The Hidden 20%
Top Autism Expert (Part 1): Genetics & Autism is "an ethical minefield"
In this episode, Ben sits down with Sir Simon Baron-Cohen, one of the most influential yet controversial leading figures in Autism research. As the director of Cambridge’s Autism Research Centre, Simon has spent 40 years shaping how we understand autism, from pioneering diagnostic tools to exploring the genetics behind neurodiversity. They unpack the history of autism diagnoses, why prevalence has risen, and the shifting perception from ‘disorder’ to celebrating a different way of thinking. Plus, they dive into some of the most debated topics in autism research - The complexities of empathy and the ethical challenges of genetic studies. This is the First of a Two Part Episode - tune in for some groundbreaking research next week in Part Two! 00:00 Introduction 2:08 Ben’s Child Asks Simon: 'Are You REALLY the World's Top Autism Expert?' 2:50 Back In Time: Autism 40 years Ago 4:08 Autism Diagnoses Then vs. Now: How Children Adults Were Diagnosed 40 Years Ago 4:45 The Moment Autism Prevalence Began to Rise 5:21 Autism Diagnostic Criteria Disappearance of Aspergers 10:42 The History of Autism 11:48 What Sparked Simon’s Interest in Autism? 13:44 Societies Beliefs and Understanding of Autism 40 Years Ago 15:07 Genetics and The Hidden 20% 17:05 Why Autism Isn’t 100% Genetic 17:34 Ethical Minefields: Genetics Research VS Autism 20:42 Were Scientists Trying to 'Cure' Autism 40 Years Ago? 21:57 When We Started Celebrating Autistic Strengths 23:23 Brains That Think Differently: The Birth of Neurodiversity 24:26 Autism VS Closing The Gender Gap 26:39 Brains That Systemise VS Brains That Empathise 28:32 Autism Empathy: Cognitive Empathy VS Affective Empathy 35:33 Do Vaccines Cause Autism? 36:37 Why Are the CDC Investigating the Correlation Between Autism and Vaccines? 39:43 Changing The Way We See Autism: Celebrating the Differences __________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently. Host: Ben Branson Head of Production: Bella Neale Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 _____________________________________ Follow subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Simon Baron Cohen @sbaroncohen If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2 Apr 2025 - 41 min 19 sec
Millie Mackintosh: "I'm ADHD—But Am I Autistic Too?"
The Made in Chelsea reality star turned author and entrepreneur, Millie Mackintosh has spent years in the spotlight while secretly grappling with undiagnosed ADHD, Dyspraxia and a complex relationship with alcohol. In this chat with Ben, Millie opens up about late diagnosis, the blurry overlap between ADHD and Dyspraxia, and how alcohol became both a crutch and a crisis to escape from rejection, grief, social anxiety and self-doubt. She shares how motherhood reshaped her perspective, the realities of sobriety, and why she’s questioning if she might be autistic too. From EMDR therapy to people-pleasing, sensory overload, and parenting with ADHD - Millie gives her top tips for navigating life with late diagnosed ADHD. 00:00 Introduction 1:47 Dyspraxia Diagnosis: How, What, When Why? 3:45 Dyspraxia ADHD Traits Overlap 4:30 History of ADHD Diagnosis in Society 5:00 Late Diagnosis in Women: “She’s Dyspraxic and has a vision problem” 5:35 Being Bullied Trying to Fit in As a Neurodivergent Person 7:20 Dyspraxia VS Alcohol 10:52 Reflecting on Undiagnosed ADHD: The Toxic Escapism 12:01 Finding the ‘Millie’ Wild Party Girl Persona 15:27 Easily Influenced and People Pleasing as a Neurodivergent Person 16:36 Millie’s Daughters: “I don’t want them to go through what I went through” 19:18 Pre Diagnosis: “What did you know about ADHD?” 19:58 The ADHD Moment of Realisation 21:00 My Sober Mental Breakdown 22:14 Millie’s ADHD Medication Journey 25:45 The Best Bits of ADHD 26:30 Hyper-fixation VS Cream Loungewear 27:21 ADHD The Keto Diet 30:05 Routine VS ADHD 31:08 Personal and Public Reactions to ADHD Diagnosis 31:56 Navigating Parental Resistance to ADHD Diagnosis and Finding Resolution 33:38 Coming Out As Sober VS Revealing ADHD Diagnosis 34:32 The Challenges of ADHD: Navigating Parenting and Overwhelm 38:10 The ADHD Battle With Emotional Regulation and Parenting 42:21 Hugo the Husband VS Millie’s ADHD 43:52 Millie: “I’m ADHD But Am I Autistic As Well?” 44:25 Empathy VS Autism 46:40 The Effects of Rejection ADHD 47:32 Made In Chelsea 48:47 Health Anxiety ADHD 51:07 The Power of EMDR: From ADHD Panic Attacks on Planes to Yawning 51:51 Social Anxiety ADHD 58:11 What do you say to Late Diagnosed Female ADHD’ers? 1:00:51 Millie’s Top Tips for Managing ADHD 1:01:40 “Do My Kids Have ADHD?” 1:02:25 Spreading Dyspraxia Awareness 1:04:12 Millie’s Chosen Person For The Green Badge of Honour __________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently. Host: Ben Branson Head of Production: Bella Neale Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 _____________________________________ Follow subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Millie Mackintosh @milliemackintosh If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
