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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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*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.*

  1. All Episodes
  2. Disability representation in music

Disability representation in music

Jul 27, 2026

Torina Gedler is a musician who is also known as DEĀ EX MACHINĀ, which means “Goddess from the machine” in Latin. With their lush synth-pop sound, DEĀ EX MACHINĀ promotes harmony and inclusion in society through authentic Disability representation in music. 

DEĀ EX MACHINĀ advocates for the arts, LGBTQIA+ rights and Environmental and Disability Justice. Their debut EP, APO/THECARY, comes out on July 29, 2026.

During this episode, DEĀ EX MACHINĀ discusses:

  • Their work as a musician before and after being disabled by a brain injury
  • Why it’s important to have disability representation in music
  • The main themes of their debut EP
  • How joining RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities) influenced their work as a musician
  • Their EP release party on July 29 in Des Moines, Iowa

Learn more about DEĀ EX MACHINĀ at www.DeaExMachina.music and listen to their music on Subvert, Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

Learn more about Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities (RAMPD) at RAMPD.org.

Listen to other Beyond 6 Seconds episodes with neurodivergent musicians:

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Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=IldZ1PQYP4E

Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/dea-ex-machina

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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.*