https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/minds-that-think-differently-reframing-neurodivergence-disability-and-mental-health--7453748enMental HealthCopyright Amanda Murphyhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a2a9fab7ffacc2e4d85229ee765b208b.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/minds-that-think-differently-reframing-neurodivergence-disability-and-mental-health--7453748Fri, 06 Nov 2026 12:29:53 +0000Amanda MurphyAmanda Murphyfeeds@spreaker.comMinds That Think Differently is a podcast hosted by 16-year-old autistic advocate Amanda Murphy. Drawing on her own lived experiences, Amanda educates listeners about neurodivergence, disability, and mental health while challenging stigma and...false29ceac24-fbe9-5c59-b7ad-b90702d56836episodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/guest-spotlight-living-with-ms-and-finding-creativity-with-robbi-hall-kumalo--76209167Robbi Hall Kumalo is an award winning Grammy nominated composer and children’s music artist. She was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS or multiple sclerosis when she turned 50.
Throughout this episode you will learn about Robbi’s journey from finding out on her fiftieth birthday that she had MS, to feelings of internalized ableism, to learning to slow down, and accommodations that she makes for herself, and we talk about how disabled people aren’t broken, we talk about how she felt when she received her diagnosis, we talked about the monchord, meeting her friend Ronnie Smith who helped her out of a dark time, dancing the boogaloo with her father, getting a Grammy nomination, being a composer, working with children and so much more.
Through this interview you will begin to know Robbi, and understand her story and how MS is just one part of her journey and there are so many more things to understand about her. 
Timestamps00:00 Intro01:31 Who is Robbi Kumalo?01:57 What was Robbi’s experience getting an MS Diagnosis?02:36 Robbi’s Experience with relapsing remitting MS03:47 How Robbi felt when she learned what MS is04:46 Flare ups and remission is like washing dishes 05:40 Checking in with yourself06:23 You have to slow down in life06:56 MS as a birthday present and keep living life07:36 Music as physical therapy 08:56 Myelin damaging nerves in body09:30 Piano as physical therapy and slowing down10:07 MS flare up at trade show11:01 Meeting Ronnie Smith12:26 Meeting other musicians and Baha’i faith13:12 Struggling with MS14:39 We are all electrons protons and neutrons15:50 Not letting MS be a priority 16:59 It takes a family to support chronic illness18:30 What Robbi wants people not living with MS to understand about it19:42 What is difficult for you and staying in the present20:46 healing through vibrational frequencies21:42 Monochord at 432 Hertz and song24:45 Healing through music25:34 Looking up to adults as a child26:06 seeing eye to eye with people27:13 What inclusion and belonging means to Robbi27:41 Robbi’s life growing up28:44 We’re always growing 30:42 Accommodations that Robbi Needs31:59 Creating welcoming environments32:51 Accommodations that I have33:26 How Robbi Accomodates her audiences34:09 Teachers Hand clapping rhythm 35:56 Growing up with music and families relations to music36:45 Dancing the Boogaloo 37:45 Getting a Grammy Nomination39:02 Everyone's frequency matters39:58 technology expanding40:57 Robbi’s experience allowing herself to work differently43:20 How Robbi’s relationship with music has changed since being diagnosed with MS44:36 Disabled people aren't broken45:05 Let's make accommodating spaces for more people created by those people45:59 Drawing people to her bright light48:25 How all cultures use music and storytelling49:50 Remembering not to be a judge51:20 Everyone has a different experience with MS 53:02 We all have a heart that is beating54:08 Robbi’s Website56:10 Where to find more of Robbi57:14 outro
Where to find Robbi Her website https://www.robbikumalo.com 
Her podcast multiple superbness on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3L9aKGZfePkCMuKJY8hw8t?si=HfHdH0tWQ4CqTmQB89ZddQ&utm_source=native-share-menu 
Her book Married to a Rockstarhttps://www.amazon.com/Married-Rockstar-Musical-Blessings-Healing-ebook/dp/B0FV6LMLB8?ref_=ast_author_mpb 
Her YouTube channelhttps://youtube.com/@msrobik?si=y2R1IMPZbbeH6jON 
And to find more of Minds That Think Differently visit my linktreehttps://linktr.ee/amanda560 
Guest spotlights will be an ongoing series featuring guests from the neurodivergent or disabled communities that will share unique perspectives and insights. This is a series that I hope to continue.]]>fd3c3304-a178-4693-8698-e3acd05bad8fFri, 06 Nov 2026 11:00:00 +0000Amanda Murphy In the first guest spotlight of Minds That Think Differently Amanda talks with Robbi Hall Kumalo about her diagnosis with MS when she turned fifty and what her experience was and how it impacted her creativity.  Robbi Hall Kumalo is an award winning...Robbi Hall Kumalo is an award winning Grammy nominated composer and children’s music artist. She was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS or multiple sclerosis when she turned 50.
