Best Siana Podcasts (2024)

1
S1 E31: A Polyvagal Training Experience 50:56

3h ago50:56

50:56

In this episode we discuss Leo's recent experience of attending a training course. We track many details of this, from the planning to sensory challenges and considerations, to social interactions and disclosure. We notice distinctive aspects of this which we experience differently as autistic people, many of which might not be predictable or disce…

1
S1 E30: Autistic Travels 54:33

1h ago54:33

54:33

This episode chronicles some of Siana’s travel experiences on a recent trip to London with her daughter. We speak about navigating public transport systems, accommodation and orientation. We highlight things which we find helpful and comforting as autistic people, such as familiar places and foods and building time buffers into our plans. We also f…

1
S1 E29: Autistic Empathy 34:35

14d ago34:35

34:35

This episode is an exploration of some aspects of empathic communication and connection which may be distinctive for us as autistic people. We notice the significance of this within the contexts of friendship and therapy. This dialogue also demonstrates some elements of a repair process and how - within a safe relational space - interpersonal dynam…

1
S1 E28: Spiky Profiles 51:24

23d ago51:24

51:24

In this episode we reflect (broadly!) on the concept of having "spiky profiles". This relates to us having aptitudes in some areas and limitations in others, usually where the differences are more pronounced than might be expected in the general population. As usual, we record without a plan / topic in mind and so there are lots of tangents. We thi…

1
S1 E27: The Joy of Words and Sounds 1:14:21

1M ago1:14:21

1:14:21

"Echolalia" might seem like mere mimicry to some but, for many autistic individuals, it's a profound way to connect and communicate. In this episode we challenge the often-pathologised views of echolalia, highlighting its role in creating warmth and fostering joint attention. Join us as we celebrate the nuances of language, accents, and sensory exp…

1
S1 E26: Neuroqueer Dialogue 44:44

2M ago44:44

44:44

The general theme of this episode is gender and sexuality. As usual we blend personal anecdotes with some theory and reflection. We shine some light on asexuality as an orientation which is often invisible and / or invalidated by both heteronormative and queer communities. We then discuss the concept of neuroqueering and apply this to our own evolv…

1
S1 E25: What are you having for dinner? 39:40

2M ago39:40

39:40

The complexities of food and eating - the latest episode in our occasional mini-series on autistic senses and sensitivities. You'll hear about our experiences of eating in a range of contexts throughout our lives. We notice the degree of shame and misattunement which is often attached to this - so much so that Siana was too uncomfortable to discuss…

1
S1 E24: Disclosing Autism 36:28

2M ago36:28

36:28

This conversation came out of a few messages we have received around the theme of disclosing our autistic identities. We discuss our experiences and notice there is often a distinction between our professional and personal lives. We reflect and speculate on why this might be, with particular regard to long standing relationships. We reference the i…

1
S1 E23: Sox & Religion 32:48

3M ago32:48

32:48

Ok, so this episode may be a bit niche 😉 Leo has been searching for the perfect socks and he believes he has found them ... (time will tell). Somehow, Siana's autistic brain tendrils manage to link his fervour with evangelical Christian zeal and she goes down and round about that rabbit warren for a while. We speak about our own experiences of reli…

1
S1 E22: Indispensable? 30:06

3M ago30:06

30:06

Leo (still) has Covid. Through this conversation we wind up exploring a drive he has to be useful, to serve. We notice how this shows up between us and reflect on how it may have developed. We also consider how it might change in the future so that it becomes less of a default and more of a mindful choice. Along the way you can expect some typical …

1
S1 E21: Navigating Healthcare 52:09

3M ago52:09

52:09

Trigger warning for mention of life threatening scenarios and maternal birthing distress. If you have particular sensitivities around your own experiences of healthcare please consider carefully whether and / or when you might listen to this episode. We speak about a wide range of our experiences related to being unwell and / or navigating our heal…

1
S1 E20: The Loneliness of Difference 47:02

3M ago47:02

47:02

Trigger warning This episode deals with the topics of loneliness and suicide. Please take care of yourself and think about the timing and where your support is if you decide to listen. We reflect on our experiences and relationships in the past, which led to loneliness, disconnection and feelings of life not being worth living. We also reflect on t…

1
S1 E19: Food, noise and the "feel" of things 1:08:46

4M ago1:08:46

1:08:46

In this episode we talk about sensitivities to physical and sensory stimuli. We focus on challenges around noise, food and physical (dis)comfort. We speak about the significance of autonomy. We also discuss interpersonal misunderstandings related to us not doing "what's good" for us. We note the important distinction here between things being seen …

