Just Another Autism Podcast

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, host Eileen Lamb has a meaningful conversation with Ariana Sampson, Andrew Sampson, and Bo Nemelka, the team behind Our Circle, a nonprofit app designed to help families raising children with autism and other disabilities find friendship, connection, and community. Inspired by their own experiences as autism parents, they share how the idea for Our Circle came to life after Ariana and Andrew’s son wished for a friend on his fourth birthday. Together, they explore the challenges many families face when trying to build meaningful friendships and community, from navigating traditional social media to finding opportunities for safe, in-person connections. They also discuss how Our Circle uses technology to help families connect based on geography, shared interests, and experiences while prioritizing privacy and safety. Most importantly, the conversation highlights the power of finding your “village” and creating communities where families can feel understood, supported, and connected.

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, host Eileen Lamb has a meaningful conversation with José A. Gregorisch, autistic self-advocate, autism dad, and fire marshal. Diagnosed with autism in his late 40s, José shares his journey of discovering his identity and building his career, reflecting on how his experiences have shaped his understanding of autism. In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, they explore the experiences of autistic individuals in the workforce, the decision to disclose an autism diagnosis at work, and the importance of creating inclusive environments where autistic employees feel understood and supported. As an Autism Speaks Champion of Change, José also discusses his advocacy efforts and the importance of representation in the Hispanic community, sharing how greater awareness and acceptance can help challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion in the workplace.

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, host Eileen Lamb has a meaningful conversation with EJ Wallace, autistic self-advocate, founder of The Wallace Edge. With 20 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations, EJ has helped mobilize thousands of advocates and he's helped secure millions in public and private funding for various missions. Together, they explore Autism Speaks' new State Advocate Guide, a practical resource designed to help advocates at every stage of their journey. Whether you're advocating for the first time or looking to strengthen, your impact, this conversation is filled with practical advice and encouragement.

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb is joined by Autism Speaks Champions of Change Makayla and Lauren for a candid conversation about caregiver burnout, mental health, sibling impacts, and the realities of raising children with significant support needs. From navigating diagnoses and therapies to managing anxiety, isolation, and the daily mental load of caregiving, this episode offers an honest look at challenges many families face—and a powerful reminder that no caregiver is alone.

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb hosts a special conversation with Leland Vittert—veteran journalist, host of On Balance on NewsNation, and author of Born Lucky. Leland shares his personal journey of growing up with an autism diagnosis and how it shaped his path to becoming a national news anchor. Together, they explore what autism looked like in his early life, the challenges he faced, and the broader conversations that matter to autistic individuals and their families today. This is an honest and insightful discussion about identity, resilience, and redefining what’s possible.

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb has a special conversation with Brandon Oakes, an autistic self-advocate and one of our Champions of Change, and Dr. Kerri Rodriguez, an advisory board member with Fetch Pet Insurance. As today is International Pet Day, we learn more about service dogs and their role in supporting people with autism through Brandon’s own story with his service dog, Manci. Dr. Rodriguez also shares research-based insights on how important and essential service dogs are in the life of an autistic individual. It is important to learn more about their role, as well as the need to protect and support them so they can continue providing critical, everyday assistance to their owners.

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb has a meaningful conversation with Dr. Muhsinah Morris, an autism mom, sibling of a special needs individual, author, chemist, and educator, about her journey advocating for her family and supporting Black families with neurodivergent children. She is a mother of five children, two of whom are diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Through her story, we learn about the challenges and struggles Black families with autistic and neurodivergent children face in obtaining the support they need. Additionally, Dr. Morris discusses her work at Morehouse College, using AI and related technologies to innovate and create a more inclusive educational environment for autistic and neurodivergent students.

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb talks with Tanner Smith from Love on the Spectrum, his sister Midge, and Holly Fowler, creator of Wable. As we know, making connections these days isn't easy. That's why Wable was created — an app designed to promote meaningful social connections among autistic and neurodivergent individuals. During this special conversation, we learn more about this app and how it can help you, whether you’re looking for love or to make new friends.

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb hosts a special conversation with golf legend Billy Mayfair and his wife, Tami Mayfair. During this interview, Billy and Tami share their relationship, how they met, and how they built their bond. They also discuss the journey and process that led to Billy receiving a late autism diagnosis at age 53, as well as how they view autism in their daily lives and support each other in their marriage. It’s a genuine, heartfelt exploration of love, trust, and learning together.

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb talks with John Wells, a father, fitness influencer, actor, and autism advocate, about his experience raising his son with profound autism. John shares his story of raising both of his children and how his perspective on parenting changed when supporting his child with high support needs. Additionally, we learn about John’s latest film, Learning You, which follows a father taking his autistic son on a road trip. For him, this wasn’t just another film; it was a meaningful opportunity to share his real-life experience as an autism dad.  John recently served as an advisor on the set of Autism Fit, Autism Speaks’ newly launched fitness series hosted by autistic television personalities, Eva Erickson (Survivor) and Tanner Smith (Love on the Spectrum).