CW: mental health & suicide Forensic psychologist Ali Bromley made history as the first lesbian to win Big Brother UK . In this candid chat with Ben, Ali reflects on her journey in the house—proudly representing the ADHD, Autistic, and LGBTQIA+ communities, grappling with sensory overwhelm, and navigating the autistic drive for unyielding authenticity. She also shares insights from her time assessing autism in prisons and finding new purpose after the tragic loss of her neurodivergent brothe...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 46
In this episode, Ben is joined by Dr. Nancy Doyle, a renowned ADHD organisational psychologist, founder of Genius Within, and creator of The Genius Finder™. Nancy has been a leading voice in transforming how companies support neurodivergent employees and is the mind behind the BBC series Employable Me . In this chat with Ben, Nancy opens up about the ND unemployment crisis, the risks of hyper-policing language, the challenges of disclosing neurodivergence at work, and the lasting impact of schoo...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 45
Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, alcohol use, and mental health challenges. If you or someone you know needs support, contact Samaritans at 116 123 or visit Samaritans.org. In this eye-opening episode, counsellor and CBT therapist Sarah Templeton reveals why she believes the true rate of ADHD in UK prisons is far higher than current estimates. With years of experience in the prison system, Sarah created the first ADHD screening checklist for detainees, helping make ...
Nov 13, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 44
Abigail Agyei-Jones MBE is an award-winning diversity champion and neurodiversity advocate with ADHD and Dyspraxia. In this chat with Ben, Abigail shares the internalised shame she’s faced over struggling with everyday tasks—like driving and tying shoelaces—and unpacks the unique barriers Black neurodivergent children encounter in accessing support. She also reveals the real story behind her departure from the civil service. ______________________________________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Br...
Nov 06, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 43
CW: This episode includes discussions of suicide, addiction, and pornography. If these topics may be triggering, please listen with care and reach out for support if needed. This week’s guest is actor, writer, and one of the most familiar faces in British comedy—Marcus Brigstocke. You’ve probably seen him cracking jokes on QI, Mock the Week, Have I Got News for You or Live At The Apollo. Marcus credits dyslexia for his “Comic Super Brain”. But it’s not all laughs—in a raw conversation, Marcus ta...
Oct 30, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 42
From Burberry model to leading nutritionist, Sarah Ann Macklin has advised at the European Parliament, worked on Harley Street, delivered a TED Talk, and written for top UK publications. With her own experience of dyslexia, she’s passionate about neurodivergence, focusing her research on the links between diet, ADHD, and dyslexia. In this conversation with Ben, Sarah delves into how nutrition can support neurodivergent minds. From the benefits of oily fish to the importance of gut microbiome, sh...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 41
CW: Please note, this episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. While ongoing research explores the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics and cannabis, these substances remain illegal in the UK, and psychedelics are not yet approved treatments for mental health or neurological conditions. Dr. Rayyan Zafar is a leading neuropsychopharmacologist and a postdoctoral researcher at Imperial College London. In this chat with Ben, Dr. Z...
Oct 16, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 40
To mark Dyslexia Awareness Week , we knew our guest would need to be an absolute "bombshell". Georgia Steel , rose to fame on Love Island in 2018 for her bold personality and trademark "loyalty." But Georgia is much more than a reality TV star. As a proud dyslexic , she uses her platform to challenge the stigma around learning difficulties. In this chat with Ben, she opens up about facing online abuse for being Dyslexic, being vulnerable to manipulation, and the reality of life as a model, influ...
Oct 09, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Bradley Riches first communicated through sound and movement, but after his autism diagnosis at age 9, he found his voice through acting. Now, he stars as James in Netflix's Heartstopper , a character who, like Bradley, is both queer and autistic. Recently, he won over audiences on Big Brother by sharing his journey with autism. In this episode, Bradley talks with Ben about being non-verbal, experiencing Big Brother through an autistic lens, finding his voice, and his recent engagement. ________...
Oct 02, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Mae Stephens went from working at ASDA to becoming a TikTok sensation with her hit "If We Ever Broke Up," securing a major record deal, performing at Glastonbury, and racking up over 500 million streams worldwide. In this episode, Mae opens up to Ben about how her ADHD fuels her songwriting, the transformative power of therapy, and why she embraces the "weird and wonderful." Plus, don’t miss an EXCLUSIVE listen to the original recording of " If We Ever Broke Up ." ________________ On "The Hidden...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 37
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tony Lloyd, CEO of the ADHD Foundation, to dive deep into the world of ADHD. Whether you're newly diagnosed, supporting someone with ADHD, or just curious - ADHD Foundation Dr. Tony Lloyd brings decades of experience, breaking down myths, sharing the latest research, and offering practical advice on living with ADHD. We explore how ADHD intersects with mental health, education, and social change - and we answer your questions too! Join us for an insightful d...