1
S1 E18: Multi Tracks 53:51

4M ago53:51

53:51

This episode is a spontaneous Saturday chit chat. There's a fair amount of "here and now" energy and interaction, interspersed with memories and reflections. Siana talks about her experience of ADHD when it fires in multiple directions at once - something which for her does not exclude hyperfocus "flow" states. Leo reflects on a range of experience…

1
S1 E17: Autistiphobia Revisited 47:25

4M ago47:25

47:25

This episode is in many ways a reflection on elements of the last one. We speak about early narratives and experiences, and the lifelong meaning and impact of these. We apply this to therapeutic contexts and approaches, specifically Transactional Analysis and Internal Family Systems, and we relate this to therapy with autistic people. We also explo…

1
S1 E16: Autistiphobia - Inside Out 1:02:55

4M ago1:02:55

1:02:55

In this episode we discuss how we, as autistic people, are seen and experienced by others. We then traverse some thorny territory relating to how we see ourselves and influence each other. These are sensitive ideas and topics, interspersed with distractions, brain glitches and spiralling reasoning which somehow loops together in the end. LINKS Neur…

1
S1 E15: Queering Relationships 1:01:29

5M ago1:01:29

1:01:29

In this episode we begin to circumambulate the intersectionality of autism and queerness. We begin with Siana's home interior decorating project and finish up discussing Leo's gender identity development. In between we wax lyrical around some relationship models, notably Siana's current QPR (queer platonic relationship). Comical interlude provided …

1
S1 E14: Airports and Smells 36:48

5M ago36:48

36:48

This episode is another “in person” recording. We reflect on our experiences of travelling with and without accommodations. We specifically speak about the profound benefits for us of wearing a Sunflower lanyard when travelling in busy and often overwhelming airports. We also talk about the significance of our sense of smell, in particular Leo’s aw…

1
S1 E13: Autistic Presence 37:30

5M ago37:30

37:30

We recorded this episode while we were together in Siana’s house last weekend. We explore co-regulation and bring in various ideas and theories from autistic, therapeutic and scientific communities to flavour our discussion. We end up specifically inviting the non autistic community to join and get to know us and, most importantly, the autistic peo…

1
S1 E12: Spoonies! 46:00

5M ago46:00

46:00

In this episode we explore the finite nature of personal energy and capacity. We refer to our own experiences and to wider "spoon theory". The pace of this conversation is slow and relaxed; it's basically two autistic people hanging out together. If that's your vibe, we'd love you to join us 🧡💛 On that note, our Facebook community is growing fast a…

1
S1 E11: An indirect exploration of Jungian Sandplay 53:20

6M ago53:20

53:20

Leo enquires about Jungian Sandplay, a therapeutic modality Siana offers in her therapy practice. We explore Siana's demand avoidance about the prospect of speaking about this and then eventually get there in a perfectly autistic way. This is a lovely illustration of "Takiwatanga" which we happened to post about on our Facebook feed this week. Taki…

1
S1 E10: Getting It 'Right' 53:22

6M ago53:22

53:22

In this episode we explore the centrality of the core value of justice for many autistic people. We discuss the impacts on us when things aren't "right" or fair, the tenacity needed to address these and the toll this takes on us. We then tentatively begin to explore some particular ways in which our social experiences correlate with theory around m…

1
S1 E9: 2024, we’re here for it... 53:54

6M ago53:54

53:54

In today's episode we're gearing up for the new year in our therapy practices. We reflect on therapeutic relationships and processes, wondering about and exploring those facets which might just be unique to autistic or AuDHD lives. And we talk about our hopes and dreams for the podcast in 2024 inviting you to connect with us as we build the Autisti…

1
S1 E8: A Neurospicy Experience 38:18

7M ago38:18

38:18

You are very welcome to join us here for Christmas Part 2. Recorded on Boxing Day 2023, we reflect on our "festive" experiences this year. We then springboard off a seemingly inconsequential moment we shared recently, into a deeply satisfying autistic dive. We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences, neurospicy and otherwise. Contact us autist…

1
S1 E7: ’Tis the season... 44:38

7M ago44:38

44:38

Join us as we explore and reflect on our experiences of Christmases past and the lead up to this year's "festivities". We sensitively unpack some specific challenges the season poses for us and our neurokin. We share some of our learning from over the years and recognise this is still a work in progress. In true autistic style this episode jumps ar…

1
S1 E6: It’s all in the detail 47:27

7M ago47:27

47:27

Here we talk about loss and retrieval - of a car, a voice and even of the land! We reflect on the line between being perceived as "annoying" verses being curious, further expanding the pitfalls and the benefits of being #actuallyautistic in social and therapeutic contexts. Join us for a mix of complexity and so-called "info dumping" within a warm, …

