Podcast
The Gifted Neurodivergent Child Podcast
Hosted by Lillian Skinner, Beth Anne Johnson · EN
A podcast dedicated to understanding and cultivating 2e children to their full potential. Hosted by two gifted neurodivergent mothers raising 5 gifted neurodivergent children ages 0 to 23. Beth Anne and Lillian cover every topic parents raising neurodivergent children face. This podcast focuses on navigating the day to day high and lows of raising brilliant, beautiful, gifted, highly creative children.
Lillian Skinner is the founder of Gifted ND, Inc.,. She is also a Creative Intelligence Researcher, Philosopher, Silversmith, Prodigy/Savant Coach, Futurist, Systems Thinker and Consultant. Lillian hosts The Gifted Neurodivergent Podcast where each week she redefines the way the creative outliers move through the world. Focused on how the creative brain differs works differently from the neurotypical brain and what the value of each of the differences may be, she has turned most of the assumptions we have about neurodivergence on their head.
Beth Anne Johnson is the founder of Lamar Creative Co. LLC, A company that provides services in professional coaching, consulting, and creative services. Johnson knows companies and leaders can accelerate their success through creative innovation and strategic thinking.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Tower of Babel - Language Fragmentation
Jan 29, 202500:22:00Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Gifted Neurodivergent Child podcast, delves into the Tower of Babel story from the Old Testament, exploring its deeper meaning through the lens of holistic intelligence and societal fragmentation. Initially puzzled by the story as a child, I now interpret it as a metaphor for the division of human intelligence into cognitive and somatic parts. I argue that modern society overvalues cognitive intelligence, leading to a dismissal of big-picture, holistic thinking and the marginalization of creative individuals. The discussion covers the historical and modern implications of this fragmentation, the importance of holistic intelligence, and the role of neurodivergence in maintaining a blended cognitive and somatic perspective. It concludes by emphasizing the need to nurture holistic intelligence in the face of societal and technological changes, urging listeners to reconnect with their innate capacity for empathy, creativity, and multidimensional thinking. Support the showGiftedND.comcopyright @2025
Transcribe →The Little Prince - A Hero's Journey
Jan 14, 202500:18:04Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Gifted Neurodivergent Child Podcast, the host provides a deep analysis and personal perspective on 'The Little Prince.' The discussion covers themes of holistic versus fragmented intelligence, and how children's stories encapsulate profound wisdom often missed in adult narratives. The host recounts their own childhood interactions with the story and critiques traditional adult behaviors reflected in the archetypes of the story. The episode emphasizes the importance of maintaining holistic intelligence and emotional connection, both in personal relationships and as a broader societal critique. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:14 Summary and Personal Reflections on The Little Prince00:56 Childhood Memories and Changing Perspectives01:17 The Holistic vs. Fragmented Intelligence03:33 The Little Prince's Journey and Characters06:46 Lessons from The Little Prince12:01 The Fox and the Concept of Taming13:32 The Snake and the Red Pill Moment14:49 Final Reflections and ConclusionSupport the showGiftedND.comcopyright @2025
Transcribe →Narcissus Was Not A Narcissist
Dec 27, 202400:21:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Gifted Neurodivergent Child Podcast, we reinterpret the story of Narcissus, not as a tale of vanity, but as one of deep introspection and the persecution of those who practice it. We explore how fragmented intelligence focuses on surface meanings, while holistic intelligence uncovers deeper insights. Using ancient myths, we highlight the importance of reconnecting with holistic thinking to understand ourselves and society. Perhaps it is time we revisited their meanings again.Support the showGiftedND.comcopyright @2025
Transcribe →Building 2e Micro Schools Online
Nov 14, 202400:33:17Tap to summarizeTraditional education systems suppress the natural gifts of twice-exceptional (2e) children - their holistic intelligence, pattern recognition, and heightened sensitivity. As we enter the AI era, these very qualities are becoming more crucial than ever. The system continues pushing outdated methods like memorization, even as AI makes such skills obsolete.As parents, who both understand these challenges firsthand, we are creating micro schools focused on nurturing rather than suppressing their children's natural abilities. These schools will be project based and will embrace AI as a tool while preserving students' natural cognitive flexibility and holistic intelligence. We are inviting other parents who sense something is wrong with traditional education to join us in protecting and cultivating our children's innate gifts.The core message is clear: We must stop breaking sensitive, gifted children to fit an outdated system. Instead, we need to create environments where their natural intelligence - both cognitive and somatic - can flourish. Our children's future depends on maintaining their wholeness, not fragmenting it. Interesting in our 2e Micro Schools? Find out more by emailing us at info@giftednd.com and will start including you on our monthly planning meetings.Support the showGiftedND.comcopyright @2025
