours are all part of the rhythm to avoid "dancing on the edge" of exhaustion!* They discuss Arielle’s unexpected success on social media, the surprises of going viral, and the value of a comment moderator. She also shares how supportive comments with mixed intentions can sometimes sting even more than direct hate.* A key topic in this episode is the intersection of capitalism and neurodiversity, highlighting how neurodivergent individuals in the workplace deserve to have their needs met without having to work harder than others to gain support and recognition.“When our energy is gone, we are good to no one. So I must take my time to protect and replenish my energy in order to be of service to the fine folks who have not yet received emails from me. ” - Arielle Juliette“Well, that’s the thing about being autistic itself, because, for a lot of people, you’re not autistic unless an outside observer determines your autism. So we’re not busy unless an outside observer determines whether or not we’re busy, even though mentally we are cycling through the next week or putting things in order or, you know, just to have it going through the autistic inertia of ‘I need to do this, but before I do this, I need to do this. And I need to put this in order in order to be able to do that.’ You’re doing the mental chess necessary. ” - Matt Lowry LPP“Like, I wanna tell all my stories and then I’m like, why do people have to comment? And if you did comment, why didn’t you comment the way I want you to? Now you’re ruining my life.” - Dr Angela Kingdon“We’re worthy of being comfortable [in our business] and being paid for our things. And we don’t need to work harder than everybody else. And we deserve to have our needs met in order to give to people, because you asked like, what do we owe?” - Arielle Arielle Juliette's BioArielle Juliette (he/him, she/her) is the owner and operator of Dance Life Studio and Fitness in Madison, Wisconsin, where she has cultivated a space that celebrates neurodivergence and champions autistic advocacy. With a deep love for dance that began in 2004, he specializes in Egyptian dance and focuses on making movement accessible for all bodies and neurotypes, breaking free from the rigid norms of allistic standards.As an autistic entrepreneur, Arielle has reimagined what it means to run a business by prioritizing emotional regulation and setting boundaries that support her well-being. He has structured his business to align with his neurotype, including establishing office hours that help prevent burnout, proving that working with who you are can lead to a thriving career. In addition to leading Dance Life Studio, Arielle is also a viral social media creator, where she shares her unmasked, joyful autistic self and promotes the idea that all bodies and minds are worthy.Through her work, Arielle is a strong advocate for embracing authenticity in both business and life, encouraging others to honor their neurodivergent selves.Did you notice how Arielle’s approach to business embodies the balance between authenticity and advocacy? Dancing to the beat of her own drum and breaking the mold for autistic entrepreneurs, Arielle is proving that success comes when you honor your neurotype. Thanks for joining us! Share your thoughts in the comments and use #AutisticCultureCatch to connect with fellow listeners. What traits from Arielle’s journey resonated with you this season?Resources:Wikipedia Entry for Belly Dancehttps://www.madisondancelife.com/ariellehttps://www.instagram.com/madisondancelife/?hl=enRelated Episodes:Belly Dancing is AutisticCareers are AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our Autism-affirming merch shop This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe

An Episode of Rare Enchantment Indeed!In this episode, Matt and Angela dive into why Renaissance Faires feel innately autistic and explore how the art of LARPing offers a unique twist on masking—where choosing your own character and setting clear expectations can actually work for autistic folks.Here’s what’s to come in this episode: * Ren Faires and concerts—though they might seem like sensory overload for autistic folks—can actually be a sensory delight, offering the freedom to "choose your own adventure" and control the level of sensory input.* Renaissance Faires and historical re-enactments tap into the concept of stimming by recreating the same rituals and experiences in a consistent, familiar way over and over again.* Renaissance Fests offer autistic folks a safe space to unmask, stim, embrace echolalia or non-speaking communication (whatever feels right!), set their own structure and rules, build careers around their special interests, and truly let their authentic selves shine.“If you are unhappy in your job and you have a special interest, I promise you there is some way to make that into a career. God knows what way, but there is a way.” - Dr Angela Kingdon“It’s the difference between being in the shower and being hit by a water gun. Because the water gun might be even less water than you’re getting in the shower, but you choose the time, you choose the place, you choose the intensity, you choose the temperature. ” - Matt Lowry LPP“Before the word ‘autism’ was ever uttered, you knew what kind of person would go out to the Gettysburg battlefield and dress up and have prop replicas and all these genuine replicas and have these, you know, historically accurate costumes they made themselves.” - Dr Angela KingdonDid you notice the connection between Renaissance Faires and the autistic experience? Huzzah for joining us! Share your noble thoughts in the comments, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to connect with fellow fairgoers on social media! Which parts of the fest truly made your spirits (and tankards) rise?Resources:Julia Clarke Website: https://authorjulieclark.com/aspergers-spd-and-more/the-carolina-renaissance-festival-a-feast-for-the-sensoryhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/psychology-meets-neurodiversity/202306/its-just-stimminghttps://renfair.com/bristol/Angela’s Medieval Wedding: Related Episodes:Vampires Are AutisticFairy Tales Are AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our Autism-affirming merch shop This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe

