Podcast
Unmasking Social
Hosted by Sharon Baum, MA, CCC-SLP · EN
Welcome to Unmasking Social – the podcast where autistic teens and young adults, families, and professionals come together to explore real, authentic ways of building friendships, community, and identity.
Hosted by a speech-language pathologist with nearly 15 years' experience with autism and ADHD and social communication, this show goes beyond basic advice. Each episode features candid conversations with self-advocates, educators, mental health professionals, and teens themselves – all unmasking the myths and pressures around “fitting in.”
Whether you’re navigating social expectations, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about how we connect in a complex world, Unmasking Social is here to empower you with strategies that align with our core values: empathy, curiosity, and self-acceptance.
🌟 Launching this summer. Hit follow and join the conversation!
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Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube
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https://open.spotify.com/show/0pJUS1hby5UtO7EAttixiA?si=882eba9b095c4db5
Listen on Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unmasking-social/id1822086192
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
46: Solo: The Loneliness Epidemic: Why Connection Matters More Than Ever
3d ago00:22:35Tap to summarizeIn this heartfelt solo episode, I dive deep into the heart of a silent crisis impacting teens, tweens, adults, and entire communities - loneliness. It's not just about being alone; it's about feeling unseen, unheard, and disconnected even amidst a sea of people. The invisibility. You will hear about practical insights will move you to re-evaluate how we connect and care for one another.Follow Unmasking Social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube
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45: Authentic Connection and Mental Health: What Neurodivergent Adults Need to Thrive: With Dr. Daniel Wendler
2w ago01:03:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode with Dr. Daniel Wendler , we dive deeply into the world of mental health and authentic connections. Dr. Daniel Wendler is a proudly autistic clinical psychologist, two-time TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and workplace mental health expert.He combines hisclinical expertise with personal lived experience to help audiences better understand neurodivergent burnout, mental wellness, and human connection in a way that feels authentic and comfortable. He shares his own love story of meeting his current wife who has ADHD, and how the overlap brings thim closer together with a deeper understanding of one another. Prepare for a raw, honest discussion on building confidence, overcoming the shackles of learned helplessness navigating support, and fostering genuine relationship in both the personal and professional domains.To Follow Dr. Daniel:https://www.danielwendler.com/Follow Unmasking Social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube
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44: Understanding Fear Through Psychiatry, Neurology, and Storytelling: With Dr. Randolph Schiffer
3w ago00:50:49Tap to summarizeIn this deeply emotional and thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Randolph Schiffer, neurologist, psychiatrist, author and former founding director of the Cleveland Clinic Centre for Brain Health.and shares his extraordinary journey from enlisting in the Vietnam War to becoming a pioneering neurologist, psychiatrist, and advocate for resilience, responsibility, and ultimately courage.Through personal stories, reflections on medicine, and powerful insights into human behavior, Dr. Schiffer explores how courage is developed, and why facing fear, grief, and vulnerability is essential for both personal growth and compassionate leadership.This episode is a profound conversation about living through fear by facing it, while raising emotionally resilient children in an increasingly complex world.To follow Dr. Schiffer's work:https://randolphbschiffer.com/https://www.amazon.com/Bedtime-Stories-That-Terrify-Children/dp/1738339440Follow Unmasking Social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube
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43: Breaking Down Apraxia: The Power of Research, Treatment, and Voice with Nicole Kolenda
4w ago01:08:53Tap to summarizeNicole Kolenda (Lead SLP DTTC Treatment Research and Adjunct Professor) joins us for a powerful conversation exploring the world of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), from groundbreaking research and evidence-based treatment approaches to the deeper impact communication has on every aspect of our life.Throughout the episode, Nicole shares how her passion for apraxia evolved over more than 24 years in the field and offers an inside look at the innovative work happening at the NYU Motor Speech Lab. We discuss the importance of structured research protocols, motor-based assessment, and evidence-based intervention, including the Dynamic Tactile Temporal Cueing (DTTC) approach developed by Dr. Edith Strand.Nicole also breaks down how clinicians can differentiate apraxia from other speech disorders using tools like DEMS and ProCAD, while explaining the critical connection between speech motor planning and principles of motor learning. The episode closes with an inspiring discussion about Nicole’s podcast, Voice for Possibilities, and the power of storytelling and advocacy, while empowering women through communication.To follow Nicole Kolenda and her work:Nicole Kolenda - Voice for Possibility | Nicole KolendaPeople | NYU Motor Speech LabFollow Unmasking Social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube
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42: From Uganda to Unmasking Social with Enachu "Frederick" Edmos
May 1500:43:44Tap to summarizeDive into the powerful story of Enachu "Frederick" Edmos, a true changemaker from Lira City, Uganda. From childhood struggles, orphanhood, and witnessing the suffering of children with autism and disabilities in the refugee campe in Northern Uganda, he’s on a mission to revolutionize education and societal perceptions. This episode sparks a call for action, ecause every child deserves a space to learn, grow, and excel to their full potential. In this episode we take a mote broader look at:The birth of Uganda’s first inclusive school for children with autism and vulnerabilitiesChallenges in mindset change and overcoming cultural myths about disabilitiesHow poverty and food scarcity impact care and access to health services for children with disabilitiesTo follow Frederick's ongoing project: https://www.purefuganda.org/Follow Unmasking Social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube
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41: Literacy, Executive Functioning, and Neurodivergence - An Honest Conversation with Jenn Volpe, SLP
