New episodes available every other Thursday.
Welcome to the No Limits Podcast with your host Lisa Jacovsky – helping families with children with special needs – as well as those who have an interest in autism or psychology in general.
Lisa works with children with autism. Her podcast shares how applied behavior analysis is beneficial to families who live with individuals with special needs. Psychology is discussed along with other relevant topics such as mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Because Lisa is also an author of the award winning book series – Let’s Talk – writers also find her information inspiring and helpful for their own journey.
Lisa Jacovsky currently lives in her hometown of North Brunswick, NJ. She works as a Child Development Specialist with Early Intervention. In her job she is able to help children under the age of 3 with cognitive and developmental delays, sometimes with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has been working in the field of applied behavior analysis for six years and this is where she had inspiration for writing her very first book, Lets Talk! A story of Autism and Friendship. Her hopes for this book are to simply inspire families and their children to be open to anyone no matter their differences. She has written the second book and half of the third book, in hopes to make it a series. Lisa has always loved writing and hopes to use this way of expression to show the beauty that is in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Lisa is also a Doctoral Level student at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in her third year. Writing has taken her to this level and she is excited for the possibilities this degree will bring her. Her research interests include tactile prompts, choice, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She is excited to see where her writing and research will take her next.
Judi Uttal is a prominent advocate for individuals on the autism spectrum, particularly in the entertainment industry. She is the founder of the Autism in Entertainment Workgroup, established in May 2022, which aims to create employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals in fields such as film, television, social media, and game design1.
Judi also serves as the president of the Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals and families dealing with high-functioning autism1. Her leadership extends to organizing the Autism in Entertainment Conference, a significant event that brings together employers and neurodivergent job seekers to foster inclusivity and diversity in the entertainment industry1.
With a background as a high technology marketing executive, Judi holds a Bachelor of Science in Math/Computer Science from UCLA and an MBA from the Tepper School of Management at Carnegie Mellon University1. She is also a mother to a son diagnosed with high-functioning autism, which has deeply influenced her advocacy work.
Sarah is a licensed psychologist with a doctoral degree in counseling psychology. And after almost ten years of working in the area of trauma and abuse, she decided to start a fashion and design psychology blog. She offers interior and wardrobe consulting and styling services that were therapeutic-like, but not therapy.
Listen to “Episode 75: An interview with Dr. Sarah founder of Trulery” on Spreaker.
Abigail was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2nd grade. She was tutored in Orton-Gillingham for many years growing up. After graduating college with her degree in Special Education/Elementary Education, she spent a couple of years teaching 5th grade before leaving to pursue a dream of living abroad in London. Once Covid hit and that dream was put on hold, she found another. In October 2020, Abigail published her debut first children’s book, “D is for Darcy Not Dyslexia”.
Listen to ” Episode 74: A conversation with Abigail Grielbelbauer, author and speaker” on Spreaker.
Although I do live a dual life when it comes to colleagues, co-workers, and friends, I am an open book to the right people. The author of Living with crossdressing – the new normal, discusses more about her life than many people do with whom she interacts with on a daily basis.
Savannah is from Detroit, Michigan, where the climate of acceptability in the 80s and 90s was less than stellar for crossdressers and other transgender folks. Twenty years ago, she moved to the big city of Manhattan Island for work-related reasons and discovered a world (or a couple of boroughs) where alternative lifestyles were so much more socially acceptable. Eventually, Savannah moved out onto Long Island to live, work, love and explore both my masculinity and femininity. Now, she currently lives in a new regional culture of the Upstate of South Carolina.
Episode 72: A conversation with Mike McCarthy – a man who is building a community around gratitude – the blessed club.
Episode 71: A conversation with Dr. Kyra Bobinet, behavior change through neuroscience
Kyra Bobinet, MD, MPH, has passionately pursued and studied the truth about behavior change for nearly three decades as a physician, public health leader, healthcare executive, and behavioral expert.
An award-winning health innovator and thought leader, Dr. Bobinet has an MD from UCSF School of Medicine and an MPH from Harvard University. She belongs to the Stanford Medical School AIM lab, where she has taught on health behavior change, and is CEO/founder of Fresh Tri, a behavioral software based on the latest neuroscience of habit formation and lasting change.
Her first bestselling book, Well Designed Life, is a collection of globally influential brain science and behavior change. Dr. Bobinet is an enrolled member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in Minnesota. She enjoys meditation, horsemanship, and herbalism and lives with her family and animal and plant teachers in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Shelley M. Johnson is a seasoned journalist, broadcaster, multimedia producer, writer, marketing maven, and advocate for women’s progress. She comes from a long line of strong women, one of whom was a suffragist who cut her long hair and went out to fight for the right to vote. Shelley has worn many hats and brings many stories and insightful dialog to Women Road Warriors.
