Episodes

In this episode, Catherine is joined by Wendy Minhinnett - a lived experience leader who co-created the Rollercoaster Parent Carer Support Project. Her work has been recognised with a Positive Practice in Mental Health Award and a *BEM in 2022 for services to parents of children with mental health needs. After over a decade of heart-led lived experience work, Wendy experienced a complete burnout that coincided with menopause and a difficult workplace experience. It was during this midlife unrav...

In this episode, Catherine is joined by Vicky Chapman, a gay autistic TV editor from Southampton, who had her late discovery at 26. Vicky shares how her journey began during the first lockdown, when her partner, who works in early years autism, first suggested she might be autistic. At the time, Vicky dismissed the idea, saying, “I can’t be autistic… I’m not Sheldon Cooper.” But a run-in with a blender (you’ll hear all about it) sparked a deeper reflection, and after ticking nearly every box, ...

“Creativity has always been my life force. Even when I didn’t know I was autistic, it was how I survived.” From being sent out of chemistry class for caricaturing her teacher, to being piled on by hundreds of angry Nicola Sturgeon fans online, Lorna Miller has sharpened her pencil and become one of the UK’s most successful editorial cartoonists - known for her satirical, political, and deeply personal work. The first woman to have a cartoonist role created for her in Private Eye, Lorna has als...

In this episode, Catherine is joined by Julie, a Canadian based writer, artist, and creator of “The Autistic Mum” on Substack. Julie shares her powerful late discovery story, receiving an autism diagnosis at age 44 after a decade of questioning and reflection sparked by her son’s own diagnosis. Together, they explore the emotional terrain of late discovery, generational autism, sensory differences, and the impact of masking and burnout. Julie speaks candidly about the challenges of navigating...

Joining Catherine is Trudi Murray - an artist, illustrator, writer, and a wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, and proud granny. Diagnosed autistic at 47, Trudi now sees her lifelong creative work as a map of self-discovery, a visual language she was speaking long before she had the words to understand it. In this episode, Trudi reflects on how her art carried the essence of her autistic identity long before discovery and diagnosis. From paintings that unknowingly explored the concept of m...

Joining Catherine in S4 Episode 6 is Louise Fox is a former GBR Elite triathlete (representing GBR 5 times at World and European championships), self-employed web developer, environmentalist, and Nordic-obsessed adventurer. Louise shares her late autism discovery and her journey from competitive sports to motherhood, from quitting her job in her early 30’s to follow her Pro athlete dream, and the challenges of balancing personal identity with family, to how endurance - both in sport and life ha...

Joining Catherine & Pete in S4 Ep4 is stand-up comedian, writer, radio host and podcaster - Pierre Novellie. Pierre is co-host of The Frank Skinner Show on Absolute Radio, and his television appearances include World’s Most Dangerous Roads (Dave), The Mash Report (BBC2), and Stand Up Central (Comedy Central). Pierre’s first book Why Can’t I Just Enjoy Things?: A Comedian’s Guide to Autism was published by Bonnier in 2024. In audio, Pierre co-hosts the hit Budpod podcast alongside Phil Wang whic...

Catherine's much awaited and anticipated book 'Rediscovered' was published 21st February 2025. In this special episode, Catherine is interviewed by S4 guest (and friend) Dr Helen Lawal about the book. We talk everything from Mountains, Metaphors, Monotropism, Masking, Manifestos for Change - and so much more. *This recording is from the live online launch which took place on 24th February 2025. The book is out now in paperback, audio and Ebook Buy Catherine's NEW Book ⁠'Still Living'⁠ publis...

Joining Catherine and Pete in S4 Episode 3 in this powerful, and deeply moving episode is Tristan Kluibenschadl. Content Warning: In this episode we talk about sensitive content relating to mental health, suicide, trauma and grief. Tristan comes on the show to share his story of late autism discovery, which came at a time in his life when he was a working as a (former) Senior Police Officer where he spent 32 years working in strategic, operational, and tactical levels within the criminal justi...

Joining Catherine & Pete in this episode of our new season is Dominique Bowler-Brown. CW: We discuss sexual abuse and trauma She is a thirty-five-year-old from South London, home-schooling mother of two and a half children (pregnant at time of recording). Dominique studied at BRIT performing arts college and then Goldsmiths University of London, and over the past several years she has worked in television commercials, acting and modelling and has written five novels (“Energy” and “Generation” ...

Joining Catherine & Pete in the first episode of our new season - Nigerian born and Yorkshire bred, Dr Helen Lawal is Black African- White British, Medical Doctor, Nutritionist, Coach, TV Presenter and Mum of 2. She’s dedicated 20 years studying, training and working in the field of health care with degrees and qualifications in Sport & Exercise Science (Bsc), Medicine, Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare, General Practitioner Specialist Training , Health Coaching and Nutrition. You might have al...

Season 4 is almost here!! We have a brand new season coming Friday 17th January 2025 with a new co-host joining Catherine in some of the episodes, author Pete Wharmby. About Pete After being diagnosed as autistic at the age of 34 in 2017, Pete has immersed himself in working to improve autistic awareness, acceptance and making the world a more suitable place for the neurodivergent community. He has spoken at a wide range of events and conferences since 2020 in the UK and in Europe and North ...