Lya Batlle-Rafferty, an MIT graduate with a degree in Cognitive Science, has had a career focused mostly on technology. She has often been a trailblazer as the only woman in a large company performing that type of work. She hosts her podcast, Memoirs of a Neurodivergent Latina, on her nights and weekends.

During this episode, you will hear Lya talk about:

• How she realized she is neurodivergent
• What it was like growing up as a neurodivergent girl in El Salvador and the United States
• The challenges she has faced because of her neurodivergence
• What inspired her to start her podcast, “Memoirs of a Neurodivergent Latina,” and the topics she discusses there
• The kind of feedback she has received from her audience about her podcast
• How her neurodivergence has helped her succeed at work
• Her goals for her podcast

To find out more about Lya and her podcast, visit her website at MOANL.com or email her at moanl [at] labratsolutions [dot] 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.*

Trystan Reese is an award-winning author and facilitator dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with nearly two decades of experience in the trans community. He also has ADHD and identifies as neurodivergent. Trystan founded Collaborate Consulting to provide training on LGBTQ+ inclusion and has contributed to various anthologies on mental health and social justice.

During this episode, Trystan and I talk about:

• How he realized he had ADHD after his child was diagnosed
• What it was like growing up with undiagnosed ADHD, and the impact on his education and self-image
• How he coaches people in the workplace who have ADHD
• What workplace inclusion looks like for neurodivergent individuals
• How workplaces can support their neurodivergent and trans employees
• The negative impact of the current US government administration on trans people, including the current multi-state lawsuit Texas vs. Becerra that threatens both the trans and disability communities

Learn more about Trystan and his work at Collaborate.Consulting.

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.*

This episode is part of the 3rd edition of Podcasthon: a global effort among 1000+ podcast hosts to raise awareness and support for important causes by highlighting a charity of their choice during the same week (March 15-21, 2025).

Today’s episode features Samar Waqar, the Founder and Executive Director of Kind Theory, a neurodiversity-based nonprofit based in Texas. Using the insights and knowledge of neurodivergent people themselves, Kind Theory educates organizations, institutions, and the general public about neurodiversity, accessibility, and disability rights as these relate to autism and ADHD. In doing so, it improves educational, health, and employment outcomes for these marginalized members of our community.

During this episode, you will hear Samar talk about:

• How her experiences with her autistic son’s therapy and her own burnout inspired her to create Kind Theory
• The events and services that Kind Theory provides for neurodivergent people in Texas and beyond
• Discovering that she is neurodivergent herself

Learn more about Kind Theory at kindtheory.org.
Get in touch with Samar at talktous [at] kindtheory.org or on LinkedIn.

Visit www.podcasthon.org to discover hundreds of other nonprofits and charities being highlighted during Podcasthon by podcasters around the world!

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.*