Spark Launch Podcast

Spark Launch: Neurodiversity Ignited: You’ve landed at Spark Launch — the guide star for embracing what it means to be neurodiverse. Hosted by Chaya Mallavaram (the artsy ADHD brain behind Spark Launch) and Mike Cornell (a peer support specialist who reminds us that imperfection is where the magic happens), this podcast dives deep into the messy, beautiful, and often challenging realities of neurodivergent life. Each episode blends personal stories with expert insights to tackle issues affecting our community, such as mental health, parenting strategies, emotional regulation, workplace dynamics, executive function hacks, and neurodiversity advocacy. Whether you’re navigating life with ADHD, Autism Spectrum, or other neurodevelopmental conditions — or supporting someone who is — this is a space where neurodivergent voices can unmask, embrace their weirdness, and celebrate human diversity.

Spark Launch Podcast is a education podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 0 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Unknown Host hosts Spark Launch Podcast, a education show with 0 episodes published.

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  Episode #19

  Better Tools, Not Different Kids: The Future of Neuroaffirming Tech w/ Amy Stratbucker

  Sep 25, 202637 minS3

  Mike and Chaya sit down with Amy Stratbucker, co-founder and CEO of Hello, My Friend, a neuroaffirming AI companion that supports autistic and neurodivergent kids. Amy shares how parenting her neurodivergent son changed the way she understood support, independence, belonging, and why children need tools that meet them where they are instead of where they're told they should be.We Also Cover: What neuro-affirming support looks like in everyday life Why parenting from good intentions doesn't always translate into the right support Neurodivergent kids masking at school and decompressing at home Why social skills support and social-emotional learning should build confidence, not compliance Supporting parents, therapists, teachers, and children as one ecosystem Building independence without creating dependence on technology Quotes: “If more kids could be more confident in who they are, just as they are, wow. Do we benefit as a community? And as a society?” — Amy Stratbucker “We are building this to build independence, not dependence.” — Amy Stratbucker “Having him feel a sense of belonging and comfort in who he really was, which is what I’m hopeful to provide for other kids; a space where they can show up and be who they are and not have to mask.” — Amy Stratbucker About Amy Stratbucker:As Co-Founder and CEO of BridgeSpace , Amy leads the development of an emotionally intelligent AI companion platform designed to empower neurodivergent children in exploring conversations and emotions confidently beyond the therapy room. There’s no reason to accept struggle as the standard… when we can build tools that create a path forward.With nearly two decades of consulting experience, she brings expertise in succession planning, new business development, and organizational consulting to drive impactful solutions. Through her work at AJS Consulting, she has spent over 19 years developing and implementing innovative strategies that help organizations navigate change and thrive in VUCA environments. Guided by a dedication to collaboration and integrity, her focus remains on enabling organizations to build resilience, enhance performance, and foster transformative growth.Connect with Amy Stratbucker: Hello, My Friend: https://hellomyfriend.io/ Email Amy: amy@hellomyfriend.io Amy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/astratbucker/ Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds https://play.sparkade.app/ Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android. - Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected: Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ All podcast listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803 Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/ ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.ai Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation: https://followyourghostcoach.com/ As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  Episode #18