Throughout this episode you will learn about Robbi’s journey from finding out on her fiftieth birthday that she had MS, to feelings of internalized ableism, to learning to slow down, and accommodations that she makes for herself, and we talk about how disabled people aren’t broken, we talk about how she felt when she received her diagnosis, we talked about the monchord, meeting her friend Ronnie Smith who helped her out of a dark time, dancing the boogaloo with her father, getting a Grammy nomination, being a composer, working with children and so much more.
Through this interview you will begin to know Robbi, and understand her story and how MS is just one part of her journey and there are so many more things to understand about her. 
Timestamps00:00 Intro01:31 Who is Robbi Kumalo?01:57 What was Robbi’s experience getting an MS Diagnosis?02:36 Robbi’s Experience with relapsing remitting MS03:47 How Robbi felt when she learned what MS is04:46 Flare ups and remission is like washing dishes 05:40 Checking in with yourself06:23 You have to slow down in life06:56 MS as a birthday present and keep living life07:36 Music as physical therapy 08:56 Myelin damaging nerves in body09:30 Piano as physical therapy and slowing down10:07 MS flare up at trade show11:01 Meeting Ronnie Smith12:26 Meeting other musicians and Baha’i faith13:12 Struggling with MS14:39 We are all electrons protons and neutrons15:50 Not letting MS be a priority 16:59 It takes a family to support chronic illness18:30 What Robbi wants people not living with MS to understand about it19:42 What is difficult for you and staying in the present20:46 healing through vibrational frequencies21:42 Monochord at 432 Hertz and song24:45 Healing through music25:34 Looking up to adults as a child26:06 seeing eye to eye with people27:13 What inclusion and belonging means to Robbi27:41 Robbi’s life growing up28:44 We’re always growing 30:42 Accommodations that Robbi Needs31:59 Creating welcoming environments32:51 Accommodations that I have33:26 How Robbi Accomodates her audiences34:09 Teachers Hand clapping rhythm 35:56 Growing up with music and families relations to music36:45 Dancing the Boogaloo 37:45 Getting a Grammy Nomination39:02 Everyone's frequency matters39:58 technology expanding40:57 Robbi’s experience allowing herself to work differently43:20 How Robbi’s relationship with music has changed since being diagnosed with MS44:36 Disabled people aren't broken45:05 Let's make accommodating spaces for more people created by those people45:59 Drawing people to her bright light48:25 How all cultures use music and storytelling49:50 Remembering not to be a judge51:20 Everyone has a different experience with MS 53:02 We all have a heart that is beating54:08 Robbi’s Website56:10 Where to find more of Robbi57:14 outro
Where to find Robbi Her website https://www.robbikumalo.com 
Her podcast multiple superbness on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3L9aKGZfePkCMuKJY8hw8t?si=HfHdH0tWQ4CqTmQB89ZddQ&utm_source=native-share-menu 
Her book Married to a Rockstarbonushttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-21-stimming-and-harmful-stims--76153657Stimming or repeating movements, actions or behaviors is something that we all do. It can help us feel more focused, regulated, and help us cope with big emotions like joy, sadness, anger and boredom. 
In this episode of Minds That Think Differently you will learn more about what stimming is and isn’t and you will gain a better understanding of your own stims and other people’s stims, and you will begin to understand that stimming is a positive and natural part of human diversity not something that should be shunned, suppressed or stopped. 
Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:15 Roadmap 01:42 Sneak peak of next episode02:45 What is Stimming?05:24 Stimming shouldn’t be suppressed 06:02 Why Stimming is Important 06:35 Why People Stim08:11 Stimming in Neurodivergent People10:17 Auditory Stimming10:55 Echolalia 12:08 Visual Stimming12:28 Tactile Stimming12:50 Olfactory Stimming13:22 Vocal Stimming13:44 Vestibular Stimming14:05 Proprioceptive Stimming14:37 Positives of Stimming15:27 Drawbacks and Challenges of Stimming17:21 Why people mask their stims 18:16 Long Term effects of suppressing stims19:16 What Suppressing your stims can look like20:23 Learning to stop suppressing your stims21:02 What embracing your stims can look like22:35 Sensory Break 23:08 What are Harmful Stims?23:34 How to support and redirect harmful stims24:46 Safety of the Person with harmful stims26:14 What People get wrong about harmful stims27:04 What you should do with harmful stims27:22 How to Support someone else who stims27:59 How to support your own stims28:27 Mythbusting myths around stimming29:21 Big Takeaways29:55 Recap30:26 Affirmation and Question30:39 Outro 
Email me connect@thinkdifferentpod.com 
Find more information at my websitethinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com 