1
S1 E5: SPINning free 39:35

8M ago39:35

39:35

In this episode we share some autistic joy 🤗 Expect the usual winding tangents, several 'aha!' moments and a healthy smattering of play and frivolity. Contact us autisticlicence@gmail.com Our website https://autisticlicence.com Our socials https://linktr.ee/autisticlicenceBy autisticlicence

1
S1 E4: Sorting, lining up & managing stress 42:12

8M ago42:12

42:12

In this episode we talk about how we look after ourselves when we are away from home. We explore some ways we manage the stress of "too much". We unpack our need for order and planning alongside the complex concept of autistic consistency. Light relief in the form of coffee, postcards and La la loopsies. Our website https://autisticlicence.com Our …

1
S1 E3: Exposure & vulnerability 36:04

8M ago36:04

36:04

In this episode we share our experiences of exposure and vulnerability. As therapists we open ourselves up to our clients, as friends and family members we manage how we relate to those close to us, and now as podcasters we reveal unmasked versions of ourselves to YOU - unseen and unknown people - for the first time. We talk about how we're feeling…

1
S1 E2: Nothing ”just happens” 39:41

8M ago39:41

39:41

Siana goes to a Deacon Blue concert and talks about stimulation and over-stimulation. We compare notes on what that feels like and what we do to recover. This sparks on ongoing conversation about how autistic people spend and recoup energy and why this may be different to the experiences of others, and why processes around managing tasks and time c…

1
S1 E1: Welcome to Autistic Licence! 37:23

8M ago37:23

37:23

In this first episode, we talk about why we're starting our podcast. Leo remembers the comfort of the spoken word on radio in trying to escape the fear of night-time silence as an undiagnosed autistic kid. Whilst Siana thinks about her own childhood discomfort with speaking out, and why sometimes staying quiet can be a survival response for a child…

1
Ep 149 Keep Writing, Keep Snacking 1:04:13

11M ago1:04:13

1:04:13

Episode 149 Keep Writing, Keep Snacking We write on the bench, we snack on the bench, we procrastinate on the bench, and we get sentimental on the bench. But we’re still hilarious, we’ll always have that! Please follow us on TikTok and Instagram – watch for #BenchWriteClub prompts and all things we think are funny (spoiler alert, it’s the same stuf…

1
Ep 148 Girls That Slay Yeet 41:07

11M ago41:07

41:07

Episode 148 Girls That Slay Yeet We write on the bench, we snack on the bench, we procrastinate on the bench, and it turns out Tricia was right about the Hunt for Red October on the bench. She wanted to make sure everyone knew that. She was also very wrong about the meaning of yeet. Today we have some #BenchWriteClub announcements, including MORE B…

1
Ep 147 Jimmy-Wa 56:48

12M ago56:48

56:48

Episode 147 Jimmy-Wa We write on the bench, we snack on the bench, we procrastinate on the bench, and we low-key trend set new dances on the bench, obviously. Today we read your #BenchWriteClub submissions for “Steve the Devil Roommate.” Woo-wee-mama! THANK YOU to our Aud-ComTM contributions from: MaryEllen - @me_brady Kayla - @KaylaStorytella Step…

1
Ep 146 So Many Balls 1:02:29

1y ago1:02:29

1:02:29

Episode 146 So Many Balls We write on the bench, we snack on the bench, we procrastinate on the bench, and today we want you to know that we are on Threads, so follow us there and on Instagram! We are looking forward to all your #BenchWriteClub submissions for “Steve the Devil Roommate.” The next submission is due July 28th and it’s easy to join in…

1
Ep 145 Doubling Down 1:16:13

1y ago1:16:13

1:16:13

Episode 145 Doubling Down We write on the bench, we snack on the bench, we procrastinate on the bench, and today we double down and read your #BenchWriteClub submissions for “Steve the Devil Roommate.” Remember - the next submission is due July 28th and it’s easy to join in… go here. You know you want to! THANK YOU to our Aud-ComTM contributions fr…

1
Ep 144 Gucci S’mores 52:01

1y ago52:01

52:01

Episode 144 Gucci S’mores We write on the bench, we snack on the bench, we procrastinate on the bench, and today we write our own #BenchWriteClub prompt for “Steve the Devil Roommate.” Remember - the next submission is due June 30th! It’s easy… go here. A special thank you to Kayla - @KaylaStorytella and MaryEllen - @me_brady for working hard to br…

1
Ep 143 Sponsored by Napkins 1:03:53

1y ago1:03:53

1:03:53

Episode 143 Sponsored by Napkins We write on the bench, we snack on the bench, we procrastinate on the bench, and today we announce the next #BenchWriteClub prompt for “Steve the Devil Roommate.” Today the snacks have made us even more delirious and we are pleading for your reviews. Did you know you can even review us twice?? If your review is more…

