Differently Brained

In this episode, Jacinta and Lachlan interview Matt Bruyninckx. We discuss Matt's diagnosis journey, his new venture Divergent Studios and what a more accommodating arts industry looks like, as well as Matt's experience with workplace bullying and discrimination.

About our guest

Matt Bruyninckx is the director of Divergent Studios, as well as a seasoned actor, writer, and producer, who has worked in both the Screen and Music Industries. Since being diagnosed Autistic in 2019, Matt has directed his passion for the arts and creative expression towards advocacy for and education surrounding neurodiverse people within the workplace. He continues to channel this learning and experience into developing neurodivergent safe spaces in the arts. In 2022 he was accepted into the highly contested Neurodiverse Leadership Program offered by the Sylvia Rodger Academy and continues to show his wealth of knowledge and strong commitment to the ethos of 'we’ll find a way'.

Content warning

In this episode of Differently Brained we discuss ableism, discrimination and workplace bullying. Please feel free to skip this episode or reach out to medical professionals if it has brought anything up for you.

Representations & resources

• Divergent Studios
• Matt's imdb
• Matt's instagram
• Sex Education
• Heartbreak High, Different, Not Less and Chloe Hayden,
• Kitty Flanagan and Fisk
• Hannah Gadsby and Ten Steps to Nanette.

You can purchase all of these book titles and more from your local independent bookseller or Booktopia. Please note by purchasing through these Booktopia partner links we are provided a small commission which allows us to continue to provide the podcast at no cost to our audience.

About the podcast

Differently Brained shares the opinions of individuals and does not consider your personal circumstances. Differently Brained exists purely for information purposes and should not be relied on as health or medical advice. Because no brain is the same, please consult your healthcare professional for your personal medical needs.

The Differently Brained team acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which we record, edit and stream this podcast. We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples and their Elders part, present and emerging. We extend that respect to all First Nations cultures and their ongoing connection to the lands, waterways and communities.

In this episode, Jacinta and Lachlan interview Dr Alissa Knight. Dr Alissa Knight is a clinical psychologist, researcher and founder of The Calming Suite. We discuss anxiety, perfectionism and mental health during the teen years. We also chat about disordered eating and binge drinking and the way these can sometimes go hand-in-hand. Finally we finish the conversation with a chat about self-care, balance and Alissa's amazing career.

About our guest

Dr Alissa Knight is a clinical psychologist, researcher and founder of The Calming Suite. Prior to becoming a psychologist, Alissa worked as a scientist/researcher, exploring areas such as psychiatry, psychology and nutrition. A woman of many talents, Alissa has also worked as a primary school teacher, journalist, professional dancer and yoga instructor. Having taught children for many years, Alissa was drawn towards working with youths in her psychology practice, particularly teens and young adults. With their whole lives ahead of them, Alissa is passionate about providing young people with the tools and skills needed to unlock joy and fulfillment. She is passionate about helping people to reach their full potential and transform their lives for the better.

Content warning

In this episode of Differently Brained we discuss alcohol abuse, disordered eating, suicidality and depression. Please feel free to skip this episode or reach out to medical professionals if it has brought anything up for you.

Episode partner

Are you tired of the same old boring puzzles? Mix things up with Wongo Puzzles! Each puzzle is a custom design, with intricate patterns and whimsical shapes that will keep you engaged for hours. Plus, their eco-friendly materials and commitment to sustainability make Wongo Puzzles a guilt-free way to unwind. Use our link https://zen.ai/differentlybrained or the code DB to save 10% at wongopuzzles.com. The discount will be applied at checkout!

Representations & resources

• The Calming Suite website
• Dr Alissa Knight's Instagram and LinkedIn
• The Body Keeps the Score by Professor Bessel van der Kolk
• Eight Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder and the companion workbook by Carolyn Costin and Gwen Schubert Grabb
• More Than a Body by Lindsay Kite and Lexie Kite
• At Last a Life: Anxiety and Panic Free by Paul David

You can purchase all of these book titles and more from your local independent bookseller or Booktopia. Please note by purchasing through these Booktopia partner links we are provided a small commission which allows us to continue to provide the podcast at no cost to our audience.

About the podcast

Differently Brained shares the opinions of individuals and does not consider your personal circumstances. Differently Brained exists purely for information purposes and should not be relied on as health or medical advice. Because no brain is the same, please consult your healthcare professional for your personal medical needs.

The Differently Brained team acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which we record, edit and stream this podcast. We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples and their Elders part, present and emerging. We extend that respect to all First Nations cultures and their ongoing connection to the lands, waterways and communities.

