Unpacking Neuroqueerness
George Muniz Gund and Xenia Rakovshik
Show overview
Unpacking Neuroqueerness has been publishing since 2022, and across the 4 years since has built a catalogue of 180 episodes, alongside 12 trailers or bonus episodes. That works out to roughly 80 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence, with the show now in its 2nd season.
Episodes typically run ten to twenty minutes — most land between 8 min and 43 min — with run-times ranging widely across the catalogue. It is catalogued as a EN-language Health & Fitness show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 3 months ago, with 2 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2023, with 108 episodes published. Published by George Muniz Gund and Xenia Rakovshik.
From the publisher
Hello, my name is George Muniz Gund (he/they). I am a young Brazilian American Autistic and ADHD actor, disability justice advocate and board member at Autism Career Pathways (501c3).In this podcast, my co-host X Rakov and I talk about our lived experiences of being neurodivergent people growing up in a world built for neurotypicals. We also occasionally host guests to talk about their own personal lived experiences with neurodiversity, as every neurodistinct person is different and experiences neurodiversity in their own unique ways.*We do not speak for all neurodistinct people, we are just two neurodistinct people speaking about Autism and ADHD from our personal lived experiences.Check out my website https://www.georgemunizgund.com/
Latest Episodes
View all 180 episodesS2 Ep 7S2E7 The problematic history of the Vaccine/Autism myth
In this episode my co-host Xenia and I discuss the history behind the "vaccinations cause Autism" myth and the many issues associated with this long debunked claim that has recently begun to resurface.RESOURCES:Support Groups for Autistic Adultshttps://www.meetup.com/audhd-peer-support-group/https://ashralouisa.com/Filicide study: Coorg R, Tournay A. Filicide-Suicide Involving Children With Disabilities. Journal of Child Neurology. 2012;28(6):745-751. doi:10.1177/0883073812451777Researcher Behind Debunked Autism-Vaccine Study Stood To Make Millions https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/01/12/wakefield-make-millions/11910/ How the case against the MMR vaccine was fixedbmj.comThe R.F.K. Jr. Era of Childhood Vaccines The R.F.K. Jr. Era of Childhood Vaccinesnytimes.com
S2 Ep 6S2E6 The link in between neurodivergence and gut sensitivities
In this episode Xenia and I continue our discussion about the ups and downs of our relationship with food as neurodivergent people, focusing in on gut sensitivities and the science behind them.-------------------------------------------------*Resources mentioned in the episodeArticles:- Why should you eat 30 plants a week: https://zoe.com/learn/30-plants-per-week?srsltid=AfmBOoojW6l2qegJ6EeiQKyuh4cNDwzNk4Sl9l5tFKvmo14KL-4Bl2aBBooks: - Mayer, Emeran A. The Mind-Gut Connection: How the Hidden Conversation Within Our Bodies Impacts Our Mood, Our Choices, and Our Overall Health. New York, NY: Harper Wave, 2016. - Mayer, Emeran A., and Charles Constant. The Gut-immune Connection: How Understanding the Connection between Food and Immunity Can Help Us Regain Our Health. Unabridged. HarperCollins, 2021. Video Resources:- The Gut-Brain Axis’ Playlist from Dr.DiNezza (@gutmicrobiomequeen): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG78DHTUBEFrTFrCrAzP-_MyiI25zQziZ Tips & Tricks: - Anti-Inflammatory Spices and Herbs: https://www.thepaincenter.com/blog/anti-inflammatory-herbs-and-spices/- Seeds: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/seedsWhat is simethicone? https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/simeticone/about-simeticone/
S2 Ep 5S2E5 Our general experiences with food as neurodivergent people
In this episode, Xenia and I open up our discussion of a very big topic for many neurodivergent people, food and everything that comes with it!*List of helpful phrases mentioned in the episode- I’m not a friend of the (insert food item here) - Love the story, wish I could eat the story, but I can’t. - What do you like about (insert food item here)? - I just never seemed to like (insert food item here); do you have anything you feel like that about? - I have a texture thing about (insert food item here).- Do you remember the first time you tried (insert food item here)?
S2 Ep 4S2E4 Experiences with societal Autistiphobia (A talk with Ashra Louisa from @autisticafterhours)
In this episode my friend Ashra and I discuss our experiences with Autistiphobia (Ableism towards Autistic people)_________________________________________________Check out Ashra's podcast "Autistic After Hours" https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUKYuftbxbODofOzwmg3hCheck out Ashra's Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ashralouisa/
S2 Ep 3S2E3 The making of "Neurodivergent Stories"
In this episode, my co-host Xenia and I discuss the process of collaborating on the production of our latest documentary film, "Neurodivergent Stories". We talk about how the idea came about, as well as how we approached casting, production and post-production.*LINK TO OUR FILM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpL99JqMYaE
S2 Ep 2S2E2 A few updates and a story about feeding my Grandma's treadmill
In this episodes I give a couple quick episodes on life and the podcast. I also share a funny story related to my experience with autistic hyperempathy as a young child.
