I sat down with Abbas Zahedi, a multidisciplinary artist working across sound, installation, and socially engaged practice. Their process-based, site-sensitive approach responds to space, history, and community, shaping work that resists easy categorisation. In this episode, we explore how neurodivergence informs Abbas’s creative practice, their non-linear path into the art world, and the challenges of navigating institutions while carving out space on their own terms. We also discuss access, se...
Mar 20, 2025•57 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Talented musician and illustrator Joanna Sternberg speaks with me about the themes in their music, dangers of people pleasing, inspirations, navigating the industry, and the empowering impact of trusted friends. We also speak about about the benefits and challenges that come from neurodivergent diagnosis, including autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Joanna offers suggestions for how aspiring musicans can move from having their music as a private practice to one they can share with friends and beyond. T...
Mar 11, 2025•59 min•Season 2Ep. 7
What if you created a character to make sense of your own struggles? That’s exactly what Shaun did. He created Jack Tisson—a character through which he explores the root causes of the challenges he’s faced in life and how that understanding informs a more constructive approach to shaping the future he wants. In this conversation, we discuss: 🔹 The experiences that led Shaun to create Jack Tisson 🔹 Why some people struggle to find stability in work and society 🔹 The tension between accountabil...
Mar 03, 2025•59 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Artist and Writer Elinor Rowlands speaks with Sam about navigating a creative career as a neurodivergent person, and the work they’re doing to support other autistic / ADHD artists thrive with their Magical Women project. In this episode we speak about: 00:00 Coming up in this episode 05:58 What Elinor believes creative practice offers that is essential for neurodivergent artists 08:44 Barriers Elinor’s experienced in their career they relate to being autistic 10:00 Elinor’s experience of 'abeis...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 5
Daniel Wilson (Meadow House, Post Electronics, Oscillatorial Binnage) joins Sam to discuss being labeled an outsider musician—how he relates to the term, and whether it connects to neurodivergence. They explore the challenges of sustaining a creative career outside conventional structures and how Dan’s approach to sound and music reflects a truly divergent way of thinking—embracing what he calls “a point of difference.” Topics Discussed: • Being labeled an outsider musician – How Dan has been de...
Feb 14, 2025•59 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this episode of Working to Work , I speak with Justin Borge , a ChatGPT enthusiast who has found innovative ways to use AI to support his ADHD . We explore how AI can be a non-judgmental, always-available tool that helps neurodivergent individuals enhance their creative strengths and overcome challenges in work. Topics covered: • How Justin first started using ChatGPT and how it evolved into an essential tool. • AI as a support system for executive function challenges . • Using AI to translat...
Feb 03, 2025•50 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Shakira Alleyne reflects on how rigid structures in creative programs can stifle participation, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Sharing her experience with unstructured environments, she highlights the importance of autonomy and flexibility in helping people thrive and feel included. Please do follow the show to be notified when new episodes are released, and leave a rating and review if you appreciate it, or have feedback. You can subscribe to the YouTube channel for video versions o...
Jan 28, 2025•8 min
Working to Work is proud to present Audio Producer, Robin Blamires' epic sonic journey exploring his passion for radio and experiences seeking work in the industry. The piece is demonstrative of Robin's impressive creative and technical skill, his honour, his deep knowledge and understanding of the rail medium. But it also speaks to the unfortunate reality that many neurodivergent creatives face gaining opportunities to demonstrate their abilities in sustainable and gratifying ways. In episode 5...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 2
Sam speaks with Shakira Alleyne, an autistic and ADHD musician and filmmaker, about their creative journey and the challenges neurodivergent musicians face. They discuss the inspiration behind Shakira’s film Neurodiversity in Music and the barriers uncovered during its making. The conversation digs into what makes creative spaces truly inclusive, how mental health and neurodivergence intersect, and why self-awareness is vital for artistic growth. An inspiring discussion for creatives, advocates,...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 1
On 26th November 2024 the UK Government published a white paper detailing their plans to ‘Get Britain Working’. This paper included plans to support disabled and neurodivergent individuals, and people experiencing mental ill health. I spoke with BBC Radio 5 Live host, Gordon Smart about what challenges neurodivergent people experience obtaining and maintaining work, the difficulties that can result, and what the new Labour can do to address these problems. Please do follow the show to be notifie...