Transcribe →Infracognition Will Change How We See and Value Intelligence
Aug 3, 202400:23:55Tap to summarizeThis episode of the Gifted Neurodivergent Child Podcast introduces the concept of infracognition, a form of cognition that involves understanding and using emotions alongside traditional thought processes. It is contrasted with metacognition, or thinking about thinking. Infracognition is oppressed in our current educational systems, which favor linear, factual learning. But that infracognition is more suitable for our change we face in the near future. Infracognition will provide the skills we need to work best with AI. This podcast illustrates how our systems are failing all students using a comparison between two types of students, Emily and Alex. Highlighting how what we value is the wrong type of intelligence. Infracognition is the intelligence our children need to prepare them for the future. Not just neurodivergent children but all children. Lillian emphasizes the need for an educational paradigm shift to adapt to rapid societal changes and the role of infracognition in fostering true understanding and mental health. She concludes with a call for educational reforms that respect and utilize both metacognitive and infracognitive abilities.To access supplemental information covered in this podcast please visit the Gifted ND Website at:https://www.giftednd.com/post/the-educational-system-and-twice-exceptional-2e-learners-a-comparative-analysis-of-infracognition-1orhttps://www.giftednd.com/blog/categories/research-papersSupport the showGiftedND.comcopyright @2025
Transcribe →Cultivating Sensitivity is Cultivating Giftedness
Jun 20, 202400:26:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Gifted Neurodivergent Child Podcast, I delve into the significance of sensitivity and its impact on giftedness and neurodivergence. Through personal anecdotes and thought-provoking insights, I cover how sensitivity in both body and mind shapes abilities and challenges societal norms. Highlighting the story of a young girl at a performance and the exceptional teaching of patient teachers, I emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing unique gifts within children. I also shares her vision for creating learning environments that cultivate holistic intelligence and urges listeners to embrace and understand the sensitivities of themselves and their children for a more enlightened future.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:19 A Story of Sensitivity and Genius01:17 Understanding Sensitivity and Giftedness03:29 The Role of Teachers in Nurturing Giftedness05:38 Celebrating Somatically Gifted Teachers08:27 The Importance of Somatic Intelligence12:16 Challenges Faced by Gifted Individuals21:53 Reforming Education for Neurodivergent Children25:19 Conclusion and Call to Action25:23 Disclaimer and Legal Information GiftedND.com copyright @2024 Support the showGiftedND.comcopyright @2025
Transcribe →Your Child Is Perfect!
May 15, 202400:20:03Tap to summarizeIn this episode I encourage parents to think about their child's neurodivergence in a different way. That perhaps what is broken is everything but their child. I ask them to recognize that we live in a culture set up to work against recognizing and nurturing the innate abilities of neurodivergent children. I discuss the detrimental effects of traditional education systems on neurodivergent kids and stress the importance of integrating cognitive and somatic intelligence. I share my personal journey of rediscovering a natural way of being, challenged by societal pressures to conform. I emphasize the unique strengths of neurodivergent children, particularly those who are twice exceptional, and the need for parents to support their natural talents. I criticize the institutional approach to education that separates emotion and intellect, advocating for a more holistic understanding of intelligence. The episode calls on parents to protect and nurture their child's compassionate empathy and creative potential, offering hope for a future where neurodivergent individuals are valued for their contributions.00:00 Welcome to the Gift of Neurodivergent Podcast00:18 Embracing Neurodiversity: Understanding Your Child's World00:47 The Unique Cognitive and Somatic Intelligence of Neurodivergent Minds01:31 Navigating the World with Compassionate Empathy02:37 The Struggle Against Systemic Suppression of Neurodivergence04:16 The Importance of Nurturing Twice Exceptional Children04:37 Redefining Success: The Power of Somatic Intelligence06:40 Breaking Free from Conventional Education Systems13:34 Cultivating Genius in a Multidimensional World14:19 A Call to Action: Empowering Neurodivergent Children18:47 Closing Thoughts and DisclaimerGifted ND copyright @2024 GiftedND.com info@giftednd.comSupport the showGiftedND.comcopyright @2025
Transcribe →Understanding 2e Identity Fluidity