Paula is a writer and an Implementation Specialist who easily juggles her professional and creative endeavors. Her life experiences enrich her storytelling and inspire her to keep honing her craft. Paula is committed to instilling a lifelong passion for reading in children by providing a diverse array of stories and characters. Her mission is to empower young minds through literature that celebrates diversity, cultivates empathy, and ignites curiosity.
Listen to “Episode 68: An interview with author Paula Banks” on Spreaker.
Lauren MacLean is an author and mentoring support teacher who collaborates with educators passionate about incorporating play-based learning in their classrooms. She utilizes the sit spot routine to instill empathy and foster a sense of responsibility towards our planet in young learners.
Episode 64: A conversation with Alina Jemerson, author and mental health specialist
Alina is the author of a poem inspired by her Autistic Twins, who have different experiences every day. She discusses her journey with her children and the different stages they have worked and laughed through. In addition, she is a mental health specialist who very much enjoys coaching her daughter’s cheer team.
Ryan A Bush is a thinker and designer focused on building better systems, better people, and a better future. As founder of Designing the Mind, Ryan’s central purpose is to provide wisdom education and expand human potential beyond the norm.
This journey has led him to write multiple bestselling books like Designing the Mind: The Principles of Psychitecture, build life-changing programs like The Anxiety Algorithm, and launch Mindform, the world’s first psychitecture collective and training platform. Through his books, programs, and community, he works to integrate the insights of ancient and modern thinkers to form a new vision for psychological growth and self-mastery
Listen to “Episode 63: A conversation with Ryan Bush” on Spreaker.
This multifaceted author, is also an emerging artist, who combines her passion for art, and writing with her philanthropic work. As a former member of the Real Women class 2020 she speaks at many events for the American Heart Association, and other organizations. She’s been feature on CNN en Español and many other channels around the country. She works as a education assistant/ Paraprofessional.
Episode 61: A conversation with New York City special education attorney and law firm owner Adam Dayan
Adam began his legal career as an associate at a law firm known for its work in the area of special education law, where he represented families whose children had a variety of special needs. Adam moved on from that position in 2009 to pursue his dream of establishing his own law practice, Law Offices of Adam Dayan, PLLC. His law practice is currently based in downtown Manhattan, focusing on representing individuals with a wide range of special needs.
In 2020, Adam added Special Needs Trust Planning to his law firm’s services to provide special needs trusts and select estate planning services to help our clients plan for the long-term care of their special needs children.
Episode 60: A conversation with Peyton McDavitt, a writer, story consultant and story editor of this issue as well as one of the creators for the 101 reasons why universe.
Episode 59: Lee Lynch has an amazing family, which includes Lee, Tom, Jeffrey, Jack, and Emma Lynch, plus their pug Rocket. That is where the name Rocket Around comes from which is her first children’s books that illustrated by their daughter Emma.
Combine high-functioning autism, epilepsy, ADHD, auditory processing disorder, and anxiety with the typical frustrations of traveling, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Despite Lee and Tom having a strong case of the travel bug, they went years holing up – not getting out on the road – because it seemed like too much.
They have seen the mind-opening impact that travel and adventure can have on their neurodiverse family members, but also know how challenging destinations and around-town adventures can be.
They are glad to share what they have learned, but also want to hear the wisdom gained by other neurodiverse families so that they can all have more, amazing adventures and plain ol’ fun.
Listen to “Episode 59: with guest Lee Lynch” on Spreaker.
Marina Raydun’s published works of fiction include a compilation of novellas One Year in Berlin/Foreign Bride, a suspense novel entitled Joe After Maya, as well as a two-part series, Effortless. Born in the former Soviet Union, Marina grew up in Brooklyn, NY. She holds a J.D. from New York Law School and a B.A. in history from Pace University.
Listen to “Episode 57: A conversation with Marina Raydun author of Year 1 ” on Spreaker.
Episode 56: an interview with author Craig Leener
Despite being relatively earthbound most of the time, Craig has long maintained a keen interest in space travel. He’s also a big basketball fan, having immersed himself in the game since his youth as a player, coach, referee, fan, and, later in life, as a sportswriter.
“There’s No Basketball on Mars” is Craig’s fourth young-adult novel, following the publication of the “Zeke Archer Basketball Trilogy.” The author and his publishing company, Green Buffalo Press, will donate a portion of royalties from the new book to Exceptional Minds, an academy and studio that prepares young adults on the autism spectrum for careers in animation, visual effects, 3D gaming, and other related fields in the entertainment industry.