1
Ep 142 Snacking Again 58:38

1y ago58:38

58:38

Episode 142 Snacking Again We write on the bench, we snack on the bench, we procrastinate on the bench, and yes, today is the first #BenchWriteClub for “Steve the Devil Roommate" (aka STDR). We are SO excited! THANK YOU to those who submitted to our #BENCHWRITECLUB collective prompt this month – we had so much fun reading your “Steve the Devil Room…

1
Ep 141 Old Lady Corner 57:06

1y ago57:06

57:06

Episode 141 Old Lady Corner Time for ANOTHER new episode… consecutively! We write on the bench, we snack on the bench, we procrastinate on the bench, and yes, we are getting OLD on the bench. We have a ton of info for you today about our new #BenchWriteClub. ****NEW #BENCHWRITECLUB collective prompt announced today – join us in writing an audio com…

1
Ep 140 Bench Reboot 56:48

1y ago56:48

56:48

Episode 140 Bench Reboot It’s the Bench part duex… the sequel, the reboot – whatever – we’re BACK! We still write on the bench, we always snack on the bench and we obviously procrastinate on the bench. We are newly committed to our new schedule, our new #BenchWriteClub, and snacking! ****NEW #BENCHWRITECLUB collective announced on this episode – jo…

1
Ep 139 Frisky Gravy 1:53:30

1+ y ago1:53:30

1:53:30

Episode 139 Frisky Gravy We write on the bench, we snack on the bench and we procrastinate on the bench. Happy Thanksgiving from the bench and our special guest, Bret aka Jordash! November #BENCHWRITECLUB thank you to Kayla, Hammer, & Katie! Also Bret! Check out Polly’s Paradise Soap here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/pollysparadisesoap/ and follow @P…

1
Ep 138 Juicyladas 58:33

1+ y ago58:33

58:33

Episode 138 –Juicyladas We write on the bench, we snack on the bench and we procrastinate on the bench. Catch up with us on this more recent episode, where we all get a little juicy-lada! And #BenchWriteClub is back! Also….continue to watch for the Bench Rant coming up in our feed, if you want to get really real with us. November #BENCHWRITECLUB DU…

1
Ep 137 Shit gets real 52:08

1+ y ago52:08

52:08

Episode 137 Shit gets real We are BACK! AGAIN… We write on the bench, we snack on the bench and we procrastinate on the bench. Yes, we had another unexpected hiatus – but we are here, yes a bit delirious, but at least it’s new content. This episode is a little outdated but go with it. Also, watch for the Bench Rant or Rant on the Bench coming up in…

1
Ep 136 Smelly Popcorn 48:37

2y ago48:37

48:37

Episode 136 Smelly Popcorn Time for #BenchWriteClub on the bench, along with the talking, procrastinating, and snacking. So. Much. Snacking. Today’s snack is brought to you by Drew of the Reel Feels Podcast. There’s some very interesting flavors in this surprise snack. Thank you to all our writers, and to Kayla for bringing a friend! MAY #BENCHWRIT…

1
Ep 135 Sparkle Trash 43:13

2y ago43:13

43:13

Episode 135 Sparkle Trash It’s our April episode just under the wire! As you know, we write on the bench, we snack on the bench and we procrastinate on the bench. Today Tricia comes up with a new business, we talk about Spring and announce #BenchWriteClub. DO IT! MAY #BENCHWRITECLUB DUE 5/13 Email submissions to 2girlsonabench@gmail.com, 250-word l…

1
4.25.22 - Comedian Alex Woody 32:36

2y ago32:36

32:36

Alex Woody is currently trying to make it as a comedian, but in his younger days he worked for his grandfather and then his father. We had fun discussing working with family and he had fun making me laugh throughout the interview. Check out Alex's Comedy Podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ffe6OUxmCsXANk4x2ddYF?si=78337947b49545b8 Follow h…

1
4.18.22 - Katy Cook; Crown Trophy Pleasanton 21:17

2y ago21:17

21:17

First new interview of 2022. Katy Cook has worked for families for most of her adult life in several different capacities. She currently works for me at Crown Trophy but we discussed both her past and current jobs working with families other than her own.

1
4.11.22 - Siana Riedel, California Healthy Harvest 17:41

2+ y ago17:41

17:41

Replay of my interview with Siana Riedel from 2020

1
Ep 134 The Edge of Beautiful 50:12

2+ y ago50:12

50:12

Episode 134 The Edge of Beautiful We are BACK! Welcome BACK to the bench! We write on the bench, we snack on the bench and we procrastinate on the bench. We are finally back people – after a very long and unexpected hiatus – join us for more writing, more snacking and more laughs! We missed you! Check out Polly’s Paradise Soap here: https://www.ets…

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