The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast | Transcript: Introduction: Nothing About Us, Without Us, A Trailer for Real Talk

Introduction: Nothing About Us, Without Us, A Trailer for Real Talk

April 30, 2025 / 04:34/Trailer Download MP3

Paul Cruz: 00:00

Welcome to the neurodiversity voices podcast where we celebrate and amplify the unique perspectives and experiences of neurodiverse individuals. I'm your host, Paul Cruz, and I'm thrilled to launch our podcast and to have you join us on this journey to celebrate World Autism Awareness Month and I'm not alone joined by my four amazing volunteer co hosts Livia Ward, The Tara Puto, Karen Habashi, and Gina Wakbar.

Livia Ward: 00:30

Everyone, like Tal said, my name is Liv, and I'm just in my last semester at UTC for my bachelor's degree, where I'm studying psychology and English literature. And as my degree indicates, I love people, I love how they think, and I love their stories. My family has always been quite involved in the neurodivergent community and I have seen and felt how isolating feeling different can be. So I feel extremely privileged to be here to listen to divergent people tell us about how they walk through the world.

Letara Couto: 01:01

Everyone, I'm Letara Couto, and I can't wait to dive into the world of neurodiversity with everyone. As a learning strategist and adaptive technologist, I work closely with neurodiverse students to help them embrace their strengths and find tools that actually work for them. I also was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 12, but didn't really explore anything, until I got older. And I also want to talk about Karen Jang with experiencing neurodiversity as well. I'm excited to lean into the neurodivergence.

Karen Habashi: 01:34

My name is Karen Habashi. I'm a mom of three. I'm now a person with ADHD. I got diagnosed at the age of 40. Before that, I didn't really understand ADHD.

Karen Habashi: 01:47

I'm an Egyptian living in Canada, there's a lot of, I think lack of experience or stories from my community. And I can't wait to share my own experience and learn from other people's stories and guests. I'm also a dentist turned writer, so I have a passion for stories and storytelling, and I can't wait to learn more and dive into this podcast and share our experience. Thank you.

Gino Akbari: 02:14

Hi. I am glad to be invited to be part of the neurodiversity voices podcast. My name is Gino Akbari, one of your co hosts. I've spent most of my life helping people develop the skills they need to navigate life's challenges. I've worked in the military, been an athlete, a business owner, and my interest took me to get certified in cognitive behavior therapy, hypnotherapy, NLP, and continuing on that road.

Gino Akbari: 02:42

I suppose what really drives me is we will be talking a lot about neurodiversity of this world as how to support, understand, and advocate for neurodiverse individuals. I think where my learning will come in is what about the people who support them? The parents, partners, friends, and caregivers. How do they take care of themselves so they can show up as their best selves for their loved ones? I'm looking forward to this podcast, which should be about real conversations, practical tools, and a little bit of humor along the way, I hope.

Gino Akbari: 03:16

Thank you.

Paul Cruz: 03:16

In each episode, we'll explore the challenges, triumphs, and everyday experiences of those who think and perceive the world differently. We'll hear from inspiring guests, including advocates, experts, and researchers, authors, and speakers, and neurodiverse individuals themselves. We'll share their stories, insights, and strategies for thriving in a neurotypical world.

Livia Ward: 03:41

You're neurodiverse yourself, a family member, a friend, or an ally, this podcast is for you. Our goal is to foster understanding, accepting, and empowerment for all neurodiver

Karen Habashi: 03:52

This podcast means so much to me because I know what it's like to

Letara Couto: 03:56

feel misunderstood or unsupported, and also what it's like to find your voice. And now as a neurodivergent mom raising two neurodivergent kids, that mission feels even more personal. Parenting through ADHD, autism, sensory overload is real and is hard.

Karen Habashi: 04:11

Thanks for listening and don't forget to like, subscribe, and comment on any platform you listen to podcasts on. And don't forget to show love to our social media, whether Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.

Gino Akbari: 04:22

So sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired.

Creators and Guests

Host

Gino Akbari

He is a global citizen with a passion for understanding the human experience. Having lived across multiple cultures and worked in a wide range of industries—from military training to acting, politics, and entrepreneurship—Gino has developed a deep appreciation for how people think, behave, and thrive within their environments. With over 12 years of experience training military personnel, he brings discipline, adaptability, and leadership into every space he enters. A multilingual speaker and lifelong learner, Gino’s journey has also led him to the performing arts, where he owns a dance company and embraces movement as a form of expression and connection. Today, Gino is a certified life coach with credentials across various disciplines. His mission is simple yet powerful: to explore what it means to live a truly full life—and to guide others on their own paths of growth, purpose, and continuous self-improvement.

Host

Karen Habashi

Karen Habashi, a mother of three, was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 40. Originally a dentist, she transitioned to writing, which fuels her passion for storytelling while also deepening her understanding of the science and research behind neurodivergence. An Egyptian residing in Vancouver, BC, Karen aims to raise awareness and provide more education to her community. Her writing encompasses a wide range of topics, including mental health, the experiences of BIPOC and immigrants, motherhood with a chronic illness, and many others. You can find her work here or follow her on Instagram to delve deeper into the topics she shares. Karen Habashi https://karenhabashi.wixsite.com/karen-habashi

Host

Letara Couto

Letara is a passionate advocate for neurodivergent voices, drawing from both lived experience and her work in accessible education. Diagnosed with ADHD at 12, she faced years of academic and personal challenges before finding her footing in college---when starting ADHD medication, it transformed her ability to learn, focus, and thrive. That shift inspired a deeper journey into accessibility and inclusive education. After studying Accessible Media Production in 2018, Letara began working at Accessible Learning Services within her college. Now a full-time Learning Strategist and Adaptive Technologist, she spends her days helping students understand their unique learning styles and adapt technology to support their success. Letara is also a proud mom to two incredible neurodivergent kids: an 11-year-old son with ADHD and Autism and a 9-year-old daughter with ADHD and anxiety. Her personal and professional experiences continue to shape her commitment to advocacy, empathy, and creating spaces where neurodiversity is not only accepted but celebrated. As a co-host of the Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, Letara brings heart, insight, and a deep belief in the power of sharing our stories.

Host

Livia Ward

Livia Ward is a dedicated and versatile professional with a strong academic background and diverse work experience. She recently graduated from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, with a double major in English Literature and Psychology. Livia has gained valuable industry experience, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to excellence. She worked as a Multimedia Writer for the Vancouver Arts Colloquium Society, where she wrote research articles, conducted interviews for documentaries, and presented findings at monthly salons. She is a Supervisor at Dunbar Theatre, managing ticket and concession sales, handling cash and credit transactions, operating projectors, and promoting events through newsletters and social media. Livia is also actively involved in volunteer work, contributing to organizations such as the Vancouver Comics Festival, The Ubyssey, and The Writer’s Exchange. With her academic background, professional experience, and volunteer contributions, Livia Ward demonstrates a passion for creativity, community engagement, and personal growth.

Introduction: Nothing About Us, Without Us, A Trailer for Real Talk

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Creators and Guests

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