Space To Exhale – with Lisa Hurley
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
07/21/25
•40m
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Lisa Hurley is an Anthem award-winning activist and author of the new book, "Space To Exhale: A Handbook For Curating A Soft, Centered, Serene Life." She is also the Founder of The Great Exhale, a serene virtual community focused on sisterhood and soft living, where Black women can relax, lay their burdens down—and exhale. Her advocacy converges at the nexus of self-care, community care, joy, and rest.
During this episode, you will hear Lisa talk about:
- How she realized that she is autistic, and what her life is like as a Black, autistic woman
- How autistic burnout inspired her to write "Space to Exhale," and the guidance she provides in her book
- The importance of having a community while taking care of yourself
- "Life-Work Balance" vs "Work-Life Balance"
- What it means to prioritize "soft living"
Find out more about Lisa and her book at SpaceToExhaleBook.com and follow Lisa on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.
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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. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*
Previous Episode
Down syndrome advocacy – Matthew Schwab Speaks
July 7, 2025
•17m
Matthew Schwab is a 27-year-old North Carolina native with Down syndrome who has his own public speaking business, Matthew Schwab Speaks. In 2019, he gave a TEDx talk about the importance of employing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Matthew hopes to help change how the world sees Down syndrome.
Matthew is also an actor whose first movie "Horsegirls" premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2025. He loves working as a restaurant host, doing things with family and friends and spending time with his fiancée.
During this episode, you will hear Matthew talk about:
- What his childhood was like growing up with Down syndrome
- Why he started his own public speaking business, and the types of topics he likes to discuss
- What he likes to do at work and with his friends, family, and fiancée
- How he got into the world of theater and acting
- Challenging some common stereotypes about people with Down syndrome
Learn more about Matthew and his work at the following links:
- Official Website - MatthewSchwabSpeaks.com
- YouTube - Matthew Schwab Listens Podcast Playlist
- Facebook - Matthew Schwab Speaks
- Instagram - @matthewschwabspeaks
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. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*
Next Episode
Life as a neurodivergent preemie – with Preeti Kalra
August 4, 2025
•33m
Preeti Kalra is a Hospital Clinical Pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a Masters in Health Administration. She is the Director of Partnerships and Communications and Chicago Network Lead for WE ARE SAATH, an organization dedicated to advocating for South Asian mental health and defying the stigma in the South Asian community when it comes to talking and seeking therapy for mental health.
She is also on the Associate Board for March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving maternal health and ending preventable premature birth within the United States.
Preeti was born prematurely. In this episode, she talks about her experience as a preemie and as a member of the South Asian community, including:
- The circumstances of her birth as a preemie and how that affected her health as a child
- How she discovered that she was neurodivergent and how that impacted her life as a South Asian woman and as a preemie
- How her neurodivergence affected her academic studies and shaped the direction of her career
- Some potential long-term effects of being born a preemie, and why is it important to consider those effects when those babies become adults
- Her research on premature birth and the current state of maternal healthcare in South Asian countries
- How parents can be good advocates for their preemie children
Follow Preeti on Instagram @pkalra33 or email her at pkalra33 at gmail dot com. Learn more about the Adult Preemie Advocacy Network at AdultPreemies.com/resources.
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. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*
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