Sep 18, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 36
CW: Suicide & Mental Health On World Suicide Prevention Day, we wanted to talk more openly about the links between suicide and Autism. When Jonathan Scott Lee, a senior officer at one of the largest bank in the world was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD, he became a neurodiversity advocate and champion for inclusivity. But, after the tragic loss of his 16-year-old autistic daughter, Caitlyn, to suicide, he now focuses on raising awareness of the increased suicide risk within the autistic commu...
Sep 10, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Join us for an unscripted, unedited bonus episode with our host, Ben Branson, as he shares his candid thoughts. In this exciting and evolving time for the neurodivergent community, change is happening rapidly. Each week, we encounter incredible stories and important news, and we want to keep you in the loop. In this episode, Ben covers top headlines, from the alarming bullying rates affecting neurodivergent children to a high-profile political family bringing neurodiversity into the spotlight, a...
Sep 09, 2024•15 min•Season 1Ep. 34
If you're interested in neurodivergence and your on socials, you've probably heard of Rich and Rox, a.k.a ADHD Love. With over 200 million views, their viral videos offer candid insights into living with ADHD and autism. In this chat with Ben, they explore healing negative internal voices, celebrating the genius of ADHD, the dangers of self-medicating social anxiety and how to support your ND partner. ________________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism,...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Join us for an unscripted, unedited bonus episode with our host, Ben Branson, as he shares his candid thoughts. In this exciting and evolving time for the neurodivergent community, change is happening rapidly. Each week, we encounter incredible stories and important news, and we want to keep you in the loop. In this episode, Ben dives into some top headlines, from Dyscalculia taking centre stage in Eastenders to why there's a rise 40% in disability benefits. Plus, we have a special little guest ...
Aug 30, 2024•14 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Today’s’ guest is the only TV presenter in the UK with Tourettes syndrome. Aidy Smith is award-winning broadcaster journalist making waves in the drinks industry. You may recognise his dulcit tones from BBC Radio or seen him sipping wine whilst hosting Amazon’s highest-rated drinks-travel series, "The Three Drinkers". In this chat with Ben, Aidy unpacks Executive Dysfunction, living with chronic pain and how to thrive in the entertainment industry with Tourettes. ___________ On "The Hidden 20%,"...
Aug 28, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Mark Evans is a draughtsman and sculptor known for his meticulous technique of etching photorealistic images onto leather hides. His works, renowned for their surgical precision and stunning detail, are held in prestigious private collections worldwide, ranging from royalty to Hollywood's A-list. As someone with a neurodivergent family, Mark understands the art of carving your own path. In this conversation with Ben, he delves into his journey—exploring the feral rage that drives his creativity,...
Aug 21, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Join us for an unscripted, unedited bonus episode with our host, Ben Branson, as he shares his candid thoughts. In this exciting and evolving time for the neurodivergent community, change is happening rapidly. Each week, we encounter incredible stories and important news, and we want to keep you in the loop. In this episode, Ben dives into some top headlines, from the possibility of prehistoric autism, debunking myths around autism reversal and support for neurodivergent offenders. Plus, we have...
Aug 16, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 29
This weeks guest is Pip Jamieson, the delightfully dyslexic founder of The Dots- recognised by The Sunday Times as one of the Top 100 Disruptive Entrepreneurs and by Ad Week as a trailblazing leader making a global impact. In this chat with Ben, Pip opens up about her evolving perspective on dyslexia, her journey as a disruptive entrepreneur, the importance of diversity in business, and the exciting yet daunting future of AI. ____________________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with ...
Aug 14, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Today's episode is a little different. Join us for an unscripted, unedited bonus episode with our host, Ben Branson, as he shares his candid opinions. It's an exciting time in the neurodivergent community, with lots of change. Each week, we come across incredible and sometimes surprising news, and we want to keep you informed. In this episode, Ben explores some of the most compelling stories in the neurodivergent community, from neurodivergent Olympic athletes winning gold to why neurodivergent ...
Aug 09, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Amy Spalding, beloved for her humour and iconic boots, brought some much-needed femme-for-femme representation to BBC’s hit reality show, I Kissed A Girl . Often referred to as the “people's lesbian princess”, it’s fair to say she was a fan-favourite. In this episode, Ben explores why Amy was often told she was “too much.” Amy discusses her ADHD diagnosis, struggles with time-blindness, and journey to embracing her queer identity. She also shares her experiences in the Masseria and running her s...
