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...
Jul 09, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 76
CW: Mental Health & Suicide Disclaimer: 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 Ne...
Jul 02, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 75
Will Chase is best known as the man who turned potatoes into gold, first with Tyrrells crisps, then with Chase Vodka. But beneath the branding genius and business triumphs lay decades of inner chaos he couldn’t explain.In this chat with Ben, Will opens up about the high-octane ambition that built his empire, and the internal battles that nearly undid it all. Diagnosed with ADHD and autism in his 60s, he’s now reckoning with a lifetime of shame, restlessness, and relationships left in his wake.Th...
Jun 25, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 74
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 conver...
Jun 18, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 73
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 ...
Jun 11, 2025•54 min•Season 1Ep. 72
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...
Jun 04, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 71
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 ch...
May 28, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 70
What really goes on behind closed doors in neurodivergent relationships? Psychosexual Therapist and ND Relationship Coach Karen Doherty brings 20+ years of experience to this eye-opening episode on late diagnosis, emotional dysregulation. In this chat with Ben, Karen unpacks why neurodivergent couples often struggle, and more importantly, how they can thrive. From the "code word" method to breaking the trigger cycle, Karen shares practical tools that help make strong ND couples. She also reveals...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 69
For Mental Health Awareness Week, Ben chats with Dr Adrian James, one of the UK’s most senior psychiatrists and NHS England’s first Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity. Adrian takes on this role at a crucial time, with rising waitlists, overwhelmed services turning away new referrals, and medication shortages forcing patients to ration. They delve into the postcode lottery of waiting lists, ongoing medication shortages, the lack of accessible NHS data, obstacles to the Right to...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 68
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 ins...
May 07, 2025•53 min•Season 1Ep. 67
In this episode, Ben chats with leading nutrition entrepreneur and founder of Heights, Dan Murray-Serter about the link between brain health and mental health. Dan shares how discovering neuroplasticity changed his life, why gratitude can be a superpower, and how ADHD and entrepreneurship often go hand in hand. From simple daily habits to building mental resilience, Dan’s insights reframe how we look at burnout, anxiety, and brain fog. Dan also shares his top tips for neurodivergent entrepreneur...
Apr 30, 2025•57 min•Season 1Ep. 66
Autism is back in the political spotlight in the U.S., as Donald Trump and his Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announce a major study to “find the cause” of autism — reviving the long-debunked claim that vaccines may be to blame. The move has sparked concern among scientists, advocates, and the autistic community. In this episode, Ben is joined by Independent journalist, Washington correspondent, and author Eric Garcia to unpack what’s really at stake. They explore the dangers of anti-v...
Apr 23, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 65
If you’ve binge-watched a British teen classic, you’ll know Kimberley Nixon — from Wild Child to Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging and Fresh Meat . But it’s her off-screen honesty that’s truly resonated. In this chat with Ben, Kimberley shares her raw and harrowing journey through perinatal OCD — a time when she felt trapped in “the Upside Down from Stranger Things ,” her mind flooded with the darkest thoughts imaginable. They explore motherhood, mental health, and the compulsive need for rep...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 64
In this episode, Ben sits down with Sir Simon Baron-Cohen, one of the most influential yet controversial leading figures in Autism research. As the director of Cambridge’s Autism Research Centre, Simon has spent 40 years shaping how we understand autism, from pioneering diagnostic tools to exploring the genetics behind neurodiversity. Together, they dive into some of the most hotly debated aspects of his work, confront some uncomfortable truths, and explore the link between autism and unique tal...
Apr 09, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 63
In this episode, Ben sits down with Sir Simon Baron-Cohen, one of the most influential yet controversial leading figures in Autism research. As the director of Cambridge’s Autism Research Centre, Simon has spent 40 years shaping how we understand autism, from pioneering diagnostic tools to exploring the genetics behind neurodiversity. They unpack the history of autism diagnoses, why prevalence has risen, and the shifting perception from ‘disorder’ to celebrating a different way of thinking. Plus...
Apr 02, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 62
The Made in Chelsea reality star turned author and entrepreneur, Millie Mackintosh has spent years in the spotlight while secretly grappling with undiagnosed ADHD, Dyspraxia and a complex relationship with alcohol. In this chat with Ben, Millie opens up about late diagnosis, the blurry overlap between ADHD and Dyspraxia, and how alcohol became both a crutch and a crisis to escape from rejection, grief, social anxiety and self-doubt. She shares how motherhood reshaped her perspective, the realiti...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 61
In light of recent government proposals to cut £5 billion annually from disability benefits by 2030 , it might seem like an odd moment to celebrate neurodivergence—but that’s exactly why we must. In a world where neurodivergence is often used as a pawn in culture wars, it’s more important than ever to pause, raise awareness, and share the reality of thinking differently. For Neurodiversity Celebration Week , Ben revisits some of the podcast’s most powerful moments—from Kit Harington on ADHD &...
Mar 19, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 60
Urban gardener, TV producer and author Martha Swales shares how gardening soothes her busy ADHD mind. After producing MasterChef and Nigella Lawson’s Cook, Eat, Repeat , she found viral fame inspiring millions to embrace nature. In this chat with Ben, Martha explores the contrast of her powerhouse producer persona who is always on time and in control VS her messy, sometimes late, fast-moving ADHD mind. She shares how gardening fosters mindfulness, soothes sensory overload, and why getting your h...