Listen to “Episode 56: an interview with author Craig Leener ” on Spreaker.
She is the author of Unveiling strength: nurturing womens mental health which is her first publication. It is a is a beacon of hope and guidance for women seeking to nurture their mental well-being. It is a must-read for women from all walks of life who are ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and personal growth.
Listen to “Episode 54: A Conversation with Dr. Nadia Correia ” on Spreaker.
A shy girl with her head full of thoughts, an enormous desire to share with the world, but without courage to do so. Always dreaming of seeing what I can call the “right to normality” in children’s stories and fairy tales. Why not: an enchanted princess who looked like me? I believe that books are windows to the world, I want to present children with a world where differences are a value, something beautiful to be welcomed.
Breaking the Chain Through Education (BTCTE) is a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to providing long term support to victims of child trafficking in Ghana, Africa. We are a grassroots organization with a mission to help children and young adults who have suffered the devastating effects of forced labor. Our support is comprehensive and includes access to education, housing, food security, and health care.
Living & Learning’s mission is to enhance the lives of our participants with disabilities. Through therapeutic, social, work-based, and community engagement, we seek to support, enrich, inspire, and embolden our participants and their families so they can achieve their goals. Living and Learning Enrichment Center’s vision is to become the nation’s model in supporting the highest quality of life for people with disabilities and their families.
Episode 47: A conversation with Henry Roi of blackberry book tours
We specialize in virtual book tours, social media services, and work with authors and publishers on custom campaigns. We believe in creating a better world through literature. We believe in creating a safe community through education. But we also believe in aiding people — those who were not so lucky to have grown up in safe environments — with publishing opportunities. Blackberry often works with incarcerated youth to help them develop talents that are nearly impossible to realize inside the dark walls of prison.
Listen to “Episode 47 – a conversation with Henry Roi of blackberry book tours” on Spreaker.
Episode 46: A Conversation with Author Jackie Edry
Jackie is the author of “Moving Forward: Reflections on Autism, Neurodiversity, Brain Surgery and Faith” and soon after and launched a blog on my site www.jackisbooks.com, which focuses on educational reform, inclusion, neurodiversity, and more. Jackie partners with Neurodiversity advocates worldwide, and speaks writes, and participates in podcasts to raise awareness about neurodiversity, autism, educational change, healing, faith, and more.
Listen to “Episode 46: A Conversation with Author Jackie Edry” on Spreaker.
Episode 45: A conversation with Amy Pinder Co founder of the Inclusion Festival and executive director of accessible festivals
Inclusion Festival is an accessible music and wellness festival for everyone! Designed to accommodate all ages and abilities, Inclusion Festival features sensory-friendly and empowering live music, immersive experiences, and a large variety of educational and recreational workshops. This year’s event will take place on July 14-16, 2023 with daily programming from 11am to 11pm on July 14th and July15th. Events of July 16th are intended for overnight campers only.
Episode 44: A conversation with the award winning author Cynthia Kern
Cynthia Kern OBrien is the author of “Marky the Magnificent Fairy” and the “A True Story by Granny” debut picture book series. A grandmother of three, she resides in California with her husband and dog Pickles. OBrien finds inspiration for her writing in her grandchildren and their worldview. Aspiring to teach young readers caring, and kindness for people, and animals of all stripes.
Episode 43: A conversation with Carolyn Kiel an experienced instructional designer of employee training programs and the Host and Producer of Beyond 6 Seconds podcast.
Carolyn Kiel is an instructional designer of employee training programs. She is also the host of Beyond 6 Seconds, a podcast where she interviews neurodivergent entrepreneurs, creatives and advocates about their lives and identities. She has been podcasting for 5 years, and shifted her show’s focus to neurodiversity after being diagnosed with autism in her mid-40s. Carolyn has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Vassar College and a Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Listen to “Episode 43: A conversation with Carolyn Kiel” on Spreaker.
Episode 42: A conversation with Chris Loggins, a supervising producer of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
Episode 41: A a conversation with award winning author Dana Storino who also happens to be neurodiverse
Dana is a special education classroom assistant for the Chicago Public Schools. She is a neurodiverse writer and an award winning author.
Listen to “Episode 41: A conversation with award winning author Dana Storino ” on Spreaker.
Episode 40: Interview with Speech Language Pathologist Lenora Edwards
An expert speech therapist with 10+ years of experience on the best ways to improve children’s and adult’s speech at home and how to keep kids overcome communication problems – vital to success in school or on a job.
Also, the Chief Knowledge Officer of Better Speech, a leading online speech therapy provider (150+ speech therapists)
Listen to “Episode 40: Interview with Speech Language Pathologist Lenora Edwards ” on Spreaker.