Nov 27, 2024•16 min
In this clip cut from the full episode, Sir Robert Buckland outlines the key findings from the Buckland Review of Autism Employment, which focuses on breaking down barriers autistic individuals face in the workforce. He discusses crucial steps such as reducing stigma and launching the Neurodiversity Employers Index, alongside the review’s 19 recommendations. Sir Robert also explains the next steps, including the formation of a dedicated task group to oversee the implementation of these recommend...
Oct 15, 2024•11 min
In this episode, I follow up with Sir Robert Buckland to discuss the findings of his review on autism and employment. We explore key barriers that neurodivergent individuals face in the workforce and the practical recommendations outlined in the report. From improving recruitment processes to making workplaces more inclusive, we cover what needs to change to better support autistic and neurodivergent employees. The conversation also touches on the broader implications for businesses and how crea...
Sep 19, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 14
In this episode I speak with Rebecca McGinnis, Senior Managing Educator of Accessibility at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, about the limitations of traditional inclusion models. We explore how her work in creating more meaningful inclusion for disabled visitors goes beyond basic accessibility, and draw parallels to the workplace, particularly for neurodivergent workers. We discuss how genuine inclusion involves recognising and appreciating individuals’ strengths, and fostering working practices...
Sep 12, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In this clip from Working to Work episode 13, I speak with Nanette Mellor, a charity CEO who has worked at Drake Music, the Brain Charity, Mencap, and other organisations supporting disabled individuals. Nanette shared how job tailoring and job carving—innovative practices that allow roles to be customised for individual strengths—benefit neurodivergent individuals and those with disabilities. While these practices are designed with inclusivity in mind, they also offer wider applications that ma...
Sep 09, 2024•12 min
In this second part of my interview with charity CEO, Nanette Mellor (Brain Charity, Drake Music, Mencap) we discuss how to hire in ways that accommodate common neurodivergent needs, and practices to create a work culture that allows a diverse workforce to thrive including job tailoring, and carving. Chapters below: Nanette's interview with Eric Pines: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/neurodiversity-in-the-workforce-nanette-mellor-of-drake-music-on-why-its-important-to-include-dd46f7af503a ...
Aug 24, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 12
For this episode I spoke with Nanette Mellor, a disability and neurodiversity specialist, most recently working as a CEO of Drake Music, about their work championing neurodivergent strengths.Our conversation touches on how neurodivergent differences might be better understood and catered to in education; what diagnosis might look like in the future; and whether some of the skills historically considered essential are as crucial in the 21st century. We also spoke about the impact of AI for neurod...
Jun 09, 2024•59 min
I spoke with autism researcher Professor Anna Remington, Director of CRAE at UCL, about the notion of 'perceptual capacity'. The discussion covered what perceptual capacity is, its significance to neurodivergent people (spoiler: many autistic people have a high perceptual capacity), and how understanding and working with one's perceptual capacity can help improve effectiveness and mitigate challenges associated with increased sensory sensitivities. Chapters and links are below. Please do follow ...
May 31, 2024•59 min
Professor Anna Remington, Director at the Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE) at University College London the notion of Perceptual Capacity, its relevance to neurodivergent people, and it's roots in Nilli Lavie's 'Load Theory'. Please do follow the show to be notified when new episodes are released, and subscribe to the YouTube channel for video versions of each episode, and the opportunity to engage via the comments section. For more see the Working to Work home page, and follow...
May 17, 2024•10 min
In this previously unreleased section of my interview with Dani Noreen (the Punk Rock Autistic / Neurodiversity Unbound), we discuss responses to the word 'why' in work settings. Its use often sparks unintended negative reactions, and we dissect the disconnect between intentions and perceptions. Please do follow the show to be notified when new episodes are released, and subscribe to the YouTube channel for video versions of each episode, and the opportunity to engage via the comments section. F...
Mar 27, 2024•25 min
Zareen Ali, CEO of Cogs AI, is the guest on this ninth episode of @workingtowork. Zareen founded Cogs to create a non-pathologising mindfulness app specifically designed to support neurodivergent people. Chapters are listed below. In our conversation, we spoke about the experiences that led Zareen to create the app and how she balances some of the expectations of leading a company with some of the common challenges experienced by neurodivergent people. We also discussed how Zareen has approached...