Find more ways to listen and all other links on my linktree https://linktr.ee/amanda560 ]]>25563ab9-a3a6-4b9a-89bc-34cef88d9195Tue, 03 Nov 2026 11:00:00 +0000Amanda Murphy Stimming or repeating movements, actions or behaviors is something that we all do. It can help us feel more focused, regulated, and help us cope with big emotions like joy, sadness, anger and boredom.  In this episode of Minds That Think Differently...Stimming or repeating movements, actions or behaviors is something that we all do. It can help us feel more focused, regulated, and help us cope with big emotions like joy, sadness, anger and boredom. 
In this episode of Minds That Think Differently you will learn more about what stimming is and isn’t and you will gain a better understanding of your own stims and other people’s stims, and you will begin to understand that stimming is a positive and natural part of human diversity not something that should be shunned, suppressed or stopped. 
Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:15 Roadmap 01:42 Sneak peak of next episode02:45 What is Stimming?05:24 Stimming shouldn’t be suppressed 06:02 Why Stimming is Important 06:35 Why People Stim08:11 Stimming in Neurodivergent People10:17 Auditory Stimming10:55 Echolalia 12:08 Visual Stimming12:28 Tactile Stimming12:50 Olfactory Stimming13:22 Vocal Stimming13:44 Vestibular Stimming14:05 Proprioceptive Stimming14:37 Positives of Stimming15:27 Drawbacks and Challenges of Stimming17:21 Why people mask their stims 18:16 Long Term effects of suppressing stims19:16 What Suppressing your stims can look like20:23 Learning to stop suppressing your stims21:02 What embracing your stims can look like22:35 Sensory Break 23:08 What are Harmful Stims?23:34 How to support and redirect harmful stims24:46 Safety of the Person with harmful stims26:14 What People get wrong about harmful stims27:04 What you should do with harmful stims27:22 How to Support someone else who stims27:59 How to support your own stims28:27 Mythbusting myths around stimming29:21 Big Takeaways29:55 Recap30:26 Affirmation and Question30:39 Outro 
Email me connect@thinkdifferentpod.com 
Find more information at my websitethinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com 
Find more ways to listen and all other links on my linktree https://linktr.ee/amanda560 ]]>1872false21fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-20-executive-functioning-ef-and-executive-dysfunction--76025107thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com 
]]>1a9b5234-af5d-427d-8199-f0955c474570Tue, 27 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000Amanda MurphyHave you ever heard of executive function? It's a set of skills related to organization, planning and more. In this episode we talk about what executive functioning is, who is affected by it, why it's important, the models of executive functioning,...thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com 
]]>2183false20fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-19-rituals-and-routines-in-neurodivergent-people--75874430thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com 
]]>8edfd38d-14c2-405c-8500-8df7341f4d39Tue, 20 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000Amanda MurphyWhat are rituals and routines in the context of neurodivergence? Rituals and routines are something that we all do but for neurodivergent people these rituals and routines can be stronger and more noticeable and necessary. In this episode we cover...thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com 
]]>1718false19fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-18-models-of-disability-medical-social-and-beyond--75754574thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com 
]]>1c89312a-44dd-43f9-b818-8b81a2335e15Tue, 13 Oct 2026 11:30:00 +0000Amanda MurphyIs there a right model or perfect model of disability? In this episode of Minds That Think Differently Amanda covers what a model is, why models of disability are important  the medical model, the social model, the tragedy model, the charity model,...thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com 
]]>1903false18fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-17-adhd-explained-executive-function-attention-subtypes-and-more--75708344Email meConnect@thinkdifferentpod.comFind more information and transcripts on my websitethinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com]]>2c6f633e-8c74-45fd-80ab-4b9a6a224b3aTue, 06 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000Amanda MurphyIn this episode I discuss What adhd is, the subtypes, the diagnostic criteria, executive function including working memory, impulse control, time management, time blindness, emotional regulation, attention regulation, motivation and dopamine, how adhd...Email meConnect@thinkdifferentpod.comFind more information and transcripts on my websitethinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com]]>1979false17fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-16-autism-explained-traits-support-needs-diagnosis-masking-and-more--75708347