  You Expect Everything, But Believe Nothing: Parenting Better w/ Donna Kargel

  Sep 18, 202634 minS3

  Mike and Chaya sit down with Donna Kargel, founder of Lotus Coaching and veteran educator, to talk neurodivergent parenting, the education system, and how early labels can shape a kid’s identity for life. Donna breaks down why standard milestones often backfire for divergent thinkers—and what actually helps kids build curiosity, confidence, and self-trust.We Also Cover: Why high expectations mean nothing without genuine belief in your child's capability Why neurodivergent parenting has to start with connection at home What to do when your kid is labeled “learning disabled” (and starts believing it) How labels can become identities children spend adulthood trying to undo Why “good grades” can hide a kid who’s quietly burning out The neurobiology of early attachment and how it shapes lifelong beliefs How to support a neurodivergent child in school without turning them into a project The difference between praising intelligence and recognizing effort, persistence, and process Why education loses the child when data, standards, and college pipelines take over How parental modeling of emotional regulation shapes what kids believe is possible The role of belonging, autonomy, and safety in learning Quotes: “You can plant the seed, and you can water it ... But you’re not in charge of the growing.” — Donna Kargel "Where do you go when no one's watching? When you're daydreaming, when you checked out of the teacher talking, your mom talking... Tell me where you go because that's your creativity." — Donna Kargel About Donna Kargel:Donna Kargel is a veteran educator, former principal, academic success coach, and founder of Lotus Coaching. She draws on her own neurodivergent experience—including being labeled learning disabled as a young child—to help families question the assumptions placed on children and young adults.Her work centers on connection, authenticity, resilience, and finding a person’s real access point for learning and work. Through coaching, career exploration, assessments, and free parent workshops, Donna helps young people recognize the strengths they already carry instead of forcing themselves into a path chosen by someone else.Connect with Donna Kargel: Website: https://coachlotus.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095357930612 Recommended Reading: Carol Dweck - Mindset: The New Psychology of Success : Research on growth mindset and how feedback shapes belief and achievement Gabor Maté - Scattered: How Attention Deficit Disorder Originates and What You Can Do About It : On neurodevelopment, attachment, and how early experiences shape identity Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds https://play.sparkade.app/ Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android. - Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected: Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ All podcast listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803 Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/ ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.ai Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation: https://followyourghostcoach.com/ As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  Episode #17

  Big Feelings & Calm Parenting w/ Devora Segall

  Sep 11, 202618 minS3

  Mike and Chaya sit down with Devora Segall, therapist, parenting coach, and founder of Segall Coaching, who helps overwhelmed parents build calmer, more connected relationships at home. Devora opens up about her own experience of overwhelmed parenting, shares trauma-informed and DBT-based tools for pausing before reacting, and explains why emotional regulation is often the first step toward real change.We Also Cover: Why extreme reactions are often the clearest sign to pause before responding How a deep breath and a 30-second pause can interrupt automatic parenting patterns Noticing body sensations, thoughts, and emotions in real time The difference between go skills and slow skills in emotional regulation Why neurodivergent parenting can come with more emotional intensity, not less capacity How parents can reconnect with their “wise mind” in stressful moments What the “inner child” really means and why it matters in parenting How repeated rupture affects trust between parent and child Why repair is possible, even after years of reactive parenting Getting to the root issue instead of only focusing on behavior Quotes: "It's really a matter of degree and intensity because every human being has big feelings. People who are neurodivergent have them more often and more intensely." "The inner child is usually the part of you that's still hurting." About Devora Segall:Devora Segall, LCSW, is a parenting coach, therapist, author, and founder of Segall Coaching. She helps overwhelmed moms move from yelling and guilt toward calm, confidence, and connection through practical, DBT-based parenting support. Devora is the author of Sensitive Hearts Strong Minds and The Peaceful Parenting Solution, and her work focuses on emotional regulation, breaking old patterns, and building stronger parent-child relationships.Connect with Devora Segall: Segall Coaching: https://segallcoaching.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devora-segall-8288a6299/ Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds https://play.sparkade.app/ Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android. - Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected: Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ All podcast listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803 Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/ ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.ai Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation: https://followyourghostcoach.com/ As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  Episode #16