May 801:20:35Tap to summarizeTune in for an emotional, eye-opening journey with two passionate (and funny) professionals breaking down the complexities of literacy, executive functioning, and what it truly means to support neurodivergent learners. This episode is raw, real, and packed with insights you need to hear. If you're tired of surface-level advice, this conversation with Jennifer Volpe, a speech and language pathologist who owns Speak, Learn and Play (formerly Manner of Speaking) in Park, Slope Brooklyn is what you have been waiting for,In this episode:Jennifer shares her inspiring journey from NYC public schools to private practice, revealing how her experiences shaped her understanding of literacy and executive functioning.Investigating how social, emotional, and neurobiological factors intersect with literacy struggles.Why phonics and systematic instruction are mandatory, and the challenges they pose when they are missing.The role of executive functions like working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility in reading and comprehension.The dangers of broad diagnoses and overpathologizing, and the impact of system shrtcomings.Practical strategies to support reading for kids and teens, including text structure, visualizations, and question-first approaches.The power of peer support, emotional regulation, and real-life skills for lifelong success.A call to action for trauma-informed, and neuro-ffirming education.To connect with Jenn: https://www.speaklearnandplay.comFollow Unmasking Social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube
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40: Gifted Isn’t Easy: Mark Talaga on Talent, Pressure & Potential
Apr 2400:48:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Unmasking Social, I speak with Mark Talaga about his journey from professional gaming to counseling gifted and neurodivergent youth. We explore asynchronous development, emotional intensity, and why giftedness is about far more than intelligence alone; often the struggles are invisible.Mark shares why authentic connection matters more than behavior correction, the risks of labels, and how family dynamics is integral to building confidence and identity. We also discuss helping gifted teens move beyond fear of success or failure to build lives grounded in purpose and self-acceptance.You can follow Mark Talaga and learn more through Center for Identity Potential, where he serves as owner/director and provides counseling, coaching, and support for gifted, asynchronous, and complex individuals and families. https://www.centerforidentitypotential.com/Follow Unmasking Social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube
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39: Speech Time Fun: What Adolescents Need With Hallie Sherman
Apr 1900:43:52Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Unmasking Social, I sit down with Hallie Sherman, founder of Speech Time Fun, to talk about what happens when speech and language therapy truly meets teens and tweens where they are. Hallie shares why so many middle and high school students disengage from therapy, and how honoring their interests, voice, and goals can completely change the experience.We explore how making therapy fun is directly related to building connection, establishing relevance, and supporting motivation. Hallie discusses practical ways SLPs can build buy-in, create age-respectful sessions, and let students help guide what meaningful progress looks like for them.Hallie also shares her inspiring journey from school-based clinician to full-time entrepreneur, creating resources and professional development for SLPs nationwide after recognizing a major gap in materials for adolescents. This conversation is packed with insight for therapists, educators, and anyone supporting older neurodivergent and neurotypical students.You can follow Hallie on SLP Elevate Membership and on Instagram at Hallie Sherman 💜 speech 💜 SLP (@speechtimefun) • Instagram photos and videos. You can by her book: The Secondary SLP Roadmap: Motivating Students to Crush their Speech and Language Goals: Sherman, Hallie: 9781394301713: Amazon.com: Books.Follow Unmasking Social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube
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38: A Social Exodus: What Passover Really Means Now
Apr 400:19:03Tap to summarizePassover tells a story about freedom. But how many Jews left Egypt? Why did so many fear the comfort of leaving slavery?Liberation always comes at a cost - leaning into the discomfort of the newness of it ALL.In this solo episode, I reflect on the idea of a modern-day exodus- not from a physical place, but from patterns, expectations, and internal narratives that takes away our peace in exchange for "fitting in."Because leaving isn’t always clean.Growth doesn’t always feel good.And freedom? It can feel uncomfortable BEFORE it feels right.This episode explores: What “leaving Egypt” can look like in everyday life Why growth can feel messy, slow, or even not viewable The tension between where you are and where you think you should be How different social experiences can shape our sense of freedom and belonging Discomfort in leaving "Egypt" can be a positive "discomfort"Feeling behind can keep you feeling "shackled" and interrupt moving forwardPassover isn’t just about looking back. It’s about noticing what you might be ready to leave… and what you’re still learning to step into. Freedom isn’t always a moment. Sometimes, it’s a process you’re still in.You’re not behind; you might just be in your own version of the exodus.Follow Unmasking Social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube
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37: Boundaries That Build Connection with Jillian Bober
Mar 2801:03:35Tap to summarizeBoundaries don’t start with rules- they start with the language we use.In this episode of Unmasking Social, we’re joined by parent coach Jillian Bober, a SEIT, Kindergarten teacher and parent coach at Coachable Change. She brings a grounded and compassionate lens to setting boundaries, creating structure, and supporting children in a way that actually feels safe and sustainable.Jillian shares how clear limits, paired with specific and consistent language between parents and children, become a powerful gateway to setting and maintaining those boundaries. We explore how this approach reduces overwhelm while building trust, especially for children who struggle with regulation, flexibility, and attention. Jilian also reflects on how her own experience with ADHD shapes the way she shows up for families, offering both empathy and practical strategies. This conversation highlights the balance between holding boundaries and maintaining connection, and what it really looks like to create a home environment where kids can feel secure, understood, and capable.To follow Jillian: https://coachable-change.squarespace.com/https://www.instagram.com/coachable.change/Follow Unmasking Social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube
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