Aug 07, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this episode, Ben speaks with one of the most formidable mountaineers of his generation, Kenton Cool, who has scaled Mount Everest an astonishing 18 times. Kenton discusses how a traumatic brain injury led to acquired neurodivergence, the impact of altitude on cognitive function, and what drives him to conquer the world's highest peak. 0:00 Introduction 1:38 Kenton Cool's Neurodivergent Brain Today 2:48 Why Ben Climbed Ben Nevis Barefoot 6:52 Preparing To Climb Mount Everest 11:48 Kenton Cool...
Jul 31, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Today's episode is a little different. Join us for an unscripted, unedited bonus episode with our host, Ben Branson, as he shares his candid opinions. It's an exciting time in the neurodivergent community, with lots of change. Each week, we come across incredible and sometimes surprising news, and we want to keep you informed. In this episode, Ben delves into some of the most notable stories in the neurodivergent space, from the buzz about an autistic SpongeBob SquarePants to Jessie J's recent A...
Jul 30, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 24
At just 16, Tylan Grant made history as the first black actor to portray an autistic character on mainstream TV, winning multiple awards. His role in Hollyoaks mirrors his own experiences with gender identity and neurodivergence. In this chat with Ben, Tylan discusses the link between Autism and gender dysphoria, his experience on the Hollyoaks set, transcendental meditation, and managing social anxiety. 0:00 Introduction 1:40 Autism & Identity 8:47 Tylan's Special Interest 11:15 Tylan's Neu...
Jul 24, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 23
CW: Suicide, Mental Health In this podcast exclusive, culinary icon Heston Blumenthal reveals his recent diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The mastermind behind the three Michelin-starred The Fat Duck is renowned for his innovative, playful, and multi-sensory culinary experiences. So it may not come as a surprise that he's also ADHD. In this episode, Ben takes a deep dive "Inside Heston’s World," unveiling a different side of the renowned chef. Heston candidly discusses the highs and lows of bipola...
Jul 17, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Matt Willis, rose to fame with the multi-platinum band Busted and later went on to star in major West End productions. In this chat with Ben, Matt reveals a different side of himself, sharing the shock of his ADHD diagnosis following a visit to a marriage counsellor. He discusses coping strategies for ADHD which helped handle addiction, how to overcome shame, and provides a fresh perspective on his time in the jungle. Matt also spills the tea on what it was like to work with his wife, Emma Willi...
Jul 10, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 21
CW: mental health, suicide & addiction. With more than 20 years of expertise in hairstyling, salon ownership, and creating his own haircare products, Adam Reed stands as a legendary figure in the hairstyling industry. In this chat with Ben, Adam openly discusses navigating anxiety and paranoia alongside ADHD and explores his healing journey, from prescription medications to micro-dosing psilocybin. Adam also reflects on a difficult childhood and why community plays a pivotal role in his life...
Jul 03, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Holly Tucker has made small business’ her lifeblood as the founder of Europe’s biggest small business marketplace, Not On The High Street and Holly & Co. In this episode Ben chats to Holly about how she got the name "hurricane holly", the benefits of naivety in business and why dyslexic thinkers are incredible entrepreneurs. 0:00 Introduction 1:10 Business & Naivety 7:27 Holly's Life Mission 13:31 Shame Around Dyslexia 17:57 Holly's Dyslexia Diagnosis 22:24 Dyslexia Is Great For Business...
Jun 26, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 19
With season 2 right around the corner, we thought we'd drop a bonus episode to keep you going! A few weeks back, we recorded a special episode LIVE at The Podcast Show with our friends from TYX. We invited Sunil Patel from the award-winning Whisper to talk all things late-diagnosis ADHD, running a business when you're neurodivergent, and pushing the boundaries of television. Sunil was amazing, and so is this episode! Season 2 is coming soon, watch this space! Literally... WATCH the full episode ...
Jun 18, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 18
In The Hidden 20% season finale, things get personal. Sam Branson, Ben's wife, takes a seat in the green chair for the first time, giving a new perspective on Ben's journey with autism and ADHD. With raw honesty, they delve into the impact of Ben's diagnosis on their marriage. Sam talks about handling Ben's shutdowns, going solo to events and challenges with communication. But they don't stop there—they also share how they overcame these challenges, emerging stronger than ever. WATCH the full ep...
Apr 24, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 17