S2 Ep 1S2E1- The highly problematic and ableist “Quiet kid turned school shooter” trope
*Trigger Warning: Mentions of violenceIn this episode, we discuss the infamous "autistic shooter" trope that is often portrayed in media and society and why it's so harmful. I tell a story of when this trope was suggested to me by a long time acting classmate and we dive in to the history of this trope, disproving whack theories, reminding everyone that violence isn't an inherent symptom of neurodivergence and exploring the reasons that lead a very small percentage of neurodivergent people to commit such heinous acts.*This is also the first official episode for X and I as co-hosts of this podcast. Enjoy :)RESOURCESThe Myth of the Autistic Shooter – Opinion (published 2015) https://www.reddit.com/r/autism/comments/zh718k/opinion_the_myth_of_the_autistic_shooter/ Video Games and Aggression https://www.theguardian.com/games/2020/jul/22/playing-video-games-doesnt-lead-to-violent-behaviour-study-shows Mass Shootings by Country https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/mass-shootings-by-country Far From The Tree, Andrew Solomonhttps://andrewsolomon.com/books/far-from-the-tree/
Episode 173- A life and podcast update
*Apologies in advance for random keyboard tapping sounds (was feeling very stimmy while recording this)In this episode I give an insight to what's been going on in my life, recent reflections involving dating as an autistic person and the upcoming plans for this podcastEnjoy :)
S1 Ep 172Episode 172- A talk with Matt Lowry (he/him) from "The Autistic Culture" podcast
In this episode I talk with Matt Lowry from "The Autistic Culture" podcast. We discuss his personal Matt's personal autism journey, his work as a practicioner working with autistic kids and teens, as well as his work with advocacy and podcasting
S1 Ep 171Episode 171- Autistic loops of anxiety and inertia
In this episode I talk about the experience of having paralyzing bouts of anxiety as an autistic person and projecting very negative thoughts on to situations that turn out to not be as severe as they can feel like
S1 Ep 170(2 year anniversary special) Episode 170- A thorough definition of the terms "Neurodiversity" and "Neurodivergent"
In this episode I give an in depth explanation of some common terms such as "Neurodiversity" and "Neurodivergent", in order to clear up some of the confusion I see out there, even amongst fellow neurokin
S1 Ep 169Episode 169- An update on the direction of this podcast
In this episode, I give an update on why I have been absent lately and some ideas I have been having regarding the future of this podcast.
S1 Ep 168Episode 168- A talk about insomnia [ft. X Rakov (she/they)]
In this episode, my friend X and I discuss sleep and the inherent difficulties many neurodivergent people face when trying to establish a routine that works for them. Attached below are resources and links mentioned throughout the episode: - The Neuroscience of Sleep and its Disorders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-AFJDcoeZA&list=PL_Sk6QhBQ1okzwlQaT10uRHQbiAq5kC5K- The Overlooked Connection Between ADHD and Sleep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Eb-0VYN0k8&t=7s- Sleepwalk With Me: https://open.spotify.com/album/2Eawhb5HaFqFAARajud7hu- Sleep Problems & ADHD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuHLAzCc5_M- Lavender sleep spray: https://www.thisworks.com/products/deep-sleep-pillow-spray-75ml?srsltid=AfmBOoqmC3MvfeL5hvx8_jQ0jUGMctWtmcO_gNPpa9JG0W2UEK1Su-AX- Eucalyptus sheets: https://ethicalbedding.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwu-63BhC9ARIsAMMTLXQ9vPxW0mOeCNK1IQXw2fdyjh2g18dSGzT-FkKxMxMby9hVT7bW_qcaAlYMEALw_wcB
S1 Ep 167Episode 167- A talk with Joanne Seymon (she/her) from "Kaiko Fidgets"
In this episode I talk with Joanne Seymon about the story behind "Kaiko Fidgets", a fidget tool company that Joanne and her son Kai founded together. Joanne and I also talk about how fidget tools can be essential for hyperactive kids and adults who may struggle with self harm or simply need self stimulation in order to focus or regulate sensory input*Check out the Kaiko Fidgets website through the link below :)https://kaikofidgets.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopbP36vHFtzRiA0OeqBESq3tSOw-RBa6y2cJM68xDWgzhMn_t6m
S1 Ep 166Episode 166- A talk about Autism in films and TV [ft. Maisie Soetantyo (she/her)]
In this episode, my friend and Autism Career Pathways founder Maisie Soetantyo joins me for a conversation about Autism representation in TV and films. We talk about representations we've liked, things we haven't liked and what we feel can be done better in the future.
S1 Ep 165Episode 165- Some exciting updates and a quick note
In this episode I talk about some exciting upcoming projects I'm working on and a quick reminder on the history of the neurodiversity movement.*We must always remember everyone's experience with neurodiversity is different, some people are more disabled by their neurotype and require more support than others
S1 Ep 164Episode 164- Smiling when feeling overwhelmed
In this episode I talk about the autistic experience of smiling when feeling overwhelmed or anxious regarding certain situations, particularly when it comes to interactions with other people.
S1 Ep 163Why masking is not one dimensional (Episode 163)
In this episode I discuss why autistics can develop different styles of masking depending on the specific people or groups of people they are interacting with
S1 Ep 162Episode 162- A talk about navigating a late Autism diagnosis with Fatima (she/her)
In this episode I talk to my friend Fatima about what getting a late Autism diagnosis has been like for her and how she has been navigating her journey of self acceptance as an autistic personThis episode was recorded remotely over Zoom
S1 Ep 161Episode 161- Why autistics shouldn't be forced to make eye contact (an update)
In this episode I dig in to why I don't believe autistic people should be forced to make eye contact and explain why being forced to do this can be not only uncomfortable but also distracting for autistic individuals like myself.