Episode 39: A conversation with Max Muscato, founder, president and CEO of Rock Autism
Buffalo recording artist, philanthropist and Autism brother Max Muscato assembled a well-rounded team to make Rock Autism a success. Max’s passion drives his team to achieve his ever-evolving vision: Rock Autism Multimedia Vocational Programs – training and employing young adults with Autism in the entertainment industries, keeping them free from depression, crime, drug abuse and suicide; all elements of his own brother’s struggles with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Episode 38: A Conversation with Conrad J. Storad
Conrad J. Storad is the national award-winning author or editor of more than 50 science and nature books for children and young adults. He also writes a science/nature column called “Conrad’s Classroom” in Story Monsters Ink. Storad worked at Arizona State University for more than 24 years writing and editing stories about science and scholarship. He was founding editor of the nationally award winning ASU Research Magazine, and for Chain Reaction, an award-winning science magazine for young readers.
Listen to “Episode 38: A Conversation with Conrad J. Storad” on Spreaker.
Episode 37: A Conversation with Aydrea Walden
A former newspaper reporter, Aydrea Walden is currently a Staff Writer for Disney Jr., and has also written for Nickelodeon, Highlander Films, Now Write! Screenwriting Book Series, Makers Studios, The Walt Disney Company, and Amazon. She recently worked as a Development Executive at NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises where she helped create programming for the award-winning DreamWorksTV YouTube channel; and developed long form kids and family programming.
Aydrea is the creator and star of the Webby-nominated series, Black Girl in a Big Dress. She is a multiple Moth StorySLAM winner, and recently completed the East Coast premiere of her one-woman show, The Oreo Experience: A Total Whitey Trapped in a Black Chick’s Body, based on the blog of the same name, which has been featured in GOOD Magazine and Jezebel.com
Listen to “Episode 37: A Conversation with Aydrea Walden” on Spreaker.
Episode 36: A conversation with Andrew Komarow Autistic Financial planner
Andrew is a passionate advocate for autism awareness in his community and for his work as a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP™) Certified Neurodiversity Professional (CNP®). He has always worked toward helping his clients gain financial security now and for their future. Putting both of these interests together, Andrew was inspired to launch Planning Across the Spectrum.
Listen to “Episode 36: A conversation with Andrew Komarow autistic financial planner ” on Spreaker.
Hidden Gems Literary Emporium is the only family-owned, non-profit, community bookstore in New Brunswick, NJ. Hidden Gems Literary Emporium is a donation-based bookstore that gives out thousands of free books every month, culminating with an annual #1000FreeBookTour across the country. She also has been a judge in the Females in Fiction Literacy contest through Hindi’s Libraries
The series follows the adventures of a now child-aged Thomas and the other engines in his age group, as they learn many life lessons and solve problems while going around on their daily lives doing jobs with help from each other and the other residents and visitors of the island.
Renaee Smith is an author of 9 books that include award winning Jamaican food cookbooks and adorable children’s books. She is the CEO of the IABX which is a website of resources for independent authors as well as a large scale yearly event. Authors from all over the country attend the event which is free for families in the tri-state area. It promotes early literacy in children and hosts a children’s corner where authors can read their books. In addition there are a number of activities such as arts and crafts, puzzles and more for the families to engage in. A truly wonderful website and event, Renaee Smith is proving to be inspiring to authors and entrepreneurs!
Cheryl is a brand new author of a children’s book with a beautiful lesson. Her book is about helping children to be considerate of others feelings. It can help children learn positive ways to respond to others. It is a great learning tool for children and families from an individual making reading not only fun but educational.
Listen to “Episode 32: A conversation with children’s book author Cheryl Taragin” on Spreaker.
Episode 31: an interview with best selling author Kim Ann
Kim Ann is a 10x bestselling and award-winning children’s book author living in Southern California. She was a freelance writer for several years, specializing in feel-good stories about people and families. Her writing was published in magazines and online publications.
Listen to “Episode 31: Interview with best selling author Kim Ann” on Spreaker.
Episode 30: a conversation with award winning author Tom Tracy
In 2021, the second year of the global pandemic, Tom Tracy, like so many of us, found a new passion – writing children’s stories. Inspired by his now 5-year-old daughter’s curiosity for the world around her, Tom embarked on his story-telling journey. His first book, Scoochie & Skiddles in Fun at Gramma’s, is a beautiful recounting of creating family memories through imaginative play and creativity. Come learn why his childrens books are so inspiring and creating a beautiful positive change in the world.
Listen to “Episode 30: Episode 30: a conversation with award winning author Tom Tracy” on Spreaker.
