The Neurodivergent Experience

Episode: 100K Downloads Later: How Friendship and Community Changed Everything
Hosts: Jordan James & Simon Scott
Release Date: October 30, 2025

Episode Overview

In this anniversary-style episode, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott celebrate surpassing 100,000 downloads. They reflect on their podcasting journey, the importance of friendship and community in the neurodivergent experience, and how the show has transformed both their lives and those of their listeners. The conversation is celebratory but open about struggles, touching on deeply personal growth, busting myths about autism and relationships, and the real-life power of finding one’s people.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Celebrating 100K+ Downloads and Podcast Growth

• The hosts express excitement and disbelief over reaching this milestone in less than two years (approx. 19–20 months).
• Both emphasize the organic growth and grassroots effort it took, especially as a team of two with no corporate backing.
• Simon discusses the hard work, comparing their effort to larger shows:

  “I have worked on…shows that have got six, seven people on their team, and we are doing better than some of those gigs, which is kind of crazy.” (05:17)

• Jordan notes that of all his achievements (books, photography awards), this podcast feels the most meaningful:

  “I was happier and more excited about reaching a hundred thousand downloads with the podcast then I’ve been excited or happy about any other achievement I’ve made.” (09:38)

2. The Power and Reality of Neurodivergent Friendship

• The episode is a tribute to their friendship, which contradicts pervasive autism stereotypes (“autistic people want to be alone”):

  “It’s such an amazing achievement…because autism is steeped in the myth that we are lonely, we should be alone…It’s just a myth…” (11:10)

• Both discuss how neurodivergent friendship and community have brought immense healing, confidence, and joy into their lives.

3. Debunking Harmful Myths About Autism & Community

• Simon shares how early messages about autism led him toward isolation, only later realizing this was harmful:

  “I became reclusive because I thought that’s what I had to do. No. And I shut myself off from a lot of people…This podcast has been one of the things that’s really, really helped me with that. It’s been life changing.” (13:05)

• Both talk about the need for breaks and alone time, but stress that connection and community are essential for well-being.

4. Growth, Healing, and Self-Acceptance

• Both hosts open up about how the podcast has changed them personally:
  • Simon describes starting as someone isolated and lacking confidence, now surrounded by friends, improved familial bonds, and secure in both work and personal identity:

    “It’s like, you know, in The Wizard of Oz, when it goes from black and white to color. That was my life. Genuinely.” (29:50)

  • Jordan shares his journey of managing anger and meltdowns, discovering tools like CBD, and continuing lifelong learning:

    “Mentally so much has changed for me…my anger issues…being able to completely not even manage my anger, but just, it doesn’t exist.” (37:03)

• Both reflect on the healing power of honest conversation, mutual support, and giving back to the neurodivergent community.

5. Listener Feedback & Community Impact

• The hosts read several listener reviews, highlighting the podcast’s deep resonance—especially with late-diagnosed adults and international listeners.
  • Notable listener quote:

    “I was 55 when I was diagnosed autistic and this podcast is far and away the best resource I’ve found…Never seen myself so routinely represented anywhere.” (23:14)

• They express gratitude and encourage more sharing to grow the voice of the neurodivergent community:

  “We have a tiny voice. And it needs…it needs to be big because it needs to represent the people who aren’t listened to.” (47:17)

6. Favorite Episodes & Why They Mattered

• The hosts discuss which episodes have been most personally significant:
  • Simon:
    • Echolalia Episode for being the most fun and unmasked (“greatest unmasking experience”).
    • Alexithymia Episode for being healing (“genuinely made me feel like I got a demon off my back”).
  • Jordan:
    • Steve Silberman Interview (“his book was one of the main reasons I started advocating and actually feeling better about myself”).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Stereotypes and Friendship:

  “The idea that we want to be left alone is one of the most harmful things to us as a people. Because I end up wanting to be left alone simply because I, I was treated badly. But when we meet people like ourselves… I never ever want to be alone again. Unless I’m playing video games and then leave me alone.”
  — Jordan James (12:23)

• On Community & Changing Lives:

  “I don’t realize how I feel about things sometimes until I get it out…this podcast has not only given me a friendship I’m going to have for the rest of my life, but it’s also allowed me to have a friendship with myself.”
  — Simon Scott (27:43)

• On Unmasking & Authenticity:

  “It is embracing your child side and going, do you know what? Naturally I have a child brain that is capable of adulting when I need to.”
  — Jordan James (42:44)

• On the Podcast’s Unique Success:

  “As a UK based show, we are a little bit of a unicorn, my friend in like the podcasting world.”
  — Simon Scott (08:17)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | 03:25 | Hosts reunite; reflect on break and return | | 04:16 | Reveal of 101,000 downloads milestone | | 05:17 | The hard work of independent podcasting | | 09:38 | Jordan reflects on why this podcast means more than awards| | 11:10 | Busting isolation myth around autism | | 13:05 | Simon’s journey through diagnosis and harmful advice | | 17:03 | Jordan talks reciprocal learning and mutual growth | | 23:14 | Listener reviews and global impact | | 29:33 | Simon’s transformation story, self-acceptance through podcast| | 37:03 | Jordan on anger, meltdowns, mental health improvements | | 44:15 | Discussion on “embracing your inner child” as unmasking | | 47:17 | Behind the scenes: work, “spoons,” and continuing efforts | | 48:38 | Favorite episode reflections | | 51:13 | Closing thoughts and gratitude to listeners |

Episode Tone & Style

• Candid and genuine: Hosts openly discuss struggles and triumphs, often with humor and warmth.
• Conversational and supportive: Their dynamic showcases deep friendship and understanding—inviting listeners into their inner circle.
• Empowering: The message is ultimately hopeful, centering celebration of neurodivergent identity, growth, and self-acceptance.

Final Takeaways

• Friendship and community are transformative, especially for neurodivergent people.
• Challenging harmful myths (about loneliness/isolation) is crucial for healing.
• Honest, lived experience is vital—both for personal growth and for building a more inclusive world.
• Celebrating your wins, no matter how small, is essential when you’re neurodivergent.
• The podcast succeeds not just as a show, but as a grassroots community—and everyone listening is part of the journey forward.

“If anybody’s had half of the effect that this show has had on me, then I’m good.”
— Simon Scott (36:59)