The Hidden 20%

• Why I Hid My ADHD Diagnosis: Big Brother Stars Speak Out

  Today, Ben is joined by two unforgettable voices from Big Brother UK 2024: show winner and forensic psychologist Ali Bromley, and her fellow housemate Lily Benson. Both Ali and Lily live with ADHD, but the way the public saw them couldn’t have been more different.In this powerful conversation, Lily reveals why she chose to hide her diagnosis from the Big Brother team. Ali opens up about the not-so-subtle ways she witnessed Lilly being misunderstood and othered, and why some of the reactions inside the house still haunt her.Together, they confront the uncomfortable truths about how neurodivergence is perceived by the wider public, especially when it doesn’t fit expectations. They unpack the emotional toll of being made to feel “different” or “odd”, and the quiet strength that comes from finding an ally when the world feels stacked against you.__________00:00 Introduction1:40 How Ali & Lily Describe Their Brains2:11 ADHD Meds VS The Brain5:53 The ADHD Daydreamers6:06 When Lily Was Diagnosed With ADHD6:32 ADHD Diagnosis VS The School System9:30 Why Ali Encouraged Lily to Share her ADHD Journey11:10 ADHD VS The Big Brother House14:43 Why Ali & Lily Clicked15:07 Why Lily Wishes She’d Listened to Her Mum16:36 Big Brother House: What Would Lily Do Differently17:15 Why Ali’s Protection of Lily is Personal21:40 Public Reaction: The Cost of “Othering”22:38 Neurodivergent People: The Social Disrupters23:52 Do Ali & Lily Regret Going in The Big Brother House?27:12 ADHD Diagnosis: Why Lily Decided To Go Public28:49 ADHD Sisters: Why Ali & Lily Love Spending Time With Each other30:03 Why Lily Loves Having ADHD & The Most Challenging Parts31:28 Lily: What ADHD Means To Younger People32:15 ADHD is Not An Adjective33:52 Ali on Her Potential Autism Assessment37:43 Lily: Growing Up in The Digital World Was Normal38:30 Ali & Lily’s Thoughts on Social Media Neurodivergent Content39:47 Lily & Ali’s Advice to The Next Generation of Neurodivergent Reality Stars41:45 Managing Public Reaction & Online Trolls44:04 Trolling: The Real Dangers on the ND Community46:37 Lily & Ali’s Best Piece of Advice for Supporting Someone With ADHD48:12 Lily’s Superwoman Mum: Linda49:30 Lily’s Green Badge Choice__________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348_____________________________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benLily Benson @_lily.bensonAli Bromley @_ali.bromleyIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Leading Nutrition Entrepreneur: "I Thought It Was Mental Health...It Was My Brain"

  In this episode, Ben chats with leading nutrition entrepreneur and founder of Heights, Dan Murray-Serter about the link between brain health and mental health. Dan shares how discovering neuroplasticity changed his life, why gratitude can be a superpower, and how ADHD and entrepreneurship often go hand in hand. From simple daily habits to building mental resilience, Dan’s insights reframe how we look at burnout, anxiety, and brain fog. Dan also shares his top tips for neurodivergent entrepreneurs trying to build sustainable success.Disclaimer: This episode was recorded in November 2024, and all information discussed reflects that time. _________________00:00 Introduction1:37 Inside Dan’s Brain 2:42 I Can’t Live Like This: Discovering Neuroplasticity5:57 The Superpower of Gratitude: Dan’s Top Tips for Creating Life-Changing Habits 8:34 What Dan Has Learnt About His Brain 10:13 Golden Advice That Changed Ben’s Perspective 11:48 How Do You Build Mental Resilience?13:12 Dan’s Top Two Books To Read17:58 The Danger Of Overanalysing VS Taking Action19:40 ADHD & Entrepreneurship: Why Are They Often Best Friends?22:38 Why Dan is Self-Diagnosed with ADHD27:21 Reflecting On Childhood Through An ADHD Lens 28:02 Cambridge University Offer VS April Fools Day29:42 The Reality of Having a Disabled Parent34:35 Heights: Brian Nourishing Supplements 37:33 Why Dan Started Heights39:11 Brain Health VS Mental Health 43:45 How Dan’s Research Led To Heights47:00 The Dream Neurodivergent and Neurotypical Team 49:40 Supplements VS Pharmaceuticals52:33 Feeling Constantly Unwell VS Simple Interventions 53:50 Advice For Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs __________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348_____________________________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benDan Murray @danmurraysIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• “I’m Scared for Autistic People”: White House Journalist Exposes Dark Agendas Behind Autism ‘Cure’ Talk

  Autism is back in the political spotlight in the U.S., as Donald Trump and his Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announce a major study to “find the cause” of autism — reviving the long-debunked claim that vaccines may be to blame. The move has sparked concern among scientists, advocates, and the autistic community.In this episode, Ben is joined by Independent journalist, Washington correspondent, and author Eric Garcia to unpack what’s really at stake. They explore the dangers of anti-vax politics, the truth behind the so-called autism “epidemic,” and the billion-dollar autism industry — including who really profits. As one of the few openly autistic reporters in Washington, Eric also explains why he fears for autistic people across the country._________________00:00 Introduction1:54 What is Happening in the USA?2:23 Anti Vaxxers & Autism5:01 Setting the Facts Straight: Business Profits VS Facts7:04 The World of Autism in the 2016 Former Presidency7:45 “Autism Is An Epidemic” VS The Facts Behind The Numbers10:57 Looking For Someone To Blame: Autism is Not a Disease12:35 Why is Autism a Priority in the USA?14:06 The Autism Industry in the USA: How Big Is It and Who Profits?16:00 What’s it like to be Autistic in the US? - A personal perspective17:06 Parents of Autistic Children in the USA: The Fear is Real19:08 Autism in America Under Joe Biden: What Was Happening?20:13 Why Eric Love’s Politics21:00 Why Don’t We Hear About Other Neurotypes?22:05 ‘Aspie supremacy’ & Elon Musk: Debunked23:53 Two Narrative Extremes: Eliminate Autism VS Supreme Autistic Beings24:30 How Does This All End?25:41 Victor Perez: The Killing of an Autistic Teen in 12 Seconds27:16 Why Eric Wrote His Book: Creating Autistic Acceptance29:10 Connection: The Invisible Autistic String30:37 Eric’s One Wish For the Future30:51 Green Badge Segment__________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348_____________________________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benEric Garcia @ericmgarcia14If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  33:27
• ‘Am I A Secret Serial Killer?’ Kimberley Nixon on OCD, AuDHD & Motherhood