Apr 21, 202400:22:24Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Gifted Neurodivergent Child Podcast, I dive into the swirling world of identity—gender identity, to be precise—mixing it up with neurodivergence. I’ll take you through a rather lame roller coaster ride understanding how my gender fluidity is cognitive rather than physical.How society’s rigid expectations messes with our self-image, and the everyday puzzles that come with a neurodivergent mind. I spotlight the often overlooked smarts of the body—yes, your body knows things!—and give a thumbs down to how schools and society try to put a lid on our natural quirks. I champion a world where the oddballs get to write their own rules, pushing the magic of empathy and the strength found in real, deep connections. I share a slice of my personal life, showcasing my marriage as a prime example of finding that one person who gets you, no assembly required. So, buckle up for a call to healthy. Let’s break free from boxes and build a haven for the neurodivergent and their loved ones.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Identity Exploration00:03 Navigating Gender Identity and Societal Expectations00:16 Personal Journey Through Gender and Identity01:20 Challenging Traditional Views on Gender and Sexuality01:55 Embracing Neurodivergence and Cognitive Diversity07:52 The Power of Deep Emotional Connections10:52 Redefining Success and Building Community17:53 Empowering the Next Generation of Outliers22:11 Conclusion and Invitation for EngagementWww.giftednd.cominfo@giftednd.com GiftedND.com copyright @2024 Support the showGiftedND.comcopyright @2025
Transcribe →Being the Class Clown is Demonstrating Gifted Overexcitabilities.
Jan 31, 202400:19:26Tap to summarizeDo you have a class clown? My oldest child is one, my husband still is one, and I was once one.Research is finally getting around to proving what I have always known: the Class Clown is the smartest kid in the class. The class clown is not the kid who is struggling with the material; they are actually demonstrating their engagement with the material. They are showing their interest in the subject they are being taught. All too often, the issue is that the material is being taught too slowly or with too little depth for their curious mind. Being a jokester is a way for them to get more information on the topic and increase their engagement.What do our systems do? They punish the child for engaging. It is time for this to end. The person with the power to end it is not the child; it is you, the parent, working with the teacher. If the teacher will not hear your feedback, here are a few resources you can provide to support your request.https://futurism.com/the-byte/class-clowns-smartest-peoplehttps://studyfinds.org/class-clowns-intelligent-students/https://observer.com/2011/10/nea-study-reveals-artists-are-smarter-more-entrepreneurial-than-average-people/https://youtu.be/UhlNwAFi7Hgwww.giftednd.com copyright @2024 Gifted ND, Inc.Support the showGiftedND.comcopyright @2025
Transcribe →When Tutoring Isn't Working, Do This!
Jan 9, 202400:25:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I delve into the concept of creative intelligence and its impact on our perspective-taking. Using tutoring as an illustrative example, I demonstrate how the variance in learning experiences often boils down to differing perspectives.Our educational systems are designed to instruct as if everyone's IQ falls within the range of 80 to 120. Those outside this range, whether above or below, tend to face difficulties. Creative thinkers, in particular, often find themselves far beyond this standardized spectrum. The higher one's capacity for intuitive intelligence, the greater the struggle. The typical response to academic challenges is seeking a tutor. However, tutors frequently fail to address the underlying issue.A long time ago I decided to stop enrolling my kids in tutoring, a choice that saved both time and money. The root of their struggles wasn't a lack of comprehension but rather an understanding surpassing the system's two-dimensional perspective. The challenge lay in deciphering the specific viewpoint desired by the teacher, test, or educational system. By analyzing test questions or sample papers, we identified the perspective sought by the instructor, and suddenly, the struggle ceased.As I age, I have found decreasing value from our education systems. My knowledge has expanded to a point where there is no value in conventional education, even from the most prestigious institutions worldwide. The answers provided by artificial intelligence hold little significance for me. Instead, I've learned to use these generic perspectives as a starting point for effectively communicating my own viewpoint to others.Individuals with diverse perspectives will contribute increasing significant value to our future. Recognizing and comprehending this dynamic is crucial for shifting our culture towards a healthier state. The sooner we grasp this concept, the quicker we can guide our society in a direction that embraces and capitalizes on the unique value offered by differing perspectives.www.GiftedND.comcopyright 2023 Support the showGiftedND.comcopyright @2025
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