Spicy Brain

Spicy Brain is the podcast host Lara Sullivan wished existed when she was diagnosed with autism as an adult.Each week, Lara welcomes guests from across the neurodivergent community for thoughtful conversations that challenge stereotypes, celebrate differences, and highlight the humour and joy that only come from shared life experiences. Spicy Brain is for those diagnosed later in life, those still seeking clarity, or allies of neurodivergent children who want to better understand the world around them.

Spicy Brain is a health podcast hosted by Lara Sullivan, with 12 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Lara Sullivan hosts Spicy Brain, a health show with 12 episodes published.

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  Episode #13

  Season Two Teaser | Behind the Scenes with Producer Vickey

  Oct 2, 202630 min

  Spicy Brain Season Two Teaser | Behind the Scenes with Producer Vickey Spicy Brain is back! In this Season Two teaser, host Lara Sullivan is joined by Spicy Brain producer Vickey from Voices & Visuals for a behind-the-scenes chat about how the podcast came together, how they met, what Season One taught them both, and what listeners can expect from the brand-new season. From the very first nervous studio session to a growing community of autistic people, ADHDers and neurodivergent listeners who finally feel seen, Lara talks about the importance of building a neurodiverse team and what's on the horizon for Spicy Brain. In this trailer: ️ Growing a neurodivergent team ️ What it's like making a neurodivergent podcast from behind the mic ️ How Lara and Vickey met ️ How the Spicy Brain community has grown ️ A first look at what's coming in Season Two New episodes land very soon. Hit follow so you don't miss the first one. Contact Spicy Brain: Email: hello@spicybrainmedia.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: www.instagram.com/spicybrain.podcast/ Follow Lara: Website: linktr.ee/Sullivanlara Instagram: www.instagram.com/sullivanlara/

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  Episode #11

  Amber Macintosh: NUTRITION AND NEURODIVERGENCE | Understanding Safe Foods

  Aug 4, 20261h 25m

  Why are safe foods so often beige, and what does that tell us about neurodivergence? In this episode of The Spicy Brain Podcast, host Lara Sullivan sits down with ADHD nutrition coach Amber Macintosh to explore the complex relationship between neurodivergence, food and nutrition. As an autistic and ADHD woman herself, Amber shares her journey to diagnosis and how understanding her own sensory needs shaped the way she now supports other neurodivergent people. Together, they explore why safe foods are so often carb-based, how sensory sensitivities and dopamine-seeking behaviours can influence what we eat, and why nutrition advice needs to be practical and tailored to each person's individual needs. They also discuss blood sugar, the gut-brain connection, the importance of protein and key nutrients, and how to approach food during periods of autistic burnout. This episode explores : ️ Why food and nutrition can be particularly complicated for neurodivergent people ️ The connection between ADHD, autism and sensory sensitivities around food ️ Why safe foods are often carb-based ️ How dopamine and blood sugar interact with food cravings ️ The importance of protein and key nutrients for neurodivergent brains ️ The gut-brain connection and supporting gut health ️ How to navigate selective eating and texture sensitivities ️ Making food more accessible during autistic burnout ️ The relationship between neurodivergence, disordered eating and eating disorders ️ Why ‘fed is better than not fed’ when capacity is low Tune in for a compassionate conversation about nutrition and neurodivergence, and how small, realistic changes can help us better support our brains and bodies without getting lost in the nutrition rabbit hole. Contact Spicy Brain Thanks for tuning in to Spicy Brain , the podcast Lara Sullivan created after her own late autism diagnosis. Each week, Lara sits down with guests from across the neurodivergent community to challenge stereotypes, celebrate differences, and laugh through the shared realities of life. For more content visit our website or follow us on your favourite social platform to stay connected. Find out more: Email: hello@spicybrainmedia.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spicybrain.podcast/ Follow Lara: Website: linktr.ee/Sullivanlara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sullivanlara/ Follow Amber: Website: https://www.ambermacintosh.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberscoaching

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  Episode #10

  Ria Lina: WHAT’S FUNNY ABOUT AUTISM? | Comedy, Late Diagnosis & Autism in Women

  Jul 28, 20261h 17m

  Can you still be autistic if you're the funniest person in the room? In this episode of The Spicy Brain Podcast , host Lara Sullivan sits down with award-winning comedian, writer, neuroscientist and late-diagnosed autistic woman Ria Lina for an honest and hilarious conversation about what autism really looks like beyond the stereotypes. Together, they explore why comedy can be the perfect home for neurodivergent minds, and how learning you're autistic can completely reshape the way you understand yourself. This episode explores: ️ Why autistic women are often missed or misunderstood ️ How comedy and dark humour can be a natural fit for autistic minds ️ The hidden dynamics of female friendships and relational bullying ️ Why autistic women often appear socially confident while struggling internally ️ The identity shift that comes with a late autism diagnosis ️ Why self-understanding matters more than the diagnosis itself ️ Parenting, relationships, and challenging society's expectations as an autistic woman Tune in for a funny, heartfelt, and validating conversation that challenges outdated ideas about autism and celebrates the individuality and humour of autistic women. Contact Spicy Brain Thanks for tuning in to Spicy Brain , the podcast Lara Sullivan created after her own late autism diagnosis. Each week, Lara sits down with guests from across the neurodivergent community to challenge stereotypes, celebrate differences, and laugh through the shared realities of life. For more content visit our website or follow us on your favourite social platform to stay connected. Find out more: Email: spicybrain.production@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: www.instagram.com/spicybrain.podcast/ Follow Lara: Website: linktr.ee/Sullivanlara Instagram: www.instagram.com/sullivanlara/ Follow Ria Lina: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rialina_ Website: https://rialina.com

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  Episode #9

  Joe Wells: OCD AND AUTISM | Living with Intrusive Thoughts

  Jul 21, 20261h 9m

  What happens when OCD and autism overlap – and no one recognises either? In this episode of The Spicy Brain Podcast, host Lara Sullivan sits down with comedian, author and neurodiversity advocate Joe Wells to unpack the realities of living with OCD and autism. From childhood intrusive thoughts and compulsions to receiving an autism diagnosis later in life, Joe shares his personal journey with honesty and humour. Together, they explore the misconceptions surrounding OCD, the overlap between OCD and autism, and how understanding your brain can lead to meaningful self-accommodations. They also discuss neurodivergent relationships, finding belonging through comedy, and why autistic people often thrive when they can be unapologetically themselves. This episode explores: ️ What OCD actually is ️ How intrusive thoughts and compulsions can impact everyday life ️ The connection between OCD and autism ️ Growing up neurodivergent before mental health was widely understood ️ Why a late autism diagnosis can transform self-understanding ️ Learning to accommodate for yourself before a formal diagnosis ️ Finding belonging through comedy ️ Neurodivergent relationships, communication, and embracing authenticity Tune in for a powerful conversation about mental health, OCD and why understanding your neurodivergent brain can be one of the most freeing experiences of all. Contact Spicy Brain Thanks for tuning in to Spicy Brain , the podcast Lara Sullivan created after her own late autism diagnosis. Each week, Lara sits down with guests from across the neurodivergent community to challenge stereotypes, celebrate differences, and laugh through the shared realities of life. For more content visit our website or follow us on your favourite social platform to stay connected. Find out more: Email: spicybrain.production@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spicybrain.podcast/ Follow Lara: Website: linktr.ee/Sullivanlara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sullivanlara/ Follow Joe: Website: https://www.joewells.org.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joewellscomedian/?hl=en

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  Episode #8

  Gina Rippon: HIDDEN AUTISM IN WOMEN | Life After a Late Diagnosis (Part 2)

  Jul 14, 202656 min

  What happens after a late autism diagnosis? In the second episode of this two-parter special of The Spicy Brain Podcast , host Lara Sullivan continues her conversation with renowned neuroscientist and author of The Lost Girls of Autism , Professor Gina Rippon , exploring what life looks like after a diagnosis and why understanding autistic women goes far beyond outdated stereotypes. Together, they discuss the hidden cost of masking, the emotional impact of receiving a late diagnosis, the importance of finding community, and how autism research and diagnosis could evolve to better support future generations. Part 2 explores: 🌶️ The difference between masking and camouflaging 🌶️ Why masking can lead to burnout and exhaustion 🌶️ The grief and relief that often follows a late diagnosis 🌶️ Why autistic women are especially vulnerable to relational bullying 🌶️ The power of finding community after diagnosis 🌶️ How schools and workplaces can better recognise and support autistic people 🌶️ Why the future of autism diagnosis may be based on support needs rather than stereotypes Tune in for a conversation about identity, belonging, and how we can build a world that better understands and supports autistic people. Part 1 can be found on our channel. Contact Spicy Brain Thanks for tuning in to Spicy Brain , the podcast Lara Sullivan created after her own late autism diagnosis. Each week, Lara sits down with guests from across the neurodivergent community to challenge stereotypes, celebrate differences, and laugh through the shared realities of life. For more content visit our website or follow us on your favourite social platform to stay connected. Find out more: Email: spicybrain.production@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: www.instagram.com/spicybrain.podcast/ Follow Lara: Website: linktr.ee/Sullivanlara Instagram: www.instagram.com/sullivanlara/ Follow Gina: Gina Rippon - Chair of Cognitive NeuroImaging https://www.ginarippon.com/ British neurobiologist and feminist. She is a professor emeritus of cognitive neuroimaging at the Aston Brain Centre, Aston University, Birmingham. Resources: Gina's Book: The Lost Girls of Autism The Autistic Girls Network: https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org/

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