]]>b37972c2-cac1-4db1-8654-7feb0ba77af5Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000Amanda MurphyIn this episode I talk about What autism is, myths and misconceptions, diagnostic criteria, terminology, support needs, my personal experience, strengths and challenges, history, how it presents in girls women and minorities, social communication, the...



]]>3285falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-15-getting-a-diagnosis-and-self-diagnosis--75708355


]]>8f9be63f-0433-4f07-a3f0-9545d9815c81Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000Amanda MurphyIn this episode we cover what a diagnosis is, the assessment process, misdiagnosis, what if you don't get a diagnosis, late diagnosis, barriers to diagnosis, what to do after a diagnosis, emotional impact of diagnosis, how people might react, finding...


]]>1887falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-14-why-neurodivergent-students-struggle-so-much-in-school-and-what-we-can-do-about-it--75708345Email me connect@thinkdifferentpod.comFind more information on my websitethinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com]]>8cee11ec-83a8-4165-be75-74052a7d9045Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000Amanda MurphyIn this episode we talk about what schools expect and teach students and why those expectations don't fit neurodivergent students, we talk about struggles neurodivergent students face in school like executive functioning, masking, social challenges,...Email me connect@thinkdifferentpod.comFind more information on my websitethinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com]]>2624false14fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-13-invisible-disabilities-part-3-neurological-neurodevelopmental-communication-sensory-and-sleep-invisible-disabilities--75708349



]]>a50e4f90-ea1e-40af-a31c-99ea4e2bb084Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000Amanda MurphyIn this episode we look at invisible disabilities that are either neurological neurodevelopmental sleep sensory or communication related. Conditions covered in this episode include epilepsy, migraines, TBI, dementia, parkinsons, huntingtons aphasia,...



]]>2387false13fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-12-invisible-disabilities-part-2-physical-invisible-disabilities-and-chronic-illnesses--75708351


]]>0f3ba083-ce21-4a68-ba14-d290a4a0bc8fTue, 01 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000Amanda MurphyIn this episode we dive into specific physical invisible disabilities and chronic illnesses and break down myths and misconceptions surrounding them we go into the trifecta, dysautonomia, fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, Lupus, arthritis, CHF, celiac disease,...


]]>2238false12fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-11-invisible-disabilities-part-1-the-foundations--757083460d326c90-b1b7-4cc4-8cb3-141c25b9327fTue, 25 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000Amanda MurphyIn this episode we will cover what invisible disability is, some common misconceptions about invisible disability, the spoon theory, medical gaslighting, and ally and self advocacy, as well as building the foundations for part 2 and part 3 of this...1768false11fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-10-special-interests-and-hyperfixations--757083656feef164-49ce-4e10-8b16-0e915a01ae72Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000Amanda MurphyDo you have interests that seem more intense than everyone else's but aren't sure why? In this episode I discuss special interests and hyperfixations, what they are, the difference between them, why they matter, the benefits and challenges, losing a...1952false10fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-9-understanding-accommodations-ieps-504-plans-and-workplace-accommodations--75708350
Email me at connect@thinkdifferentpod.com]]>b243630f-4b4a-46e8-b12c-71892ca1e27cTue, 11 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000Amanda MurphyDo you know what accommodations are? Do you know what accommodations you could ask for and how to ask for them? In this episode Amanda covers the difference between IEP 504 and workplace accommodations, common accommodations you could ask for, what to...
Email me at connect@thinkdifferentpod.com]]>2346false9fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-8-what-is-mental-health-understanding-the-basics--75708359Resources for immediate help U.S Call or text 988 for the suicide and crisis hotlineText 741741 for crisis text lineNAMI HelplineTrevor Project text start 678678Teen Line call 800-852-8336 or text teen to 839863U.KText shout to 85258CanadaText CONNECT to 686868IrelandText home to 50808If you are in a different country please look up the numbers in case you ever need them.]]>fe6ec6d5-032b-4390-9882-32229959fa59Tue, 04 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000Amanda MurphyIn this episode we will talk about what mental health is, how neurodivergent people experience mental health differently, why mental health and neurodivergence are commonly co-occurring, misconceptions about mental health, how to know if you need...Resources for immediate help U.S Call or text 988 for the suicide and crisis hotlineText 741741 for crisis text lineNAMI HelplineTrevor Project text start 678678Teen Line call 800-852-8336 or text teen to 839863U.KText shout to 85258CanadaText CONNECT to 686868IrelandText home to 50808If you are in a different country please look up the numbers in case you ever need them.]]>2213false8fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-7-debunking-myths-and-misconceptions-about-mental-health-neurodivergence-and-disability--75708360


]]>756136c1-53c5-4410-a60a-fd827b59a31bTue, 28 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +0000Amanda MurphyWhich of the things you believe about neurodivergence, disability, and mental health are actually true? In this episode we dive into stereotypes myths and misconceptions surrounding disability, mental health and neurodivergence, we talk about...


