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Beautifully audacious Amy Newmark is publisher and editor-in-chief of the Chicken Soup for the Soul organization which is huge with well over 100 million books sold to date in the U.S. and Canada alone, more than 250 titles, and translations into more than 40 languages. Amy and her husband co-own Chicken Soup for the Soul and have grown the company far beyond the bookstore with super premium pet foods, podcasts, and television shows like Hidden Heroes and Project Dad all revolving around true stories. They are "changing the world one story at a time." Amy joins us to discuss "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum" (which we enthusiastically recommend), and another book which Amy authored which is, in our opinion, one of the best self-help books ever: "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Simply Happy - a Crash Course in Chicken Soup for the Soul Advice and Wisdom." Tune in to this fun show for empowering parenting tips as well as life hacks building on presumed competence as Amy encourages us to expect greatness of yourself and others.

Community of Unity founder, Eric Komoroff is an internationally recognized education and non-profit leader and expert in the fields of urban education, social emotional learning, mindfulness, growth mindset, and student empowerment through relationship building. The practical and beautiful mission of Community of Unity is to help students achieve success and fulfillment by awakening and understanding their unique purpose and potential – one good choice at a time. Eric has a passion for working with students with Autism and has a decade of experience working in special education so what he brings to the educational table in terms of the benefits of neurodiversity is profound. Barb closes the show with her take on our urgent and critical need for truth.

Playful and analytical discussion on the educational benefits of political satire, multimodal learning (movies, improv, stories, etc), social justice curriculum, and learning how to manage anxiety and isolation. Filmmaker and funny man, Gabe Pacheco shares how he personally navigates life threatening allergies, isolation, and anxiety. Neurodiverse (WORLD WIDE) children are invited to share their stories at storypirates.org. Show closes with Star Wars: New Hope themed bit on how our collective Jungian Shadow may be cultivating geo-political negativity and divisiveness - AND what you can do about it.   

Marketing guru, best selling author, entrepreneur, skydiver, corporate keynote speaker and creator of the “Faster than Normal” podcast which helps us all unlock the gifts of the ADHD and ADD brain, Peter Shankman is our featured guest. Peter is a spectacular example of the benefits of Neurodiversity. The music for today's show is written and performed by another neurodiverse strong man, James Burrows. And Barb' invites Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum co-author, Nancy Burrows, to share excerpts. Join us as we drop the shame and pathology and learn how to drive our different brains. 

Xian Horn shares her advocacy work as a biracial woman with Cerebral palsy. Her positivity and flexible thinking focuses uplift teens to celebrate their differences, "Disability was easy, insecurity was a challenge." Horn discusses her work at: the Standing Tall school for non-verbal students, NYU's program for women with disabilities, and Change Blazers an organization whose mission is to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Then in the Barb Asks segment, UCONN's Chris Wenz talks about literacy education and the benefits of #neurodiversity.

INSPIRATIONAL & FUN! A must hear for young scientists especially those with "disabilities." Howard Bloom LIVES Barb's recommendation to "Sculpt yourself with intention" as he overcame 5 years of not being able to speak, 15 years of being bed ridden, chronic depression, social isolation, and being teased throughout childhood as "The Sickly Scientist." Learn how Howard channeled his beautiful neurodivergent mind and attention to become a prolific multidisciplinary ("Omniology") scholar, author, podcaster, 1000 push-ups a day guy, and creator of one of the most astoundingly successful Public Relations firms in the history of the Music industry. As Howard says, "my disadvantage became my advantage." Tune in for fascinating, uplifting personal accounts with superstars like Galileo, Prince, Joan Jet, and Michael Jackson. Discover "what dances you" and punch through the boundaries of the status quo by expanding the benefits of Neurodiversity.

Sandi Klein host of the Outstanding podcast "Conversations with Creative Women" highlights accomplished, passionate committed women whose names you may not know but who are doing fabulous, uplifting things in art, science, education, psychology, advocacy, and entertainment. Learn how these "Inspirational Powerhouses" with strong senses of self got to where they are to better know and believe in yourself. And in the Barb Asks section, Jess Wilson from "Diary of a Mom" fame shares her thoughts on the benefits of neurodiversity.

Gail Saltz, MD discusses her new podcast and book titled, "The Power of Different: The Link Between Disorder and Genius." Her work highlights the connection between neurodiversity and highly successful people. Dr. Saltz joins us in promoting the uplifting theory of neurodiversity and resource rich neurodivergent outliers in human history. The psychobiography of Vincent Van Gogh is reviewed. Tips on how to deal with the uncertainty of parenting, best supports for mild/moderate/severe depression, and how to adapt more respectful and less pathology based language to minimize suffering and maximize potential are also discussed. The BARB ASKS section highlights Dr. Temple Grandin's thoughts on the benefits of neurodiversity and invites you to share yours.