Mar 12, 2025•52 min•Season 1Ep. 59
Best friends and podcast hosts Kat and Jack bring their signature honesty and humour to a candid conversation about ADHD. Jack, founder of Beautiful Strangers—the creative team behind hit podcasts NewlyWeds and The Girls Bathroom , joins Kat to share what they’ve learned in the year since launching their ADHD podcast, Distracted . In this chat with Ben, they dive into their biggest bugbears with the ADHD community, the reality of private vs. NHS diagnosis, and the fine line between distraction a...
Mar 05, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 58
Record-breaking Arctic explorer and ocean conservationist Pen Hadow achieved the impossible—trekking solo to the North Pole . Now, on his 63rd birthday , he bravely opens up for the first time about his ADHD diagnosis , reflecting on how it shaped his risk-taking, resilience, and focus—for better and worse . In this chat with Ben, Pen unpacks the puzzling contradictions of ADHD —being able to laser-focus on extreme expeditions yet struggling with simple tasks like taking out the bins . They expl...
Feb 26, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 57
In this episode, Ben sits down with Amanda Perry, ADHD business mentor and author, to discuss the UK government’s Access to Work scheme and the controversy sparked by a recent Daily Mail article. The piece claims that influencers labeled "sickfluencers" are driving a surge in applications, particularly from self-diagnosed ADHD’ers. Amanda, one of the individuals named in the article, joins Ben to share her side of the story. In this chat with Ben, Amanda discusses the purpose of the scheme, who ...
Feb 19, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 56
In this special anniversary episode, Ben sits down with Head of Production, Bella, to reflect on an extraordinary first year of The Hidden 20% . From the thrill of winning Gold at the British Podcast Awards to unpacking the most raw and emotional conversation on the show, we revisit the moments that shaped us and changed the way we think. In this chat with Bella, Ben unpacks the three words that define our mission—"I feel seen"—answers listener questions, and bravely shares his extraordinary jou...
Feb 12, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 55
Professor Amanda Kirby has been a leading voice in the neurodivergent community for over four decades. With a PhD in Education and a background as a GP, her extensive career spans academic research, medical practice, and consultancy. She’s the author of 10 influential books, including the award-winning Neurodiversity at Work and her latest publication, Neurodiversity and Education . In this chat with Ben, Amanda delves into the evolution of neurodivergence awareness, highlights the often-overloo...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 54
In 2019, Clare Seal hit a breaking point in her life, facing £27K debt with no safety net. But after being diagnosed with ADHD, she rebuilt her relationship with money, becoming a certified financial coach, building a community of over 100k Instagram followers, and writing three books to help others manage their money. In this chat with Ben, Claire opens up about the moment she hit rock bottom, how her ADHD hijacked her bank account and how she went on to use it to rebuild her career, all whilst...
Jan 29, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 53
CW: Mental Health, Gore, Blood Marjolein Robertson, celebrated for her raw, relatable humour has taken the comedy world by storm. With widespread acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and a coveted spot on The List Hot 100, she has cemented her place as a rising star in comedy. In this episode, Marjolein opens up about being overlooked in the healthcare system, unpacks the link between neurodivergence and PMDD, Adenomyosis, and Endometriosis, and shares the story of her near-death experience....
Jan 22, 2025•55 min•Season 1Ep. 52
At just 22, Ward Thomas made history as the first UK country act to reach number one. Twin sisters Lizzy and Catherine have firmly established themselves as trailblazers in the British country music scene, but the journey to the top wasn't always smooth. In this chat with Ben, Lizzy and Catherine reflect on how neurodivergence has shaped their identities, creativity, and music. They discuss Lizzy’s feelings of inadequacy as the "dyslexic twin," the struggles of ADHD decision paralysis, the impor...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 51
From West London roots to becoming the first Black CEO of Island Records in the UK and US, Darcus Beese has shaped the music industry, launching stars like Amy Winehouse, Jessie J, Shawn Mendes, and Demi Lovato. He shares the challenges of being a CEO with ADHD, the dangers of relentless work, and how medication brought clarity—allowing him to see the world "in HD" for the first time. Darcus also reflects on growing up as a Black neurodivergent boy in 1970s Britain and unveils the reality of suc...
Jan 08, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 50
To celebrate the end of our first year at The Hidden 20% , we’re bringing back a familiar face from day one: Carrie Grant! This time, Carrie is joined by her husband, David Grant — the legendary vocal coaches from Pop Idol and Fame Academy . But beyond their iconic careers, the Grants are parents to four neurodivergent children, making them the perfect guests to explore what a neurodivergent Christmas looks like. In this chat with Ben, Carrie and David share why Christmas should come with zero e...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 49
Josh Hughes, aka The Tourettes Barber, has turned his experience with Tourettes into a powerful story of resilience and inspiration. With over a million TikTok followers, he uses humour and honesty to challenge stereotypes, raise awareness, and show that hands-on work is possible with severe tics. In this conversation with Ben, Josh opens up about the real dangers he’s faced, including being attacked for involuntary outbursts, his struggles with social media censorship, battling depression, and ...
Dec 11, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 48
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Miguel Toribio-Mateas, a neuroscientist, applied microbiologist, and holistic health expert with over two decades of experience. Dr. Miguel Toribio-Mateas has developed a unique expertise in the fascinating connections between neurodivergence, mental health, and the gut microbiome. In this chat with Ben, Dr. Miguel uncovers some of the latest and, at times, unsettling discoveries in neuroscience. From exploring the risks of psychosis linked to ADHD medication...
Dec 04, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 47