]]>2692false7fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-6-lesser-known-neurodivergent-identities--75708356f2182516-d821-4358-9ac8-7781a7a5141eTue, 21 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +0000Amanda MurphyHow much about neurodevelopmental and neurological conditions do you actually know? In this episode we cover synesthesia, Aphantasia, Tourette syndrome, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, SPD, APD, misophonia, RSD, ABI, DLD, and hyperlexia, why these...2545false6fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-5-burnout-meltdowns-and-shutdowns--75708352Find more info and transcripts at my website thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com
]]>33eb7636-f4bf-42a4-8e00-d79c21313ac9Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +0000Amanda MurphyIn this episode you will learn the difference between burnouts, shutdowns, and meltdowns, how to notice them in yourself and in others, common misconceptions surrounding them, and some of the types of burnout. Find more info and transcripts at my...Find more info and transcripts at my website thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com
]]>1440false5fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-4-what-autism-and-adhd-actually-look-like-traits-terminology-and-real-experiences--75708354thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com
]]>74d2adb6-d2cc-4de0-9b50-d0fd13fd46c4Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +0000Amanda MurphyDo you really know what autism and ADHD are or do you only know the stereotypes? This episode talks about language, hyperfixtations and special interests, meltdowns and shutdowns, vocabulary, and how things can actually look in real life.Find More...thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com
]]>2004false4fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-3-masking-explained-why-neurodivergent-people-hide-their-traits--75708353⁠⁠Minds That Think Differently – Reframing Neurodivergence, Disability, and Mental Health⁠Contact me at connect@thinkdifferentpod.com
]]>976f17b1-f919-4280-9308-d8714fad39aaTue, 30 Jun 2026 16:35:32 +0000Amanda MurphyDo you ever feel like you are putting on a mask to fit in around others? For many neurodivergent people that can be a sign of masking. Neurodivergent people often have to mask in order to hide their traits and be seen as more normal in society. This...⁠⁠Minds That Think Differently – Reframing Neurodivergence, Disability, and Mental Health⁠Contact me at connect@thinkdifferentpod.com
]]>1627false3fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-2-sensory-sensitivity-and-overstimulation--75708358⁠Minds That Think Differently – Reframing Neurodivergence, Disability, and Mental HealthContact me at connect@thinkdifferentpod.com]]>ee7e5eeb-24e4-4932-af67-1d5c6e6d9a96Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:35:15 +0000Amanda MurphyHave you ever felt overwhelmed seemingly for no reason? Have you ever been told that you were too sensitive or were just being dramatic, when really there was a bigger issue going on? In episode 2 of Minds That Think Differently Amanda dives into the...⁠Minds That Think Differently – Reframing Neurodivergence, Disability, and Mental HealthContact me at connect@thinkdifferentpod.com]]>2221false2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-1-what-is-neurodivergence-a-beginner-friendly-guide-to-terminology-and-understanding--75708357⁠⁠Minds That Think Differently – Reframing Neurodivergence, Disability, and Mental Health⁠Contact me at connect@thinkdifferentpod.com]]>11a911a3-a7b2-4752-b192-4792e5d13588Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:34:53 +0000Amanda MurphyWhat is neurodivergence? This is the question Amanda tackles in the first episode of Minds that Think Differently. Covering basic terminology, language, the medical and social models of disability, masking, stimming, communication differences,...⁠⁠Minds That Think Differently – Reframing Neurodivergence, Disability, and Mental Health⁠Contact me at connect@thinkdifferentpod.com]]>2270false1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/minds-that-think-differently-trailer--75708361⁠⁠Minds That Think Differently – Reframing Neurodivergence, Disability, and Mental Health⁠Contact me at connect@thinkdifferentpod.com]]>e3db692b-9ae7-42c8-bf90-2c4df73b3af8Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:34:23 +0000Amanda MurphyMinds that think Differently is a podcast that will focus on neurodivergence, disability, and mental health. We will tackle culture, identity, struggles, joy, lived experiences, advocacy, accessibility and more. Whether you are neurodivergent,...⁠⁠Minds That Think Differently – Reframing Neurodivergence, Disability, and Mental Health⁠Contact me at connect@thinkdifferentpod.com]]>98falsetrailer