Episode 29: Interview with Kara Kihm author and intuitive empowerment coach
Come hear how Kara transformed her life when she started to fearlessly listen to her intuition. We discuss her television show which takes you around the world to discuss and find new insights into mental health. Lets learn more about what being an intuitive empowerment coach, LCSW, Reiki Master means and how Kara is helping women who are on a journey of transformation.
Listen to “Episode 29: Kara Kihm Author and Intuitive Empowerment Coach” on Spreaker.
Episode 28: Interview with Richard Rieman, “The Audiobook Wizard”
Richard Rieman is an acclaimed authority on audio and video self-publishing. He is the founder and CEO of Imagination Videobooks which was created to to fill a gap that exists for over 350,000 visual and hearing-impaired young children in the U.S. who cannot fully experience illustrated books. Come learn about how he is revolutionizing videobooks and the way those individuals that are hearing/seeing impaired are able to enjoy books.
Listen to “Episode 28: Interview with Richard Rieman, “The Audiobook Wizard” ” on Spreaker.
Episode 27: Interview with Carolyn Berry from Adventures with Grammy
Carolyn Berry is a retired educator, podcast host, author, and amazing grandmother that is always on the go with her grandchildren. Carolyn has a tradition that every Christmas she writes personalized books for her grandchildren. Come hear about all the amazing adventures she has with her grandchildren and how her books and podcast promote making memories with family
Listen to “Episode 27: Interview with Carolyn Berry from Adventures with Grammy” on Spreaker.
Episode 26: A conversation with a wonderful mom and lawyer to the special needs population, Shifra Tarica
Shifra Tarica is an amazing mom along with her wife, Gia to a young daughter with a form of high functioning autism. She is an advocate and lawyer for special needs. Come learn about their day-to-day life and how fun and amazing raising a little one with the rare disorder can be!
Episode 25: A conversation with inspiring authors Sandy and David Petrovic
Episode 24: A conversation with author and business owner Dee Dee Cummings
Dee Dee is an attorney, therapist, and CEO of Abi, LLC in Louisville, Kentucky. She focuses on sharing powerful, inspiring, and uplifting messages that remind us all it is never too late to begin again. She encourages the children she works with to write as a way to process emotions, document their journey, and express themselves more clearly.
In addition to presenting on multiple topics around the country, Dee Dee donates hundreds of books and volunteer hours every year to families, children, churches, and the local school system.
Listen to “Episode 24: A conversation with author and business owner Dee Dee Cummings” on Spreaker.
Episode 23: A conversation with author and psychotherapist., Dr. Peter Salerno
summary: Dr. Peter Salerno, PsyD, LMFT, is an award-winning author of multiple books that are geared towards helping our world’s heroes, fire-fighters and police officers. He is a trauma specialist who has used his experience to write books that promote healing and self-awareness. Come hear about his books and how they are helping the first-responder.
Episode 22: A Conversation with a Teacher of Special Needs
Paris Thalheimer works in an amazing school for individuals with special needs called the Auburn School. Working with grades 2-5, he discusses his experience and what led him to teach in a special needs school. An inspiring school and individual come hear what is so amazing about working with individuals with special needs
Listen to “Episode 22: a Conversation with a Teacher of Special Needs” on Spreaker.
Episode 21: A conversation with author Sivan Hong
A neurodiverse author and mother, Sivan Hong is inspiring people everywhere with her series the Super Fun Day Books which focuses on neurodiverse children. Having had a career that included different industries, she is now writing and illustrating a series that is not only inspiring but showcases neurodivergence in a relatable way for all children.
Listen to “Episode 21: A conversation with author Sivan Hong” on Spreaker.
Episode 20: A Conversation with author Hillary Sussman
Episode 19: Rock Autism – Rock Autism is an amazing organization that supports individuals with Autism by helping them to develop a craft in music, film, and the multimedia arts. These skills are then used to obtain employment in the field of their interest.
Listen to “Episode 19: Rock Autism” on Spreaker.
Episode 18: A conversation with award winning author Dr. Dawn Menge
Episode 17: Understanding sensory processing issues in children
Summary: Sensory Processing Disorder can come in different forms and be hard to determine. A child may tantrum if their clothes are too itchy. Or if they are in need of sensory input like a weighted jacket or simple squeezes. Understanding the signs and needs of your child can impact theirs and your life. This is a brief discussion of Sensory Processing Disorder and sensory issues that are not commonly discussed or known.
Listen to “Episode 17: Understanding sensory processing issues in children” on Spreaker.
Episode 16: a conversation with award-winning author Benjamin Giroux and his father Sonny Giroux