Community Activist John Tirro shares his thoughts on how to minimize divisiveness and maximize our collective potential. Then Autism Specialist, Jeri Yarber, joins the ASK BARB portion of the show to discuss practical tips learned from Barb and others with ASD labels that practitioners, parents and teachers may use to help non-normative communicators reach their potential in terms of literacy, communication, and contributions.  

The global benefits of neurological, cultural, and political differences are discussed with song writer and community leader, Reverend John Tirro. The truth that emotions are catching is processed with regard to how we may each be the best we can with what we have been given. The team brainstorms on the suffering of isolation and divisiveness then extrapolates on healing terrorism. And in the ASK BARB segment, a physician gives feedback on "presumed competence" as best practice and Barb gives an uplifting message to children with Autism labels. 

Neurologically the psychological and physiological benefits of giving are quite apparent. Our systems are designed to thrive when we give to others. Oxytocin, the bonding molecule is released making us feel more compassionate, connected and less alone.  Serotonin floods our brains making us feel safe, well, and more confident. And tasty reward molecule Dopamine joins the wellness party and reinforces our giving with pleasure rewarding us for a job well done. The science of compassion is growing by leaps and bounds.  We hear from physician Dr. Ty Heath, who is learning about the power of giving first hand as a scientist and human being. 

Contributions from Sandi Klein, Jess Wilson, Eli Prislovsky Warwick, Zoom Magazine and Barb Rentenbach affirm that change is inevitable and fortunately so is giving and receiving.   Tune in for “Easy E Theology” a flexible thinking strategy to help reduce anxiety and rigidity; Jess Wilson’s call to action to hear #actuallyautistic people via Facebook; and a Free Children’s audio-book by Barb, E-Cat the Rescue Hero. Illustrations and extra copies of this audio-book may be found on Barb Rentenbach’s Youtube channel =http://bit.ly/28Eloy8

Mama Fry from “Autism with a Side of Fries” gives her TOP 10 TIPS for parents new to ASD. Barb shares her thoughts on ASD and eye contact. We also discuss structural ways that neurons in the brain vary with conditions like Autism and Dyslexia and how those brain styles compliment each other. Neither may be the result of a purposeless breakdown in function, but rather a valuable specialization trade off. The show closes with a FUNNY IRL celebrity endorsement by neurodiveristy comedian Emma Willmann.

Executive Chef Holly Hambright joins Barb as they share how to do the hard stuff to get to the FUN work of being your best self.  This discussion yields vital advice for Millennials on how to stand out as they gain critical experience, humility, and work ethic.

Mama Fry from "Autism with a Side of Fries" is the feature interview and then Beauty pageant winners (Jeri Yarber and Augusta Rentenbach) share Art For Autism programs.   This show is warm, funny, and informative.  Please listen for tips on these Autism topics:  1. HUMOR  2. jobs 3. emotional sensitivities  4. giving 5. structure/scheduling  6. planning for parties and visits  7. scripting  8. burnout  9. destructive behaviors 10. learning to adapt  11. navigating IEPs and 12. art

This is a touching and uplifting show about parents who raised artfully raised neurodiverse children. In the interview, Mike Rentenbach (aka Barb's Dad) shares what he learned from parenting a non-verbal daughter with "severe autism." In addition, Mr. Rentenbach gives advice to parents who called in and emailed questions concerning raising their own children with special needs. 

Actress and comedian Emma Willmann is live in studio to discuss her experiences with ADHD, Dyslexia, Depression, Anxiety, Homosexuality, and other funny stuff. Willmann will write the forward to Barb and Lois’ new book, Neurodiversity: A Humorous and Practical Guide to Living with ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Dyslexia, Homosexuality and Everyone Else.

Sensei Nadine Champion is an undefeated fighter, cancer survivor, Ted Talks standing ovation sensation, and a compassionate and wise Ninja. Nadine shares how to face your fears. Barb closes the show with tips on goal progression and authentic pride.

Barb the history buff is joined by Jade Morton, a high school senior and fellow history aficionado, in this lively show with myth busting history expert, Professor Buzzkill from the wildly popular podcast, "Professor Buzzkill." Trail of tears currency, Genghis Khan as "baby daddy", Aztec cannibal cooking tips, and J. Edgar Hoover's fashion are some of the topics discussed.

Dr. Temple Grandin discusses jobs, anxiety, relationships, sensory issues, and mentoring