26 Mar 2025 - 01 hr 05 min 44 sec
Neurodiversity Celebration Week: "Bringing Us Back Down to Earth"
In light of recent government proposals to cut £5 billion annually from disability benefits by 2030 , it might seem like an odd moment to celebrate neurodivergence—but that’s exactly why we must. In a world where neurodivergence is often used as a pawn in culture wars, it’s more important than ever to pause, raise awareness, and share the reality of thinking differently. For Neurodiversity Celebration Week , Ben revisits some of the podcast’s most powerful moments—from Kit Harington on ADHD addiction to Tylan Grant on autism social anxiety, ADHD Love on relationships, and eye-opening conversations on Tourette’s, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and more. Busting myths, challenging misconceptions, and honouring the resilience of the ND community. _____________________________________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently. Host: Ben Branson Head of Production: Bella Neale Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburne Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 _____________________________________ Follow subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast Ben Branson @seedlip_ben If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge . All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
19 Mar 2025 - 33 min 28 sec
Viral Urban Gardener: "Get out of the ADHD noise, and into something real"
Urban gardener, TV producer and author Martha Swales shares how gardening soothes her busy ADHD mind. After producing MasterChef and Nigella Lawson’s Cook, Eat, Repeat , she found viral fame inspiring millions to embrace nature. In this chat with Ben, Martha explores the contrast of her powerhouse producer persona who is always on time and in control VS her messy, sometimes late, fast-moving ADHD mind. She shares how gardening fosters mindfulness, soothes sensory overload, and why getting your hands dirty is the ultimate therapy. Martha also reveals her top beginners tips for budding urban gardeners! 00:00 Introduction 1:50 How Does Martha Describe Her ADHD brain? 2:17 Strengths VS Weaknesses of an ADHD Busy Mind 3:21 Tears of Tiny Pond Joy 4:12 ADHD: Excessive Quietness VS Uncontrollable Babble 4:37 The Beauty of The Tiny Details 5:43 ADHD VS Nature’s Natural Patience 7:00 Unlocking The Potential of Nature 10:22 Martha’s ADHD Diagnosis Journey: Mum Knows Best 12:00 The Voice of ADHD Truths From The Best Friend 13:23 Martha's Post-ADHD Diagnosis Distress 13:39 ADHD Acceptance 14:18 Being Kind to your ADHD Mind 15:40 Peeling Back The ADHD Onion Layers 16:45 ADHD VS Primary School 18:06 How a Neurodivergent Diagnosis Can Affect Our Loved Ones 19:02 The ADHD Girlfriend Laundry Agreement Reciprocal Altruistic Bats 21:11 When Martha Is At Her ADHD Best 22:58 The Firecracker Senior TV Producer VS Being Late To Meet Friends Getting Lost 27:37 I Need Gardening For My ADHD Brain 29:40 ADHD Sensory Soothing: Ben’s Moment with his Silver-birch Martha’s Love of Whittling 32:09 Connecting To The Land 32:53 Martha’s Top Growing Tips For Beginners 35:59 Why Should ADHD’ers Get Gardening? 36:54 Cooking Gardening for Busy ADHD Minds 38:18 The Perfect Storm: Cooking, Gardening ADHD 41:16 The Graveyard of ADHD House Plants 41:41 What Martha Would Have Done Differently: The Garden VS The Allotment 43:43 What Is The Biggest Challenge For An ADHD Gardener? 45:28 Martha’s Book: Give It A Grow 47:12 The ADHD Cucumber Killer 48:37 Praise From The Greats 49:53 Martha’s Badge Of Honour Gratitude ___________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently. Host: Ben Branson Head of Production: Bella Neale Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburne Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 _____________________________________ Follow subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Martha Swales @marfskitchengarden If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge . All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12 Mar 2025 - 51 min 55 sec
ADHD in Men vs. Women: "It Sounds Like a Way Worse Deal!"