In this episode we have the absolute pleasure of talking to Dani Vee about her anxiety, her energy levels and how she's making slowing down a priority.

About our guest

Dani Vee is host of the popular literary podcast Words and Nerds. Dani is also a writer with her debut picture book My EXTRAordinary Mum, published by Larrikin House and Her My EPIC Dad! six picture book series and a short story in a crime fiction anthology are coming in 2023! Dani loves nothing more than reading Oscar Wilde with a cup of camomile tea and dark chocolate.

Content warning

In this episode of Differently Brained we discuss domestic violence and panic attacks. Please feel free to skip this episode or reach out to medical professionals if it has brought anything up for you.

Representations & resources

• Dani's website
• Words and Nerds podcast
• My EXTRAordinary Mum
• My EPIC Dad Takes Us Camping
• My EPIC Dad Takes Us Fishing
• Prank Queen
• R U OK?
• Headspace and the Headspace meditations
• James and Ashley Stay at Home podcast.

You can purchase all of these book titles and more from your local independent bookseller or Booktopia. Please note by purchasing through these Booktopia partner links we are provided a small commission which allows us to continue to provide the podcast at no cost to our audience.

About the podcast

Differently Brained shares the opinions of individuals and does not consider your personal circumstances. Differently Brained exists purely for information purposes and should not be relied on as health or medical advice. Because no brain is the same, please consult your healthcare professional for your personal medical needs.

The Differently Brained team acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which we record, edit and stream this podcast. We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples and their Elders part, present and emerging. We extend that respect to all First Nations cultures and their ongoing connection to the lands, waterways and communities.

We are delighted to announce that in 2023 we will be launching Differently Brained, the podcast where no brain is the same. Differently Brained is an own voices podcast where each fortnight we interview a neurodivergent guest or a guest who has lived experience with mental health challenges.

We talk to a diverse range of people with a focus on telling individual stories and championing the different ways we all exist in the world. We hope that these discussions will help to break down the stigmas and misconceptions around neurodivergence and mental health, and normalise these conversations in our community.

Before we launch properly, we figure it is only fair to give you guys a bit more insight into the podcast and, of course, who we are. In this mini intro episode we share our passions, motivations and hopes for the podcast in this host Q&A.

We hint at a few of the guests we have coming for Season 1, chat about the bonus episodes we hope to record across the year and share our first giveaway!

Show credits

This episode was produced by Lachlan Rutherford and Jacinta Dietrich.

How to find us

• Follow us on Instagram
• Join our private Facebook community
• Follow us on Twitter
• Check out our website
• Shoot us an email to [email protected]
• Follow our personal stuff - @jacintadietrich & @ruthooftheloch

About the podcast

Differently Brained shares the opinions of individuals and does not consider your personal circumstances. Differently Brained exists purely for information purposes and should not be relied on as health or medical advice. Because no brain is the same, please consult your healthcare professional for your personal medical needs.

The Differently Brained team acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which we record, edit and stream this podcast. We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples and their Elders part, present and emerging. We extend that respect to all First Nations cultures and their ongoing connection to the lands, waterways and communities.

We are delighted to announce that in 2023 we will be launching Differently Brained, the podcast where no brain is the same. Differently Brained is an own voices podcast where each fortnight we interview a neurodivergent guest or a guest who has lived experience with mental health challenges.

We talk to a diverse range of people with a focus on telling individual stories and championing the different ways we all exist in the world. We hope that these discussions will help to break down the stigmas and misconceptions around neurodivergence and mental health, and normalise these conversations in our community.

Before we launch properly, we figure it is only fair to give you guys a bit more insight into the podcast and, of course, who we are. In this second mini intro episode we share our passions, motivations and hopes for the podcast in this host Q&A. And we hint at a few of the guests we have coming for Season 1 and chat about the bonus episodes we hope to record across the year!

Show credits

This episode was produced by Lachlan Rutherford and Jacinta Dietrich.

How to find us

• Follow us on Instagram
• Join our private Facebook community
• Follow us on Twitter
• Check out our website
• Shoot us an email to [email protected]
• Follow our personal stuff - @jacintadietrich & @ruthooftheloch

About the podcast

Differently Brained shares the opinions of individuals and does not consider your personal circumstances. Differently Brained exists purely for information purposes and should not be relied on as health or medical advice. Because no brain is the same, please consult your healthcare professional for your personal medical needs.

The Differently Brained team acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which we record, edit and stream this podcast. We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples and their Elders part, present and emerging. We extend that respect to all First Nations cultures and their ongoing connection to the lands, waterways and communities.