Fighting stigma about schizophrenia - with Michelle Hammer
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Release Date: 11/18/2024
2025 year-end episode
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
In this year-end solo episode, I celebrate some big milestones that Beyond 6 Seconds achieved in 2025, highlight the variety of topics that my guests and I discussed on my podcast, and share what podcasting-related things I’ve been up to this year! I also reflect on several challenges that the neurodivergent and disability communities are facing in the United States, and share my focus for the year ahead. , which also contains links to some of the other podcasts and resources I mention in this episode. Support or sponsor this podcast at ! *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and...
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The Introverted Misfit – with Caroline Smith
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Caroline Smith founded her business, The Introverted Misfit, to help shy, awkward introverts become socially confident versions of themselves so they can have healthy, manageable social lives. Because of her experience with being autistic, which was the source of many social difficulties and major social anxiety for her, she knows what it's like to build self-acceptance, self-improvement, and a life that works for individualized needs. Now Caroline helps fellow introverts (whether they are autistic or not) learn how to connect with others, create fruitful relationships, and have a manageable...
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Deafness, Disability and Mental Health – with Kellina Powell
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Kellina Powell, known as the Deaf Queen Boss, is a podcast speaker, best-selling author, and passionate advocate for the deaf and disability communities. She empowers young adults with disabilities to chase their dreams, breaks down barriers around mental health, and educates others about deaf culture and inclusion. During this episode, you will hear Kellina talk about: What it was like for her to grow up deaf from an early age, and her exposure to deaf culture How she educates people about the deaf community and mental health issues The coaching work that she does for people with...
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A Day with No Words – Nonspeaking autism representation with Tiffany Hammond
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Tiffany Hammond is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and disability advocate. She is the author of A Day with No Words, a picture book about a Black mother and son who use a tablet to communicate with each other and the world around them. A Day With No Words successfully normalizes communication methods outside of verbal speech and provides representation of neurodiversity and autism in a way that affirms and celebrates. Through Tiffany’s platform, Fidgets and Fries, she shares stories about autism, identity, and the fullness of Black and disabled family life. She is the proud...
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Advocating for dyslexic students – with Sabrina Fandell
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
As a dyslexic child, Sabrina Fandell had to sit in her school's book closet for her reading lessons. Now she sits on the Board of Directors of the International Dyslexia Association - Dallas Branch. She is passionate about fostering inclusive environments and advocating for neurodivergent students in school. During this episode, Sabrina talks about: Her experience growing up as a child with dyslexia, and as a parent of children who have dyslexia How advancements in technology and teaching methodologies can help students with dyslexia succeed in school Why she got involved with the...
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Ava N. Simmons — STEM entrepreneur and toy designer with dyslexia and dysgraphia
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Ava N. Simmons, also known as Ava The S.T.E.M. Princess®, is a 12-year-old S.T.E.M. Ambassador, Entrepreneur, Toy Designer, Author, and the creator of educational toy brand Team Genius Squad. Diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia in 2021, Ava used S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) and entrepreneurial activities to help overcome her academic challenges and build her confidence. To share her learning journey and encourage others, Ava creates engaging S.T.E.M.-based educational videos,...
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Deaf and OCD representation in audio drama — with Caroline Mincks of Seen and Not Heard
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Caroline Mincks is a writer, director, and voice actor who is best known for their audio drama “Seen and Not Heard,” which is about navigating hearing loss as an adult. Seen and Not Heard features disability representation, including deaf, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and autistic characters. Caroline also works as a consultant, assisting other creators in making their shows accessible to as many people as possible. During this episode, you will hear Caroline talk about: How their own experience with hearing loss inspired them to create “Seen and Not Heard” How they use sound...
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Living with schizoaffective disorder – with Sally Littlefield
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Content note: This episode describes my guest’s experience with psychosis, delusions, and suicidality / suicide attempts. Sally Littlefield is a national speaker and mental health advocate dedicated to changing how the world understands schizophrenia. After experiencing a 10-month long psychotic episode that led to a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, she returned to work in communications and fundraising roles at three mental health nonprofits. This professional experience deepened her insight into trauma, stigma, and systemic barriers faced by people with serious mental...
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Identity, horror and artistic expression – with Tas The Artist
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Content note: This episode discusses abuse in a religious cult, gender dysphoria, body dysmorphia, and the negative impact of U.S. current events on marginalized people. Tas The Artist is an autistic, queer, disabled and deaf graphic artist, illustrator, and advocate who blends storytelling with a passion for accessible design. Tas supports fellow members of their community through vocational coaching, developing adaptive curriculum materials and advocating for workplace accessibility. Whether they are creating a surrealist horror piece or working in advocacy, Tas brings a thoughtful,...
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Dyspraxia, dyslexia and autism – with Charis Hawkley
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Charis Hawkley is an award-nominated disability advocate with dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism. She enjoys discussing her experiences as a neurodivergent woman through writing articles, guesting on podcasts and speaking at events. She has been editor of the Dyspraxia Magazine since September 2024 and enjoys helping others to find their voice and tell their story. She was diagnosed later on in life at 18, and as result explores how late diagnosis affected her life and her experiences as a neurodivergent woman. In this episode, Charis talks about: What dyspraxia is and what it was like growing up...
info_outlineContent warning: This episode discusses suicidality, paranoia, hallucinations and delusions, and mentions drug use and homelessness.
Michelle Hammer is a schizophrenia activist who spends her time passionately fighting stigma. She is a New York City native who is featured in the WebMD documentary “Voices,” which was nominated for a Tribeca X Award at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Michelle was diagnosed with schizophrenia at 22 after a misdiagnosis of bipolar at age 18. At 27, Michelle decided to use her artistic talents and fearless personality to do something that could benefit the mental health community. In May 2015, she founded a mental health-focused clothing brand called Schizophrenic.NYC with the mission of reducing stigma by starting conversations about mental health.
Michelle has also been featured in many publications such as Mashable, The Daily Mail, Stylist, and Buzzfeed, and has also been featured on TV networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS.
During this episode, you will hear Michelle talk about:
- Experiencing her first symptoms of schizophrenia in high school and college
- What it’s like for her to experience hallucinations and delusions
- What inspired her to start her clothing brand, Schizophrenic.NYC
- People’s reactions to her designs and pop-up events in New York City
- Challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about schizophrenia
Find out more about Michelle on her clothing brand’s website Schizophrenic.NYC and on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.
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*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*