Creating an inclusive world through dance – with Marisa Hamamoto
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
10/16/23
•58m
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Content note: This episode contains mentions of sexual assault, describes a stroke and recovery, and has occasional swearing.
Marisa Hamamoto is the first professional dancer to be named as one of People Magazine's "Women Changing the World." Her award-winning nonprofit and professional dance company, Infinite Flow, employs disabled and nondisabled artists with a mission to foster inclusion. Marisa is also a stroke survivor who is autistic and has PTSD.
During this episode, you will hear Marisa talk about:
- Her lifelong passion for dancing, despite facing bias and exclusion within the dance world
- How a heartbreaking rejection by her dance school classmates inspired her to make a boldly inclusive decision, and showed her how small actions can lead to big change
- The life-changing stroke that paralyzed her for months, and the long process of healing from the physical and mental trauma that followed
- How a salsa dance performance in Japan rekindled her passion and confidence as a dancer
- Her dancing partnership with a disabled athlete that inspired her to found Infinite Flow
- How she was diagnosed with PTSD and autism as an adult – and reflecting on her life, now knowing that she's autistic
You can also find out more about Marisa on her website MarisaHamamoto.com and connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Watch Infinite Flow Dance performances at InfiniteFlowDance.org/portfolio.
Sign up for Marisa's newsletter and the Infinite Flow newsletter.
Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.
Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.
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*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*
Previous Episode
Tourette Syndrome advocacy – with Jhonelle Bean
October 2, 2023
•29m
Jhonelle Bean is a 28-year-old disability advocate living with Tourette Syndrome and PTSD. Jhonelle shares her experience with Tourette Syndrome through social media to educate others and help destigmatize the condition, especially within communities of color. She has also created a community called "For The Advocates," where other disability advocates can find a place to relate and get support and resources from each other.
During this episode, you will hear Jhonelle talk about:
- Her first tics in childhood and adolescence, and the reactions of the people around her
- Why it took so long for her to get a Tourette's diagnosis
- How she decided to become a Tourette's advocate online
- Some common misconceptions about Tourette's
- Her advocacy about Tourette's and communities of color
- Why she created the "For The Advocates" community
Follow Jhonelle on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Twitter. Follow For The Advocates on Instagram.
Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.
Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.
Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes.
Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!
*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*
Next Episode
Neurodivergence and gender identity – with Charlie Ocean
October 30, 2023
•52m
Charlie Ocean is an award-winning LGBTQ+ speaker, trainer, and consultant who is neuroqueer and nonbinary. They have a background in social work and over 15 years of experience with LGBTQ+ community organizing. To date, they've trained thousands of youth and adults on various LGBTQ+ topics in various settings. Charlie is also the host of Allyship is a Verb, a Sonic Bloom Awards and Ambie-nominated podcast.
During this episode, Charlie talks about:
- What led them to start their LGBTQ+ advocacy in high school
- How they realized that they were nonbinary and neurodivergent – and what being neuroqueer means to them
- How their personal experiences in the workplace led them to start their consulting practice
- Addressing allies' common fears and making space for messy (but necessary) conversations about allyship
You can find Charlie's work at the following links:
Instagram LinkedIn Website Allyship is a Verb podcast
Listener shout-out! A big THANK YOU to Will, a Beyond 6 Seconds listener, for supporting this podcast on Buy Me A Coffee! Check out BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds if you'd like to help support or sponsor a future episode!
Beyond 6 Seconds is a winner at the 2023 Signal Awards! My September episode about Dissociative Identity Disorder with Amber Louise Ainsworth won a Gold Award from the judging panel and a Listener's Choice Award in the Best Conversation Starter award category. See the official listing on the Signal Awards website.
Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.
Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.
Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes.
Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!
*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*
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