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 design to help listeners better understand what it’s like to interact with the world as a deaf person
• Using their lived experience with deafness, OCD and autism to write their audio drama’s characters
• Challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about deafness, OCD and autism
• How they cast voice actors for their audio drama
• The importance and impact of authentic disability representation in media

Listen to Seen and Not Heard on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, and follow the show on BlueSky and Tumblr.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

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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.*

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 illnesses.

Sally’s writing has appeared in Slate, STAT News, and Psychology Today, and she has been featured in national media such as the Associated Press and the television network A+E. Now a full-time advocate, she offers talks and trainings focused on stigma reduction, recovery, and mental health crisis de-escalation. Her mission is to promote empathy, dignity, and understanding for people with schizophrenia.

During this episode, you will hear Sally talk about:

• What schizoaffective disorder is, and how it differs from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
• Her experience of hospitalizations, misdiagnosis, and the prolonged psychotic episode where she believed her life was a hyperreality psychological experiment
• How society dehumanizes and dismisses people with schizophrenia spectrum illnesses
• Finally accepting that she has schizoaffective disorder and deciding to become a mental health advocate

Learn more about Sally and her work at SallyLittlefield.com, on LinkedIn and on Instagram @schizophrenicsally.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

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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.*

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, inclusive, and innovative approach to every aspect of their professional life.

During this episode, you will hear Tas talk about:

• The unique circumstances of how they discovered that they are autistic
• What their childhood was like growing up as an undiagnosed autistic child in a religious cult
• How were they able to leave the cult and “deprogram” themselves
• How they discovered their passion for art, and how art helps them process their trauma
• What drew them specifically into the horror genre for their art
• Their experience with progressively losing their hearing in adulthood, and processing their hearing loss through their art
• Their work in digital accessibility and design, and how to make art more accessible
• The impact of current events on their life

Learn more about Tas and their work at TasTheArtist.com or on LinkedIn.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes.

Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*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.*

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 with undiagnosed dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism
• How she became a writer for Dyspraxia Magazine, and became involved with the additional seasonal events
• How she has found a sense of community with other people with dyspraxia
• How her disabilities have affected her daily life and education

Follow Charis on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Learn more about Dyspraxia Magazine on Facebook, Instagram and DyspraxiaMagazine.com.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes.

Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*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.*

Preeti Kalra is a Hospital Clinical Pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Masters in Health Administration. She is the Director of Partnerships and Communications and Chicago Network Lead for WE ARE SAATH, an organization dedicated to advocating for South Asian mental health and defying the stigma in the South Asian community when it comes to talking and seeking therapy for mental health.

She is also on the Associate Board for March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving maternal health and ending preventable premature birth within the United States.

Preeti was born prematurely. In this episode, she talks about her experience as a preemie and as a member of the South Asian community, including:

• The circumstances of her birth as a preemie and how that affected her health as a child
• How she discovered that she was neurodivergent and how that impacted her life as a South Asian woman and as a preemie
• How her neurodivergence affected her academic studies and shaped the direction of her career
• Some potential long-term effects of being born a preemie, and why is it important to consider those effects when those babies become adults
• Her research on premature birth and the current state of maternal healthcare in South Asian countries
• How parents can be good advocates for their preemie children

Follow Preeti on Instagram @pkalra33 or email her at pkalra33 at gmail dot com. Learn more about the Adult Preemie Advocacy Network at AdultPreemies.com/resources.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes.

Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*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.*

Lisa Hurley is an Anthem award-winning activist and author of the new book, “Space To Exhale: A Handbook For Curating A Soft, Centered, Serene Life.” She is also the Founder of The Great Exhale, a serene virtual community focused on sisterhood and soft living, where Black women can relax, lay their burdens down—and exhale. Her advocacy converges at the nexus of self-care, community care, joy, and rest.

During this episode, you will hear Lisa talk about:

• How she realized that she is autistic, and what her life is like as a Black, autistic woman
• How autistic burnout inspired her to write “Space to Exhale,” and the guidance she provides in her book
• The importance of having a community while taking care of yourself
• “Life-Work Balance” vs “Work-Life Balance”
• What it means to prioritize “soft living”

Find out more about Lisa and her book at SpaceToExhaleBook.com and follow Lisa on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes.

Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*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.*

Matthew Schwab is a 27-year-old North Carolina native with Down syndrome who has his own public speaking business, Matthew Schwab Speaks. In 2019, he gave a TEDx talk about the importance of employing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Matthew hopes to help change how the world sees Down syndrome.

Matthew is also an actor whose first movie “Horsegirls” premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2025. He loves working as a restaurant host, doing things with family and friends and spending time with his fiancée.

During this episode, you will hear Matthew talk about:

• What his childhood was like growing up with Down syndrome
• Why he started his own public speaking business, and the types of topics he likes to discuss
• What he likes to do at work and with his friends, family, and fiancée
• How he got into the world of theater and acting
• Challenging some common stereotypes about people with Down syndrome

Learn more about Matthew and his work at the following links:

• Official Website - MatthewSchwabSpeaks.com
• YouTube - Matthew Schwab Listens Podcast Playlist
• Facebook - Matthew Schwab Speaks
• Instagram - @matthewschwabspeaks

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes.

Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*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.*

Abbie Hills is a UK-based talent agent, producer, writer, and passionate disability advocate with cerebral palsy. Abbie founded The Dazey Hills Company in 2019 to promote diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, representing talent across the UK and Europe. Her writing has gained recognition with recent placements in film festivals, including the British Independent Film Festival, Lit Laughs, and the Palm Springs Diversity Screenplay Contest.

In addition to her writing, Abbie works as an Access Coordinator, supporting D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent talent in film and television productions. She also mentors aspiring talent, advocating for greater accessibility and representation in the entertainment industry.

During this episode, you will hear Abbie talk about:

• Her experience growing up with cerebral palsy, which for her is an “invisible" disability
• How an MRI scan of her brain changed the way she viewed her disability
• How people have judged her because of her disability
• How cerebral palsy affects her day-to-day life
• What inspired her to become an actress, and how her disability affected her experience in the entertainment industry
• The need for community among adults with disabilities
• Her journey from being an actor who hid her disability to founding her own talent agency and working as an Access Coordinator

To find out more about Abbie and her work, visit her personal website AbbieHills.uk and production company website TheDazeyHillsCompany.co.uk and follow her on Instagram @itsabbiehills.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes.

Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*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.*