Best friends and podcast hosts Kat and Jack bring their signature honesty and humour to a candid conversation about ADHD. Jack, founder of Beautiful Strangers—the creative team behind hit podcasts NewlyWeds and The Girls Bathroom , joins Kat to share what they’ve learned in the year since launching their ADHD podcast, Distracted . In this chat with Ben, they dive into their biggest bugbears with the ADHD community, the reality of private vs. NHS diagnosis, and the fine line between distraction and procrastination. They also explore an often-overlooked topic: how ADHD sensitivity manifests differently in men and women—and why that matters 1:45 ADHD: Does like attract like? 2:58 Finding Your Neurodivergent Squad 3:53 Kat’s ADHD Realisation 5:00 Jack’s Mid-Haircut ADHD Realisation 5:28 The Journey of an ADHD Diagnosis 6:16 Going Private VS 22 Year Waitlist VS ADHD Self-Diagnosis 6:52 The Human Experience through an ADHD Lens 7:20 Undiagnosed Needing Medication VS Formally Diagnosed ADHD 7:49 Why Kat Jack decided to start ADHD Podcast, ‘Distracted’ 9:05 Double ADHD Teamwork is the Dreamwork 9:36 Kat Jacks Advice for starting a Podcast 10:12 What inspires Kat Jack’s ADHD Podcast Topics? 11:16 The Most Surprising Thing About ADHD: One Year On 12:14 Discovering the Undiscovered: Spreading the Word About ADHD 12:46 ADHD in Women VS ADHD in Men 13:32 Kat Jack’s World of ADHD Bugbears 15:20 Autism Stigma VS ADHD Stigma 15:50 Why Jack Decided Not To Use ADHD Medication 17:04 Kat Jack’s Key Strategies for ADHD's Toughest Challenges 18:29 Kat’s Top Tips for Tackling ADHD Procrastination 19:03 Distraction VS Procrastination 19:24 The Twenty Minute ADHD Game 20:32 Letting Go of The ADHD Shame 21:04 Brilliant ADHD Brains 21:48 The Beauty of ADHD Emotional Extremes and RSD 22:52 Intuitive Empathy VS Physical Empathy 23:37 When RSD Can Take Over Rationality 24:11 Celebrating Women’s ADHD Sensitivity Shining a Light on Men’s ADHD Sensitivity 25:57 Embracing The Power of A Good Cry 26:23 Jack’s Dry Years 26:58 Kat Jack’s ND Badges of Honour ___________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently. Host: Ben Branson Head of Production: Bella Neale Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburne Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 _____________________________________ Follow subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Distracted @distracted.podcast If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge . All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5 Mar 2025 - 29 min 08 sec
ADHD Arctic Explorer: "The Biggest Risk Was The Impact On My Family"
Record-breaking Arctic explorer and ocean conservationist Pen Hadow achieved the impossible—trekking solo to the North Pole . Now, on his 63rd birthday , he bravely opens up for the first time about his ADHD diagnosis , reflecting on how it shaped his risk-taking, resilience, and focus—for better and worse . In this chat with Ben, Pen unpacks the puzzling contradictions of ADHD —being able to laser-focus on extreme expeditions yet struggling with simple tasks like taking out the bins . They explore how ADHD made him one person at work and another at home , its impact on his family and self-esteem , and why embracing different ways of thinking is crucial for the future of our planet. ___________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently. Host: Ben Branson Head of Production: Bella Neale Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburne Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 _____________________________________ Follow subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Pen Hadow @penhadow If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge . All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
26 Feb 2025 - 46 min 05 sec
Exposing The Truth Behind ADHD "Sickfluencer" Headlines
In this episode, Ben sits down with Amanda Perry, ADHD business mentor and author, to discuss the UK government’s Access to Work scheme and the controversy sparked by a recent Daily Mail article. The piece claims that influencers labeled "sickfluencers" are driving a surge in applications, particularly from self-diagnosed ADHD’ers. Amanda, one of the individuals named in the article, joins Ben to share her side of the story. In this chat with Ben, Amanda discusses the purpose of the scheme, who it truly benefits, why ADHD is often misunderstood, and how the media can influences people's views on it. NB: We reached out to the Daily Mail / Mail Online for a response to this podcast but received no reply. The invitation is still open. ___________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently. Host: Ben Branson Head of Production: Bella Neale Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburne Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 _____________________________________ Follow subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Amanda Perry @amandaperry If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge . All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
