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First impressions can take only 6 seconds to make! But if you’re neurodivergent, those quick judgments about you can be misleading.

That’s where the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast comes in! Join me, Carolyn Kiel, as I talk with neurodivergent entrepreneurs, creators, advocates & more about their lives and identities. Their stories shatter misconceptions, break stigma and showcase the vibrance of neurodiversity.

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Recognition for Beyond 6 Seconds:

  • Women Who Podcast Awards 2025: First Place Winner - Impactful Story category
  • Ambie Awards 2024: Nominee - Best DIY Podcast
  • Signal Award Gold Winner and Listener's Choice Winner: 2023 Best Individual Episode - Best Conversation Starter 
  • Positive Change Podcast Awards 2022: First Place Winner - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion category
  • Positive Change Podcast Awards 2022: First Place Winner - Personal Journal category
  • Positive Change Podcast Awards 2022: First Place Winner - Mental Health category
  • Positive Change Podcast Awards 2022: Second Place Winner - Inspiration/Motivation category
  • Positive Change Podcast Awards 2022: Second Place Winner - Psychology category
  • Signal Award Silver Winner: 2022 Best Individual Episode - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 
  • W3 Award Gold Winner: 2022 Podcasts General Series - Community 
  • W3 Award Silver Winner (x2): 2022 Podcast Features - Best Individual Episode
  • International Women's Podcast Association: 2022 Shortlist - "Moment of Raw Emotion" Episode Category

*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.*

Jul 21, 2025

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.

Read the episode transcript.

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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.*