  Finding Your Fit: Tailoring Education to Neurodiverse Needs w/ Cassie Olguin

  Sep 4, 202646 minS3

  Mike and Chaya sit down with Cassie Olguin, a Partnerships Specialist at Outschool and homeschool mom of 11+ years. Cassie shares how her family moved from a traditional-school mindset to homeschooling, and then navigated a new layer of needs as one of her twins was diagnosed with OCD, autism, and ADHD. Together, they explore what it looks like to protect a child’s spirit, redefine “success” beyond test scores, and build a learning life that flexes with mental health, sensory needs, and curiosity. We Also Cover: Why testing high doesn't always translate to actually understanding the material The hidden cost of comparison culture and chasing standardized grades The real-world benefits of homeschooling neurodivergent kids When it's time for academics to step back for mental and physical health How interest-based learning benefits all students Using creative platforms like Minecraft and art to teach math What to consider with online learning vs public school for neurodivergent kids Practical ways working parents can integrate alternative schooling Leveraging dual enrollment pathways for high schoolers Giving yourself permission to pivot and ditch a curriculum that isn't working Quotes: “We don’t need a billion mathematicians… we need creatives.” — Cassie Olguin “Just because you started something doesn’t mean you have to finish it.” — Cassie Olguin “None of my kids could read at what would be considered grade level until the sixth grade… and now they are all way above grade level.” — Cassie Olguin “Some of what we view as accommodations for neurodivergent learners are just the right way to teach anybody anything.” — Mike Cornell About Cassie Olguin: Cassie Olguin is a Partnerships Specialist at Outschool and has homeschooled her three daughters for 11+ years (one in high school and twin middle schoolers, one of whom is neurodiverse). A former paralegal with a Political Science degree, she transitioned from the legal field into home education—using a California homeschool charter while exploring a wide range of curricula and approaches. At Outschool, she focuses on community engagement and content development, working closely with educators and families to build supportive, student-centered learning environments. Cassie advocates for flexible, personalized options across public, private, homeschool, and hybrid models, and believes every child deserves an education that fits their unique needs. Connect with Cassie Olguin: Outschool: https://outschool.com/ Cassie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassieolguin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassies.hs.corner/ Outschool Resources for Parents: https://outschool.com/parents Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds https://play.sparkade.app/ Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android. - Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected: Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ All podcast listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803 Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/ ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/ Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation: https://followyourghostcoach.com/ As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  Episode #15

  The Unedited Self: Dropping the Script on Late-Diagnosed Autism w/ Kristin Walker

  Aug 28, 202636 minS3

  Mike and Chaya sit down with Kristin Walker, founder and CEO of Mental Health News Radio Network, who returns to the show to share the profound impact of receiving an autism and ADHD diagnosis in her 50s. Kristin opens up about the strange and beautiful work of unmasking after a later-in-life autism and ADHD diagnosis, shedding old survival patterns, and rejecting the deficit mindset often placed on neurodivergent minds. We Also Cover: The grief, relief, and disorientation of late-diagnosed autism and ADHD Building the Mental Health News Radio Network across 12 years while fully masked and unaware Why neurodivergent masking can hide your strengths, not just your struggles How relationships can help us find our way back to ourselves Slow processing and the exhaustion of performed competence Learning boundaries without abandoning connection How threat-mapping shapes neurodivergent relationships Letting go of scripts, shortcuts, and conversational over-prep The difference between living from self-protection and living from self-trust How deficit-based views of neurodivergence are a trap Quotes: "I got diagnosed with autism and ADHD right after I turned 54… that has been a really trippy ass journey." — Kristin Walker "I’m done editing myself. I’m done. The best parts of me are the unedited parts." — Kristin Walker "That’s not Mike that’s talking. That’s scripts that are talking, and I don’t really script so much anymore." — Mike "Every time I peel back something else and bring something out into the open... every time I say no, another chamber opens that I get to explore." — Kristen Walker About Kristin Walker: Kristin Walker is the founder and CEO of Mental Health News Radio Network, a platform for conversations about mental health, trauma, neurodivergence, behavioral health, and lived experience. She is also connected to everythingEHR, where her work bridges behavioral health, technology, and systems-level support. As an Electronic Health Records Expert for Behavioral Health Organizations, she regularly speaks at healthcare conferences and consults with hospital systems across the country. Kristin's unique approach emphasizes collaborative leadership and creating inclusive spaces for different perspectives on mental health, making her a respected voice in both the technology and mental health communities. Connect with Kristin Walker: Mental Health News Radio Network: https://www.mentalhealthnewsradio.com/ Mental Health News Radio Podcast: https://www.mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/our-shows/mental-health-news-radio/ Lawn Chairs in Space Podcast: https://www.mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/our-shows/lawn-chairs-in-space/ Kristin Walker on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kristinswalker Mental Health News Radio Network on Instagram: @mhnrnetwork Mental Health News Radio Network on Facebook: facebook.com/MentalHealthNewsRadioNetwork Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds https://play.sparkade.app/ Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android. - Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected: Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ All podcast listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803 Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/ ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/ Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation: https://followyourghostcoach.com/ As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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