Mar 07, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 9
For episode 8 of Working to Work I spoke with Dani Noreen (aka the Punk Rock Autistic) about their journey towards creating a work life that works for them, including the development of their business ‘Neurodiversity Unbound’. Time codes below. Dani spoke about what wasn’t working for them in previous work, and prioritising openness about needs and preferences benefits them and those they work with. We also spoke about working through self doubt, and the varying challenges of taking less convent...
Feb 16, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 8
I recently had the opportunity to join the brilliant broadcaster Dotun Adebayo on his late-night BBC Radio 5 Live programme 'Up All Night' for a special phone-in dedicated to all things neurodiversity. This programme was an opportunity for listeners to share their experiences of neurodiversity, be it their own experiences or related to those close to them. For this episode of Working to Work, I collected excerpts from that programme that pertain to employment but also a range of other experience...
Jan 29, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 7
A substantive convo with Stephanie Ozuo, a Careers Advisor and founder 'Cover My CV', who uses her lived experience of ADHD to support fellow neurodivergent individuals obtain and maintain gratifying employment. In this episode, amongst other topics, we spoke about: 06:08 Stephanie's skills and how she made them her work 09:33 Effective CV and Cover Letter writing 14:10 Using transferable skills as a substitute for hard examples 17:10 Seeking work aligned with ones greater goals 20:22 Pivoting t...
Jan 05, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this insightful conversation, I spoke with Robin Blamires, a talented and passionate autistic audio producer, about his journey from student radio to the challenges faced in finding fulfilling work, as documented in his new piece 'The Audio Rainbow'. We explore some of the intricacies of the audio industry, discuss the barriers faced by neurodivergent individuals, sensory challenges, and the quest for inclusive spaces. Listen to hear Robin's unique perspective, the support he's found, and the...
Nov 24, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Sir Robert Buckland, MP - Chair of the UK Government's Review into Autistic Employment, speaks to how the review came about: what it hopes to achieve; how it works; who it hopes to benefit; and how its success will be measured. Please do follow the show to be notified when new episodes are released, and subscribe to the YouTube channel for video versions of each episode, and the oppertunity to engage via the comments section. For more see the Working to Work home page, and follow on Twitter and ...
Oct 25, 2023•10 min
The tables are turned in this episode as I'm interviewed by my friend, author, and coach, Alex Genadinik. We discuss the benefits of learning about Neurodiversity for my mental health and self-acceptance, my experiences in employment as a neurodivergent worker, and what advice I would offer to managers and colleagues to create an accessible, inclusive, and fair dynamic with neurodivergent employees, like myself. Please do follow the show to be notified when new episodes are released, and subscri...
Oct 20, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Autistic CEO, James Cusack explains the purpose of their Neurodiveristy Employers Index (NDEI), and how it will work. Please do follow the show to be notified when new episodes are released, and subscribe to the YouTube channel for video versions of each episode, and the oppertunity to engage via the comments section. For more see the Working to Work home page, and follow on Twitter and Instagram @workingtoworkuk...
Oct 17, 2023•8 min
I spoke with James Cusack, Chief Executive of the UK's leading Autism research and campaigning charity, Autistica. Topics covered include the ambitious (and necessary) goals to double the Autistic employment rate by 2030, and specifically how Autistica's 'Neurodiversity Employers Index' (NDEI) can help achieve this. We also discussed the impact of early life on employment experiences, creating a culture of meeting needs, and my reflections on my own employment path. Please do follow the show to ...
Oct 13, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 3
How does a Job Coach support autistic people to obtain and maintain employment? In this episode Sam speaks with Leo Capella, a job coach at the National Autistic Society to find out what the job involves, and how it is helping to bridge the gap between those seeking neurodivergent talent and those looking for gratifying work. Please do follow the show to be notified when new episodes are released, and subscribe to the YouTube channel for video versions of each episode, and the oppertunity to eng...
Oct 04, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Four contributors speaking to some of the challenges they experience with accessing employment, and feeling understood and supported in the work place. Thanks to those that contributed their thoughts. Produced by Samuel Robinson. Music by Daniel Wilson and Sam. Please do follow the show to be notified when new episodes are released, and subscribe to the YouTube channel for video versions of each episode, and the oppertunity to engage via the comments section. For more see the Working to Work hom...
Sep 19, 2023•12 min