19 Feb 2025 - 48 min 09 sec
ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL: Ben Branson’s Journey from Homelessness to Hosting The Hidden 20%
In this special anniversary episode, Ben sits down with Head of Production, Bella, to reflect on an extraordinary first year of The Hidden 20% . From the thrill of winning Gold at the British Podcast Awards to unpacking the most raw and emotional conversation on the show, we revisit the moments that shaped us and changed the way we think. In this chat with Bella, Ben unpacks the three words that define our mission—"I feel seen"—answers listener questions, and bravely shares his extraordinary journey from homelessness to hosting this podcast. Join us as we celebrate a year of speaking to great minds that think differently, and look ahead to what's next! ___________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently. Host: Ben Branson Head of Production: Bella Neale Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburne Video Editor: James Scriven Joe Grace Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 _____________________________________ Follow subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Bella Neale @bella_neale If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge . All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12 Feb 2025 - 37 min 52 sec
Top ADHD Doctor Reveals Hard Truths: "ADHD or Brain Injury?"
Professor Amanda Kirby has been a leading voice in the neurodivergent community for over four decades. With a PhD in Education and a background as a GP, her extensive career spans academic research, medical practice, and consultancy. She’s the author of 10 influential books, including the award-winning Neurodiversity at Work and her latest publication, Neurodiversity and Education . In this chat with Ben, Amanda delves into the evolution of neurodivergence awareness, highlights the often-overlooked overlaps between ADHD and Traumatic Brain Injury, and critiques the siloed research and diagnostic processes that are creating serious challenges. She also shares innovative ideas that could potentially save the government billions! ___________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently. Host: Ben Branson Head of Production: Bella Neale Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburne Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 _____________________________________ Follow subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Amanda Kirby @progamandakirby If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge . All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5 Feb 2025 - 59 min 36 sec
ADHD Tax & Shopping Addiction: Uncovering My 27K "Hidden Problem"
In 2019, Clare Seal hit a breaking point in her life, facing £27K debt with no safety net. But after being diagnosed with ADHD, she rebuilt her relationship with money, becoming a certified financial coach, building a community of over 100k Instagram followers, and writing three books to help others manage their money. In this chat with Ben, Claire opens up about the moment she hit rock bottom, how her ADHD hijacked her bank account and how she went on to use it to rebuild her career, all whilst inspiring others to do the same. From practical tips on tackling Impulse Spending to Self Assessment Tax Hacks, Clare gives some incredible take-aways on how to put your money where it matters. __________________________________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently. Host: Ben Branson Head of Production: Bella Neale Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburne Video Editor: Joe Grace Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 _____________________________________ Follow subscribe… Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcast Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Clare Seal @clare.seal If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge . All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
29 Jan 2025 - 49 min 42 sec