Brilliant Voices

Welcome to the fourth episode of the Brilliant Voices podcast. Hosts Woodzick and Ruby Wilson delve into the intersection of neurodiversity and creativity, highlighting the profound connections formed through art and digital spaces. This episode kicks off with a whimsical question about enchanted objects, leading to imaginative discussions on self-expression and fantasy. Woodzick shares their thoughts on being an enchanted candle with flamethrowing abilities, while Ruby envisions themself as a sentient ruby gem, reminiscent of characters from Steven Universe. Our guests, Lauren Melissa Ellzey and Jonathan Alexandratos, join the conversation to share their insights. Lauren Melissa, an autistic self-advocate and author, discusses the themes of queerness, neurodiversity, and fantasy in her young adult novels. Jonathan, a playwright and toy scholar, explores the cultural impact of fast food toys and the importance of non-traditional play structures. The episode also touches on the significance of online connections for neurodivergent individuals, the transformative power of fantasy, and the role of pop culture in shaping identity. With heartfelt discussions, show and tell moments, and even spell-casting celebrations, this episode is a testament to the magic of creativity and community. Dr. Kate Siekman shares data about autistic individuals and the intersections with the LGBTQIA+ community.  Join us for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the unique voices and experiences of neurodivergent individuals. Find Lauren Melissa online: https://linktr.ee/autienelle Find Jonathan online: https://www.instagram.com/toy_circus YouTube Series: https://www.youtube.com/@fastfoodtoyfiles Email: jsalexan (at) gmail (dot) com   Our new theme music is composed by Ashley Eriksson.

Welcome to the third episode of the Brilliant Voices podcast. Hosted by Woodzick and Ruby Wilson from Islands of Brilliance, this episode delves into the fascinating relationship between neurodiversity and creativity. Islands of Brilliance is a Milwaukee-based nonprofit that empowers neurodivergent individuals through creative programming and digital art. In this episode, Woodzick and Ruby explore hypothetical scenarios about downloading knowledge directly into the brain, touching on topics like mastering Excel and learning to fly an airplane. They also introduce the "Shiny Rock" segment, where they share joyful and meaningful experiences from their lives, such as the surprising joy of a favorite sandwich with a change in bread and a heartwarming story about Spongebob's voice actor affirming the character's neurodivergent traits. Ruby then engages in an insightful conversation with Maeve and Harvey, two neurodivergent creatives who use dance and crafting as vehicles for self-expression, emotional discovery, and regulation. They discuss their personal journeys with art, the challenges of navigating academic and professional art spaces, and the importance of creating safe and playful environments for artistic exploration. Maeve is currently a student at DePaul University working on her masters in Social Work. She received her Bachelor’s in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee with a minor in Design. Currently works as an assistant clinician at a therapeutic day clinic.  Harvey graduated from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a BA in Dance and a minor in Psychology. They are a candidate for their Masters in Social Work at DePaul University. Harvey is passionate about teaching and working with kids. They taught dance for many years prior to working as an assistant clinician at a therapeutic day clinic. They love to make art and hang out with their two cats, Blake and Fallon!  This episode is packed with thoughtful reflections on the power of art in neurodivergent lives and the need for diverse perspectives in creative fields. Tune in for a rich discussion that celebrates the unique ways neurodivergent individuals interact with and contribute to the world of art. Enjoy the episode and don't forget to celebrate your creativity and neurodivergent identity!

On this episode of the Brilliant Voices podcast, Ruby and Woodzick chat with Mrinal Gokhale and Ranjit Singh.    Mrinal is an author whose titles include Saaya Unveiled: South Asian Mental Health Spotlighted and Taboo: South Asian Mental Health Stories. Learn more by visiting linktr.ee/Mgokhale.   Ranjit is a thought leader in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion field. He founded WE ARE SAATH which is a national organization whose mission is to increase access to mental health resources for the South Asian community through education, activism, and storytelling. Follow @wearesaath and @wearesaath_milwaukee_ to learn more.

On the first episode of the Brilliant Voices podcast, Ruby and Woodzick talk with Hannah Sallmann and August Carlson, who currently facilitate one of IOB’s newest programs, The Fellowship, in Eau Claire. The chat covers portal fiction, neurodivergent artistic organization piles, how Hannah and August choose their artistic mediums, and more! Connect with the podcast on Instagram by following @IOBMKE, or send an email to podcast@islandsofbrilliance.org.