An Episode With Bite! In this episode, Matt and Angela sit down with Jessica Brothers—a true jack-of-all-trades. She's a metalhead, a former volunteer firefighter, an ex-ABA practitioner, and, oh yeah… an autistic vampire!Here’s a taste of what’s lurking in the shadows: * Jessica shares her journey as a vampire within one of New Orleans' elusive houses, along with her unexpected stint as an ABA practitioner—a path that ultimately led her to recognize her own autism.* Jessica, Angela, and Matt sink their teeth into the nonlinear hierarchy of New Orleans' vampire houses, uncovering eerie parallels between vampires and autistic individuals (a theme hinted at in our last episode, Vampires Are Autistic).* Our resident vampire dives into how music serves as regulation, why tattoos are inherently autistic, the role of guardian to the ruthless Aurantian arachnid, and so much more in this fang-tastic new episode!“In the fourth grade, I had to write a 500-word paper: ‘I will sit like a lady’. This is what my paper was - I described what I thought being biologically female meant at the time, and then I described sitting. The next section was about sitting- and then I was like: ‘Because I am biologically female, and because ‘lady’ is a synonym, and because I am sitting, I *am* sitting like a lady, no matter how I sit, because I am a lady who is sitting.” - Dr Angela Kingdon“Communication is one of the most bizarre things ever - because you have this nebulous thought in your head, with electrical signals bouncing between neurons. Those electrical signals are translated to a floppy piece of meat in your mouth that wiggles, and when it wiggles, it causes air to wiggle, and that wiggling air causes earbones to wiggle, and when those earbones wiggle, it causes electrical signals to be sent to the auditory processing center of your brain, which decodes the wiggle-siggles, and then sends more electrical signals to someone else’s neurons. So, the fact that we communicate at all is astounding. ” - Matt Lowry LPP“I’m still experiencing what it’s like to be this... piecing together different parts of myself and realizing, oh sh*t!” - Jessica Brothers (on autism diagnosis and vampiredom)Did you notice how Jess embodies the connection between vampires and the autistic experience? Fangs for joining us! Share your chilling thoughts in the comments, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to connect with other listeners on social media! Which traits sent a shiver down your spine this spooky season?Resources:Wikipedia entry for Argiope aurantia: A species of SpiderRelated Episodes:Vampires Are Autistic Fairy Tales Are AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our Autism-affirming merch shop This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe

Wait, Are Vampires Really Autistic? In this episode, Matt and Angela discuss everyone’s favorite mythical creature - the vampire. Throughout this episode, we discover some uncanny similarities between the autistic community and our fang-tastic fictional friends!Here's a bite of what’s to come: * The parallels between autistic individuals and vampires begin with our health comorbidities, like POTS and hemophilia, before diving into the more supernatural realms. * Notably, the art of shapeshifting mirrors the phenomenon of autistic masking & while vampires boast the gift of immortality, autistics have their own secret: we seem to defy the aging process as if time has a different rulebook for us!* Matt and Angela dive into the world of vampires and eerie icons in pop culture—from The Addams Family and What We Do in the Shadows to even Sesame Street—unpacking why these characters resonate as autistic-coded. * We explore traits like monotropic focus, infodumping, and behaviors often mistaken for manipulation, revealing a deeper, neurodiverse connection in the spooky figures we know and love.* And we uncover the truly autistic reason why garlic keeps vampires at bay—but you’ll have to tune in to get the scoop!“The folklore of the vampires is like the neighborhood autistic person - because they’re weird, they must be from another planet! ” - Dr Angela Kingdon“Vampires apparently can hear you coming from a mile away and disappear into the shadows, because again, if you’re at home and you hear somebody knock at your door, you’re going to disappear into the shadows, because This is The Way. I haven’t answered my door to anyone that I wasn’t expecting in years, because you can’t make me.” - Matt Lowry LPP“If you’re one of the vampire people of New Orleans, I get you now.” - Dr Angela KingdonDid you spot all the ways vampires embody the autistic experience? Share your spooky insights in the comments, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to connect with other creatures of the night—er, listeners—on social media! Which traits gave you chills this Halloween season?Resources:A Deep dive into Vampires we used for research: Encyclopedia Britannica’s entry about vampiresPage referenced in the episode: https://www.instagram.com/date_dave_phillyRelated Episodes:Ponies are AutisticBeauty & the Beast is AutisticKink is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our Autism-affirming merch shop This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe

The Autistic Culture Podcast is back with season 3! Hooray! Matt and Angela return to the airwaves with a preview episode. We give you updates on what they’ve been up to over the summer hiatus and share some exciting announcements about what to expect in season 3!Here's a taste of what's in store:* Double the Content: We’re doubling down on episodes! We will still be doing our Tuesday episodes about Autistic Culture, but now, you can also join us for Advocacy Fridays, packed with strategies, interviews, and insights to support and empower the autistic community.* Collaborations and Membership Content: Hear about new collaborations with guests like Becca Lory Hector. Plus, we’ll share the perks of our paid membership, including access to live Q&As and exclusive trainings.* Live Events: Mark your calendars for our Halloween Costume Party (October 31), and Town Hall Q&As where you can ask us anything (dates: 12/17, 2/28, 5/26).* New Merch Store Launch: We’ve partnered with DFTBA to bring you exclusive designs like “My Thoughts Are Numerous and Intense.” Learn about our collaboration and how your purchases directly support autistic voices.* Opportunities for Guests, Sponsors, & Volunteers: Want to get involved with TACP? We’re looking for sponsors and volunteers to join our team and help amplify neurodivergent voices.Join us in Autistica as we gear up for an incredible season full of advocacy, community building, and some surprises along the way!“That’s why we’re the PR people for autism. Because we have to live in a world that mistreats us and condemns us for being who we are.” —Matt Lowry LPPWhat would you love to see in season 3 of TACP? Share your ideas in the comments or on social media using #AutisticCultureCatch for a chance to have your suggestion featured!Resources:Details to join our Live Virtual Halloween Party: Click HerePropose your Idea to Be our Guest on a Future Episode: Click HereWant to Volunteer with The Autistic Culture Podcast? Click HereReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our Autism-affirming merch shop This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe

This episode was previously only available to paid subscribers, but by popular request we are making it available this week to everyone. Matt Lowry, LPP shares one of his most formative books on Gestalt Therapy.Want more book club episodes like this? Consider getting a power boost as a paid supporter of our show.In this episode you will hear:* The Perls’ groundbreaking ideas such as believing that your clients are reasonable humans and meeting people where they are!* Approaching each client as a unique and worthy human who may need an individualized approach in order to heal.* What your dreams really mean.* The benefits of approaching each therapy session like an experiment.“Gestalt is essentially the working with a whole.”“Every session started by her asking me things like, ‘how are you’ or ‘how do you feel?’ And that pretty much took up the whole session with me trying to figure out how to answer that question. Then, I would end up crying about the fact that question was hard and I didn't know the answer to it…But nobody mentioned things like alexithymia, which might have been helpful to know.”“That's actually like the biggest thing…Trying to translate the mysterious signals of one's meat body into understandable things.”What have your experiences in therapy been like? What modalities have you found helpful or harmful?Buy the book: Creative Process in Gestalt TherapyEpisode 47: Autistic Centered Therapy - AuCTEpisode 36: Bad Autism DiagnosisBook Club #06: True BizReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPPJoin Matt’s Autistic Connections Facebook GroupLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com and Difference PressAngela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokGet your swag on in our merch shop! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe

Angela was interviewed as a guest on “Meet My Autistic Brain,” and we enjoyed the conversation so much, we wanted to drop it into our own feed to share with all of you!* Why Angela wrote her latest book, The Equalizing Quill* How AI can support Autistics with writing everything from books to emails.* How Autistics can harness their special interests to make a living doing what they love.* The bottom-up processing magic of Autistic brains!“So I was like, I am now going to learn the neurotypical ways and I will master them. But yeah, it's like trying to learn how to be Irish if you're Italian. It's just not a learnable skill in any sort of healthy way.”“As an author, there is no better superpower you can have than the ability to gather that data.”“And you can simply change the world by celebrating autistic culture when you see it.”“And I'm so grateful the leaders of the Deaf President Now movement and Gallaudet University who have taught me so much about being autistic from the ways they celebrate deaf pride.”Have you used AI in your work or your hobbies? Tell us about your experiences in the comments!Resources:Listen and follow the podcast: Meet My Autistic BrainBuy The Equalizing QuillOther episodes to check out if you liked this one:Episode 61: Wikipedia is AutisticBook Club #06: True BizBelly Dancing is Autistic (Episode 71)Ready for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our Autism-affirming merch shop This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe