by Angela Kingdon + Matt Lowry | Your #ActuallyAutistic Hosts
Welcome to the Autistic Culture Podcast. 💛 Each episode we dive deep into Autistic contributions to society and Autistic culture by introducing you to some of the world’s most famous and successful Autistics in history! Explore autism, neurodiversity, and autistic identity through engaging conversations on sensory experiences, special interests, Autistic creativity, justice, honesty, and world-building with co-hosts Dr. Angela Kingdon, a late-diagnosed autistic ghostwriter, writing coach, and critical autism researcher based in the UK, and Matt Lowry, an Actually Autistic Licensed Psychological Practitioner practicing in Kentucky. Co-authors of Adult Autism Home Assessment: The Definitive Guide to Accurate and Affirming Self-identification of Autism, Matt and Angela have created a podcast celebrates the unique insights and extraordinary contributions of Autistic people. Listen and immerse yourself in the language, values, traditions, norms, and identity of Autistica! Instagram: @autsiticculturepodcast To learn how to get a copy of Angela and Matt's book Adult Autism Home Assessment: Our Definitive Guide to Accurate and Affirming Self-Identification of Autism at bit.ly/aahabook <br/><br/><a href="https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com?utm_medium=podcast">www.autisticculturepodcast.com</a>
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April 18, 2025
<p>An episode that tries to make it make sense.</p><p>In Episode 124 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, “Justice for Victor,” we confront the tragic police killing of 17-year-old autistic Puerto Rican teen Victor Perez and the systemic failures that led to his death. Centering voices from the Black neurodivergent community, this powerful conversation demands a reimagining of autistic justice beyond white-centered narratives. This episode is a call to action for the autism and neurodiversity movements to prioritize true equity, accountability, and liberation for all.Here’s what we cover in today’s episode: </p><p>* In this powerful and somber episode, Angela is joined by Black autistic advocates Faith Clarke and Darren Calhoun to discuss the heart breaking murder of Victor Perez, a non-speaking autistic Puerto Rican teenager.</p><p>* On April 5th, Victor Perez—a 17-year-old autistic, disabled Puerto Rican teen—was shot by police in his own front yard. He is no longer with us. And now, his family is left to grieve in a system that failed him at every level.</p><p>* Darren Calhoun is a justice advocate, worship leader, and photographer based in Chicago. He’s the co-host of the Second Sunday podcast, and his work bridges communities across race, gender, and neurodivergence. Darren is a powerful voice for intersectionality and faith-based inclusion, and he’s someone who speaks truth with clarity and compassion.</p><p>* Faith Clarke wrote her best selling book Parenting Like a Ninja with Angela and it was based in part on her experience as a business owner and mom of a non-speaking autistic son (and a couple of other neurodivergent humans too).</p><p>* We are especially grateful to Tiffany Hammond who you might remember from our Monster’s High episode a couple of weeks ago — whose writing on her fidgets and fries Instagram in response to Victor’s death called me into deeper reflection. Her words were a turning point for us.</p><p>* Victor’s Go Fund Me: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/justice-for-victor-perez">https://www.gofundme.com/f/justice-for-victor-perez</a></p><p><p>“quotes”</p><p></p><p>Victor is not the first. He joins a growing list of young, Black and Brown neurodivergent lives—Stephon Watts. Elijah McClain. Ryan Gainer.</p><p>Their stories demand justice.</p><p>This episode is about what happened. What should have happened. And what needs to happen next—if we truly want a movement that’s rooted in liberation for all of us. Join the convo with #AutisticCultureCatch!</p></p><p>Related Episodes:</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/p/episode-27-trivia-is-autistic">Trivia is Autistic (Episode 27)</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/p/monster-high-is-autistic-episode">Monster High Is Autistic (Episode 117)</a></p><p>Listen to Darren Calhoun on <a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3slLuNow1BNV1B5tD0g1T4?si=68ac80a149fe4833">Second Sunday Podcast</a></p><p>Buy Faith Clarkes <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Parenting-Like-Ninja-Professional-Productivity/dp/1642791385">Book</a></p><p>Faith’s Substack - </p><p></p><p>Refrenced in this episode:</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/We-Will-Rest-Art-Escape/dp/B0D6C4TRVK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=AV28K2DDN1YC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nCOnEd7bm-f2drr4t24ypvyn3TFyxGoG_cVzcNoWB_pqEhWPDGe8zjYm8STyU4y0BKWw44d5DnV4_l-W4qxSgvG5RaVOkQmdLrqFD_ksbaB9njTDlsjqzSH37FGxyDvNFtMhK9HCWHu0bkxAafpA4Q.IR1WtkrJY9K7lgSI1mkCTfVTkNeS9V9c0p5VfXTmOos&dib_tag=se&keywords=tricia+Hersey&qid=1744825976&sprefix=tricia+hersey%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1">We Will Rest!: The Art of Escape</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rest-Resistance-INSTANT-TIMES-BESTSELLER/dp/1783255188/ref=sr_1_2?crid=AV28K2DDN1YC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nCOnEd7bm-f2drr4t24ypvyn3TFyxGoG_cVzcNoWB_pqEhWPDGe8zjYm8STyU4y0BKWw44d5DnV4_l-W4qxSgvG5RaVOkQmdLrqFD_ksbaB9njTDlsjqzSH37FGxyDvNFtMhK9HCWHu0bkxAafpA4Q.IR1WtkrJY9K7lgSI1mkCTfVTkNeS9V9c0p5VfXTmOos&dib_tag=se&keywords=tricia+Hersey&qid=1744825976&sprefix=tricia+hersey%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-2">Rest Is Resistance: Free yourself from grind culture and reclaim your life</a></p><p>Tiffany Hammond - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/fidgets.and.fries/">https://www.instagram.com/fidgets.and.fries/</a></p><p>Camille Proctor/ Color of Autism Foundation <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/colorofautism/">https://www.instagram.com/colorofautism/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://belonging.berkeley.edu/">Othering and Belonging institute</a>: John Powell</p><p>Follow us on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/autisticculturepodcast/?next=%2F">Instagram</a></p><p>Find us on <a target="_blank" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-autistic-culture-podcast/id1653171456">Apple Podcasts</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6wyddJdKhPr0b74563fsFl?si=44b458376d0947b7">Spotify</a></p><p>Learn more about Matt at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mattlowrylpp.com/">Matt Lowry, LPP</a></p><p>Join Matt’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/619732285448185">Autistic Connections Facebook Group</a></p><p>Learn more about Angela at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.angelalauria.com/">AngelaKingdon.com</a> </p><p>Angela’s social media: <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/alauria?s=20&t=YwIVZQojo7YDD4S8YuBqUQ">Twitter</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@linguisticautistic?_t=8X5WKxZ5kWE&_r=1">TikTok</a></p><p>Our Autism-affirming <a target="_blank" href="https://store.dftba.com/collections/the-autistic-culture-podcast?srsltid=AfmBOooZpStgFz-IgohwbyvOoZq5KAnWMIEneY9MEQPJcYf1AF5sN5Y_">merch shop</a></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2">www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe</a>
April 16, 2025
<p>An episode that explores autistic and neurodivergent representation in The Big Bang Theory and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. From Sheldon’s neurotypical framing to Charlie Kelly’s proudly autistic chaos, we break down what hits, what misses, and why it matters.</p><p>Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: </p><p>* In today’s episode, we’re diving into It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and how it nails autistic representation—unlike The Big Bang Theory, which mostly reflects a neurotypical perspective.</p><p>* We start by breaking down what The Big Bang Theory got right—and wrong—about autism, touching on Young Sheldon and the dynamic between Sheldon and Amy.</p><p>* After that, we dive into how It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is actually deeply autism-centric, even if it’s not explicitly framed that way.</p><p>* Then, we dive into how It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is deeply autism-centric—thanks in large part to Charlie Kelly, who is explicitly autistic and gives the show its neurodivergent heart.</p><p>* We also explore how the writers of It’s Always Sunny approach the show from a neurodivergent lens—crafting characters who consistently misunderstand the world around them in ways that feel deeply relatable to autistic viewers.</p><p>* Our hosts get into all the autistic tendencies throughout the show—from Sweet Dee, Dennis, and Charlie’s unique quirks to Charlie himself, who has openly identified as autistic multiple times.</p><p>* We also talk about how the humor in It’s Always Sunny is specifically tailored to an autistic audience and sense of humor—sharp, absurd, and rooted in social misunderstandings.</p><p>* Matt and Angela also discuss the concept of autistic integrity and how it shows up both in It’s Always Sunny and in the core values of this podcast.</p><p>* Sometimes we have to play the game of capitalism just to get by—but as long as you’ve got your crew of fellow weirdos to lean on, you’ll make it through.</p><p><p>“It’s representation, but at what cost? We don’t have a seat at the table. There is a picture on the table of a caricature of an autistic person. And then everyone else talking about how weird they are.” - Matt</p><p>“The impetus behind It’s Always Sunny was not, ‘hey, let’s make a marketable show and sell it and have lots of airtime and get in the top 20 or whatever.’ They’re like, ‘hey, you know what would be funny? If we did our own thing with a low-res video recorder.” - Matt</p><p>“They are very, very socially minded. They’re very, very self conscious about these things, which is the autistic way. They do things in the way that they do it because they think it’s the right thing to do. Whenever they see an issue, they want to call it out on the show. So they do it in the most blatant way possible so that the people watching it will be like, ‘hey, that’s an issue.” - Matt</p></p><p>Did you love this episode? We took a deep dive into autistic representation in pop culture—comparing The Big Bang Theory and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. From Sheldon and Amy’s dynamic to Charlie Kelly’s openly autistic identity, we unpack how neurodivergent humor, character quirks, and autistic integrity show up on screen. We also explore how Sunny nails an autistic lens through its writing, jokes, and chaotic logic. Join the convo with #AutisticCultureCatch!</p><p></p><p>Related Episodes:</p><p>Community is Autistic</p><p>Follow us on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/autisticculturepodcast/?next=%2F">Instagram</a></p><p>Find us on <a target="_blank" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-autistic-culture-podcast/id1653171456">Apple Podcasts</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6wyddJdKhPr0b74563fsFl?si=44b458376d0947b7">Spotify</a></p><p>Learn more about Matt at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mattlowrylpp.com/">Matt Lowry, LPP</a></p><p>Join Matt’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/619732285448185">Autistic Connections Facebook Group</a></p><p>Learn more about Angela at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.angelalauria.com/">AngelaKingdon.com</a> </p><p>Angela’s social media: <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/alauria?s=20&t=YwIVZQojo7YDD4S8YuBqUQ">Twitter</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@linguisticautistic?_t=8X5WKxZ5kWE&_r=1">TikTok</a></p><p>Our Autism-affirming <a target="_blank" href="https://store.dftba.com/collections/the-autistic-culture-podcast?srsltid=AfmBOooZpStgFz-IgohwbyvOoZq5KAnWMIEneY9MEQPJcYf1AF5sN5Y_">merch shop</a></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2">www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe</a>
April 11, 2025
<p>An episode that explores the intricate connections between MCAS, autism, and POTS through a neurodivergent lens and the principles of functional medicine. Jess Lewis joins Matt and Angela to share her personal journey, the impact of medical gaslighting, and practical strategies for mast cell stabilization.</p><p>Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: </p><p>* In today’s episode, we explore the link between MCAS and autism with special guest Jess Lewis — a functional medicine and trauma-informed neurodiversity advocate who supports individuals living with MCAS.</p><p>* Jess talks about how getting COVID and being around mold kicked her mast cells into overdrive.</p><p>* When our bodies are under too much stress, a dysregulated nervous system can send our mast cells into overdrive. Since autistic people are being forced to navigate a neurotypical world, we are more prone to this.</p><p>* We delve into the experience of medical gaslighting and the struggle to access supportive care while living with MCAS.</p><p>* Additionally, we discuss the importance of a low-histamine diet when managing MCAS and how it can play a key role in reducing symptoms.</p><p>* Our hosts and Jess explore the connection between POTS and autism, and share strategies for calming and stabilizing overactive mast cells.</p><p>* We then dive into the topic of anaphylaxis and how it can occur when mast cells become severely dysregulated. Jess breaks down what happens in the body during an anaphylactic response — and how, in those with MCAS, even seemingly minor triggers can lead to a cascade of symptoms when the immune system is already in a heightened state of alert.</p><p>* Finally, we explore the intersection of practical and functional medicine, and how blending both approaches can offer more comprehensive support for those with complex conditions like MCAS.</p><p><p>“When you go to the doctor, think about it like a work meeting. Have a plan, have an agenda, have the questions laid out. Use your superpowers of deep research. Bring studies - not to be combative, but just to say, ‘I wanna colaborate on this. Here’s what I’m seeing, here’s what I’m thinking. And if your doctor doesn’t wanna listen to you, go find another doctor. Feel good about the boundaries you put in front of yourself, because you gotta advocate.” - Jess Lewis</p><p>“If I can change one mind, I can change several minds… If I could change things for just a few people to have the lightbulb go off, to say, ‘I’ve got your back. I want to be the advocate for you. I want you to be the advocate for yourself.” - Jess Lewis</p></p><p>Did you enjoy this episode? We took a deep dive into the intersection of MCAS, autism, and neurodivergent health experiences. From medical gaslighting to the overlap with POTS and nervous system dysregulation, we unpack what it means to live in a body that's constantly on high alert. We also explore the importance of functional medicine, low-histamine diets, and practical strategies for mast cell stabilization. Join the convo with #AutisticCultureCatch!</p><p>Jess Lewis (she/they) is a Chief Technology Officer, turned MCAS researcher, and founder of the Mast Cell Support community. After reversing her own severe case of MCAS triggered by COVID and mold exposure, Jess now helps others heal using an evidence-based, neurodivergent-friendly approach rooted in functional medicine and trauma-informed care. She’s currently pursuing a PhD in Functional Medicine with a specialty in Mast Cell health and comorbidities, and brings a deep, systems-thinking lens to both her health advocacy and her continued leadership in tech.</p><p>Show Notes</p><p>Threads, Instagram, Substack: @jesslewisAdditional info and links: <a target="_blank" href="https://subscribepage.io/jesslewis">https://subscribepage.io/jesslewis</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://jesslewis.com/">jesslewis.com</a>Community - <a target="_blank" href="https://community.mastcellsupport.com/invitation">https://community.mastcellsupport.com/invitation</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://subscribepage.io/MCASfoodlist">Food Guide</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/mastcellsupport">Pharmacy</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quercetin">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quercetin</a></p><p>Related Episodes:</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/p/episode-14-autistic-medical-needs">Autistic Medical Needs (Episode 14)</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/p/autistic-podcast-meat-body-maintenance">Meat Body Maintenance (Episode 53)</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/p/autistic-medical-needs-part-2-episode">Autistic Medical Needs, Part 2 (Episode 108)</a></p><p></p><p>Follow us on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/autisticculturepodcast/?next=%2F">Instagram</a></p><p>Find us on <a target="_blank" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-autistic-culture-podcast/id1653171456">Apple Podcasts</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6wyddJdKhPr0b74563fsFl?si=44b458376d0947b7">Spotify</a></p><p>Learn more about Matt at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mattlowrylpp.com/">Matt Lowry, LPP</a></p><p>Join Matt’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/619732285448185">Autistic Connections Facebook Group</a></p><p>Learn more about Angela at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.angelalauria.com/">AngelaKingdon.com</a> </p><p>Angela’s social media: <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/alauria?s=20&t=YwIVZQojo7YDD4S8YuBqUQ">Twitter</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@linguisticautistic?_t=8X5WKxZ5kWE&_r=1">TikTok</a></p><p>Our Autism-affirming <a target="_blank" href="https://store.dftba.com/collections/the-autistic-culture-podcast?srsltid=AfmBOooZpStgFz-IgohwbyvOoZq5KAnWMIEneY9MEQPJcYf1AF5sN5Y_">merch shop</a></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2">www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe</a>
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