  If you’ve binge-watched a British teen classic, you’ll know Kimberley Nixon — from Wild Child to Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging and Fresh Meat. But it’s her off-screen honesty that’s truly resonated.In this chat with Ben, Kimberley shares her raw and harrowing journey through perinatal OCD — a time when she felt trapped in “the Upside Down from Stranger Things,” her mind flooded with the darkest thoughts imaginable. They explore motherhood, mental health, and the compulsive need for repetition. Together, they unpack the overlaps between OCD, autism, and ADHD — and how Kimberley is helping shine a light on the struggles so many experience in silence. 00:00 Introduction1:54 Kimberley VS Her Brain3:07 How Other People Think4:10 Autism And Brains That Work Differently4:52 The Brain VS OCD5:39 OCD Stereotype VS The Reality: Hurricane Kimberley6:47 Who Flagged Perinatal OCD?8:04 Perinatal OCD: What We Need To Know?9:36 Examples of Perinatal OCD11:44 Intrusive Thoughts: Am I a Secret Serial Killer? Is My Brain Broken?17:28 How Does Perinatal OCD Manifest?18:45 Kimberley’s Husband VS Her Perinatal OCD20:12 Autism & ADHD NHS Diagnosis Assessment Wait List23:27 Ben’s Podcast Catalyst for Getting an AUDHD Diagnosis25:43 The Cross Overs of OCD, Autism & ADHD Traits30:40 Celebrating That Everyone’s Brain Is Different31:20 How Does Kim’s Autism Show Up?31:43 Opening Up To Friends & Family: “You’re Not Autistic!”32:40 Taking Off The Mask35:28 Physical Compulsions in Perinatal OCD36:56 The Journey of Recovery: Being Kinder To Yourself41:03 Literal Autistic Brains VS April Fools Day, Reading Between The Lines & Acting44:09 Taking Off The Autism Mask & Becoming Yourself45:22 OCD Therapy: Learning To Stop Enabling Reassurance47:43 Why Did Kim Decide To Go Public With Her Perinatal OCD Crisis?49:56 The Leading Cause of Death in Mother’s The First Year After Birth50:33 Are You Born With OCD?51:22 Avoiding Smoking & Drugs Due To Addictive Traits52:37 The Power of Familiarity & Autism: Kim’s Secret Audio Book Safe Place55:49 Autism, Motherhood & Resistance to Change59:19 Ben’s Unofficial Autism Diagnosis1:00:20 Perinatal OCD: Facing The Never Ending Nightmare1:01:47 Excuses VS Explanation1:08:08 The Benefits of Autism & A Career in Acting1:10:17 What Does it Mean To Be Neurodivergent in Today’s Society?1:16:49 Intrusive Thoughts: You Are Not Alone1:17:43 Kimberley’s Promise1:19:15 Kimberley’s Green Light__________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348_____________________________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benKimberley Nixon @realkimberleynixonIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  1:22:01
• Top Autism Expert (Part 2): "Women with PCOS are more likely to have autistic children"

  In this episode, Ben sits down with Sir Simon Baron-Cohen, one of the most influential yet controversial leading figures in Autism research. As the director of Cambridge’s Autism Research Centre, Simon has spent 40 years shaping how we understand autism, from pioneering diagnostic tools to exploring the genetics behind neurodiversity.Together, they dive into some of the most hotly debated aspects of his work, confront some uncomfortable truths, and explore the link between autism and unique talents. They also unpack fascinating research into why women with PCOS are more likely to have autistic children.This is Part 2 of a two-part episode — if you missed it, be sure to catch Part 1 from last week!00:00 Introduction1:54 Can You Become Autistic?3:47 Autism: What Has Simon Proven?4:39 Why Women With PCOS Are More Likely to Have a Child With Autism5:48 The Role of Hormones in Autism6:45 Autism: What Has Simon Changed His Mind On?7:37 Simon’s Thoughts on His Controversial Work: Genetics9:00 What is Mind Blindness?10:58 Why Did Some Not Like This Concept?12:23 How Simon Deals With Criticism13:20 Ben: What Could Have You Done to Improve that Situation & How Much Were Autistic People Consulted?14:26 How Much Do We Know About Autism?15:53 Autistic Statistics: Autism: Some Dark Home Truths19:06 Autism Assessment Waiting List Crisis VS Suffering Adults20:07 Comorbidities VS Neurodivergence21:58 Autism: What Are The Top 3 Questions That We Need To Know?23:05 Mortality Rate VS Autism24:04 Autism VS The Need For Further Research25:22 Ben The Inventor: Unpacking ‘The Pattern Seekers’ & Autistic People31:08 Neurodiversity VS Lack Of Role Models32:40 Autism: Where Will We Be In Ten Years Time?34:20 Simon’s Green Light Choice__________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348_____________________________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benSimon Baron Cohen @sbaroncohenIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  36:18

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